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.

Feb 10, 2026

Unlicensed hit & run driver captured after struggle with PCSO deputy

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey

A hit & run crash was reported to the Polk County Sheriff's Office on Monday, February 9, 2026 at around 5:53 pm.

Deputies responded to the crash scene on Cypress Parkway at Solivita Boulevard in Poinciana and found two vehicles, a 2026 Cadillac sedan and a 2015 Dodge Ram truck.

According to a witness, the driver of the Dodge fled on foot, but a deputy quickly caught him nearby, while he was in the process of trying to secure an Uber ride.

The suspect refused to identify himself, saying he didn't have to. Then he physically resisted (unsuccessfully) efforts to obtain a fingerprint to identify him, by grabbing the deputy, and digging his fingers into the deputy's arms.

He was identified as 23-year old Joshua Avant Sims of Davenport.

Sims denied he was the driver, despite a witness saying otherwise. Sims was also in possession of the truck's keys, as well as a small amount of marijuana.

What Sims did not have was a valid driver's license. His license has been suspended numerous times for failing to pay traffic fines... five times. He also had it suspended after he received 12 points on his license within 12 months.

Josh Sims was arrested and taken to the Sheriff's Processing Center and charged with: Battery on a LEO (F3), Resisting with Violence (F3), Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (M1), Possession of Marijuana (M1), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), Resisting without Violence (M1), and Leaving the Scene of a Crash (M2).