LAKELAND, Florida — A Lakeland man was arrested after allegedly assaulting a victim and attempting to prevent them from calling for help, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to a residence near Tanglewood Street and Combee Road on the evening of March 3, 2026. Reports indicated that 38-year-old Michael Joshua Stammer, of Lakeland, had repeatedly punched and choked the victim, and confiscated their cell phone during an attempt to call 911.
Stammer fled the scene in a blue 2014 Toyota sedan. A Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy located the vehicle shortly after and discreetly followed it until additional units arrived. When Stammer stopped at a red light at US 98 and CR540A, deputies boxed in the vehicle to prevent him from escaping…