Friday, September 29 is going to be a good day to have a sweet tooth at the Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center!
We will be serving up free scoops of ice cream at the Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center in Lake Wales on Friday, September 29, from 6-8p.m. Stop by the center for a free ice cream sundae and enjoy games, giveaways, and fun prizes!
Admission is free, but sundaes will be limited to 1 per person, while supplies last. Sundaes will be served alongside creation stations for kids to enjoy!
Plan to drop by? Stop by our event page and let us know: https://fb.me/e/1iQbFGPlw
📍 Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center 2226 Karen Street Lake Wales, FL 33898
Here is a unedited, but redacted excerpt of the arrest 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/Polk Mugshot Of The Day 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 conclusions.:
“ On 9/11/23, at approximately 1600 hours, Detective Blackman #9186and I responded to REDACTED Tuscani Way in Winter Haven, FL 33880 in reference to assisting The Department of Children and Families. Upon arrival, we made contact with the DCF worker and he advised he had a court order to enter the residence.
DCF worker made contact at the residence and we stood by as he entered into the residence. While we were standing by, I asked Deanna Phillipsfor consent to enter her residence and she gave us verbal consent.
While inside of the residence, I made contact with another female by the name of Hope Wilde. I asked Hope where her bedroom was and she walked me to her temporary bedroom. Hope advised she just recently started sleeping inside of the room. I then asked Hope for consent to search her room and she gave me verbal consent.
During a search ofHope’s bedroom, I located ablack baggie with a green leafy substance on top of a small dresser. I collected and tested the black baggie with green leafy substance using an AP-4 Hemp Typification Test Kit, which yielded a blue result, indicating the presence of more than 1% delta-9 THC.
I asked Hope if she had a medical marijuana card and she stated no and she did not have a prescription for marijuana. See Detective Blackman’s report for further information.
I arrested Hope Wilde for possession of cannabis not more than 20grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Eugene Beltran Miranda, DOB: 3/25/49, of Kissimmee after an argument, over grass clippings, lead to one victim being run over by a truck and 6 more counts of attempted murder by gunfire.
Here is a unedited, but redacted excerpt of the arrest 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 conclusions.:
“On 09/03/23, at approximately 1330 hours, Eugene Beltran Miranda approached REDACTED who cutting the lawn at the residence of REDACTED Cimarron Drive, Kissimmee, which is adjacent to his back yard.
Miranda did not like the grass cuttings were being blown on his property. A verbal argument between the two men occurred. Miranda returned to his residence and REDACTED finishing cutting the grass to the residence.
Miranda entered his 2006 Ford pickup truck with Florida license plate# LQHS18 parked in his driveway at his residence located at REDACTED Columbia Drive, Kissimmee and drove his vehicle to the next adjacent street where REDACTED pickup truck and utility trailer were parked in front of his residence located at REDACTED Cimarron Drive, Kissimmee.
Miranda intentionally and unlawfully drove his vehicle at REDACTED, striking REDACTED and driving over his leg as he was standing in the front yard of residence REDACTED Cimarron Drive. Miranda stopped his vehicle from hitting a mailbox and backed up his pickup truck. As this was happening, REDACTED stood up, ran to where his pickup truck and utility traller were parked in front of his residence. As REDACTED Jumped over the tongue section of the trailer, Miranda was accelerating his pickup truck attempting to hit REDACTED again with his pickup truck.
Miranda crashed his pickup truck into the victim’s white pickup truck and utility trailer. The crash disabled Miranda’s pickup truck and he was not able to move forward or back.
REDACTED retrieve a baseball bat from the bed of bis pickup truck and struck the windshield of Miranda’s pickup truck causing a section shatter. Miranda exited his pickup truck and fled to his residence retrieving his Ruger 9MM handgun. REDACTED struck the driver’s side window shattering it with his baseball bat. REDACTED retrieved his weed trimmer to continue finishing his job for his neighbor.
REDACTED had exited her residence observing her husband being ran over by Miranda’s pickup truck. Her three children REDACTED, REDACTED, & REDACTED were standing by the front entrance of the door. An unknown subject bicycling by the residence yelled to REDACTED a man was coming with a gun. REDACTED yelled for her husband REDACTED to return to the residence. At the same time, REDACTED (another victim) arrived at the residence and stood at the entrance way.
All three subjects, REDACTED, REDACTED and REDACTED provided sworn recorded statement stating they observed Miranda raise a handgun at them and began firing the handgun. REDACTED and REDACTED stated when they observed the gun raised they fled into their house grabbing their children as they entered and as they closed the door they heard gun fire. REDACTED and REDACTED stated once inside the residence they laid on the ground with their children and crawled to the back area of the residence. REDACTED stated he hide behind the front porch column and could hear the bullets passing him. REDACTED stated at one point he thought he was struck by the bullet but realized it was the debris from the house which had landed on his head and shoulder area.
Miranda discharged his firearm numerous times at the front entrance to the residence of REDACTED Cimarron drive.
PCSO Crime scene located 8 strikes to the front entrance area. Three bullet projectiles struck the front door entering the residence. Two bullet projectiles struck the column which REDACTED was hiding behind and three bulletin projectiles struck around the front door.
According to REDACTED, REDACTED and REDACTED stated they have had no prior issues or contact with Mirands prior to this incident.
Post Miranda, Eugene Miranda stated he only speaks Spanish and with the assistance of Deputy Hernandez. #9720 I conducted an interview. Miranda admitted to confronting REDACTED about grass cuttings being blown onte his property. Miranda stated during this confrontation with REDACTED, REDACTED struck him with weed trimmer. Miranda stated he then returmed to his house, entered his pickup truck and drove his pickup track to where REDACTED’s pickup truck and trailer were parked. Miranda stated he wanted to photograph the pickup truck and as he did this, REDACTED struck his truck with a baseball bat. Miranda stated this put him in fear so he struck REDACTED with his truck. Miranda stated he didn’t ram his pickup truck into the trailer or pickup.
Miranda stated he jumped out of his truck as it was driving towards them. Miranda stated as he was returning to his house he overheard someone say burn his truck. Miranda stated this caused him to decide to retrieve his handgun and return to the pickup truck. Miranda stated when he returned he pointed his handgun in the air and fired his handgun In order to scare the people at the house. Miranda admitted prior to this day he has had no dealings or interation with the victims.
Eugenes Beltran Miranda unlawfully and intentionally attempted to commit homicide (no weapon) by driving his vehicle at REDACTED, striking REDACTED and driving over him. This act was done against the victim’s will and placed the victim in fear of death. Miranda furthermore accelerated his vehicle at REDACTED and crashed into REDACTED pickup truck and utility trailer which he used as a barrier to protect himself from being struck.
Eugene Beltran Miranda unlawfully and intentionally discharged his Ruger 9mm handgun eight (8) times at six Individuals: REDACTED who all were standing in the residence entrance way and porch. This act was done against the victim’s will and placed all the adult victims in fear of death for themselves and their children.
The physical evidence shows the bullets were not discharged in the sky as described by Miranda but two struck the column where REDACTED was standing behind, three struck the front door entering the residence where REDACTED, REDACTED and their three children had retreated into the residence. Three bullets struck in the area of the front door. This act was attempted to commit homicide with a firearm.
Based on my investigation, violated Florida State Statue 782.04 Attempt to commit Homicide (no weapon)(1 count), 782.04 Attempt to commit Homicide (firearm)(6 counts) and 790.19 Shooting Deadly missile into occupied residence (8 counts),
More Than 100 Cars Displayed at Car Show for Local Boy with AML
by James Coulter
Nearly 100 cars showed up to participate at a show at Beef O’Brady’s in Lake Wales to support a young boy currently struggling with leukemia.
A local car crew, Diversified, organized the car show on Saturday to help raise proceeds for Luke Shaver, a 7-year-old boy in Bartow who has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Nearly 100 cars parked outside Beef O’Brady’s in Lake Wales to participate in the car show. Not only could attendees peruse the many bright and colorful vehicles, but they could also purchase raffles for door prizes from several dozen local businesses.
The fundraiser was the product of several local individuals. Cody McCain rented out the facility, while Shelby Torquemada organized the car show.
Erika Johnson has been close friends with Judith Dee, Luke’s mother. Both worked together at Hungry Howie’s, and both have been friends ever since. So, she was more than willing to help Judith and her family during their time of need, and she was impressed by the turnout.
“We did not know that this many people knew Luke and Judy but it’s great,” she said. “It is a little overwhelming, but it was great for Judy to get out of the house for a few hours and to see all the love and support for Luke.”
Cody McCain, who assisted with the event, found his expectations more than exceeded by the turnout. Seeing so many cars line up along Central Avenue to get into the eatery and the parking lot was nothing short of awe-inspiring, he said.
“It was amazing,” he said. “What has happened here, the amount of people who have shown up, the amount of people in the community who showed up, it is unbelievable….It has exceeded my expectations for sure. I thought it would be a good event. I never expected cars to be lined up all along Central Avenue.”
Earlier this month, Luke fell ill and was taken to Lakeland Hospital. Following some tests, he was transferred to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, where he was diagnosed with AML, a rare form of Leukemia that affects 700 people under the age of 20 each year.
A fundraiser was hosted last Saturday at Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven, which raised more than $400. Another will be hosted at that location later this month on Sep. 30.
Judith Dee, his mother, has been more than grateful for the outpouring of support they received from the local community. Seeing so many people come together during a fundraiser to support her and her family is nothing short of a blessing, she said.
“The event has certainly been a huge turnout,” she said. “It has been a blessing. There have been so many ways to see everyone come together so quickly to help support Luke and we truly appreciate it with everything that we have in our hometown. It has blown our expectations. This is so much more than we could ever ask for.”
To learn more about how to assist Luke and his family during their time of need, visit the “Fight Like Luke” Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/820840626112959
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal three-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday evening, September 12, 2023 in Polk City.
Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 8:17 pm, to the crash on State Road 33 (Commonwealth Avenue), just west of Stevens Drive.
Upon their arrival, 26-year old Charles Vanduyn was found deceased in a beige 1998 Toyota Camry.
The other two drivers were identified as 51-year old Cindy Whittington in a silver 2012 Nissan Altima, and 34-year old Charlie Pickren III in a white 2008 Ford F150 pickup. They were both transported to a local hospital for treatment. Ms. Whittington suffered cuts and bruises. Mr. Pickren suffered a head laceration, and was said to be in stable condition.
All three of the drivers are from Polk City, and there were no passengers in any of the vehicles.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations and Crime Scene Investigations units responded to the scene to collect evidence and witness statements.
At this point in the investigation, it was determined that Mr. Vanduyn’s Toyota was traveling south on SR 33, while Ms. Whittington’s Nissan was traveling north, with Mr. Pickren’s Ford traveling north behind the Nissan.
For an unknown reason, Mr. Vanduyn’s Toyota crossed the center line and struck the Nissan on the driver’s side near the rear. The Nissan spun out of control and came to a stop near the intersection.
After the initial impact, Mr. Vanduyn’s Toyota hit the Ford head-on, which caused Mr. Pickren to be ejected from the Ford, and the truck began to burn.
SR 33 was closed in both directions for about four hours.
Sheriff Grady Judd and Auburndale Police Chief Terry Storie briefed the media last night regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred late Tuesday evening, September 12, 2023, at the entrance to the Westside Ridge neighborhood on Westside Ridge Blvd (cross street Berkley Rd) in the city of Auburndale.
Auburndale Police and PCSO deputies responded to an armed suspect, identified as 55-year-old Angelo Theodore Curcione (DOB 8/27/68) who has a lengthy and violent criminal history in New Jersey, including a stint in state prison for attempted murder. Curcione was armed with a large kitchen knife. After threatening the officers and deputies with the knife, they were forced to shoot him, and he is deceased. No officers or deputies were injured during the incident, which is being investigated by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.
On Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 1:51 a.m., a shooting occurred outside the Jade Fox Lounge, 3010 Lakeland Highlands Road. Two officers, working an off-duty detail at the business, were already on the scene when a disturbance erupted in the parking lot, and the shooting occurred. A 25-year-old male with gunshot wounds was transported to the hospital by a personal vehicle. Despite the best efforts of emergency medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. A second victim, a 48-year-old female, was transported by ambulance with critical injuries.
Through the investigation, detectives learned that just before the shooting, a physical altercation had occurred inside the Jade Fox Lounge concerning the cover charge for entry to the event. After the physical altercation, security for the Jade Fox Lounge ordered the patrons to exit the establishment.
The parties who had exited the establishment and other patrons gathered in the parking lot. There, another physical altercation broke out. During the fight, multiple shots were fired, two rounds striking the 25-year-old male and one round striking the 48-year-old female.
Officers observed a female, later identified as Jamilah Johnson, running with a handgun and ordered her to stop. As she fled on foot through the parking lot, she threw her firearm, a .40 caliber Glock 27 handgun, underneath a vehicle while attempting to flee the scene. Johnson was detained, and the gun she was carrying was recovered underneath a vehicle at the scene.
While at the scene, detectives checked Johnson’s criminal history via the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) database, which indicated she was a convicted felon; therefore, Johnson was arrested at the scene for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. (It would be later determined Johnson was not a convicted felon due to pleading to a lesser charge on a previous arrest, which was not yet updated in the database.)
As evidence from the crime scene was processed, it was discovered that two different caliber bullet casings were found at the scene, .40 and 9mm calibers.
On July 30, 2023, detectives were provided with a picture from a person at the scene, which showed Johnson holding a gun pointed to the back of the 25-year-old male just prior to him being shot. On July 31, 2023, in consultation with the State Attorney’s Office, Johnson was charged with Aggravated Battery Using a Deadly Weapon.
In the days following the shooting, detectives were provided with a video from another person at the scene. The video showed that during the altercation, the 25-year-old male raised a firearm and shot the 48-year-old female victim seconds prior to being shot by Johnson. The male victim was then shot twice, which caused his death. The evidence was processed, and the bullet that took the life of the 25-year-old male was matched to Johnson’s firearm. The firearm used by the male subject was not recovered and detectives believe someone at the scene took it with them.
After verifying the evidence collected and in consultation with the State Attorney’s Office (SAO), it was agreed that the facts and circumstances presented by the evidence did not support the criminal charge of homicide against Johnson as she was reacting to the 48-year-old female, a relative of Johnson’s, being shot. The SAO filed criminal charges of Possession of a Concealed Firearm and Tampering with Evidence, and the charges of Aggravated Battery Using a Deadly Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon were dropped.
As always, it is the practice of the Lakeland Police Department to perform complete and thorough investigations that accurately reflect the appropriate course of action regarding any necessary criminal charges.
What could be more American than a steak dinner? How about a steak dinner raising proceeds for local law enforcement?
The Lakeland Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA) hosted its 15th annual steak dinner and silent auction on Friday evening at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.
More than 320 tickets were sold for the event, which featured a steak dinner, a silent auction for several door prizes, and comedy routines performed by local comedians.
Proceeds from the event go toward the LCPAAA, a local organization that performs fundraising for the LPD and its many programs and services, including its K9 Unit, Explorer’s Program, and Cops for Kids Program.
Around Christmas, the LCPAAA will be offering Christmas gifts and meals to underprivileged people in the Lakeland area. They also help offer additional financing for many special programs and events including the Special Olympics, explained Jack McHugh, LCPAAA President.
“Most of the canines that you see on LPD currently were purchased raised by the (LCPAAA),” said Jack McHugh. “It is a very good turnout this evening. I usually aim for about 300 people. And we have about 320 tickets sold. It is a really good crowd tonight.”
Aside from being able to enjoy a steak dinner, bid on prizes, and listen to comedy, participants that evening were able to meet many of the dogs within the K9 unit. Not only are they good police dogs, but they are also socialized to be around other people.
“It is great to have this set up and have all these people participating in these activities,” he said. “I love to see the community involved. The attendance that we have right now is a good showing that we have a lot of community support.”
LAKELAND, FL (September 12, 2023) – On Monday, September 11, 2023, at approximately 7:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Kathleen Road for a traffic crash involving two vehicles. At the scene, officers located a 2015 red Cadillac SUV with five occupants collided with a 2016 black Dodge Challenger with one occupant. The adult male driver and three juvenile passengers of the Cadillac were ejected from the vehicle. The Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The right front passenger of the Cadillac, an adult female, was declared deceased at the scene. The remaining occupants of the Cadillac were transported to Lakeland Regional Health (LRH). Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, two of the juvenile passengers were declared deceased a short time later by hospital staff. The driver of the Cadillac and the remaining passenger sustained critical injuries. The driver of the Challenger was transported to Tampa General Hospital and was reported in stable condition.
Based on information gathered thus far in the investigation, the Cadillac was traveling southbound on Kathleen Road and entered the left turn lane, preparing to turn left onto Quincy Street. At the same time, the Challenger was traveling northbound on Kathleen Road in the outside lane. The driver of the Cadillac made a left turn, crossing the path of the Challenger when the crash occurred. Post impact the Cadillac rotated in a northeast direction and struck a utility pole where it came to rest. The Challenger came to final rest in a grassy area on the east side of the road just north of the Cadillac. It appears that the driver and juvenile passengers of the Cadillac and the driver of the Challenger were unrestrained at the time of the crash.
Members of the Traffic Homicide team responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed. The crash remains an open investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Camillo Almeida at [email protected].
Cadillac Driver:
Jeremy Felton (critical)
Age: 30
Address: Lakeland, FL
Cadillac Front Passenger:
Mavaria Carter (deceased)
Age: 33
Address: Lakeland, FL
Cadillac Rear Passenger 1:
Female (deceased)
Age: 6
Address: Lakeland, FL
Cadillac Rear Passenger 2:
Male (deceased)
Age: 13
Address: Lakeland, FL
Cadillac Rear Passenger 3:
Female (critical)
Age: 14
Address: Lakeland, FL
*The occupants of the Cadillac are all family members. Mr. Felton and Ms. Carter are siblings and the three juveniles are children of Ms. Carter.
