Speeding with Kids in the Car: Gang Member Arrested in Polk County

Polk County, Florida - A recent traffic stop in Polk County has raised serious concerns about child safety and the wider implications of gang influence in our communities. On July 16, 2025, deputy sheriffs pulled over Christian Jovanni Agosto, 26, after observing his vehicle speeding at a staggering 102 mph in a 70 mph zone on Interstate 4. To make matters worse, two children aged 7 and 6 were passengers in the vehicle, which Agosto was driving from Tampa to Ormond Beach. As police investigated, they discovered that Agosto had never been issued a driver’s license and was, alarmingly, a registered gang member currently on federal probation for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. He now faces charges of Dangerous Excessive Speed, No Valid Driver’s License, and Child Neglect Without Injury. The Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) has intervened, ensuring the children were safely released to a relative.

Such incidents are not isolated, reflecting a troubling trend regarding child neglect in our state. In another recent case from Fort Myers, Courtney Bailey was arrested after a traffic stop revealed that a two-month-old infant was improperly restrained in a car seat. In a panicked attempt to flee, Bailey dropped the car seat on the sidewalk, prompting swift action from the Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) who quickly detained her. The situation escalated as police discovered two bags of suspected cocaine in her vehicle. Charged with multiple offenses, including Child Neglect, Bailey’s arrest highlights the pressing issue of child safety amid drug-related activities.

Wider Context of Child Safety and Gang Influence

The underlying issues surrounding gang activity significantly contribute to situations like those involving Agosto and Bailey. Gangs, historically associated with urban areas, are increasingly infiltrating smaller towns and rural areas, weaving a complex web that ensnares children and adolescents into their ranks. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry outlines the factors that draw young people into gangs, including peer pressure, a quest for connection, and even financial incentives. Unfortunately, this trend often leads to a cycle of violence and crime that can threaten the stability of entire communities.

Families facing these pressures can feel overwhelmed. The consequences of gang involvement are dire, exposing youngsters to drugs, violence, and a host of other risks. Recruitment often starts at alarmingly young ages, even in elementary school, making parental vigilance essential. Monitoring children’s activities, encouraging extracurricular engagements, and discussing the dangers of gang involvement are vital steps for parents. Community resources can also play a crucial role in prevention, with juvenile officers and local task forces available to help. It’s a concerted effort required from families, schools, and law enforcement to curb this growing concern.

As we reflect on these recent alarming incidents, it’s imperative to consider the long-term effects that parental guidance and community support can have on our children. With statistics showing a connection between gang involvement and domestic issues, family history, and lack of supervision, proactive measures can help shield our youngest citizens from being swept away in a tide that threatens their future. Education, open conversations, and addressing mental health issues can help steer our youth towards safer and more constructive paths.

For further assistance and resources, families are encouraged to explore the National Gang Center and the National Youth Gang Center, which offer crucial information on preventing gang involvement and supporting at-risk youth.

In these times, we have a collective responsibility to ensure safety for all children and to foster an environment free from the traditional confines of gang influence. After all, when it comes to our loved ones‘ futures, there’s truly something to be said for taking a stand.

Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s build stronger communities together.