Photo Courtesy of Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO)
Eight Arrested in Lake Winterset Riot Following Viral Video Evidence
By: Ciara Perez | Investigative Journalist | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)
Published August 12th, 2025
_____
LAKE WINTERSET, FL — The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) has arrested eight individuals in connection with a violent disturbance at Lake Winterset on August 2, 2025.
Deputies responded to a 3 p.m. call reporting a large fight near the shoreline. By the time law enforcement arrived, the combatants had fled by boat. The investigation gained momentum on August 10 after a cellphone video surfaced on social media, clearly showing a chaotic brawl involving multiple participants.
Incident Details
According to PCSO, the footage depicts a physical altercation with numerous punches and kicks exchanged. Two individuals were rendered temporarily unconscious — one falling headfirst into the lake, the other requiring CPR from a bystander. Several small children were seen nearby during the incident.
A witness reported being on a nearby boat with his family, including his five-year-old grandson, and described the event as distressing and disruptive to their day.
Legal Findings
Excerpts from official affidavits indicate the fight was “violent in nature” and conducted with a “common intent” to engage in disorderly conduct, creating imminent danger to others. The actions “corrupted public morals, outraged the sense of public decency, and disturbed the peace” of those who witnessed it.
The altercation occurred on posted private property beyond the waterline, marked with “No Trespassing” signage bearing PCSO markings. All involved ignored the signage and entered without authorization.
Arrested Suspects and Charges
- 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)
Sheriff’s Statement
“We will not tolerate violent and disorderly behavior that disrupts the peaceful enjoyment of our community. Thanks to the video evidence and witness cooperation, we’ve identified those responsible and have arrested them. And here’s another message – as you are enjoying the beautiful lakes in Winter Haven and throughout our county, stay off of people’s private property.” – Sheriff Grady Judd
Stay in the loop, stay safe.
With Citizen Protect, you’ll get live, instant alerts plus local breaking news and updates that matter most to you. It’s free, easy to use, and keeps you connected when it counts.
📲 Tap here to join and follow iSkyNews: https://go.citizen.com/iskynews — because the news can’t wait.
_____
Shop our iSkyShop for exclusive Clothing, Tumblers, and more.
© 2025 iSkyNews.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
0 Comments