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Officer Investigating Disturbance Finds Himself In A Street Where Gunshots Are Fired

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Officer Investigating Disturbance Finds Himself In A Street Where Gunshots Are Fired

Officer Investigating Disturbance Finds Himself In A Street Where Gunshots Are Fired

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:
Officer investigating a disturbance finds himself in a roadway where shots were fired in his direction. (The officer did not sustain injuries and we have had no reports of other injuries involving this incident.)

Early Sunday morning at approximately 2:45 a.m., Winter Haven officers responded to a disturbance that reportedly involved individuals with firearms in the 200 block of Ave. P NW in Winter Haven.

As K-9 Officer Luis Garcia turned his agency vehicle onto Ave. P NW, he observed multiple vehicles blocking the roadway and parked just east of 3rd St NW on Ave. P NW, walking to the disturbance location on foot. As he was approaching the crowd of people, he saw several people run south on 3rd St. NW. As Officer Garcia turned the corner where the people had run from, gunshots rang out and Officer Garcia observed 4 – 5 muzzle flashes facing his direction.

Officer Garcia drew his firearm and attempted to find where the shots came from and saw several people get into a black Nissan 4-door vehicle from the area where the gunshots appeared to come from. With his firearm drawn, Officer Garcia yelled commands for the occupants to exit the vehicle. The vehicle started travelling northbound towards Officer Garcia. At this point, a rear passenger jumped from the vehicle and Officer Garcia made an evasive move to avoid being struck by the vehicle.

As the Nissan traveled north additional officers attempted to stop the vehicle. The Nissan ultimately crashed into some trees on the east side of the roadway becoming airborne at the intersection of Quentin Ave. and Unity Way. At this time, 19 year-old Jamari Osheay Hampton fled from the driver’s side of the vehicle and ran northeast away from the vehicle.

With the assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, Hampton was located a short distance away and he was taken into custody without further incident. After making positive identification, it was discovered that Hampton was released from State Prison in December 2019 where he was sentenced to 36 months and is currently on probation.  It should be noted that there was no firearm located inside of the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the gunfire at the initial disturbance.

“Our officer faced immediate danger while attempting to protect the public from someone he suspected was firing a gun in the street,” said Public Safety Director/Chief of Police Charlie Bird. “The extraordinary restraint and dedication of all officers involved in catching this guy shows how much the safety of our citizens’ mean to our members.”

Hampton was booked into the Polk County Jail for the following charges:

Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (F.S.S. 784.07) F-2
Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement w/Lights/Sirens Active (F.S.S. 316.1935) F-3
Resisting Officers W/O Violence (F.S.S. 843.02) M-1
Knowingly Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (F.S.S. 322.34) M-2
Leaving Scene of Crash Involving Property Damage (F.S.S. 316.061) M-2

First Case of Rabies Confirmed in Polk County in 2020

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First Case of Rabies Confirmed in Polk County in 2020
First Case of Rabies Confirmed in Polk County in 2020
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, PCSO Animal Control responded to North Galloway Road in Lakeland, in reference to a fight between a dog and a raccoon. 
The owner of the Alaskan husky mix separated the two animals and dispatched the raccoon; Animal Control responded, retrieved the raccoon carcass, and sent it to the state laboratory in Tampa to be tested for rabies. The positive rabies was confirmed two days later. 
The dog is vaccinated and will remain at home under a 45-day quarantine. 
“If you see a wild animal in distress, or if one of your pets interacts with a wild animal, contact Polk County Animal Control immediately.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
In 2019, there were 11 rabies cases in Polk County – five bats and six raccoons. 

A Fatal Two Vehicle Crash in Lakeland Is Under Investigation

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A Fatal Two Vehicle Crash in Lakeland Is Under Investigation
Fatal Traffic crash investigation, Lakeland
 
A fatal two vehicle crash occurred January 29, 2020 at approximately 12:58 p.m. at West Pipkin Road and the intersection of Wildflower Drive, unincorporated Lakeland. PCSO and Polk County Fire and EMS responded. PCF extricated the occupants and transported all three vehicle occupants to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.  76-year-old Clara Rexach of Lakeland, the driver of one of the vehicles was transported in critical condition; she did not survive and was pronounced deceased at LRHMC. 
 
According to investigators, a 2008 Toyota RAV 4 operated by Clara Rexach, was travelling south from Wildflower Drive and turning east onto West Pipkin Road, when it was struck by a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. This area of West Pipkin Road is an east-west road, with one lane in each direction.  It is primarily residential with numerous side streets and subdivisions in the area.  Rexach was driving with her husband as passenger, 80-year-old Pelayo Rexach, leaving their subdivision at the time of the crash.  Mr. Rexach, is in stable condition at LRHMC.
 
The driver of the Hyundai, 33-year-old Crystalline Goncalves of Bartow was also transported to LRHMC with moderate injuries. Investigation related to the cause of the crash is ongoing.
 
The crash scene closed West Pipkin Road for approximately 2 hours.
 

Sex Offender Arrested For Aggravated Assault on Deputies, Fleeing, and Other Charges

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Sex Offender Arrested For Aggravated Assault on Deputies, Fleeing, and Other Charges

Sex Offender Arrested For Aggravated Assault on Deputies, Fleeing, and Other Charges

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 43-year-old Mulberry man after he fled from them in his vehicle, nearly struck one in a patrol car, and crashed into a fence and shed. The deputies initially tried to stop Darrell Bailey’s gray Dodge Ram pickup when they spotted him, knowing that he had a warrant for failing to register as a sexual offender (two counts).

A deputy spotted Bailey Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at around 5:35 p.m., and tried to conduct a traffic stop on his vehicle in a business parking lot on Church Avenue in Mulberry.

After deputies activated their lights and sirens, Bailey made a U-Turn, drove through the parking lot, and headed west on Shepherd Road. Near the intersection of County Line Road, a deputy attempted a P.I.T (Precision Immobilization Technique) Maneuver on the Dodge, causing it to spin.

Bailey regained control of his truck and drove at an occupied patrol car, narrowly missing it.

At the end of Godwin Street, Bailey drove over a fence, struck a shed, and came to a stop.

Deputies quickly apprehended Bailey, who admitted that he fled because he thought he had warrants for his arrest and had methamphetamine on him. He also told deputies that he intentionally swallowed the baggie of meth so it wouldn’t be found. He was found to be in possession of Alprazolam and drug paraphernalia.

“This was an epic fail for this guy. He had a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender, he failed to stop for deputies, he failed at getting awayhe made a lot of choices today, but failed several times with those choices. We’re extremely grateful though, that he failed to hit our deputy with his truck.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Darrell Bailey was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with: Aggravated Assault on a LEO (F2), Fleeing to Elude LEO (F3), Tampering with Evidence (F3), Criminal Mischief Over $1000 (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Possession of Alprazolam (F3), Break/Injure Fence (M1), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), and Knowingly Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (M2).

Bailey’s prior criminal history consists of 15 felony charges and 8 misdemeanors. The charges include: Sex Offense Against Child-Fondling (2), Robbery (2), Burglary, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (3), Grand Theft, Hit & Run (2), Fleeing To Elude, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Reckless Driving, Resisting, Retail Theft, Battery (2), Petit Theft (3), Harassing Phone Calls, Driving Without Valid DL (2), Failure to Appear (2), and Violation of Probation.

Bartow Police Located and Arrested Jacki Richardson for Armed Robbery and Aggravated Battery After He Robbed The Dollar General

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Bartow Police Located and Arrested Jacki Richardson for Armed Robbery and Aggravated Battery After He Robbed The Dollar General

 

On 1/28/2020 at approximately 10:15PM, a black male entered the Dollar General Store at 1050 US Highway 17 South in Bartow, FL.  The black male was wearing a dark hoodie, dark jeans, and a mask.  While in the store, the black male approached one of the store clerks, brandished a handgun and demanded money.  At that time, the suspect grabbed the victim (clerk) by the hair and pulled her toward the registers.  The male then left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Officers and Detectives with the Bartow Police Department were able to develop leads on the identity of the suspect.  The suspect was identified as Jackie Richardson, DOB 7/15/1978, of 1050 South Golfview Avenue #901 Bartow, Florida 33830.

