LAKELAND, Fla. – A 54-year-old Lakeland man is facing 11 criminal charges, including armed drug trafficking, after a dispute on County Road 542 led Polk County deputies to a hidden 9mm handgun and a large cache of illegal narcotics, despite the suspect’s claims that he only brandished a toy.
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an armed disturbance call in the K-Ville area on County Road 542 on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The situation began as an argument between two men. During the dispute, 54-year-old Daniel Chester McCall allegedly pulled out a handgun and began threatening the other man.
When deputies arrived and began interviewing those at the scene, McCall admitted to arming himself during the altercation. However, he told deputies that the weapon was merely a water gun.
McCall claimed he had already thrown the item into a nearby dumpster and that an unknown person had walked off with it. He told investigators he only used a toy because he is a convicted felon and knows he cannot legally possess a firearm.
A background check quickly confirmed that McCall is a four-time convicted felon. Deputies then conducted a search of McCall’s residence.
During the search, detectives did not find a water gun. Instead, they discovered a real 9mm handgun and ammunition.
Along with the firearm, deputies uncovered a large assortment of illegal drugs and contraband inside the home.
The seizure included a glass pipe, marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, and pills identified as acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride. Detectives also found more than 200 grams of methamphetamine.
McCall was arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He faces a long list of charges, including Armed Trafficking in Methamphetamine over 200 grams, Displaying a Firearm During a Felony Offense, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Structure to Sell Drugs.
His other charges include Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of Fentanyl, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill, False Information to a Law Enforcement Officer in a Felony Offense, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
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