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Man Breaks Into Apartment & Is Shot By Armed Ex-Girlfriend In Lakeland

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Man Breaks Into Apartment & Is Shot By Armed Ex-Girlfriend In Lakeland

Lakeland Police Department Press Release

LAKELAND, FL (May 28, 2018) – On May 28th at 5:18 a.m., the Lakeland Police Department responded to the area of 603 Kansas Avenue in reference to a 911 call from a citizen reporting a disturbance. The citizen stated that the witness, Kristasia Coby, knocked on their door and reported the suspect, Ronald Williams, had broken a window in the victim’s apartment. The victim has been identified as Sheena Lawson, 32 years of age. Coby left before the citizen could get an exact address. At 5:22 a.m., Officer Richburg arrived on the scene at and was attempting to locate an address of the disturbance when he heard two gun shots.

Officer Richburg observed Ronald Williams, 26 years old coming out into the street with an apparent gunshot wound to the right knee. Williams stated he had been shot. Officer Richburg and other officers transported Williams to a position of cover and made arrangements for EMS to pick up Williams at a safe staging location. Williams was transported in a marked police car out of the area and delivered to EMS while other officers maintained a crime scene and secured the area.

At 5:33 a.m., a witness from 603 Kansas Avenue came out of the apartment and then Sheena Lawson followed. Lawson stated to the officers that Williams was an ex-boyfriend and that he had broken her bedroom window and climbed through the window. Lawson armed herself with a handgun and in fear for her safety, she fired at Williams several times hitting him on the buttocks and the leg. At that point, Williams fled from the apartment and encountered Officer Richburg.

Williams had threatened Lawson in the past and she was so concerned that she had been having various friends stay with her.

An arrest affidavit on Williams was completed for Burglary of Occupied Dwelling with Battery on Occupant, Battery (Dating Violence). Williams is still currently in a medical facility for his non-life-threatening injuries.

Arrested: Ronald Williams, 26 years old. 2121 San Gully Road, #11, Lakeland, Fla.

63 Year Old Auburndale Man Killed In Crash Saturday Night

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63 Year Old Auburndale Man Killed In Crash Saturday Night

Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two vehicle crash Saturday, May 26, 2018 at around 8:46 p.m., on County Road 542 East near Fields Road near Lakeland, in which one person was killed.

63-year-old Iniol Ramos of Auburndale was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, 31-year-old Paula Montgomery of Lakeland, suffered minor injuries, and her one-year-old passenger was uninjured. The child was secured in a forward-facing child seat, and Montgomery was wearing her seatbelt.

According to the preliminary investigation, Ramos was driving east on CR 542. Witnesses said his vehicle repeatedly strayed outside of his lane of travel prior to the crash.

As Ramos’ white 2004 Toyota Corolla approached Montgomery’s westbound grey 2003 Toyota Camry, he crossed the center line and sideswiped the Camry, and both vehicles spun. Ramos was not wearing his seatbelt.

Impairment on Ramos’ part is suspected of being a factor for the crash, however blood toxicology will be conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

This investigation is ongoing.

Haines City Woman Charged With Aggravated Stalking & Second Degree Arson After Pouring Gasoline On Home

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Haines City Woman Charged With Aggravated Stalking & Second Degree Arson After Pouring Gasoline On Home

Haines City, Florida – A Haines City woman has been charged with aggravated stalking and second degree arson after pouring gas on a home she shares with her husband.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit on 05/21/2018 at approximately 7:05am deputies responded to the area Kalogridis Rd., Haines City in reference to a female pouring gas on a mobile home trailer.The reportee advised the female was wearing a red white and blue bandanna. As deputies were heading to that location they were advised that the female suspect left the scene. A description of the vehicle was given to deputies and they located the vehicle at 30th St. S and Hinson Ave. and the operator of the vehicle, later identified as Mary Bajada (DOB: 10/07/1963), was wearing a red while and blue bandanna.

Upon contact with Mary Bajada, she allegedly and spontaneously advised it was none of the deputies business why she was pouring gas on her mobile home. Bajada then advised it was not even gas that she was pouring but that it was water. Upon Bajada opening her vehicle door the deputy could smell the strong odor of gasoline coming from the vehicle. The deputy also could see, in plain sight, a can of gasoline in the passenger side floor board. Bajada advised she has been in an ongoing argument with her neighbors and she was pouring water on the door of her property to see if her neighbors were going to be nosey and say something about it. Bajada advised she was not going to actually light the mobile home on fire.

Upon searching Bajada’s person deputies discovered a lighter in her jean pocket.

