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Polk Deputy’s Charge Man With Two Counts Of Attempted Murder Of A Law Enforcement Officer & Kidnapping After Suspect Flees Traffic Stop

Carl Fish
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Polk Deputy’s Charge Man With Two Counts Of Attempted Murder Of A Law Enforcement Officer & Kidnapping After Suspect Flees Traffic Stop

Haines City, Florida- The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Carl Dunlap (DOB: 07/13/85) of Orlando with multiple counts of Attempted 1st Degree Murder Of A Law Enforcement Officer, Kidnapping, Fleeing To Elude, Resisting Arrest, Battery and more. The incident occurred around 7:30am, October 7, 2022 when Dunlap was spotted driving a vehicle believed to be involved in multiple Polk County burglaries.

Below is a copy of the 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 October 7, 2022, at approximately 0737 hours, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a dark gray Chevy Malibu bearing Florida tag PXND91 on Lake Wilson Road south off the intersection of Polk Osceola Polk Line. The suspect vehicle was utilized in burglaries in Polk County and Highlands Counties. The driver of the vehicle also matched the description of the suspect in these burglaries.


The unit conducting the traffic stop was operating a marked Polk County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle. The patrol vehicle has agency insignia to include a badge and the word Sheriff that is affixed in high contrast letters; in addition, it has red and blue lights that were activated during the traffic stop, which a reasonable person would believe to be a Law Enforcement vehicle.


The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Carl Reginald Dunlap (B/M DOB: 07/13/85), had knowledge that he had been ordered to stop by a duly authorized law enforcement officer. The defendant stopped, and as the officer began walking toward the vehicle, he fled in an attempt to elude the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies.
Due to the actions of the defendant, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies activated their sirens along with their lights in an attempt for the defendant to stop, at which time he did not comply.
During the course of the attempted eluding, the defendant drove at a high rate of speed (Over 100 mph) in a manner that demonstrated disregard for the safety of others. As a result, the defendant struck approximately two vehicles and left the scene of those crashes. The defendant disregarded multiple stop signs and traffic devices. In
addition, the suspect drove into oncoming traffic multiple times.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detective units (Northeast General Crimes Units) were involved in the pursuit although the vehicles do not have Polk County Sheriff’s Office insignia, they are equipped with sirens and lights, which were activated during the pursuit.


While traveling on Old Polk City Road, D/S Coquyt #8163 parked his Polk County Sheriff’s Office marked patrol vehicle on Polk City Road/Carlisle St. D/S Coquyt exited his vehicle and retrieved his agency-issued stop sticks from his vehicle trunk. D/S Coquyt was wearing a Polk County Sheriff’s Office approved K9 uniform that has agency insignia patches and clearly identifies him as a Law Enforcement Officer, and was on scene under a lawful call, while conducting lawful duties. During the time when D/S Coquyt was attempting to throw the stop sticks, he was standing on the shoulder of the road in the grassy area (off the road.) The defendant intentionally and unlawfully drove towards D/S Coquyt’s direction, driving his vehicle on the grass area off the road, directly at
Coquyt. Due to the defendant’s actions, D/S Coquyt was in a well-founded fear that the defendant was going to strike him with the vehicle causing great bodily harm. D/S Montalbano #6038 parked his marked Polk County Sheriff’s Office patrol car on Polk City Road/Leroy Drive. D/S Montalbano was wearing his Polk County Sheriff’s Office approved class B green uniform that has agency insignia patches and clearly identifies himself as a Law Enforcement Officer and was on scene under a
lawful call, conducting lawful duties. D/S Montalbano retrieved his stop sticks from his trunk and placed himself on Old Polk City Road (Westbound lane.) The defendant intentionally and unlawfully crossed over the lane toward D/S Montalbano as he was attempting to deploy his stop sticks. The defendant’s vehicle traveled off the
road with half of his vehicle in the grassy area where Montalbano was standing, causing the stop sticks to strike the side of the defendant’s vehicle as D/S Montalbano had no move out of the way to avoid getting struck. D/S Montalbano was in a well-founded fear that the defendant was going to strike him with the vehicle, causing great bodily harm.


After a successful PIT maneuver, the defendant’s vehicle came to a final rest. The defendant was given lawful verbal commands to put his hands up and exit the vehicle, which he refused to do. The suspect did not exit his vehicle and had to be escorted out of the vehicle by Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies.


Witness Redacted was in the passenger front side of the vehicle and complied with the verbal commands of the Law Enforcement Officers. During an interview with Redacted, she stated that when she saw the patrol car lights and siren, she advised the defendant to pull over and let her out of the vehicle, but he refused to do so. Redacted put the vehicle in Neutral, at which time the defendant intentionally and unlawfully struck her hand and told her to “stop.” Redacted repeatedly told the defendant to let her out of the vehicle, and he continued in the pursuit, thus holding her against her will. The battery was also against Redacted will.


As the defendant refused lawful commands to stop the vehicle and fled from law enforcement officers at a high rate of speed, he is being charged with Fleeing to Elude at High Speeds. As he attempted to run over two law enforcement officers in the lawful performance of their duties, he is being charged with two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. As he refused to allow the passenger out of his vehicle and held her against
her will during the course of the pursuit, he is being charged with kidnapping and battery. As he refused to obey lawful commands to exit the vehicle at the termination of the pursuit, he is being charged with resisting without violence.

One Toddler Killed & 5 Yr Old Critically Injured In Single Vehicle Crash – Driver Charged With DUI

Carl Fish
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One Toddler Killed & 5 Yr Old Critically Injured In Single Vehicle Crash – Driver Charged With DUI

A single vehicle crash in unincorporated Polk City early Wednesday morningclaimed the life of a 22-month old boy and left a 5-year old boy with a fractured neck. The driver of the vehicle, who was not injured, was arrested by Traffic Homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

30-year old Guadalupe Najera Santana. Ms. Najera Santana resides in Polk City, but is originally from Mexico and is in the United States on an expired work visa.

30-year old Guadalupe Najera Santana was charged with: DUI-Manslaughter (F2), Negligent Child Abuse (2-Counts, F2) DUI-Serious Bodily Injury (F3), DUI with Property Damage (M1), DUI (M2), and Driving with an Expired License (M2).

Ms. Najera Santana resides in Polk City, but is originally from Mexico and is in the United States on an expired work visa. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notified.

“It is absolutely maddening, with so many other options available, that someone would choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The result of this woman’s poor choice is the death of one child, and the very serious injury to another child.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Deputies from the PCSO were dispatched to the crash at about 12:15 a.m., Wednesday, October 12, 2022, along with Polk County Fire Rescue. The crash occurred on Deen Still Road at Old Grade Road, about ten miles north of the city of Lake Alfred.

Upon arrival of first responders, the toddler was found deceased. The 5-year old boy was transported to the hospital for his injuries. The toddler, who was not in a child safety seat, was ejected from the vehicle. Detectives are still trying to determine if the adult and 5-year old were wearing a seat belt.

According to the preliminary investigation, Ms. Najera Santana was driving a black 2019 Chevrolet pickup truck west on Deen Still Road when she lost control of the truck, crashed through a barbed-wire fence, and struck multiple pine trees. 

Ms. Najera Santana was determined to be impaired by detectives, and multiple open and unopened containers of beer were also found in and around the vehicle. She admitted to detectives that she had consumed several beers earlier in the evening.

Ms. Najera Santana was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center to be booked-into jail. There she provided two breath samples that showed a breath-alcohol content of 0.141 g/210L of breath and 0.139 g/210L of breath. The legal threshold is 0.08 g/210L of breath. 

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Tire Collection and Recycling Event This Month In Bartow

Carl Fish
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Tire Collection and Recycling Event This Month In Bartow

Tire Collection and Recycling Event planned for Bartow on October 29, 2022.

 

October 10, 2022 –  Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. will host a FREE Tire Collection and Recycling event on Saturday, October 29th for all COUNTY RESIDENTS from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(noon) at C Wilson Equipment Co., 2301 US Hwy 17 S. in Bartow.  Residents and agricultural land owners may dispose of up to 24 tires per vehicle.   Standard vehicle sized tires only – No semi, tractor or off-road tires.  Absolutely NO TIRE BUSINESSES, INDEPENDENT or COMMERCIAL TRUCKING COMPANIES or AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES of ANY kind will be permitted. Legal hauling limits will be strictly enforced. 

For additional information on Tire Recycling or community cleanup information, contact Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. at (863) 875-8911 or email [email protected] .

Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church Celebrates First Fall Vendor Fest 

Allison
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Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church Celebrates First Fall Vendor Fest 

Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church Celebrates First Fall Vendor Fest

by James Coulter

From cupcakes to jewelry, to toys and bounce houses, Bartow children and their families were able to peruse nearly a dozen vendors and engage in fun activities during the first public Fall Vendor Fest, hosted by Mt. Gilboa Youth for Christ on Saturday

Several local vendors and food trucks lined Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr. Boulevard in Bartow, right along the street of Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church which hosted the event. Attendees could browse these vendors and purchase their wares. A bounce house and other lawn games were hosted at a nearby empty lot.

Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church has been hosting this annual fall festival for their church youth. This year, they decided to host the event in public and allow the local community to enjoy their festive fall fun.

“We came out of a horrible storm, we wanted to bring the community out to reach out to as many people as we can because we are the church that loves everybody,” said Ashley Knight, Mt. Gilboa Youth Director. “This year, we wanted to do something big where we come out and bring the community out.”

Kuppie Kakes was one of the many vendors who participated last weekend. Owner Will Brown sold various cupcakes and cake cups with flavors including blue and red velvet to key lime and banana pudding. Many of them are made fresh, often the day or the day before, he said.

He loved being able to connect with local customers and network with other local businesses through events like this: “We live in Bartow and Lakeland. So this is an opportunity to see what other business owners are out here and get our name out. [I like] just meeting new people, going around with business owners, and getting to know others.”

Both the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk Fire Rescue attended to offer freebies for the children and information about their public services. Darius Livingston, firefighter/EMT, loves being able to come out to these events and educate children about what he does for a living.

“We always take pride in supporting the youth and the future. Anything we can do to assist that, we show up,” he said. “That is why we took time out of our busy lives to come out to support PCFR. I love it. Anything that is positive is game.”

Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting a similar street festival next spring. She has high expectations of drawing out people from the local community and offering them a good time.

“We are looking to do it again in the spring and let everyone know,” she said. “I think it is coming together really nice. We got a lot of people out. It is going well with businesses and vendors and students. It is a very successful thing.”

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mt-Gilboa-Missionary-Baptist-Church/115669311787027

Memorial Service Information For Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane

Allison
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Memorial Service Information For Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane

Polk County Sheriff’s Office:

MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION:

We have been overwhelmed with support for Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane’s family and our PCSO family. Many of you near and far have asked about attending his memorial service.

The memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Victory Church in Lakeland.

There will be heavy traffic on Griffin Road, Kathleen Road, and U.S. Hwy 98 North before and after the service. Please be patient, or choose an alternate route if you have business in the area.

The service & law enforcement honors outside will be streamed LIVE on the Victory Church website https://victorylakeland.org/ and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office website https://www.polksheriff.org/ – it will also be streamed LIVE on both of our Facebook pages.

We encourage you to pay your respects virtually. Thank you again for your love and support during this difficult time.

9228 #DeputyLane #OurHero

28 Yr Old Struck & Killed On Hwy 27 Friday Night

Carl Fish
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28 Yr Old Struck & Killed On Hwy 27 Friday Night

At around 9:40 p.m. last night, Friday, October 7, 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The crash occurred on U.S. 27 near Charles Street in the Sun Ray area near Frostproof. 

 

According to the investigation so far, 28-year-old Evelio Hernandez Ramos had just purchased a case of beer from the Sunoco convenience store, located on the east side of the highway and was walking across to the west side of the highway approximately 75 feet south of Charles Street. 

 

At the same time, 17-year-old Brooke Bourn of Fort Meade was driving an orange 2020 Volkswagen Jetta southbound in the outside lane of U.S. 27, when she struck Mr. Ramos. Ms. Bourn immediately stopped and cooperated with law enforcement.

 

Mr. Ramos died at the scene. 

 

Ms. Bourn was uninjured. 

 

A witness told detectives that Mr. Ramos had just received a phone call and was talking on his phone when he was struck by the Volkswagen.

 

Neither excessive speed nor distracted driving are suspected as factors in the crash. There are no sidewalks nor pedestrian crosswalks in this area. Mr. Ramos was wearing dark colored clothing at the time of the crash.

 

Southbound U.S. 27 in the area of the crash was closed for approximately 3 hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.

Family Neon Night Scheduled For Nov 4

Allison
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Family Neon Night Scheduled For Nov 4

The party is ON…NEON that is! Polk County Parks and Recreation is hosting a Family Neon Night at the Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center on Friday, November 4 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.. Join us for an evening of exciting glow activities, games, prizes and giveaways, along with light refreshments while jamming out to the DJ.

Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center – 2226 Karen Street, Lake Wales

Veteran Owned and Operated Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries Offers Boats, Repairs, and More

Staff Reporter
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Veteran Owned and Operated Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries Offers Boats, Repairs, and More

Veteran Owned and Operated Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries Offers Boats, Repairs, and More

by James Coulter

Terry McCamis knows a good boat dealership and facility when he sees one. He has more than 70 years of bass fishing experience and 43 years of experience for a major manufacturing company. As such, he knows Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries offers the best quality service of any boating and marine facility.

Terry served as a factory worker in three states during his nearly four decade-long career. He knows full well maintaining a good dealer network where customers can receive direct support from the dealers themselves is crucial to a company’s success. He sees that level of support and commitment with Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries.

“As I told my customers before I retired, you can buy my product anywhere, but it is the support you will get after the sale, and that is something we see people don’t understand anymore in our country,” Terry said. “That is what I love about Hoppy’s: you get 100 percent support after the sale, and I can’t say that for a lot of dealerships in this county or state.”

Being super impressed by the quality of their workmanship, Terry has remained a customer at Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries for many long years. He buys most of his boating equipment there, and recently made a few significant purchases.

He has known the current owner, Chaz Hickcox, for many years. Both of them are veterans, and as such, Terry knows that he can trust the service that Chaz and his staff provide. He considers them to be fair, and he wants to support a fellow veteran in his endeavor. Thus far, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries has kept him more than satisfied with their service.

“I will give them ten out of ten, maybe 12 out of ten, I am that impressed,” he said. “I can’t do any better than that, and I truly believe what Chaz has when he runs a business. He does everything himself on a pro basis, and that makes them different from any other dealership in Polk County.”

Located in Haines City, in the heart of the boating and fishing capital of the world in Central Florida, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries is your one-stop full-service shop for boats and boating accessories. Whether you want a brand new vessel, or you would prefer a value on a pre-owned vehicle, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries not only has what you are searching for, but everything to facilitate what you need and more.

“We can guarantee you that we have the passion and experience for getting it right, the first time,” their website states. “Whether you need a new boat, need to sell your boat, require service, or need any type of boating part, we are your first line boating dealership.”

As a trusted Mercury Marine dealer, they sell brand-name engines of all stock and sizes. Whether you are going bass fishing on a freshwater lake or taking a cruise out in the deep blue sea, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries not only has the engine you’re looking for, but the experience to keep it in tip top shape.

Scott Siller, National Professional Fishing League Champion, being a professional bass fisher, has experience with boating and boat dealers. Not only does he appreciate the service Hoppy’s provide to his engine and vessel, but also how the facility is a one-stop shop for all of his needs.

“That, to me, is just unbelievable service,” he said. “It is so comforting to know that when you make a living on a boat, like I do here…there is a dealership to trust, and they are knowledgeable and they do it right the first time. So, I think we are…fortunate in Polk County to have a dealership like that in our own backyard.”

Owner Chaz Hickcox served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan. After serving for 20 years, he and his wife decided to settle down and start their own business. Chaz loved boating and fishing, so he decided to start a business through his hobby.

“A lot of my personal stuff, dealing with memories from the war, and getting away from that meant going on the water and fishing,” he said. “I knew when I retired, I wanted to be around my escape as much as possible. Going down this particular route allows me to do that and allows me to help others in their vehicle.”

Located along Highway 27 in Haines City, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries was originally started by Hoppy Ingram in 1982. The original owner had since sold the store to Chaz and his wife, and the both of them have been keeping it in tip-top shape ever since.

Both under old and new dealership, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries has remained committed to not only offering customers a good product, but ensuring that their product remains running in prime condition following the purchase.

“[It’s about] being able to provide them peace of mind when the boats run right,” Chaz said. “I really enjoy seeing people get excited going out and doing their different adventures [on the water]…and I enjoy being able to provide that kind of lifestyle if they so choose.”

The other secret to their success has been the staff. Chaz knows that businesses only offer a good service when their employees are treated well, which is why he makes sure his employees are treated right. Not a single employee makes minimum wage, and all of them receive excellent benefits.

