POLK COUNTY, Fla. – In a major crackdown on gang violence, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19 gang members linked to a series of drive-by shootings, a fatal stabbing, and other felonies.
The arrests come as part of “Operation Drive-By Bye,” targeting five gangs primarily based in Winter Haven, Haines City, and Waverly.
The operation is part of the larger Violent Gang Investigative Task Force (VGITF), established in 2023 to combat the rising tide of gang violence in Polk County.
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Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted the alarming increase in gang-related shootings, emphasizing that “kids killing kids” will not be tolerated.
The arrested individuals have extensive criminal histories, with charges ranging from homicide to drug offenses. The operation also resulted in the recovery of 57 firearms, six of which were stolen, and multiple “switches” used to convert handguns into fully automatic weapons.
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This latest operation follows a series of successful efforts by the PCSO to dismantle gangs and reduce violence in Polk County. These include “Operation Hot Wire,” “Operation Sex, Money, Murder,” and “Operation Gangs & Guns,” which led to numerous arrests and the seizure of drugs and firearms.
The PCSO’s commitment to combating gang violence underscores its determination to protect the community and ensure the safety of its residents.
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