WATCH: Wanted Suspect Swims Across Poinciana Pond While Fleeing Deputies, OCSO Says

OCSO STAR Unit Tracks Wanted Suspect During Poinciana Foot Pursuit

Aerial footage from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office STAR Unit shows a suspect entering a pond while fleeing deputies and later surrendering on the opposite bank in Poinciana on August 3, 2026. OCSO identified the suspect as 25-year-old Anthony Schalonte Candelario Jr., who was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail. Photos courtesy: Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published August 11th, 2026

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POINCIANA, Fla. — A 25-year-old man wanted on multiple active warrants was arrested after deputies say he ran from a vehicle, hid on a screened porch and then swam across a pond while attempting to escape law enforcement in Poinciana.

The incident unfolded on August 3, 2026, after Osceola County Sheriff's Office deputies received a BOLO in the area of South Poinciana Boulevard and Orange Blossom Trail for a silver Nissan.

According to OCSO, the vehicle had fled from a deputy during an attempted traffic stop the previous day. Authorities said the driver also had several active warrants.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Deputy Spots Vehicle, Driver Takes Off

A deputy later located the Nissan on Sedona Creek Court.

According to the sheriff's office, the driver spotted the deputy, got out of the vehicle and fled on foot.

As deputies searched from the ground, the OCSO STAR Unit tracked the suspect's movements from the air. A Polk County K-9 unit also assisted patrol deputies during the search.

Authorities said the suspect attempted to conceal himself on the screened porch of a residence before taking off again.

This time, investigators said he ran into a pond and began swimming across the water in another attempt to get away.

Deputy Waiting on Other Side of Pond

After swimming across the pond, the suspect encountered an OCSO deputy waiting for him on the other side.

He surrendered without further incident, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies identified the suspect as 25-year-old Anthony Schalonte Candelario Jr.

Candelario was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail.

According to OCSO, he faces charges of fleeing and eluding, resisting without violence, violation of probation and fraudulent use of personal identification.

The charges are allegations, and Candelario is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Video released in connection with the arrest shows portions of the pursuit and law enforcement response.

Source: Osceola County Sheriff's Office sent directly to iSkyNews.com

Stay tuned to iSkyNews.com for updates.

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