Illegal immigrant arrested in Polk County sexual battery, home invasion

An illegal immigrant was arrested in Polk County after deputies said he attacked and sexually battered an elderly woman in her Mulberry home. 

K9 Ace honored with Commendation for Valor after losing leg in Polk County shooting

Polk County Sheriff's Office K9 Ace was honored by the Polk County Board of Commissioners Tuesday after being shot multiple times in the line of duty and losing his left front leg.

Polk County saw palmetto berry poacher picked up on university property: PCSO

Deputies arrested Rodney Michael after security officers found his pickup truck loaded with illegally harvested saw palmetto berries hidden on Warner University property.

K9 Ace becomes first canine patient saved by Tampa General Aeromed

K9 Ace is retiring at home after emergency air responders flew him to Manatee County veterinary hospital after he was shot by a suspect during a shootout in Polk County. 

Canine blood donors save Polk County K9 Ace after being shot

A Polk County Sheriff's Office working canine named Ace is back home with his handler to recover and begin retirement after being shot multiple times last Thursday.

Polk County K9 Ace's surgery paid for by Tampa couple's non-profit

A Tampa non-profit organization has stepped in to cover all medical expenses for a Polk County Sheriff's Office dog who had his leg amputated after being shot in the line of duty last week.

Polk County K9’s leg amputated after shootout in woods, forced to retire

The Polk County K9, who was critically injured during a shooting in the woods with a suspect, had his leg amputated Friday and will be forced to retire. 

Polk County K9 shot: Suspect killed in Kathleen woods shootout

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd credits a K9, who was shot and critically injured by a suspect, with saving the lives of three deputies Thursday evening. 

‘Evil’ Polk County pastor accused of having unprotected sex with teen boy without disclosing HIV status

A 42-year-old Winter Haven pastor faces numerous charges after investigators said he lured a 14-year-old boy he met on a dating app and exposed him to HIV during multiple sexual encounters.

Man with Uber sign in windshield killed by Polk deputies after racking stolen gun in vehicle: PCSO

A license plate reader in Polk County led deputies to a suspect with an outstanding probation violation warrant before a confrontation ended in a fatal shooting, according to the sheriff.

Polk sheriff ties James Duckett to 1987 cold case murder: ‘Pure evil in the flesh’

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Thursday that executed Florida prisoner James Duckett is responsible for the 1987 abduction, rape and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.

AAU basketball coach, 5 players arrested after Polk County 7-Eleven theft: PCSO

Five teenagers and a coach visiting the Orlando area for an AAU basketball tournament were arrested after investigators say the teens stole items from a Polk County convenience store and their coach lied to detectives during the investigation.

Former 'Love During Lock-Up' personality Christopher Chipps arrested in Polk County

Former reality television star Christopher Chipps is back in jail after law enforcement officials arrested him in Polk County on driving and probation charges. 

Violent abuse allegations in Central Florida unlicensed elderly patient care emerge during bond hearing

Prosecutors revealed that an unlicensed Central Florida assisted living ring was allegedly linked to physical violence, including allegations of patients being tased, pepper-sprayed, and physically beaten.