Click Here for ADA Accessible Format
Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.
PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.
The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.
An 18-year old man from Frostproof was arrested on December 10, 2024, for multiple crimes, despite his mother's efforts to hinder the investigation.
PCSO detectives arrested Omar Sierra, Jr after searching for him over the past month.
Detectives began looking for Sierra after a November 9th incident in Frostproof, where he stole a mini-bike from a residence. The owner of the mini-bike attempted to stop the theft, and that is when Sierra threw sand in the victim's eyes.
Sierra got away, and evaded deputies over the next month.
On December 10th, deputies began investigating two car burglaries that occurred in Frostproof, and Glock 9mm handgun was reported stolen from one of the vehicles.
Evidence was recovered that indicated the burglaries were committed by Sierra.
Detectives were determined to capture Sierra to put a stop to his crimes, and doubled their efforts by patrolling the Lakeview Park neighborhood where he resides.
Later in the afternoon, a deputy spotted Sierra walking, and arrested him.
Sierra's mother told her son not to say anything to detectives, and she refused to let detectives search their home for the stolen handgun without a warrant.
Detectives obtained a search warrant, and found the stolen handgun in the suspect's bedroom.
Omar Sierra was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with: Armed Burglary of Conveyance, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Burglary of Conveyance, Burglary with Assault, Unarmed Burglary of a Dwelling, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, and Tampering with Evidence.