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7 People Arrested After Christmas Day Fight

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7 People Arrested After Christmas Day Fight

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

Seven people arrested after Christmas Day fight in Winter Haven

On Christmas Day (12-25-18) at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers responded to a call of a large fight occurring in the street in front of 120 Ave R NW in Winter Haven. When officers arrived, the crowd immediately became hostile towards officers as attempts were being made to break up the fight. No officers were injured during the incident, although four officers were attacked while attempting to break up the fight.

“Our officers showed extreme restraint in dealing with this crowd that continued to escalate in aggression,” said Public Safety Director Charlie Bird. “I am thankful that everyone went home safe and those who chose to act out on Christmas Day went to jail.”

Five of the seven people arrested attacked officers as they tried to gain control over the crowd. Below are those arrested and a brief description of their involvement causing their arrest:

Derrick Munson (180 Central Ave., E, Winter Haven DOB 3-21-92) Battery on Law Enforcement Officers (F3); Resisting Officer W/O Violence (M1). Munson pulled away from officers and then spit in the face of an officer as he was being placed inside of a patrol vehicle.

Marquarius Jasper (201 Kennedy Cr, Auburndale DOB 3-24-00) Battery on Law Enforcement Officers (F3); Resisting Officer With Violence (F3). Jasper ran up behind an officer and aggressively pushed him while the officer was attempting to break up the fight. Jasper then attempted to run away, but was apprehended after an electronic control device (Tazer) was deployed.

Eddie Munson (7428 Lewis Rd., Lakeland DOB 4-3-66) Resisting Officer W/O Violence (M1). Munson ignored numerous verbal commands to step back and attempted to separate officers from performing their duties. Munson was sprayed with OC spray and became compliant.

Latoya Munson (4159 Winding Vine Dr., Lakeland DOB 9-12-81) Battery on Law Enforcement Officers (F3); Resisting Officer W/O Violence (M1). Munson grabbed the arm of an officer as he was placing another subject under arrest. She then attempting to leave the scene, but was apprehended and continued to resist officers as she was being placed under arrest.

Terrance Miller (180 Central Ave., E, Winter Haven DOB 11-9-85) Battery on Law Enforcement Officer (F3). Miller pushed an officer multiple times in an attempt to get the officer away from another subject who was being arrested.

Shantee Walden (317 Majestic Gardens Dr., Winter Haven DOB 6-30-79) Resisting Arrest W/O Violence (M1). Walden interfered with an officer as an arrestee was being placed inside of a patrol vehicle Walden attempted two times to push officers away and pull the arrestee out of the patrol car.

T’Artis Washington (317 Majestic Gardens Dr., Winter Haven DOB 2-11-02) Battery on Law Enforcement Officers (F3); Resisting Officer With Violence (F3). Washington (who is a juvenile) was interfering with officers as they were attempting to gain control over the crowd. Washington pushed officers multiple times and refused to obey verbal commands.

Suspect Killed While Attempting Flee In Stolen Car At Lakeland Salem’s Gyros & More Restaurant

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Suspect Killed While Attempting Flee In Stolen Car At Lakeland Salem’s Gyros & More Restaurant

Lakeland Police Department Press Release

On December 26, at approximately 2:21 a.m., Lakeland Police Officers responded to Salem’s Gyros & More restaurant, located at 101 East Memorial Boulevard, in reference to a large crowd gathering in the parking lot after a local Night Club had closed. Officers were attempting to clear approximately 150 to 200 people loitering in the parking lot when Officer Patel observed a stolen Chevy Camaro parked in the lot. The vehicle, reported stolen to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, was parked sideways in a parking space facing in a southwest direction. As multiple officers approached the vehicle, the driver, identified as Michael Jerome Taylor, attempted to flee by rapidly accelerating the car, placing officers and the public in immediate life-threatening danger.

Officer Markais Neal, was in the parking lot south of the vehicle and as the stolen vehicle accelerated directly toward him, placing him in fear for his life, he fired at the vehicle. Two additional officers also fired at the vehicle as it accelerated recklessly through the parking lot, striking several vehicles and a utility pole. The stolen vehicle continued, hitting another vehicle and propelling it into the wall of a local business, causing damage to the exterior wall. At some point during the incident, a female passenger jumped out of the stolen vehicle and was detained. Officers removed Taylor from the driver’s seat and immediately began first aid. A firearm was located on the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle.

Taylor was transported to Lakeland Regional Health were he later succumbed to his injuries. At this time, it is unknown how many times the suspect was shot or how many rounds the officers fired. The Lakeland Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit and The State Attorney’s Office responded to the scene.

As per the Department’s policy, all officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave for a minimum of three days.

