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Polk Sheriff’s Deputies Searching For Armed & Dangerous Murder Suspect

Carl Fish
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Polk Sheriff’s Deputies Searching For Armed & Dangerous Murder Suspect

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are seeking 23-year old Kwavaughn Armani Buckley of Winter Park; he is wanted for the murder of 36-year old Jeremiah Aguirre of Poinciana.

“We need the public’s help to find Buckley so he can be held accountable. If you know where we can find him, call our main number at 863-298-6200 or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 888-400-TIPS.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

PCSO detectives obtained a warrant for Buckley for Felony First Degree Murder, and Armed Burglary with Assault/Battery, after Aguirre was found deceased in his home on Lauderdale Court on January 27, 2024.

Buckley’s motive for the murder appears to be jealousy over a woman.

PCSO homicide detectives say that Buckley drives a silver Chrysler 300 and should be considered armed and dangerous. He is known to frequent the Poinciana area in Polk and Osceola Counties.

If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Kwavaughn Armani Buckley, they are asked to contact Homicide Investigations at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

To report information anonymously and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400 TIPS (8477).

Polk County Public Schools Finalist For Assistant Principal Of The Year Arrested For Driving Wrong Way Down Interstate 4

Carl Fish
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Polk County Public Schools Finalist For Assistant Principal Of The Year Arrested For Driving Wrong Way Down Interstate 4

The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating an incident that occurred early on Sunday morning after a Lakeland man was arrested for driving the wrong way on I-4. That man has been identified as Craig Hilgenberg. Mr. Hilgenberg of Lakeland is the assistant principal at Dixieland Elementary in Lakeland. He was a finalist for Assistant Principal of the Year this past year 2023.

Early Sunday morning a trooper responded to the area of I-4 at County Line Road around 1:30 a.m. According to the FHP, while the trooper was responding to the scene, they were notified by Tampa dispatch (TBRCC) that the suspect vehicle, a red Honda Accord, was continuing to drive east in the westbound lanes.

FHP says as the trooper approached exit 32 (US-98), the Honda was seen driving east on the inside shoulder of I-4 in the westbound lanes.The Honda passed by the trooper that was in the center lane of I-4 headed east. The trooper tried to catch up to the car that was on the inside shoulder by making a U-turn, according to officials.

Eventually after passing several vehicles that were lawfully headed in the right direction the trooper attempted the first of two P.I.T. Maneuvers (Precision Immobilization Technique) .

Eventually after the 2nd P.I.T. Maneuver they were able take Hilgenberg into custody. According to another news outlet (Fox 13 News) “Hilgenberg smelled like alcohol and had slurred speech during the time of the arrest, according to the arrest report.

FHP says Hilgenberg was taken to the Polk County Jail and threw up in the parking lot. The vomit smelled like alcohol, according to authorities. 

Officials say he refused to perform field sobriety exercises and refused to provide a breath sample.

Craig Hilgenberg was charged with one count of fleeing with disregard of safety to persons or property and one count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

He was turned over to Polk County Detention Deputies, according to officials.”

Lakeland Police Investigating A Fatal Motorcycle Crash Friday Morning

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Police Investigating A Fatal Motorcycle Crash Friday Morning

LAKELAND, FL (January 26, 2024) – On Friday, January 26, 2024, at approximately 7:03 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a silver Nissan SUV and a blue Kawasaki motorcycle at the intersection of West Memorial Boulevard and Crutchfield Road. Just before the crash, the Nissan was traveling east on West Memorial Boulevard and was attempting to make a left turn onto Crutchfield Road. The motorcycle was traveling westbound on West Memorial Boulevard as the Nissan entered the westbound lanes to turn left. The motorcycle then impacted the passenger’s side of the Nissan.

The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. The front passenger of the Nissan was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with serious bodily injuries. The driver of the Nissan received minor injuries but was not transported.

The roadway was shut down for approximately three hours to process the scene for the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Camilo Almeida at camilo.almeida@lakelandgov.net.

Nissan Driver:

Richard Douglas

Age: 80

Huntley, IL

Nissan Passenger:

Barbara Douglas

Age: 81

Huntley, IL

Motorcyclist:

Domonic Brooks

Age: 32

Lakeland, FL

Polk Deputy’s Investigating Crash That Killed Bicyclist

Carl Fish
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Polk Deputy’s Investigating Crash That Killed Bicyclist

The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a crash that occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in unincorporated Lakeland, which resulted in the death of an unknown adult bicyclist.

