Polk County Sheriff 🚔 Grady Judd

CRIME: THEFT CRIME SCENE: WAWA - 8103 LAKE WILSON RD, DAVENPORT POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE 26-44516 On October 23, 2026, at around 4 pm, a man dropped his wallet near an outdoor table at the Wawa store at 8103 Lake Wilson Road in Davenport. He didn't realize he had dropped his wallet until he got home. A short time later, a man driving a silver sedan (possibly a Lexus ES) pulled up to the store and found the wallet next to the table. Now, Detective Pennell from the Polk County Sheriff's Office is looking to identify the mystery man. If you recognize the man, you are asked to call the detective at 863-236-3900 or email him at [email protected], If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways: • CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida • DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone • VISIT heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip," • DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet

39-year-old Marc Gandara of Orlando got #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice Wednesday afternoon, October 28, 2026. Just before 1 pm, a PCSO deputy conducted a traffic stop on a red GMC SUV, on EB I4 near Lakeland, for a window tint violation. During the stop, while speaking with the driver, the deputy noticed the front seat passenger was behaving nervously. The deputy requested some identification from the passenger, but he was unable to find any. The man identified himself as Marc Gandara, and provided his date of birth. A check of Mr Gandara revealed that he had two outstanding warrants-- one was out of Orange County for Battery/Dating Violence and the other was out of Charlotte County for Failure to Appear for Driving while License Suspended/Revoked. Gandara admitted that he was aware he had warrants, which likely explains his nervous behavior. Mr. Gandara was taken into custody and booked-in at the Sheriff's Processing Center on his two warrants. #PCSO #PolkSheriff

Here illegally from Mexico and doing illegal things. No bueno. #PolkSheriff #GradyJudd #MorningBriefing

Last week, we welcomed K9 Vader, a 15-month-old German Shepherd, into the PCSO family! After K9 Ace was forced to retire following being shot in the line of duty, Natalie is ready to begin this next chapter with her new partner! A HUGE thank you to Herb Bennett and HBK-9 for generously donating this K9 after hearing Natalie and Ace’s story! Their generosity and commitment to supporting law enforcement K9 teams make a real difference. We encourage you to check out HBK-9 and learn more about their work in providing K9s to those who serve and protect our communities! 🐾💙 #PCSO #K9Unit

CRIME: THEFT CRIME SCENE: 105 DUNDEE ROAD, DUNDEE POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE 26-45050 On October 27, 2026, at around noon, the pictured suspect was seen stealing a tip jar from a small business. Inside the jar was an estimated $25. Anyone with information about this theft or if you recognize this suspect, you are asked to contact Detective Miller at 863-496-3301 or email [email protected], If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways: • CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida • DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone • VISIT heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip," • DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet

40-year-old Charles Gary Blankenship of Clermont was #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice Tuesday afternoon, October 27, 2026. At around 12:17 pm, a PCSO deputy located a gray Dodge Ram 3500 in the Four Corners area of Davenport. That Dodge had been reported stolen out of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The suspect identified himself as Gary, but that was soon determined to be his middle name. The suspect's legal name is Charles Gary Blankenship, and he admitted to giving his middle name to throw off deputies, because he was scared. Charles was accused of fraudulently purchasing the vehicle using his mother's identity and using a fake signature. The truck was towed away and Charles was driven away... to the Sheriff's Processing Center with PCSO charges for Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F3) and Giving a False Name to LEO (M1). He will likely receive criminal charges from Tennessee as well. #PCSO #PolkSheriff

It doesn't get much more Polk County than this... #MorningBriefing #PolkSheriff #GradyJudd

