On Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at approximately 7:45 a.m., deputies with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office were involved in an officer-involved shooting.
The shooting took the life of 31-year-old Matthew Dillon Owens. No deputies were injured as a result of the shooting. This investigation is in the very early stages and information can change as evidence is located.
During the early morning hours of June 20, at approximately 4:57 a.m., deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a blue Dodge pickup truck driven by Owens, who refused to stop the vehicle and led law enforcement on a chase from Highlands County into Hardee County then back into Highlands.
Owens crashed the truck into a citrus grove just south of Old Bombing Range Road in the Avon Park area, then fled on foot through the grove. Highlands County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Teams responded to the area and located Owens approximately a quarter mile from the vehicle, hiding in the top of a tree approximately 25 feet off the ground.
At this point, deputies gave Owens verbal commands to come out of the tree, and he refused. Deputies could see something in Owens’ hand, and commanded him to drop it. Again, Owens refused to follow commands. Owens then pointed the object at deputies, who fired their weapons, striking Owens.
Owens was removed from the tree and immediately given medical attention. At approximately 8:30 a.m., he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Owens was very aware he was wanted by law enforcement. On the evening of Sunday, June 18, Owens fled from law enforcement in Highlands and Hardee counties and then again on Monday June 19, he fled law enforcement in the St. Lucie County area.
Owens had several active warrants for his arrest, which included two counts of capital sexual battery, one count of lewd molestation of a child under 13 years of age, and felony domestic violence battery. As is the policy of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, this deputy-involved shooting will be investigated by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.
LAKELAND, FL (June 20, 2023) On Monday, June 19, 2023, at approximately 4:12 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a single vehicle and a residence in 2100 block of North Crystal Lake Drive. Just before the crash, a 2016 Dodge Durango was traveling southbound on Longfellow Boulevard, approaching the intersection of North Crystal Lake Drive. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign and continued across North Crystal Lake Drive, striking two signposts before crashing into the occupied residence. The vehicle came to final rest inside the residence, striking a 24-year-old male who was inside the home.
The Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The victim inside the home was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Durango and two additional persons inside the home did not require medical treatment.
The intersection was shut down for approximately five hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. At this time, the deceased’s name is not being released pending the open investigation.
Anyone with additional information regarding the crash should contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
Lake Wales Juneteenth Festival & Block Party Hosted For 2nd Year
by James Coulter
The evening may have started with thunder and lightning, but the clouds soon parted and the sun came out to dry up Lincoln Street long enough for the Lake Wales Juneteenth Festival & Block Party.
On Friday evening, several food trucks and vendors lines Lincoln Street in Northeast Lake Wales for the annual Juneteenth Festival & Block Party. Attendees had plenty of options for food to choose from with food trucks like Whadda Wings and Slush Yo Mouth. Likewise, many local vendors set up shop in the nearby park to sell cakes, pudding parfait cups, and other homemade treats.
“Considering we had thunder and lightning, I think that things have exceeded our expectations,” said DJ Bush, the master of ceremonies for that evening. “People are showing up, money is being made, there are smiles on kids’ faces, I am excited.”
This year was the first for Bush to organize the event, although he has assisted with the Lincoln Street CDC for the past two years when the annual Juneteenth celebration started.
More than simply allowing residents to celebrate an important date when slavery was officially ended in America, Juneteenth allows the community an opportunity to gather together in unity and solidarity, Bush explained.
“I love bringing the community out, allowing people an opportunity to fellowship and enjoy each other’s company, I think that is the most important thing, to keep Lake Wales connected,” he said.
Bush has organized many other local events for the Lake Wales community. He will be assisting with the Ladies Night at Wales Pointe Restaurant on June 23, as well as Jokes n Jams on August 26.
CRIME: FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CRIME SCENE: CR 547, DAVENPORT POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE #23-24912
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that took the life of an adult female during the early morning hours of Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Around 2:20 a.m. two witnesses saw a white Ford truck, possibly a Super Duty model, strike the victim who was walking along the side of the road approximately 1/8 mile north of Crescent Valley Ranch Road. The truck was heading south, and fled the scene. It should have damage on the front bumper and possibly the grill and hood.
The attached photo is an example and is NOT the actual vehicle.
If you have any information about this please contact Detective Christello at 863-668-3101 or at [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
HAINES CITY- Through a collaborative effort with Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Haines City Police arrested 22-year-old Kristavion Jacoi Harris, the man involved in a fatal shooting on Sunday. Harris was taken into custody at the Polk County Sheriff’s Central District Office in Winter Haven.
On Sunday at 3:30 p.m., police responded to a disturbancein the 1000th block of Avenue N. According to eyewitness reports, there was a social gathering at a residence in the area. While a group of men were playing chess, Harris, whose alias is “Pooh Bear,” walked up to the residence and began arguing with 24-year-old Naquan Elijah Swift. During the argument, Harris pulled out a firearm and began shooting. Swift was shot multiple times and a 46-year-old bystander was also injured.
Both victims were treated at a local hospital. Despite life-saving efforts on scene as well as at the hospital, Swift succumbed to his injuries. The second victim underwent surgery for his injuries. Harris has been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and using or displaying a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Chief Greg Goreck said “we couldn’t have arrested Harris so quickly without the community’s support.”
A rainy day could not keep people from staying away from this year’s Bartow Juneteenth Celebration.
For the fourth year, the African-American community in Bartow celebrated its heritage with the annual Bartow Juneteenth Street Festival.
Hosted at Over the Branch Polk Street, the festival included several food trucks as well as vendors from local businesses and organizations including Polk County Elections and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The event also included bounce houses, scholarship awards, live entertainment, and Live DJ Music featuring DJ King.
Zelma Harris, President of Bartow Juneteenth, was impressed by the turnout, which, despite the rainy weather, more than exceeded her expectations.
“I think it is great,” she said. “We were looking at the rain, but it looks like it will pass over, so I am expecting people to have a good time. I am very happy with the turnout thus far, and I expect it to get larger as the day goes by. Just the fellowship and the people and the good people and music, just to get with people again. It will get larger and larger until it becomes a whole week of events.”
HAINES CITY- Haines City Police are still searching for a suspect involved in a fatal shooting Sunday afternoon. Investigators have identified 22-year-old Kristavion Jacoi Harris in the incident.
At 3:30 p.m., police responded to a disturbance in the 1000th block of Avenue N. When police arrived, they found 24-year-old Naquan Elijah Swift suffering from gunshot wounds. A second shooting victim, 46, was taken to the hospital by another party before police arrived. Both victims were treated at a local hospital. Despite life-saving efforts on scene as well as at the hospital, Swift succumbed to his injuries. Harris last known address is 1130 Ave. E. He is being charged with a second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and using or displaying a firearm during the commission of a felony. Harris, known by his alias “Pooh Bear,” is considered armed and dangerous and he should not be approached, said Police Chief Greg Goreck. Police are seeking the public’s help in locating Harris. A $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Harris. To remain anonymous, please contact Heartland Crimestoppers 1-800-226-TIPS.
First Baptist Church of Lake Wales Raises Funds for East African Missionaries
by James Coulter
Matthew Elmore was born and raised in Lake Wales. He attended First Baptist Church of Lake Wales where he grew to have a heart for the Lord and spreading His Word to others. That heart led him and his wife to travel to East Africa and join a missions team there.
First Baptist Church of Lake Wales helped show and provide their support for the Elmore family by hosting a fundraising dinner in their honor on Sunday evening. Nearly a hundred people attended to enjoy dinner, participate in a silent auction, and hear about the good work being performed by the Elmore family.
Kelly Elmore works with her husband for African Mission Outreach, a missions group that seeks to evangelize and equip youth and young adults. She and her husband are stationed in Nairobi, Kenya where she serves as a teacher at an International Christian School. Their organization has several indigenous workers in Uganda and several other countries in East Africa.
Proceeds from the dinner will go directly toward the Kenyan staff employed by the African Mission Outreach and its mission work in general. Specifically, the proceeds will help get their podcast on a secular radio station “to spread some Christian content to places it would normally not go as well as a new computer.”
“It is amazing,” Kelly said. “We just hope to continue to grow and reach more young people who would not hear the gospel and place the gospel in place they would not hear it, young people especially.”
