On Thursday, December 24, 2020, at approximately 5:40 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Amos Avenue in reference to a reported shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found four victims, all with gunshot wounds. The victims, a 70-year-old female, 43-year-old male, 39-year-old female, and a 13-year-old female, were transported to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Shortly after arrival at Lakeland Regional Health, the 70-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased by medical professionals. The other victims, who are all related, had varying levels of conditions upon arrival but are expected to survive their injuries.
Officers were also notified that a 19-year-old male had arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound. His injuries were sustained during the shooting incident and are not believed to be life-threatening.
Prior to the shooting, a 15-year-old male, who is also related to the victims, was involved in an altercation with other individuals at a separate location, which carried over to the residence at Amos Avenue. At some point, shots were fired by both a resident of the home and by the individuals who arrived at the residence related to the earlier conflict.
Detectives, working in partnership with the State Attorney’s Office, are continuing to conduct interviews and follow-up on leads related to all parties involved. This is an active and open investigation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available for release. No other details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Detective Tammy Hathcock at 863.834.6975 or [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida – call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), dial **TIPS from your cell phone, visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. The names of victims are being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law.
“I am honored to have been appointed by President Trump to be a member of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The Council’s purpose is to coordinate federal programs related to delinquency prevention and missing and exploited children.
My agency and I have a long-standing commitment to protecting children, especially those who have been victimized, exploited, or who are missing. I look forward to contributing towards the Council’s mission in this area.
It is also critically important that we work hard to prevent juvenile delinquency and crime so that our families and communities are safe. We cannot lose sight of the fundamental purpose of our criminal justice system: prevent crime, lower crime, protect the innocent, help crime victims, and hold those who violate our laws accountable.”
A lot was different about this year’s “Shop With A Cop” event, except for one very important thing – dozens of local families will have a much merrier Christmas because of the Lake Wales Police Department.
In fact, a total of 70 area children will have presents under the tree and holiday food on the table thanks to the annual program, run by the Lake Wales Police Officers Association.
Normally, children and their families meet at the Lake Wales Wal-Mart to pick out Christmas gifts, thanks to generous local sponsors who donate to the program.
But because of the ongoing pandemic, this year families went online to reserve their gifts, or filled out a form that was returned to the police department. Then, on Dec. 12, a drive-through site was set up outside Wal-Mart, where families not only picked up their already-wrapped presents, but a 20-pound turkey and all the fixings for Christmas dinner as well.
Deputy Police Chief Troy Schulze said that while the Coronavirus outbreak altered the program, it didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm, especially that of local businesses that help the department.
“The last two years have been more than any years prior,” he said of the donation amounts. A total of $10,500 in toys were purchased, along with $1,200 in food.
“It was extremely different his year, but what we saw was it did not change the excitement of the children,” Schulze said. “They were still super excited to see us, and waved and had big smiles.”
Schulze said officers and police department employees missed being in the store with families, but that in the end, the same goal was accomplished.
“It was difficult to not have that emotional connection when you’re with a family for an hour to do shopping, but you still feel really good about it,” he added. “It wasn’t the big show with sponsors and characters, but everyone’s intentions were still right. We were there for the kids. That’s what it was all about. “
Almost 15 years ago, Schulze had a first-hand peek at what a desolate Christmas might look like, a chance encounter that gave him important perspective on the holiday season.
“Years back, I was a school resource officer. I’ll never forget, this young kid literally changed my perspective,” he recalled. “It was the Friday afternoon before school was out for two weeks, he was at the bus ramp after school on the bench crying. He just looked at me and said ‘Officer Troy, Christmas at my house isn’t like at your house. It’s just another day. I don’t know where I’m going to eat for the next couple of weeks, I’m not going to have any presents. ‘ I was like ‘man, this is a kid right here in our community’. This was a Lake Wales boy crying on the bus ramp because he wasn’t going to have any Christmas.”
He added that many of the department’s officers have had moments that mirrored his.
“You go on a call and there isn’t a single decoration, not a Christmas tree,” Schulze said. “So even though it was different, a lot of our employees came out. The heart of the event was still very much alive.”
Families were picked by LWPD School Resource Officers in conjunction with officials from the Lake Wales Charter Schools.
Sponsors for this season’s campaign included The Lake Wales Police Officers Association,Wal-Mart, Dyer Kia/Chevrolet, Jahna Industries, Lake Wales Kiwanis Club, Century 21, Coca Cola, Home Depot, Lake Wales Moose Club and Lake Wales Pizzano’s Pizza.
