On January 13, 2026 at approximately 2:52 a.m., a Winter Haven officer was proactively patrolling when he observed a motorcycle on 7th St SW traveling at a high rate of speed. As the officer attempted to catch up to the motorcycle to obtain the tag number, the operator of the motorcycle travelled through a business parking lot at a high rate of speed. The officer activated his emergency lights in an attempt to make a lawful traffic stop for the reckless driving.
The driver, identified as 40 year-old Raymond Henry Wood (DOB 8-9-85, LNA 409 Coleman Rd., Winter Haven) jumped off of the bike and proceeded to run through residential yards in the area of Orrin Ave. SW. The officer attempted to stop Wood as he jumped fences in an attempt to get away.
As the officer continued to follow, he saw Wood at the rear of a residence on the porch attempting to gain entry into the enclosed lanai. After verbal commands, Wood complied and he was detained without further incident.
A query of the motorcycle tag and VIN found the bike had been stolen out of Eagle Lake on January 12, 2026. The stolen motorcycle had been reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers contacted the resident who lives at the Orrin Ave. home who advised he heard someone attempting to enter his home and believes the only reason he didn’t make entry was because the door was secured. The homeowner did not know Wood.
A criminal history search found that Wood had an active warrant from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for Domestic Violence with Prior Convictions and a warrant from the US Marshall’s Service for Violation of Probation. Additionally, Wood did not have a valid driver’s license for the State of Florida. He had a Delaware license that was suspended.
Wood was booked into the Polk County Jail for one count each of Unarmed Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling (F2), Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle (F3), Warrant for Arrest from Other Jurisdiction (F3), Resisting Officer without Violence (M1), Operating a Motorcycle without License (M2) and Driving while License Suspended or Revoked (F2). Additionally, Wood was cited for Reckless Driving.
SOURCE: WINTER HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT
