On June 26, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m., a Winter Haven police officer observed a silver Chrysler 200, driven by 35-year-old Jarrod Cole (DOB 11/18/1989), run a red light at the intersection of Lake Howard Dr. NW and Ave. G NW. When the officer activated emergency equipment and approached, Cole fled at high speed into oncoming traffic, nearly causing multiple collisions.
The officer followed at a safe distance. At Spirit Lake Road and Hwy 540, Cole stopped at a traffic light. When the officer pulled behind him, Cole fled again, driving between two lanes and crashing into a red Jeep. Cole attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended and taken into custody.
Cole stated he fled because he lacked a valid driver’s license. Officers observed a loaded rifle with two magazines containing 60 rounds of .223 ammunition in plain view on the Chrysler’s floorboard. A backpack and the center console contained methamphetamine, amphetamine, and heroin.
Cole was transported to Polk County Jail and charged with armed trafficking of methamphetamine (first-degree felony), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (second-degree felony), possession of amphetamine (third-degree felony), possession of heroin (third-degree felony), fleeing to elude law enforcement with lights and sirens activated (third-degree felony), leaving the scene of a crash with injuries (third-degree felony), a warrant from Orange County Sheriff’s Office (third-degree felony), reckless driving (first-degree misdemeanor), and driving while license suspended or revoked (first-degree misdemeanor).
Chief Vance Monroe stated, “This dangerous felon had total disregard of the lives of our officers and other drivers with his reckless actions. Our officers diligently continued to follow in an attempt to stop the suspect.”
