Turtle caught 'jaywalking' in Polk Co
Deputies helped a turtle who was walking along a local road return back to a pond
Florida deputies stop 'jaywalker' crossing the street near Publix. But it's not what you think
Why did the turtle cross the road?
Over 200 arrests in human trafficking bust
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says 219 people have been arrested in an alleged human trafficking ring. The week-long, multi-agency operation began on September 19. Two of the suspects were charged with felony human trafficking, and 83 suspects were arrested for soliciting a prostitute, including a high school athletic director, a coach, and a few Disney employees.
Wanted Florida man taken down by deputies at Publix after allegedly attacking ex-girlfriend at gas station
A man accused of violently attacking three people, including his 64-year-old ex-girlfriend and a good Samaritan who tried to intervene, at a gas station convenience store was taken down by deputies in a chaotic scene at a Publix in Central Florida on Wednesday.
Wanted Florida man taken down at Publix
A man accused of violently attacking three people at a convenience store was taken down by deputies at a Publix in Central Florida on Wednesday. Jose Chaidez was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder, armed burglary with battery, burglary with battery, criminal mischief and stalking.
Man wanted after brutal attack: Sheriff
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help locating a man deputies say beat his ex-girlfriend and a good Samaritan who tried to stop the attack. Deputies say 35-year-old Jose Chaidez of Haines City threatened his 64-year-old ex-girlfriend with a butcher knife, slapped her with the knife, struck her and pulled her by the hair at the J and S Food Mart located at 3084 East Hinson Avenue in Haines City shortly before 4 :30 p.m. on Saturday.
Ex-Florida deputy arrested for DUI after motorcycle crash leads to serious injuries: sheriff
A former Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy was arrested Thursday for allegedly driving while under the influence, seriously injuring the female passenger on his motorcycle, according to officials.
Armed suspect shot, killed after threatening law enforcement officers with knife: Sheriff Grady Judd
An officer-involved shooting in Auburndale is under investigation after law enforcement officers say an armed suspect with a violent criminal history threatened them with a knife as they investigated a domestic violence incident.
Shots fired at Airbnb party in Polk County
Police are still searching for the shooters. The 26-year-old woman who was shot in the thigh has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. At this point in the investigation, police are not releasing any sort of names.
Florida birthday party shooting at Airbnb rental leaves 1 dead, 1 injured with suspects on the run: PCSO
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the suspect or suspects accused of shooting and killing an Orlando man and injuring a Sanford woman early Sunday morning at an Airbnb in Davenport.
Polk County man turns $5 gas station trip into $1 million lottery win
A man from Polk County is now $1 million richer after claiming a winning lottery ticket.
Dad who allegedly killed son appears in court
Stephen Rodda appeared in court for the first time Tuesday after he was arrested for allegedly killing his own 16-year-old son in Polk County. Sheriff Grady Judd said Monday afternoon that the 16-year-old, who was identified by authorities as Stephen Lee Rodda, was an 11th grader at Frostproof High School. The teen, who had dreams of becoming an electrician, was staying with his grandfather at the mobile home to help him while his grandmother was in rehab.
Grady Judd: Father arrested in ‘horrific’ murder of 16-year-old son in Polk County
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd called a father "evil" after he was arrested for killing his own 16-year-old son Monday afternoon.
Father accused of killing 16-year-old son
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd called a father "evil" after he was arrested for killing his own 16-year-old son Monday afternoon. "It breaks our heart, there aren't adequate words to explain how horrific this event is," Sheriff Judd said. Investigators said they arrested Stephan Thomas Rodda, 37, after he took off from the homicide scene and tried to leave Polk County.
PCSO investigating apparent double murder-suicide in Lake Wales
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a “double murder” that occurred on Sunday afternoon in Lake Wales.
Central Florida man turns $30 gas station trip into whopping $15 million with lottery win
A Central Florida man just claimed a $15 million prize after claiming a winning scratch-off ticket purchased at a gas station.
Man shoots, kills pregnant woman, unborn baby, and himself in Polk County in front of neighbors: Deputies
A man killed a pregnant woman, her unborn baby, and himself in a double-murder suicide in Polk County Friday night, deputies said.
A day in the life: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd starts his day at 3 a.m.
If you think your job is busy, just wait until you see a "Day In The Life of Grady Judd."
Family drug ring busted in Florida
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd revealed the findings of a recent case involving three generations of family members in an alleged drug ring.
Florida man arrested for allegedly driving over 100 mph because he was 'late for work': deputies
A Florida man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly driving "well over" 100 mph because he was "late for work," deputies said.