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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.
May 19, 2026
Investigation of a residential burglary in Winter Haven ends with two men in jail
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey
A burglar in Winter Haven was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Monday evening, May 18, 2026, and his buddy went to jail on unrelated charges.
PCSO deputies responded to a home on Trinity Circle NW in Winter Haven after the victim received a notification from his security system that indicated unlawful activity at his residence.
The victim saw via the video a suspect whom he is familiar with, enter his carport and steal four fishing poles.
The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Elijah Neiro of Winter Haven.
Deputies went to a residence on 36th Street NW where Neiro is known to visit regularly.
When deputies arrived they saw 25-year old Nicholas Land quickly stand up, remove a syringe from his pocket, and throw the syringe under the mobile home.
Nicholas was taken into custody after the syringe was determined to contain methamphetamine.
Deputies then saw Neiro riding nearby on a bicycle and told him to stop. He refused, but deputies grabbed him and removed him from the bike.
The fishing poles were recovered and returned to the victim.
Elijah Neiro was charged with Burglary of a Dwelling, Petit Theft, and Resisting without Violence.
Nicholas Land was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.