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Man Who Set Off Flares At Eagle Ridge Mall Captured After Trying To Flee Police

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Man Who Set Off Flares At Eagle Ridge Mall Captured After Trying To Flee Police

Lake Wales Police Department Press Release

Date: January 27, 2018

On January 21, 2018, first responders evacuated the Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales following the report of a possible pipe bomb that had detonated inside a corridor. Following an extensive investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, we learned the devices were not pipe bombs, but marine flares disguised with black electrical tape resembling pipe bombs. Further investigation revealed an unknown suspect had ignited the flares and attempted to throw them into the drop ceiling above the corridor and Kay Jewelers, which is immediately adjacent to the corridor. Initial reports led officers to believe there may have been more than one suspect involved in the incident. As the investigation continued, law enforcement collected hours of video from surrounding businesses, followed up on leads and processed physical evidence discovered at the scene.

 

The Lake Wales Police Department (LWPD) was the lead agency in this investigation, assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (FBI JTTF), the Safe Streets Task Force, the state Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigation Bomb Squad (BFAI) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

 

The investigation revealed a suspect leaving the scene of the crime, which resulted in a composite being released on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Throughout the week, investigators worked tirelessly, following up on tips and on Friday, January 26, 2018, the FDLE Crime Lab contacted us. FDLE indicated that five of the items left behind by the suspect had a DNA profile on them, resulting in a Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) hit on32-year-old Patrick Joseph Collins of Auburndale, Fl.

 

Investigators determined Collins was possibly residing at 315 Leta Street in Auburndale and the Auburndale Police Department quickly joined in the effort to locate Collins. As detectives conducted surveillance at this location, Collins exited the residence. PCSO deputies approached to speak with Collins in the yard as he walked toward a 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Upon sight of law enforcement, Collins attempted to flee on the motorcycle and ran into one of the deputy’s vehicles. After crashing the motorcycle, he ran from the scene but was apprehended and taken into custody following a brief struggle. Due to the crash, Polk County EMS transported Collins to the Winter Haven Hospital where he was medically cleared then released.

 

During questioning, Collins admitted to igniting the flares at the Eagle Ridge Mall on Sunday evening. He provided no explanation or motive for his actions or his reasoning for disguising the flares with electrical tape. Collins stated he was trying to sleep in the corridor when people began to chase him and he ignited the flares to keep them from getting him. Witness statements and video surveillance disprove his account of the incident. Collins stated no one else was there to help him and that he acted alone. He further stated that within the last two weeks he was terminated from his job where he worked on cell phone towers.

Building Partnerships for a Safer Community Detectives and the BFAI Bomb Squad executed a search warrant at 315 Leta St. and located two marine flares in the saddlebag of the motorcycle Collins had driven. The flares were similar to those recovered from the scene; however the outer portion of their housings had been removed. Inside the residence, detectives located black electrical tape along with black nitrile gloves similar to those left behind at the mall Sunday evening following the incident. Multiple fall protection harnesses were also located within the residence.

 

Investigators had recovered a black bag from the mall corridor Sunday evening with the words ͞Guardian Fall Protection͟ on it. Guardian is a manufacturer of fall protection harnesses and safety equipment similar to that found inside the residence. Collins’ criminal history includes carrying a concealed firearm, possession of marijuana, driving on a suspended license, failure to appear and violation of probation. The Lake Wales Police Department charged Collins with attempted arson and manufacturing/possessing a hoax bomb. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office charged Collins with resisting an officer without violence. Collins is scheduled for first appearance on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m.

 

Chief Velasquez thanks all of the assisting agencies for their continued support throughout this investigation. ͞This is a perfect example of your local, state and federal law enforcement working together as a team to keep you safe and hold those that break the law accountable. It is also a perfect opportunity to remind the public if you see something, say something.͟This investigation remains active. Anyone with information should contact Lake Wales Police Detective Whitney Dukes at 863-678-4223 ext. 269 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477

After Numberous Inquiries, Winter Haven Fire Says There is No Fire Danger at Leoland Hotel

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After Numberous Inquiries, Winter Haven Fire Says There is No Fire Danger at Leoland Hotel

Due to numerous inquiries, this alert is being sent on behalf of the Winter Haven Fire Department regarding a call to the Legoland Hotel.

At approximately 10:20 p.m this evening, a call was received regarding a possible fire at the Legoland hotel in Winter Haven. There was not a fire nor were there any injuries.
All guests and staff are safe and are being allowed back to their rooms.

When fire and police arrived, it was discovered that a candle was left unattended in a room on the fourth floor, which cause smoke and the alarm. This was all confined to one room.

In an abundance of caution, the hotel was evacuated until the source of the smoke was located.
Everyone is safe and there were no injuries.

Help Bartow Police Identify Armed Robbery Suspect

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Help Bartow Police Identify Armed Robbery Suspect

On 01/25/2018 at 9:47 pm, an armed robbery occurred at the Family Dollar Store located at 775 Highway 17 South in Bartow.

 

A black male (pictured) wearing a dark blue hoodie, blue sweat pants, and black/green shoes, entered the main entrance of the store. The suspect then displayed a handgun and robbed the store clerks of money. The suspect fled just prior to police arrival.

 

We need your help to identify the suspect. You CAN receive up to $3,000.00 CA$H and remain Anonymous. Call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-226-8477.

