WINTER HAVEN, FL – On March 2, 2026, at approximately 1:45 a.m., a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the area in front of Bartow Executive Airport on northbound US 17 to assist a disabled vehicle.
A black Chrysler 300 was stopped in the outside lane. The deputy contacted the driver, 20-year-old Cheyenne Melody Williams of Avon Park, who was outside the vehicle.
Williams re-entered her vehicle and accelerated away. The deputy did not initiate a pursuit and notified other units via radio.
Another deputy attempted a traffic stop on the Chrysler in Eagle Lake. Williams accelerated to flee. That deputy also did not pursue and relayed information via radio.
The Chrysler was later observed pulled off on the side of US 17. One deputy positioned behind the vehicle, and another in front to box it in.
Williams turned her wheels and accelerated, striking the PCSO vehicle in front before driving away.
Williams entered the Ranches at McLeod neighborhood, parked the vehicle, and fled on foot. Two cans of Four Loko were located inside the Chrysler.
Deputies located Williams in a residence on Trotters Drive. She was arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
When questioned, Williams stated she did not know why she fled on three occasions. She indicated she was attempting to travel home to Avon Park from Orlando but could not explain traveling northbound.
Williams faces the following charges:
- Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony 1)
- Fleeing to Elude (Felony 3)
- Criminal Mischief over $1,000 (Felony 3)
- Resisting without Violence (Misdemeanor 1)
- Possession of Alcoholic Beverage by a Person under 21 (Misdemeanor 2)
Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
