Arrest Made in Numerous Vehicle Burglaries and Grand Theft Auto

Auburndale

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January 24, 2020

Arrest Made in Numerous Vehicle Burglaries and Grand Theft Auto

At approximately 1:19 a.m. today, January 23, 2020, the Auburndale Police received a call of a vehicle burglary in the Diamond Ridge subdivision. While investigating the burglary in the Diamond Ridge subdivision a second call was received in the Lake Whistler subdivision of a person reporting an in-progress burglary to a vehicle. The caller followed the suspects as they left the Lake Whistler subdivision in possibly three or four vehicles. The caller stated three of the vehicles were closely following one another. The three vehicles were described as a silver Acura sedan, a gold unknown make or model sedan, and a dark in color mid-sized sports utility vehicle. The caller was unable to provide a description of the fourth vehicle.

The Auburndale Police along with members from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area in attempts to locate the vehicles and suspects. Three vehicles were observed by officers in the vicinity of the in-progress vehicle burglary, a tan Chevrolet Tahoe SUV following two sedans. The vehicles were travelling north on SR 559 when the Tahoe passed the other two sedans. Officers activated their emergency lights in and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Tahoe. The Tahoe accelerated in attempts for flee from the officers. Officers deactivated their emergency equipment. The Tahoe continued north on SR 559, and drove off of the roadway and crashed into a utility pole. After the crash the driver fled on foot. A perimeter was established and with assistance from Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Winter Haven Police Department’s K-9, Godsend Alex Francois, 16, Chantry Street, Orlando, was located and arrested.
A dark blue Chevrolet Traverse was located on Adams Road near Diamond Ridge subdivision. The Traverse was reported stolen, with Orange County Sheriff’s Office on January 21, 2020.

Through investigation it has been determined that Francois and his accomplices arrived in Auburndale in the stolen Traverse. Francois, who is currently on probation, was charged with the following: Violation of Probation, (10) counts Burglary to a Vehicle, (1) count Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, (1) count Grand Theft, (1) count Petit Theft, (1) count Leaving the Scene of a Traffic Crash, (1) count Fleeing to Elude, and (1) count No Valid Driver’s License. As the investigation continues more charges may be forthcoming.
During the crime spree Francois and his unidentified accomplices stole (2) vehicles from the Lake Whistler Estates subdivision, a tan 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe and a silver 2013 Acura. During the same time Francois and his accomplices committed numerous burglaries to unlocked vehicles.

The Auburndale Police Department encourages everyone after exiting you vehicle, to lock your doors, and avoid being the victim of a crime of opportunity.
If you have any additional information regarding this investigation please contact Detective Harry Anderson at 863-965-5555 or you may report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS or www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

Man Charged with Making Bomb Threat At Lakeland Public Library

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 24, 2020

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Man Charged with Making Bomb Threat At Lakeland Public Library

LAKELAND, FL – On Thursday, January 23, 2020, at approximately 8:54 a.m., officers responded to the Lakeland Public Library’s main branch, located at 100 Lake Morton Drive, in reference to a possible bomb threat. Upon arrival, William Ammermann, age 65, placed his backpack on a bench in front of the library, put his hands in the air and walked away from the backpack. Officers learned from witnesses that Ammerman had become increasingly belligerent after being asked to leave the adjoining Black and Brew coffee shop located on the library property. Ammermann had been approaching young females in the business and repeatedly entering and exiting the shop, each time leaving his backpack inside the business. After a final request was made for him to leave the shop, Ammermann stated: “I’m going to go to the library and wait for the bombs to go off.”

The library complex was evacuated until the backpack and building were cleared with the assistance of the Tampa Police Department’s Bomb Squad. An all-clear was shortly after 11:00 a.m., and the library was reopened. William John Ammermann was arrested and charged with making a False Report Involving a Bomb/Explosion and Trespassing. William John Ammermann was arrested and charged with making a False Report Involving a Bomb/Explosion (2^nd Degree Felony) and Trespassing (1^st Degree Misdemeanor).