“We provide them with the best benefits in the industry in Central Florida with complete pay to our employees,” Chaz said. “If you treat your employees right and you have high quality employees who provide high quality service, they will attract high quality customers who are looking for that level of service and detail.”

Chaz has high hopes and expectations moving forward. He wants to serve even more customers and provide them with even better service. He knows his success lies with his commitment to high standards, and he wants to reach even higher.

“I want to be able to service as many people as possible in Polk County and let them know that we are a service-based company,” he said. “We understand that the customer is the whole reason for us being in business as far as being able to provide them the freedom to get into the water and escape their day to day lives and looking forward. I want to offer them best quality services and products.”

Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries is located at 31499 US-27, Haines City, FL 33844. For more information, call 863-439-7616, or visit their website at: https://crossedindustries.com/hoppys.

Resident Drop-Off Locations Available For Self-Haul Yard Waste

Allison
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Resident Drop-Off Locations Available For Self-Haul Yard Waste

Polk County Emergency Management

If you wish to self-haul your yard waste, you may visit one of the drop-off sites below.

  • Strickland Pit – 5901 Strickland Ave., Lakeland
  • Cypress Parkway – Corner of Cypress Parkway and Lake Marion Creek Road, Poinciana
  • Marigold – 9500 Marigold Ave. – Poinciana

Things to know before you go;

  • Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • These sites are staffed. You will need to show ID for proof that you are a Polk County resident
  • No commercial companies – residents only
  • Vegetative material only, no garbage bags of leaves, etc. and no construction and demolition (C&D) materials

Cheryl Williams charged with second degree murder in death of Deputy Lane

Carl Fish
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Cheryl Williams charged with second degree murder in death of Deputy Lane

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged Cheryl Lynn Williams, DOB 5/30/76, with 13 felonies in the death of Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane, who died in the line of duty on October 4, 2022:

  • Second degree murder of a law enforcement officer (F1)
  • 3 counts aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (F2)
  • 3 counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2)
  • 3 counts resisting arrest (F2)
  • 2 counts possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (F2)
  • Possession of methamphetamine (F3)

She will be booked into the Polk County Jail upon her release from the hospital, where she remains in stable condition.

Click here to read the news release with early details of the investigation.

“When deputies arrived at this residence following up on a Crime Stoppers tip that Cheryl Williams was there with an active warrant, they gave her every opportunity to turn herself in. She made the choice to hide, and then to jump out while pointing a gun at them. Everyone in that house is a convicted felon with a criminal history, but all they had to do was cooperate, and this tragedy would never have occurred. Cheryl Williams would have been taken into custody peacefully, and would solely be facing her original failure to appear charge. Now she is responsible for the death of Deputy Lane, a young man who had his entire life ahead of him, eager to serve the people of Polk County while making a positive difference as a law enforcement officer.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

After a search of the residence that Williams shares with two others (4345 Foxtown South, Polk City), deputies found the following firearms openly displayed on a gun rack attached to the wall in the hallway:

  • A Marlin model 99M1 .22 caliber rifle with scope; one live round in the chamber and seven rounds in the magazine tube
  • A Connecticut Valley Arms, Inc. single-shot 12 gauge shotgun
  • A bolt-action 410 gauge shotgun; one live round in the chamber         

Deputies arrested the two convicted felons who live there, Donald Mathis, DOB 8/11/50 and Joseph Larry Albritton, Jr., DOB 9/18/67, for 3 counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F3), 5 counts possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (F5), and Albritton was also charged with violation of probation.

Mathis was additionally charged with possession of meth (F3) and possession of paraphernalia (M1). Detectives found a small plastic baggie in his bedroom with a substance that tested positive for meth, along with three boxes of ammunition.

Mathis’ criminal history includes 13 felonies and 11 misdemeanors. He spent 1.5 years in state prison for cocaine possession. He’s had numerous arrests since 1991, on charges such as possession of cocaine with intent to sell, grand theft, battery, DUI, and petit theft. 

Albritton’s criminal history includes 8 felonies and 22 misdemeanors. Since 1986 he’s been arrested many times, charged with aggravated battery, battery domestic violence, resisting arrest, trespassing, DUI, possession of meth and marijuana, DWLSR, and tampering with a witness.

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