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.

Aug 15, 2025

Angel Gonzalez-Morales charged with second degree murder in fatal shooting at Home Suites in Davenport

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Media Relations Administrator

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff's Office apprehended Angel Gonzalez-Morales, DOB 3/15/1996, in the Polo Park area of Davenport on his warrant for second degree murder for the shooting death of Elijah Johnson that occurred on August 12th at the Home Suites located in Davenport near the I-4 & US 27 interchange.

"I could not be more proud of my Homicide team and all the deputies, detectives, investigators, and support staff who together worked around the clock to take this dangerous suspect into custody. If you kill someone in this county, we will hunt you down to the ends of the earth and put you in jail. We do not tolerate violence of any kind here." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

The fugitive was apprehended less than 48 hours after fatally shooting the victim. Upon his arrest, deputies found a clear plastic baggie containing over 16 grams of Fentanyl. As a result, he was also charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl, a first degree felony.

Detectives are still seeking information about the firearm used in this crime. Heartland Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that results in the recovery of the murder weapon:

**CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
**DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
**VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
**DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE AUGUST 13,2025:

PCSO Investigating Fatal Shooting in Davenport
Media Contact: Juliana Rivera, PIO

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to reported gunshots in the area of the Home Suites located in Davenport, Florida, near the I-4 & US 27 interchange.

Upon arrival, deputies located Elijah Johnson, who was found lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound to the shoulder. Johnson was alert and breathing but unresponsive. Life-saving measures were administered on scene, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing a gunshot and observed a suspect fleeing on foot into a red sedan occupied by another individual. The vehicle was seen leaving the parking lot, and a witness noted that it stopped a short distance away, where the suspect exited and ran into the woods.

Shortly thereafter, deputies located the red sedan at a McDonald’s near US Highway 27 and Sand Mine Road. The driver and registered owner of the vehicle, 39-year-old Angel Efrain-Reillo, was taken into custody without incident.

The passenger, identified as 29-year-old Angel Gonzalez-Morales, was positively identified as the shooter, and deputies obtained a warrant for his arrest for second degree murder. He was found on Thursday, August 14, 2025, and taken into custody without incident. He had a trafficking amount of Fentanyl on him at the time of his arrest, and was also charged with felony trafficking.