The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred this afternoon at the Sunoco store at 1502 Recker Hwy, near Ave. O SW, in Winter Haven. Nobody was injured due to gunfire.
At approximately 2:45 pm on Monday, June 2, 2025, PCSO deputies attempted to arrest a documented gang member who was in possession of a trafficking amount of methamphetamine in front of the Sunoco.
The suspect fled in a vehicle, crashed into multiple law enforcement vehicles, and forced a deputy to the ground, injuring him in the process. A deputy fired several shots at the suspect, striking the suspect’s vehicle, but the suspect was not hit.
Deputies apprehended the suspect about a mile away after he sideswiped another vehicle after crossing the railroad tracks on North Lake Shipp Drive. Two occupants in the other vehicle were transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.
“The suspect had a blatant disregard for the safety of others. A very dangerous drug dealer is now where he belongsin the Polk County Jail. Fortunately, our deputy was not seriously injured and is expected to make a full recovery.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The suspect has been identified as 39-year old Tonyo Evans of Eagle Lake; he has an extensive criminal history.
Per standard protocol, there are three investigations currently underway: an independent investigation by the 10th Judicial Circuit’s Officer-Involved Deadly Incident (OIDI) Task Force; an internal investigation by the PCSO Administrative Investigations Unit; and all investigative findings will be forwarded to the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for their investigation and review.
Tentative charges against Evans include: multiple counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, trafficking in methamphetamine, fleeing to elude, and other charges.