The suspect has been identified as:
Michael Jerome Taylor
Age: 17 years old
Address: Imperial Drive, Winter Haven, Florida
Michael Jerome Taylor has four previous felony arrests ranging from burglary to grand theft auto.
Next of kin has been notified

The Officers involved are as follows:
Officer Markais Neal
Age: 28
Service: 1 year

Officer Joseph Novis
Age: 25
Service: 1 year and 6 months

Officer Raj Patel
Age: 23
Service: 1 year and 6 months

As a witness to a homicide, the female passenger’s name is exempt at this time.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

82 Year Old Polk City Man Kills His Wife After He Tells Family He Can No Longer Care For Here Due To His Declining Health

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82 Year Old Polk City Man Kills His Wife After He Tells Family He Can No Longer Care For Here Due To His Declining Health

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Polk City, on Saturday night, December 22, 2018, after the discovery of two deceased people with apparent gunshot wounds. The two people were identified as 82-year-old Henry Stanecki and his wife, 79-year-old Nancy Stanecki.

Detectives learned that Mr. Stanecki had called a brother in Cincinnati, Ohio at 9:54 P.M. Saturday, and told him, “I just shot Nancy.” That brother said that in a previous call, Henry Stanecki was worried about his wife Nancy’s bad health and frequent falls, and that he wasn’t able to help her anymore due to his own deteriorating health.

Nancy Stanecki was found with wounds from a single gunshot to the head.

Henry Stanecki was found with wounds from two gunshots to the head.

According to a family member, the couple had been married for 28 years.

The investigation is ongoing, and autopsy results are pending.

Four People Killed In Highlands County Crash Christmas Day

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Four People Killed In Highlands County Crash Christmas Day

Florida Highway Patrol Press Release

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle head on crash on State Road 70 and County Road 721 in Lake Placid. The crash occurred at approximately 12:24 pm on today’s date, resulting in four confirmed fatalities.   State Road 70 is currently closed in the vicinity of the crash, it is anticipated the road closure will be for several hours.

Motorcyclist In Serious Condition & Other Driver Headed To Jail Christmas Eve Crash On Hwy 27 In Lake Wales

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Motorcyclist In Serious Condition & Other Driver Headed To Jail Christmas Eve Crash On Hwy 27 In Lake Wales

Lake Wales Police Department Press Release

On December 24, 2018, at 6:08pm, Lake Wales Police were dispatched to the area of 21500 Highway 27 North regarding a vehicle crash involving a red 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle and a 2012 black Ford Focus. Independent witnesses reported that the Focus was traveling southbound on Highway 27 in the inside lane without headlights on. The Kawasaki was making a U-turn at the turn lane in front of Dyer Chevrolet. As the motorcycle was executing the turn it was struck by the Ford Focus. The motorcycle rider was identified as 46-year-old Earl Woods, of Malibu Dr., Lake Wales. The driver of the Focus was identified as 19-year-old Jessica Townsend of State Rd 60 East, Lake Wales. Mr. Woods was transported, via Life Flight, to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that Ms. Townsend was driving on a suspended driver’s license. She was charged with Operating a motor vehicle while suspended causing death or serious bodily injury. She was transported to the Polk County Jail. At this time, alcohol does not appear to have been a factor and additional charges are pending the completion of the investigation.  If you have any information regarding this crash, please contact Officer Daniel Harmon at (863)678-4223 ext. 528.

5 Yr Old Child Dies & Another Is Injured In Lake Alfred Crash

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5 Yr Old Child Dies & Another Is Injured In Lake Alfred Crash

Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash which occurred Sunday, December 23, 2018 at about 8:36 P.M. on Shinn Boulevard (US Hwy 17/92) and Pomelo Street in Lake Alfred.  5-year-old Ayden Cabanas suffered head trauma in the crash and was airlifted to St. Joseph Hospital in Tampa where he succumbed to his injuries.

26-year-old Austin Cabanas, of Old Dade City Road in Lakeland, was the driver of a silver 2006 Volvo sedan. His passengers included 24-year-old Shannon Yawn, 3-year-old Evee Cabanas, and Ayden. Austin was taken to Lakeland Regional Health, Shannon was treated and released, and Evee was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in stable condition.

The other vehicle, a white 2012 Ford Taurus, was driven by 23-year-old Cole Ethridge, and his passenger was 25-year-old Ty Ethridge. Both list their address as 680 N. Buena Vista Drive in Lake Alfred. Cole and Ty reported only soreness from the crash.

According to the preliminary investigation, the Cabanas’ car was southbound on Shinn Blvd. when a Lake Alfred PD officer attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The officer activated his overhead lights, but before he was able to radio in his actions, Cabanas’ car drove through a red light and crashed into Ethridge’s Taurus. The Volvo struck a pole, and overturned.

Austin admitted that he was driving with a suspended license, and was arrested for DWLSR (Driving While License Suspended/Revoked). He complained of having chest pains, and was taken to Lakeland Regional Health.

Austin was not able to be interviewed after he became combative at the hospital. His blood tested positive for methamphetamines, and a follow-up test on the blood will be conducted to determine if it was an impairing amount.

