A Lakeland man was arrested Tuesday, October 24, 2023, for lewd activity at Saddle Creek Park east of Lakeland.

At about 10:10 am, an undercover Vice Unit detective from the Polk County Sheriff's Office witnessed a man drive onto the park property and the man began rubbing himself vigorously in a sexual manner. 

During a conversation, the suspect told the detective that he came to the park to meet someone and then offered to perform oral sex on the detective.

The suspect was arrested and identified as 67-year old David Arnold.

"The arrest happened at a family park--where parents bring their children to fish or have picnics and make pleasant memories. They don't want their children witnessing behavior like this. That's why we do these undercover operations at various parks across the county. It simply will not be tolerated." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

David Arnold was charged with Offering to Commit Lewdness (M2) and Trespassing (M1).