Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatal crash between a truck versus car. The accident took place around 11am this morning on Timberlane Road in Lake Wales.
According to Carrie Horstman, Public Information Officer, with Polk County Sheriff’s Office the driver of truck did not suffer major injury. The driver of the car succumbed to injuries at the scene.
This is a developing story and we will update as more information is made available.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit investigated a vehicle versus pedestrian crash during the early morning hours of Saturday, August 28, 2021, during which the pedestrian was killed. Preliminary details are:
Around 1:55 a.m. this morning, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call from the area of US Hwy 98 North just north of the Duff Road intersection. A blue 2006 Ford F-250 pulling a trailer being driven by 22-year-old Tyler Alderman of Lakeland was heading southbound on Hwy 98, and entered into the right turn lane to turn onto Duff Road, at which time the truck and trailer struck 35-year-old Jessica Cunningham (homeless) who was in the roadway. It was dark at the time of the crash, and there is minimal lighting in that area.
Neither Alderman nor his two adult passengers were injured. He did not appear to be impaired, driving recklessly, or distracted. It is possible Cunningham was impaired, based on interviews with family members and her history. The investigation is ongoing.
Lake Wales Mardi Gras Press Release
We have started planning the Lake Wales Mardi Gras for 2022. We will be back in full force with our parade and festival!
We have some exciting news to share!
– Mardi Gras will be February 25th and 26th, 2022
– The parade will be Saturday the 26th at 3PM
– The parade route will follow the last parade route. Starting at the Post Office and winding through downtown and then down Central Ave. to Lake Wailes Lake.
– Time to start planning your floats and costumes! There will be a panel of local judges this year that will award prizes and cash for the best floats. Floats will be judged on use of Mardi Gras traditional colors, themes and costumes. We would really love to see floats that exemplify the Mardi Gras tradition and spirit.
– We have received a very generous grant from Visit Central Florida to use for marketing purposes… Almost 3 times more than we have ever received before!
– We have a few new partnerships that are going to make a huge impact on Mardi Gras this year and hopefully for many years to come! We have partnered with Rotary on the Ridge, LW Arts Council and LW History Museum. More info to come on these partnerships very soon.
Our next scheduled meeting is Tuesday Sept 21st – 6:30PM at The Coop in Babson Park. Please send one member of your Krewe to this preliminary meeting as we discuss all this and more.
We would love to see NEW Krewes/Floats this year. So please help spread the word! More floats means a better parade!
For more information, to start a Krewe or register your Krewe for this year visit:
Our website: www.lwmardigras.com
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lwmardigras
Josh Curchy – President [email protected]
Denny Wittman – Vice President [email protected]
13-year-old Poinciana boy killed while riding his bicycle
On August 26, 2021, at approximately 7:35 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a vehicle crash involving a car and bicycle on Tiger Road, just north of the intersection of Dromedary Court in Poinciana. Polk County Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to render aid, however the bicycle rider, 13-year-old Brandon Klauder of Poinciana, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Evidence at the scene and the witness statements show that Brandon was riding his bicycle traveling south on the west side of Tiger Road before crossing Tiger Road towards the east side. A black, 2020 Hyundai Elantra was traveling north on Tiger Road, and struck the bicycle in the northbound lane. The collision caused Brandon to be knocked off his bicycle and he came to rest on the east shoulder of Tiger Road. The bicycle also came to rest on the east shoulder of Tiger Road, approximately 50 feet north.
Tiger Road is a 2 lane north/south roadway in a residential neighborhood. The speed limit in the area of the crash is 25 MPH. It was dusk at the time of the crash, and the weather at the time of the crash was clear.
Brandon was a student at Lake Marion Creek Middle School.
During the crash investigation, Tiger Road was closed between Caribou Court and Dromedary Court, and traffic was rerouted around the scene of the crash—the road was closed in both directions for approximately 4 hours.
Deputies evaluated the driver of the Elantra, 25-year-old Victoria Ortiz of Kissimmee, and there were no indications of impairment. There were no other injuries in the crash. The crash is currently under investigation.
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media on this PCSO investigation at 11:15 a.m. this morning at the Sheriff’s Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven
21-year-old Bradly man arrested for shooting a family member
On Thursday, August 26, 2021, at approximately 6:44 p.m., Polk County Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a reported shooting at a residence in Bradley, south of Mulberry. Based on witness statements and evidence found at the scene detectives determined that 21-year-old Byron Quintez Dexter shot an elderly family member in the neck. Several other family members were in the home at the time. The female victim was flown to an area hospital where she is listed in critical/unstable condition.
Dexter was found by detectives riding a bicycle in the area after the shooting and he was taken into custody. He had a .22 caliber firearm in his possession. During questioning, Dexter admitted to the shooting. He was arrested for attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated assault with a weapon, carrying a concealed firearm, and shooting into/in an occupied dwelling.
A shooting at Lake Blue Park in unincorporated Winter Haven that occurred yesterday (Thursday):
On Thursday, August 26, 2021, PCSO detectives responded to a shooting at Lake Blue Park in unincorporated Winter Haven where two people were shot; one deceased.
This investigation is still active, but the preliminary information is as follows:
According to witness and victim statements, earlier in the day two sisters and their cousin, along with a friend, called a Haines City man so they could purchase marijuana. They agreed to meet at Lake Blue Park.
When they arrived at the park, one of the sisters exited the car and met with the drug dealer. After he handed her a bag of marijuana, the cousin approached the man and attempted to rob him.
The man told detectives he was in fear for his life and grabbed a gun from his vehicle and began shooting at the cousin, hitting him.
As he got out of his car, he said people in a car drove at him, and he fired his gun into the vehicle.
The driver was shot and declared deceased at the scene. The cousin is currently in the hospital in critical condition.
Other charges may be forthcoming. The Sheriff will provide more information at the briefing.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting on Lake Blue Drive near Lake Blue Park in the Inwood area of Winter Haven around 2:30 p.m. this afternoon, Thursday, August 26, 2021.
There are two victims. One victim has succumbed to injuries.
This is a developing situation
PCSO mourns the loss of Deputy Sheriff Christopher Broadhead
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you about the line-of-duty death of Deputy Sheriff Christopher Broadhead, who was stricken with COVID-19 and has been in the hospital for several weeks. He succumbed to the illness earlier today, August 23, 2021.
Deputy Broadhead was 32 years old, and became a deputy sheriff working in patrol in November 2011. Throughout his career he was also a property crimes detective, robbery detective, and homicide detective. He was most recently assigned to the Southeast District, in the Lake Wales area of the county. He was a graduate of the University of Florida.
Chris was married to former Deputy Elisa (Ranze) Broadhead. Chris was a stepfather to Elisa’s three children and together he and Elisa have two daughters, ages one and two.
Deputy Broadhead received many accolades throughout his 10-year career – he was awarded a Medal of Valor in 2013, several division and department commendations, a Sheriff’s Commendation, and Meritorious Service Medal in 2017.
Winter Haven Police Department
Do you recognize the woman in these photos?
On Aug. 25 at approximately 7:34 p.m., the female entered into a residence located in the 300 block of Lake Howard Dr. NW while the owner was sound asleep in bed inside the residence. Once the female entered the residence, the victim’s video surveillance captured the female rummaging through the victim’s property searching for something to steal. After rummaging for a few minutes, the female selected a basket full of prescription pill bottles and proceeded to walk back out the front door of the victim’s residence with said prescriptions in hand.
Anyone who recognizes her is asked to call Det. Al-Shaair at 863-292-7921.
Winter Haven Police are asking for the public’s help in locating 63 year-old Densley Brown.
Brown left his Palmetto Ave. home on August 11, 2021 at approximately 7:45 a.m. in his blue Hyundai Sonata. He called his daughter to tell her he was headed to the hospital for a medical examination. He never arrived at the hospital. All hospitals in the area have been checked and Brown has not been seen. All locations where Brown usually frequents have come with negative results as well.
Detectives have conducted extensive searches to no avail. Brown’s family and authorities are concerned and are asking for anyone who knows of Brown’s whereabouts to call immediately.
Brown left in his blue Sonata with a Florida tag “MSSUPA”. (photo shown is not actual vehicle) Brown was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts.
Anyone who has information regarding Brown’s whereabouts is asked to call Detective Chapnick at 863-632-0071 or 863-401-2256.
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