The Hardee County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to help track down Michael Earnest Collier, who investigators say is wanted on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon warrant and was last known to be in Zolfo Springs. Deputies are urging anyone with information to send in tips and are warning the public not to confront anyone named in the alert, instead contacting law enforcement to report any sightings.
What the sheriff posted
According to the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, Collier is wanted on an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is identified by name and last-known town. The post lists a contact number for tips and notes that people who provide information may be eligible for a cash reward.
How to submit a tip
Tipsters can call the sheriff’s non-emergency line at 863-773-4144, which is listed in the Hardee County phone directory, or reach Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). The Polk County Sheriff's Office notes that Heartland Crime Stoppers serves Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties and that tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
What the charge means
Under Florida law, aggravated assault "with a deadly weapon" is defined as an assault committed with a deadly weapon without intent to kill or an assault with intent to commit a felony, and is generally prosecuted as a felony under state statute. See the Florida Senate for the statute text and how the offense is framed under state law.
What we don’t yet know
The sheriff’s post provides Collier’s name, his last-known town and the charge he faces, but it does not include details about when the alleged assault occurred, information about the alleged victim, or other case specifics. If you recognize Collier or have information about his whereabouts, authorities ask that you contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS or call the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 863-773-4144 rather than confronting him.
