PCSO Arrests Illegal Immigrant in Polk City DUI and Hit-and-Run Case

Omar Sotero-Vera / Photo courtesy of Polk County Sheriff’s Office

By Staff Reporter

iSkyNews.com (ISN) — Published February 9, 2026

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PCSO Arrests Illegal Immigrant in Polk City DUI and Hit-and-Run Case

POLK CITY, Fla. — A man investigators say is in the United States illegally has been arrested on multiple charges after crashing a truck into a concrete barrier and fleeing into a wooded area, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect was identified as Omar Sotero-Vera, DOB 01/19/2004, a non-U.S. citizen from Mexico. Deputies charged Sotero-Vera with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage (M1), No Valid Driver’s License (M1), DUI (M1), and DUI with Property Damage (F3). Each charge has been enhanced by one degree due to his illegal status.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, on State Road 33 North near Old Polk City Road. A witness called 911 reporting that a black Nissan truck had crashed into a concrete barrier and that the driver — the sole occupant — had fled the scene on foot.

Deputies responded and requested a PCSO drone unit to assist in the search. A deputy operating the drone located the suspect walking in a nearby wooded area. Sotero-Vera was taken into custody without incident and was positively identified by the witness.

During an interview, deputies noted Sotero-Vera had injuries consistent with a vehicle crash and showed signs of impairment. He admitted he fled the scene because he was scared and did not have a driver’s license.

Deputies contacted the registered owner of the truck, who told investigators he had been out drinking with friends, including Sotero-Vera, after work. The owner said he decided to get a ride home and left his truck keys with Sotero-Vera, asking him to move the vehicle so it would not be towed.

Sotero-Vera failed field sobriety exercises. Breath alcohol tests revealed readings of 0.143 and 0.139, well above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.

Deputies contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and confirmed Sotero-Vera had entered the United States illegally approximately three years ago. An ICE detainer has been placed on him at the Polk County Jail.

Sheriff Grady Judd praised both the witness and deputies for their actions.

“I’m very proud of the witness who called us and the swift actions of my deputies who took this illegal criminal alien into custody,” Judd said. “As drunk as he was, it’s a miracle he didn’t hurt or kill anyone.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

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