On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at approximately 2:17 a.m., Winter Haven Police Department officers responded to a disturbance in the area of Avenue K NE and Lake Martha Drive.
The victim reported that she and 46-year-old James Kendrick, who are acquainted, engaged in a verbal argument that escalated to violence.
Kendrick struck the victim on the forehead with a firearm, causing her to fall. He then mounted her and struck her multiple times.
The victim fled on foot. Kendrick entered the victim’s vehicle and pursued her before parking on Avenue L NE.
Officers located Kendrick hiding in a backyard under a tent between a bicycle and a lawnmower. He initially refused commands but was detained.
A gray backpack nearby, identified by the victim as Kendrick’s, contained a black firearm and multiple baggies of marijuana totaling over 88 grams.
Kendrick is a convicted felon with nine active warrants: eight for child support and one for felon in possession of a firearm, felony domestic battery, false imprisonment, child neglect, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Kendrick was cleared at Winter Haven Hospital for a reported wrist injury and booked into Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center on new charges:
- Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (F2)
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (F2)
- Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle (F3)
- Possession of Cannabis over 20 grams (F3)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1)
- Resisting Officer without Violence (M1)
The victim received treatment at a hospital for minor injuries and was released. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: WINTER HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT
https://5starcarsinc.com/
