Around 11:35 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call regarding a single vehicle – 2018 black Porsche 911 – that had been traveling north on US Hwy 98 after leaving the “Wine Bar” lounge in Bartow when it left the roadway and crashed, ejecting both the driver and passenger. Both occupants were found deceased upon first responders’ arrival. The crash occurred just south of the intersection with Smith Lane.
According to the investigation thus far, the driver, 66-year-old Michael Price of Miami, was at the bar with a 54-year-old female, Johnnie Levin of Bartow, when they decided to leave and take a “joy ride” in the Porsche. A witness to the crash who was driving north on 98 at the time saw the Porsche approach from behind without headlights, and then suddenly exit and roll multiple times along the east shoulder of the road. The witness turned around and found the wreckage, then called 911. The Porsche was broken into several pieces. Excessive speed appears to be a factor. The investigation is ongoing.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office on May 24 arrested 20 yr old Milo Pemberton. He was involved in a vehicle crash and while being treated he became combative. During the course of the investigation it was alleged that Pemberton assault both law enforcement and emergency response personnel
The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit and (It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted, report of facts, by the PCSO. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :
“On 05/24/24 at approximately 0638 hours, I responded to the area of Florida Ave S and Shepherd Rd, Lakeland in reference to a vehicle crash with unknown injuries that was being received by Live911.
Prior to my arrival, D/S Billek #9491 arrived on scene and took primary on the traffic crash investigation.
Upon arrival, I made contact with D/S Billek and assisted him in the traffic crash investigation. While on scene, I observed Polk County Fire/EMS rendering aid to one of the drivers (later identified as Milo Pemberton). I was requested to stand by with Polk County Fire/EMS due to Pemberton being irate and verbally combative. Pemberton began to calm down and was escorted to the rear of Polk County Fire Rescue Ambulance #2 by Polk County EMS/Fire personnel.
Milo Pemberton
A short time later, I was requested by Medic #1 to assist with Pemberton due to his behavior in the rear of the ambulance. D/S Billek and I responded to the rear of ambulance #2. Upon entering, I observed Firefighter/Paramedic (Medic) #2 attempting to restrain Pemberton who had removed the gurney restraints. Medic #2 advised Pemberton stated “You don’t know if I have a gun” and “I have a gun.” Medic #2 advised Pemberton began to reach into his pants. Medic #2 advised he was placed in fear of imminent danger due to Pemberton’s statements. Medic #2 believed Pemberton had a firearm as Pemberton appeared to be reaching for one. Medic #2 advised to he attempted to restrain the subject until law enforcement could assist further.
Due to Pemberton’s threats of a firearm, D/S Billek conducted a search of his person. During this search, an unopened “BuzzBallz Chiller” was located in Pemberton’s pocket. BuzzBallz Chillers are alcoholic beverages that have a 15% alcohol content by volume. At the time of this incident, Pemberton was 20 years old.
Due to Pemberton’s actions, Medic #2 began to apply soft restraints to Pemberton’s wrists. D/S Billek and I assisted by keeping the subject on the gurney as he continued to move around and attempt to get off the gurney. During this time, D/S Billek and I gave multiple verbal commands for Pemberton to stop moving around and to lay still on the gurney. I maintained control of Pemberton’s upper body and left arm. As Medic #2 began to apply a soft restraint to Pemberton’s left arm, Pemberton grabbed my right wrist with his right hand and attempted to remove it from his person. I immediately ordered Pemberton to let me go as he continued to push my arm away. I was able to remove my wrist from Pemberton’s grasp and handcuffs were applied in lieu of the soft restraints.
I exited the ambulance and entered my agency issued marked patrol vehicle to follow Ambulance #2 to the hospital. Prior to leaving the scene, Medic #1 exited the ambulance again and advised Pemberton was able to remove his right wrist from the handcuff. I re-entered the ambulance to reapply the handcuff. While reapplying the handcuff, Pemberton moved his head towards me rapidly while yelling. Due to his actions, I believed Pemberton was attempting to head-butt me and I had to move to prevent this from occurring. After applying the handcuff, Pemberton continued to try and head-butt me while saying “When I get out of jail, I will kill you.” I placed my left hand on Pemberton’s chest and pushed him away from me and told him to stop. Pemberton continued to threaten to kill me after leaving jail but no longer attempted to head-butt me.
