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.
Taigur Taguri
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.
Haines City Fire Departments Served Homemade Lunch by Local Volunteers
by James Coulter
Fire Chief Jeff Davidson has been working for the Haines City Fire Department for two and a half years. Throughout his career, being able to serve people in need has been his biggest motivation in waking up in the morning and performing his duty.
Whether it’s assisting a resident with an emergency call or simply volunteering for a community event, Chief Davidson considers it a privilege to serve his town through his position at the city fire department.
“Our biggest satisfaction and what motivates me is being able to help people in need, being able to bring normalcy back to a bad situation when they call 911 or even in a non-emergency situation, that we can help the community and be able to give back,” Chief Davidson said. “That is the most satisfying part of the job.”
As someone who has assisted his community, he appreciates when his community assists them back. Such was the case last Friday when he and his fellow fire fighters were served a homemade lunch by local volunteers.
Melanie Brown Culpepper, owner and founder of the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, delivered several dozen homemade meals as prepared by Freedom Church in Lake Wales. The meals consisted of baked lasagna with several other fixings, brownies, and sports drinks.
“It was a blessing to have Melanie and her Foundation come and enjoy a meal with us,” Chief Davidson said. “We appreciate her taking time out of her day to recognize the hard work the brave men and women of the fire department offers.”
Deputy Chief Tom Murphy has been working at the department for three years. Aside from enjoying a good, old-fashioned homemade meal, also appreciated being honored for his service by being served by someone from the local community.
“That was very special,” he said. As to what motivates him in his career, he replied: “The fire services is a great career, it is the best in the world, and one of the things you do to help people. But to make the department better when you leave than it was when you come in is the truly great part about this job.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper made her delivery with several other volunteers as part of First Friday, when she delivers homemade meals to fire fighters and other responders on the first Friday of the month.
Melanie started the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation to help give back to local first responders and other fire rescue service members. The foundation was started in memory of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from heart failure.
First responders from the Winter Haven Fire Department arrived to attend to his time of need. While they were unable to save him from his cardiac arrest, Melanie nevertheless remains grateful for their service.
“They make it, I take it,” Melanie said. “I want to thank you all for everything you do. I never knew what you all went through until that day, and I personally do not wish that on you all because I don’t know how you all do it but I pray for you and honor you.”
She started her foundation to support them and to provide defibrillators throughout Winter Haven. She has already raised proceeds through “Walking For a Heart”, hosted earlier this February in Winter Haven. She will be hosting the upcoming “Fishing for a Heart” tournament on Sat., June 12 at Lake Shipp. (For more info, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper/)
Jane Waters, Haines City CRA Project Manager, and a close friend of Melanie’s, helped assist with the deliveries that day. She commended Melanie for her efforts, and likewise commended the efforts of the fire department.
“The work she has done is amazing,” Waters said. “She raises money for supplies for first responders, and she is giving money to the Polk State College foundation for first responders so they can [have medical equipment] and all those [other] things we need on the street.”
The meals were prepared by Freedom Church in Lake Wales, headed by Pastor Bobby Williams. Melanie mentioned how they always prepare whatever food she requires, claiming how: “They make it, I take it.”
Pastor Williams wrote a hand-written note to the first responders and fire fighters, commending them for their service to their community by fulfilling their duty.
“We would like to thank you all for your heroic services,” he wrote. “You are awesome and amazing people. As you go out and put your lives out for others, we greatly appreciate all that you do. We pray a hedge of protection against each and every one of you at all times.”
“Love Doggo
Treats” Treats Shelter Pets at PCSO Animal Services
by James Coulter
Three high school
students with special abilities appeared at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Animal Services on Wednesday to share their homemade pet treats with shelter
animals. The three students and their parents help run “Love Doggo
Treats”, a local small business that prepares homemade pet treats from
all-natural, organic ingredients.
They had the
opportunity to visit the PCSO Animal Services in Winter Haven on Wednesday to
donate their homemade treats and share them with some of the shelter animals
there. Sheriff Grady Judd himself took time out of his busy schedule to meet
with the three students and help them feed the animals.
Sheriff Judd
commended these young people for starting their own business and succeeding
with it, especially with their special needs. These young people are learning
the value of hard work and giving back to their local community, he said.
