WINTER HAVEN, FL – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested eight people in connection with a violent disturbance of the peace that occurred at Lake Winterset on August 2. The incident, which was captured on a social media video, took place on private property and involved multiple people engaged in a physical fight.
Deputies were initially called to the scene on August 2 around 3 p.m. but arrived after everyone had fled by boat. The investigation advanced significantly on August 10 after a cellphone video of the incident surfaced online. The footage shows a group fighting, with two individuals being rendered temporarily unconscious. One fell into the lake while another was given CPR by a bystander. The fight took place in close proximity to small children.
According to a witness on a nearby boat, the riot caused distress to his family, including his five-year-old grandson. All of the suspects are also charged with trespassing, as the incident occurred on private property clearly marked with “No Trespassing” signs.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated, “We will not tolerate violent and disorderly behavior that disrupts the peaceful enjoyment of our community.” He thanked the public for the video evidence and witness cooperation.
The following eight individuals have been arrested and charged:
- Mason Land, 23 – Rioting (F3), Affray (M1), Trespassing (M1), Disorderly Conduct (M2)
- Payton Ely, 19 – Rioting (F3), Affray (M1), Trespassing (M1), Disorderly Conduct (M2)
- Timothy “Owen” Gooding, 21 – Rioting (F3), Affray (M1), Trespassing (M1), Disorderly Conduct (M2), Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (M1)
- Gavin Gooding, 17 – Rioting (F3), Affray (M1), Trespassing (M1), Disorderly Conduct (M2)
- Richard Carden, 40 – Rioting (F3), Affray (M1), Trespassing (M1), Disorderly Conduct (M2)
- Garrett Ore, 22 – Rioting (F3), Affray (M1), Trespassing (M1), Disorderly Conduct (M2)
- Garrett Hiltabidel, 21 – Rioting (F3), Affray (M1), Trespassing (M1), Disorderly Conduct (M2)
- Nate Land, 21 – Rioting (F3), Affray (M1), Trespassing (M1), Disorderly Conduct (M2)
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