Ambulance #2 began to transport Pemberton to the hospital due to injuries from the crash and medical clearance for the jail.
In the area of Old Hwy 37 and Oak Ln, Lakeland, ambulance #2 activated their emergency lights and pulled over to the side of Old Hwy 37. Medic #1 exited the driver seat and advised Pemberton was actively fighting in the rear of the ambulance. As Medic #1 opened the rear door, I observed Pemberton kick Medic #2 multiple times. I entered the ambulance and assisted with restraining Pemberton while Medic #2 began to obtain items for chemical sedation.
I observed Medic #2 deploy one medication into the left buttocks of Pemberton. As Medic #2 was about to deploy the second medication, I observed Medic #2 remove the needle cap and move towards Pemberton. When Medic #2 got near Pemberton, I observed Pemberton grab Medic #2 left wrist (which held the uncapped needle) and begin to pull on it. Due to the uncapped needle and the struggle between Medic #2 and Pemberton, I immediately deployed my agency issued Taser (S/N: X1200EW5X) via a drive stun technique for a full five second cycle into the abdomen of Pemberton while giving him commands to release Medic #2’s wrist. While the cycle was being applied, Pemberton grabbed my right hand and the Taser with his right hand. Pemberton began pulling on both in an attempt to remove the Taser from his abdomen. I gave Pemberton multiple verbal commands to let go of my hand and Taser. During the five second cycle, Pemberton released his grasp on Medic #2. After the five second cycle, Pemberton let go of my hand and no longer attempted to resist.
Ambulance #2 transported Pemberton to Bartow Regional Medical Center for medical clearance.
During the course of this investigation, D/S Billek learned the vehicle (black 2021 Jeep Compass bearing FL Tag #DAGC62) being operated by Pemberton prior to the crash was owned by REDACTED (friend of Pemberton). REDACTED advised D/S Billek she did not give Pemberton permission to take or drive the vehicle and wanted to press charges. The vehicle was valued at $10,000.
During the course of this investigation, D/S Billek and I were wearing our agency issued Class B uniforms with silver “Deputy Sheriff” badges affixed to the front, insignia patches on both arms, and agency issued duty belts clearly identifying us as law enforcement officers. Medic #2 was wearing his agency issued uniform which consisted of a Polk County Fire/EMS shirt with “Firefighter” on the front and BDU style pants, which clearly identified him as a firefighter.
Pemberton was arrested and charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officer (two counts), Battery on a Paramedic/Firefighter, Aggravated Assault on a Paramedic/Firefighter, Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Resisting an Officer without Violence (two counts), Corruption by Threat, Grand Theft – Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Alcohol by Person under 21. Pemberton was medically cleared by Bartow Medical Center and transported to Polk County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff’s Processing Center without further incident.
The Lakeland Police Department has arrested a registered nurse charging her with multiple charges including fraud. The nurse, Jessica Cuthbertson, allegedly stole a patient’s wallet. She is also accused of trying to buy gas, alcohol and cigarettes with stolen cards from the wallet.
The following is a long exerpt from the Lakeland Police affidavit and specifically (It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted, report of facts, by the Lakeland Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :
“On 04/04/24, the defendant was operating as a Registered Nurse (RN) at Lakeland Regional Health. During her workday, the defendant was assigned to care for an individual in the same room as the victim (split room). During her shift on 04/04/24, the victim was temporarily transported to another room, to undergo procedures. However, prior to leaving REDACTED’s room, the victim left REDACTED wallet and other belongings behind. When the victim returned to REDACTED room, later that evening, REDACTED checked pants pocket for REDACTED wallet, and learned that it was no longer there. The victim checked REDACTED bank account and learned of a fraudulent charge, from a RaceTrac gas station, which occurred at 1800 hours. It was later learned that the fraudulent transaction occurred with REDACTED’s Trust bank card, which was stolen from wallet.
Security cameras and sales records from RaceTrac revealed that the defendant approach a fuel pump in a white Dodge Ram pickup truck, exit the vehicle, and enter the stolen credit card at a gas pump and paid for $74.63. The defendant then entered the store and attempted to purchase alcohol and cigarettes for $67.58, but the card declined. The defendant fraudulently used the victim’s bank card during two (2) different transactions and endeavored to deprive the victim of an aggregated amount of $142.21.
Note: A DAVID inquiry revealed that the defendant had a white Dodge Ram pickup truck registered to her.
