GRADY JUDD

A fatal crash involving a car and a motorcycle Saturday morning forced the closure of a stretch of State Road 60 near Lake Wales, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man was arrested after he allegedly threw explosive devices onto a home before leading police on a pursuit. Investigators said there were seven Molotov cocktails thrown at the house, with two exploding on the roof and the others rolling down and igniting in the yard, WTVT reported. Roof damaged by Molotov cocktails Investigators said seven Molotov cocktails were thrown at the house, with two exploding on the roof and the rest igniting in the yard. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)When deputies arrived at the scene, they saw a man, identified as Luke Neely, getting into an older-model Chevrolet pickup truck and fleeing. A deputy attempted a traffic stop, but when the vehicle kept going, deputies attempted a PIT maneuver.

A 30-year old Lakeland man faces multiple charges after he attempted to start a house fire in Lakeland and then led deputies on a chase that made its way onto Interstate 4, closing parts of the highway on Sunday, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man and woman who are accused of murder in the Virgin Islands were arrested in Polk County on Thursday. “They are both from the Virgin Islands and came here in late June apparently thinking Polk County would be a good place to flee to. Read: Deputies: Toddler killed, 5-year-old injured in Polk County DUI crashVirgin Islands Police Department and St. Croix District officials said they are charging Jonathan Rivera with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, third-degree assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, first-degree reckless endangerment, and unauthorized possession of ammunition. Williams is facing charges of first-degree murder, and accessory after the fact. Read: Woman charged with 2nd-degree murder after Polk County deputy shot, killedClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Florida authorities arrested three suspects and seized more than 11 pounds of fentanyl as part of an undercover drug trafficking bust. One suspect was in the U.S. illegally.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said his detectives recently seized more than 11 pounds of fentanyl. That amounts to enough of the drug to kill 2.7 million people. Deputies said two kilos of the fentanyl were concealed in a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal box, and another three kilos were concealed in a yellow Igloo cooler. WATCH: Polk County deputy killed in line of duty laid to restThe sheriff’s office said the investigation started in September 2022, when detectives received information that an international drug trafficking organization was trafficking multiple kilograms of fentanyl from Mexico to Bradenton, and then into Polk County. Deputies: Toddler killed, 5-year-old injured in Polk County DUI crashVideo: Sheriff releases bodycam video of suspect shooting deputy in the chest Polk County officials released new details Monday after a deputy-involved shooting last week.

In its largest fentanyl seizure, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it confiscated enough fentanyl that could kill 2.7 million people.

After seeing a neighbor on their doorbell camera, a Florida father and son ran outside, looking for an intruder. They shot at a woman sitting in her car, authorities said.

"We have a wonderful Stand Your Ground law. That doesn't mean you can go search people out and shoot them," a Florida sheriff said.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Investigators said that a mistaken delivery set off a chain of events that resulted in a father and son charged with attempted murder for firing shots at an innocent woman. Wanting to be a good neighbor, the man took the package to the correct home, and put it outside the door. The Ring doorbell on the home where the package was placed by the neighbor alerted the residents to a person outside the door. In the car was a woman who was reading messages on her phone and “minding her own business,” Judd told reporters. At that point, Gino and his son are accused of firing shots at the woman, who shifted into drive and got away.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County officials released new details Monday after a deputy-involved shooting last week. They went to a residence after receiving word of a family disturbance, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Video released Monday shows the shooting, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. According to deputies, Batista had his hands behind his back, refusing to show them when deputies asked, Judd said. Judd said Batista dropped his gun and surrendered when a deputy shot back at him.

New video released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office shows the moments leading to a man shooting a deputy.

A suspect is in custody after allegedly shooting a Polk County, Florida deputy. Sheriff Grady Judd says the deputy's bulletproof vest saved his life.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man is in custody after he shot a Polk County deputy in the chest, Sheriff Grady Judd said. As one deputy tried to use a Taser to subdue him, Batista shot the other deputy, the sheriff said. Gabriel Batista Gabriel Batista, 41, shot a deputy in the the chest Wednesday night in Davenport, Sheriff Grady Judd said. READ: ‘Exceptionally tragic’: Sheriff: Polk County deputy, 21, fatally shot while serving warrantLane was laid to rest on Tuesday. Blane Lane Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane (Polk County Sheriff's Office)Stay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story.

A man was arrested after shooting a Polk County deputy in the chest in Davenport, according to the sheriff's office.

A memorial service is being held for a Polk County deputy who was fatally shot while serving a warrant.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held a moment of silence before their game Sunday for Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane of Polk County, who was killed in the line of duty last week.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A woman is facing a charge of second-degree murder after a Polk County deputy was shot and killed by another deputy while they were trying to serve her a warrant. Polk County deputies said Cheryl Williams, 46, is facing 13 felony charges. Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies, including Blane Lane, 21, responded to a mobile home in unincorporated Polk City to serve Williams a warrant on Oct. 4. Read: ‘Exceptionally tragic’: Sheriff: Polk County deputy, 21, fatally shot while serving warrantThe sheriff said one of those bullets hit Lane in the shoulder and his chest, leading to Lane’s death. Video: ‘Exceptionally tragic’: Polk County deputy, 21, shot, killed while serving warrant, sheriff says A 21-year-old Polk County deputy was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant early Tuesday morning, Sheriff Grady Judd said.

A Florida sheriff's deputy was shot and killed by friendly fire when a suspect allegedly pointed a BB gun at officers attempting to arrest her.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 21-year-old Polk County deputy was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant early Tuesday morning, Sheriff Grady Judd said. Judd called the shooting, “exceptionally tragic.”He said deputies were serving a warrant for failure to appear to a suspect accused of meth-related charges at a mobile home around 3 a.m. Read: 160 arrested in 7-day human trafficking investigation, Polk County sheriff saysJudd said the deputy was taken to a nearby hospital where he died. Judd is expected to provide more details on the shooting later on Tuesday. Read: Person hospitalized after crash involving school bus in Polk CountyStay tuned to Chanel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

A 21-year-old deputy was fatally struck by a bullet fired by fellow deputies while serving a felony warrant, according to the Polk County sheriff.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Florida said that they arrested 13 men as part of an undercover operation focusing on the online solicitation of minors. Kevin Sanders Kevin Sanders, an employee of Disney, is accused of talking with an undercover detective he believed was a 13-year-old girl. When he was arrested, Cummins told deputies that he was a construction subcontractor currently building a new roller coaster at Walt Disney World. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)“This is your evil person that lurks beneath the level of society looking for children,” Judd told WFLA. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)©2022 Cox Media Group

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County deputies are sharing details Friday about a massive sex sting operation. Read: ‘The Search: Tracy Ocasio & Michelle Parker’: How to watchPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a news conference around 10:30 a.m. to talk about operation “Fall Haul 2.”Judd said “Fall Haul 2″ was a multi-law enforcement agency seven-day undercover investigation focusing on human trafficking. Photos: Polk County sheriff says 160 arrested in 7-day human trafficking investigationExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Polk County sheriff says 160 arrested in 7-day human trafficking investigationDeputies said 160 arrests were made during the operation, including school teachers, a state corrections officer and a deputy police chief from Georgia. Deputies said a majority of those arrested are from the Orlando area. “Our goal is to identify victims, offer them help, and arrest those who are fueling the exploitation of human beings (Johns) and those profiting from the exploitation of human beings.

A recent seven-day, multi-agency undercover investigation involving the Polk County Sheriff’s Office resulted in 160 arrests, Sheriff Grady Judd says.

A deputy police chief from the Cartersville Police Department in Georgia was arrested in Polk County for soliciting a prostitute, according to investigators.

