Grand opening of Florida Poly’s new state-of-the-art research building

WHAT: Florida Polytechnic University leaders will be joined by state and community officials to celebrate the grand opening of the Applied Research Center, a cutting-edge facility designed to serve as a research hub for innovation and attract economic development. The $47 million building enhances the already iconic campus located in Lakeland, Florida.

WHO: Participants include State Sen. Kelli Stargel, State Rep. Colleen Burton, University President Randy Avent, and members of the Florida Poly Board of Trustees. The event will begin with a brief program followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Reporters will be able to walk through the facility and are encouraged to take photos and video. 

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Florida Polytechnic University, 4700 Research Way, Lakeland. The event will take place in the area between the famous Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building and the Applied Research Center (ARC). 

PARKING: Press should park in parking lot 4. See an interactive map of campus here. Click on Parking/Transportation to see parking location.  

RSVP: We encourage members of the media to RSVP by Wednesday, Aug. 17, as space is limited. To RSVP, please contact Lydia Guzmán by email at[email protected] or call 863-327-9762.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE ARC:

• The Applied Research Center (ARC) is Florida Poly’s second academic building.
• The ARC will serve as a research hub for faculty and students, as well as a magnet for economic development.  
• The $47 million, two-story building is a more than 90,000-square-foot facility that houses research and teaching labs, student design spaces, conference rooms, and faculty offices.
• The ARC is located on the northwest side of campus adjacent to the famousInnovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building.
• Its design complements the architecturally renowned IST, featuring large reflective windows and extensive views of the campus.  
• The ARC is also visible from I-4. 
• The builder is Skanska USA, which also developed the IST, and the architect design firm is HOK.

About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is a nationally ranked Top 100 engineering college, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. It is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.

On August 7, 2022 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Naveli Dixson (DOB: 08/23/2002) with multiple charges including 2 counts of attempted murder. Additionally on the same date deputies arrested Ra’quan Thompson (DOB: 01/18/2000) and Tyreke Thompson (DOB: 10/08/2001) charging them with multiple charges also including attempted murder. The three young men were arrested due to a raging gun battle down Hwy 92 & Combee Rd. on August 6th. The incident also involved multiple vehicle crashes. One injuring a motorcyclist and the other taking down a power pole.

The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (It should be noted that this is a redacted, unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Department. 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. Certain names of witnesses or victims may be redacted) :

“On August 6, 2022 I was contacted as the Southwest General Crimes on call Detective in reference to an attempted murder case.

Through my investigation I learned the following.
Suspects Tyreke Thompson and Ra’quan Thompson went to the Auburndale Flea Market at approximately 0900 hours. The two of them spent about 45 minutes to an hour at the flea market and then left. They left in a 2019 Silver Honda bearing FI. specialty tag DBRATT. Tyreke was the driver and Ra’quan was in the front passenger seat.

They turned right out of the flea market and began driving in the left lane westbound towards Lakeland on Hwy 92. As they approached the traffic light at Hwy 92 and the Polk Parkway they observed a 2012 Silver Cadillac bearing FL. tag 390GP in the right lane. As the light turned green, Tyreke and Ra’quan advised they heard multiple gun shots and then saw the front passenger window shatter. They both advised the gunshots came from the Cadillac and then they observed the Cadillac increase speed and take off westbound down Hwy 92. Tyreke seeing this, began pursuing the vehicle and attempted to catch up to it.

Tyreke and Ra’quan pursued the Cadillac all the way to the intersection of Hwy 92 and Combee Rd. Once at the intersection, both vehicles turned northbound on Combee Rd. As the high speed driving continued northbound, Ra’quan armed himself with a rifle, leaned out of the passenger window and began shooting at the Cadillac. 14
spent rifle casings were located in the roadway on Combee Rd. After shooting at the Cadillac, the two vehicles began to weave in and out of oncoming traffic trying to get close again. At one point, the Honda was in the northbound lane and the Cadillac was driving northbound in the southbound lane parallel to the Honda. The two vehicles approached a motorcycle club that was driving northbound on Combee Rd. As they approached, the Honda lost control and went off the right shoulder and crashed into a power pole causing it to snap in half.
After the Honda crashed, the Cadillac crashed into one of the motorcyclists causing him to fall off and become injured. The Cadillac continued to drive northbound on Combee Rd. after hitting the motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle, REDACTED, had to be transported to REDACTED.

After crashing the Honda, Ra’quan and Tyreke exited the vehicle and ran into the adjacent wood line approximately 75 yards from the road. Witness, REDACTED, advised he observed the crash happen and then watched Tyreke and Ra’quan get out. WITNESS stated he observed Ra’quan holding a rifle in his right hand as he was running. After a couple minutes of Tyreke and Ra’quan being in the woods the two were seen by WITNESS exiting the wood line and walking back towards the vehicle, but Ra’quan no longer had the rifle in his hands. At this point deputies began to arrive on scene and gave commands to Tyreke and Ra’quan to get on the ground to which they complied. Both Tyreke and Ra’quan were detained at this time.

