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 Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. 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.

Jul 31, 2023

Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Davenport Police Department investigators are seeking a homicide suspect in Davenport killing; $5,000 reward offered

Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO

***UPDATE- OCTOBER 24, 2023***
49-year old Demond Lavette Moore of Davenport was arrested on Monday, October 23, 2023.

A tip was provided to Crime Stoppers which said that Moore was hiding in a shed in Kissimmee. Acting on the tip, deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office went to the location and took Moore into custody.

Demond Moore will be brought back to Polk County to be charged with 2nd Degree Murder.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office would like to acknowledge the Osceola County Sheriff's Office and the anonymous tipster who helped bring about Moore's arrest.

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE FOLLOWS:

Polk County deputies are seeking information related to the homicide of a 35 year old Davenport woman that occurred in the area of Fuller Street West in Davenport during the early morning hours of Saturday, July 29th.

Davenport Police Officers responded to the neighborhood when a woman called about an unresponsive woman in a vehicle. The Davenport Fire Department also responded to the scene and subsequently transported the victim to Advent Health-Heart of Florida Hospital. The victim was declared deceased by medical staff on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 0422 hours. Based upon her injuries, she is believed to be the victim of a homicide.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives are assisting the Davenport Police Department by conducting the investigation.

Anyone who has any information about the killing is encouraged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

1. CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
2. DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
3. VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
4. DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.

You will always remain anonymous and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest. Your information will be forwarded to law enforcement for follow up. If an arrest is made based on your tip, you are eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Because this crime is a homicide, the reward is $5,000.

“We need the help from the public about what happened early Saturday morning. Someone knows something—so if you saw something, or if you have heard anything about this crime, please call Crime Stoppers. Help us put the person responsible for this crime behind bars.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff