Photo: Lawrey / iStock / Getty Images
Lakeland, FL - A Lakeland man allegedly fought with an ICE agent Tuesday morning before fleeing into nearby woods, leaving the officer injured and triggering a large law enforcement response.
Authorities said 21-year-old Denis Corea Miranda was targeted by two ICE agents on Reynolds Road due to an outstanding deportation warrant.
Miranda was reportedly in a vehicle with two other individuals who were also not legally in the United States.
He was seated in the passenger side when officers attempted to take him into custody.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the confrontation began after an ICE agent approached Miranda.
“The fight lasted about five minutes, which is a very long tussle,” Judd said.
During the struggle, Miranda allegedly pinned the agent while a second ICE officer used pepper spray to subdue him.
Miranda then ran into the woods.
ICE agents pursued Miranda but lost sight of him.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted, deploying a helicopter, drones, and K-9 units to locate the suspect.
The injured ICE agent was treated at a hospital for a shoulder injury and is expected to recover.
Judd said this is the first known incident in Polk County where an ICE officer was seriously injured on duty.
Miranda was later spotted hiding among steel drums near a local business.
An employee noticed him requesting water but felt suspicious and called 911.
Law enforcement responded quickly and arrested Miranda, who was photographed smiling as deputies took him into custody.
The two other individuals in the vehicle were also taken into custody, though their current status has not been released.