The First Baptist Church of Lake Wales had previously received “a considerable amount of money” from a local lady to help support local and foreign missions. That money is used to support Acts 1:8, a program dedicated to spreading the Gospel message around the world by supporting organizations like the Elmore Family Mission through the African Mission Outreach.
Sharron Kurscher, a church member and Sunday school teacher, appreciates the hard work and dedication of the Elmore Family, especially since Matthew Elmore was born and raised in the church.
“They grew up in this church,” she said. “We know him. Since he was a baby, we watched him grow up. Knowing that we have a real personal part of a mission someplace makes us feel like we are family. So the church supports [them] any way we can. We give to the ministry every month through the African Mission Outreach, and many other members of this church do,too.”
“When it started, the expectations were not that great because we did not know that much about it,” she said. “We are impressed by how much it grew, even in the ministry, I see it going bigger and bigger and reaching more youth. We are excited to be a part of it and we hope other people will become part of the ministry.”
The Rainbows Came Out After the Rain at Annual Pride at the Park
by James Coulter
The morning may have started with dark cloudy skies and heavy rain, but eventually, the sun came out and shone brightly with plenty of rainbows just in time for Lakeland’s annual pride event.
On Saturday, thousands of attendees gathered at Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland to celebrate their pride at the annual Pride in the Park, hosted by Polk Pride FL. Rainbow colors were proudly showcased everywhere from flags and buttons to shirts and face paint.
Several dozen vendors and food trucks congregated in the park to sell rainbow-colored merchandise and food. Meanwhile, the main stage served as a venue for drag performances and other musical numbers that allowed attendees to celebrate their identities proudly.
For nearly a decade, Polk Pride Week has allowed locals within the LGBTQIA community and their allies an opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion through a weeklong celebration in Lakeland, ultimately culminating with the main event on Saturday, Pride in the Park.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic postponing events in previous years, the first in-person event was hosted last year. This year’s event experienced a significant turnout that more than exceeded the expectations of event organizers, explained Scott Guira, Polk Pride President.
“We had a great event,” he said. “Even despite the rain, it has been a packed park. I love the unity. It is about bringing the community together to celebrate. We met expectations by the thousands of people out there coming together to celebrate the event.”
Concerns about public safety had been raised about potential threats of hate crimes, especially in light of an increase in anti-trans legislation in Florida and throughout the country. However, with Polk Pride working directly with the Lakeland Police Department and the City of Lakeland, efforts were made to maintain public safety and security during the Pride event.
While many Christians have averred that “pride is a sin”, other more progressive congregations have emphasized Christ’s message to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Such was the case with Pastor Mel Wilkinson, Senior Pastor at Christ’s Promise United Church of Christ in Lakeland.
“We support it [the event] every year,” she said. “It is a very important part of our ministry. It is about making people know that no matter who you are, no matter where you are in your life, you are welcome with us. I love meeting all the people, especially all the children who are gay and believe they cannot be Christian. Those are the people we love to reach the most.”
Stephanie Middleton, co-owner of Cookie Catastrophe with her wife, Crystal Lens, attended with plenty of rainbow-colored cookies. Both she and her wife have been attending the event for the past two years, with its inclusive atmosphere keeping them coming back each time.
“It has been great,” she said. “This is our second year. It is near and dear to our hearts for sure. We love seeing people get together to be themselves in a no-judgment zone.”
Local Author Overcomes Fear as a Complex Trauma Survivor to See “Where Does Your Story Take You?”
by James Coulter
Everyone has a story to tell. Some stories are happy. Other stories are tragic. And some stories are…complicated! That’s certainly true for many trauma survivors. It’s also the case for one local author, who overcame her complicated emotions to share her story with the world.
In her debut memoir, “Where does your story take you?: from running to embracing your story”, local author Angela Ardrey-Reynolds opens her heart to share her deepest emotions and thoughts that shaped her story as a complex trauma survivor.
As her book summary states: “She reveals how intimate secrets and fears fashioned her life and her struggles to become free. Throughout the chapters, she shares her truths about finding healing and peace. Angela engages her readers with simple dialogue, encouraging them to stop running from their past and to embrace their story, their journey, and their true selves.”
