Bartow, Fla. (May 28, 2024) — Kathleen Road in northwest Polk County was closed this morning from north of Block Prine Road to Raulerson Road for five months of drainage installations and road reconstruction for a new subdivision. During construction, traffic north of closure will detour easterly along Raulerson Road to North Campbell Road, then southerly to West Campbell Road, then westerly to Kathleen Road. Northbound traffic along Kathleen Road will be diverted at West Campbell Road and detour in reverse order. During construction and closure, access will remain open to local residences and businesses. Delays and backups are expected, especially during peak-hour traffic. Commuters are advised to drive carefully, add extra drivetime to trips in this area, and to consider alternate routes to avoid slowdowns. Variable message boards in-place for weeks have notified drivers and heavy truck operators of the closure and other routes available to avoid work zone.
Highlands County Bus Driver Charged With DUI After Allegedly Running Multiple Lights On Way To Project Graduation
The Highland’s County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Keith Edward Shifflett Sr. for DUI, Culpable Negligence and four counts of Child Abuse. Shifflett was transporting people to Project Graduation.
Here is a full excerpt of the HCSO Arrest Report:
“On 5/25/2024 Keith Edward Shifflett Sr did commit the offenses of child abuse without great bodily harm (four counts) and culpable negligence (thirty counts). This occurred at Panther Parkway and Cowboy Way, Sebring, Highlands County, Florida.
At 6:30 pm, Keith Edward Shifflett Sr was reported to be operating a Holiday Coach Lines bus and was believed to be intoxicated. The bus left Sebring High School with thirty six passengers, thirty adults and six juveniles, and was en route to Daytona Beach for a Project Graduation trip. After the bus left Sebring High School, Shifflett was reported to have ran three red lights and was operating the bus in a reckless manner. The passengers began to yell at Shifflett to stop the bus, though he would not stop. Another personal vehicle traveling with the group pulled in front of the bus and stopped their vehicle on Panther Parkway and Cowboy Way, causing Shifflett to stop the bus behind this stopped vehicle and law enforcement was called.
Shifflett was spoken to and believed to be impaired. Shifflett performed standardized field sobriety exercises and was subsequently arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage (charged by Florida DUI Uniform Traffic Citation). Law enforcement identified two wheel witnesses, one who was a passenger on this bus and the driver of the second bus, both of which provided sworn statements, positively identifying Shifflett as the impaired driver of the bus.
Out of the thirty six passengers on the bus, thirty adults wished to pursue criminal charges against Shifflett and the parents of four juveniles (on the behalf of the juveniles) wished to pursue criminal charges against Shifflett.
Due to Shifflett’s course of conduct, showing a wanton or reckless disregard for human life and safety, he exposed the thirty adult passengers to personal injury; therefore, he is being charged with thirty counts of culpable negligence.
Due to Shifflett’s actions, he committed an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child; therefore, he is being charged with four counts of child abuse.”
Notice of Public Sale
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:
Notice is hereby given that on 06/10/2024 at 09:00 AM the following vehicles(s) may be sold at public sale at 720 PINE ST AUBURNDALE FL 33823 for the amount owed on each vehicle to satisfy the lien for repairs, services and storage charges and any administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida Statute 713.585.
3GCUKSEC8GG207445 2016 CHEV 10063.48
The name, address and telephone number and public sale location of the repair shop claiming the lien for unpaid charges is:
Lienor Name: BME AUTO & TRUCK SALE LLC
Lienor Address: 720 PINE ST, AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
Lienor Telephone #: 863-808-9829
MV License #: MV111561
Location of Vehicles: 720 PINE ST, AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
The customer or person claiming an interest, or a lien may redeem the vehicle by satisfying the amount due in cash on or before the sale date and time. The customer or person claiming an interest in or lien on a vehicle may file a demand for a hearing with the Clerk of Court in the POLK County where the vehicle is held to determine whether the vehicle has been wrongfully taken or withheld from him or her. At any time before the date of sale a customer or person of record claiming a lien on the vehicle may post a cash or surety bond in the amount stated on the invoice with the Clerk of Circuit Court where the disputed transaction occurred.
