An armed stand-off with deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office began with an argument over a neighbor’s dog, and ended with a couple getting arrested for numerous felonies.

The arrested couple were identified as 57-year old Christian Sarata and 59-year old Marla Stroble.

On Thursday, October 2, 2025, at around 4:49 pm, deputies were dispatched to the couple’s residence on Red Fox Drive in Winter Haven on the report of an armed disturbance.

The victim said he was confronted by Ms. Stroble about he and his dog entering her property. During their interaction, Mr. Sarata came outside and handed a kitchen knife to Stroble. The woman then threatened to kill the victim and his dog.

As deputies arrived, the couple retreated into their residence and refused to come out or let deputies inside. At one point Sarata mentioned a pistol and a rifle, and stated he would shoot everyone coming inside.

The PCSO SWAT team (Special Weapons and Tactics) responded to the scene and continued efforts to end the situation peacefully. 

During the course of the standoff, deputies introduced chemical agent into the residence which made it uncomfortable for the suspects to remain inside. Sarata hindered Stroble’s attempt to surrender, but at about 8:45 pm, she gave up and was taken into custody.

Approximately a half hour later, deputies took Sarata into custody.

No shots were fired, and no deputies were injured.

During a search of the residence, deputies found one firearm, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine.

Christian Sarata has been charged with: Aggravated Assault on LEO (5-counts, F2), Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon (F2), Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon w/o Intent to Kill (2-counts, F3), False Imprisonment (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Misuse of 911 (14-counts, M1), Resisting without Violence (4-counts, M1), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Marla Stroble has been charged with: Aggravated Assault on LEO (4-counts, F2), Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon w/o Intent to Kill (2-counts, F3), Resisting with Violence (2-counts, F3), Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon w/o Intent to Kill (2-counts, F3), Misuse of 911 (14-counts, M1), and Resisting without Violence (3-counts, M1).