Bartow, FL — On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 7:47 p.m., deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots being fired in the 600 block of Gaskin Road in Bartow.
According to the arrest affidavit, Brad Davis was involved in a verbal argument in the backyard with another male regarding the ownership of a dog. Witnesses described Davis as “very drunk.”
The argument escalated when Davis began screaming profanities and challenging the male victim to fight. A physical altercation ensued in which Davis pushed a female victim to the ground. When the male victim attempted to walk away, Davis chased after him while holding a knife behind his back and continued screaming for the fight to continue.
The male victim ran to escape. Davis then retrieved a handgun from inside the residence and followed him. As the male victim entered the front yard, he heard one gunshot from the backyard and observed Davis running toward him. Davis caught up, pointed the firearm at the male victim’s head, then toward the ground, and fired a single shot into the ground. He continued screaming profanities and demanding a fight.
The male victim attempted to de-escalate the situation and begged Davis to stop. Davis then struck the male victim once on the top of his forehead with the barrel of the firearm, causing a laceration.
Davis was detained upon the arrival of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. While detained, he requested Polk County EMS, and EMS personnel responded.
Deputies gave Davis a lawful order to swing his feet out of the vehicle for evaluation. Davis complied initially but then refused, became belligerent and aggressive, stepped out, approached a deputy closely, and stated that he was “going to whoop my motherfucking ass.” When ordered again to sit, Davis responded, “Come at me,” in an aggressive tone. Davis was arrested and charged with threat against a public servant (F.S. 838.021).
Additional charges include:
- Two counts of domestic violence battery (touch or strike) under F.S. 784.03(1)(a)1, for intentionally striking the female victim on the face with a closed fist and striking the male victim multiple times (including with the firearm barrel) against their will.
- Domestic violence assault under F.S. 784.011(1), for intentionally and unlawfully threatening the male victim with the apparent ability to do so, thereby creating a well-founded fear of imminent violence.
- Domestic violence aggravated assault with a deadly weapon under F.S. 784.021(1)(a), for pointing the firearm at the male victim’s head, causing a well-founded fear of imminent violence.
- Domestic violence aggravated battery under F.S. 784.045(1)(a)2, for striking the male victim on the head with the firearm and thereby causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement (or, in the alternative, causing injury).
- Improper exhibition of a firearm under F.S. 790.10, for carrying the firearm in a threatening manner in the presence of one or more persons.
- Discharging a firearm on residential property under F.S. 790.15(1), for recklessly discharging the firearm outdoors on dwelling property.
- Using a firearm while under the influence under F.S. 790.151, for using the firearm while impaired by alcoholic beverages.
Davis was placed under arrest and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
