A 30 year-old man has been arrested after stabbing another man over a reported $2 debt.

On 7-8-16 at approximately 5:20 p.m., 36 year-old Odell Kindricks Jr. (DOB 7-28-79) was walking on the sidewalk in his neighborhood along 3rd St. N.W. in Winter Haven.

Kindricks was approached by 30 year-old Michael Stevenson (DOB 3-25-86, 1555 3rd ST NW, Winter Haven.) According to Kindricks, Stevenson told him that he wanted his $2 back that was owed. When Kindricks refuted the supposed debt, Stevenson stabbed Kindricks in the upper back and ran away.

Kindricks fell to the ground, but immediately got up running to the area of his own residence located at 306 Palmetto Ave. NW. A witness in the area who saw the altercation contacted 9-1-1 and emergency personnel immediately responded. Officers circulated the area looking for Sevenson, but he was not located at that time.

Due to the severity of his injuries, Kindricks was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health where he was listed in critical condition. At the time of this release, Kindricks is in stable condition.

After interviews with multiple witnesses who were in the area as well as interviews with the victim, Stevenson was identified as the suspect who stabbed Kindricks. An arrest warrant was obtained and today (7-9-16) at approximately 9:20 a.m. Stevenson was taken into custody at his home (1555 3rd ST NW, Winter Haven) without incident.

Stevenson, who has an extensive criminal history, was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of Attempted Second Degree Murder with a deadly weapon.

“This senseless attack on a citizen walking in his own neighborhood is tragic,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “I applaud the swift actions of the residents in the neighborhood who worked with us along with the victim to identify Stevenson and get him behind bars.”

A snapshot of Stevenson’s criminal history with penalty level is below:

Battery M1 (2x)
Obstructing Justice F3 (2x)
Carrying Concealed Weapon M1 (4X)
Possession of Weapon F2 (3x)
Resisting Officer WO Violence M1 (2x)
Drugs-Deliv/Distr F3
Marijuana Possess M1
Prob Violation F3 (2x)
Drugs Deliv/Distr F2
Marijuana Possess F2
Poss of Cocaine F3
Poss of Cannabis F3
Prob Violation F2
Drugs Equip Possess M1
Cocaine Possess F2 (2x)
Drugs Equip Possess M1
Drugs Equip Possess F3

Winter Haven Professional Firefighters and the International Association of Firefighters Local No. 4967 will head to the negotiation table with the City of Winter Haven  to hammer out details of a collective bargaining agreement.

Collective bargaining is a negotiation between an employer and a labor union usually on wages, hours, and working conditions

The meeting is scheduled at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Winter Haven City Hall, 451 Third St. NW, 33881, in the conference room.

For more information, call 863-291-5600

Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was called on July 3, 2016 to the Racetrac Gas Station on Hwy 17 in Eagle Lake regarding an assault. According to reports the female victim pulled into the gas station after she was allegedly hit in the arm by  Eric Duffey (DOB: 12/22/1990). Duffey and the victim reportedly have been residing, at a home on Lake Ruby Dr. in Winter Haven,  as family unit for the past year. The victim reportedly pretended to be purchasing gas, but went inside to the bathroom to call the Duffey’s mother.   Duffey allegedly went into the ladies room of the gas station and placed both hands around the victims neck, impeding her breathing. The victim who is 6 months pregnant could not breath. Duffey then allegedly took the victims car keys and fled the gas station.

While deputies were at the gas station Duffey allegedly was spotted at the intersection of SR 540 & Hwy 17. Deputies pursued the vehicle with lights and sirens along several roads until Duffey lost control on Eloise Loop Rd. Duffey allegedly spun out and then corrected to face oncoming deputies. Deputies moved to block the path of Duffey, but he continued towards the deputies vehicles. In fear of their lives the deputies moved out of Duffey’s way and he continued to flee. According to reports Duffey drove recklessly down multiple roads, Snively Rd., Bomber Rd., Rifle Range Rd. 7th Street West, at which time deputies,  fearing for the safety of others, discontinued the active pursuit. Deputies looked for Duffey, but could not locate him at the time. Shortly afterwards Duffey abandoned the vehicle at the intersection of 16th Street West and Avenue A West.

Deputies arrested Duffey at his Lake Ruby Drive residence on July 4th without incident. Duffey has been charged with Aggravated Battery Offender Knew Victim Was Pregnant, Domestic Violence Battery by Strangulation, Fleeing To Elude Law Enforcement Officer with Lights & Sirens Activated and Aggravated Assault On A Law Enforcement Officer.

Aspiring novelists are being invited to take part in a writing critique group being held twice a month at the Winter Haven Library.

The Creative Writing Critique Group formed to educate and help fellow writers polish their skills

Creative Writing Critique Group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 1-3 p.m.

All aspiring writers are welcome!

Questions?  Send them to [email protected]