Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
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.
Jun 22, 2026
Suspect illegally in the country who was previously deported arrested again for DUI and excessive speed
Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Media Relations Administrator
A suspect who is in the country illegally and has already been deported back to Mexico once by ICE after a previous DUI arrest, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit on Saturday, June 20, 2026, for DUI and other traffic charges.
Deputies conducting speed enforcement on Interstate 4 observed a white Cadillac Escalade traveling at a high rate of speed and being driven recklessly. A deputy's radar measured the Escalade going 100 MPH in a 70 MPH zone, while also weaving in and around other vehicles, causing other drivers to take evasive action and/or slam on their brakes. When the deputy stopped the Escalade he immediately detected obvious signs of impairment for the driver, 34-year-old Rolando Perez Hernandez of Zephyrhills. Hernandez was taken into custody, during which his breath alcohol content was measured at .170g/210L (over twice the legal limit).
Hernandez's license was revoked in April 2022 after a DUI arrest, and he was deported. He illegally re-entered the country in 2024. He is now being charged with:
Driving while license suspended/revoked (F3)
DUI .15 or higher (M1)
Dangerous excessive speed (M1)
Reckless driving (M1)
Each of these charges is enhanced by one degree due to his illegal status. An ICE hold has been placed on him in the Polk County Jail.
“It's a miracle this suspect, with his blatant disregard for our laws, didn't kill someone or himself the way he was recklessly speeding and driving drunk on I-4. It is our hope that once he's deported again, he stays out of the United States for good - and we will do everything we can to ensure that happens.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff