Bartow, FL – A multi-county high-speed pursuit came to a dramatic end when a wanted murder suspect out of Lee County made the wrong decision to flee into Polk County.
On Monday, November 9, 2025, at noon, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office and requested that deputies be on the lookout for a 2024 black Dodge dually pickup truck possibly still located within Hardee County. The suspect, identified as Leosbey Cuesta De Armas, was wanted for Second Degree Murder and First-Degree Burglary with Battery for an incident that occurred on November 8, 2025, in Lee County.
Deputies began patrolling the southern portion of the county and subsequently located the suspect vehicle parked on Dallas McClellan Road. As deputies approached, the vehicle fled the area. Deputies initiated a pursuit as the suspect vehicle continued northbound, evading multiple attempts to deploy stop sticks. The pursuit continued north on U.S. Highway 17, traveling through Zolfo Springs, Wauchula, Bowling Green, and Fort Meade. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified as the pursuit entered their jurisdiction. Polk County deputies and air units joined the pursuit.
As the chase entered the southern portion of Bartow, Polk County deputies successfully deployed stop sticks, deflating the front left tire of the suspect vehicle. The suspect struck a Polk County patrol vehicle and continued northbound. Shortly thereafter, as the vehicle approached Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, it suddenly veered left, crossed the median, and struck a light pole, bringing the pursuit to an end.
Due to active arcing power lines, deputies quickly removed the driver from the vehicle for safety. The suspect, Leosbey Cuesta De Armas, was turned over to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and transported by EMS to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. A warrant for Fleeing to Elude was obtained by Hardee County deputies in connection with the incident. There were no other injuries or vehicles damaged. Nothing further at this time.
Source: Hardee County Sheriff’s Office
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