City of Winter Haven
ROAD ALERT UPDATE: Beginning JUNE 14 (Not June 7 as previously posted) construction will occur along Old Lucerne Park Road west of Century Drive, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. for 4 weeks to install a new right turn lane and relocating a water main. The closed lanes will reopen each evening. If you have questions, contact Gayle Coutant at Blue Ox Enterprises, LLC at (407) 701-2222.
On Friday, June 11, 2021, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 50-year-old Lee Anne Huff of Clearwater for DUI.
At around 2:30 a.m., deputies responded to the entrance of the Hamptons Golf and Country Club in Auburndale and found a red Volkswagen Beetle parked with its rear tire on a curb and Huff in the driver’s seat slumped on the steering wheel. The vehicle was running.
According to the affidavit, when deputies spoke with Huff, they “observed her to have bloodshot watery eyes, and could smell a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from her breath and heard her to have slurred speech.”
When Huff got out of her vehicle, deputies “observed her to have a front to back sway of approximately 2 to 4 inches.” Also in the car’s center console cup holder was an opened can of White Claw Hard Seltzer.
Deputies asked Huff for her driver’s license, instead she gave deputies a credit card. When asked how much she had to drink, Huff told deputies, “It was f***ing awesome!”
Huff told deputies she is a 5th grade math and science teacher at Leila Davis Elementary School in Pinellas County.
“Teachers should be setting positive examples for their students and the community. Drinking and driving is the opposite of that. There is never an excuse to drink and drive. Please, take advantage of the many resources out there, and don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Huff was arrested for DUI (M1) and transported to the Polk County Jail where her blood alcohol level was recorded as 0.174 and 0.170 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. The legal threshold for DUI is 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. She is currently being held without bond.
Local Firehouse Subs franchisee Bobby Sahgal owns both restaurants in Bartow and Winter Haven alongside his son Abhay, who serves as the General Manager. The father and son duo have just as a strong working and personal bond outside of their restaurant as they do in it and Abhay plans to one day take over his dad’s restaurant, continuing the family tradition.
When asked what’s one thing that most people don’t know about owning and operating a restaurant within a family dynamic, Bobby responded, “Things are easier because you can trust someone and feel strong about running a restaurant because you can always rely on your family members.”
Bobby and Abhay are dedicated to sharing the brand’s commitment to giving back through Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has granted more than $1.2 million in the greater Tampa area. A portion of every sale at their Firehouse Subs restaurants and all in the U.S. benefit the Foundation to help achieve its mission of providing lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders and public safety organizations across the country.
Guests can enjoy any FREE medium sub with the purchase of a medium or large sub, chips and a drink for one day only on Father’s Day, June 20*. *Dine-in or takeout only (not valid for online or delivery orders).
On Monday, June 7, 2021, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Andrew Pierce Weaver of Lakeland, the youth pastor of Highlands Church of Christ in Lakeland, for attempting to have sex with a minor.
On June 3, 2021, Highlands Church of Christ staff contacted PCSO detectives to report that Weaver may have been engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old girl in his youth group. The alleged contact occurred for approximately five months between September of 2020 and January of 2021.
During an interview, the victim told detectives that Weaver had been giving her informal guidance. She told detectives that she told Weaver that she was having sexual fantasies and at one point Weaver asked her if any of the fantasies had involved him. She said she told him she did have sexual fantasies about him.
The following is an excerpt from the affidavit describing what the 17-year-old victim told detectives, and is self-explanatory:
The VICTIM disclosed she showed Weaver naked pictures of herself on her cell phone device, and Weaver would frequently ask to see these pictures, but insisted she never transmit them to him electronically. The VICTIM believed he requested this to avoid getting in trouble, as he also requested she keep their relationship secret.
The VICTIM also disclosed on a non-specific date in late December or early January she and Weaver went to the Best Western Hotel in Mulberry, FL. The VICTIM disclosed she drove to the Highlands Church of Christ and met Weaver there. The VICTIM then got into Weaver’s vehicle and he asked her how she felt about getting a hotel room for the two of them.