Additional deputies meanwhile responded to the residence and advised they could smell gasoline on the mobile home.
Deputies made contact with Joseph Bajada, victim/husband, who advised he has been staying at another residence, a few doors down, full time because he and the suspect have been going through a divorce. According to the affidavit the victim has alleged the suspect has been repeatedly calling him and threatening him by stating she was going to burn the house down and she hopes he is in there when it burns. The victim advised he did not tell the suspect where he was at the time she called because he was in fear for his safety.

The suspect called the victim on the following dates and made statements that she was going to burn down the mobile home that he was staying in:
05/21/2018 at 0554 hours.
05/19/2018 at 1331 hours.
05/15/2018 at 1802 hours.

Due to the suspect willfully and intentionally pouring gas on the mobile home and having the lighter on her person at the time of the incident she was arrested by deputies and charged with arson FSS.806.01(2). Additionally due to the suspect calling and threatening the victim on multiple occasions, the suspect was charged with aggravated stalking FSS. 784.048(3)..

Mary Bajada was transported to the Polk County Jail without incident. She posted bail and has a court date of June 26, 2018.

Polk Sheriffs Office Warns Residents Of Distraction Burglaries

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Polk Sheriffs Office Warns Residents Of Distraction Burglaries

Polk County Sheriff’s Office wants the public to be aware of numerous reports received on Distraction Burglaries throughout our area and ask you share this information with family and friends.

Distraction Burglaries involve fake service providers who arrive unexpectedly to your front door to provide you a service. These folks will pose as tree-trimmers, roofers, landscapers, driveway pavers, salespersons or even claim to be from the utility company all to lure elderly victims outside of their homes to discuss fabricated offers. Once outside, their accomplices sneak inside your residence unnoticed, to steal your valuables. They are skilled pitchmen who often utilize a walkie-talkie or cellular phone to stay in contact with each other. They may also have ID’s badges and business cards in an attempt to legitimize their scam. Should you encounter a suspicious person attempting to solicit unwanted services at your home, we urged you to contact law enforcement immediately! Call Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200Call: 863-298-6200, if you feel uncomfortable with a stranger at your front door offering services you do not want. Call us to check it out for you. However, if you feel threatened or scared, call 9-1-1. Homeowners are not obliged to invite solicitors inside their residents or to leave their home

Two Winter Haven Officers Injured After Encountering Man in Wheelchiar Wielding a 9″ Knife

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Two Winter Haven Officers Injured After Encountering Man in Wheelchiar Wielding a 9″ Knife

WHPD Release:

Two Winter Haven officers were injured after encountering a man in a wheelchair wielding a 9″ knife.

Both officers sustained non-life threatening injuries and were treated and released at the scene.
Just after midnight (12:30 a.m. 5-25-18), officers responded to Central Tavern (273 Central Ave W, Winter Haven) where a man in a wheelchair was reported to have a large knife attached to his wheelchair and he constantly would take out and show around. He left prior to law enforcement arriving.
When officers arrived, they found 29 year-old Emmanuel Ruiz Mejia (DOB 9-30-89, 1042 29th St N.W., Winter Haven) around the corner in front of a business just beside the parking garage.

As officers approached Mejia, they told him they were there investigating a possible disturbance, but Mejia attempted to roll past them in his wheelchair. A large sword-style knife was seen on the back of the wheelchair and was immediately removed for safety reasons. As officers continued to attempt to speak with him, Mejia placed his left hand under his thigh and appeared to be clinching something. Mejia would not comply with commands to show both hands and officers feared he was hiding a weapon.

Mejia continued to refuse commands to show his hands. Officer Kristopher Corley pulled his agency issued Taser and continued to command Mejia to show his hands. After numerous commands and Mejia continuing to refuse to show his hands, the taser was used to gain compliance. Mejia pulled his hands from under his thighs and a large serrated knife was plainly seen in his hand. He refused to surrender the knife and he was tackled to the ground in another attempt to get the knife. At this point Mejia thrust the knife towards Officer Kristopher Corley’s face causing lacerations from his neck and across his face.
Officer Edgardo Cruz deployed his taser and at the end of the cycle, Mejia picked the knife back up and threw it directly at Officer Cruz causing a laceration on his hand as he deflected the weapon.

Ultimately Mejia was handcuffed and taken into custody. After being medically evaluated at Winter Haven Hospital, he was transported to Polk County Jail and booked on 2 counts of Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer (F1), 2 counts of Resisting Officers With Violence (F-3) and 4 counts of Resisting Officers Without Violence (M1).
“We are thankful that the injuries sustained to Officers Corley and Cruz are minor and they ultimately can go home to their family, said Chief Charlie Bird. “This guy had no regard for life whatsoever and he is where he belongs and hopefully will stay there for a long time.”

Superior Fence & Rail, Inc. Offers Unique and Quality Products

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Superior Fence & Rail, Inc. Offers Unique and Quality Products

Superior Fence & Rail, Inc. Offers Unique and Quality Products

By Allison Williams

Photos provided by Superior Fence & Rail

Superior Fence & Rail, Inc. is a growing franchise and one of its branches can be found right here in Polk County. Located at 3060 Dundee Road, Winter Haven, Florida 33884, you can find any of your fencing and railing needs here.

Ken Morrison, owner of Superior Fence & Rail, Inc. has worked at the branch in Polk County for 10 of its 12 years of operation. Before becoming owner of the company, Morrison ran a construction company in the United Kingdom. He brought his knowledge and skills with him to Polk County and has been here ever since.

Morrison believes in keeping customers satisfied and knowledgeable about what Superior Fence & Rail has to offer. Providing a quote for potential clients, along with backing it up with quality materials for quality installation is important.

The “Where Quality Matters” slogan carries a lot of meaning to Morrison. Quality is a huge part of Superior Fence & Rail, Inc. The company has a ton to offer, from aluminum fences to ADA railings to Cantilever gates and much more. They even offer customized fence and rail projects because every client is different and unique.

 

ADA Railing 

 

Aluminum Fence with Pressed Spear Points

Custom Wood Fence

Vinyl Fence

Chain Link Fence

Cantiliver Gate

 

“We’re a reputable company,” Morrison said “We are Home Depot’s only professional fence company in Central Florida.”

Being an exclusive dealer of these unique products in the area and offering great products for a great value, Superior Fence & Rail stands out above others.

Not only does Superior Fence & Rail have a store open to the public, it also offers products in Home Depot. Morrison believes his store has the same philosophy as that of Home Depot’s, which is the customer always coming first.

In order to keep customers satisfied, a strong employee base is imperative. “My employees are trained in what they do,” Morrison said. “They know what the customer’s expectation is and they put the customer first. They are incredibly loyal and friendly.”

By having knowledgeable and trained employees who educate customers and always offer valuable products, Superior Fence & Rail takes pride in getting the job done. It is important to get the job right the first time.

One way customers can become educated about their products and services is by watching the video tutorials that Superior Fence & Rail offers on their website. The tutorials can be found here: https://www.superiorfenceandrail.com/category/fence-video-tutorials/

These tutorials cover topics including installation preparation, irrigation considerations and what to expect the day of installation.

Superior Fence & Rail has been growing over the years and will continue to grow. Morrison said it has grown at least 50% in the past five years. It has grown by gaining a larger client base, by word of mouth and by always offering unique and quality products.

“Our success moving forward is continuing to offer value for money, quality products and customer education,” Morrison added.

For those interested in a free estimate or for more information, call (863) 229-2762 or stop by 3060 Dundee Road, Winter Haven, Florida 33884.

Polk County website:

http://www.sfrpolk.com

Main website:

https://www.superiorfenceandrail.com

Corizon Health Nurse Arrested for Passing A Cell Phone to Polk County Jail Inmate

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Corizon Health Nurse Arrested for Passing A Cell Phone to Polk County Jail Inmate
PCSO Release:
On Thursday, May 24, 2018, 35-year-old Suzanne Gracia, a licensed practical nurse employed by Corizon Health working in the Polk County Jail, was arrested for giving a cell phone to an inmate. Gracia, who resides in Avon Park, has been employed by Corizon since November of 2014 and has worked in the South County Jail during her entire career.
The phone was found on inmate Julio Ruiz during a search of his cell on May 21st. Ruiz told deputies that it was Gracia who brought the phone into the jail. An examination of the phone and its usage showed that it had primarily been used by inmates Fernando Olvera-Gonzalez and Simon Ramos. Both men also identified Gracia as the one who provided the phone.
Olvera-Gonzalez also showed deputies love letters which he claimed were given to him by Gracia. In the letters, “Sue” mentions how her husband is in prison, and told Olvera-Gonzalez to find her when he is released from jail.
Gracia admitted to investigators that she wrote the letters, and had brought the cell phone into the jail and gave it to Olvera-Gonzalez.
“A cell phone in the jail presents a security risk, and can ultimately place anyone in the jail in danger. As a nurse, she’s supposed to provide care to the inmates, not phones. We’re obviously none-to-pleased with her behavior, and I suspect Corizon isn’t either.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Suzanne Gracia was arrested and charged with two counts of Introduction of Contraband (F-2), and two counts of Interference with County Prisoners (M-2).
Gracia was terminated from Corizon Health following her arrest.