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR FICTITIOUS NAME
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to wit Blackwood Bakery under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Diamond Townsend.
Woman Charged With Leaving The Scene Of Crash After Allegedly Hitting & Killing Bicyclist In Lakeland
LAKELAND, FL (May 21, 2024) – On May 14, 2024, traffic crash investigators obtained a warrant for the arrest of Cassidy Mullis in connection with the fatal crash which occurred on June 25, 2023, in the 3000 block of Bartow Road. Mullis was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (F1). On May 20, 2024, at 10:30 p.m., Mullis turned herself into the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center in Frostproof, Florida.
The post-crash investigation determined the vehicle Mullis drove during the crash was a grey, four door 2018 Nissan Sentra. The vehicle was located hours later at a residence in Winter Haven and had damage consistent with the crash circumstances. A piece of the vehicle left at the scene was matched to the Nissan and DNA evidence located on the vehicle matched the victim, Paul Ruis, age 42, of Lakeland. Upon interview, Mullis admitted she had been driving her vehicle at the time of the crash. A vehicle inspection found no evidence of mechanical failure prior to the crash.
Based on the totality of evidence collected thus far, investigators determined that Mullis knew or should have known of the injury or death to Mr. Ruis and failed to immediately stop and remain to give her identifying information.
This remains an open and active investigation.
========== Original Release ==========
FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVOLVING A BICYCLIST
LAKELAND, FL (June 26, 2023) – On Sunday, June 25, 2023, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Bartow Road for a hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist. Upon arriving, officers located an unresponsive male who had been struck by a vehicle. Despite the efforts of first responders, the 42-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based on information gathered at the scene, officers believe the victim was struck and killed while crossing the southbound lanes of Bartow Road. Witnesses at the scene described the suspect vehicle as small and gray-colored. Just prior to the crash, the suspect vehicle had been traveling south on Bartow Road. After striking the bicyclist, the vehicle fled the scene, continuing south on Bartow Road.
The crash location was processed for the ongoing investigation. Hours later, the Lakeland Police Department received a call from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with information about the possible location of the suspect vehicle at a residence in Winter Haven. With the assistance of the Winter Haven Police Department, officers responded to the area and found a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses that had damage consistent with the crash. The vehicle was impounded, interviews were conducted, and additional evidence was gathered.
At this time, this remains an open investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Sergeant Dale Deas at [email protected].
Persons who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
* From a cell phone, dial **TIPS
* Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
* Or download the free “P3tips” app on a smartphone or tablet.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when they send a tip through Crime Stoppers, and they are eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
This remains an open and active investigation. The victim’s name is being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law.
J.C. Reviews: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes…Is Fine. Just Fine.
by James Coulter
Confession time: I have not watched any of the previous Planet of the Apes movies. Fortunately, I didn’t need to, even if I did manage to watch a plot recap of the first three films on YouTube. Turns out this movie is set hundreds of years after the last film.
So, even if it’s a part of a long-running franchise, this movie’s essentially a new story. Question is: Does it hold up? Or do these apes still have more evolving to do before they reach evolutionary perfection?
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, as previously mentioned, takes place years after a man-made virus wiped out most of humanity and left the remaining humans dumb and witless like animals. Apes have since become the dominant species and started building their own society within the ruins of human civilization.
Among the scattered factions of sentient apes lives a young ape named Noa. His village gets raided by a more aggressive tribe of gorillas and bonobos led by Proximus Caesar, who is searching for a human woman, Nova, who allegedly holds the secret of opening a mysterious vault. Noa befriends the woman, and the two of them team up to thwart the manic monkey monarch’s malicious machinations. Will they succeed in doing so? Or can the two even trust each other?
Credit where it’s due, this movie is a visual marvel. The movie’s post-apocalyptic setting looks equally awe-inspiring and harrowing. With most man-made buildings having fallen into ruin and become overtaken by plant life, it all truly looks and feels like a world where mankind has all but been killed off and nature has reclaimed what man has taken.
The ape characters also look rather impressive. Unlike the original 1960s films or even the Tim Burton remake, where human actors are evidently wearing ape costumes, these motion capture-created characters truly look, move, and act like actual simians. They even talk like apes with awkward pauses and grunts rather than with clear human articulation.
Unfortunately, as fascinating as the movie looks, the visuals are simply a fresh coat of paint on an old story—and the story does feel tired and trite!
Stop me if you heard this before: a young protagonist is minding his own business, living in his happy home village when a band of evil raiders attacks and kills and kidnaps everyone he loves.
I don’t need to say any more for you to figure out how the rest of the story goes.
The young protagonist ventures out on his own to avenge his family and village, meets an old and wise mentor to assist him on his journey, they come across a trickster character who may or may not betray them later, and it all culminates with the main character fighting the main villain and—yadda yadda yadda, it’s all be played out before!
Having not seen the other movies, I can’t judge how well this movie stands out among the rest of the franchise. The most I can say is that it works somewhat well as a standalone movie, and I didn’t need to know too much about the previous films to know what was going on.
Overall, while the visuals were spectacular, in the end, the movie (to me, at least) was nothing more than style over substance. New visuals simply painted a fresh coat on an old story, and while it proved entertaining enough, it didn’t offer anything new to the table.
If you’re a fan of the Planet of the Apes franchise, I’m sure you’ll find some enjoyment out of it. And even if you haven’t seen any of the other movies, it’s decent enough as its own. At most, a good popcorn flick to pass an afternoon with nothing else to do.
Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Death Of Lakeland Mother
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Vance Marson, DOB: 06/17/93, charging him with DUI Manslaughter. The charges stem from on May 27, 2023. The suspect, Marson, was the driver in a crash which killed Miranda Prince of Lakeland. Blood work and crime scene results allegedly didn’t confirm the suspects story in the crash.
The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 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 05/27/23 at approximately 0322 hours, the suspect D-1 (Vance Andrew Marson) was operating a 2019 Kia Forte 4-door passenger car northbound on SR. 33, approximately 300 ft. south of the intersection of Sugar Bush Lane, Polk City, Florida 33868. While northbound, the suspect failed to maintain control of his vehicle, which caused the Kia to leave the roadway and travel onto the east side grass shoulder area.
Within the east side grass shoulder area, the Kia continued to travel in a northeasterly direction for approximately 267 ft., until the right side of the Kia sustained primary impact damage with a large tree, at the bottom (base) of the shoulder. After primary impact with the tree, the Kia rotated in a clockwise direction and came to an uncontrolled final rest facing in southwesterly direction, approximately 25 ft. northwest of the tree. During this crash, V-1 right front seat passenger, Miranda Prince, was ejected out of V-1 onto the grass shoulder, south of V-1.
Upon arrival of First Responders, D-1 voluntarily told D/S Joshua Lasalle #8162 that he was driving the vehicle home, when an argument started between him and his girlfriend (Prince). D-1 further stated that Prince grabbed the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike the tree.
During this crash, D-1 sustained incapacitating injuries and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center (LRHMC) by Polk County Fire Rescue. Prince also sustained incapacitating injuries and was also transported to LRHMC by PCFR. On 06/02/23 at approximately 1944 hours, LRHMC Medical Staff pronounced Prince deceased.
During contact with D-1 at LRHMC, D/S Justin Register #8725 reported that he made brief contact with D-1 in the Emergency Department. D/S Register reported that while D-1 was breathing around his oxygen mask, he could smell the faint odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.