Weaver then drove himself and the VICTIM to the hotel. She and Weaver were at the hotel for approximately 30 minutes and were naked from the waist up in their room. The VICTIM disclosed she and Weaver were making out, and Weaver touched and kissed the bare area of her breasts. The VICTIM advised she and Weaver were interrupted by a maid knocking on the door, but the maid did not enter the room. The VICTIM disclosed this startled Weaver, and they both put on their clothes and returned to the church. The VICTIM advised she believed their sexual contact would have continued to progress if they had not been interrupted by the maid.
During an interview on June 7th, Weaver confirmed he took the victim to the hotel in Mulberry after the two had been discussing sexual fantasies. According to the affidavit:
Weaver advised he believed he had “crossed a line” with the VICTIM, which he further explained that he was closer to the VICTIM emotionally than he should have been. Weaver subsequently confessed to driving around with the VICTIM on the day of 12/29/20, and discussing more of the VICTIM’s sexual fantasies. Weaver stated he struggles with impulse control and then drove himself and the VICTIM to the Best Western Hotel in Mulberry, FL after discussing the VICTIM’s sexual fantasies. Records were obtained from the Best Western Hotel, which confirmed Weaver checked into the hotel on 12/29/20 at approximately 13:13 hours.
“Youth ministers are entrusted with mentoring our children. This minister betrayed that trust and he must be held accountable. Thankfully, the church leadership did the right thing by reporting his inappropriate behavior.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff Weaver was arrested for Attempted Unlawful Sex with a Minor (F3) and Interference with Child Custody (F3) due to Weaver taking the child from the church and to the hotel with the intent to have sex with her. He is currently in the Polk County jail and has no bond. Weaver told detectives he is married.
PCSO Homicide detectives have arrested two 16-year-old suspects in the homicide of 17-year-old Taigur Taguri – both suspects have been charged with first degree murder, along with other felonies. At least two other suspects are still at large.
Based upon interviews with witnesses, suspects, and others, and evidence collected so far in the investigation, at around 9:40 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021, Taguri drove to Gordon Heights Park near Bartow with the intention of selling marijuana to someone with whom he was communicating on social media. He was accompanied by a female.
When Taguri arrived at the park, he stopped his truck. Several unknown black male suspects approached the truck. One suspect opened the driver’s door, and another suspect opened the passenger side door. During this time Taguri was heard saying “no” and “don’t.” Multiple shots were fired at Taguri by both suspects. The passenger was not injured. A total of 3-4 suspects are believed to be involved.
After being shot, Taguri accelerated, and the truck crashed into a fence then came to a stop against some playground equipment. The suspects fled in an unknown direction. The passenger called 911 and another witness in the area called 911. When first responders arrived on-scene, Taguri was deceased.
During the investigation, detectives gathered evidence including spent shell casings at the scene, and searched social media channels for any communication between the victim and others. Detectives discovered and were provided with several names of people with whom Taguri had been communicating on social media – one of those people was tentatively identified as 16-year-old Jevon Berrien, Jr., who lives on Gause Street in Bartow.
Detectives responded to the residence, and interviewed Berrien. Detectives also found 16-year-old Margus Johnson hiding in the home, unbeknownst to some in the family who were in the home. During a search of the residence, detectives found a loaded Glock 9 mm handgun in Berrien’s room. The gun and casings found at the scene were taken to the FDLE lab for testing. FDLE confirmed that the shell casings found at the scene matched the handgun and ammunition that was submitted for testing. Detectives also found numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia, including a grinder, scale, and glass jar, all containing marijuana residue, and a burnt marijuana cigar in Berrien Jr.’s room.
16-year-old Jevon Berrien, Jr. was charged with:
· First degree murder (Capital felony)
· Attempted armed robbery (F2)
· Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
· Unlawful possession by a minor of a firearm (M1)
· Possession of marijuana (M1)
· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
Berrien, Jr. has previous arrests for robbery by sudden snatching and battery domestic violence.
16-year-old Margus Johnson was charged with:
· First degree murder (Capital felony)
· Attempted armed robbery (F2)
· Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
During the search of Berrien’s home, detectives found another loaded firearm in Jevon Berrien Sr.’s room, along with a large red container of methamphetamine, and several items of drug paraphernalia. Inside Berrien Sr.’s car detectives found a camera bag with a digital scale, multiple plastic baggies, and individually packaged baggies of marijuana. A lunchbox contained another digital scale and a gallon-sized bag of marijuana.
47-year-old Jevon Berrien, Sr., was placed under arrest and charged with:
· Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2)
· Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (F2)
· Possession of methamphetamine (F3)
· Possession of marijuana with intent to sell (F3)
· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Berrien Sr.’s criminal history includes three arrests in Georgia (trafficking in cocaine, drug sales, violation of controlled substance act); an arrest in Oklahoma (DUI); and 7 felonies and 4 misdemeanors in Florida (possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, DWLSR, failure to appear, probation violation, non-payment of child support) including a felony conviction.
| THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO MORE SUSPECTS AT LARGE AND DETECTIVES ARE SEARCHING FOR THEM. THERE IS A $5,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION! If you have any information about this investigation and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers – call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), dial **TIPS from your cell phone, visit the www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. |
Traffic Alert
Two car accident slowing down traffic Cypress Gardens Blvd in front of Advent Health Centra Care (just before Lake Fox Drive
Please drive with caution
A youth pastor at a Lakeland church was arrested yesterday for attempting to have sex with a minor whom he met in the youth group at the church.
He’s been charged with attempted unlawful sex with a minor (F3) and interference with child custody (F3).
We will bring you the full story this afternoon.
Detectives have arrested two 16-year-old suspects in the homicide of Taigur Taguri. Both were located yesterday at a home on Gause Street in Bartow near the park where the homicide occurred. Both are being charged with first degree murder. One of the suspect’s father was also arrested on drug charges.
We will have more information from Sheriff Grady Judd at 12:30 today.
Original Release:
Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media this morning from the scene of a homicide investigation. Here are some preliminary details:
Around 9:40 p.m. last evening (Monday, June 7, 2021) the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from Gordon Heights Park near Bartow in reference to a shooting.
When deputies arrived on-scene they located 17-year-old Taigur Taguri of Bartow deceased in the driver’s seat of a red Chevrolet Silverado truck. A female witness was in the passenger seat and told deputies the following: Taigur was hanging out with her in Lakeland earlier in the evening when he asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. They ended up at this park, where she has not been before; she was not quite sure where they were. He told her when they arrived that he was going to sell marijuana to some guys.
The witness then saw several unknown black males approach the truck, open both doors, and begin shooting the victim. Multiple firearms were discharged and Taigur was shot multiple times. The witness, miraculously, was not hit by any bullets.
The suspects then fled the scene. The victim’s truck has been towed to PCSO Crime Scene for processing. A photo of the victim is attached in the link below.
We are seeking information about this homicide. If you have any information please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). There is a cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
Polk County School Board Press Release
Polk County Public Schools is no longer requiring students and staff to wear face coverings.
During tonight’s meeting, the Polk County School Board voted unanimously to lift a requirement that students wear face coverings. The requirement for PCPS employees to wear face coverings is also being lifted.
Beginning tomorrow (June 9, 2021), face coverings will no longer be mandatory in PCPS schools, offices, and buses. Face coverings will be optional for students and staff members for the 2021-22 school year.
“We still continue to encourage masks for anybody who is not vaccinated, but we are giving the option and flexibility to families and staff to make those decisions,” said Frederick Heid, incoming PCPS superintendent.
Students who opt to wear face coverings must comply with general dress code and school uniform requirements.
Winter Haven Police Department
This guy! Can you identify him?
On June 2, 2021, he enters Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) around 9:10 p.m. and proceeds to select a large TV and two hover boards to the tune of $707.
He takes them to the Garden Center where he goes to the fenced area. Finds a weak spot in the fence and stages the items just inside the fence. He then walks back through the store to the grocery side and leaves the store empty handed. He proceeds around to the outside of the Garden Center and reaches through the fence to retrieve the items.
Video shows him loading up and leaving in a white four-door sedan.
If you recognize him, contact Det. Taylor at 863-837-9074.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS(8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
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