Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a death investigation in the area of 729 Combee Rd. According to the PCSO a body was located in a pond behind the Dollar General Store. The initial call came in around 12:09am.
Sheriff’s Office investigators were out at the pond today and an autopsy is currently being conducted. The name of the victim has no been released,but we can advise it is an adult male.
We will update this article as more information is released.
These images are small and far away, but maybe someone can help identify either of these two. They were pulling on door handles and entered a few vehicles at the Tupelo Vue Apartments (525 Ave H NW) on Oct. 22 around 3:15 am. Miscellaneous items were taken from the vehicles they entered. If anyone has information regarding this case, please contact Detective Lozado at 863-595-1721.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence call in unincorporated Bartow at around 8:40 a.m., Sunday, November 8, 2020. PCSO deputies arrested 33-year-old Christopher Pequeen for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and other charges after a shooting during which one female victim was killed and another female victim was injured. According to the affidavit, and witness statements, Pequeen and the female victim (girlfriend) had recently moved into a Bartow apartment with another male and female couple. The male roommate told detectives that Pequeen and the victim had been arguing early that morning. The female victim then came into her roommates’ bedroom and told the roommates that “she was scared that Pequeen was going to kill her and that he had held his hand over her nose and mouth so that she could not breathe.” She also stated that she wanted to obtain a restraining order against Pequeen.
According to the witness, that is when Pequeen entered the bedroom and pointed a gun at all three individuals. Pequeen then hit the female victim (roommate) in the face with the pistol and then shot his girlfriend multiple times. The female roommate attempted to shield the victim and Pequeen shot her as well. Pequeen then pointed the pistol at the male roommate and demanded their cell phones. The male roommate gave Pequeen the phones. The roommates ran to a neighbor’s apartment and called 911. Deputies and Polk Fire Rescue responded. The female roommate who was shot and the girlfriend were transported to a local hospital. The girlfriend died at the hospital. The female roommate is currently in stable condition. Pequeen fled the scene on foot and attempted to discard the cell phones and hide the firearm. Pequeen was arrested soon after by responding deputies and was booked into the Polk County Jail on the following charges: · First Degree Murder (FC)· Attempted First Degree Murder (F1)· Shooting Into a Building (F2)· Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3)· Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill (F3)· Robbery with a Firearm (FL)· Tampering in Felony Life Proceeding (FL)· Battery of a Police Dog (M1)· Resisting an Officer without Violence (M1) Pequeen’s criminal history includes 18 felony charges and 17 misdemeanors, charges such as battery domestic violence, aggravated assault domestic violence with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, dealing in stolen property, date rape, and drug charges. “This is an example of how horrific domestic violence can become. Christopher Pequeen is a coward and a murderer. We will do everything we can to make sure justice is done in this case.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Bartow, Fl – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting in unincorporated Bartow. The shooting took place at a residence on Henson Lane. Multiple people were shot and details on their condition has not been released. A suspect in the case has been apprehended by deputies.
This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.
At around 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2020, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a fatal crash involving a vehicle and an Amtrak train that occurred on Reynolds Road just north of Highway 542 in unincorporated Lakeland.
Preliminary information so far is as follows:
According to evidence at the scene and witness interviews, 44-year-old Sandra Locke of Lakeland was driving a 2004 silver Toyota Corolla southbound on Reynolds Road. At the same time, an Amtrak locomotive pulling 10 passenger cars was traveling east on the railroad tracks.
The railroad crossing arms were activated in the down position. It appears Locke disregarded the crossing arms, driving her car around the barriers and over the train tracks. The train struck the passenger side of the car, spinning Locke’s Toyota several times and redirecting it off the roadway to the north side of the railroad track.
The train began breaking and stopped on the track approximately 1,802 feet east of the crash.
Locke was not wearing her seatbelt and died at the scene.
The ninety-four passengers and eleven crew members on the Amtrak train sustained no injuries.
The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit responded to a single-vehicle crash that occurred around 10:30 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2020 in unincorporated Lake Wales. The crash killed 22-year-old Charles Goodman of Lake Wales, who was a passenger in the vehicle.
A second passenger, 20-year-old Austin Harrison was not injured in the crash.
The vehicle involved was a 1999 blue GMC Sierra Pickup truck, driven by 21-year-old Trevor Goodman of Lake Wales, who also was uninjured in the crash.
According to the preliminary investigation, Trevor Goodman was traveling westbound on Camp Mac Road, approximately one-mile east of Camp Rosalie Road when for unknown reasons, he lost control of the truck and braked hard, forcing the truck into the eastbound lane. The truck then rotated 180 degrees, traveled into the grassy area on the south side of the roadway, and overturned on the passenger side. Charles Goodman was ejected from the vehicle. Charles died at the scene.
No one in the vehicle was wearing seat belts.
During the investigation, detectives learned that the three men had just left Liars Lair Bar in Babson Park where they had been drinking.
During the investigation, a DUI trained deputy evaluated Trevor Goodman, who smelled of alcohol, and observed Trevor demonstrating actions indicating impairment as a factor in the crash. Goodman consented to a breath test where his blood alcohol levels were .120 and .104.
Trevor Goodman was arrested and charged with DUI Manslaughter (F2), Driving with a Suspended License Causing Death (F3), and DUI (M1). Trevor also has an outstanding Orange County warrant for Failure to Appear on the charge of Driving with a Suspended License. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.
The road was closed for about three hours during the investigation, which remains open.
Winter Haven Police have charged 38 year-old Beloni Petitfrere a Winter Haven man in the double homicide at the Rose Motel on October 13. Petitfrere has been in the Polk County Jail on charges unrelated to the homicide.
On November 5, 2020, results returned from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratory confirmed Petitfrere’s DNA was present in evidence collected. Through numerous interviews with people who know Petitfrere and who had contact with him in the days before and right after the homicide, investigators were able to piece together additional information pointing to him as the suspect.
“Our detectives worked day and night following this horrific crime investigating every lead possible and with the DNA results, we at least have closure for the families,” said Public Safety Director and Police Chief Charlie Bird. “It certainly will not bring their loved ones back nor will it be a time for celebration, but at least they have peace knowing that the monster is where he needs to be.” Today, Petitfrere was charged with two counts of First Degree Murder, Armed Burglary and Tampering with Evidence.
Polk County Firefighter Arrested for Stealing Pokémon Cards
HAINES CITY, FL – A Polk County firefighter was arrested Thursday night for stealing about $165 worth of Pokémon cards.
Joel C.V. Strickland, 30, was arrested for petit theft and transported to the Polk County Jail after he was seen switching barcodes on cards before 6:30 p.m. at Walmart, located at 36205 U.S. 27. Walmart’s Loss Prevention office contacted police after observing Strickland attempting to defraud the retailer.
Strickland was seen by store staff switching barcodes from lower-priced cards to the higher-priced Pokémon cards. Strickland then attempted to pay the lower prices at a self checkout register.
On his way out of the store, he was confronted by Loss Prevention, who then called police.
Strickland told officers that he planned to “flip” the cards to make extra money because he was struggling financially.
“Help is a phone call away,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “If you are struggling, there are a myriad of resources available. As public safety employees, we are expected to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the respect our communities show us.”
Release by Polk County Sheriff’s Office: Wyatt Daniel Jordan, 19, hailing from the Haven of Winter, is wanted. No, not in that way. He’s wanted by the Sheriff’s Office.
He’s our #WarrantOfTheDay.
On October 22nd, after going out for dinner, drinks, and partaking in a bit of the wacky weed, Wyatt drove his friend (who is also the victim of this sordid tale) to a home in the Haven of Winter. The victim was asleep in the passenger seat. The victim told detectives the she was a hard sleeper and tired from the recreational activities of the evening.
Wyatt, being the nice guy that he is, rolled down the car window and climbed out of it, quietly, so as to not wake the sleeping victim with the noise of the car door closing. Maybe one reason for the quiet escape was because he liberated the victim’s cell phone and debit card. And by liberated we mean stole.
The victim woke up around midnight and noticed the items and Wyatt were missing. Hmm. So she went to Wyatt’s house to ask him about it. She also decided to check her bank account (smart lady) and lo and behold, there were numerous unauthorized charges which totally wiped out her bank account. She told Wyatt she was going to call the police, but Wyatt told her to wait another day, which she did. The time expired and she called us. The victim told detectives that she believed Wyatt knows her debit card pin number, but that he did not have permission to sneak out and run up a tab.
Recently, detectives obtained video from the WaWa store located at 1490 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, showing, and confirming, our thieving culprit using the stolen debit card at the ATM inside the store. He was wearing blue athletic shorts – no shoes/socks or shirt. Wyatt also had his hair in a bun on the top of his head and a tattoo on his left shoulder with the word “STONER.” We don’t think that related to his stone masonry.
Wyatt is now a wanted man with charges of occupied burglary of a vehicle, fraudulent use of a credit card, grand theft, and criminal use of personal identification.
If you have any information about Wyatt Daniel Jordan’s whereabouts, please call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200, or if you’d like to remain anonymous, you can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is guaranteed!
Southeastern University Celebrates 85th Anniversary WithOpening Of Welcome Center
by James Coulter
Dean Johnson was an esteemed member of Southeastern University (SEU). He coached for 40 years at the private Christian college. Not only was he a legendary soccer coach, he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame of Coaches in Florida.
Dr. Bethany Thomas, his daughter and the Vice President of Student Development, remembers always seeing him every morning in his personal corner of the house studying scripture. His influence allowed her and her brother to grow their love for the Christian faith and lead them to becoming SEU staff members.
When Johnson passed away two years ago, Dr. Thomas remembered seeing many of the people he helped through his life attending his funeral. She was touched by just how many people her father had touched through his life, and she was only sorry that he was not alive to see them all there, she said.
“I wished that day would never end,” she said. “For me, hearing the story after story, I love hearing people talk about my father. I was grateful to be raised by a man who believed in me, who believed in family, and who believed in raising the next generation. I pray for decades to come, the memory of his life and legacy will live on forever.”
Johnson’s memory and legacy will live on through an eternal flame set outside the new SEU Welcome Center. The flame was lit by college representatives during the dedication ceremony for the new facility on Wednesday.
The 27,000-square-foot Welcome Center, set between Addison Hall and Lake Bonny, now serves as the “front door” to the university for prospective students and guests alike. Upon passing by the torch and entering through the doors, they will be able to learn more about SEU and its rich history and legacy.
“Once inside the Welcome Center, guests will be greeted by a 12-foot LED wall and interactive displays that will share the SEU Experience with visitors,” its website states. “Administrative offices will be housed on the second floor. The third floor will feature a banquet and catering facility that will be able to serve up to 400 guests.”
The Welcome Center was officially dedicated during the “Lighting of the Torch” ceremony on Wednesday evening. The date of the event proved especially significant, as it also marked the 85th anniversary of the university.
On Nov. 4, 1935, SEU first opened its doors in New Brockton, Alabama as the Shield of Faith Institute. The university later relocated to Lakeland in 1946. Since then, the school has experienced significant and extensive growth.
10 years ago, SEU had 2,400 students; this year, they have 9,546 students enrolled. Since 2010, the university seen unprecedented growth in unrestricted education. This semester sees 175 extension campuses around the nation, with students nationwide “studying in their communities God’s call for their life,” said SEU President Kent Ingle.
The eternal flame outside the welcome center not only serves as a monument to the life and legacy of Dean Johnson, but will also represent the burning spirit of the university and its commitment to spreading the Christian faith, Ingle explained.
“This facility represents the culmination of an era of incredible God-ordained guidance, leadership, and growth that He has placed within our lives,” he said. “[It will fuel] a desire to fulfill a destiny of this university, to come alongside students, to help them to discover to develop their divine design. This building will allow that gateway for our students, the entrance to the first steps to a journey of a lifetime. A journey of discovering divine destiny.”
SEU prides itself in raising up the next generation of Christian leaders to fulfill Christ’s commandment to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” To help them develop a love for the communities they will serve upon graduating, the college inspires them to serve the local Lakeland community.
“We teach them to love Lakeland,” Ingle said. “Because if they learn to love Lakeland and to serve Lakeland and to be part of this great community no matter where God takes them across the globe, they will love those communities and they will serve those communities.”
