POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd on Thursday detailed the arrest of a Winter Haven man who allegedly fired a gun and threatened to kill family members during a domestic dispute.
Coleton Smith, 25, was arrested on Monday, March 17th, after the incident at a residence off Overlook Drive in Southeast Winter Haven.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies responded to the scene at approximately 5:50 PM following reports of gunshots and threats. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Smith, who resides at the residence, had fled.
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Judd, in his characteristic style, explained the situation: “You know, I’ve been talking about people doing things he ought not to do, like riding around shooting guns outside and that sort of thing. But you’ve always got a few people who only have three brain cells, and two of them are on vacation. You know what I mean?”
According to Judd, Smith became angry during an argument because he believed a rental car company owed him money and he wanted a ride to discuss the matter. When his request was denied, he allegedly retrieved a .380 pistol, went outside, and fired approximately five rounds. He then returned inside and threatened to kill everyone present.
A PCSO detective contacted Smith by phone, but he refused to disclose his location and stated he would not return to jail, saying, “We’ll have to kill him. We’d rather not do that, but it’s your choice. You know what I’m saying?” according to Judd.
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Later that evening, the Haines City Police Department received an anonymous tip that Smith’s vehicle was located at Miracle Toyota on US 27. Haines City Police responded and apprehended Smith, recovering the handgun involved in the incident.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the positive outcome: “The good news is he didn’t resist. He didn’t pull a gun at us, and we didn’t have to kill him, which made our day very happy. And it made his relatives very happy, too, I’m sure.”
Smith refused to cooperate with the PCSO detective’s investigation. He was subsequently booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:
- Use of a Firearm During a Felony
- Aggravated Assault (2 Counts)
- Improper Exhibit of a Firearm
- Discharging a Firearm in a Residential Area
- Culpable Negligence
Sheriff Judd concluded, “Folks, you can’t just go shooting guns in neighborhoods and threatening to kill people. That ain’t cool. And it’ll get you arrested. Every time.”
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