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📍 Crime & Public Safety — Polk County, Florida

Stay informed with the latest crime news, public safety alerts, arrests, court updates, traffic incidents, and emergency response coverage across Polk County, Florida. Daily Ridge delivers accurate, timely reporting from local law enforcement agencies and first responders, helping residents of Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Bartow, Auburndale, and surrounding communities stay aware of issues impacting public safety..

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Lakeland

Wanted Accused Sex Offender Killed In Deputy-Involved Shooting After K-9 Shot Protecting Handler

Carl Fish - 0
LAKELAND, Fla. — A wanted accused sex offender was killed Thursday after authorities say he opened fire on Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies from inside a tent, critically wounding a K-9 who was tracking him. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd...
Headlines Now

PCSO Charges 21-Year-Old With First-Degree Murder After He Allegedly Bashed In His Mothers Face

Carl Fish - 0
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged the man responsible for the murder of an Eagle Lake woman last month.  ​ 21-year old Gibson Nash was charged with 1st Degree Murder (FC) for the brutal killing of his mother, 56-year old...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Suspect Arrested in Eagle Lake Woman’s Death; Sheriff Judd to Release Details Wednesday Morning

Carl Fish - 0
EAGLE LAKE, Fla. — Nearly two weeks after a woman was found dead inside her Eagle Lake home, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a suspect has been arrested in the case. Sheriff Grady Judd is scheduled to...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Winter Haven Pastor Arrested on Child Sex Crime Charges, Faces Four HIV-Related Felony Charges

Carl Fish - 0
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Winter Haven pastor is facing more than 20 criminal charges, including allegations involving a minor as well as four felony counts accusing him of engaging in sexual activity without disclosing his HIV-positive status, according...
WHPD

Two Young Men Seriously Injured After Lexus Crashes Into Disabled Semi on I-4 in Polk County

Carl Fish - 0
Two young men suffered serious injuries Monday afternoon after a crash involving a disabled tractor-trailer and another semi shut down westbound Interstate 4 in Polk County for nearly four hours. According to information released by the Florida Highway Patrol through...
WHPD

Sheriff Judd Slams Biden Clemency After Early-Released Drug Trafficker Arrested Again in Polk County 

Carl Fish - 0
A convicted federal drug trafficker who received an early release through a presidential grant of clemency is back behind bars in Polk County. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says undercover detectives purchased fentanyl and MDMA from the Winter Haven man before he allegedly tried to broker a multi-kilogram cocaine deal. Sheriff Grady Judd didn’t hold back, saying the suspect “should have still been in federal prison.”
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Bicycle Stop Leads to Arrest of Man Wanted for Keeping Two Alligators in His Home

Allison - 0
A late-night bicycle traffic stop in Winter Haven led to the arrest of a man who deputies say repeatedly provided false identifying information before they discovered he was wanted on an outstanding warrant. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office,...
LPD

Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest of Plant City Man for Possession of Items Used for Illegal Cockfighting

Allison - 0
What began as a routine traffic stop on July 27 resulted in the discovery of evidence associated with illegal cockfighting. During the investigation, Lakeland Police officers recovered marijuana along with numerous items used in the training and preparation of fighting...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

Fifth Positive Rabies Case for Polk County Confirmed

Allison - 0
The 5th case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed in Lakeland. On Monday, July 27, 2026, Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control responded to Lakewood Circle after a woman reported her cat playing with a bat...
Polk County Sheriff's Office

PCSO Detectives Seek Suspect Who Used Stolen Credit Card Information to Buy Nearly $3,000 in Pokémon Cards

Allison - 0
On July 11, 2026, the male individual in these photos purchased $1,284 worth of Pokemon cards at the Flo-Go Shop at 2254 East Edgewood Drive in Lakeland. He then purchased $1,698.50 worth of Pokemon cards at the Plant City Card...
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Kathleen

PCSO Seeking Family Of Bicyclist Killed In Kathleen Area Crash 

Carl Fish - 0
On Saturday evening, August 15, 2026, the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit investigated a traffic fatality involving a bicyclist who was struck by a car...
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