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.

Nov 3, 2025

Violent Frostproof man arrested following attack on victim during car ride

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey

On Friday morning, October 31, 2025, PCSO deputies responded to a reported armed robbery south of Lake Wales near County Road 640 and US 27.

The victim reported being struck with a blunt object, held captive inside of a vehicle, threatened with a wrench, and personal property was stolen.

The victim escaped through the passenger window and contacted the Sheriff's Office.

Injuries were visible on the victim's head, neck, arms, and legs.

Deputies located the suspect's vehicle, a Chevy Equinox, and recovered the victim's property.

The suspect was captured and identified as 36-year old Brock Tyler Sherrill of Frostproof.

Brock Sherrill was arrested and taken to the Sheriff's Processing Center where he was charged with: Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery, and False Imprisonment.

Sherill's prior criminal history includes: 8 felony convictions, 9 misdemeanor convictions, and two stays in Florida prison.