POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives launched an investigation on Monday, June 22, 2026, after being called to Bartow Regional Medical Center. Medical staff had notified authorities about a patient who arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound.
The patient was identified as 21-year-old Madison Thomas. She was treated for a bullet wound to a toe on her right foot.
As detectives tried to figure out what happened, the investigation took a complicated turn. Authorities stated that Thomas repeatedly provided false information regarding how and where the shooting took place. She also attempted to alter data on her cell phone. When a detective tried to seize the phone as evidence, Thomas reportedly grabbed the investigator’s wrist.
The investigation eventually led detectives to Thomas’ residence on 80-Foot Road in Bartow. There, they met and interviewed Thomas’ fiancé, 22-year-old Cazar Caraker. According to investigators, Caraker was also misleading with the information he provided.
Background checks revealed that Caraker is a convicted felon currently on probation for Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a Victim 13 or Under. Under the conditions of his probation, Caraker is legally barred from being around his two youngest children. Detectives determined that these children were present at the home when the shooting occurred. Before detectives arrived at the residence, Caraker allegedly tried to hide the children at a neighbor’s house.
Investigators ultimately determined that Thomas had accidentally shot herself in the toe. Caraker then instructed her to lie to law enforcement because his status as a convicted felon prohibits him from having a firearm on the property.
Both Thomas and Caraker were arrested following the investigation.
Thomas faces charges of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting with Violence, Resisting without Violence, and Providing False Information to Law Enforcement During a Felony Investigation.
Caraker was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Violation of Probation, Tampering with a Witness, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Corruption by Threat, and Providing False Information During a Felony Investigation.
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