Days away from the primary election in Florida, and many candidates are turning to members of law enforcement to help turn out the vote.

“They didn’t so much as throw a pair of underwear in the suitcase to act like they were hiding the drugs,” Judd said at a news conference. “There needs to be a deep dive into the baggage handlers, and to see where the hookup was, to allow suitcase after suitcase after suitcase to get through the scanning with no clothes inside, no evidence of clothes inside, just drugs,” Judd told WFLA. The 85 suspects arrested are facing a total of 355 felony charges and 93 misdemeanors, the Lakeland Ledger reported. Operation Flying Ice The 85 suspects arrested are facing a total of 355 felony charges and 93 misdemeanors. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)In the news release, Judd identified six suspects as “ring leaders” of the trafficking organization, including Dwayne Stackhouse.

A multi-agency investigation uncovered an international smuggling operation out of Winter Haven that brought drugs into Central Florida, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a crash Sunday night seriously injured a 67-year-old motorcyclist in Winter Haven.

Polk County homicide suspect confesses to killing family member, sheriff says (WFTV)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County police said a 21-year-old Polk County man has been charged with murder after he confessed to killing a family member. According to a release, Sheriff Grady Judd was on the scene of a domestic-related homicide in southeast Winter Haven Sunday morning. Read: Gunman at large after 7 hurt in downtown Orlando shootingInvestigators said suspect Kyle Raemisch called the Polk County Sheriff’s Office around 10:15 a.m Sunday to confess. Read: Lake and Seminole firefighters battle blaze after possible arson at homePCSO said more information about the case will be released Monday. Read: Boston Celtics great Bill Russell dead at 88Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A civilian budget analyst for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was arrested after committing retail theft at a Walmart on Wednesday, according to Polk County deputies.

It’s pretty clean, pretty quick.”The Sunshine State has become internationally notorious for the oddball miscreants who populate its police blotters and local news reports — known collectively as Florida Man. Florida Man, meet Florida Sheriff. All but one of Florida’s 67 counties have an elected sheriff, and they wield enormous influence in part because they’re often the only countywide elected official. “Save the taxpayers’ money.”On the Atlantic Coast, near Cape Canaveral, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey makes a game of crime — literally. Over in central Florida is, perhaps, the highest-profile enemy of Florida Man (and Florida Woman).

Maybe Florida Man has finally met his match.

Florida Man vs Florida Sheriff In this image taken from an undated video posted by the Lee County, Fla., Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Carmine Marceno speaks at a news conference in Fort Myers, Fla. Sheriff Marceno refers to the jailhouse as the "Marceno Motel." It’s pretty clean, pretty quick.”The Sunshine State has become internationally notorious for the oddball miscreants who populate its police blotters and local news reports — known collectively as Florida Man. Florida Man, meet Florida Sheriff. “Save the taxpayers’ money.”On the Atlantic Coast, near Cape Canaveral, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey makes a game of crime — literally. Over in central Florida is, perhaps, the highest-profile enemy of Florida Man (and Florida Woman).

Maybe Florida Man has finally met his match.

When a naked man in southwestern Florida recently raised a ruckus outside his house and threatened a deputy with a kitchen knife, the SWAT team swooped in and apprehended him. The Sunshine State has become internationally notorious for the oddball miscreants who populate its police blotters and local news reports — known collectively as Florida Man. There are murders and mayhem, like anyplace else, and then there are the only-in-Florida incidents like the man charged with assault with a deadly weapon for throwing an alligator through a Wendy’s drive-thru window in Palm Beach County in 2015. Florida Man, meet Florida Sheriff.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland man whom deputies describe as a “career felon” was arrested in connection with the robbery of a Polk County bank last week. Deputies arrested 39-year-old Jason Cherry of Lakeland after getting a tip from a Polk County resident. Read: Florida woman accused of stealing nearly $15,000 worth of fireworks from her jobSouthState bank robbery flyer (Polk County Sheriff)After getting a tip, detectives identified Cherry as the robber and he was later arrested at a Lakeland motel without incident. Read: Woman critically injured in road-rage shooting near OviedoCherry is also considered a suspect in another bank robbery in the city of Lakeland, by the Lakeland Police Department. Cherry is currently being held in the Polk County Jail without bond.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrests of 12 men accused of soliciting children online for sex, including a Disney employee and a man who rode his bike 10 miles in an attempt to meet a child.

