A fire at a mobile home in River Ranch is said to be under control at this hour. Multiple units of first responders were sent to the scene.
Katelyn Hoverkamp, Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer, offers the following statement:
“On 11/15/24 at 6:52 p.m. PCFR crews were dispatched to 18550 Hwy 630 E in Lake Wales in reference to a mobile home fire.
“Upon PCFRs arrival at 7:00 p.m., crews were able to confirm it was a mobile home involved but all residents were out of the residence.
“Crews worked diligently to extinguish the fire using department brush truck and the scene was deemed under control at 7:57 p.m.
“Initially two patients reported possible injuries but both refused transport. No additional injuries were reported and no patients were transported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.”
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 46-year-old Carrie Hutchinson of Winter Haven, a private certified nursing assistant (CNA) who practices as a home health care nurse, and charged her with grand theft of $100,000 or more (F1), exploitation of the elderly (F1), and criminal use of personal ID (F2) after the investigation revealed she stole $141,594 from the 77-year-old blind victim who employed her.
In July 2024, the Winter Haven man became suspicious about the state of his finances and asked a friend of his, who is a retired chief financial officer, to look into his accounts. Numerous fraudulent transactions were found, and here are a few examples:
An order of “Pop On Veneers” that was sent to Hutchinson in July 2024, totalling $780.00 and charged to the victim’s American Express card.
A United Airlines ticket in December 2023 for a friend of Hutchinson’s to fly to Florida and visit her, charged to the victim’s American Express card.
A payment of $1,588 on the victim’s Bank of America card to Allegiant Airlines in August 2023 for Hutchinson and four friends to fly to Bangor, Maine.
270 orders on the victim’s Amazon account between April 2021 and July 2024, totalling $4,774.00.
Her four years’ worth of theft from the victim included ATM withdrawals, and payments for cruises, photography classes, VRBO rentals, pet supplies, animal hospital charges, and her personal credit cards.
Hutchinson was hired by the victim as a home health nurse to care for his wife; in January 2020, the victim’s wife passed away and the victim retained her as his personal assistant – as such, she had access to his accounts in order to pay his bills, do his shopping, and take care of his finances. Her salary was $5,800 a month until 2024 when she received a raise and was paid $6,000 a month.
In July 2024, when she returned from a cruise, he confronted her about the theft and terminated her employment. At that time she told him she had “borrowed” money from him to pay for her cruise but that she was going to pay him back, and now that she is no longer employed, she would not be able to do so.
“This woman’s actions are despicable. Taking advantage of an elderly man who entrusted her with his life savings while also paying her a good salary is inexcusable and unforgivable. She is now charged with three very serious felonies.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what Sheriff Paul Blackman called “a horrific crime” that took place in Sebring.
Deputies were called to 4015 Bianca St. in the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring community at 12:19 a.m. Friday, November 15. When they arrived, they found a 13-year-old girl unresponsive on the floor next to the front door. She was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.
Her adoptive mother, 34-year-old Diane Natasha Mack, told deputies she had found the girl unresponsive Thursday morning, but later said it was closer to 3 p.m. Regardless of when she made the discovery, she still took the time to drive the four other children who lived in the home to Titusville and return to Sebring before she called for help for her child, who was lying unresponsive on the floor of the home.
“As bad as that is, it only gets worse,” Sheriff Blackman said. “The girl, who was nude except for a diaper, had clearly been severely abused. She was extremely emaciated and obviously malnourished. Her body was covered in wounds in all stages of healing, including open lacerations that were clearly recently suffered.”
Further investigation of the home revealed evidence that indicates the girl, who was home-schooled, was restrained in the garage. Detectives don’t yet know how long she had been held there, but it appears she was secured to the garage door and monitored from inside the home by a security camera that had been mounted in the garage.
“While her child lay dead on the floor, the suspect had clearly used pool chlorine in an effort to destroy evidence in the garage before calling 911,” Sheriff Blackman said.
“This is one of the most disturbing crime scenes I have encountered in more than 30 years of law enforcement. There are no words I can say that can truly convey the nightmare that this child’s life must have been.
“Parents have a duty to love our children and make sure no harm comes their way. To see a child treated this way is not only heartbreaking, it is infuriating. What makes it even more appalling is that the suspect is a former employee of not only the Department of Children and Families, but also worked as a guardian ad-litem. That someone whose job it was to look after the welfare of children could treat their own child in this manner is simply beyond belief,” Sheriff Blackman said.
The agency’s Critical Incident Stress Management resources are being made available to all the deputies and detectives who have the duty to investigate this case.
“This is something that no amount of law enforcement experience can prepare you to face,” Sheriff Blackman said. “I can assure you that we will do everything in our power to make sure that there is justice for this child.”