It was learned later the Cadillac had left the scene and responded to REDACTED Hospital. Suspect, Naveli Dixson, was learned to of been the driver of the Cadillac and PASSENGER, was in the passenger seat. Naveli responded to REDACTED Hospital because PASSENGER had been shot in the jaw on the left side of his face and bleeding profusely. PASSENGER was taken in to surgery and later released to the ICU for further care.

A Post Miranda interview was conducted with Ra quan and he confessed to leaning out of the Honda and shooting multiple rounds at the Cadillac with a rifle. Ra quan admitted after crashing him and Tyreke fled in to the woods where he threw the rille in to the trees in attempt to get rid of It. (see taped statement for full interview).

A Post Miranda interview was conducted with I Tyreke and he confessed to chasing the Cadillac after it shot at him and Ra quan. Tyreke claimed he was chasing the vehicle to get the tag number and never knew Ra quan was going to shoot back. Tyreke advised after crashing, he fled in to the woods because he was scared and didn’t
know what Ra quan was going to do. (See taped statement for full interview).

A Post Miranda interview was conducted with Naveli and he confessed to shooting his mm pistol at the silver Honda that was next to him.
Naveli advised he believed a barrel was being pointed at him and that is why he shot
at them first. Naveli could not advise the type of car, the type of weapon, or any descriptive traits of the people in the car just a barrel was pointed at him. Navell admitted as he was driving fast on Combee Rd he crashed in to a motorcycle and continued driving without stopping. (See taped statement for full interview).

Based on the information above. I determined sufficient probable cause to charge Naveli Dixson with 2 counts FSS 777.04(1)** Attempt Murder in 2nd Degree (firearm), FSS 790.15(2). Discharge Firearm from Vehicle, FSS 784.05(1) Culpable Negligence, FSS 790.07(2). Use/Display Firearm During a Felony Off, FSS 790.19.. Throwing Deadly Missile Occupied Vehicle, FSS790.10. Improper Exhibit Firearm/Dangerous Weapon, FSS316.192(3)
(A)I Reckless Driv Damage Person or Prop and ESS 310.02/(2)(A) Leave Scene of Crash Involving Injury ”

“ Based on the information above, I determined sufficient probable cause to charge Ra’quan Thompson with 2 counts FSS 777.04(1) ** Attempt Murder in 2nd Degree (firearm), FSS 777.04(3).., Conspiracy Commit Munder, FSS 790.15(2). Discharge Firearm from Vehicle, FSS784.05(1) Culpable Negligence, FSS 918.13** Taupering with
Physical Evidence, FSS 790.07(2). Use/Display Firearm During a Felony Off, FSS 790.23(1)(A) …
Poss Firearm/Ammo/Con Wpn by Delinquent, FSS 790.19.. Throwing Deadly Missile Occupied Vehidle, FSS893.13(6) (B) Cannabis Possess Not more than 20, FSS 893.147 (1) Poss/Use of Narcotic Paraphernalia, FS$ 893.13(7XA)5. Drugs Keep Shop/Veh Etc for Drugs 1st Viol and FSS 790.10. Improper Exhibit Firearm/Dangerous Weapon.”

“Based on the information above, I determined sufficient probable cause to charge Tyreke Thompson with 2 comhts FSS 777.04(1)** Attempt Murder in 2nd Degree (firearm), FSS 777.04(3)…, Conspiracy Commit Murder, FSS 790.15(3). Direct the Discharge Firearm from Vehicle, FSS784.05(1) Culpable Negligence, FSS918.13** Tampering with Physical Evidence, FSS322.34(2), Knowingly DWLSR, FSS 316.192(3)(A)1 Reckless Driving Damage Person or Prop, and FSS 316.061 Leave Scene of Crash Involve Prop Damage.”

This isn’t the first brush with Polk County Law Enforcement for the Thompson’s. They each have multiple previous arrests and charges. Dixson appears to not had a previous arrest.

LAKELAND, FL (August 7, 2022) – On Sunday, August 7, 2022, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near Memorial Boulevard and the Interstate 4 access ramp. Prior to the crash, the driver of a 2005 Ford Expedition was traveling westbound on Memorial Boulevard. As the vehicle approached the access ramp, it left the roadway, slid through a grass median, and entered the eastbound travel lanes. As the driver attempted to correct and negotiate the curve, the vehicle struck a raised concrete median, causing the SUV to roll over multiple times. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. 

The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department arrived on the scene and began life-saving measures. The operator of the Ford, 20-year-old Jeison Gutierrez of Plant City, and a 31-year-old male passenger were transported to Lakeland Regional Health. The passenger, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries. Later in the morning, Gutierrez succumbed to his injuries. 

Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. Speed appears to be a factor in the crash. Toxicology tests will also be conducted. 

If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Tyler Anderson at [email protected].