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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 24, 2026
Chick-fil-A employee saw something and said something; burglar quickly arrested
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey
#ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice - 43-year-old Jason Allan Braden of Lakeland.
A south Lakeland Chick-fil-A employee played an important role in the capture of a burglar.
On July 23, 2026, the employee at the South Florida Avenue Chick-Fila-A was working when he noticed a suspicious white male walking around vehicles in the parking lot.
The suspicious male was seen looking into vehicles, but not actually attempting to enter any of the vehicles.
The employee watched as the man then walked to a vacant residence nearby, forced open the screen door to the home, and then went inside.
The Sheriff's Office was notified and multiple units immediately responded.
The suspect fled the residence prior to deputies arriving, but the shift lieutenant noticed a man on a bicycle behind Publix who matched the suspect's description.
A stop was conducted on the bicyclist and it was confirmed that he was the suspect.
He was identified as 43-year-old Jason Allan Braden of Lakeland, and he was arrested for burglary of an unoccupied dwelling. He was also found to be in possession of a baggie of methamphetamine.
Jason was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without incident.
Jason’s criminal history includes crimes such as trespassing, criminal traffic, battery, criminal mischief, burglary, loitering and prowling, and carrying a concealed weapon.