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 Alicia Manautou. 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 18, 2020

Winter Haven man shot and killed early Sunday, PCSO investigating

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

Homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the shooting death of 33-year-old Alphonsa "NuNu" Payne, Jr. of Winter Haven. Payne was shot while he was walking in the intersection of 40th Street NW and Atkins Drive in Winter Haven, Sunday, May 17, 2020, at about 12:15 a.m.

Payne was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, but died later that morning at around 7:57 a.m.

“The victim was gunned down in the middle of the street. He was only 33-years-old. It’s an active investigation, still in the early stages, and our detectives have been working tirelessly to solve it. We’re asking for anyone who has information about this killing to contact us. Help us bring justice to those involved and provide a measure of solace and resolution to Mr. Payne’s family.” - Grady Judd, Sheriff

Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a $15,000 reward for information about this homicide. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200, or if you want to stay anonymous, you can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip," or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.