 

The bicyclist was a male who appeared to be in his 50s. He was crossing US 98 from east to west in the crosswalk at the intersection with Autumnwood Grove Blvd on a bicycle, against the red light. A 2023 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck pulling a utility trailer being driven by 49-year-old Shirity Saunders of Lake Worth was heading south on US 98 with a green light. The bicycle struck the rear driver’s side of the truck as it crossed the intersection, and then the bike was hit by the front corner of the trailer. The man was propelled into the trailer. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with critical injuries. He was not wearing a helmet.

 

He succumbed to his injuries overnight in the hospital. We are still trying to positively identify him.

Swan City Jazz Fest Offered Hot Tunes Despite Cool Weather

Staff Reporter
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Swan City Jazz Fest Offered Hot Tunes Despite Cool Weather

by James Coulter

Rick Runion has loved jazz ever since he was little. He played in band through college and even in the US Navy in the military band for four years. Since he moved to Florida, he has been playing gigs on the weekends.

Last weekend, Runion had the opportunity to play saxophone at the Third Annual Swan City Jazz Fest, hosted at the Kathleen High School Auditorium. He had previously played at the annual event with his band, but decided to play solo this year.

“I love the fact that I get to communicate with other people my love of jazz,” he said. I think the fact that we had to move indoors is great. I am disappointed we had to move our event indoors. But that is okay. We have a good location. This is an awesome place.”

For the past three years, the Swan City Jazz Festival has drawn attendees together for a weekend of hot jazz tunes. This year’s event included performances by headline artists Julian Vaughn and Lannie Battistini. Other performances were hosted by Olyvya Wells, Just The 2 Of Us, Dimas Sanchez, Philip “Jazz Dad” Thomas, Shawn Brown, and the Valerie Gillispie Ensemble.

Originally, this year’s jazz festival was going to be hosted at its regular venue at Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland. However, due to cold weather, the event had to be moved indoors to the auditorium at Kathleen High School. Despite the sudden change of location, the turnout proved good, especially due to the event’s reputation for hosting top-tier talent.

“The artists are top tier, and the crowd loves top tier,” said Lisa Kirk, event coordinator. “There are three things that bring people of diverse backgrounds together: great music, great people, and great sports. I love seeing people sway to the beat.”

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash Near Shepherd Rd.

Carl Fish
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Motorcyclist Killed In Crash Near Shepherd Rd.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a traffic crash involving a Hyundai Tucson and a motorcycle that occurred around 6:45 p.m. last evening, Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in unincorporated Lakeland, which resulted in the death of the motorcyclist.

 

According to the investigation so far, 31-year-old Xinia Spencer was returning home to the Carlton Arms Apartment Complex in south Lakeland with her two children in her Hyundai SUV. As she entered the eastbound turn lane going into the complex, 35-year-old Lawrence Schreiber, who was heading west on Shepherd Road on his red Harley Davidson motorcycle, crashed into the SUV. Evidence and witness statements indicate that the traffic light for westbound traffic was yellow as Schreiber traveled down Shepherd, and then turned red prior to Schreiber entering the intersection.

 

Neither Spencer nor her passengers were injured. Schreiber was declared deceased at the scene.

Two Men Charged With Murder In Kissimmee Shooting

Carl Fish
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Two Men Charged With Murder In Kissimmee Shooting

Osceola County, FL – On January 21, 2024, at approximately 1:00 am, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Violent Crimes Unit responded to 1131 Doncaster Court, Kissimmee, Osceola County, Florida, in reference to a shooting.

 

When deputies and detectives arrived on the scene, Steven Jesus Perez, (D.O.B 8/7/1992), was found on the ground with gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased.

 

Maximo Mercado Jr D.O.B 09/12/1982 and Liam Nicholson D.O.B 04/03/1995 were identified as shooters in this incident.

 

On January 22, 2024, Mercado Jr and Liam Nicholson were arrested by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit for the homicide of Steven Jesus Perez and were booked into the Osceola County Jail. This was an isolated incident which is still under investigation.   

                                                                                                              

Liam Nicholson has been charged with:

•           Murder (Second degree – Principal)

•           Accessory After the Fact

•           Discharging Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling

•           Tampering with Evidence

•           Battery

 

Maximo Mercado JR has been charged with:

•           Murder (Second degree)

•           Discharging Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling

• Tampering with Evidence

15 Yr Old Auburndale High School Student Struck & Killed Early Tuesday

Carl Fish
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15 Yr Old Auburndale High School Student Struck & Killed Early Tuesday

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a traffic crash in unincorporated Winter Haven this morning that resulted in the tragic death of a 15-year-old male Auburndale High School student.

Preliminary information follows:

Around 5:50 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the PCSO ECC received 911 calls from the area of 34th Street NW and Avenue S NW regarding a Dodge Durango that had collided with a teen riding a scooter.

The teen, identified as Yeriel Gonzalez of Winter Haven, was declared deceased at the scene. He was operating a small black-and-white electric scooter (the kind you stand on, like a Razor) near the center of the southbound lane of 34th St, heading to a friend’s house. The 2016 gray Dodge Durango being driven by 29-year-old John Barrett III of Winter Haven was heading northbound on 34th Street; Barrett was on his way to work.

The Durango was behind another vehicle as it approached the intersection with Avenue S NW. Barrett told deputies he swerved to avoid some dogs that ran into the roadway, and entered into the southbound lane, and into the path of Gonzalez, who struck the right front of the SUV.

A photo from the scene is in the link below. The investigation is ongoing. Barrett was not injured.

PCSO Chaplains responded to the scene and met with the boy’s family, and the PCSO Safe Schools Division is working with Polk County Public Schools to provide assistance to the Auburndale High School faculty, staff, and students during this difficult time. Yeriel’s family is in our prayers.

From Barbecue to Vegan: Taste of Davenport Showcased All The Great Tastes of Davenport

Staff Reporter
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From Barbecue to Vegan: Taste of Davenport Showcased All The Great Tastes of Davenport

by James Coulter

Chef Eimi of InnerG Cafe serves a lot of great tastes, from cheeseburger eggrolls to Haitian-style mac-and-cheese. Most interesting of all? It’s all completely vegan!

Chef Eimi had a chance to showcase her plant-based food menu at the annual Taste of Davenport last Saturday. She was one of nearly 30 vendors to attend to serve the great tastes of the Davenport area.

“The turnout is amazing,” she said. “It is an amazing crowd. People are stopping by the table and tasting the food. They are loving it. So we are excited. I love the energy. It is high vibrational energy, and the crowd is just lit.”

From barbecue and burgers to Mexican and Italian, restaurants and eateries from across Davenport and the surrounding area showcased their menu items at Taste of Davenport at the Tom Fellows Community Center.

Seb’s Kitchen, a private catering company, served unique fusion items like chimichurri chicken, cheesy potato mash, and apple barbecue meatballs. For the past five years, they have catered to various events, so attending this year’s event was a no-brainer, explained executive chef Sebastian Navarez.

“Everybody seems to be loving the food,” he said. “We are giving away a good number of business cards. We are giving away food to the community. I love that everyone else is enjoying the food.”

Heather Faulkner, the head chef of Cooters n Smoke, a local barbecue team that attends barbecue competitions and serves their barbecue at the Old Davenport Hotel, served her famous mouth-watering turkey sliders.

“If you want some of the best juiciest and moist the most tender turkey you have ever had in your life, come on down to Cooters on Smoke,” she boasted. As for Taste of Davenport, she said: “I think it turned out great. I think they did a great job and everybody is happy and they like what they are getting.”

Kelly Callihan, Davenport City Manager, has been overseeing events like this for 35 years. He was quite impressed by this year’s turnout. In fact, he claimed that even more people would have attended this year, so he’s planning on seeking a larger venue for next year.

“It is a great event. We always have a great turnout for it,” he said. “We had close to 500. We could easily do 600. I love seeing all the people come out and have a great time and getting their bellies full.”

WANTED: Enrique Martinez, DOB 3/31/1997 ARMED AND DANGEROUS – Wanted For Murder Of Sierra Hernandez

Carl Fish
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0
WANTED: Enrique Martinez, DOB 3/31/1997 ARMED AND DANGEROUS – Wanted For Murder Of Sierra Hernandez

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for first degree murder for 26-year-old Enrique Martinez, 5’6″ tall, 146 lbs, in November 2023 for the murder of an adult Hispanic male in a homeless camp on November 8, 2023.

Martinez’s photo and information were posted on the PCSO website, PCSO Facebook page, and Heartland Crime Stoppers Facebook page on November 9, 2023. They were posted again on November 30, 2023. His photo is also included in the link below.

Martinez is now a suspect in the death of 20-year-old Sierra Hernandez, who was reported missing to PCSO by her mother on January 14, 2024, but is believed to have been killed days prior. The cash reward for information leading to his arrest has been increased from $5,000 to $10,000.

Martinez has brown eyes and black hair. He was most recently seen in the Inwood area of Winter Haven.

He has a tattoo on his left wrist that says “W7” and one on the left side of his neck that says “Natalia.” His nickname is KiKi (pronounced Key-Kay).

Martinez has a very lengthy and violent criminal history dating back to 2011, with 13 felonies and 15 misdemeanors. He spent 5 years in state prison for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and battery domestic violence – he was released in November 2022. He was most recently arrested for battery domestic violence and resisting arrest in April 2023, and was released on bond.

If you have information on his whereabouts please call PCSO immediately by dialing 911.

If you wish to remain anonymous and receive a $10,000 CASH REWARD, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

**CALL 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
**DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
**VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
**DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

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