3 People Injured In Scary Crash In Lake Wales

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Lake Wales, Florida – On 12/04/2016 at about 10:00 a.m. 56 year-old James Titsworth of Dade City, was driving a 2005 Gulfstream Motorcoach West on Mammoth Grove Road approaching the stop sign at the intersection of Masterpiece Road.  Mr. Titsworth failed to stop at the intersection and then proceeded into the path of a 2012 Ford Escape, that was traveling North on Masterpiece Road.  The 2005 Motorcoach drove into the path of the Escape driven by 28-year-old Anthony Strickland of Frostproof, who was traveling at highway speeds, approximately 55 miles per hour, according witnesses.  The Ford Escape struck the left front corner of the Motorcoach causing it to spin and turn over onto its side on the left shoulder of Masterpiece Road.  Anthony Strickland, and his passenger, 30 year old Priscilla Johnson of Frostproof, came to final rest on the left shoulder at the intersection of Masterpiece Road and Mammoth Grove Road.  A fire ignited in the engine compartment of the Ford Escape and it was extinguished by witnesses at the scene prior to the arrival of the Fire Department and law enforcement.

All three were flown to area hospitals due to trauma related injuries. All involved in the crash were conscious and talking.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage and had to be towed.    Both drivers and the passenger of V-2 were in stable condition and did not appear to have any life threatening injuries.  Masterpiece Road was closed during the crash investigation and reopened when the patients were transported to the hospitals.  At this time the crash is under investigation and traffic charges are pending.

Elderly Man’s Body Found Along U.S. 98 Sunday Morning 

Highlands City, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an elderly mans body found along the side of the road U.S. 98 in Highlands City this morning. The body was found around 3 am near U.S. 98 & 1st Street on the Fort Fraser Trail.

According to Scott Wilder, public information officer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the body is of a 72 year old man. Deputies found a car at the Catfish Country which was the mans. The man may have had car trouble, parked, walked away, and was found deceased.

Medical Examiner will conduct autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The name of the man has not been released.

Saturday December 3rd 10 am through 4 PM PCSO Annual Pet Fest

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Be sure to mark Saturday, December 3, 2016, beginning at 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. for the PCSO Annual Pet Fest.

 

petfest

The event will be held at the Animal Control facility located at 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven, adjacent to the county landfill, just off the Polk Parkway Winter Lake Road exit.
And this year is expected to be our biggest event yet!
The first 50 adopters will receive a pair of tickets to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa. The tickets are for free admission – an approximately $36 value!
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves will be on hand to visit with attendees, sign autographs, and take photos with you and your family including pets. Why not make a one-of-a-kind Christmas card for your friends and family, featuring your favorite pet sitting on Santa’s lap?
“Tony the Balloon Guy” will be available to make balloons, and a professional face painter will also be available.
This year, there will be a petting zoo and pony rides, a 60-foot bounce house obstacle course for children, and food trucks as well. Pet product vendors will also be on site for animal related purchases.
Attendees can also expect reduced adoption rates!  Adoption fees will be discounted to $25.00 on the day of the event.
This fee is a $140.00 savings, because it includes:
·         License tag (regularly $10)
·         Microchip (regularly $15)
·         Daily food & care (regularly $15)
·         Vaccinations (regularly $25)
·         Preventive care (regularly $40)
·         Sterilization (regularly $60)
Please remember, if you are adopting a pet for a Christmas present, the decision shouldn’t be made lightly. It is our goal that the pets we adopt out become your “forever friends.” Once the newness of that puppy or kitten wears off, people may be tempted to bring the animals back. These decisions shouldn’t be taken lightly – if you adopt a pet, please be responsible and invest in obedience classes, or read books or manuals to learn how to lovingly take care of and teach your pet to become a successful “fur-ever” family member.
For more information, please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762, or visit our website www.polkpets.org or check us out on Facebook www.facebook.com/Polk-County-Animal-Control.

PCSO Agricultural Crimes Detectives are Seeking Public’s Help in The Theft of Citrus Reset Orange Trees

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PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives are seeking the public’s help in the theft of citrus reset orange trees from a grove in Frostproof.

groves

Sometime between 7:00 p.m. on November 29th and 7:00 a.m. on November 30th, unknown suspect(s) removed 409 citrus reset orange tress from the grove located at Sangster Road and Old Avon Park Road. The trees are worth over $3,000.

If anyone has information about this theft, they are urged to contact Detective Scarborough at 863-287-2224.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!

Polk County Man Facing Attempted 2nd Degree Murder Charges After Allegedly Shooting A Wild Game Poacher

 

Polk County, Florida – A Polk County man is facing attempted 2nd Degree Murder charges after allegedly shooting a wild game poacher on his fathers Ft. Meade, Florida property.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit on November 16th, 2016 2 men, Clifton Cochran and Loie Brakefield, were on private property (2525 District Line Rd. in Ft. Meade) allegedly poaching wild game. At the same time the property owners son, Grant Ackerly 33, was also on the property hunting.

Around 5pm Ackerly heard a gunshot and felt it was on the property his family owned near the roadway (District Line Rd.) so he ran towards where he heard the gunshot. According to the arrest affidavit as Ackerly  came to a clearing he observed the two men dragging a deer from the family property towards a dark colored pick-up truck parked on the shoulder of the road.

According to the arrest affidavit Ackerly allegedly fired a shot in the direction of the men. Hearing the shot the two men threw the deer in the back of the truck and attempted to leave the scene. Ackerly alledgedly fired a second round which struck the rear drivers side door and the bullet reportedly broke apart. Part of the bullet went through the drivers seat and lodged into Cochran’s back. The two men were able to flee the property and drive to Bartow Regional Medical Center. Cochran had to be flown to Tampa General Hospital. Cochran reportedly spent 7 hours in surgery to remove the bullet fragment in his back.

Deputies contacted Ackerly by phone and during the interview he allegedly admitted to shooting two rounds from his 270 caliber hunting rifle into the  ground. The shot that struck the truck and the victim was fired from approximately 140-150 yards away. Post Miranda Ackerly would not elaborate regarding the shooting after firing shots “into the ground”. He requested to speak with an attorney.

The weapon that was used could not be located and Ackerly allegedly left the weapon in the woods.

Ackerly was arrested on 11/29/2016 and charged with 2nd Degree Attempted Murder. The victim was last reported to be recovering from the incident.

The Florida Wildlife Commission is conducting an investigation into illegal taking of game and numerous other violations regarding Cochran and Brakefields actions.

Auburndale Kidnapping, False Imprisonment & Domestic Violence Suspect Back In Jail

 

Auburndale, Florida – An Auburndale man, previously arrested and charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, burglary and domestic violence on one victim, was arrested for the second time in less than 90 days on similar charges involving two other victims while out on pre-trial release.

Kyle Ray Cannon, 18 of Auburndale, Florida was taken into custody November 24th after a confrontation with family members led to charges of false imprisonment and domestic violence.

At approximately 3:30pm on November 24th, Auburndale police were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Winona Circle and met with the suspect’s mother and younger sister.

The mother advised that she had picked up her son (Cannon) from Peace River earlier in the day and that he cussed and yelled at her throughout the day because he was being asked to move out of the residence. When the mother and younger sister tried to leave the residence to avoid further confrontation, the suspect grabbed his mothers arm and pleaded that she stay at the home.

According to reports when both of the victims continued to try and leave, the suspect took the keys from the car.

When the younger sister got upset and tried to walk away, the suspect allegedly grabbed her by the back of the shirt and dragged her to the ground. Both victims were able to walk away uninjured and contact police who then arrested the suspect. Cannon’s bond was discharged and his pretrial release revoked.

Kyle Ray Cannon’s previous incident allegedly was much more severe.

According an arrest affidavit on September 10th, 2016 at approximately 12:30 am in the morning, Kyle Ray Cannon was outside the residence of a female victim at her bedroom window. The victim and the suspect were known to each other and the suspect was trying to convince the victim to speak with him.

The victim said she didn’t want to speak to him and told him to leave at which point the suspect pried open the bedroom window, entered her room and sat on her bed while still trying to convince her to speak with him. After asking the suspect to leave several times, the victim told the suspect that she was going to get her older brother to make him leave.

Becoming angry with the victim, the suspect allegedly grabbed her by the side of the neck and pushed her against the wall. While the suspect was near the open window, the victim tried pushing the suspect out of the window to make him leave.

As the suspect was exiting the window, the suspect reportedly grabbed the victim and pulled her out the window as well and forced her to the ground. Sitting on top of the victim outdoors and on the ground, the suspect allegedly grabbed her by the neck with both hands, chocking her until she couldn’t breathe. When she tried to scream, he stuck his fingers in her mouth to prevent her from screaming.

The suspect the stood up and dragged the victim by her hair to his 2002 Toyota Forerunner and allegedly forced her inside. The suspect then began driving around the neighborhood. When the suspect slowed for a stop sign, the victim attempted to flee the moving truck, falling and sustaining several abrasions on her hands and knees.

The victim was running towards her home when all of the sudden the suspect caught up with her and tackled her from behind. The suspect then again, for the second time, allegedly dragged the victim back to the truck and forced her inside.

After entering the truck the second time, the suspect punched the victim in her left eye with a closed fist.

The suspect then began driving around the neighborhood again. Upon seeing a second chance to escape, the victim again jumped from the truck and successfully fled to the safety of her residence.

After a successful second escape attempt, the suspect fled the area and was later arrested and charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and burglary as well as domestic violence causing bodily harm and domestic violence by strangulation.

As reported above the suspect was on pretrial release, with conditions, since 10/19/2016.

Haines City Man Arrested After Striking HCPD Officer In The Head With Football Trophy

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Haines City, Florida – According to Haines City Police reports a local man was arrested after striking officer in the back of the head with football trophy.

On November 27, 2016 a fight broke out the Haines City football fields located at 601 Haines Ave.  At the time a football tournament was taking place. One of the participants in the fight was 28 year old Noel Marsh of Haines City. Uniformed HCPD officer, Nicholas Dublino, instructed Marsh and others to stop fighting and leave the city field. Marsh allegedly continued to engage in fight when he allegedly he picked up a medium sized awards trophy and struck Dublino in the back of the head causing a laceration.

Marsh was arrested and transported to Polk County Jail. He is currently being charged with disorderly conduct, battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest with violence.

Winter Haven Police Talk Suicidal Woman Off 13 Story Building Ledge

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jumper

Winter Haven, Florida – There were some tense moments 13 stories above ground overlooking Lake Howard on Monday as a member of the Winter Haven Police Department talked a 45 year-old woman out of jumping off the ledge.
On 11-28-16 at approximately 10:14 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received by a man who told dispatchers that his wife had called him from her apartment located at 745 Ave. A, SW (Lakeview Towers) in Winter Haven. He said she told him that she was going to jump out of her apartment window. The husband was in Lake Wales at the time.
More than ten members from the Winter Haven Police Department responded along with twelve members from the Winter Haven Fire Department to find the woman on the outside ledge of the 13th floor. Winter Haven Police Inspector Steve Rusich, who is part of the Critical Incident Negotiations Team, went upstairs along with other members from the Department in order to attempt to speak with the woman.
Once inside of the apartment directly outside of where she was standing, Inspector Rusich began speaking with her through an open window. Inspector Rusich’s extensive training and calm demeanor allowed him to get her to talk with him regarding her situation. She revealed that she was despondent because of losing her father a couple of months ago and just within the past day losing her mother. Although she began to cry uncontrollably, Inspector Rusich was able to calm her and convince her to not hurt herself. He then reached his hand out to her through the window and she reached out as well. Inspector Rusich then pulled her inside to safety.
The woman was taken to Winter Haven Hospital for medical evaluation just after noon. She was uninjured and none of the members from the Winter Haven Police Department or the Fire Department were injured during the incident.
“I am extremely proud of our officers who risk their lives daily to protect the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said Chief Charlie Bird.
Inspector Rusich began his career at the Winter Haven Police Department in September of 2002 as a Police Officer. In October 2007 he transferred to the Investigative Services Bureau as part of the Crime Suppression Unit and transferred to Detective in May 2009. In April of this year, Rusich took the position of Internal Affairs and Inspector

