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News and Investigations
News & Investigations
News Releases and Public Information
Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.
PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.
The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.
Jan 3, 2025
PCSO arrests carjacking suspect in Wahneta
Media Contact: Meghan Petty, PIO
On January 2, 2025, at approximately 4:20 PM, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the intersection of 1st Street West and Rifle Range Road in Wahneta in reference to an armed disturbance.
The victim was in the area working as a contractor for Frontier Communications. He told deputies that while he was near the dead end of 3rd St. West, a Hispanic male approached his work vehicle and attempted to carjack him – threatening him with a handgun. The suspect was unable to gain access to the victim’s vehicle, because the doors were locked. The victim, in fear for his life, fled the area in his vehicle, and called 9-1-1. He provided a detailed description of the suspect to deputies, and PCSO Aviation and K9 units responded to assist in the search for the suspect.
An individual matching the suspect’s description was located at 103 Bomber Road by PCSO K9 units. When deputies approached the suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Erasuro Mascorro Jr. of Wahneta, he fled into a wooded area. Mascorro was apprehended by K9 Ketchum. The victim positively identified Mascorro as the carjacker who threatened him with a handgun, and Mascorro was arrested.
Detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation. When interviewed, Mascorro claimed he did not remember the incident because he “blacked out” and he admitted to using both PCP and meth earlier in the day. Erasuro Mascorro has been charged with attempted armed carjacking, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and resisting arrest. Mascorro’s criminal history includes arrests for possession of methamphetamines, battery on a pregnant woman, and child abuse.
“Erasuro Mascorro is a very dangerous individual. Not only does he admit to using illegal drugs, but he has a history of violence, and is now known to be armed. I’m proud of my deputies who were able to quickly apprehend this fleeing felon before he seriously hurt anyone. He is a danger to the community, and the hard-working citizens of Polk County need him behind bars.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff