Polk Archives

Two Polk County Deputies Hospitalized, Suspect Killed in Shootout: Morning Standoff Turns Deadly in Lakeland

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Two deputies in Polk County, Florida, were injured in a shootout with a lone gunman early Saturday morning. The incident unfolded at Hunt Fountain Park, where a deputy discovered a vehicle parked after hours. When the deputy questioned the driver, he refused to cooperate, leading to a call for backup. Sheriff Grady Judd revealed that the driver, identified as a Moorish Sovereign citizen, resisted commands and opened fire when deputies attempted …

Man Arrested for Brutal Stabbing Murder of Mother in Polk County: Sheriff Shocked by Confession

Winter Haven, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded in Polk County when 21-year-old Emmanuel Espinoza was arrested for allegedly stabbing his mother, Elvia Espinoza, to death at their home in Frostproof. The victim, a 46-year-old second-grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School, was reportedly attacked by her son upon opening the front door. Emmanuel confessed to the crime, expressing a longstanding desire to harm his mother. The Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd, described the …

University of Florida Pre-Med Student Accused of Fatally Stabbing Mother in Polk County

Polk County, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded where a University of Florida pre-med student stands accused of fatally stabbing his mother on Saturday afternoon, as reported by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The student, identified as 21-year-old Emmanuel Espinoza, allegedly committed the heinous act during a family event in Frostproof. Initial reports suggest that Emmanuel had requested to stay with his mother when he drove from Gainesville to Frostproof. Upon his arrival at his …

Sheriff Grady Judd Announces Arrest of Suspect for 2 Murders in Polk County, Florida

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – After being on the run for over two months, the suspect accused of two murders in a Polk County homeless camp has been apprehended by deputies. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd made the announcement in a video on Facebook Tuesday afternoon, revealing that 26-year-old Enrique Martinez was found wandering on the sidewalk near Cooley Road and SR 540. Martinez was the prime suspect in the murder of a man at a …

Animal Neglect Leads to Arrest of Polk County Woman After Seizure of Over 30 Cats from Unlivable Home

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case of animal neglect after an older woman was found living in squalid conditions with over 30 cats and a dog at a residence on Pope Lane in unincorporated southwest Polk County. Deputies responding to a well-being check detected a strong odor of ammonia and discovered the animals, prompting the investigation. According to the sheriff’s office, the air inside the residence was deemed …