A co-worker of the defendant was shown still images from the RaceTrac security footage, who positively identified the defendant. Risk Management of Lakeland Regional Health confirmed that the defendant was employed and caring for a patient in the same room as the victim.”
LAKELAND, FL (May 31, 2024) – On Thursday, May 30, 2024, at approximately 10:04 a.m., officers responded to assist the Plant City Police Department after a traffic crash occurred at the intersection of Harden Boulevard and South Frontage Road. In total the crash scene involved eight vehicles and eleven persons.
Evidence and witness statements indicated the Mercedes (Vehicle 1) entered the intersection on a solid red light and impacted the front of a black Ford SUV (Vehicle 2) which was traveling eastbound on South Frontage Road and attempting to turn left (north). A grey Subaru (Vehicle 8) was turning left in the adjacent lane to Vehicle 2 and was damaged by debris of the collision.
Post impact with Vehicle 2, Vehicle 1 continued and struck a raised concrete median then impacted the driver’s side of a dark colored Ford SUV (Vehicle 3). Vehicle 3 was pushed in an eastbound direction and impacted a grey Volkswagen (Vehicle 4) and a grey Honda (Vehicle 5). Post impact, Vehicle 5 impacted a black Chrysler (Vehicle 6) and a blue Chevrolet (Vehicle 7).
The driver of Vehicle 1 attempted to flee on foot and was taken into custody by Plant City and Lakeland Police officers.
Numerous other Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units responded, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department who all began life-saving measures. The driver of Vehicle 1, and the driver and passenger of Vehicle 2 were transported to transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) for minor injuries. The driver of Vehicle 5 responded of his own accord to LRH for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of Vehicle 3 was transported to LRH where, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The driver of Vehicle 1, James Gougeon (age 50) of Plant City, was charged with following crimes: Fleeing to Elude with Reckless High Speed involving Injury or Death (F1)(1 count), Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (F1)(1 count), Knowingly Driving on a Suspended License with 3 or More Offenses (F3)(1 count), Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Injury (F3)(3 counts), Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage (M2)(4 Counts). Citations were also issued for Careless Driving, Expired Tag/Registration less than 6 months, and Fail to Stop at a Steady Red Signal.
The roadway was shut down for approximately 7.5 hours to process the scene for the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
For questions related to law enforcement action prior to the crash, please contact Captain Alfed Van Duyne with the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200 or [email protected].
HAINES CITY, FL – Yesterday evening, Haines City Fire Department, supported by Polk County Fire Rescue, swiftly addressed a significant fire at a residential property located at 2312 Lakeview Drive. The fire was reported at 5:58 PM, and crews were dispatched immediately to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a two-story house with heavy smoke and flames visible from the front. The fire crews noted a hazardous situation involving a downed and arcing power line near the house, prompting immediate coordination with the power company to secure the area.
The crews made an offensive attack after completing a thorough assessment of the situation. Firefighters attacked the fire from the interior and exterior, concentrating their efforts on the source of the fire, which appeared to be around the home’s electrical meter.
The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes from the first response, with efforts continuing to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and all potential hotspots were managed. Firefighters were able to stop the spread of fire and limit the damage to the interior of the structure. The operation concluded at 8:34 PM, with all units cleared from the scene.
The building was confirmed unoccupied at the time of the incident, ensuring no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical, originating near the house’s exterior wall.
The property owner, whose primary residence is in another state and uses the Haines City property only occasionally, was present after the incident to assess the damage and cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The Haines City Fire Department acknowledges the prompt actions of its firefighters and the support provided by Polk County Fire Rescue in preventing the fire from spreading further and ensuring public safety.
A fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred about 16-miles south of Mulberry on Wednesday morning, May 29, 2024 remains under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Both drivers were killed at the scene when a white 2021 Isuzu box truck collided with a white 1999 Peterbilt semi-truck with a dump trailer.
PCSO Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 8:00 AM, to the crash on State Road 37 and Ft. Green Mine Road.
A fire that involved both vehicles spread to nearby grass and brush, but was quickly extinguished.
According to the preliminary investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit, the box truck had been traveling south on SR 37 behind several other vehicles, and the semi was heading north.
As the vehicles approached the intersection, a vehicle traveling south began to make a left (east) turn onto Ft. Green Mine Road.
Investigators believe the box truck driver failed to notice the vehicles in front of her slowing down, and when she did notice, she attempted to avoid a collision with the vehicle in front of her by swerving to the left into the northbound lane and into the path of the oncoming semi.
