Winter Haven Man Arrested for DUI at 100 mph

A Winter Haven man with 13 active license suspensions was arrested June 11 after driving 100 mph in a 60 mph zone on U.S. Highway 27 near Lake Wales.

Joseph Olivera, 49, faces felony charges of DUI third offense or subsequent and driving while license suspended or revoked as a habitual offender. He was also charged with refusing to submit a breath sample and dangerous excessive speeding.

A Polk County Sheriff's deputy spotted Olivera's 2025 BMW sedan heading northbound near Peace Creek Park Road around midday Thursday. The deputy observed him weaving aggressively through all three lanes, forcing other drivers to brake and swerve.

During the stop, the deputy confirmed Olivera's license has been revoked since 2022. His 13 suspensions stem from DUI, refusal to submit to a breath test, criminal failure to pay citations, failure to appear for court summons, and failure to pay child support.

The deputy noted signs of impairment and found several open alcohol containers in the vehicle. Olivera refused to provide a breath sample.

"If you see him behind the wheel of a vehicle, please dial 911," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "He needs to be off the road."

Olivera was booked into Polk County Jail. The DUI and habitual traffic offender charges are third-degree felonies.