On June 26, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m., a Winter Haven Police officer observed a silver Chrysler 200 run a red light at the intersection of Lake Howard Drive NW and Avenue G NW. The officer activated his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver, identified as 35-year-old Jarrod Cole (DOB 11/18/1989), fled at a high rate of speed.
Cole recklessly drove into oncoming traffic, nearly causing multiple crashes. The officer maintained a safe distance while following the vehicle, eventually locating it stopped at a red light at Spirit Lake Road and Highway 540.
As the officer pulled up behind the Chrysler, Cole fled again, weaving between two lanes and crashing into a red Jeep. He then attempted to flee the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
Once secured inside a patrol vehicle, Cole spontaneously admitted that he fled because he didn’t have a valid driver’s license. A rifle was spotted in plain view inside the Chrysler, standing on the floorboard with the barrel facing upward. The rifle was loaded with 60 rounds of .223 ammunition, split between two magazines.
A backpack containing drugs was also found inside the vehicle, along with additional drugs located in the center console.
Cole was transported to the Polk County Jail and faces the following charges:
Armed Trafficking of Methamphetamine (Felony/Life) Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony/2nd Degree) Possession of Amphetamine (Felony/3rd Degree) Possession of Heroin (Felony/3rd Degree) Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement with Lights and Sirens Activated (Felony/3rd Degree) Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries (Felony/3rd Degree) Warrant from Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Felony/3rd Degree) Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor/1st Degree) Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (Misdemeanor/1st Degree)
“This dangerous felon had total disregard of the lives of our officers and other drivers with his reckless actions,” said Chief Vance Monroe. “Our officers diligently continued to follow in an attempt to stop the threat.”
