Eagle Lake, Florida – According to Brian Bruchey, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office, a juvenile has been arrested. The arrested is for allegedly assaulting a school official. The incident took place Tuesday morning.
Further details to be released later today.
Blake Free is a small-town boy with big talent; born and raised in Lake Wales. He first decided he wanted to be a professional musician and artist when he was twenty years old. Even though he had these aspirations ever since he was a boy. At twenty years old it finally clicked for him that his dream could become a reality. Blake picked up a guitar at fifteen and spent every waking moment learning his craft. He admits it was a challenge to learn at first, but he stuck with it.
He has had his share of obstacles to overcome. Most people don’t know that Blake is legally blind, because he doesn’t make a fuss about it, he just goes on with life, it doesn’t affect his musicianship in anyway. Blake went to college to pursue a degree in musical arts, but college just didn’t seem right to him. He then went on to trade school for graphic design, but that just didn’t suit either.
Blake knew what he was born to do and that was to play music, so he began to pursue music full-time. He started out with a You Tube channel and kept posting videos of him playing guitar and singing. Then there came an opportunity to start a gospel band called Bonded by Grace, they have played many festivals and churches alike. The band members are Blake Free, Joann Winn (this is Blakes Grandmother), Keith Hobbs, Chuck Butts, Dwight Turcal. I have heard them in person, and I have to say they have an old school southern gospel sound that is so pleasing to the ears and the soul. Bonded by Grace will be releasing an album sometime in January called The King. It will be available to stream on any device once it is released, you can also visit their Facebook page Bonded by Grace to see where they play next.
After singing with Bonded By Grace it sparked something in Blake to step out of his comfort zone, so he joined a cover band called Lake Summit Sound. In the end he decided to part ways with Lake Summit Sound and start his own band called Blake Free Band. The band plays at the Apple Lounge in Winter Haven, Grove Roots in Winter Haven, Crooked Bass Grill in Babson Park, Winter Haven Bar, P.J.’s in Frostproof, Swan Brewing in Lakeland, and Tanners just to name a few. I am so pleased to announce that the Blake Free Band will be playing the Lake Wales Mardi Gras 2020 on February 22. They take the stage at 9pm just before the main headliners. For a hometown boy to play at such a coveted event is a huge deal. When I asked him about it he said, “He is excited to play at the Mardi Gras because he gets to play in front of people that he went to school with who have probably never even heard him play or sing”. If you are interested in seeing the band perform, but don’t want to wait until February you can check out their Facebook page Blake Free Band. Band members include of course Blake Free, Sherri Ruth, Scott Girard, Keith Hobbs, Bryan James Newell, (who is filling in on the drums while the regular drummer heals an injury).
When Blake isn’t playing with Bonded By Grace or Blake Free Band he takes on gigs by his self at places like Cherry Pocket, Grove Roots, Tanners, and Old Man Franks, and he has released an album called Reasons that is available to stream on any device or you can catch him in person at one of the venues he plays and purchase a CD or other merchandise. Blake is proud of his first album but wants to create the best material he can possibly come up with for his second album.
In pursuit of a career in music Blake has even auditioned for the voice and although he didn’t make it, he is very grateful for the experience. He admits his song choice and not knowing what to expect played a huge roll in not getting chosen. Blake stated that, “You only have thirty seconds to make a good impression and get chosen”, but just hearing the other contestant hopefuls practice showed him just how many talented singers and artists are out there. A couple contestant hopefuls that were in line with him made it to Hollywood.
When asked if he would do it again Blake said, “He would audition again if it was a bit closer to home”. Whether getting chosen to be a contestant on the Voice or not you can’t deny his talent. Nor the talent that is coming out of the Polk County music scene in general. In Blake’s opinion there are many artists performing right now in our area that could make it all the way if they wanted to. It really brings home how important it is to support our local musicians and artists.
I asked Blake what lessons he had learned and he said,” Honestly I learned that you have to be yourself, and understand who you are before you can expect anyone else to understand who you are especially as a musician.” Blake also said, “You have to know what kind of music you want to make, what inspires you to make that music; be good to people so they’ll be good to you; stay humble; take criticism a lot of people are just trying to help you, and don’t let people tear you down.” That is great advice for any one and it seems like Blake is well grounded ready for whatever comes next. I think he will be on the music scene for a long time and look forward to following his career.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Confrontation Between Drivers
A Winter Haven man was shot Saturday, January 11, 2020 at around 9:33 p.m. after two motorists got into a confrontation on Lake Ned Road in Winter Haven. The man suffered a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen and was taken to Winter Haven Hospital, but died a short time later.
At this time, there are no arrests as the investigation continues, but the man who fired the gun has been interviewed by detectives.
The deceased man was the driver of a pickup truck, which had been travelling east on Lake Ned Road. Behind his vehicle was an SUV, occupied by a male driver and a female passenger.
The occupants of the SUV told detectives that the pickup came to a sudden stop, which forced the SUV to stop suddenly. The driver then approached the SUV, cursing about them following too closely and saying that he should kill them. He returned to the truck, turned around, and began walking back toward the SUV.
The driver of the SUV said that he feared the other driver was coming to kill him, so he grabbed a firearm from a dash compartment, pointed it out of his window toward the other driver, and fired. The female passenger called 911.
Witnesses said they heard three gunshots, with one of the witnesses saying he heard a man yell, “I don’t want to kill you!” and a female yell, “Don’t kill him, don’t kill him!”
The two occupants of the SUV remained at the scene for law enforcement to arrive.
The investigation is in the initial phase and detectives are seeking further evidence to corroborate the victim’s statements. Detectives will then present their investigation to the State Attorney’s Office.
Anyone who might have information related to the case is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
Release by Winter Haven Police Department:
Let’s mix it up a little with a different theft.
The below pictured female decided since our victim accidentally walked away from the register at Publix (6031 Cypress Gardens Blvd) leaving her wallet behind, that it was up for grabs.
Well, no – we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There is no such thing as finders keepers – period.
This suspect took the wallet and used the victim’s credit card at numerous locations before the victim realized it was gone. Here we have images from the Dollar General as well as 7-11. There were other locations the card was used before the victim cancelled it keeping the suspect from taking more.
Recognize her? Call Det. Wierzba at 863-401-2256 or callers who wish 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.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
Our original post had an error that we want to correct. The victim’s wallet was not taken from the register counter, it was lifted out of the shopping cart when the victim turned her attention away for a moment.
And to make matters worse, our victim’s husband has been in the hospital for more than a month and she had his wedding ring inside of the wallet where she thought it would be safe. So the theft has not only monetary loss but the personal and emotional stress is compounding for our victim.
Let’s get this suspect identified!
Release by Winter Haven Police Department:
In with the empty buggy – out with the full buggy.
Yeah, this guy entered Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) thru the tire and lube section with an empty buggy. Problem is, he heads to the door with a full buggy – with no attempt to pay. Think the smell of the tires or oil in the air got to him? We don’t know, but would like to get him identified.
If you know who he is, please contact Detective Ovalle at 863-401-2256. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
Lakeland Man Arrested For Aggravated Child Abuse In Death of 2-Month-Old Baby
PCSO Press Release:
On January 8, 2020, PCSO Homicide detectives arrested 26-year-old Kyle Reese of Lakeland for one count aggravated child abuse (F-1) in the death of a 2-month-old baby that occurred in December 2019.
According to the affidavit, on Monday, December 9th, deputies and PCFR personnel responded to Reese’s home on North Acorn Drive to an unresponsive infant call. Reese told the first responders that he was home alone with 2-month-old twin babies and two other children, and that he had dropped one of the babies, a female. She was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital with multiple rib fractures, a skull fracture, and severe bleeding on the brain. She succumbed to her injuries on December 12, 2019.
During interviews and a reenactment, Reese told detectives that he was home alone with four children (the twin babies, and two other children ages 4 and 6), trying to eat after having fed all four of them. He told detectives that the two children and one of the babies were on a couch, while he held the other baby. He said that the two children caused the baby to begin to fall from the couch, and while he was trying to prevent that baby from falling, he dropped the one who was in his arms, and she fell head first onto the ground. He added that he may have fallen on top of her after she hit the floor.
The Hillsborough Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on the baby, during which he located numerous bruises to the front, back, and both sides of the baby’s head, on her back, and on her neck; two skull fractures; hemorrhaging of the optic nerves; and hemorrhaging down the spinal column, indicative of severe trauma. Three of the baby’s ribs were fractured and mostly re-healed, indicating they happened previously and not during the December 9th event. The cause of death was ruled cranial cerebral and cervical trauma, and the manner of death was ruled homicide.
