WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Police are searching for a 40-year-old man accused of striking another customer during an argument at a Winter Haven bar, leaving the victim unconscious before he died three days later.

The Winter Haven Police Department announced Thursday, October 22, that an arrest warrant had been obtained for Brian Motley, 40, in connection with the death of Adam Chism, 40, of Polk City.

According to investigators, the confrontation occurred shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday, October 18, at Caribbean Bay, located at 1004 Lake Howard Drive.

Argument Turns Deadly

Police say Motley and Chism became involved in a verbal disagreement at the establishment.

During the confrontation, Motley allegedly punched Chism once, causing him to lose consciousness and fall to the ground.

Emergency personnel responded and transported Chism to a hospital for treatment.

Despite receiving medical care, Chism never regained consciousness. Authorities confirmed that he died Wednesday, October 21, three days after the initial incident.

Investigators have not publicly established what led to the disagreement.

Police Allege Second Person Was Struck

Authorities say the confrontation did not end with Chism.

According to investigators, Motley allegedly struck a second adult while leaving the establishment.

Police reported that the second individual was not injured.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Motley on allegations of manslaughter and felony battery.

Police Request Public’s Assistance

Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe expressed condolences to Chism’s family and asked the community to assist investigators in locating Motley.

Police were actively seeking Motley when they announced the warrant Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Nikki Ellegard at 863-255-3998 or the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-401-2256.

Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477).

Investigation and Arrest Status

As of the latest information independently reviewed by The Pasco Signal, authorities had announced an arrest warrant but no subsequent arrest had been confirmed.

The circumstances that led to the original confrontation remain under investigation.

The Pasco Signal will continue following the case and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Sources: Winter Haven Police Department statements as reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay, The Ledger and Tampa Free Press on October 22, 2026.

Editor’s Note — October 23, 2026: This report is based on information attributed to the Winter Haven Police Department and cross-checked against multiple published reports. An arrest warrant is not a conviction, and all criminal allegations remain subject to the judicial process. The suspect’s current custody status has not been independently verified.