Man Accused Of Nov. 22 Drive-By Shooting In Lake Wales Jailed: Sheriff

LAKE WALES, FL — The Polk County Violent Gang Investigative Task Force arrested 23-year-old Daquan Carey, a documented gang member in Winter Haven, and charged him with numerous felonies related to a drive-by shooting on Nov. 22, in the Waverly area of Lake Wales.

Around 3:20 a.m. detectives responded to 3rd Street in Waverly, where the two victims reported they were sitting in their vehicle parked in front of a home when a dark-colored SUV slowly approached from the east. As the SUV turned onto Hodge Street, the victims heard gunfire. After hearing gunfire, the victims fled.

None of the victims were struck by bullets. The vehicle they were in was struck by at least one round. Numerous shell casings were found around the home where the victims' vehicle was parked. No other homes or people were hit.

During the investigation, Daquan Carey was identified as the drive-by shooter, the sheriff's office said. Detectives learned he is a documented gang member who has an active felony warrant for failure to appear, with original charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of narcotics and fleeing to elude.

Detectives obtained more warrants for attempted first-degree murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On Wednesday, detectives following up on leads about Carey's whereabouts responded to the Della Vita apartment complex in Winter Haven and found Carey behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry in the parking lot, the sheriff's office said.

As detectives were taking him into custody, he physically fought with them in an attempt to flee, detectives said. Once they gained control of him and searched him, they found a loaded Ruger handgun, narcotics and marijuana in his pockets.

Carey was booked into the Polk County Jail on the following charges:

• Attempted first-degree murder
• Shooting into an occupied vehicle
• 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
• Carrying a concealed firearm
• Battery on a law enforcement officer
• Resisting arrest with violence
• Resisting arrest while armed
• Possession of oxycodone
• Possession of prescription drugs without a prescription
• Resisting arrest without violence
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Failure to appear in court on a warrant.

His criminal history includes 20 previous felonies, 19 misdemeanors and four felony convictions.

"This dangerous convicted felon and documented gang member has demonstrated that he has no regard for human life, and no respect for the law or law enforcement," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "He's proven that he will shoot anyone, anywhere, and fight with law enforcement if approached. We hope he remains locked up in prison for a long, long time."