Retired Deputy Identified as Suspect in Winter Haven Incident Involving Apparent Impairment and Child Endangerment
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A Winter Haven man, identified as a retired Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy and chief pilot, was arrested Sunday evening, September 28, 2025, after allegedly fleeing from deputies while driving with an unrestrained child in his front seat.
The incident began at approximately 5:18 p.m. when the Emergency Communications Center received a call from the McDonald’s at 6890 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven. Staff reported a suspicious man in a black Chevy Tahoe who had driven through the lane twice, appeared impaired, was making rude comments, and had several open beer cans inside the vehicle. Crucially, a very young, unrestrained child was observed in the front seat.
A nearby PCSO deputy heard the information over the radio and responded to the restaurant. Upon seeing the deputy approach his vehicle on foot, the driver of the Tahoe immediately sped away from the scene. While fleeing, the Tahoe reportedly ran a stop sign and a red light and accelerated at a high rate of speed, leading the deputy to lose sight of the SUV.
The vehicle was located a short time later, abandoned at a business at 6930 Cypress Gardens Boulevard. The suspect was identified as 49-year-old Robert Gray, who lives within a mile of where the Tahoe was left.
Deputies responded to Gray’s residence, but he initially refused to exit. Eventually, he surrendered peacefully and was arrested without incident.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commended the quick actions of the restaurant staff.
“The staff at McDonald’s did the right thing by reporting the suspect’s unusual behavior,” Sheriff Judd said. “He was not only making inappropriate comments to employees, but they feared the child might be endangered; they saw several empty beer cans in the vehicle, and they were worried the suspect could be intoxicated.”
Robert Gray was booked at the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with Fleeing to Elude (F3), Negligent Child Abuse (F3), and Reckless Driving (M2).
The child was reported to be uninjured, and the Florida Department of Children and Families has been notified regarding the matter.
READ: Polk County Deputies Nab Trio Of Teen Car Thieves In Winter Haven
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