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.

Jul 16, 2025

Ormond Beach man arrested for driving 102mph with 2 children in the car

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

A man driving from Tampa to his home in Ormond Beach was arrested during a traffic stop on Tuesday afternoon, July 15, 2025, after he was caught going 102 mph on Interstate-4 in Polk County.

The passengers in his vehicle were two small children.

A deputy from the Polk County Sheriff's Office conducted the stop east of Polk City on a gray 2024 Toyota SUV just after 1 pm.

The driver was identified as 26-year old Christian Jovanni Agosto.

During the investigation, the deputy also learned that Agosto has never been issued a driver's license, he's a registered gang member, and he is currently on Federal Probation for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

The two children in the car were determined to be 7-years old and 6-years old.

Agosto was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with: Dangerous Excessive Speed (M2), No Valid DL (M2), and Child Neglect without Injury (F3, 2-counts).

The Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) was notified, and the children and the vehicle were turned over to a relative of the children.