Investigation at the crash scene revealed tire tracks that left the northbound lane of travel and continued in a northeasterly direction on the northbound grass shoulder, up to the base of a large tree. My observations at the scene failed to reveal any signs of pre-impact braking. It was noted that prior to impact with the tree, the rear of the Kia rotated slightly counter-clockwise. There also was no pre-impact braking evidence located on the roadway surface. The crash scene evidence was inconsistent with the statement made by D-1, in which he stated that Prince grabbed the steering wheel, causing V-1 to impact the tree. There also was no evidence of D-1 taking any evasive actions (braking and/or counter-steering) to avoid the alleged steering wheel actions by Prince.
After obtaining verbal and written consent from the owner of the Kia, Sandra Biggs, the Airbag Control Unit (Module) was extracted from the interior of the vehicle. Review of the data collected during a Kia Event Data Recorder (EDR) System benchtop download/imaging, revealed that there was a recorded event. The EDR Report also provided the following details:
The safety belt status for the driver and passenger was “Off”
A speed of 153 kph (95.06 mph) was recorded at -5.0 seconds prior to the event
A speed of 165 kph (102 mph) was recorded at 0.0 seconds
The engine throttle position was at 100% throughout the entire recorded event
The acceleration pedal was at 99% throughout the entire recorded event
Steering input (degree) was “0” from -5.0 seconds until -0.5 seconds
Steering input (degree) was “5” at 0.0 seconds
The Service Brake Status was “Off” for the entire recorded event
All of this collected EDR data was consistent with my investigation and observations at the crash scene of a high speed impact. This data was also consistent with the extensive impact damage sustained to V-1 and the overall pre-impact distance (approximately 267 ft.) V-1 traveled off the roadway.
All of the collected EDR data was also inconsistent with the post-crash statement made by D-1, that Prince grabbed the steering wheel. This included lack of any pre-impact braking for V-1 and no evidence of any deceleration efforts by D-1. There also was very minimal (5 degrees at 0.0 seconds) recorded EDR data of steering input for V-1. These findings were also inconsistent with the allegations made by D-1.
During follow-up investigation, a Search Warrant was authored and obtained for D-1’s LRHMC Medical blood and medical records. Review of the LRHMC Medical Records for D-1 revealed laboratory results for D-1’s hospital blood. These hospital toxicology results revealed a positive result for Ethanol (111 mg/dL), which was reportedly collected on 05/27/23 at approximately 0503 hours.
The collected hospital blood sample was also transported to the University of Florida Forensic Toxicology Laboratory for analysis. University of Florida, Director of Toxicology, Dr. Chris Chronister reported toxicology analysis revealed a positive result for Ethanol (89 mg/dL). He further reported toxicology results were positive for marijuana/cannabis (Delta-9 Carboxy THC 220ng/mL & Delta-9 THC 20 ng/mL). Dr. Chronister also advised that based on all of the available information, including the concentration of alcohol and the presence of cannabinoids in D-1’s system, there is evidence of impairment for D-1.
My review of the medical records also revealed that D-1 told medical personnel that “him and his gf (girlfriend) were arguing at the bar because she was speaking to another man, so they left and were arguing in the car. He (Marson) stated that he said he was done with it and she reached over him and yanked the wheel, causing them to crash”. Review of the Polk County Fire Rescue Report, contained within the obtained medical records, also revealed that the “Pt (Patient) advised he was driving with his girlfriend and they were arguing when she grabbed the wheel and snatched the car off the road.”
During follow-up investigation, a sworn, recorded, statement was obtained from PCFR Paramedic, Taylor Walker. Walker reported upon his arrival at the crash scene, he observed a red car with damage consistent with impacting a tree. During his interview with the patient (reported to be Vance Marson) he (Marson) stated that he was the driver of the car. He further told Walker that they were arguing, they left a bar, arguing about some guy and she grabbed the steering wheel.
All attempts to verify the initial statement from D-1 were conducted with negative results.
My investigation has determined that during this crash, D-1 (Marson) was operating his vehicle in a reckless manner, likely to cause death. D-1’s unlawful driving actions resulted in the death of right front seat passenger, Miranda Prince, a human being. This unlawful driving action was a violation of Florida State Statute 782.071(1)(a); Vehicular Homicide.