Winter Haven Man Charged With Armed Kidnapping Of Ex-Girlfriend In Lake Wales

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Winter Haven Man Charged With Armed Kidnapping Of Ex-Girlfriend In Lake Wales

Lake Wales, Florida – According to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit a Winter Haven man kidnapped his ex-girlfriend by knife point, assaulted her, threatened her and falsely imprisoned her against her will.

On 5/20/2018, deputies were called to a home on South Dr. in the unincorporated area of Lake Wales. According to reports the victim and the suspect knew each other as ex-girlfriend/ boyfriend. According to reports the victim was sleeping on the couch when she heard a knock at the front door at approximately 5:30am on 5/20/2018. The victim went to the door and opened it without checking to see who it was. The victim advised that her ex-boyfriend Waylon White, DOB: 10/22/1986, was standing outside of the door. White just looked at the victim for a moment without saying anything. According to the victim that is when White removed a large gray and red knife from his pocket. He forced the victim into his truck and drove down a dirt road in Alturas. At this time the suspect asked the victim about one of her ex-boyfriends and being unsatisfied with her answers he allegedly punched her in the right eye. According to reports the victim pleaded with the suspect to take her home, but he instead drove to Hunt Brothers Rd. in Lake Wales and pulled off the side of the road. This is where the victim reportedly jumped out of the truck and tried to run away. The suspect allegedly caught her near the front of the truck and grabbed her by her hair and dragged her back into the truck.

White then reportedly drove them back to the same dirt road in Alturas, continuing to question the victim about her ex-boyfriend. The suspect then allegedly struck the victim again the face causing her nose to bleed badly. The victim advised deputies that they then drove around talking about their relationship. White asked if he could do anything to get back with the victim. At this time the victim informed him he had anger issues. The suspect then drove back to the dirt road. He exited the vehicle and came to the passenger side opened the door and grabbed the victim by her hair. He dragged her out of the truck and into the nearby orange grove, sat on top of her and removed his knife from his pocket. White reportedly held the knife to her throat and allegedly threatened to kill the victim if she contacted law enforcement. The victim was able to convince White she would not inform law enforcement of this incident. The suspect finally dropped the victim off at her home.

Deputies observed the victim having a swollen and blackening eye, bloodied looking nose and a small laceration on her arm. The suspect was later arrested. White denied the entire incident occurred and asked to speak to a lawyer without giving any further statement to law enforcement. The suspect was charged with Armed Burglary with Assault/Battery, Armed Kidnapping, Armed False Imprisonment, Domestic Violence Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Tampering with physical evidence and Domestic Violence & Battery (2 counts).

Polk County School Crossing Guard Committee Announces School Crossing Guard to Be Removed PUBLIC NOTICE

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Polk County School Crossing Guard Committee Announces School Crossing Guard to Be Removed PUBLIC NOTICE
Polk County School Crossing Guard Committee Announces School Crossing Guard to Be Removed
PUBLIC NOTICE

The Berkley Charter School crossing guard located at Old Berkley Road and Berkley Knights Road in Auburndale, will be removed due to the inconsistent use of the crossing by walking elementary students.

The decision was made by the School Crossing Guard Committee following crossing counts collected. This committee is comprised of representatives from the Polk County School Board, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Board of County Commissioners Traffic Engineering Division, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and a number of the municipalities within Polk County.

As a matter of procedure, the School Crossing Guard Committee communicates with the principal of the affected school to inform him or her of the actions taken. In addition, the principal is reminded to notify members of the committee if the situation changes at which time another survey would be conducted.

The school crossing guard will be removed effective at the end of the 2017/2018 school year (today).

While this review process occurs throughout the year, deputies patrol school zones daily as a reminder to motorists that caution is critical.  Please remember that fines are doubled in school zones and that all law enforcement members take the safety of children very seriously. As a responsible motorist, so should you.

The Polk County School Crossing Guard Committee reminds you to please drive safely in and around schools and school safety zones!

 

Auburndale Schools Placed On Lockdown After Man With What Appeared To Be Rifle Bag Spotted Near High School

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Auburndale Schools Placed On Lockdown After Man With What Appeared To Be Rifle Bag Spotted Near High School

Auburndale, Florida – According To The Auburndale Police Department someone reportedly spotted a suspicious man walking near the lake across from Auburndale High School. It appeared to the person reporting that the man had a rifle bag. Auburndale High School & Stambaugh Middle School, which already had armed resource officers, were placed on lockdown. Officers were not able to locate the suspicious person. No one was injured.

The lockdown has since been lifted. Additional law enforcement will remain at the schools for the remainder of the day.

Here is a copy of the message to parents

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