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Triple Shooting In Fort Meade

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Triple Shooting In Fort Meade

PCSO Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting in Ft. Meade that occurred at about 6:42 p.m., Monday, June 18, 2018, which left one person dead, and two others injured. The shooter is being interviewed by detectives.

Deceased is 22-year-old Teconsa Tyree McDonald. The two Injured men have been identified as Calvin Johnson, 30, and Edwin Burgess, 18. All three men are believed to have resided at 121 3rd St SW.

The shooter has been identified as 48-year-old Charles Peddycoart, who resides at 413 3rd Street SW, Ft. Meade, where the shooting occurred.

The preliminary information, which could change as the investigation progresses, suggests that Mcdonald, Johnson, and Burgess were looking for their dog, and knocked on Peddycoart’s front door. After opening the door, an argument ensued, and Peddycoart shot all three men in the area of the front porch.

McDonald died on scene, and the injured men were transported to an area hospital for surgery, with gunshot wounds to the torso. Their conditions are unknown at this time.

This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be available on Tuesday.

S.R. 471 Blocked By Crash

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S.R. 471 Blocked By Crash

Lakeland, Florida- We have confirmed reports of an accident involving a box truck and tractor on S.R. 471 & Hwy 98 N. The accident occurred at about 4:49pm. One fatality confirmed. Currently the extent of any other injuries is unknown at this time.

We are being advised that this is a very bad accident and the roadway is being shutdown from Hwy 98 & Hwy 50.

Please drive carefully & we will update as information becomes available.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office is Searching Scott Lake for Missing Boater

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office is Searching Scott Lake for Missing Boater
The body of a 34-year-old man who was last seen in a boat on Scott Lake in Lakeland, at around 2:40 a.m. Monday, June 18, 2018, has been recovered by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The man, identified as Charles Stewart, 13772 E. Myrtle St. Lakeland, was reported missing by his girlfriend, Shaleen Mathews, 40, of 1625 Columbia St., Lakeland.
According to Mathews, the two-person kayak they were in began taking on water, and capsized. They did not take life-jackets with them on the kayak, and Mathews said there had been an unknown amount of alcohol consumption.
The PCSO Dive Team was assisted in the search by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), PCSO’s and Aerial Response Team. The body was located at about 2:20 p.m., approximately 150 yards from the dock, in ten feet of water.

“Sometimes these type of searches can take a few days. Our divers, along with other teams and FWC did a great job in finding Mr. Stewart’s body, but it’s not the ending we had hoped for.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff. 

There were no signs of trauma, and the body has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. 

The investigation is ongoing.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office is Conducting a Missing Person Searh on Scott Lake

The missing person deputies are currently searching for in and around Scott Lake in Lakeland has been identified as 34-year-old Charles Stewart (B/M, 5-10, 165lbs, last seen wearing a white tank top and white shorts) of Lakeland. He was last seen on a boat on Scott Lake early this morning. His boat has been found on the lake, but deputies continue to search for him at this time.

We will release more information as it becomes available.

Swinging Good Times At Third Annual Daddy Daughter Dance

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Swinging Good Times At Third Annual Daddy Daughter Dance

Swinging Good Times At Third Annual Daddy Daughter Dance

by James Coulter

Three-year-old Gianna loves to dance. She also loves the Disney movie, “Princess and the Frog.”

So when a Princess and the Frog-themed daddy daughter dance was announced in Winter Haven, her father, Jerry Gaza, knew that she would love to attend.

And since her favorite character, other than Princess Tiana, is the villain, Dr. Facilier, Gaza knew that she would also appreciate him dressing up as the witch doctor himself.

“She loves the voodoo guy, so I’m dressed up as him,” he said

This was by no means their first outing, as the two had previously attended the city’s annual Father’s Day event last year.

Both of them love to dance. Gaza even attempted to perform a split last year, though he nearly tore his pants doing so, he said.

With his wife serving as their personal photographer that evening, the event provides quality family fun for them, and he hopes to make it a family tradition for them by attending next year.

“It is a great experience, a great way to bond with daddy and daughter, and it is a really good event,” he said.

