The incident was first reported by the PulsePoint Facebook page. On July 22, 2025, at approximately 12:08 AM, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 115 Clayton Road, Auburndale, following an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip. The tip reported that Kimberly Joiner, a suspect with two active felony warrants, was residing in a shed at the location. The warrants were for Failure to Register as a Career Offender and Domestic Violence Battery Prior Conviction, Domestic Violence on a Person Over 65 Years of Age.
Deputies approached three sheds along the southwest fence line of the property. Joiner was observed standing between two sheds, holding a broom and sweeping dirt in an area with dim lighting. The deputies identified themselves and ordered Joiner to approach, warning that a K-9 would be deployed if she did not comply. Joiner dropped the broom, said “oh s***,” and took a step eastward as if to flee, according to the arrest affidavit.
Due to the felony domestic violence charges and the risk of evasion, the K-9 deputy deployed K-9 Reno, which apprehended Joiner by biting her upper right thigh. Joiner fell face down, pinning the K-9’s snout. The K-9 then relocated to her right calf. Deputies secured Joiner in handcuffs and removed the K-9.
Due to her injuries, Polk County Fire Rescue was requested, and Joiner was transported via Trauma Alert to Lakeland Regional Medical Center for treatment. Her current condition is unknown.
Nothing further at this time.
Editor’s Note: According to the arrest affidavit, deputies were wearing Polk County Sheriff’s Office uniforms, with one being a K-9 officer in a uniform displaying “SHERIFF” in bright gold letters on the front and back of a tactical vest and “SHERIFF K9” on both sleeves of the agency-issued shirt.