On 1/29/2020, at approximately 4:00PM Bartow Police located and arrested Richardson for Armed Robbery and Aggravated Battery.  He was later transported to the Polk County Jail.

“If you intend to rob someone or some business in the City Limits of Bartow, you can rest assured that we will find you and put you in jail.” according to Chief Joe Hall.

Press Release approved by Deputy Chief Bryan S. Dorman.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy’s Patrol Car Struck Head-On By Wrong Way DUI Driver

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy’s Patrol Car Struck Head-On By Wrong Way DUI Driver

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy’s Patrol Car Struck Head-On By Wrong Way DUI Driver

At approximately 9:45 pm on Tuesday, January 28, a driver who was later arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) drove northbound into the southbound lane of Combee Road, hitting a Polk County Sheriff’s Office patrol car head on. The wrong way driver, 46-year-old India Williams of Lakeland, was medically checked out at the scene and subsequently arrested for DUI and booked into the Polk County Jail. The two deputies in the patrol car were transported to the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center; the deputy driving was treated and released; the other deputy was admitted for non-life threatening injuries. She is in stable condition.

At approximately 9:45 pm on Tuesday, January 28, two Polk County patrol cars were driving southbound on Combee Road (south of Dons Place and north of South Eastside Drive) after completing a traffic crash investigation. Deputy Sheriff Trainee Eric Roberts (37) was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Impala; Deputy Sheriff (training instructor) Brittney Black (25) was in the passenger seat. Ahead of them was another patrol car travelling in the same direction. Neither patrol car was being operated in emergency mode, nor enroute to a call for service.

According to interviews and evidence gathered at the scene, the deputy driving the first patrol car observed a red Chevrolet pick-up truck, traveling north on Combee Road, crossing the center line into the southbound lane. He took evasive action, swerving into a parking lot to avoid a collision. The pick-up then collided with the patrol car operated by Deputy Roberts in a head-on type collision.

The deputy in the first patrol car notified PCSO dispatch of the crash and immediately began providing assistance to those involved in the crash. Polk County Fire EMS and PCSO investigators responded to the crash.

A third vehicle that was following the patrol car involved in the crash, swerved to avoid the collision, and left the roadway and ended up in a ditch. That driver was uninjured. There were no apparent injuries to anyone other than the two deputies. Deputy Sheriff Roberts was able to get out of the patrol car on his own; Deputy Sheriff Black was initially unconscious and she was pulled out of the patrol car. All those involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts. Both vehicles involved in the collision were disabled and towed from the scene.

Ms. Williams was arrested for driving under the influence. She was transported to the Polk County Jail without incident, where two breath samples were provided revealing a 0.145 and 0.151 BAC (blood alcohol content). Ms. Williams’ criminal history includes 8 previous felony charges and 9 misdemeanor charges including: possession of cocaine with intent to sell, sale of cocaine, battery domestic violence, failure to appear in court, fleeing to elude at high speed, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, failure to register a motor vehicle, possession of cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a place of worship, and other drug and drug paraphernalia charges.

Deputy Sheriff Trainee Eric Roberts (37) has been with the agency for 3 months. He received no significant injuries other than soreness. Deputy Sheriff (training instructor) Brittney Black (25) has been with the agency 3.4 years. She is in the hospital with head and facial injuries, including a compound nose fracture, a possible concussion, an injured arm, and soreness.

“In a crash like this, we are so grateful that the injuries sustained by our deputies are not more serious. I ask for prayers for Deputy Black as she continues to be treated in the hospital—it will take some time for her to recover. We cannot say this too often: if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, don’t drive. Don’t let others drive under the influence. I can assure you, we will hold this drunk driver accountable for her actions.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Individual Walks Out of Walmart With Baby Items Without Paying

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Individual Walks Out of Walmart With Baby Items Without Paying

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Selecting Baby Shower Gifts And Not Paying? Who knows…
But the below pictured male went to Walmart on 1/22/2020 and put a diaper bag and Disney Travel Set (stroller) in a cart and decided not to pay. He was approached by an associate for a receipt, but walked right past him and the associate lost sight through the parking lot.
Anyone with information on his identity should call Detective Lozado at 863-401-2256.