Simple Traffic Stop Leads To Multiple Charges Including Assault On A Law Enforcement Officer

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jacob-santiago

Kissimmee, Florida – A 19 year old Orange County man was arrested on 11/28/2016 after a simple traffic stop for illuminated lights under a car he was driving turned into multiple charges.

According to reports from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies tried to pull over a 2  door red Mazda at around 9:55pm near Palmetto St. in Kissimmee. Deputy reports stated that 19 year old, Jacob Santiago, failed to yield and actually accelerated at a high rate of speed in an effort to flee. The report goes on to say that Santiago allegedly fled directly at a unmarked PCSO vehicle which had it’s emergency lights on. The deputy took evasive action to maneuver his vehicle out of the way just as Santiago went past.

Santiago continued to flee deputies until he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a fence on Marigold Ave. According to reports Santiago took off running. A perimeter was set up and deputies eventually coaxed Santiago out of the woods.

Post Miranda Santiago allegedly advised he fled because the vehicle is not registered. The tag allegedly belonged to a friends father. Santiago allegedly advised he was driving directly at a law enforcement officer, but that he did not mean to.

Santiago was charged with fleeing to elude, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, resisting without violence, and attaching an unassigned tag to a vehicle and operating an unregistered an unregistered motor vehicle. He was arrested and transported to Polk County Jail.

PCSO Animal Control Annual Pet Fest Set for December 3, 2016

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PCSO Animal Control Annual Pet Fest Set for December 3, 2016
 

petfest

Be sure to mark Saturday, December 3, 2016, beginning at 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. for the PCSO Annual Pet Fest.

The event will be held at the Animal Control facility located at 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven, adjacent to the county landfill, just off the Polk Parkway Winter Lake Road exit.
And this year is expected to be our biggest event yet!
The first 50 adopters will receive a pair of tickets to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa. The tickets are for free admission – an approximately $36 value!
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves will be on hand to visit with attendees, sign autographs, and take photos with you and your family including pets. Why not make a one-of-a-kind Christmas card for your friends and family, featuring your favorite pet sitting on Santa’s lap?
“Tony the Balloon Guy” will be available to make balloons, and a professional face painter will also be available.
This year, there will be a petting zoo and pony rides, a 60-foot bounce house obstacle course for children, and food trucks as well. Pet product vendors will also be on site for animal related purchases.
Attendees can also expect reduced adoption rates!  Adoption fees will be discounted to $25.00 on the day of the event.
This fee is a $140.00 savings, because it includes:
·         License tag (regularly $10)
·         Microchip (regularly $15)
·         Daily food & care (regularly $15)
·         Vaccinations (regularly $25)
·         Preventive care (regularly $40)
·         Sterilization (regularly $60)
Please remember, if you are adopting a pet for a Christmas present, the decision shouldn’t be made lightly. It is our goal that the pets we adopt out become your “forever friends.” Once the newness of that puppy or kitten wears off, people may be tempted to bring the animals back. These decisions shouldn’t be taken lightly – if you adopt a pet, please be responsible and invest in obedience classes, or read books or manuals to learn how to lovingly take care of and teach your pet to become a successful “fur-ever” family member.
For more information, please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762, or visit our website www.polkpets.org or check us out on Facebook www.facebook.com/Polk-County-Animal-Control.