News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.

PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.

The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.

May 9, 2025

Four teens arrested for brutal beating of Mulberry man

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested four teens for their part in a brutal beating of a 35-year old Mulberry man on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The victim was hospitalized in an intensive care unit with serious injuries to his face, to include a broken nose, broken jaw, multiple lacerations, and swelling.

“The video of the beating is hard to watch. The victim was knocked down with the first punch and rendered defenseless. The suspects continued to attack the man—they pummeled him repeatedly with a sickening rage.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The attack was initially reported at around 11:40 pm Monday night by the victim’s wife, but the victim was initially uncooperative with the investigation.

PCSO detectives continued to follow-up with the victim, and on May 8th, he discussed details with the investigating deputy. He said that he was talking to a male at a Mulberry car wash (3800 N. Church Avenue), and he was then confronted by four juveniles and beaten. He said that when he woke up, he walked back home.

As the investigation progressed, detectives were able to identify a witness and four suspects, and a cell phone video was obtained that showed the beating.

The suspects were all arrested on Thursday, May 8th.
• Eathan Ryne Simmons, 18, from Mulberry: charged with attempted 2nd degree murder (F2), aggravated battery with bodily harm (F2), rioting (F3), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1).
• Westlee Austin Davis II, 18, from Mulberry: charged with attempted 2nd degree murder (F2), aggravated battery with bodily harm (F2), rioting (F3), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1).
• Robert Frerichs, 17, from Mulberry: charged with attempted 2nd degree murder (F2), aggravated battery with bodily harm (F2), and rioting (F3).
• Dalton Ivory Creach, 19, from Lakeland: charged with rioting (F3) and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1).

While being interviewed by detectives, suspects said that they confronted the victim for bothering an autistic friend, and they were protective of him.

The unknown autistic friend who was with another male were not participants in the attack, but detectives are still working to identify these two males.