Yawn told investigators that Austin may have been speeding, and she was unaware that the Lake Alfred PD officer was behind their car. She admitted that the children were not properly secured in their car seats.

The roadway was closed for 5 hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending the results of Austin’s blood tests.

Bartow Child Social Worker Allegedly Admits To Possession Of Child Pornography

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Bartow Child Social Worker Allegedly Admits To Possession Of Child Pornography

Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests social services worker for possessing child pornography

On Friday, December 21, 2018, detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28-year-old William Smith of Laurel Circle in Bartow, for possessing and trading child pornography. Smith’s current employment is as a case manager for Youth & Family Alternatives, Inc. of Lakeland.

The sexually graphic images discovered to be in his possession included boys and girls between 5 and 12 years old.

The sheriff’s office said the social media company Tumblr reported the images to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The account was traced to Smith.

According to the arrest affidavit Smith allegedly admitted to possessing the child pornography, sharing it with others and masturbating to it. He knew it was illegal and needed help for his addiction. He allegedly advised deputies that viewing child porn on a screen kept him from touching children in real life. The child pornography on his account showed boys and girls between the age of 5-12 years old engaged in lewd posing and sexual acts.

Smith is currently at the Polk County Jail

One Person Killed In Plane Crash At Lakeland Airport

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One Person Killed In Plane Crash At Lakeland Airport
LAKELAND, FL – On December 22, the Lakeland Police Department and Lakeland Fire Department responded to 4175 Medulla Road in reference to a plane crash. The crash was in a grass area in front of the Sun N’ Fun Expo Campus. 
At approximately 10:12 A.M.  a student pilot, Gary Alan Mansell, 64 years old was doing touch-and-go landings at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Mansell was on his third touch-and-go when his plane took a hard left and crashed into the ground bursting into flames. The Lakeland Fire Department Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting vehicle responded within minutes and extinguished the fire. Mansell was deceased at the scene.  
 
The planed is described as a 2014 BRM Aero Bristell Light-Sport Plane. 
Mansell was a student pilot and he is and from Plant City, Florida. Next-of-kin has been notified. 
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause of the crash. For additional information on the NTSB, visit the NTSB website at http://www.ntsb.gov Any Information related to air traffic control, and communications with the aircraft, should be directed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

Davenport Woman Struck & Killed On 17/92 Early Saturday Morning

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Davenport Woman Struck & Killed On 17/92 Early Saturday Morning

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of 44-year-old Tammy Phipps, of Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport, after she was struck by a tow truck early Saturday morning, December 22, 2018, while walking on US Hwy 17/92 near Dyson Road in Haines City.

Deputies responded to the scene at around 2:12 A.M., and found Phipps deceased at the scene. The driver of the tow truck, Dennis Weatherford, of 1815 Optimist Drive in Lakeland, was uninjured and remained at the scene.

According to the preliminary investigation, an officer from Lake Alfred PD stopped Phipps in her vehicle at around midnight. Also in Phipps’ car were Josh Corbin and another person. The other person in the car was determined to have an outstanding warrant and was arrested. Phipps was given a Notice to Appear for Driving While License Suspended/Revoked. Phipps and Corbin indicated that they would get an Uber ride home.

At about 2:12 A.M., Weatherford’s white 2013 Dodge Ram flatbed wrecker (belonging to Meyers Towing of Lake Wales) was westbound in the outside lane of US Hwy 17/92 when he hit something with the right side of his vehicle. He turned the vehicle back around and found Corbin standing next to Phipps, who was lying on the shoulder of the road.

Damage was discovered on the truck’s passenger side mirror. Phipps and Corbin were both wearing dark clothing.

Corbin indicated that he and Phipps were walking east along the shoulder of the roadway, with Phipps behind him.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigating.

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES BRING JOY TO CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES BRING JOY TO CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES BRING JOY TO CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Lake Wales, FL – Employees at Lake Wales Medical Center donated a trailer full of toys for area children during their annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Working in partnership with Lake Wales Care Center, the hospital sponsored a toy drive contest for its employees. Departments were asked to buy toys and create a display around the theme of “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland.” Surgical Services (the OR) won Best Overall for their display, which featured a Frosty the Snowman made out of gauze, as well as cut-outs of other characters from the cartoon. The Hunt Building 2nd floor won for Most Creative for their display of “Frosty Meets Olaf,” which included a whimsical conversation between the two lovable snowmen. Both departments win a pizza party for their work unit.

“I’m proud of how all our departments stepped up to participate to help make Christmas a little merrier for families in our community,” said hospital CEO Rebecca Brewer. Our cafeteria was brimming with donated toys, and when Care Center came to pick them up, it nearly filled their trailer.”

Lake Wales Medical Center, a 160-bed facility, has been serving the community since 1929. This year the hospital opened an expanded Wound Healing Center and a new adult behavioral health unit, to complement the existing geriatric behavioral health unit. More than 50 primary care physicians and specialists are on the hospital’s active staff.

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