Jarrod Cole Arrested After High-Speed Chase and Drug, Firearm Seizure in Winter Haven

Jarrod Cole Arrested After High-Speed Chase and Drug, Firearm Seizure in Winter Haven

WINTER HAVEN, FL — A dangerous high-speed incident on June 26, 2025, has resulted in 35-year-old Jarrod Cole, a convicted felon, being taken back into custody on a long list of serious charges following a reckless attempt to evade police and the discovery of illegal drugs and a loaded firearm.

At approximately 4:40 p.m., a Winter Haven Police officer witnessed Cole, driving a silver Chrysler 200, run a red light at the intersection of Lake Howard Drive NW and Avenue G NW. When the officer activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, Cole fled the scene at high speed, weaving into oncoming traffic and nearly causing multiple collisions.

The officer followed at a safe distance and soon caught up with Cole at a red light near Spirit Lake Road and Highway 540. As the patrol vehicle approached from behind, Jarrod Cole once again accelerated, squeezing between two lanes of traffic before crashing into a red Jeep.

Following the crash, Cole attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended by officers and placed under arrest.

Cole Confesses, Vehicle Search Reveals Rifle and Narcotics

Once detained, Jarrod Cole told the officer he ran because he did not have a valid driver’s license. However, a search of his vehicle revealed far more serious offenses.

A loaded rifle, positioned upright on the floorboard with the barrel pointed at the ceiling, was clearly visible from the open driver’s side door. The firearm was loaded with 60 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition, distributed across two magazines.

Further investigation revealed a backpack containing narcotics, as well as additional illegal drugs in the center console, including methamphetamine, amphetamine, and heroin.

Charges Filed Against Jarrod Cole

Jarrod Cole was transported to the Polk County Jail, where he now faces an extensive array of felony and misdemeanor charges:

• Armed Trafficking of Methamphetamine (Felony/Life)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony/2nd Degree)
• Possession of Amphetamine (Felony/3rd Degree)
• Possession of Heroin (Felony/3rd Degree)
• Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement with Lights and Sirens Activated (Felony/3rd Degree)
• Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries (Felony/3rd Degree)
• Outstanding Felony Warrant from Orange County Sheriff’s Office
• Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor/1st Degree)
• Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (Misdemeanor/1st Degree)

Police Praise Swift Arrest, Caution Public

While no major injuries were reported in the collision, authorities stressed that Jarrod Cole’s reckless actions placed lives at risk. Winter Haven Police applauded the responding officer’s restraint and professionalism during the pursuit and arrest.

“This could have ended very differently,” said a spokesperson for the department. “Thanks to quick thinking and coordinated response, we safely stopped a dangerous individual in possession of a firearm and drugs.”

Ongoing Investigation

Jarrod Cole remains in custody at the Polk County Jail, awaiting a court appearance. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the pursuit or has additional information about Cole’s activities to contact the Winter Haven Police Department.