Gaza and his daughter were one of the 200 father-daughter couples that attended this year’s Daddy Daughter Dance, hosted by the Department of ​Parks, Recreation & Culture in Winter Haven.

The annual Father’s Day event has been hosted for the past three years, allowing quality time between fathers and their daughters with dancing, food, and games.

This year was themed to Disney’s “Princess and the Frog”, with bayou-inspired decorations, a chicken dinner buffet, and even an apperance by Princess Tiana.

The event was started by Terrell Griffin, the former supervisor of the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center, who now serves a similar role over in Haines City.

“His vision was to bring fathers and daughters together for a magical experience with cherished memories,” explained Dwan Lawrence, the current Winter Haven Recreation Supervisor.

Since then, the event has grown in numbers, with more and more fathers, daughters, and other family members attending each and every year, she said.

Lawrence hopes that the dance reaches such a size and scope that it becomes like Auburndale’s event which has to be hosted two nights in a row to meet the demand.

Most of all, she hopes that the dance becomes a lasting tradition for many families, and helps creates memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

“I would like to see their relationships become stronger,” she said. “With nights like this, you get that one time with their children, and it creates those memories that are lasting.”

For more information about future city events, visit their website at: https://www.mywinterhaven.com/parks-and-recreation/

Mulberry Man Convicted Of Sexually Molesting Child For 9 Years

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Mulberry Man Convicted Of Sexually Molesting Child For 9 Years

Office Of The State Attorney’s Office – Blog Post

 

 

Johnathan Sharon forced his victim to perform sexual acts on him for 9 years. A jury deliberated for less than two hours last Thursday (June 7) before finding Sharon, 24, guilty of sexual battery on a victim under the age of 12 while the defendant is under the age of 18, lewd molestation, and committing an unnatural and lascivious act.

Editors Note: Sharon was originally arrested in September of 2015 

He is facing life in prison and will be sentenced July 11.

Assistant State Attorney Randi Daugustinis told the jury that Sharon started forcing himself on the victim when she was 6. He would pull her into a room, lock the door and punch or choke her until she cooperated.

The victim told her mother that Sharon was sexually abusing her, but she didn’t believe her. Sharon continued to force the victim into sexual acts until she was 14, and she reported it two years later.

On a controlled phone call with law enforcement, the victim confronted Sharon about the abuse. He told her, “I cannot remember much of anything before I turned 18.”

When the girl told him she was looking for closure, Sharon became angry and told her he didn’t “have time for this.”

The defense argued that others in the home would have heard the physical abuse when it happened.

Daugustinis reminded jurors that other witnesses testified the television in the house was always on. People were always going in and out of the home, making a lot of noise and drowning out what was happening.

The victim testified during trial that she didn’t yell or scream to alert anyone because she was afraid of Sharon. And it wasn’t until she was older that she found the strength to start fighting back.

Sharon testified in court Thursday, telling the jury that he never touched the girl in a sexual manner and that they had never been alone together.

But he also told jurors that when law enforcement interviewed him about the incidents, he believed that they would let him go back to work if he said they were just kids and were messing around.

The defense admitted Sharon changed his statements to detectives, claiming that he believed admitting he was messing around was “the lesser of two bad outcomes.”

But Daugustinis argued that the reason Sharon couldn’t keep his story straight when he was questioned was an indication of his consciousness of guilt.

“He (Sharon) blames everyone else. Then he said he couldn’t remember. Then he admitted to touching her,” Daugustinis said, referring to his statement to detectives. “When she confronted him for closure on the controlled call, he said he didn’t remember. An innocent person doesn’t say that he simply doesn’t remember.”

Winter Haven Man Arrested After Assaulting Another Man In Liquor Store

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Winter Haven Man Arrested After Assaulting Another Man In Liquor Store

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

A kerfuffle at the Walmart Liquor Store ends with a traffic crash and charges to include aggravated battery, DUI and driving without a license.

