POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Monday evening commute in Poinciana took a chaotic turn when a hit-and-run collision sparked a foot chase and a physical struggle with local authorities. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were called to the intersection of Cypress Parkway and Solivita Boulevard at approximately 5:53 p.m. on February 9, 2026.
Upon arrival, investigators found a 2026 Cadillac sedan and a 2015 Dodge Ram truck left at the scene, but the driver of the truck was nowhere to be found.
According to witness accounts, the man behind the wheel of the Dodge fled the crash site on foot immediately following the impact. The escape attempt was short-lived, however, as a deputy located the suspect a short distance away. At the time of his apprehension, the man was reportedly in the middle of trying to secure a ride through the Uber app.
READ: From Caretaker To Suspect: The Chilling Details Behind A Florida Grandmother’s Death
The situation grew more tense when the suspect refused to provide his name to the officers, claiming he was not legally required to identify himself.
When deputies attempted to use a mobile fingerprint scanner to establish his identity, the man allegedly turned violent. Reports indicate he physically resisted the effort by grabbing a deputy and digging his fingers into the officer’s arms. Despite the struggle, authorities were able to confirm his identity as 23-year-old Joshua Avant Sims of Davenport.
While Sims denied being the driver of the Dodge Ram, deputies noted that he was in possession of the vehicle’s keys at the time of his arrest. A subsequent search also turned up a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
READ: Florida Troopers: Dark SUV Sought In Monday Night Hit-And-Run Death Near Bradenton Publix
Further investigation into his driving record revealed that Sims did not have a valid license. His driving privileges had been suspended five times for failing to pay traffic fines, and he had an additional suspension on his record for accumulating 12 points within a 12-month period.
Sims was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and faces a litany of charges. These include third-degree felonies for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting with Violence.
He also faces several misdemeanor charges, including Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting without Violence, and Leaving the Scene of a Crash.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