A man was arrested in Bartow after trying to pass himself off as his own brother, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

A Lakeland man threatened to kill both himself and deputies in Lakeland, leading to an officer-involved shooting that resulted in his death, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Sheriff: Pregnant Florida woman throws violent tantrum at McDonald’s before twerking her way out A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began t (WFTV)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A woman caught on video throwing a violent tantrum and twerking as she left a Polk County McDonald’s, has been arrested, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. They said one of Jones’ relatives came into the store to try to hold her back and calm her down. Read: Sheriff: Pregnant Florida woman throws violent tantrum at McDonald’s before twerking her way outDeputies said Jones was asked to leave multiple times, but she remained in the store, calling 911 to say, “I’m 5 months pregnant. Jones was booked into the Polk County jail and charged with burglary with assault, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and misuse of 911. McDonald's: What you need to know McDonald's: What you need to know (NCD)©2022 Cox Media Group

A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began twerking Thursday afternoon, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

A Polk County woman threw a tantrum and dialed 911 over a wrong order at a Lakeland McDonalds, which led to her committing a burglary and assaulting employees, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Sheriff: Pregnant Florida woman throws violent tantrum at McDonald’s before twerking her way out A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began t (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began twerking Thursday afternoon, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)Investigators said Jones’ relative and another woman convinced her to leave the restaurant after about 10 minutes. Read the news release here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8ba7bb View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wmdTs03GNs&t=27s Posted by Polk County Sheriff's Office on Friday, May 20, 2022Judd said Jones caused about $100 worth of damage. Anyone with information about Jones’ whereabouts is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-8477. McDonald's: What you need to know McDonald's: What you need to know (NCD)©2022 Cox Media Group

A woman who was upset with how long her order was taking in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Lakeland stormed into the restaurant, threw a violent tantrum and began twerking Thursday afternoon, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

Florida woman wanted after violent outburst at McDonald's 22-year-old Tianis Jones is facing charges of assault and burglary. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)LAKELAND, Fla. — Deputies are searching for a woman who threw a violent tantrum inside a Florida McDonalds that was caught on camera. …These people don’t know how to run a (expletive) McDonald’s!”“I don’t know what was wrong with her that night,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told WTVT. “I don’t know if she was just two fries short of a Happy Meal, but she created a McMess and acted like a McNut. … She ended up a McBurglar.”While there were no injuries, Judd told WFLA that Jones became a “McBurglar” when she went behind the counter and threw cups.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday will hold a news conference at a fire station in Lakeland.

Florida toddler dies of starvation, only weighed 9 pounds (NCD)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida couple is facing charges after their 3-year-old daughter died. From the time she was born on July 25, 2019, Judd said until that appointment, she had gained only three pounds. She had been born weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces according to her birth record, WTVT reported. “The baby should have been talking, putting sentences together, asking questions, running, jumping and playing,” Judd said, according to WTVT. Johnson and Tillman are charged with aggravated child abuse, but additional charges are expected to be filed once the investigation is complete.

Two Davenport parents were arrested Wednesday after their 2-year-old daughter was starved to death, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a news conference Thursday.

A volunteer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was arrested for selling his monthly prescription of Oxycodone pills from a marked vehicle, the sheriff said.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd on Friday held a news conference to detail the arrests of two Lake Wales men earlier this week.

One of three men seen in a video carrying a man shot to death out of a Davenport home has been arrested, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd discusses the results of a gang racketeering investigation.