Tech Tuesday: Second Step to Mitigate Cyber Risks In Your Enviroment NIST Protect

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Tech Tuesday: Second Step to Mitigate Cyber Risks In Your Enviroment NIST Protect

Today we talk about how you can use Step 2 of the NIST Model to mitigate Cyber Security Risks in your Enviroment. The second step is to protect your enviroment using several layers of security.

 

Kip Kirchberg is an International Cyber Security Expert who has experiance building Cyber Security Teams and working with fortune 500 organizations. Experiance includes but is not limited to Building SIEM paltforms Endpoint Security 3rd Party Remote Access Industrial Control Systems NextGen Firewall’s Helping Organizations Identify Cyber security Risks Generationg Reports that lead to actionable data Build and maintain Incident Reponse Team Draft and Adopt Corperate Cyber Security Governance Internal and External Pen Testing plus much more….

Macy’s Grab and Go

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Macy’s Grab and Go

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Macy’s Grab and Go
The two pictured below went to Macy’s ( Citi Center) and she went to the women’s clothing and he went to the men’s clothing. (Good so far?) He chose three separate items and she concealed nine items inside of her tote bag – to the tune of $532! They walked straight out and got into a gray Nissan Altima.
Recognize either of them? Please call Detective Cobb at 863-401-2256.
Callers 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!

What is Lupus?

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What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease; there are two types of lupus, discoid lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus.  For today I will mainly discuss systemic lupus. Just like I explained in my previous column, an autoimmune disease is a response from an overactive immune system. The immune system mistakes healthy tissue in the body as a foreign invader, such as a bacteria or virus.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic disease in which there is no cure.  DLE causes inflamed red scaly or crusty lesions to appear on the skin. Primarily favoring the face, ears, and scalp, but they can show up on any part of the body. These lesions can leave behind permanent scarring especially when they appear in areas where hair grows like the scalp or face.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease that can affect many organs such as the heart, lungs, brain, skin, kidneys, liver, and your eyes. While there has been much gain in the medical communities to help combat the disease, there is however no cure. SLE is sometimes referred to as the invisible illness because it can go undetected for years before a person can be diagnosed. It doesn’t always show up in blood work, and the symptoms can be so irregular that your primary care doctor may not catch the disease.

There is no one size fits all list of symptoms for systemic lupus. Symptoms vary from patient to patient as can the severity of the disease. Systemic lupus can cause joint and muscle pain, fatigue, and swelling, as well as stiffness throughout the body. These symptoms are often debilitating leaving some unable to care for themselves without help from others.

The joint pain can be a sudden stabbing shooting pain that lasts for seconds or minutes, it can be a dull constant ache, or a constant throbbing pain. Some may experience swelling of the hands and feet that make moving your fingers and toes difficult and make it hard to grip things in your hands. Stiffness can make everyday tasks seem impossible to complete. Walking, sitting, standing, and getting up and down take such effort when you feel like the tin man needing an oil can. Your joints and muscles feel as though they are glued to one another and won’t move. Imagine moving slowly and painfully to do your normal household chores. It really takes a lot of effort just to accomplish very little.

Systemic lupus is unpredictable due to flares that come and go as the disease is more active at certain times. Weather plays a huge roll in disease flares like humidity, rainy days, dampness in the air, and cold can all cause a flare. Because lupus is so unpredictable it can affect day to day life in very drastic ways. Making it difficult to know what your tomorrow is going to look like. Plans must change constantly, and you often will need to cancel on people and activities due to a flare, or sometimes fatigue can come out of nowhere. Fatigue is a very real part of the life of a lupus sufferer. You need to pick and choose the things to accomplish and weigh out the risk of over doing it. Doing too much today could cause someone with lupus to have to rest for several days.

Systemic Lupus is difficult to deal with, but with help from a rheumatologist, and lifestyle changes, one can learn to manage the disease. Many people live out their daily lives with lupus and are very successful at it. I must admit that it came as a shock to me being diagnosed. I have since learned what my limitations are and how to better cope with lupus. I hope you find this helpful at best, I look forward to breaking more autoimmune diseases down. The more we educate others the smaller our world becomes.

Signed a fellow warrior

Amy Archibald

 

 

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