During this crash, D-1 also operated his vehicle with an unlawful blood-alcohol level, to the extent his normal faculties were impaired and who by reason of such operation, caused or contributed, to the death of passenger, Miranda Prince. This action was a violation of Florida State Statute 316.193(3)(c)(3); DUI Manslaughter.
At the time of this crash, Marson, was operating the Kia with an unlawful blood-alcohol level. Marson’s driving actions also caused approximately $20,000 in damages to the Kia”
Northbound & Southbound Hwy 27 Temporarily Blocked Just South Of 17/Scenic Hwy In Frostproof Due To Bad Accident
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that Hwy 27 is fully open in both the Northbound & Southbound directions after a rollover crash temporarily shut down all lanes. The crash occurred around 4:04 pm and involved at least one vehicle that rolled over multiple times according to witnesses. A total of 3 trauma alert patients were transported to area hospitals via helicopter evacuation that shut down both sides of Hwy 27.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office didn’t have any additional details at this time.
—————— Original Post ———-
According to multiple reports a very bad accident, with one vehicle rollover, has taken place on Hwy 27 just south of 17/Scenic Highway in Frostproof. Law enforcement is currently on scene and both southbound and northbound lanes are blocked for helicopter evacuations. A total of 3 trauma patients have been identified by Polk County Fire Rescue. Currently PCFR has assisted with at least one helicopter evacuation. A second helicopter is landing now.
The accident reportedly occurred at 4:04pm. At least PCFR vehicles are on scene. It’s believed that all 3 of the trauma alerts is for are adult patients. Initially one was thought to be a juvenile.
This is a developing story, as more information is released we will update.
A 17 Yr Old Suspect Reportedly “Reaching For A Gun” Was Shot & Critically Injured By Haines City Police
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into an officer involved shooting. As part of a 10th Judicial Circuit Court State Attorney Office investigation task force the Sheriff’s Office investigates all shootings involving law enforcement officers. This shooting took place in Davenport after a pursuit through Haines City. The incident culminated in the shooting of a seventeen year old suspect, Javier Najera, of Lake Hamilton by Haines City Police Officer Sean Bruner.
A video of the full press conference here:
According to reports, around 7:00 pm last night, a Haines City Police Officer spotted a stolen vehicle. After calling for backup the officer attempted to pull over the stolen vehicle. That vehicle fled the officers. While fleeing the suspect vehicle struck a victim’s vehicle at Old Polk City Rd & Hwy 27. The pursuit ended in Davenport after a Haines City Officer used a PIT maneuver to stop the fleeing stolen vehicle.
Once stopped the passenger of the vehicle, Javier Najera, reportedly reached for a gun and was shot. The driver of the stolen vehicle, Victor Espinoza-Rodriguez, 19, was taken into custody. At the time of the press conference Najera was undergoing emergency surgery and was in critical condition.
This is a developing story and we will update as information becomes available.
Haines City Police Investigating Officer Involved Shooting
***Update***
Haines City Police Chief Greg Goreck and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media on the scene of an officer-involved shooting involving the Haines City Police Department that occurred earlier this evening near Davenport. One suspect was shot and transported to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured. The incident is being investigated by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.
The briefing will take place at 10:30 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2024. The media staging area is the grass median between the north and southbound lanes of US Hwy 27 in front of the PCSO mobile command center, just north of the intersection with Heller Brothers Blvd and south of Ernie Caldwell Blvd.
——————-
Haines City Police Press Release
HAINES CITY, Fla. — The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this evening on US 27 near I-4. The scene remains active, and we are diligently working to gather all the details. More information will be shared later this evening. Chief Greg Goreck wants to reassure the community that all officers involved are safe, and the suspects have been taken into custody.
This is a developing story and we will update as information is released.
———-
We believe the incident started around 7pm and involved a chase from the Haines City area through to Davenport. The incident appears to have occurred at Hwy 27 & Deer Creek Blvd area.
