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News and Investigations
News & Investigations
News Releases and Public Information
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 Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. 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.
May 15, 2025
PCSO arrests armed robbery suspect in Davenport
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to a robbery call on Monday, May 12, 2025, at about 6:03 pm, at the Vape Up Café (43418 US 27) in Davenport.
It was reported that just minutes before, a heavy-set white, middle-aged man had walked behind the sales counter and told the employee to give him the money while holding a knife to her.
The employee tried calling 911, but the robber took her phone.
The robber took some cash and fled in a silver Toyota Corolla.
The employee was uninjured, with the exception of a superficial scratch from the knife.
Other details about the suspect were shared with deputies, to include that he was wearing a beanie with an Amazon logo on it, a black Reebok hoodie, and khaki shorts.
The suspect's vehicle was located on Wednesday, May 14th, and a traffic stop was conducted on it at Home Run Blvd. and US 27 in Davenport.
The car was driven by 53-year old Edwin Soto of Davenport. Edwin was in possession of an Amazon beanie, just like the one worn by the robbery suspect. He also had some cocaine in his possession.
During the execution of a search warrant on Edwin's house, detectives found a black Reebok hoodie and khaki shorts.
Edwin Soto was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail.
He was charged with: Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Armed Burglary with Assault, Armed Kidnapping, Tampering in a Felony Life Crime, and Possession of Cocaine.