34-year-old Stanley James Wanko, Jr. of Lakeland really gets around. He has a criminal history in Wisconsin, California, and Florida. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, he was #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice. PCSO deputies learned Wanko had an outstanding warrant for his arrest with a charge of grand theft. At around 6:50 am on Sunday, the deputies went to Wanko's residence on Acorn Drive in Lakeland and found him in his backyard and quickly took him into custody. Wanko was taken to the Sheriff's Processing Center on his warrant without incident. #PCSO #PolkSheriff

kidsPACK provides weekend meals to more than 5,800 children each week across more than 90 schools in Polk County. Once again, we’re proud to support their mission by participating in their annual food donation drive! 📦 Donation drop boxes are available at all of our district offices and the Sheriff’s Operation Center from October 26 through November 16. Let’s come together as a community to help fill little tummies and ensure local children have the food they need! Can’t make it to one of our drop-off locations? You can still make a difference! KidsPACK is accepting monetary donations online this year. Every contribution helps support their mission of providing meals to children in need. Donate here: secure.qgiv.com/for/hhnsffk/

29-year-old Samuel Hamilton VI of Frostproof got #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice on October 24, 2026, however this story begins a few days before. On October 20, 2026, Hamilton committed retail theft from the Family Dollar store in Frostproof by stealing several cans of A/C PRO R-134a refrigerant ($15.50 each) hidden inside of a tote container. The theft wasn't known until the following day when security video was reviewed. The suspect was identified as Hamilton after the video showed he was using a silver GMC pickup truck-- the video also captured the tag number. It was also discovered that Hamilton had a warrant out of Highlands County for Violation of Probation (Petit Theft, Resisting without Violence, Resisting a Merchant, and Possession of MDMA). Hamilton was later located in Frostproof as he was exiting his vehicle. In doing so, he exhibited signs of impairment. Hamilton refused to cooperate with a DUI investigation. When asked about the retail theft he admitted to being at the store, but denied taking anything. Samuel Hamilton VI was taken to the Sheriff's Processing Center on the warrant, and additionally charged with DUI (M2), Refusal to Submit to a DUI Test (M2), Driving While License Suspended/Revoked-2nd Offense (M1), and Petit Theft (M2). #PCSO #PolkSheriff

37-year-old Maxwell James Murrain of Davenport was #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice... but not without a fight. On Monday afternoon, October 26, 2026, at around 1:30, the Sheriff's Office was informed that Murrain was threatening to kill family members, and also threatened "suicide by cop" if deputies arrived. PCSO deputies arrived, and found Murrain walking in Florida Pines neighborhood off of US 27 in Davenport. The deputies made contact with Murrain and informed him that they needed to speak with him, but wanted to pat him down for weapons first. Murrain refused and began backing away. He refused multiple commands to cooperate, so deputies attempted to detain him. As the deputies put hands on Murrain, he began fighting them and their efforts. A Taser was used to subdue Murrain, and deputies secured him. At that time they noticed Murrain was bleeding from a laceration on his arm, and the deputies discovered he had a knife. Murrain was disarmed and taken to a hospital for treatment. During the investigation, Murrain provided a false name to deputies. A check on family members revealed that they were all safe. After his medical treatment, Maxwell Murrain was taken to the Sheriff's Processing Center and was charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F3), Resisting with Violence (F3, 3-counts), Resisting without Violence (M1, 3-counts), and False ID to LEO (M1). #PCSO #PolkSheriff

This one is a medical miracle! We're happy we could help Jose get his speech back 😊 #MorningBriefing #PolkSheriff #GradyJudd

18-year-olds Cesar Santiago Matos Rodriguez and Abraham Alexander Noguera Morillo, both of Venezuela, got #ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice on Sunday, October 25, 2026. It happened a little after 10 pm Sunday, in the area of US 27 and Sand Mine Road in Davenport. A PCSO deputy noticed two vehicles, a 2008 Infiniti G37 and a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, side-by-side at a red light. As soon as the light turned green, both vehicles rapidly accelerated while obviously racing each other until they arrived at the next red light. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on both speed racers. Cesar was issued two citations, for racing and speeding. Abraham was issued three citations, for racing, speeding, and driving illegally on a learners permit. The investigation revealed that both men are here in the United States illegally from Venezuela. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted and ICE holds were put on both as they were booked-in at the Sheriff's Processing Center. #PCSO #PolkSheriff #TheRaceBackToVenezuela

