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.

May 13, 2025

Guatemalan national in the United States illegally arrested for DUI and other charges

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

On Friday, May 9, 2025, at around 12:29 am, a PCSO deputy witnessed a truck strike the curb on Wabash Avenue in Lakeland, and then failed to maintain a lane of travel.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the truck at Wabash Avenue and West Highlands Street, but the vehicle continued on and pulled into a driveway.

The driver was identified as 40-year old Cornelio Bamaca-Lopez from Guatemala. He had no license, and appeared intoxicated.

Bamaca-Lopez was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with: Driving without a Valid License, Fleeing to Elude, and DUI. His breath alcohol content was reported to be 0.0195 and 0.198.

Cornelio Bamaca-Lopez is also in the United States illegally, having entered the country illegally through Arizona two years ago. An ICE Hold has been placed on him.