Lake Wales, Florida – On June 13, 2022 the Lake Wales Police Department arrested Joshua Lee Miller, DOB: 01/29/1988, on multiple charges. Miller allegedly lead officers on a short pursuit through the city. Here is an excerpt from the Lake Wales Police Affidavit. It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to your own conclusion.
“ On June 13, 2022, I was patrolling the area of Central Ave and Hwy 27 in my marked patrol vehicle. My patrol vehicle is equipped with large reflective insignia reading, “Lake Wales Police Department”. My vehicle is also equipped with exterior emergency lights on the roof.
While patrolling, I observed a silver Chevy Malibu bearing Florida tag QEYF75 traveling eastbound on Central Ave with a tinted windshield and dark tinted windows. I activated my emergency lights and sirens and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle accelerated and got very close to a vehicle in front of him. As we approached the intersection of Dr. MLK Jr Blvd, the Malibu attempted to go around the vehicle in front of him,
continuing south bound on Dr. MLK Jr Blvd. Det. Rhoden (L384) attempted to block the Malibu from passing the vehicle. The Malibu passed the vehicle and turned into the parking lot of Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave, at a high rate of speed. As the Malibu pulled into the parking lot, it struck a curb with its back passenger tire. The Malibu continued fleeing north through the parking lot. As the Malibu was fleeing, the
front passenger window rolled down and a black plastic bag flew out of the window. The Malibu then suddenly pulled into a handicapped parking spot in the parking lot of the driver door immediately opened.
I exited my patrol vehicle and retrieved my firearm from its holster. I looked at the driver of the vehicle as he exited and immediately recognized him to be Joshua Miller. I pointed my firearm at Miller and ordered him to the ground. Miller complied with my commands and laid on his stomach with his hands exposed. I placed Miller in my department issued handcuffs and cleared the vehicle of any additional occupants. I conducted a search of
Millers person and placed him in the back seat of my patrol vehicle.
I had prior knowledge Miller possessed an active Polk County Warrant for Fleeing to Elude (CF22004953XX). I also had prior knowledge Miller did not possess a valid Driver’s License.
The black bag was recovered in the parking lot where he threw it out at. Inside of the bag was approximately 119.20 grams of Cannabis. The Cannabis was packaged individually in five separate bags. There was also a small clear baggie with .20 grams of Ecstasy (MDMA) and .20 grams of Methamphetamine. There was also a small
scale with Cannabis residue inside of the bag. All narcotics were analyzed using department issued field analyzers and they all showed positive results. The Cannabis has been sent off for testing.
I conducted a search of the vehicle and located a large amount of money in a rubber band. The wad of money added up to be $6,930. The wad consisted of 45 100 dollar bills ($4,500), 43 50 dollar bills ($2,150), and 14 20 dollar bills ($280). I utilized my department issued tint meter and found the windows adjacent to the driver were 3%, 25% below the legal limit.
I contacted the Polk County Crime Information Center (CIC) and confirmed the warrant. I also ran Miller’s criminal history for previous convictions for Knowingly Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR). CIC advised he was convicted on, 12/4/15, 1/19/2017, 8/18/2021, 11/29/2021. CIC also advised he was convicted of Reckless Driving on 1/19/2017. CIC also told me Miller was on Polk County Probation for Fleeing to Elude, set to be released on 10/20/2023. I also confirmed through CIC Miller’s driver’s license was Revoked on
06/20/2018.
Based on the facts of this case, Miller is being charged with Fleeing to Elude (AEQMLBE), DWLSR 3+ Subsequent Offense (AEQMLCE), Reckless Driving 2+ Subsequent Offense (AEQMLDE), Possession of MDMA, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Sell, Violation of Probation, and
a Polk County Warrant.
Miller was transported from the scene to the Lake Wales Police Department for arrest procedures and he was later transported to the Polk County Jail without incident.”