Identity Theft is Real and Crosses State Lines Victimizing Multiple People The victim in our case lives in California. However, the man in the images at Bank of America (Central Ave. and Hwy 17) in Winter Haven is NOT who he said he is. He cashed 2 fraudulent checks to the tune of $5,000 on our first victim’s bank account. The “Pay To The Order Of” was fraudulent as well. Detectives have learned that the name given on the check is also a victim of identity theft who lives in California. It is undetermined what exactly the suspect used as identification. Whatever it was, of course it was fraudulent too. He appears to be in his 50’s and wears a large gold watch on his left wrist. If anyone recognizes this suspect or knows anything about this case, please call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Traffic Homicide detectives arrested 31-year-old Justin Mathis of Highland City for DUI Manslaughter (F2) and DUI with Property Damage (M1). Mathis was the at-fault driver of a two-vehicle crash that occurred on November 20, 2020, which killed his passengers, 34-year-old Christopher Lofton and 38-year-old David Weldon, both from Lakeland. A search warrant was obtained for a blood collected from Mathis at the time of his admission to the hospital. The blood was sent to FDLE for analysis, and the results came back with an alcohol level of 0.25 g/100ml of blood. This is 3 times the legal limit. “There is no excuse to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve been drinking. With the advent of ride sharing apps, there are a variety of alternate transportation options out there. Please, don’t drink and drive – just like in this instance, it can be fatal.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED: PCSO investigating Thursday evening crash which killed two Lakeland men Two Lakeland men were killed, and another was injured Thursday evening, November 20, 2020, in a two-vehicle crash on US 98 at CR 540A in the Highland City area of Lakeland. The crash was reported to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) at about 9:46 pm. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies learned that two passengers involved in the crash were deceased: 34-year-old Christopher Lofton and 38-year-old David Weldon, both of Lakeland. One of the drivers, 31-year-old Justin Mathis of Highland City, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with facial injuries and was listed in fair condition. The other driver, 59-year-old Daniel Mariscal of Tampa, was not injured in the crash. According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Mariscal was operating a green 1998 Freightliner truck with a 53’ box trailer. The truck occupied the right lane of southbound US 98, and had just begun accelerating through the intersection, after being stopped for a traffic light. Mathis was driving a silver 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck, and ran into the back of Mariscal’s trailer at about highway speed (this area has a speed limit of 50 mph). The right-front of the pickup became wedged under the left rear of the semi-trailer. Mr. Lofton had been seated in the front right passenger seat and was wearing a seat belt. Mr. Weldon was seated in the rear-right seat. Neither he, nor Mr. Mathis were wearing their seat belt. The cause of the crash is still being investigated, and any charges are pending the completion of the investigation. Southbound US 98 was closed for approximately four hours.
International Diamond Center Celebrates Grand Opening
by James Coulter
Christmas is right around the corner. What makes for a better holiday gift for your significant other than genuine diamond jewelry? As the old saying goes, diamonds are forever, and if you want your next gift to last forever, then consider diamond jewelry from International Diamond Center (IDC) in Lakeland.
Located outside of Lakeside Village along Harden Boulevard, IDC is the latest location to offer diamond rings and other jewelry made by top designers. With additional locations in Tampa, Orlando, and Savannah, IDC has spread far and near due to its commitment towards selling only the finest jewelry made from the finest jewelry.
“We take great care to differentiate ourselves from other, ordinary jewelers to earn your business and trust,” their Facebook page states. “Our wholesale background and manufacturing partnerships ensure that every diamond, color gemstone, and jewelry piece we sell provides exceptional value.”
Ryan McKellen, store manager for the new Lakeland location, moved with his family from Texas to work at the new store. Parting ways with their beloved home state proved difficult, and McKellen wouldn’t entertain joining any company, so the fact he and his family made such a big move proved that IDC was worth working and moving for.
“Everything is about community,” McKellen said. “Their sense of community is nothing short of amazing. They are such a [family-oriented store]. It is something I have looked for in a business. It has given me everything I could ask for.”
McKellen was especially drawn to the IDC’s high standards. The store only sells the best of the best in jewelry, and its employees ensure that level of quality. One employee carefully selects only the best diamonds and sets aside the others for wholesale, McKellen said.
“That way, we know we have the best, and we pass the savings to you. We are doing it in a wholesale way. You are getting the best quality to do that,” he said. “Lakeland has not seen anything like this place, and we are so excited to be part of this community.”
IDC celebrated its grand opening on Friday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. The event included an exceptional performance by students from the Academy Prep Center of Lakeland.
Brian Stamey, IDC Vice President, admires the school for its commitment towards offering the best educational and academic opportunities for local children, which is why he invited the students from the school to perform.
“This organization and school that gives kids a chance who would otherwise not have a chance to be standing here like I am today,” Stamey said. “The areas these kids come from and the
opportunities they had would not exist without companies like Publix and our local communities.”
As a “Polk County boy at heart,” Stamey remains passionate about his local community, and he does everything he can to help give back to it. His family recently started the Fifth C Foundation, which focuses on the three pillars of supporting children and military families and stopping human trafficking.
Because of his commitment toward helping the community, he chose to work with IDC, as it is a store chain that commits itself to serve the communities they set up shop within, he said.
“One of the things our family is passionate about is giving back to the community and being part of the community,” he said. “Not just having a retail store in the community, but getting in and rolling up our sleeves and truly engaging in the community, and trying to find a business that aligns with our family business and family values.”
Mayor Bill Mutz commented about how IDC’s recent move to Lakeland, as well as the commitment by its employees to support the local community, reflects well upon the prosperous nature of the city. He boasted about how Lakeland was the most philanthropic community in Florida and how he hoped that IDC and its employees would help continue that trend.
“We will do everything we can to support you,” Mutz said. “We will give you opportunities to get involved and align your mission available in our community, and we are a mission-minded city. From my perspective, we are so grateful you are here, and we welcome the opportunity.”
International Diamond Center is located at 1310 Lakeside Village Cir #109, Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information, visit their website at: https://shopidc.com/pages/lakeland-location
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 11:00 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, December 23, 2020) at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center (1891 Jim Keene Blvd in Winter Haven) about an undercover investigation by the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force that took place in Fort Meade focusing on the illegal sale of cocaine and methamphetamine.
In all, 21 suspects were charged (20 were arrested, and one has a warrant) with sale of cocaine and/or meth in the Fort Meade area. The suspects face a total of 36 felonies and 14 misdemeanors. Their combined criminal histories include 168 total felonies and 268 total misdemeanors.
Six of the suspects told detectives they receive government assistance.
Walking out with a TV. And using the front entrance area as his parking spot! Tsk Tsk On 12-19-2020 around 10:55, the pictured male (check out his hair and the sweat pants he’s wearing) walked into Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and selected a 52″ television. He proceeds to walk out to his parked Silver BMW with a Massachusetts tag just outside of the doors, loads up the TV and off he goes. He headed west on Cypress Gardens Blvd. Anyone who recognizes him should call Sgt. Hall at 863-291-5736.
A Tree? Really? Uprooting and stealing a tree?
That’s what these people did. The male, who most likely was working with the construction crew next door, walked over to 223 Sunfish Dr. on Dec. 17 and pulled up a newly-planted tree.
He evidently called for backup, because two females came up in a dark, older sedan. They popped the trunk, retrieved a bag for the roots and he packed the tree neatly inside of the trunk.
Recognize any of them? Contact Sgt. Hall at 863-291-5736.
Local Heroes and First Responders Enjoy Free Lunch at Balmoral Resort in Honor of Their Service
by James Coulter
Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders and local heroes were honored for their tireless efforts throughout the year, especially during these uncertain times, with a free lunch at Balmoral Resort on Thursday.
Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City hosted and sponsored the free luncheon at their new event center on Thursday. The event was held to thank and feed local heroes in east Polk County to commemorate their hard work serving their communities.
The first responders and other guests that day enjoyed a free lunch with hamburgers served with a fixings bar with the condiments and toppings of their choice, along with handmade kettle chips, sweet tea, and lemonade. Lunches could be enjoyed at the center or prepared to-go.
Melanie Brown and Pastor Bobby Williams from Freedom Church assisted with the event that afternoon to collect donations for Toys 4 Our Town, an annual toy drive that provides Christmas presents for local children in need.
Melanie also announced her new non-profit organization, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. Named in honor of her deceased fiancée, Steven Michael Culpepper, who passed away earlier this year, the foundation supports local first responders by raising funds for essential supplies they require and awareness for issues they experience.
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Melanie attended the event with the committee members for her new foundation, including Debbie Tennick, Lora Donley, and Jane Waters. They hope that their new program will aid people who help provide aid to their local communities.
“So through Balmoral and our committee, we invited the first responders who serve on the east side of our county to come out and be celebrated by us,” said Jane Waters. “I love that we can give back in this way. This is a unique way to celebrate men and women who go out on our behalf in the middle of the night to save us.”
Aside from raising awareness for the new foundation, the luncheon also helped supply donations for the annual Toys 4 Our Town. Melanie founded the annual toy drive in conjunction with the Freedom Tour Ministry through Freedom Church in Lake Eloise.
For the past three years, the toy drive has collected and distributed toys for local children in need. This year alone, nearly 500 children are expected to receive toys for Christmas gifts. The drive will only continue to grow as word about it spreads, explained Pastor Brown.
Recently, Freedom Church expanded its operation in the old Sears building at Eagle Ridge Mall. The 150,000 square foot area is currently being utilized for the church’s food distribution, holding nearly 5 million pounds of food, Brown said. By March, the location is expected to be used full-time by Freedom Church.
“We end up managing and going through it to make sure every kid in their age group receives a Christmas present that meets their need and age group,” Williams said. “It gives volunteers a way to give back.”
Several dozen local firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders attended the free luncheon. However, for others, duty called. One group of firefighters had to leave to answer a call, though Waters assured that they would find them and give them their food.
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Loyd Stewart, Deputy Chief with the Haines City Police Department, has been working at his current department since February, and he has worked 30 years for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
He enjoyed attending the event to meet good friends and colleagues he had not seen in a while. He also appreciated being able to help local children with the toy drive.
“We are here to give toys and to enjoy everyone’s company,” he said. “We want our kids to have a great Christmas. Christmas is my favorite time of year, and everybody deserves to have a wonderful Christmas, and those people who need it will get it.”
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Jason Bergeron, Lieutenant Fire Chief for the Haines City Fire Department, has been with his job for 11 years. He loves the career and the people he works with. He appreciated the free lunch that afternoon and the opportunity to help give back to the local community through the toy drive.
“We were invited to donate a gift and give luncheon for first responders,” he said. “With everybody joining it, we wanted to help out the kids here and be a part of the community. It is a good idea.”