The collision caused the semi to flip over.
The driver of the box truck was determined to be an adult female, and the driver of the semi-truck was an adult male.
Both victims have been tentatively identified by detectives, but not yet confirmed.
SR 37 remained closed until about 3:45 PM Wednesday afternoon.
A Bartow Police Department officer was arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, after the PCSO was requested by Bartow PD on May 8, 2024 to investigate his actions involving four teenage females, inappropriate video, drugs, and alcohol.
24-year old Markanthony Fernandez was charged Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at the Polk County Jail with four felonies and six misdemeanors for events that occurred during the weekend of February 3, 2024…events that Fernandez recorded on video and sent to fellow officers at Bartow PD. Those officers reported it to their supervisors.
“Markanthony Fernandez has embarrassed his community, police department, and law enforcement officers everywhere. In contrast, his fellow officers at Bartow Police Department did the right thing by reporting his conduct. Markanthony Fernandez must never wear a badge again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The investigation identified four females involved with the incident in February; two were 18-years old, the other two victims were 17 and 16-years old.
Fernandez recorded several videos. One video showed one of the 18-year old girl’s wearing a Bartow PD jacket, while a 17-year old committed a sexual act on the 18-year-old at the urging of Fernandez. Several of the videos show the victims naked with Fernandez inside his residence.
Fernandez provided all four with alcoholic beverages, THC vape pens, and THC gummies.
Fernandez was also accused of going into a bedroom at his residence where the 16-year old was, and began to touch her and choke her.
Markanthony Fernandez was booked-in at the Polk County Jail and charged with: Promotion of a Juvenile in a Sexual Performance (F2), Use of a Juvenile in a Sexual Performance (F2), Battery by Strangulation (F3), Illegal Use of a 2-Way Communication Device (F3), Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (M1, 2-counts), and Provide Alcoholic Beverages to A Person Under 21-Years of Age (M2, 4-counts).
Fernandez has been on administrative leave since February and his employment with Bartow PD is pending termination based on his arrest.
HAINES CITY, FL – Earlier this morning, Haines City Fire Department responded to a major vehicle accident at the intersection of US 27 and SR 544. The incident, which involved a four-door passenger vehicle and a semi-truck, resulted in significant traffic disruptions and a medical evacuation.
At approximately 3:52 AM, Haines City Battalion Chief 1 and Haines City Engine 2 were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered that a passenger vehicle had crashed into the rear of a semi-truck in the middle southbound lane of US 27. The impact caused the vehicle’s hood to become lodged underneath the truck, heavily entrapping the lone occupant.
Due to the severity of the situation, Haines City Battalion Chief 1 promptly requested additional support from Haines City Engine 1 and Polk County Fire Rescue Tower 33. The roadway was shut down to facilitate rescue operations, with all three lanes of southbound US 27 and northbound travel being closed to allow for the arrival of Aeromed 5.
Polk County Fire Rescue Medic Rescue 30 assessed the occupant and declared an adult male trauma alert. Haines City Engine 1 established a landing zone at the scene for Aeromed 5, which was dispatched to transport the patient.
Crews from Haines City and Polk County Fire Rescue worked diligently for approximately 45 minutes to extricate the patient from the vehicle. Upon successful extrication, primary patient care was provided by PCFR Medic Rescue 30 before being transferred to Aeromed 5. The patient was then medevacked to a regional medical center for further treatment.
“Our firefighters and rescue teams displayed extraordinary courage and precision in the early hours of this morning,” said Fire Chief Drew Neubrand. “In the face of a complex and dangerous situation, their quick actions and seamless coordination with our partners ensured that the patient received the critical care needed. This incident is a testament to the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our team and the importance of our collaborative efforts in safeguarding our community.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was the investigative agency on the scene and took over the investigation once the immediate rescue operations concluded. The scene was officially turned over to PCSO, and normal traffic flow was gradually restored following the reopening of southbound and northbound travel.
The Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriffs Office is currently working a horrific fiery crash on Hwy 37 S & Four Corners Mine Rd. According to initial reports the accident involves a semi-tractor trailer hauling phosphate & a box truck hailing flowers. The incident occurred around 8:01am.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed two people have died in the crash. A subsequent brush fire has also started due to the crash.
Please avoid the area. This is a developing story, we will update as information becomes available.
