Lakeland Police Press Release
LAKELAND, FL (April 27, 2018) – On April 27, 2018 at approximately 2:24 p.m., The Lakeland Police Department responded to 1208 Unitah Avenue in reference to an individual who had been shot. Upon arrival, officers located , Otniel Alvarez, on the ground in front of building 1208, with a gunshot wound to the lower right side of his abdomen and what appeared to be an exit wound to the lower left side of his abdomen. Officers initiated life saving measures and Alvarez was transported to Lakeland Regional Health where he underwent emergency surgery. At approximately 5:35 p.m., Alvarez was pronounced deceased.
While officers were on the scene, Blane Odane Thompson, 24 years old, came up to them and stated that he was the person who shot Alvarez.
Members of the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the incident location to interview witnesses. Thompson advised that there has been an ongoing issue between Alvarez and his family.
On today’s date, Thompson was parked, and seated in the driver’s seat of his vehicle when for unknown reasons Alvarez rushed up to the driver’s window and attempted to head-butt it. The window was in the down position so Alvarez was unsuccessful. Alvarez began reaching in the front of his pants while stating that he was going to kill Thompson. Believing that his safety was in jeopardy, Thompson retrieved a 9mm handgun and fired one round that struck Alvarez in the abdominal area.
Detectives learned from family members that Alvarez had been previously diagnosed with several psychological disorders when he lived in Cuba and that it had been twenty years since he received any form of treatment. Alvarez has been known to engage in violent behavior when he is triggered and has been taken into custody under the mental health law in Florida commonly referred to as a “Baker Act”.
The investigation is ongoing at this time and no charges have been filed.
Deceased – Otniel Alvarez-Chaviano, 47 years old, 1208 Unitah Avenue, Apt. 3, Lakeland, Fla.
