Winter Haven Detectives have made an arrest in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old at Publix on November 9, 2023.

Because of the extensive investigation by detectives into the November 2023 stabbing at Publix (1395 6th St NW) and working in partnership with the State Attorney’s Office, an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Teville Xavier Burgess (DOB 8-7-04), was obtained charging him with Manslaughter (F1).

On January 4, 2024 at approximately 4:45 p.m., Winter Haven Detectives located Burgess in the area of Second Ave. in Waverly. Assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Burgess was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.

Burgess had initially told detectives that he was jumped by unknown subjects inside of the business resulting in the stabbing. However, evidence from the scene including witness statements and video footage tell a story conflicting with Burgess’s statements.
“The non-stop commitment of our detectives to find closure for the victim’s family shows how dedicated they are to finding the truth,” said Police Chief David Brannan. “We can’t always take cases at face value because there can be elements that are overlooked. As in this case, the truth was in the many details that were uncovered.”

An excerpt from the affidavit is below: (Names other that the defendant are redacted as per F.S.S. 119.071(2)(c)1: (c)1.Active criminal intelligence information and active criminal investigative information are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.)
“Burgess stated that words were exchanged in the parking lot of Publix with “unknown subjects.” Burgess stated that he went to Publix to obtain a phone charger and in doing so asked several people to use their phone; however, never asked for help or for anyone to call 911. Burgess then purchased a can of soup, that can be easily opened without a knife due to having a pop top. Burgess then picked up a frying pan, momentarily walks through Publix with the frying pan before selecting a paring knife with a 3.5-inch blade. Burgess then began to purchase the paring knife and before the purchase was completed, took the paring knife out of its packaging and armed himself by placing it in his front right pants pocket, which made it readily accessible, as he watched the “unknown subjects” approach the front doors of Publix. Burgess stated that the “unknown subjects” approached non-aggressively and said: “yo.” Burgess started the fight by picking up the soup can and swinging it at (redacted) face. After a physical altercation ensued, Burgess stated that he heard someone say: “he’s got a knife” and everyone began to disperse. Burgess stated that he began to run down the aisle as (redacted) was running in front of him, who eventually fell to the ground. Burgess confirmed that he still had the knife in his hand and when he turned around he stabbed The Victim. Burgess then stated that he took the knife and hid it, but then after being convinced by Witness #1, found it and placed it back into his pocket until Officers asked for it.
Burgess armed himself and began the physical altercation by hitting (redacted) first with the soup can. Burgess stabbed (redacted) in the left chest during the physical altercation. Burgess chased (redacted) with a knife after the physical altercation ended and everyone dispersed. Burgess then fatally stabbed The Victim in the left chest, as The Victim was attempting to protect (redacted) from any serious injury or death. Burgess killed the Victim without legal justification and by doing so, Burgess is being charged with one count Manslaughter (Other Than Motor Vehicle) with Weapon F.S.S. 782.07(1).”

Auburndale, Florida- On December 30th Auburndale Police arrested two men at Love’s Travel Stop in Auburndale. Love’s Travel Stop was notified during this time that a flagged business credit card had been used on several occasions. The total amount of diesel purchased with this card was $2,925.65. Defendants Yasmany Moya-De-La-Hoz and Yunior Bencomo Perez have been charged with grand theft, fraudulent use of credit cards, and retail fuel theft- modified vehicle fuel tank. Below is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit:

It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Auburndale Police Department. 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 12/30/2023, at approximately 1058 hours, the defendant and co-defendant arrived at the Loves Truck Stop located at 1800 FL-559, Auburndale, Florida, with a white 2005 Ford F350 bearing Florida tag number 36BZBA.

The defendants parked the Ford and exited the vehicle, as did the co-defendant. The defendant and co-defendant approached the main fuel terminal, and a few seconds later, they both started to fuel the Ford. The defendant was on the driver’s side, and the co-defendant was on the passenger side. The total amount of diesel that was pumped into the Ford was 248.06 gallons for an amount of $949.81. The last four numbers of the credit/debit card used at the pump at the time of the transaction were 3419. The same credit card number was also used three times at the same location on the following days: 12/29/2023 at approximately 0802 hours, to purchase 247.84 gallons of diesel for an amount of $948.98, on 12/27/2023 at approximately 1313 hours, to purchase 248.08 gallons of diesel for an amount of $949.88, and on 12/23/2023 at approximately 1233 hours, to purchase 20 gallons of diesel for an amount of $76.98. The total amount of diesel purchased was $2,925.65.

