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.

Jul 25, 2024

Driver charged with vehicular homicide for fatal crash in Davenport last week

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives from the agency’s Traffic Homicide Investigations have arrested the driver who caused a fatal crash in Davenport on Friday, July 19, 2024.

36-year old Tiffany West of Orlando was arrested Wednesday, July 24th and taken to the Polk County Jail. She was charged with Vehicular Homicide (F2).

Detectives were able to calculate West’s vehicle had been traveling between 72-79 mph (at a minimum) in a 30 mph zone.

39-year old Alicia Carmona was ejected during the crash, and she died at the scene.
Carmona’s two children were also injured.

“I am happy to say that the two children have been released from the hospital and they are now living with their aunt. They still have some physical injuries to recover from, but even worse for them is that they lost their mother due to the irresponsible actions of Tiffany West.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

A sample of West’s blood was taken after the crash, and it was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to be tested. PCSO detectives noted that West showed signs of impairment Friday night, and they anticipate that DUI Manslaughter and other charges are likely once the results of the blood test are received.

The investigation is ongoing.