A 57-year-old Kissimmee man was arrested Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 4 after a routine license plate check revealed charges involving a suspended driver’s license, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred near Lakeland when a deputy patrolling I-4 ran the tag of a blue Kia Forte around 2:15 p.m. on July 29. The vehicle registration identified the owner as Robert William Grear, whose Florida driver’s license was listed as suspended.
Dispute Over License History
After spotting Grear behind the wheel, the deputy initiated a traffic stop to verify identification. When questioned about his credentials, Grear handed over a Pennsylvania driver's license but stated he had never been issued one in Florida. However, a subsequent background check proved otherwise. Records indicated that Florida issued Grear a license in 2015.
Reasons for Suspension
The investigation revealed that the Florida license was suspended after Grear failed to pay a traffic citation in Louisiana. During the interaction with law enforcement, Grear told deputies he had previously moved back to Pennsylvania before returning to live in Florida in October 2025. These details were critical in establishing the timeline of his residency and driving privileges within the state.
Arrest and Charges
Based on these findings, deputies arrested Grear and transported him to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center. He was charged with two second-degree misdemeanors: driving with a license from another state while his Florida license is suspended, and violating driver's license residency requirements. This arrest highlights ongoing enforcement efforts regarding valid identification for drivers operating on Central Florida roadways.
