News

Actions

WATCH: High-speed chase in Polk

Posted
and last updated
The Lakeland man charged and sentenced to jail for beating two dogs with a sledgehammer last year, lead police on a high speed chase Thursday.
 
According to Polk County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to check out a suspicious vehicle on Combee Rd. North in Lakeland.
 
When arrived and found Tad Whitworth, 49, inside a truck.  Police said he was "acting agitated and rocking back and forth."  
 
He told deputies he did not want to go back to jail. 
 
Whitworth took off and deputies followed him for almost 15 miles.
 
One witness, Amber Hollis recorded the incident and posted it on YouTube.
 
**WARNING: Video contains strong language**
 
 
 
 
Whitworth plowed through the front gate of a residence near SR-33 and Commonwealth Ave North in Polk City.
 
Deputies said he drove through a pasture, through another fence, a ditch and slammed into a parked car which was yielding to police.
 
Four people inside the car were not hurt.
 
Whitworth was eventually taken into custody.
 
Whitworth is back in jail.  He faces four counts Aggravated Battery, one count Felony Fleeing to Elude, one count Resisting Arrest, one count Criminal Mischief, one count Culpable Negligence.