Individual Steals 12-Year-Old’s Beats Headphones From Barbershop

Staff Reporter

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January 24, 2020

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Individual Steals 12-Year-Old’s Beats Headphones From Barbershop

https://fbwat.ch/1IdMu0aoluqO1OEi
Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Taking headphones from a counter at the barbershop? Did you know they belong to a 12 yr-old boy?
Someone help us identify this guy in the video. A 12 year-old boy was at the City Barbershop and accidentally left his Beats Headphones on a counter. Our suspect gets his haircut, shakes the barber’s hand (at least he’s polite) and then walks to the counter to take the headphones.
Obviously from where he had been sitting, he spied the item unattended.
Anyone recognize him? Call Detective Lazado at 863-401-2256. Those 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.

Help Winter Haven Police Identify Individual Who Made Two Suspicious Transactions at Walmart

Staff Reporter

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January 21, 2020

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Help Winter Haven Police Identify Individual Who Made Two Suspicious Transactions at Walmart

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

This guy in the images below did the ole bar code switch-a-roo to the tune of more than $500 on two separate occasions!

Very clear image of his arms with the tattoos (Dominic on left).

Know who he might be? Call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Man Struck & Killed After Leaving Lakeland Bar

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 21, 2020

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Man Struck & Killed After Leaving Lakeland Bar

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On Saturday, January 18, 2020, the PCSO Traffic Unit investigated a car versus pedestrian crash in Lakeland during which the pedestrian died. Preliminary information is as follows:

PCSO received a 911 call around 8:00 p.m. from the area of New Tampa Highway, 75 yards west of Gentry Circle. The pedestrian, 56-year-old Jeffrey Phillips who lives in the M&M Mobile Home Park at that location, was walking to the Sunoco across the highway when he entered into the path of a 2013 four-door Hyundai Sonata being driven eastbound by 30-year-old Ashley Farrow of Winter Haven.

The roadway in the area does not have a crosswalk, and it was dark at the time. Phillips was not wearing reflective clothing. Farrow did not see Phillips until he was in her lane of travel, and she did not have time to take evasive action. She immediately stopped after hitting him, and called 911. He was transported to LRHMC, where he succumbed to his injuries. According to witnesses, Phillips had been drinking for several hours prior to the event. Impairment on his part is believed to be a factor. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation.

Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Last Weeks Auburndale Accident That Killed Lakeland Mother

Auburndale

Staff Reporter

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January 18, 2020

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Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Last Weeks Auburndale Accident That Killed Lakeland Mother

At approximately 9:36 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2020, officers of the
Auburndale Police Department were dispatched to a traffic crash involving a
passenger vehicle and a pick-up truck at the intersection of U.S. Highway 92
West and Berkley Road, Auburndale.
The investigation determined that a 2005 Nissan Altima with five passengers was
stopped facing west at the red traffic signal on US 92 at its intersection with
Berkley Road. A 2006 Chevrolet HD3500 crew cab pick-up truck was traveling
west on US 92 and struck the Nissan in the rear. The collision propelled the
Nissan into the southbound lanes of Berkley Road, coming to rest just north of
the intersection. The truck continued through the intersection in a northwest
direction, traveled through a ditch on the north side of US 92, and then struck a
tree, coming to rest.
A rear passenger in the Nissan, Jean Baptiste, 38, of Lakeland, died of her
injuries.
Further investigation determined and confirmed Salvador Manuel Juarez Trejo,
43, of Auburndale, the driver of the Chevrolet, was under the influence at the
time of the crash. Today, an arrest warrant was obtained for Juarez Trejo
charging Juarez Trejo with DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury, and
DUI with property damage. Juarez Trejo has been located, taken into custody
and delivered to the Polk County Jail.

Wood and Stain DIY Wood Shop Celebrates Grand Opening

Davenport

Staff Reporter

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January 16, 2020

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Wood and Stain DIY Wood Shop Celebrates Grand Opening

by James Coulter

Nothing makes a home feel homier than something made out of wood, whether it’s a family welcome sign or an inspirational message etched on a wooden plank.

You can always buy wooden decor from a department store, or you can add your own custom touch by creating one yourself. A new do-it-yourself woodshop in Davenport allows you to do just that.

Wood and Stain DIY Wood Shop in Davenport provides a creative avenue through which customers can create their own signs and wooden decor with their own custom messages and stencil designs.

Whether on their own or in a group, customers will love the “do-it-yourself” nature of the store as they stain their own wood, paint their own designs, and create something truly unique that they can take home and hang on their walls.

“Let us guide you through a step-by-step process, to take a piece of wood, and transform it into something to bring into your home,” their website states. “Our Do-It-Yourself woodshop brings a new creative avenue for our guests. Individuals, friends, and families can come together to create a masterpiece, as unique as you.”

Located in Posner Park at the crossroads of Highway 27 and I-4, this locally-owned and operated workshop allows customers to create what they want exactly how they want it. All they need to do is select their wood, their paints, and their stencils, and they will be guided through a step-by-step process to create something worth taking home.

Depending on the individual project, the average woodshop experience can take two to three hours at a time. These projects are especially fun as group activities, especially when they involve food and wine. Feel free to bring your own snack and wine and make it a fun outing with friends and family.

Wood and Stain DIY Wood Shop is the brainchild of Carolyn Drumm, a Disney prop designer who has created and refurbished props and other decorations for Walt Disney World, especially Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

She received the idea to create the store after her sister had to travel out of the county just to engage within a DIY workshop experience. As such, her store caters to the Polk County area, as well as neighboring Orange and Osceola County.

“I just wanted to bring something new to Davenport because there’s not that much to do,” Drumm said. “Everybody had to go to Orlando or Lakeland. I want something here for everybody to do.”

The store celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Northeast Chamber Of Commerce. Lana Stripling, Executive Director, commemorated the new facility as a unique opportunity for the local community.

“We are really excited that you partnered with us and we want to help you grow your business. We will promote you and help you however we can,” she said.

Wood & Stain DIY Wood Shop is located at 1230 Posner Boulevard, Davenport, Fl, 33837. For more info, visit: https://woodandstaindiy.com

Watson Clinic Urgent Care South Facility Celebrates Grand Opening

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 16, 2020

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Watson Clinic Urgent Care South Facility Celebrates Grand Opening

by James Coulter

Whether you are suffering from a cold or a flu, whether you have a minor injury or a major headache, if you are living in South Lakeland, the new Watson Clinic facility will allow you to have your urgent care needs met.

The Watson Clinic Urgent Care South Facility recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting celebration hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

The new facility will provide South Lakeland with urgent medical care, ensuring local families, especially of low income, can have their immediate healthcare needs met, with or without the need of an appointment, even after hours and on weekends, and especially through the convenience of same-day online appointment scheduling.

The facility offers services including on-site x-ray, ultrasound, laboratory work, and proffesional care provided by board-certified specialists. Helping provide this care will be more than 220 nurses and physicians, along with several breakthrough scientific and technological innovations.

“These tools make diagnostics more speedy and accurate and allows us to delve into your complex illnesses that traditionally are out of reach at walk-in care facilities,” explained Dr. Steven Achinger. “That is why urgent care is an appealing option. It offers what you need when you need it without the high cost and inconvenience of a traditional emergency center.”

Watson Clinic has been serving the healthcare needs of the local community for more than 80 years. What has allowed the non-profit organization to remain as relevant for that long has been its commitment towards 100-percent physician-led, physician-directed medical care, Dr. Achinger said.

Since 1941, Watson Clinic has expanded its services and outreach, having grown to more than 220 board-certified physicians, 1,700 employees, 40 medical specialty representatives, and 18 locations across Polk, Pasco, and Hillsborough County, Dr. Achinger said.

“The popularity of our urgent care location made clear that the community appreciates high-level expert care and advance diagnostics on a time frame that meets their schedule,” he said. “We are going to strive to reduce healthcare costs in our community. We believe that this will help people encourage business growth and help struggling families who are burdened with the high cost of healthcare. We are thrilled to introduce urgent care south to this community to do our part to make low cost healthcare a little more available in the city of Lakeland.”

Mayor Bill Mutz commended the facility for providing quality medical care for the local community. Such a commitment ensures that the community remains a prospective location for new businesses and residents, he said.

“Sometimes we have people worry if we have too many urgent care centers,” he said. “I don’t think this is a place where you have to worry about having a monopoly. This is a place where you want to make sure people have great access to being able to come. So from a personal standpoint, as well as a city standpoint, we are thrilled to have [the clinic] here to be able to have this urgent care expansion and see how it helps with all of our urgent care needs within our community.”

Watson Clinic South is located at 1033 N Parkway Frontage Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information, call 863-647-8011, or visit https://www.watsonclinic.com/locations/1600-lakeland-hills-blvd-lakeland-fl.html

Davenport Woman Arrested For Aggravated Child Abuse And Manslaughter in Death of 13-Month-Old Baby

Davenport

Staff Reporter

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January 16, 2020

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Davenport Woman Arrested For Aggravated Child Abuse And Manslaughter in Death of 13-Month-Old Baby

PCSO Press Release:

On January 15, 2020, PCSO Homicide detectives arrested 35-year-old Neidy Mendez-Gudine of Davenport for one count aggravated child abuse (F-1) and one count manslaughter (F-2) in the death of a 13-month-old baby.

According to the affidavit, on Friday, January 10, 2020, deputies and PCFR personnel responded to a Davenport residence in response to an unresponsive 13-month-old boy who was reported by Mendez as “choking and not breathing.” She told the first responders that she placed the baby on her bed in her bedroom and left the room to care for other children. Approximately 15 minutes later she went to check on him and found him laying on the floor unresponsive. The baby was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando with skull fractures and subdural hemorrhaging. He was declared brain dead and succumbed to his injuries on January 11, 2020.

Doctors at the hospital verified that the baby’s injuries were traumatic and not consistent with falling off a bed or falling down. Dr. Vera Volnikh performed an autopsy on the baby, during which she noted subdural hemorrhaging at the top of his skull and spine, and in his neck muscles, consistent with being shaken. He also had two fractures on his skull. His cause of death was ruled head trauma, and the manner of death, homicide.

Based on the evidence, medical reports, and autopsy report, and Neidy Mendez-Gudine’s statements, and the statements provided by the other occupants of the residence, the suspect was the only person with the victim at the time the injuries were inflicted upon him. A witness’ statement indicated he thought Mendez threw the victim.

“This is the second horrific incident in a matter of weeks where an adult has killed a baby for whom he or she has been charged with caring. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are suffering these unthinkable losses. We will do everything in our power to ensure this suspect is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that she never has access to children again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Two Vehicle Crash With A Fatality Shutting Down Southbound Hwy 27 In Lake Wales

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 16, 2020

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Two Vehicle Crash With A Fatality Shutting Down Southbound Hwy 27 In Lake Wales

UPDATE to fatal traffic crash in Lake Wales this morning:

At 5:50 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call regarding a two-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes of US Hwy 27, near Collany Lane, south of Warner University.

Preliminary information is as follows:

A 2001 tan Isuzu Trooper was being driven northbound on Hwy 27 by 24-year-old Taron Rolle of Bartow when, for unknown reasons, Taron lost control of the vehicle and it began rotating counter-clockwise, travelling through the grass median and into the southbound lanes.

The Isuzu was struck by a 2012 red Ford Escape being driven northbound by 77-year-old James Hildock of Daytona Beach. The Escape rolled several times and landed on its roof. The passenger in the Isuzu, Taron’s twin brother Tarell, was ejected after the collision when the Isuzu flipped onto the passenger side.

Hildock was declared deceased on-scene. The twins were both transported to LRHMC and will recover from their injuries.

Hildock and Taron were wearing their seatbelts; Tarell was not. Hildock’s family members told deputies he was heading to work in Sebring. Taron told deputies that he and his brother were heading to work and he does not know why he lost control of his vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing. A photo from the scene can be found in the link below. The roadway was closed for approximately 5 hours.

UPDATE TO TRAFFIC ADVISORY: The southbound lanes of US Hwy 27 just south of Warner University in Lake Wales (near Collany Lane) are open. The crash involved two cars, not three.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: We are on the scene of a three-vehicle crash in the southbound lands of US Hwy 27 just South of Warner University in Lake Wales with one confirmed fatality. US Hwy 27 southbound is shut down in that area until further notice. Please use alternate routes.

Our Traffic Unit is en route. I do not have any additional information about the crash at this time. I will send anoth

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