Retired Polk County deputy makes scene at McDonald's, flees with toddler in car: Judd
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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA) — A retired Polk County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested Sunday after making a scene at a McDonalds and then fleeing from law enforcement with an unrestrained toddler in his car, Sheriff Grady Judd said.

“There’s some things you can’t believe, and this is one of them,” the sheriff said in a video explaining the incident.

Dispatchers received a call shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday from a worker at a Winter Haven McDonald’s who said a “suspicious man” had come through the drive-thru at least twice within 45 minutes and made “rude” comments to them.

The caller noticed several open beer cans in the man’s car and said the driver appeared to be drunk. However, what most concerned McDonald’s employees was an 18-month-old child sitting unrestrained in the front seat of the man’s car, Judd said.

The driver was identified as retired Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Gray, 49, according to officials. Judd said Gray served as chief pilot at the sheriff’s office before he retired. The sheriff described Gray as a “really great pilot.”

Robert Gray (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities said Gray began to drive away after a Polk County deputy who happened to be at a nearby gas station heard the information over his radio and stating making his way to the McDonald’s. Gray then ran a stop sign and red light and sped onto Cypress Gardens Boulevard, according to officials.

“The deputy did not pursue [Gray] because he had a child in his car,” Judd said.

Deputies later found Gray’s vehicle unoccupied at cannabis dispensary on Cypress Gardens Boulevard, the sheriff said. Gray lives about a mile away from the business, according to authorities.

Gray initially refused to come out of his home, but after some time, he “surrendered peacefully,” according to the sheriff’s office. Judd said Gray asked, “Am I really being arrested?” as he was taken into custody.

Gray was booked into jail on charges of fleeing to elude, negligent child abuse, and reckless driving, according to officials.

“We expect more (from) people who used to work for us,” Judd said. “I’m embarrassed for his family, but make no mistake, you act like a ‘McNut’ at McDonald’s and you’re ‘McDrunk,’ saying ‘McUgly’ things to the girls and putting a child’s life in danger, you’re going to jail.”

The child was not injured, and deputies notified the Florida Department of Children and Families regarding the incident.

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