POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A potential crisis was averted near an Alturas daycare center on Friday afternoon after Polk County deputies apprehended a man armed with a machete and concealed knife.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) received a call at approximately 3:57 PM regarding a suspicious individual. The caller reported a white male wearing a black trench coat and hoodie, carrying a machete, and walking near a local daycare.
A PCSO detective swiftly responded to the area, alerting the daycare center to the potential threat. Upon arriving in Alturas, the detective located the suspect, who was riding a bicycle.
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The suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Shawn Drennen of Alturas, ignored the detective’s orders to stop.
“The man blew past a stop sign and began pedaling faster while ignoring the detective’s orders to stop,” said the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The detective quickly caught up to Drennen and took him into custody.
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Drennen was found to be carrying a machete, which he claimed was for “odd jobs.” He was also concealing an 8-inch fixed-blade knife within his clothing, along with methamphetamine and a glass pipe.
Shawn Drennen was arrested and charged with Possession of a Concealed Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting Arrest. He was transported to the Polk County Jail.
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