News and Investigations

35-year-old Jose Chaidez of Haines City is wanted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for battering his 64-year-old former girlfriend and then severely beating another man who tried to intervene in his attack on the woman. 

Chaidez is wanted for: attempted 2nd degree murder, armed burglary with battery, burglary with battery, criminal mischief, and stalking (DV). The attacks occurred at J and S Food Mart located at 3084 East Hinson Avenue, Haines City, Florida on Saturday, September 23, at around 4:23 p.m

Click here to see a video of the attacks (WARNING: This video is very violent)
 
Chaidez threatened the woman at the store with a butcher knife, slapped her with the knife, struck her and pulled her by the hair. A 43-year-old Haines City man saw the violence occurring and stepped forward in an attempt to stop the man from beating the woman and taking the woman from the store. Chaidez overpowered the man and repeatedly struck him in the head while he laid unconscious on the floor.
 
Chaidez then engaged with another man, hitting him, then left the store before deputies and EMS arrived. The second man was not seriously injured and left before deputies could identify or interview him. Deputies are asking for this man to come forward so we can hold Chaidez accountable for the battery.
 
The Good Samaritan was transported to an area hospital where he remains hospitalized. The victim remains in critical condition at this time but is improving and is expected to recover.
 
“We need to locate this very violent man and put him in jail where he belongs. Anyone who would beat up a 64 year old woman and then ruthlessly beat up a man who tried to help a woman in distress, is a menace and needs to be locked up. If you know where Jose Chaidez is, call us or call Crime Stoppers. This guy needs to be held accountable.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
An extensive search was completed in an effort to locate the suspect; however, deputies were unable to locate Chaidez. Deputies are asking the public to help us locate and arrest Chaidez. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
 
Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous, and be eligible for a cash reward, can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways: 
CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477); 
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone; 
VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip;” 
or DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.
 
Jose Manuel Chaidez’s criminal history includes aggravated assault with a weapon, battery domestic violence, kidnapping/false imprisonment, resisting an officer without violence, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run, battery, and battery DV.