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.

Christian Gonzalez Cornelio and Micah Crouch

Sep 15, 2025

PCSO arrests two from Tampa for racing

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey

Two Tampa men were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office early Sunday morning, September 14th after they were caught racing each other on Interstate 4 near Davenport.

At about 2:09 am, Deputy Nester notice a tan Honda Civic and a black Volkswagen Passat traveling at 105 mph, and swerving through traffic. The speed limit for this area is 70mph.

A traffic stop was conducted on both vehicles, and the drivers were taken into custody without incident. They were identified as Christian Gonzalez Cornelio and Micah Crouch, both 23-years old.

The pair were taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with Dangerous Excessive Speed (going over 100 mph) and Racing.

According to Deputy Nester, both men were surprised that they were being arrested for their actions.