A former Cook County judge was arrested in Florida on suspicion of solicitation of a prostitute. He was one of 108 people arrested as part of a law enforcement operation against human trafficking.

Authorities arrested 108 people, including alleged child sexual predators and those seeking prostitutes.

Authorities arrested 108 people, including alleged child sexual predators and those seeking prostitutes.

Over 100 arrests were made in a six-day undercover investigation targeting child predators, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Polk County man charged with murder after ‘suspicious disappearance’ of elderly man, deputies sayAUBURNDALE, Fla. — Polk County deputies said they arrested a man after a reported disappearance of an elderly man. READ: Driver on I-95 shot while surrounded by motorcycle riders in possible road rage attack, deputies sayPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd plans to hold a news conference at 1 p.m. to give further details. Deputies said Auburndale resident David Jesse Williams, 30, is facing charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence and grand theft auto. WATCH: Friends, family demand justice after man fatally shot inside Melbourne sports barThe charges come after what deputies are calling a “suspicious disappearance” of an 81-year-old Auburndale man. Deputies said Williams is currently in custody in Georgia.

Polk County Sheriff Detention Deputy arrested for lewd acts with inmate

POLK CONTY, Fla. — A Poinciana teen was arrested after deputies say he brought a loaded gun to Lake Marion Creek Middle School on Wednesday. Deputies arrested 14-year-old Anthony Archer after they say he brought a loaded handgun to school and had threatened to shoot a teacher. According to deputies, a witness told school administrators that Archer had said he was “going to shoot up the school and shoot a teacher first.”After Archer was removed from the classroom, a school resource deputy asked if he had a gun on him. When deputies searched Archer, they found an unloaded handgun and a magazine with one bullet in it. There is no telling what this eighth grader might have done otherwise,” Judd said.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section on Thursday confirmed its first case of rabies in 2022, finding it within a bat in Winter Haven, officials said.

Officials say a man suspected in a series of central Florida crimes broke a beer bottle over his head and was shot by a sheriff’s deputy who thought the sound was a gunshot.

Shot: Matthew Correa was shot by a deputy who thought that the sound of a breaking beer bottle was a gunshot. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Florida man pursued by deputies after an armed robbery was shot after breaking a beer bottle over his head, as a deputy believed the popping sound was a gunshot, authorities said Saturday. In his other hand was a bottle of Busch Light, which he broke over his head, according to the Times. According to the sheriff’s office, Correa and his companion entered a tire store near Winter Haven at about 8:45 a.m. and asked an employee for money. The couple left when a customer arrived at the store, according to the sheriff’s office.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — An investigation is underway after a deputy-involved shooting Saturday morning in Polk County. READ: Polk County deputy shoots man accused of stealing 2 cars, stabbing manDeputies said the shooting occurred on State Road 540, east of Jim Keene Boulevard, near Winter Haven. No deputies were injured, and the suspect has been taken to a hospital, officials said. Deputies said SR 540 is closed in both directions at this time. READ: ‘Running gun battle’ between drivers in Winter Haven leaves 4 shot, 1 dead, sheriff saysPolk County Sheriff Grady Judd will hold a news conference to talk about the shooting around 1:30 p.m.Channel 9 will have continuing coverage of this shooting on Eyewitness News.

Polk County deputy-involved shooting A man accused of stealing two cars and stabbing a man in Lakeland was shot by a Polk County deputy six times Tuesday morning, deputies said. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man accused of stealing two cars and stabbing a man in Lakeland was shot by a Polk County deputy six times Tuesday morning, deputies said. READ: Sheriff: $10K reward offers for tips after man, 78, carjacked, fatally shot outside CVSThe air unit advised Deputy Christopher Warren to “Use caution. READ: Orlando man dies after being hit by 7 cars while walking across I-4Deputies said Warren shot Bourcy six times before immediately beginning lifesaving measures. “By stating he possessed a gun and then pointing an unknown object at my deputy, Bourcy chose this outcome.