No county for Florida men. #PCSO #PolkSheriff #PolkAroundAndFindOut

We upgraded Lisbeth and Reginald's carpool to a free ride to jail! #PCSO #GradyJudd #MorningBriefing

Andy found a disabled truck alongside of US 17-92 in Haines City. And he forced open the truck bed cover. Andy took out some tools and a fishing pole. And he was spotted by a passing PCSO deputy who made a U-turn to check out what appeared to be skullduggery on Andy’s part. Andy was detained while the deputy contacted the truck’s owner who didn’t know Andy. And he was arrested by the deputy for burglary and criminal mischief. Andy was taken to Grady Judd’s Bed & Breakfast where he has been a frequent guest for his knavery and deviltry. And he will find no Andes chocolate mints on his pillow. #PCSO #PolkSheriff #AndyShouldHaveStayedHomeAndPlayedWithHisToys #AndyCommittedSomeCrimesAndrewSomeCriminalCharges #CrimeOfOpportunityMeetsSuspicionOfDeputy #FromTruckBedToJailBed #HisNameJoinedThoseSentencesTogetherNicely #ShouldntBeSurprised #75PercentOfAndysNameIsAConjunction #JustToBeCoolHeShouldSpellHisNameWithAnAmpersandAndY #&y

TRICK OR TREAT WITH THE SHERIFF IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW! Come on out for some Halloween fun with the family! 🎃 We’re at SUN ’n FUN — the same location as last year! 📍 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland 🎟️ FREE admission! ⏰ GATES CLOSE AT 5:30 PM! Don’t wait until it’s too late! Load up the family, grab those costumes, and head our way now for a spooktacular time! 👻 We can’t wait to see you there! #PCSO #PolkSheriff #trickortreat

A man and woman went shopping one morning in Davenport. And by shopping we mean they were stealing from the store. The couple stole and fled with sixteen bottles of perfume, valued at $2,817. The object of their theft may have smelled good, but their actions really stink. PCSO detectives began an investigation the following day and were provided with still images of the suspects. But here’s where the universe threw a happily fateful curveball into our story. As the detectives were opening the doors to the store to go in and review the full security video, a man and woman were coming out. It was the same man and woman the detectives saw in the crime photos. The suspects were easily identifiable due to the tattoos on their thievin’ little arms. The suspects were arrested and identified as Alex and Genesis from Venezuela (foreshadow alert!). Their Toyota Corolla, redolent of oud, saffron, damascene rose, ambergris, iris and sandalwood, was in the store’s parking lot. It was searched. Inside, detectives found the purloined perfume. As the investigation continued, Alex and Genesis were determined to have been involved with six other retail thefts from the same store chain, but in different jurisdictions. Alex and Genesis were scent to Grady Judd’s Bed & Breakfast where they both got aroma with a view, and each was charged whiff felony retail theft… in essence, a fragrant foul. ICE was also notified due to both being in the United States illegally. ¡Buen viaje, ladrones! #PCSO #PolkSheriff #Venezsmellya #IdentifiedByTheirTats #BothProbablySmelledLikeTheEntranceAtDillards #TheyStoleMoreThanAFewCentsWorthOfScents #InTheUnitedStatesIllegallyDoingIllegalThings #FragrantFelonies

IT’S THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE SHERIFF’S HAUNTED TRAIL! 🕸️ Join us TONIGHT and TOMORROW, October 23 & 24, from 6–10:30 PM for one last chance to brave the trail and get your fright on! 🎃 Are you brave enough to make it through? #PCSO #HauntedTrail #PolkSheriff

Charles, my man! It's been too long... welcome back 🫶 #MorningBriefing #PCSO #GradyJudd