During this time, Loves was notified of the fraudulent transaction due to the account attached to the credit card being flagged. The credit card used in the transaction has been mirrored, and the fraudulent credit card belonging to the victim, REDACTED has had multiple fraudulent transactions in the past. Contact was made with the owner, REDACTED who advised that the transaction was fraudulent and not approved by the company or him. Both the defendant and co-defendant do not work for the company and have no authorization to be in possession of any credit/check cards related to REDACTED.”

Due to the defendant and co-defendant knowingly and intentionally depriving the victim of the use, possession, and full monetary value of the stolen fuel, both the defendant and co-defendant were charged with grand theft pursuant to Florida State statute 812.014(2)(C)1.

Due to the defendant and co-defendant knowingly and intentionally defrauding the victim and in possession of a credit/check card that was reasonably known to be fraudulent and obtaining goods without permission from the victim with said fraudulent card were charged with fraudulent use of credit cards pursuant to Florida State statute 817.61.

Due to the defendant and co-defendant using the 2005 Ford F350 with modified and altered fuel tanks, the defendant was charged with retail fuel theft- modified vehicle fuel tank pursuant to Florida state statute 812.0151(2)(C)(2).

A criminal history check was conducted on the defendant and co-defendant. The defendant had a prior conviction of theft by receiving stolen property as of 05/09/2017 from the state of Main, case number KENCDCR201700500.

The co-defendant did not show any prior convictions.

A lot of bad guys out there won’t be making a New Year’s resolution to stop being bad, so ladies, be prepared for their shenanigans.

Get yourself signed-up for the next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class, put on by our fantastic Crime Prevention Unit.

Our upcoming class is set for Saturday, January 6th at 10:00 a.m. – Noon, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operation Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd near Winter Haven.

These classes are FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.

Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.

The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.

NEXT CLASS:
Saturday, January 6th
PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center
1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP to
[email protected], and please include your name and phone number.

And check out our calendar
https://www.polksheriff.org/events
and our website
https://www.polksheriff.org/programs-services
for more information! You can also contact the team at
863-298-6677 or [email protected] with any questions.

*Personal Safety: Common sense safety tips are presented on how to avoid being the victim of a crime.

*Women’s Basic Self-Defense: Learn basic safety tips and techniques to enable women to escape less than desirable situations.

PCSO

WomensSelfDefense

GirlPower

FreeFreeFree

DidWeMentionThisIsFree

TheOnlyThingYouWillNeedToSpendIsALittleBitOfTimeWithUs

Obituary of Grover Bradley Bennett

Mr. Grover Bradley Bennett “Pastor Brad”, age 73, a resident of Auburndale, Florida went to be with Jesus on Friday, December 29, 2023 at home with his wife by his side.  Pastor Brad was born January 9, 1950 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Grover Cleveland and Rosemary Madeline (Bullock) Bennett. He was a Polk County resident since January 1, 1988 coming from Tennessee. Brad was an Ordained Minister (November 19, 1970) and the Pastor of Auburndale Community Church since it started October 15, 1995. He graduated from Lincoln Christian University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Ministries & Christian Education. Brad was the EMS Chief in Logan County, Illinois for 10 years and developed the first rural Paramedic’s for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He was a member of Auburndale Rotary, Auburndale Chamber of Commerce, Auburndale Main Street & Redevelopment, Auburndale Ministerial Association, Auburndale Community Church Feeding the Hungry and was a Chaplain for the Auburndale Police Department. He was preceded in death by his parents; son – Scott Matthew Bennett; twin daughters; grandmother who raised him – Leona Robinson and his father in law & mother in law. Brad is survived by his loving & devoted family, wife of 53 years (8/7/1970) – Kathy Bennett; 2 sons – Todd Bennett & his wife Leann and Ryan Bennett & his wife Kelly; sister in law & brother in law – Cheryl & Walter Grant; brother in law & sister in law – Gary & Carol Arthington; 9 grandchildren – Clay, Stephanie, Chase, Rylee, Kaylyn, Hadley, Hagan, Elizabeth & Aubrey. A celebration of Brad’s life will be held 6:00 pm Friday, January 5^th at Auburndale Community Church, 601 Stadium Road, a gathering of family & friends will begin at 5pm at the church.