A Polk County sheriff's deputy was involved in a shooting, officials say.

‘Running gun battle’ between drivers in Winter Haven leaves 4 shot, 1 dead, sheriff saysWINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Deputies in Polk County are investigating after four people were shot and one person was killed early Sunday. READ: Sheriff: Deputies fatally shoot man who tried to smother his mother with a pillowDeputies said the shooting, described as a “running gun battle,” happened around 1:13 a.m. in the area of Martin Luther King Blvd. Watch Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd give an update on the shooting:According to a report, people inside of a silver Toyota Camry and a dark-colored sedan exchanged gunfire. Deputies said all four men in the Toyota were shot. READ: Family of missing Osceola woman continue search at Wekiwa Springs State Park on SundayAll the shooting victims are from the Polk County area, deputies said.

A 20-year-old man was killed and four others were hospitalized in critical condition from an exchange of gunfire between two moving cars in unincorporated Winter Haven early Sunday morning, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Man shot and killed by deputies after trying to smother his mother with a pillow, sheriff saysPOLK COUNTY, Fla. — A man was shot and killed Sunday after he tried to kill his mother and attacked deputies with a knife, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Deputies said they were called to a home around 3 p.m. on Oakcrest Court in the Davenport area. WATCH: Police identify 15-year-old boy shot and killed near Orlando elementary school911 operators said the received a call from an elderly woman who reported her adult son was trying to smother her. The deputies entered the bathroom and the man immediately charged at them with a large knife, stabbing one deputy on the top of his head, officials said. WATCH: 2 people and a dog killed after crash involving UPS truck in Melbourne, police sayDeputies said they were in fear for their lives, so they shot and killed the man.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland man has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter after a deadly crash, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The crash occurred at around 7:37 a.m. on U.S. 98 North, about a mile north of State Road 471. WATCH: Police: Armed man shot by Orlando officers after attempted carjackingDeputies said Waters complained of general pain and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Deputies executed a search warrant for a blood sample, which will be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for analysis. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Deputies arrest “grinch” who stole family’s Christmas presents Detectives say 28-year-old Raheim Jamaar Johnson was the man caught on video breaking into a Lakeland home and making off with presents and other items. (Polk County Sheriff)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies in Polk County, Florida, have arrested the “Grinch” who they say stole a family’s Christmas last week. When she returned home she found her front door open and all the wrapped Christmas presents missing. Read: Lakeland man charged with DUI-manslaughter in fatal Polk County crashJohnson was booked into the Polk County Jail and held without bond. Surveillance photos released by Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a news conference Wednesday to urge the public to usher in the new year with safety after he said the sheriff’s office responded to five crashes resulting in eight deaths in a span of just 44 hours.

Four people were killed and two others were injured in a four-vehicle crash east of Haines City on Monday, in which one car caught fire, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies in Polk County, Florida, are asking for help finding a man who broke into a home and stole all the presents out from under the Christmas tree. >> Read more trending newsInvestigators say the thief broke into the Lakeland home Monday just moments after the owner left, WFLA reported. Judd said the man took several trips in and out of the house, eventually stealing a television and other items totaling $1,600. “I want him to wake up in the county jail on Christmas. Give me that for my Christmas present please,” asked Judd.

A Lakeland woman was arrested Wednesday after allegedly driving under the influence in a crash that left a 22-year-old dead earlier this year, Polk County deputies said.

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting of a man who they said broke into a Lakeland home Tuesday afternoon.

The Elf on the Shelf now has competition with law enforcement wanting to help Santa Claus keep kids on the good list this Christmas season.

A person and a horse were killed in a crash in Polk County, sheriff's officials say.

