Multiple People Reportedly Shot Near South Lake Wales Mud Hole, One Patient Airlifted

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported shooting that prompted a large law enforcement and emergency response late Saturday night into early Sunday morning near the area commonly known as the “Mud Hole” south of Lake Wales.

Victims and police response

The incident was reported in the area of Alturas-Babson Park Cutoff Road. According to scanner reports, multiple people were reportedly injured in the shooting.

Early radio traffic indicated there could be as many as four victims.

However, as of early Sunday morning, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office had not confirmed the number of people injured.

Daily Ridge staff did confirm that at least one patient was airlifted for medical treatment.

A medical helicopter landed at the Warner University football field, where Polk County Fire Rescue personnel, PCSO deputies and Warner University security were staged.

The patient was transported from the landing zone by helicopter. Scanner traffic also indicated the suspected shooter had not been taken into custody.

Case background

As of approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, the PCSO helicopter remained overhead and could be seen and heard circling the area of the reported shooting.