WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A Winter Haven man is facing a slew of felony charges after allegedly assaulting a woman, barricading himself in his home, starting a fire, and attacking deputies and a police K9 last Thursday.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), deputies were dispatched to a residence on Old Bartow Lake Wales Road around 12:35 pm on Thursday, April 10th, 2025, following reports of a disturbance. The initial report indicated a man had pushed a woman by her face and attempted to strike her with a metal pole.
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Upon the arrival of deputies, the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Shane Brown, fled into his residence. A deputy attempted to communicate with Brown through an open window in an effort to de-escalate the situation. However, the Sheriff’s Office reports that Brown responded by throwing various items at the deputy, including a 5-gallon propane tank.
Officials state Brown then escalated the situation further by starting a fire inside the residence. He allegedly proceeded to throw several burning items out of the window towards the deputies positioned outside.
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Concerned for Brown’s safety due to the growing fire, deputies made the decision to force entry into the home to rescue him. As they attempted to take Brown into custody, he reportedly resisted violently. During the struggle, Brown allegedly punched K9 Kane in the face approximately four times before deputies were able to successfully handcuff him.
A deputy managed to extinguish the fire within the residence.
Shane Brown was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He has been charged with:
- 1st Degree Arson
- Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)
- Aggravated Assault
- Battery with Prior Conviction
- Resisting Officer with Violence
- Striking a Police Dog (K9)
- Resisting Officer without Violence
The investigation is ongoing. K9 Kane’s condition was not immediately detailed, but striking a police K9 is a felony offense in Florida.
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