LAKELAND, Fla. – Polk County deputies caught up with a Lakeland man early Monday morning, ending a three-day search following a reported physical altercation. David Buey, 44, was taken into custody at approximately 2:27 a.m. on March 16, 2026, at a residence near the intersection of North Campbell Road and Indian Ridge Trail.
The investigation began on Friday, March 13, when a victim contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to report an assault. According to the victim’s statement, a verbal argument with Buey escalated when he allegedly struck them in the face. Deputies reported that Buey fled the scene of the incident before law enforcement could arrive.
After tracking him to the North Lakeland area home on Monday, deputies stated that Buey was located inside the residence and arrested without further incident.
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Deputies say that while the initial allegation involved a physical strike, Buey’s legal standing has elevated the severity of the case. Because he has a prior conviction for battery, the current charge has been upgraded from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.
Accordign to investigators, Buey’s criminal history includes previous arrests and convictions for grand theft, burglary, aggravated battery, and drug possession. He is currently being held as the legal process moves forward in Polk County court.
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