An argument over a neighbor’s dog turned into an hours-long armed standoff on Thursday, October 2, 2025, resulting in the arrest of a Winter Haven couple on many felony counts.
The incident began late afternoon, when Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies were summoned to a residence on Red Fox Drive at about 4:49 p.m. for an armed disturbance.
The victim said that Marla Stroble, 59, approached him about his dog invading her property. The altercation escalated when 57-year-old Christian Sarata stepped from the house and gave Stroble a kitchen knife. According to the victim, Stroble then threatened to kill him and his dog.
Sarata and Stroble retreated inside their house and refused to leave when the deputies showed up. The scenario became more serious when Sarata described having a pistol and a rifle and threatened to shoot anyone who entered the house.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office SWAT squad was dispatched to the area to handle the escalating barricade scenario. Attempts to de-escalate lasted for hours.
To force the criminals to surrender, deputies eventually brought a chemical agent into the house. While Stroble attempted to surrender earlier, Sarata apparently thwarted her efforts. Stroble eventually surrendered and was arrested at 8:45 p.m. Sarata was detained around half an hour later.
Officials confirmed that no guns were fired during the standoff, and no deputies were harmed.
Following the arrests, a search of the residence revealed one weapon, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Both Sarata and Stroble are facing criminal charges, including multiple counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers (LEO).
Christian Sarata faces five counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (F2), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (F2), and False Imprisonment (F3), as well as narcotics possession and 14 counts of 911 Misuse (M1).
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