OBITUARY OF LINDA LEE GILLISPIE

Linda Lee Gillispie, 67, passed away in Winter Haven, FL on January 1, 2024. She was born to Edward and Jacqueline Zufelt on August 29, 1956. Linda is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Bruce Gillispie; son, Gary Gillispie (Sarah); daughters, Hope Gillispie (Millie Lopez) and Summer Gillispie (Patrick Chastaine); sister, Leslie Smith (Butch Augst); granddaughter, Winter Gillispie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Linda was an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan and also enjoyed bowling. She worked for Disney for 27 years.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 3:00-4:00pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City with a service immediately following.

An Auburndale man has been arrested after he intentionally rammed a vehicle that was involved in a minor crash with a vehicle that his girlfriend was driving.

On January 2, 2024 at approximately 2:24 p.m., a minor crash occurred at the intersection of Lake Howard Dr. SE and Ave. C SW in Winter Haven. The victim in this event made a U-turn in the intersection and struck a vehicle on the driver’s side.

The victim (at-fault driver) immediately stopped his vehicle and backed up to remove his vehicle from the driver’s side of the other vehicle. The boyfriend of the other driver was also in the area when the crash occurred.

Twenty-one year-old Dustin Black of Auburndale stopped his truck next to the at-fault vehicle, and then started to back up. After backing up, he rammed the passenger side of the at-fault vehicle. As the victim was getting out of his vehicle, he was yelling that he was sorry and it was an accident. Witnesses saw him with his hands up as if to surrender, however Black approached the victim and punches him in the face three times. The girlfriend (driver of the other vehicle) ran over and ultimately stops Black from continuing to punch the victim.

The crash was minor and there were no injuries due to the crash itself.
Black was taken into custody and charged with one count of Criminal Mischief (F3) and Battery (M1)

Winter Haven Businesses, Churches and Civic Groups Have A Great Opportunity for 2024!

The Winter Haven Department of Public Safety is offering free Active Shooter Training to Winter Haven businesses, churches and community groups to teach citizens proactive safety and response tactics when encountered with an aggressive intruder or active shooter. The training, which will last no more than two hours, is designed to enhance current safety plans that businesses have in place and further educate with additional safety measures that can be implemented.

Winter Haven’s free Active Shooter Training will be led by certified instructors from both the Winter Haven Police and Fire Departments. The training will provide an overview of the history of active shooter events and teach proactive safety and response tactics. Additionally, a Safety Site Assessment will be conducted for each location to evaluate any hazards and minimize the risk by adding control measures in order to create a safer workspace.

Anyone interested in having the training should contact the Winter Haven Department of Public Safety at 863-291-6178 or email [email protected].

Who steals a kid’s bike on Christmas Day??? Help us find this GRINCH!!

CRIME: THEFT OF KID’S BIKE
CRIME SCENE: SPIRIT LAKE ROAD CIRCLE K, WINTER HAVEN
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE #23-51947

On Christmas Monday, December 25, 2023, a teenaged victim rode her bicycle to the Circle K store located at 1108 Spirit Lake Road in Winter Haven. She was inside for less than 10 minutes when an unknown black male stole the bike. He rode to the nearby Hungry Howies and removed the set of bike pegs from the front tires before heading westbound.

The suspect is an adult black male who was wearing khaki pants, a camo T-shirt, and white shoes. The bike is black, white, and blue.

If you have any information that could be helpful to this investigation, please contact Detective Paul at (863) 944-9807 or at [email protected].

If you wish to remain anonymous, 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.

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a two-vehicle crash with minor property damage on Spirit Lake Road at the entrance to The Villages at Spirit Lake subdivision. When the deputy arrived, only one vehicle involved remained at the scene. That driver told the deputy that an unknown female in a white pickup truck struck her vehicle, a Toyota Camry, and then got out of the truck and declared that there was no damage to either vehicle. As the person who was hit called law enforcement, the at-fault driver immediately got back in her truck and left the scene. The person who was hit had damage to the rear of her car.

The deputy spoke with residents nearby, one of whom had the crash on video surveillance. The video clearly showed the white truck and its license plate, which was registered to another resident in that neighborhood, 39-year-old Ashley Welch. The deputy contacted Welch, who agreed to meet him later at her home. When the deputy arrived, he asked her where her white truck was, and she said she parked it at another location. Deputies eventually tracked down the truck and confirmed it was the one involved in the crash.

Welch was issued a citation for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage without providing information, and was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail. She was released that evening after posting $250.00 bond. Welch is employed as a nurse practitioner at Advent Health Sebring.



“All Ms. Welch had to do was stop and exchange information. She turned a minor fender-bender into an arrest. Crashes are inconvenient and a part of life. We ask everyone to follow the law and do what’s right.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff