Polk Deputies Search For Pickup In Homicide Investigation

POLK CITY, FL - Deputies are searching for a blue Dodge Ram pickup that is believed to have been stolen by a suspect who killed a man and injured another during a robbery at a home in the 7400 block on Berkley Road on Wednesday afternoon, deputies said. Detectives determined that up to 31 firearms were stolen from a residence, including long guns and pistols.

The man killed in the robbery was identified as 68-year-old William Reiss of Polk City. Kenneth Maier, 57, of Polk City, was injured and was transported to a local hospital. He is in critical, but stable condition.

Authorities say the pickup has a handicapped Florida tag Z2SKD and belongs to one of the victims. The truck has wooden fence rails, similar to siding, on the back and shiny rims.

Three good Samaritans were traveling on Berkley Road about 1:45 p.m. when they were flagged down by the Maier in the driveway. They saw that he was covered in blood. The good Samaritans pulled over and Maier told them he was robbed and that someone else was hurt in the home, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

The good Samaritans ran into the home and found Reiss. The sheriff’s office has not released the manner of death of the victim found in the home.

About 20 minutes before deputies responded to the location, video surveillance from a residence and several businesses on Berkley Road and Commonwealth Avenue North show an unknown black Chevrolet Sedan (possibly Sonic LT) traveling southbound on Berkley Road and Commonwealth Avenue North minutes before the incident occurred. After the incident occurred, the unknown black Chevrolet sedan and the victim's 2008 blue Dodge Ram 1500 are last seen traveling northbound on Commonwealth Avenue North in Polk City around 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

Detectives are trying to identify the owner's/drivers of the black Chevrolet Sedan (possibly a Sonic LT), and still attempting to locate the stolen 2008 blue Dodge Ram.

"We have an unknown amount of suspects on the loose with up to 31 stolen firearms. They are dangerous and capable of murder. Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,000 reward for information about these suspects. We need to find them before they hurt anyone else." said Judd.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of the stolen Dodge Ram, the identity of those driving the black Chevrolet sedan, or information about this crime, call 863-298-6200. Do not attempt to interact with these suspects - they are armed and dangerous, deputies said.

Image via Shutterstock; 2nd image via Polk County Sheriff