News and Investigations

A vehicle that fled officers in Auburndale and Lake Wales was captured on Monday, February 9, 2026, in southeast Winter Haven after it crashed on a dead end street. 

The fleeing black Nissan Rogue first fled from an Auburndale PD traffic stop and was then located by Lake Wales Police. They also attempted a traffic stop, and again, the Nissan Rogue sped away.

The driver of the Nissan had exhibited reckless behavior, and a pursuit was deemed too risky.

Meanwhile, the PCSO Aviation unit was well above the Nissan and tracking its every move, waiting for the perfect opportunity.

That opportunity came when the Nissan turned onto Eloise Oak Drive, which is a dead end street. 

Aviation notified PCSO patrol units, who blocked the exit. When the driver of the Nissan realized the street was a dead end, he turned the car around and tried to head for the exit, but saw the patrol cars blocking his way.

The driver put the car in reverse, backed-up quickly, and lost control of the car. The Nissan struck two mailboxes and a palm tree.

The occupants bailed out of the car and fled on foot. They damaged a fence while trying to jump over it, and the pair was captured in a cow pasture. 

The driver was identified as 23-year old Donald Gatlin, III of Lake Wales. His passenger was 23-year old Alarion Herring of Lake Wales. 

Deputies recovered several bags of marijuana and about $1,600 in cash.

Gatlin was charged with: Occupied unarmed burglary, Flee/elude LEO, KDWLSR, leaving the scene of a crash x2, resisting w/o violence, trespass farm land with cattle, break fence with cattle contained inside. 

Herring has been charged with: Occupied unarmed burglary, resisting w/o violence, trespass farm land with cattle, break fence with cattle contained inside.

Additional drug charges will be forthcoming from the PCSO, plus pending charges from Lake Wales PD are anticipated.