As of now, the suspect is charged with first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse as well as aggravated child abuse, kidnapping, and destroying evidence. She is being held without bail in the Highlands County Jail.
At approximately 4:44 PM this evening, November 15, 2024, a call was posted by local law-enforcement of a traffic collision in the area of 1130 Scenic Highway North, just south of Tropic Oil. At the scene, it appears that a power pole has been struck. There is no vehicle present that can be determined to have caused the pole breakage.
Both Lake Wales Police Department and Duke Energy are on scene. Lake Wales Daily has received several messages with regard to a power outage in the area. No further information is available at this time.
Drivers in the area are asked to proceed with caution as Duke Energy works to repair the issue.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with community spirit, live music, and entertainment in the heart of Downtown Lake Wales In partnership with the City of Lake Wales and Lake Wales Main Street, the Lake Wales Arts Council is thrilled to present Lake Wales Live tonight, November 15, 2024.
Tonight’s event will run from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM in Downtown Lake Wales. Lake Wales Live aims to bring an outpouring of energy and vitality to Downtown Lake Wales, making Friday nights in the area livelier than ever. Tonight’s entertainment lineup includes Jazz Funk with Lake Wales Jazz Connection, local food trucks, and a vendor marketplace; aim to show strong support for beloved downtown businesses.
On November 2, 2024, Lakeland Police were dispatched to a location on N Kentucky Ave in reference to a subject with a outstanding warrant. The incident location’s staff stated that LPD officers had previously come in looking for the subject, identified as Carl Crane III, for a warrant out of Wisconsin.
Crane is facing the rest of his life in prison for sexual assault after a teenage girl said he assaulted her on more than one occasion. Crane was charged in Racine County Circuit Court, in Wisconsin, with two felony counts of second-degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 16. If convicted, he faces up to 80 years in prison and/or up to $200,000 in fines.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the reportee who pointed out Crane. Lakeland police detained Crane and confirmed with Wisconsin law enforcement the extradition, referencing warrant #OCA/721080-A. Based on the investigation above. there is probable cause to arrest Crane for FSS 941.13 Fugitive from Justice- Out of State Warrant.
This isn’t the first time Crane has been arrested by Polk County Law Enforcement. Crane has been arrested multiple times in Polk County, with records documenting at least three instances. These include arrests in December 2020 for failure to appear for driving without a license, simply battery, and in March 2022 for methamphetamine possession.
Example of services provided through Legacy Housing Program through the City’s CRA photo credit: City of Lake Wales
The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has a program in place that can help some local homeowners with necessary repairs and improvements.
The Legacy Housing program is facilitated by the City’s CRA, and it’s supported by area partners, including: Keystone Challenge Fund and Roosevelt Academy.
Seniors 60 and older, living in the Northwest Neighborhood are encouraged to apply for complimentary home repairs through this program. Homeowners may be eligible for free repairs, such as roof repairs, exterior painting, light construction and lawn cleanup.
Wrap – up ceremony for resident Clarence Redding’s home in Lake Wales. Photo credit: City of Lake Wales
City commissioners and staff recently attended another Wrap-Up ceremony for the Legacy Housing Rehabilitation Program. Homeowner Clarence Redding received a new roof, a new air conditioner, new floors in two of the bedrooms and new kitchen cabinets. The exterior of the home also received a fresh coat of paint. The Legacy Housing Rehabilitation Program helps seniors in our community by completing small construction projects and exterior improvements to their homes.
The area partners supply construction materials and paint supplies, and contractors and volunteers complete the work.
“There’s a lot of seniors in need of help,” said CRA Project Manager Darrell Starling. “The program helps seniors who are not able to tackle big projects at home.”
Applications may be submitted by standard mail to CRA Project Manager Darrell Starling at 201 W. Central Ave. Lake Wales, FL 33859, or by email to[email protected].
An arrest has been made in a November 5, 2024 Babson Park case regarding the armed robbery and attempted murder of a woman.
Anthony Tillman (DOB 2/27/1985) of Babson Park was arrested in connection with the case and charged with the “criminal act of robbery with a firearm, and attempted murder,” according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office report. The report of probable cause reads as reported below.
The following is a redacted, but unedited portion of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law.
The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. A suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) :
“On November 5, 2024, I responded to REDACTED regarding an armed robbery. Upon arrival, I met with Detective Simmons (#7737), who informed me that the victim had been taken to Lake Wales Hospital for treatment and had since been released.
“I made contact with the victim, REDACTED (W/F, 54 YOA), and conducted a sworn recorded interview.
“According to the victim, on November 4, 2024, at approximately 2:00 PM, she left her residence to meet her REDACTED REDACTED, to discuss how to exit her REDACTED with her REDACTED Anthony Tillman (B/M, 39 YOA). Later that evening (exact time unknown), she and Antonio drove to “AJ Convenience Store.” When they arrived, REDACTED noticed both suspects Anthony Tillman and Leslie Dias (H/F, 23 YOA), pulling up to the store. The victim stated that when she saw the suspects, she took off.
“Later, the suspect called her, reassured her that everything was okay and said they just needed to talk it over, asking her to come home.
“On 11/5/2024 at approximately 0100 hrs., the victim arrives home and sees both suspects inside. As soon as she walks in, Anthony punches her in the head, causing her to fall to the ground. Once on the ground, Anthony begins to kick her repeatedly all over her body. The victim grabs her phone to call 911, but Anthony takes it from her, preventing her from calling for help. Anthony retrieves a black-hand gun and demand that she give him her money. Anthony then hands the gun to Leslie, and Leslie demands the victim, hands over the keys to her car or she will ‘pistol whip’ her. The victim complied in an attempt to stop the beating. Both suspects then removed two gold chains, $60-$80 in cash, and a gold bracelet from the victim’s person.
“The victim then manages to escape into the bathroom and close the door. Anthony then tries to open the door, but she tries to prevent him by putting all her body weight onto the door. The door is a sliding bathroom door, and the suspect managed to open it enough to put his hand and gun through. Anthony then attempted to shoot the victim but was unsuccessful due to the victim moving her head just before the shot went off. The victim stated that the bullet went past the left side of her head.
“The victim began screaming for REDACTED, REDACTED. REDACTED arrived and observed Anthony to be in possession of a black-hand gun tucked in the right side of his waistband. Anthony demanded that REDACTED tell the victim to leave, or he would shoot her (REDACTED), the victim, and their dogs. Anthony then remove the handgun from his waistband and pointed it at REDACTED as a way to motivate her to get the victim out of the apartment. REDACTED walked the victim and her dog out of the residence. As REDACTED made it outside, she believed that the victim was inside her car. However, she later learned that the victim had fled the area with the dog.
“According to the victim, after Leslie took her car keys, she (Leslie) got in the car and begin to help some young kids get their vehicle out of the ditch. The victim advised that her dog was in the backseat of the vehicle, and due to the threat to kill the dog, she jumped into the car to retrieve her dog. While in the car, she observed Anthony walk towards her while wiping down the black handgun. She attempted to leave, but could not because the doors had the child safety locks activated. Anthony enters the backseat with her and forces her, by way of a threat to cause her harm, to give him the code to the CashApp on her phone.
“The victim stated the out of fear, she complied with all demands.
“The victim advised that she and the dog climbed over to the front seat out the door and fled the scene.
“Based on the personal relationship between the victim, and both suspects, I showed have the victim photographs of Anthony and Leslie, which she could possibly identify as the suspects.
“Based on my investigation, I am able to determine that Anthony committed the criminal act of robbery with a firearm, and attempted murder.
“I was also able to determine that Leslie committed the criminal act of robbery with a firearm.”
Editors note: Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer for Polk County Sheriff’s Office, advises that as of November 15, 2024, he is not aware of any arrest of Leslie Dias at this point in time.
Last Friday afternoon, the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce decided to show their appreciation for the unwavering support and dedication of their members by hosting a delightful lunch BBQ. Held at the Chamber of Commerce Building, the event brought together business owners, community leaders, and chamber staff for an afternoon filled with good food, laughter, and camaraderie.
Members and guests were greeted with warm smiles and a hearty welcome from the chamber staff. The aroma of freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs filled the air, tantalizing everyone’s taste buds. Picnic tables were setup under tents for guest to sit and enjoy their lunch protected from the Florida Sun.
Skip Alford Flipping Burgers and Turning Hot Dogs
Chamber president and CEO, Skip Alford, manned the grill and took every opportunity to express his gratitude to Chamber Members. He shared that the BBQ lunch was our way of saying “thank you” for your continued support.
Members mingled, shared stories, and networked while enjoying the delicious spread of BBQ favorites, including coleslaw, potato salad, and an array of desserts.
Lake Wales Chamber BBQ Line
As the lunch wrapped up, chamber staff handed out small tokens of appreciation, such as key chains, as a reminder of the day’s festivities and the chamber’s gratitude.
The BBQ was a resounding success, reinforcing the strong bonds within the local business community. It was an afternoon to remember, filled with appreciation, connection, and the promise of continued collaboration and growth.
If you are not a member of the Lake Wales Chamber please check out there website and consider joining.