“They are
doing an awesome job,” Sheriff Judd said. “Their parents work with
them, and they are teaching them a business, and I cannot think of something
more awesome than teaching them about capitalism and working hard. When you
work hard, you make money, and good things happen when you work together and
make things happen. So it is pretty awesome.”
Emry Dykes and
Robert Norris, who have Down syndrome, and Mia Linamen, who has Autism, are
high school classmates. They started Love Doggo Treats as a way for them to
work on a project together and share their love of animals.
The three
students, under the supervision of their parents, prepare and bake their own
homemade pet treats from all-natural ingredients. They then sell their products
at local events, farmer’s markets, and even door-to-door through on-line sales.
Love Doggo Treats,
as previously reported by Daily Ridge, has grown so popular and successful over
the past four months that demand has surpassed what they can produce in their
home kitchen. As such, they are seeking local sponsors to help facilitate the
cost of their operations.
Brandy Dykes, the
mother of Emry, and one of the three CEOs, appreciates how her daughter and his
classmates have learned to work together to run a business. She was especially
proud that they were able to meet Sheriff Judd and donate their treats to their
facility.
They owe their
success thus far two good friends and their faith in Jesus Christ. They plan on
adding more young people with special abilities in their ranks to help them
further their endeavors. Until then, they will continue the good work, Dykes
said.
“We wanted to
come and share some treats with some of the dogs here at animal control ready
to be adopted,” she said. “They are three teenagers with special
abilities who love dogs and have the art of baking treats. And they go out into
the community and sell and serve.”
For more
information about Love Doggo Treats, visit their website at:
https://www.facebook.com/Love-Doggo-Treats-113170244187713/
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, in partnership with the City, is conducting a study of the Cypress Gardens corridor from US 17 to Cypress Gardens Road. Its purpose is to focus on safety for all (pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists) along with walkability and strategic investment. You are invited to any one of three meetings at the Winter Haven Garden Center at 715 3rd Street NW anytime between 5 -7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8; 3 -5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9; and 3:30 – 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 10. These “open house” meetings will feature displays and discussions with project representatives.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single
vehicle motorcycle crash which occurred on Sunday, June 6th, at
about 3:18 PM, on US 27 (about ¾ mile south of Lakeside Garden Circle near Lake
Wales. The two people on the bike were critically injured and air-lifted to
Osceola Regional Medical Center.
The motorcycle, a teal 2020 Harley Davidson trike, was being
driven by 59-year-old Joseph Schwab. His passenger was 61-year-old Debra Lewis.
Records show that both are from the Sebring area.
The preliminary investigation, consisting of evidence and
witness statements, indicates that the trike was northbound in the outside lane
of US 27, when for an unknown reason, it exited the east side of the roadway.
The trike then struck a culvert at an unpaved driveway, which forced the
ejection of both riders.
Mr. Schwab and Ms. Lewis were both wearing helmets.
At this point in the investigation, it does not appear that
speed, distraction, or impairment were factors in the crash, but the
investigation is ongoing.
Both directions of US 27 were closed for the landing of a
medical helicopter, but the outside lane of northbound US 27 remained closed
for about three hours.
Lake Mirror Goes to Dogs at 2021 SPCA Florida Walk For Animals
by James Coulter
Vely Pontoni loves her two dogs, Wilson (toy Aussie) and Astrid Border Collie). She received Astrid from an animal rescue, and Wilson from a pet store. Wilson was supposed to be sold at the store, but he could not be sold because he fractured his leg. Upon learning about Wilson’s predicament, Vely received him from a friend who worked at the store.
Since then, she and her two two-year-old dogs have been inseparable. Last Saturday, she not only attended the annual SPCA Florida Walk For Animals in Lakeland, but they won first place for overall fundraiser.
Vely and her dogs managed to raise $1,300 by walking the Frances Langford Promenade around Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland. With the help of a few other teams, she was even able to raise a combined $1,500.
“It feels really great,” she said. “I love supporting the animals. We have a heart for animals. We both do, me and my husband. We are active people, might as well walk and enjoy the animals.”
Vely won first place for raising the most funds as an individual participant. Winning first place for fundraising team was Team CAP Trust, headed by Deanna Keating. They raised more than $2,200.
Keating and her organization are clients with SPCA Florida. They consider it a great organization with an even greater cause of adopting out rescue pets from Polk County’s no-kill shelter.
Deanna owed their success that day to the overall beautiful weather, as well to the other attendees who participated that day.
“It feels amazing, awesome, a true team effort,” she said. “It is a beautiful day. It is a lot of fun, we are glad to be here, happy to help them.”
SPCA Florida hosted its 29th Annual Walk For Animals last Saturday in Downtown Lakeland. Dog owners and their furry companions will be able to walk around scenic Lake Mirror Promenade in Downtown Lakeland to help raise money and awareness for the organization.
Aside from the main walk, the event also hosted other activities including food trucks, children’s games, and even a costume contest. Krystal Wilds won the contest with Sassy, her Old English Bulldog, who was dressed as a Minion from Despicable Me.
Wilds loves being able to participate every year at the walk, though she was unable to attend last year due to the pandemic. She loves being able to see the other dogs and their owners there.
“We came two years ago since COVID happened,” she said. “We could not come last year. We wanted to come again. I thought it would be fun…It feels great. Sassy is happy about it. We love seeing the other dogs.”
Randa Richter, Media & Partnership Relations Manager for SPCA Florida, was impressed by the turnout this year. The fundraiser is normally hosted in spring, but was postponed until June due to COVID-19. Despite the ongoing pandemic and the summer heat, this year’s event did exceptionally well with its turnout.
“We are super happy with participants and everyone who attended,” Richter said. “I feel it is the support of the people who want to help the animals and help us grow and help the community grow…I love seeing the community coming together to support the voiceless. I just want to thank our vendors and sponsors for making this happen.”
On Friday, June 4,
2021, PCSO Computer Crimes detectives placed 47-year-old Duane Andrew Franz under
arrest, charging him with 45 counts possession of child pornography, a second
degree felony, after a tip from his former employer Duke Energy led them to the
investigation.
Franz was employed as
a maintenance planner at the Fort Meade plant until he was laid off in June
2019. A Duke Energy employee recently found a iConnect flash drive in a desk
drawer, and when the employee plugged in the drive, he saw pornographic images
of what looked like children between the ages of six and eight years old. Duke
representatives immediately called the Sheriff’s Office. During a forensic
examination of the device, detectives identified 20 images depicting child
pornography, and four homemade videos that were obviously recorded without the
victims’ knowledge. The two victims in those videos appeared to be between the
ages of 8 and 14 years old, and the videos were taken from a hidden spot in a
child’s bedroom, depicting the victims in various stages of undress. Franz was
positively identified as the owner of the flash drive, and the two victims in
the homemade videos were identified as children to whom he had access.
During the
investigation, detectives learned Franz worked as a planner at Coca-Cola prior
to Duke Energy. A laptop and flash drive that were issued by that company to
Franz also were found to contain images of child pornography.
Detectives served a
search warrant at Franz’s home on June 4, 2021, and interviewed Franz and his
wife. Franz admitted to looking at child pornography but denied storing any
child pornography on his previous employers’ devices and/or laptops. He told
detectives that he has a “sex addiction” and has received counseling for it. He
said that he had a “lapse in judgement” when he secretly recorded the victims.
Franz’s wife told detectives that Franz has a “pornography addiction” for which
he was seeking treatment.
During the search
warrant at their home, detectives seized 20 flash drives, an Apple iPhone, a
mini digital camera, an external hard drive, and a laptop computer. All of
these devices will be forensically examined; if any additional child
pornography is located, more charges will be filed. So far Franz is being
charged with 45 counts from the images and videos located on the devices from
Duke and Coca-Cola.
The two victims were
screened to determine if they are victims of any other crimes.
“This suspect
betrayed the trust of nearly everyone in his life to fuel his addiction to
child pornography. He even created his own child pornography by exploiting two
children he had access to – and we will ensure those victims get the help they
need to repair the damage he did. As we continue our investigation, we will
file any additional and appropriate charges against Duane Franz, who should
never again have access to children.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Franz is still in the Polk County Jail, being
held on $225,000 ($5,000 per charge).
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three
deaths in unincorporated Poinciana that occurred during the early morning hours
of Sunday, June 6, 2021.
Preliminary information is as follows:
Around 4:30 a.m. that morning, the PCSO Emergency Communications
Center received multiple 911 calls about a shooting on Divot Lane. When first
responders arrived on-scene, they located 34-year-old Jesus Nunez deceased on
the front walkway from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Two other deceased adults were located inside the home:
36-year-old Yunieki Luis (male) and 38-year-old Stephanie Ruiz (female). There
were seven children and another adult who fled the scene when the shooting
began.
According to the evidence and eyewitnesses, Nunez and
Ruiz have been dating for approximately 14 years and have four children in
common. On Saturday, June 5th, family members and friends came to their house
on Divot Lane. Nunez drank alcohol and used cocaine most of the day, becoming
increasingly angrier until the late evening hours. According to family and
friends, Nunez’s anger and behavior usually escalated when he was drinking and
using cocaine. They also told detectives that he has been suspicious and
paranoid about his relationship with Ruiz, and has been very controlling.
Around 4:30 a.m. that morning, one of the witnesses was
awakened by the sound of gunfire. She ran out of a bedroom and observed Nunez
screaming at Luis and shooting him in the living room. She ran back into the
bedroom, called 911, gathered her three children, and fled.
After shooting Luis, Nunez broke down the door into the
bedroom where Ruiz was, and fatally shot her. According to the evidence, he
then went outside and shot himself in the head.
Autopsies will be conducted to determine exact causes of
death, but at this time, this appears to be two homicides committed by Jesus
Nunez, who then shot and killed himself.
“When you combine excessive amounts of alcohol,
illegal drugs, and an explosive jealous temper, murder can occur. In addition
there are seven children and other family members whose lives will never be the
same. None of this should have ever happened. Please keep these families in
your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
On Friday, June 4, 2021 at approximately 9:34 PM, Lake Wales Police Department responded to 426 Domaris Avenue regarding a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers learned an armed robbery had just occurred at 414 Domaris Avenue. Officers found the victim, a 36 year old Lake Wales resident, at 422 Domaris Avenue with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect(s) are possibly two black males who fled the scene on foot before law enforcement arrival. These suspects are still at large and remain unidentified at this time. We are requesting help from the community in solving this crime.
The victim is in critical condition after being transported to the hospital. We encourage anyone with information regarding this shooting or the suspect(s) identification to call Detective Klingler at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).
Despite Raining Cats and Dogs, Bark in the Park Huge Success
by James Coulter
Despite it raining cats and dogs, Downtown Winter Haven went to the dogs Friday evening during the Annual Bark in the Park.
Hosted by Main Street Winter Haven, the annual outdoor pet event allowed local dog owners and their furry four-footed friends and opportunity to spend quality time in Downtown Winter Haven. Several dozen vendors were set up in Central Park, showcasing wares and services from local pet-centric businesses and organizations from Love Doggo Treats to SPCA Florida.
Pet owners could allow their dogs to run around and play within a designated dog play area. They could also participate in various activities, from watching a K9 unit demonstration from local law enforcement to even a pet yoga demonstration by Inside Out Yoga.
Normally, the event hosts its annual wiener dog race; however, due to inclement weather, this year’s race was canceled. The afternoon received a heavy downpour of rain. Nevertheless, this year’s turnout, especially in light of last year’s pandemic, proved exceptional, explained Brenda McDaniel, Executive Director of Main Street Winter Haven.
At least 700 people attended this year’s event, she said. With the total number of visitors and their pets, along with the number of participating vendors, this year’s event proved to have the highest turnout yet.
“We had the most highly attended Bark in the Park we ever had,” McDaniel said. “We can tell people enjoy coming out to events like this, so we can keep having them.”
Aside from enjoying the day with their pets, attendees could also adopt a pet of their own from the Humane Society. They appeared at the event with their adoptable pet trailer to adopt out some of their shelter pets from their no-kill shelter.
Of the eight dogs they brought out that day, four to five were adopted out by the end of the event. They also promoted their upcoming fundraiser event, Pawtastic Splash Bash, to be hosted on June 13.
Even though the rain put a hamper on the overall event, their adoptions proved exceptional, explained Beth Koon Spiwak, Humane Society President. “The turnout was phenomenal,” she said. As to why the event was so great: “It’s bark in the park. It’s exactly what we do to help our dogs find forever homes. It is a loving event.”