A Plant City native, Angela currently works as a professional speaker, photographer, and journalist. She currently oversees a local writer’s group, The Writers Loft, at Krazy Kup in Plant City. She has written countless articles and taken many photographs for local publications such as Focus Magazine.
Aside from being a storyteller through the written word, she is also a storyteller with her voice. Angela is a professional speaker with the National Speakers Association (NSA) and a member of the Keynotes and More Advanced Toastmasters club. She also serves as the Associate Dean of Professional Writing and Liaison for Toastmasters for the NSA Speakers Academy in Central Florida.
Angela recently sat down with us for an interview on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast, where she discussed her book and writing career. He’s a sample of what she had to share:
Q: So, Angela, tell me about your personal journey. I hear you weren’t always a writer. So what started your journey to becoming one?
A: In my 20s, I started journaling. It was my way of dealing with things – such as insecurities and setbacks. But over the proceeding years, my journaling transformed into an attempt to understand myself. Writing became my closest friend. I was on a journey to discover myself through my words…to understand who I was and why I responded to things the way I did. I guess you can say I was researching myself.
Q: What eventually led you to write your book? You say the main theme is struggling to overcome your fears. What, exactly, did that entail?
A: I wanted to tell the world that hurting people like me can find healing and peace. Yes, fear ruled my life. I didn’t realize how badly I allowed fear to silence my voice – my confidence and self-worth. It happened a little at a time. And because I ran from fear and caved into it, it grew stronger. I still face fear every day. But I refuse to let it hold me down anymore. I admit I have good days and not-so-good days. But I’ve come to realize that I am in control and not the fear.
Q: Considering the overall subject matter of your book, especially since it‘s from your perspective as a complex trauma survivor, what was the hardest part about writing it?
A: Complex trauma . . . in my case, [it was] 16 years of childhood trauma. I really thought I would be ok as I grew older. Unfortunately, as I grew older, the effects of the childhood trauma changed the projection of my life. My life became an internal battle, one that I was losing. By my late 40s, I was giving up. I was tired of hurting. I was tired of trying to understand myself.
So how did this affect me in writing the book? Writing the book meant that I had to revisit this past. And there are triggers in the past – triggers that lead to depression and anger, to me pulling away again, and to the silence. In fact, many times I stopped writing the book because of this.
But as bad as that sounds, this struggle started my quest to find courage in my writing ability…a quest that led to creating a writers’ guild, taking a job as a journalist/freelance writer, hiring a writing coach that specialized in fearful writing, and publishing my work monthly – writing other people’s stories.
Q: Overall, what do you believe you learned from writing your book? What is the overall lesson that you learned that you want others to learn by reading your book?
That I finally found a way to write the story. I finally found the courage I needed to be brave with my words and my life. And for my readers . . . Running from your story (whatever your story is) does not bring healing. It’s only when you embrace your story do you start to heal.
Listen, I ran almost my whole life from who I was. I saw myself as broken. As a result, I pushed myself so hard to be perfect while I hid my past secrets. I didn’t want to be labeled. I just wanted to be ok in this world.
I did not choose to be a victim. I was just a little child. But as an adult, I did choose to carry my pain in secret – and remain in a state of victimhood. I created my own mental prison. I became a silent sufferer. I want my readers to understand that running is not the answer. It was a hard lesson I had to learn.
Q: Aside from being an author, you also have quite an eclectic career as a journalist, toastmaster, and leader of your own writers’ group. Tell us a little bit about how all of that coalesces into who you are as a person.
A: Easy . . . all of these were my stretch assignments to find courage in my voice again.
Today, I am a professional writer and photographer, journalist and photojournalist, certified health and wellness coach, and professional speaker. I run a writer’s guild, work with book and writing coaches, and help aspiring authors and speakers find the beauty in their stories. These are all new roles – meaning before 2015, they never existed in my life . . . Why? Because I never trusted myself to just be me.
*****
To hear Angela’s full heart-felled story about her journey to overcome fear and share her experiences in her book, listen to her full interview on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast, streaming on Spotify at: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/QFqiAI0ypAb
Her book is available on Amazon and other book distributors. For more information, visit her website at: https://angelaardrey.com
