Winter Haven Police Obtain Felony Warrant on Aggravated Battery and Battery by Strangulation
On May 31, 2024, Winter Haven Police responded to a residence that was a neighbor to the victim who ran to their home crying for help and covered in blood.
The victim reported that 46 year-old Randy Leon Gillis was enraged when he began to strike her multiple times in the face. He then strangled her until she lost consciousness. When she came to, she realized she was covered in blood and ran to the neighbor who called police. The victim received numerous serious injuries and is currently being treated at a local hospital.
Gillis took her vehicle and drove to Highlands County where he has family. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office recovered the abandoned vehicle, however Gillis has not been located.
Randy Leon Gillis is 46 years old and considered armed and extremely dangerous. He is known to carry firearms and knives. (He has possibly shaved his beard and is known to wear disguises to include wigs)
Randy Leon Gillis, age 46
Anyone who knows of Gillis’ whereabouts is asked to call Detective Meredith Moore at 863-837-9754. To be eligible for a CASH reward and remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
Heartland Crime Stoppers – CRIME: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT CRIME SCENE: VILLAGE AT SPIRIT LAKE, WINTER HAVEN POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASES #24-18508
On May 4th, shortly after 2 AM, a 2019 Chevy Tahoe was stolen from within the Village at Spirit Lake near Winter Haven.
Security video obtained by PCSO detectives shows two suspects in the neighborhood attempting car burglaries just before the motor vehicle theft occurred.
The stolen vehicle was recovered by deputies soon after, but detectives are still trying to determine who the suspects were.
The suspects are believed to be responsible for additional burglaries and thefts that have occurred in the southwest Winter Haven area.
If you have any information about this case or you think you know who these suspects could be, you’re asked to contact PCSO Detective Marin at (863)297-1100 or [email protected].
If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet
Are you looking for a challenging and fulfilling career that allows you to make a positive impact on your community? The Auburndale Police Department is currently seeking motivated individuals to join our agency and serve with honor, integrity, and dedication. We are excited to announce that we are offering sponsorship opportunities for qualified applicants who pass a comprehensive background check, for the upcoming Fall police academy. This is an excellent chance for those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement to receive the necessary training and support to become a certified State of Florida law enforcement officer. If you already hold a valid Florida law enforcement certification and are looking for employment, we encourage you to apply too.
As a member of the Auburndale Police Department, you will enjoy benefits that include:
Benefits:
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Sick/Annual Leave
11 Paid Holidays
A “Take-Home” Vehicle
Free uniform dry cleaning
College Tuition Reimbursement
Police pension – 20 years of continuous service
Free Lifetime Medical Insurance after 25 Years of Service
Visible tattoo and beard policy
New police department gym!
Specialized Units:
Traffic Unit
Marine Unit
K9 Unit
Motor Unit
Criminal Investigations Unit
Qualifications/Requirements:
To be eligible for the sponsorship program or a career as a police officer, you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 19 years of age.
Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent.
Hold a valid Florida Driver’s License
Obtain State of Florida Officer Certification
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to embark on a rewarding career in law enforcement. Contact 863-965-5555 and ask to speak with a recruiter today to learn more about the sponsorship program and take the first step towards joining the Auburndale Police Department.
City of Winter Haven Grants City Manager Authority to Opt in Or Out of County Burn Bans
by James Coulter
The City of Winter Haven will be able to opt in or out of burn bans declared by the county now that the city commission has granted the city manager that authority.
At their meeting on Wednesday evening, city commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance that authorizes the city manager to opt in and out of burn bans declared by the county.
Michael T. Waters, Winter Haven Fire Operations Chief, explained within the city ordinance memo that “the Polk County Fire Chief or their designee has the authority to declare a Fire Department Burn Ban when there is an increased risk of fire conditions exist due to drought conditions.”
These drought conditions and their potential fire risk are determined by the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a scale “based on the capacity of soil required to hold 8 inches of moisture”, which ranges from the lowest risk of 1 to the highest risk of 800.
Recently, Polk County Fire and Rescue passed a countywide burn ban effective Tues., May 28, 2024. This ban will remain in effect until the KBDI drops below 500 for consecutive days “or until further notice,” as mentioned in a press release.
Individual municipalities like Winter Haven are eligible to be included in these county burn ban issuances, and they also have the opportunity to opt in or out of these bans provided they have authorized either the city manager or fire chief to do so, Chief Waters wrote.
“Winter Haven has not had or has not taken such action in the past, [and] it is our recommendation that you as a commission approve this ordinance,” City Manager T. Michael Stavres explained.
“When the county is in process of issuing a burn ban, they will reach out to myself or the designee to determine if we are so inclined to opt into that ordinance or opt out,” he further elucidated. “If we stay out of their ordinance, it does not preclude us from issuing our own. However, if we choose to participate in their ordinance and burn ban notice, it will allow us to do more expeditiously. In the case of emergencies, that could be significant.”
Concerning the recent countywide burn ban issued earlier this week, City Manager Stavres explained that while Winter Haven was included in that ban, he considers it an “errant inclusion” as the city has “no authority to opt in.” However, this ordinance will allow him the authority to notify the county of the city’s intent to opt in.
Currently, the county’s KBDI is at 507, which is above the threshold for the issuance of a burn ban at 450, Starves said: “So we need to do some rain dances and hope and pray for a lot of rain to get that down. Not just because of a burn ban but because of the dangers we have lurking.”
Around 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024. The driver of a 2001 blue Lincoln Nautilus, 39-year-old Charna Gilbert, was heading east on K-Ville Avenue near the intersection with Old Dixie Hwy in Auburndale when she hit something dark along the roadway. She immediately stopped and tried to locate what she hit. She could not, and dialed 911. When first responders arrived, they looked around the area and ultimately located an older adult male from Auburndale who was wearing all dark clothing and appears to have been walking on the south side of the road. Deputies are still attempting to locate and notify his next of kin. He had severe head trauma and was declared deceased at the scene. Gilbert was evaluated and showed no signs of impairment. The investigation is ongoing.
A woman was arrested by PCSO at her Lakeland home after her pet dogs were found dead in her backyard inside a crate. The suspect, Betsaida Sanchez DOB 06/25/1978) of Lakeland who owned and had custody of both dogs, confined them in a small wire crate in a high-heat environment for an extended amount of time. This caused both animals to die from dehydration and/or heat stroke.
Charges: 2 counts FELONY CRUELTY TO AN ANIMAL
2 counts UNLAWFUL DISPOSAL OF DEAD DOMESTIC ANIMAL
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by PCSO. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Winter Haven 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 your own conclusion.
“On May 13, 2024, the Lakeland Police Department requested assistance with a possible animal cruelty investigation at REDACTED, Lakeland. I responded to the scene and learned officers were called by a neighbor reporting two dead dogs in a crate outside the residence. The residence is a single-wide mobile home within the Sherwood Mobile Manor Mobile Home Park.
Betsaida Sanchez (suspect)
I spoke with the renter of the home, Betsaida Sanchez (suspect). The suspect told me the two dogs belong to her and she is their caretaker. The suspect stated that on May 11th, she put the two dogs in the wire crate and left the home for the day. The suspect stated she returned at approximately 2200 hours and found both dogs unresponsive in the crate. The suspect stated she sprayed them both with water and left them in the crate overnight. On May 12th, the dogs were still unresponsive, and she realized they were dead. The suspect stated she moved the crate containing the dogs to behind the residence, next to the fence line, and covered the crate with a blanket. The suspect stated she didn’t have a shovel to bury the dogs.
The dogs were identified as “Troublemaker,” a male Chihuahua mix (PCSO Animal ID #A1194953), and “Bear,” a female Chihuahua mix (PCSO Animal ID #A1194954).
The suspect then allowed me to view the dogs in the crate. The blanket covering the wire crate was loosely placed over the crate and did not fully enclose the crate. This allowed beast (wild and domestic animals) and birds to have access to their carcasses. Both dogs were covered in flies and maggots, and the smell of decomposition was overwhelming. There was no food or water bowl inside the crate. The suspect surrendered both dogs to PCSO to be taken for necropsies. I photographed the scene.
On May 14, 2024, REDACTED, Veterinarian, performed necropsies on both dogs.
On May 22, 2024, REDACTED provided me with a written report of her findings. REDACTED concluded, “Based on my findings from the necropsy exam performed on both dogs, it appears that these dogs died from dehydration and/or heat stroke. Due to the nature of the tissue examined during the necropsy, they have the appearance of living tissues exposed to high heat for extended periods of time. This cause of death is extremely painful, cruel, and caused great suffering to these animals prior to their final death.”
The suspect, who owned and had custody of both dogs, confined them in a small wire crate in a high-heat environment for an extended amount of time. This caused both animals to die from dehydration and/or heat stroke. According to a licensed veterinarian, this cause of death is extremely painful, cruel, and caused great suffering prior to their deaths, in violation of F.S.S 828.12(2).
The suspect disposed of the carcasses of both dogs (domestic animals) by dumping their bodies behind her residence to be devoured by beasts and birds, in violation of F.S.S 823.041.”
Residents displaced after a fire tore through their Winter Haven home overnight.
On May 31, 2024 at approximately 1:50 a.m., Winter Haven Fire units responded to a structure fire at 232 Ave B NE in Winter Haven. Once on scene, firefighters found the residence engulfed in flames. Thankfully, everyone was reported out of the home. No injuries were reported to firefighters or residents.
As firefighters began to battle the blaze, a nearby tree also caught fire, which was extinguished. Out of an abundance of caution, neighboring residents were evacuated.
At approximately 3:45 a.m., the fire was extinguished and investigators were able to enter. At this time, the cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation.
The Red Cross was called and are assisting the residents.
Mark your calendars for our “Chillin with Chief” event, you won’t want to miss.
When: Friday, June 21 from 10am – 12pm Where: Band Stage area at Auburndale City Park
Come on out to the city park and enjoy a relaxing summer morning getting to know the Chief of Police Terry Storie and Deputy Chief Carin Ketcham. This is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to meet the leaders of our police department!
We’ll have free sno-cones to help everyone stay cool and refreshed as we hang out, chat, and get to know each other better. Whether you want to discuss community issues, ask questions, or just say hello, this is your chance to chill with the chiefs. The Chief and Deputy Chief are looking forward to connecting with the community they serve.
Cheryl Brewer has a property available for sale in Winter Haven! Details:
4 bed 2 1/2 bath
$457,000
POOL HOME ON OVERSIZED LOT…This Move In Ready home is absolutely gorgeous. Offering 4 Bedrooms/2 and Half Baths with a Bonus room that could be used as a 5th Bedroom downstairs. Beautifully tiled floors accented by laminate wood floors.
Kitchen has a build-in island, dual corner pantries and all NEW Appliances. Spacious primary bedroom features garden tub with separate shower. Plenty of room for your RV, Boat and all your outdoor toys sitting on over a half an acre plus 3rd car garage.
Florida’s good weather year-round ensures you can get plenty of use out the pool with lanai and covered patio. Separate screened side porch features the large hot tub. Additional storage in the 12×24 shed to add to more storage options.
Updates include Roof (2018), HVAC with UV Sensor & Air Cleaner (2023), Spray foam in whole attic for energy savings, 24 Panel Solar field with Battery (not located on the roof) means no electric bill. Schedule your showing today!!
Contact Cheryl Brewer at The Can Do Team today! 863-224-0045
On 5-29-24 at approximately 5:54 a.m., a Winter Haven Fire Truck was in the turn lane located along Hwy 17 at Ave. G SW (in front of Andy’s). The truck was facing the north direction to turn left going back to Fire Station 1. The light was green and the engine was waiting for traffic to clear.
A 2015 Kia Soul was heading in the southbound direction approaching the intersection. For unknown reasons, as the driver of the Sol approached the intersection, the car veered into the turn lane of the Fire engine hitting the front of the truck in an offset manner. The impact caused frontend damage to the Soul and the driver needed to be extricated out of the vehicle. The impact to the fire engine was to the driver’s side front area. There were no injuries to fire personnel. The driver of the Soul was transported to Winter Haven Health with minor injuries.
Driver Extricated From Vehicle After Crashing Into Winter Haven Fire Truck – image provided by Cory Austin