(YouTube Video link: https://youtu.be/_9X2aoxupAA)


On 6-14-18 at approximately 9:48 p.m., our victim, 31 year-old Christopher Fields entered the liquor store at Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) in Winter Haven. Shortly after, 35 year-old Frank Alan Caley (DOB 3-11-83, 7400 Cypress Gardens Blvd SE, Winter Haven) came into the store and approached Fields. Caley started yelling at Fields for no reason. (Fields stated that he didn’t know Caley and had never had any interaction with him.)
Fields continued to back away from Caley and tell him to leave him alone when Caley picked up two large liquor battles and started swinging them towards Fields. Caley continued to swing the bottles around and would hold them up like he was going to hit Fields. Our victim continued to try to get away from Caley telling him to leave him alone. Fields ended up backed into a corner when Caley hit him across the mouth with one of the bottles knocking Fields to the ground where he briefly lost consciousness. As associates tried to break up the incident, Caley threw the second bottle onto the floor and left the store.

Fields was taken to Winter Haven Hospital and treated for wounds to his mouth. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Caley was seen going towards the R.V. Park directly behind Walmart. Another customer in the store told officers that they possibly knew who the aggressor was and ultimately he was identified as Caley.
Officers went to his residence at the R.V. Park, but were told by a neighbor that he had just left in his maroon SUV at a high rate of speed. Shortly after, an off-duty Auburndale police officer witnessed a crash at Cypress Gardens Blvd and Hwy 27. A Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene to find Caley out of his vehicle pacing around moving into the flow of traffic. Caley continued to disregard lawful commands to be still and then lit a cigarette, once again against commands from the deputy.

Caley was arrested at the scene of the crash by the Polk County deputy on charges of DUI, Resisting Officer without Violence and No Valid Driver’s License (not to mention a host of traffic violations). Caley was also charged by Winter Haven Police for Aggravated Battery Causing Bodily Harm (F2) and Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony (F3).

Man Arrested In Winter Haven For Allegedly Fraudulently Returning Items To Lowe’s

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Man Arrested In Winter Haven For Allegedly Fraudulently Returning Items To Lowe’s

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

Paul Houvardas (46 years-old) of Winter Haven found out that greed can get you caught pretty quick – especially when cameras are around.

On 5-19-18, Houvardas decided to go to Lowes (Citi Center) and select an item and present a fraudulent receipt for a refund. He received a refund of $44.70 in cash and off he went.

Fast forward to 5-21-18, he entered the same Lowes where he selected another item worth $86. Requesting a refund, he told the cashier he didn’t have a receipt. The cashier asked for an ID and, well, yes he provided his Florida DL. Since he didn’t have a correct receipt, he was provided a Lowes card. and off he went.

But wait – he’s back!  On 5-31-18, he once again entered Lowes empty handed and selected two ceiling fans and went to the cashier asking to return the fans. He told her that he originally purchased three fans, but decided he didn’t like the style, therefore he was returning two of the three. A loss prevention associate who watched Houvardas walk out of his way to a cashier at the opposite end of the store, thought his travel pattern to be a bit odd. So the LPO had the cashier stall and Houvardas figured this was taking way too long, so he left – leaving the fans behind.

After checking cameras and determining Houvardas had been in the store two times prior, the return information was collected and, thanks to his willingness to provide his DL, we had an address.  Ultimately, on 6-14-18, Houvardas was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Petit Theft.

No matter how much money is involved, fraudulent returns is stealing and against the law. Houvardas enjoyed that free ride to jail in the back of a beautiful Winter Haven Police Car.

Fatal Crash This Morning on 60 East Near Mulberry

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Fatal Crash This Morning on 60 East Near Mulberry

UPDATE Fatal Crash This Morning on 60 East Near Mulberry

The Accident on SR 60 and Bonnie Mine Rd., Mulberry, (8:01am) was a 2011 Kenworth & Rock Hauler Trailer (eastbound Hwy 60) vs a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu (also eastbound). Truck was driven by 43-year-old Jose Ramos of Riverview. The Malibu was driven by 35-year-old James Everitt, and his passenger was 34-year-old Kelly Kersey.  Everitt was pronounced dead on scene. Kersey was transported by helicopter for her leg and internal injuries (critical/stable). Ramos suffered minor injury. Preliminary findings suggest Ramos’ truck struck the rear of the Malibu, causing it to turn sideways, and the truck struck it again on the driver’s side. No criminal charges are expected, but civil citations are possible. The roadway was completely reopened just before 2 p.m.

Original Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is working a fatal crash this morning (6/15). This crash occurred at about 8:00 a.m. at 4800 Hwy 60 East near Mulberry (west of Bonnie Mine Rd), between a rock-hauler truck and a car. There is one confirmed fatality, and Hwy 60 is closed on the eastbound and westbound side, while crews work the scene. The crash occurred on the eastbound side, and it is expected that the westbound lanes should open soon.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

 

Two People Killed In Train Vs Mini-Van Crash In Frostproof

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Two People Killed In Train Vs Mini-Van Crash In Frostproof

***UPDATE FOR FATAL CRASH ON HWY 98 W NEAR FROSTPROOF***

Hwy 98 W at Western AVenue, Frostproof (3:05am) 2012 Dodge Caravan (eastbound on Hwy 98w) vs CSX Train (northbound).

The caravan was driven by 23-year-old Emily Moncrief of Avon Park. The passenger was 23-year-old Lyndsay Serey of Sebring. Both girls were pronounced dead at the scene. The engineer of the train was 42-year-old Jason Stines of Lakeland. He was not injured. Preliminary findings suggest that the Caravan struck the crossing bar before hitting the 27th car of the CSX train. The impact caused the Caravan to roll, and the train to derail. Both girls were wearing seatbelts. Impairment may have been a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, with autopsies and blood toxicology pending. The roadway was completely reopened at around 11:30 a.m.

***UPDATE FOR FATAL CRASH ON HWY 98 W NEAR FROSTPROOF***

Hwy 98 W has been reopened in both directions. It had been closed since the fatal crash occurred at 3:05 this morning, near Western Avenue, Frostproof, which resulted in two deaths.

***UPDATE ON FATAL CRASH IN FROSTPROOF***

The closure of Hwy 98 West at Western Avenue (near Hwy 27) has been extended. It is now expected to remain closed until Noon.

At this time, that is the only new information we have, and the investigation continues.

Original PCSO Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a vehicle-vs-train collision near Frostproof, which resulted in two deaths. The crash occurred at Hwy 98 W near Western Avenue (very close to Hwy 27) at about 3:05 a.m. Friday morning.

Department of Transportation is on scene, assisting with the re-routing of traffic.

Hwy 98 is expected to be closed for possibly four more hours (until 10 a.m.) as the investigation and clean-up continues.

Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Hernandez Honored For His Work On McDonalds Shooting Case

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Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Hernandez Honored For His Work On McDonalds Shooting Case

Lake Wales, Florida – Recently Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Hernandez was honored for his work on the Willie Watson case. Watson was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison.

On a peaceful Sunday morning in Lake Wales, on January 8, 2017, Willie Watson, III, brought terror to the local residents enjoying breakfast at McDonalds. Watson decided he would commit an armed robbery at McDonalds by running in, raising a gun over his head, and firing a shot into the ceiling.

He yelled commands to the employees to hand over money and prevented terrified customers from leaving. Watson then fled the scene.

“Thankfully, Detective David Hernandez was on this case and was determined to track down the person responsible for this crime,” said State Attorney Brian Haas.

Hernandez quickly took action to secure all evidence and take crime scene photos himself.

He recovered surveillance footage of Watson exiting a minivan outside the McDonald’s wearing a dark colored hoodie and a red bandana covering his face. He was also wearing black gloves and was holding a black firearm.

A gunshot residue test was conducted on Watson after he was arrested, and residue particles were found on his hands.

A single black glove was left at the scene, and the DNA on it was a match for Watson. A shell casing was also located at the scene.

When Hernandez searched the minivan Watson was seen exiting on the surveillance footage, he found a firearm. It was a match for the casing.

Assistant State Attorney Mikaela Perry credited Hernandez’s quick and thorough actions with solving this case.

At the jury trial, Watson was convicted of attempted armed robbery with a firearm, shooting into a building, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 20 years in Florida State Prison.

“We are blessed in the tenth circuit to have many wonderful officers and deputies. Each day and night they put on their uniforms to protect us, not knowing if they’ll ever return home,” State Attorney Haas said. “They investigate cases and do not give up until every lead is pursued and every angle is worked.”

 

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