WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred this afternoon at a Sunoco convenience store in Winter Haven. While multiple shots were fired, no individuals were injured by gunfire. The incident led to a dramatic pursuit and the apprehension of a documented gang member with an extensive criminal history.
The events unfolded around 2:45 p.m. today at the Sunoco located at 1502 Recker Highway, near Ave. O SW. Deputies attempted to arrest 39-year-old Tonyo Evans of Eagle Lake, who was allegedly in possession of a trafficking amount of methamphetamine.
READ: Lakeland Horror: 6 Dogs Rescued From 107-Degree Death Trap, 2 Arrested For Animal Neglect
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Evans attempted to flee in a vehicle, crashing into multiple law enforcement vehicles and forcing a deputy to the ground, causing injuries to the deputy. In response, a deputy fired several shots at Evans’s vehicle, striking it, but Evans himself was not hit.
The pursuit continued for approximately a mile before deputies apprehended Evans. His vehicle sideswiped another car after crossing railroad tracks on North Lake Shipp Drive. Two occupants of the sideswiped vehicle were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the incident, stating, “The suspect had a blatant disregard for the safety of others. A very dangerous drug dealer is now where he belongs—in the Polk County Jail. Fortunately, our deputy was not seriously injured and is expected to make a full recovery.”
READ: Illegal Alien Arrested After Refusing To Clean Up Oil Spill In Eagle Lake: Polk County Sheriff
Tonyo Evans, identified as the suspect, is known to have an extensive criminal history. Tentative charges against Evans include multiple counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Per standard protocol, three separate investigations are now underway: an independent investigation by the 10th Judicial Circuit’s Officer-Involved Deadly Incident (OIDI) Task Force, an internal investigation by the PCSO Administrative Investigations Unit, and a review of all investigative findings by the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
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.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