Sheriff: Suspect hauling stolen equipment shot during struggle with deputy Michael Jeremy Hatfield of Bradenton, attempted to grab the deputy’s gun before trying to drive away. (Polk County Sheriff)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County lieutenant is on paid administrative leave after shooting a suspect during an altercation following a traffic stop Friday. According to Sheriff Grady Judd, the deputy had pulled over a pickup hauling construction equipment that had been reported stolen from a construction site near Lakeland earlier that day. Read: Orange County Sheriff employee killed in I-4 crash near OrlandoDeputies found Hatfield two blocks away sitting in his truck. Hatfield remains in the hospital and once released will be booked into the Polk County jail.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking a preemptive strike against retail theft crime sprees that have been reported in other states. To prevent what she called “lawlessness” in Florida, Moody’s office launched the “Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange,” or FORCE. The first-of-its kind task force will utilize a new database that will help law enforcement identify trends and suspects in organized retail theft rings. The database will hold searchable information on theft incidents throughout the state that can be shared between retailers, law enforcement, and prosecutors. According to the National Retail Federation, organized retail theft costs businesses in Florida and across the United States an estimated $30 billion every year.

Three Polk County deputies fired at two men inside a vehicle that sped at toward them while they were assisting another agency early Friday, according to the Polk County sheriff.

Authorities say more than 100 people have been arrested in a Florida human trafficking investigation that focused on victims who might be forced into prostitution.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will give an update about a six-day undercover investigation focusing on identifying and helping victims of human trafficking. The news conference is set to start at 9:30 a.m. at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center in Winter Haven. They said 55 of the suspects live in Polk County. Of the 38 suspects arrested for offering to commit prostitution, two have been identified as possible human trafficking victims. Detectives said they worked with anti-trafficking organizations, and each suspect arrested for prostitution was offered assistance.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media Friday on what he called the “violent” murder of a local woman and the search for the suspected killer. Judd provided a detailed timeline that started Wednesday when 74-year-old Perfecta Paz was reported missing by her sister, with whom she lived. The only other resident of the home, 39-year-old Aroldo Paz, told the sister Perfecta had simply left on her own. Detectives say they believe Aroldo Paz murdered Perfecta sometime after her sister went to work Tuesday. Polk City murder suspect vehicle Aroldo Paz' beige 1999 Toyota CamryJudd says they have evidence the vehicle may have been spotted recently in the Houston area.

Javorice Tramel, 21, was initially arrested on Sept. 22 for grand theft of the victim’s vehicle and violation of probation, but after an investigation by the Polk Sheriff’s Office, he has been charged with first degree murder and using a two-way device to commit a felony.

Two people riding motorcycles were shot and injured overnight Friday in Polk County, according to the sheriff’s office.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd provided an update Monday on the arrest of a Pennsylvania man who is accused of brutally killing three people in Davenport on Saturday.

Authorities say a third victim has died following a violent attack where an angry electrician wielding a knife and baseball bat killed three co-workers and injured another at the Florida home they shared.

Authorities say an electrician who got in an angry dispute with a supervisor attacked his coworkers at the Florida home they shared, killing three.

An undercover investigation led by Polk County Sheriff's Office led to the arrest of 16 suspects for possessing, creating and sharing child thousands of child pornography files.

A Florida sheriff says a chance encounter with a former Marine beset by delusions of child sex trafficking ultimately led to the massacre of four members of a Florida family including mother holding a baby boy.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will provide an update Thursday morning on Sunday’s quadruple homicide.

A former Marine sharpshooter accused of invading the home of apparent strangers in Florida and fatally shooting a woman, her 3-month-old baby and two others was ordered held without bail.

A Florida sheriff says a man wearing full body armor fatally shot four people, including a mother and the 3-month-old baby she was cradling, and engaged in a massive gunfight with police and deputies before getting wounded and surrendering.

Deputies found an infant and three people shot and killed in a Polk County neighborhood on Sunday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina is continuing his push to get everyone in his department vaccinated.