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Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.
PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.
The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.
Oct 6, 2026
Highland City woman accused of attempted 2nd degree murder
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey
A Highland City woman was arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office early Sunday morning, October 4, 2026, after they determined she tried to kill another person with a knife during an argument.
PCSO deputies responded at around 2:21 am to a residence in the area of Banana Lake Road and Clubhouse Road in Highland City after a reported stabbing.
According to the investigation, a lot of alcohol had been consumed by those in attendance prior to the argument.
The victim said that 35-year-old Tahler Lynn Weems came over and intentionally knocked the hat off of the victim. An argument ensued.
During the argument, Weems picked up a knife, so the victim picked up a tray to use it as a shield in case Weems were to attack with the knife.
Weems reportedly swung the knife, and the knife hit the tray, causing it to break; the knife then struck the victim in the abdomen causing minor injury.
During the investigation, Weems denied knowledge of a knife being involved. She also provided inconsistent statements.
PCSO detectives arrested Weems and took her to the Sheriff's Processing Center where she was charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder (F1).