The Medical Examiner and detectives determined that Reese’s statements on how the baby was injured were not consistent with her traumatic and fatal injuries, and that her injuries noted during her autopsy could not have occurred from a fall.
Reese was Baker Acted by PCSO on December 13, 2019, in relation to this event, and has been hospitalized since that time with self-inflicted injuries. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, and upon his release from the hospital, he was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Polk County Jail. He will have a first appearance hearing at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon.
“Please, please – if you’re not capable of taking care of children and babies, reach out for help before something horrific like this happens. Now a family is suffering the loss of a newborn baby girl because Kyle Reese was left in charge of four small children, and he did the unthinkable. He belongs behind bars.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Lakeland Man Murdered, Polk County Deputies Search For The Killer
PCSO Press Release:
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the murder of 24-year-old Henry Fernandez-Soto of Lakeland, who was shot Wednesday evening, January 8, 2019, at 1735 Oakland Road East in Lakeland. Deputies are currently trying to find the shooter, who has been identified as Celso Omar Sanchez Acosta, also known as, “Coqui.”
The PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call at 7:11 p.m., with a report of a person being shot.
When deputies arrived on scene, they found Fernandez-Soto behind a residence with a gunshot wound to his chest. Fernandez-Soto was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. He died at 5:34 a.m. this morning, January 9, 2020.
A warrant for 1st Degree Murder has been obtained for Sanchez Acosta, and deputies continue to search for the 29-year-old Lakeland man, who may be driving a white 1999 Ford F250 (FL Tag: LBFN70).
“While this was not a random shooting, we need to find and lock-up Sanchez Acosta as soon as possible. He’s armed, and should be considered dangerous. We ask that if anyone knows where Sanchez Acosta is, let us know. Call usor call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
According to Fernandez-Soto’s girlfriend, the couple drove to the residence to pick up some horse-riding equipment from Sanchez Acosta. The men were meeting at the location, but neither man resides there.
The woman told detectives that while she waited in the car, she heard gunshots and watched as Sanchez Acosta was running after Fernandez-Soto and pointing a gun at him.
She went on to tell the detectives that the two men had an ongoing dispute regarding an alleged theft of a horse. She said that Fernandez-Soto told her recently that Sanchez Acosta had verbally threatened him and mentioned a rifle.
PCSO Arrests Winter Haven Man For Felony Animal Cruelty
PCSO Press Release:
On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 51-year-old Fernandez Gunter of Winter Haven, after an investigation found he was negligent in the care of his five dogs. One dog’s skin grew around the chain on its neck (and embedded collar).
An anonymous tip on December 8, 2019 to the PCSO Animal Control section said that a dog in Gunter’s back yard was injured, and several puppies appeared malnourished. Animal Control staff and the Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit responded to check on the dogs’ well-being over the next several days. Initially, no resident was able to be located but the property was posted for the resident to contact Animal Control. No one from the home contacted Animal Control. Continued follow-up led to an agricultural crimes detective locating the injured adult female dog that had an embedded collar, three live puppies, and a dead puppy.
Detectives noted that the dogs were flea-infested and that there was no food or water available to the dogs. The dogs were surrendered to animal control and taken to the animal shelter.
Due to the adult dog’s skin growing around the chain, surgery was required to remove the chain.
Of the three live puppies brought to Animal Control, one had to be euthanized. The remaining two have been adopted out. The adult dog will be available for adoption after it fully recovers.
“It makes no sense whatsoever to have pets if you’re just going to leave them outside and totally neglect them. Animals deserve our love and we have a responsibility to care for them properly. Fortunately, we’ve been able to adopt two of them out to good homes, and hopefully the third will be able to be adopted soon.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Detectives determined that Gunter failed to act and provide necessary care by seeking treatment for the adult dog’s injury and infection, which resulted in excessive and repeated pain and suffering.
Fernandez Gunter was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. He has been charged with Felony Cruelty to an Animal (F-3).
Gunter’s prior criminal history consists of 10 felonies and 9 misdemeanors, including charges for: Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Cocaine Possession (6), Possession of Alprazolam, Resisting, Marijuana Possession (2), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2), Keeping Shop for Drugs, and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (3).
PCSO Press Release:
PCSO arrested four Lake Region High School students on campus yesterday in Eagle Lake, and located a firearm after a lockdown and a thorough search of the campus. The firearm, a 357 Magnum revolver, was recovered.
The investigation began around 9:00 a.m. this morning, Thursday, January 9, 2020, when a student reported to the School Resource Deputy that a handgun was seen on campus. The armed suspect, 16-year-old Caleb Allen, pointed the gun at another student, then passed it to someone else. After an hours-long search and review of video surveillance, deputies located the gun in the possession of two female students.
At the time that it was found, the gun was not loaded, although a bullet was located in another male student’s backpack (and that student was appropriately charged).
The following students were arrested, and their information is public record, as they are being charged with felonies:
Caleb Allen (male), DOB 01/25/2003
CHARGES:
Possession of a firearm on school grounds (F-3)
Possession of a concealed firearm (F-3)
Disruption of a school function (M-2)
Aggravated assault with a firearm (F-3) (for pointing the gun at another student)
Tampering with evidence (F-3)
Exhibition of a firearm (F-3)
Possession of a firearm by a minor (M-1)
Tamiya Johnson (female), DOB 01/28/2005
CHARGES:
Possession of a firearm on school grounds (F-3)
Possession of a concealed firearm (F-3)
Tampering with evidence (F-3)
Disruption of a school function (M-2)
Possession of a firearm by a minor (M-1)
Jazariyah Washington (female), DOB 10/08/2003
CHARGES:
Possession of a firearm on school grounds (F-3)
Possession of a concealed firearm (F-3)
Tampering with evidence (F-3)
Disruption of a school function (M-2)
Possession of a firearm by a minor (M-1)
A 15-year-old male student was also arrested and charged with two misdemeanors.
The suspects were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. The three students who were charged with felonies have previous arrests.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic homicide detectives arrested 53-year-old Rodney Calvin Wimberly of Lakeland today for vehicular homicide (F2) and DUI manslaughter (F2). The charges stem from an April 14, 2019 single vehicle crash on US 98 South near Highland City where he was driving and his girlfriend, 47-year-old Shannon Oglesby of Lakeland was a passenger.
According to evidence gathered at the scene, interviews with witnesses, and other evidence, detectives determined that Wimberly lost control of the 1993 Jeep Wrangler he was driving south bound on US 98 just north of Innovation Drive near Highland City and crashed into a utility pole. Both he and Ms. Oglesby were transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Ms. Oglesby was declared deceased at the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash. Wimberly sustained serious injuries but survived.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Wimberly and Ms. Oglesby had been at Tanner’s Lakeside.
Restaurant & Bar in Winter Haven with some friends drinking. They had left sometime around 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm on their way to their residence. While at Tanner’s, Wimberly was observed drinking multiple alcoholic drinks, according to a witness.
According to the arrest affidavit, Wimberly was stopped at the traffic light at Autumnwood Drive and south bound US Hwy 98. When the light turned green Wimberly and a motorcycle accelerated quickly from the light. The motorcycle was out in front of Wimberly, who appeared to be attempting to catch the motorcycle and was accelerating quickly.
According to a witness, Wimberly lost control of the Jeep just south of the Race Trac Store and started to fishtail. Wimberly was able to regain control of the Jeep and continued to accelerate. Further south, Wimberly lost control again and was not able to recover. Wimberly skidded in a southeasterly direction, leaving approximately 137 feet of skid marks. The Jeep then struck a utility pole with the right front of the Jeep. Upon impact, both Mr. Wimberly and Ms. Oglesby were ejected from the Jeep.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the blood draw conducted at the hospital from Wimberly and had those blood samples tested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Forensic Laboratory. The toxicology results showed that Wimberly had a blood alcohol level of 0.143 g/100 ml of blood and 0.145 g/100 ml of blood. .08 is the legal limit in Florida.
“This was a tragedy that was 100% preventable. Mr. Wimberly made a conscious decision to drive while intoxicated endangering his life, the life of Ms. Oglesby, and the lives of other innocent people. His decision to drive led to Ms. Oglesby’s death and Mr. Wimberly will be held accountable. Our message is simple: please, don’t drink and drive—call a ride service or catch a ride from a family member or friend.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
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