Traffic Stop in Winter Haven Leads to Arrest and Unusual Animal Discovery

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published April 30, 2026

Traffic Stop in Winter Haven Leads to Arrest and Unusual Animal Discovery

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — What began as a routine traffic stop early Thursday morning quickly turned into a strange and wide-ranging investigation involving live animals, multiple agencies, and a cross-state trip that raised eyebrows.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers stopped a Ford F-150 towing a utility trailer around 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of SR-540 (Winter Lake Road) and Thornhill Road in Winter Haven after noticing the vehicle’s license plate was not properly illuminated.

When troopers made contact with the driver, he identified himself as Rendon Casildo-Acdiel, 32, using a Georgia ID. A records check revealed his license was suspended in Georgia, and he did not have a valid Florida driver’s license. Troopers say he admitted he was aware of the suspension, explaining he had not completed court requirements related to a previous ticket. Authorities also found he had warrants out of three different agencies, though none were willing to extradite.

📸 Photos sent to iSkyNews.com by Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

During the stop, troopers grew suspicious after hearing the driver’s explanation for his travels. According to investigators, he claimed he had driven from North Carolina to Miami to pick up coconuts, then traveled to Polk County to get fish, and was planning to return to North Carolina — a route troopers noted seemed unusual for items that could be obtained much closer to home.

A K9 unit from the Polk County Sheriff's Office was called to the scene. After the dog alerted to the vehicle, a search revealed five coolers filled with iced tilapia. In the bed of the truck, troopers also discovered 13 live iguanas, with their feet zip-tied behind their backs.

Due to the nature of the findings, troopers contacted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which sent an investigator. The Sheriff’s Office Marine and Agricultural Unit also responded and coordinated with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is now leading the wildlife portion of the investigation.

Casildo-Acdiel was arrested for driving while license suspended and transported to the Polk County Jail. The iguanas were rescued and turned over to a local animal rescue shelter.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges related to the animals have not yet been announced.

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