News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

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 Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. 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.

Dec 13, 2025

Anonymous tip leads to arrest of Winter Haven man wanted for attempted murder

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey

An anonymous Heartland Crime Stoppers tip was forwarded to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which provided the whereabouts of 24-year old Austin Daniel Richardson.

The Winter Haven man was wanted for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Discharging a Firearm in a Residential Area, and Improper Exhibition of a Firearm.

The crime Richardson is accused of committing occurred on July 29, 2025 in a neighborhood off of Thornhill Road and Spirit Lake Road.

Following up on the tip, PCSO deputies arrived at a residence on Country Place SW in Winter Haven, early Saturday morning, December 13th, at around one o'clock.

Deputies made contact with Richardson behind the residence and he stated, "I'm the one you're looking for."

Richardson was arrested without incident and taken to the Sheriff's Processing Center on his warrant.

In addition to his Polk County charges, Richardson has a warrant out of Orange County for Failure to Appear for DUI.