Heartland Crime Stoppers is turning up the heat in Hardee County, using its latest "Warrant Wednesday" post to ask the public for help locating Samuel Hernandez, who is wanted on an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon warrant. The alert notes that the case involves injuries described as great bodily harm and urges anyone with information to speak up. Tipsters were reminded they could qualify for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
According to Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida, Hernandez is wanted on a warrant for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon that alleges great bodily harm. The post lists Heartland's tip line and the P3 Tips app as options for submitting information and notes that callers can reach the hotline at 1-888-400-8477.
What aggravated battery means in Florida
Under state law, aggravated battery covers conduct that intentionally or knowingly causes great bodily harm or is committed with a deadly weapon and is typically charged as a second-degree felony. The statute also explains how the presence of a weapon or severe injury can affect sentencing and classification. See Florida Statute 784.045 for the statutory language.
How to report tips
Tips on this case can be submitted anonymously through the P3 Tips app or by calling Heartland's hotline at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477), per the Polk County Sheriff's Office Crime Stoppers page. Residents who prefer to contact local deputies directly can call Hardee County Sheriff's non-emergency dispatch at (863) 773-4144, the county's phone directory shows, and tipsters may be eligible for rewards if their information leads to an arrest.
Hardee deputies' outreach
Hardee County deputies and regional Crime Stoppers routinely lean on social posts when they need the public's eyes and ears. For example, deputies earlier this spring asked for help locating a Zolfo Springs man wanted in a deadly weapon assault.
Safety and legal note
Authorities stress that the public should not try to approach or detain anyone named in a warrant. If you have information, call the tip line or local authorities and let trained deputies handle any contact. An outstanding warrant is an order that authorizes arrest and is not the same as a conviction, and suspects retain rights to due process as the case moves through the courts.
