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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.