Bartow Man Arrested After Shooting Another Man During Altercation

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Bartow Man Arrested After Shooting Another Man During Altercation

On 01/22/2018, officers with the Bartow Police Department responded to the Bartow Regional Medical Center in regards to a reported gunshot injury. Upon arrival, officers learned that a male subject (Christopher Henson, B/M, Age 45, of Bartow), had been involved in an altercation involving a firearm.

Henson reported that he became involved in a verbal dispute with an unidentified black male subject earlier the same date. This altercation occurred in the area of 1070 Martin Luther King Blvd. After exchanging words, the male subject brandished a black handgun of an undetermined caliber and fired a shot into the ground near the victim. Henson took flight; however, he was pursued by the subject. At some point, the victim fell to the ground at which time the suspect began striking Henson about the face and head. As he did so, the firearm discharged and Henson was struck in the right hand. At that time, the suspect disengaged and began to walk away. Henson fled to his nearby residence and was subsequently transported to BRMC by family members.

During the investigation, detectives received information which led to the identity of the suspect. 43 year old, Clifton Williams Jr, B/M of Bartow was identified as the shooter. A warrant for the suspects arrest was obtained, as police began to search for his whereabouts.
On 01/26/2018, officers located Williams in the area of the 2000 block of East Church Street, near his residence. Williams took flight upon contact with law enforcement and was apprehended a short time later, without further incident.

Clifton Williams, Jr. is charged with Aggravated Battery by Firearm, Discharging a Firearm in Public, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

Winter Haven Woman Robbed in Broad Daylight While at the Park With Toddler

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Winter Haven Woman Robbed in Broad Daylight While at the Park With Toddler

A Winter Haven woman was robbed in broad daylight while at a park with her toddler.
On 1-25-18 at approximately 10 a.m., the victim was at Kiwanis Park, located at 301 Ave C NE in Winter Haven. She and her toddler were in the fenced area of the park. There was nobody else at the park during the time.

The victim saw a black male wearing a black hooded sweater and dark pants come into the park from the west. She saw a second black male approach from the east. The second male was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and gym shorts.

The two entered into the fenced area where the victim and her child were located. She felt uneasy, so she picked up her child and started heading towards her car. As she was approaching her car, both subjects walked behind her and one said, “Give me your money or I’ll shoot!” She felt something in the middle of her back and the subject wearing the gym shorts punched her on the right side of her face. The punch caused her to fall to the ground holding her child. The child was not injured.

While she was on the ground, the subject that punched her grabbed her purse from around her neck and both men ran east. The victim immediately ran to a business located directly across the street from the park.

During a canvass of the area, Detectives located a man who was working on a nearby house who stated he saw two black men wearing clothes that matched the description given by the victim. The two were seen getting out of an older model gold pickup truck, possibly a Chevrolet S10 with an extended cab and head towards the park. Both are described as black males, between 18 – 25 years old and approximately 6′ – 6’4″ tall.

The victim’s bank card was utilized approximately 45 minutes after the attack at a Redbox located at CVS (99 Magnolia Ave.) in Auburndale. A short time later, the card was used at Ace Wireless (413 Magnolia Ave.) in Auburndale to purchase 2 cellphones.

“We are urging the public to take a good look at the video we obtained,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “To target a mother with her toddler in brought daylight is reprehensible. These guys must be caught before someone is seriously injured.”


Video surveillance of the truck was obtained at the CVS and the suspect who punched the victim is seen inside of the Ace Wireless store. Anyone who can identify the suspect is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Lake Wales High School Girls Soccer Team Wins Districts

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Lake Wales High School Girls Soccer Team Wins Districts

Lake Wales High School Girls Soccer team took the win over Poinciana with a score of 6-3 for the District Championship last night at Legion Field.

They have now moved to Regional Quarter Finals and will play Titusville Feb 6th at 7pm at Legion Field.

Come out and show your support to Lake Wales High School Girls Soccer Team.

Bartow Man Arrested And Charged After Accidental Shooting of a Minor

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Bartow Man Arrested And Charged After Accidental Shooting of a Minor

BARTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
01/25/2018
Accidental Shooting of Minor

On 01/24/2018 at approximately 1930 hours, officers with the Bartow Police Department responded to the Bartow Regional Medical Center in reference to a 12 years of age male being treated for a gunshot wound to his hand.

After investigation, detectives learned that the juvenile had accidentally shot himself in the hand while moving the firearm. Through interviews, detectives learned that the child’s uncle, Michael Caraway, left his handgun unsecured inside his vehicle at 1150 East Davidson St. Just prior to this event, Caraway asked the juvenile to go outside and retrieve his phone charger from inside his vehicle. While doing so, the victim observed the unsecured handgun and picked it up. As the victim handled the firearm, there was an accidental discharge of the weapon. This resulted in the victim being shot in his left hand. After seeking medical attention at BRMC, the victim was ultimately transported to Saint Joseph’s Children’s hospital in stable condition.

During this investigation, detectives learned that prior to law enforcement’s arrival Caraway retrieved the handgun and fled the scene. Caraway subsequently admitted that he threw the firearm into an undisclosed phosphate pit. Caraway advised that he did so because he was “scared”, knowing that his unsecured firearm had been involved.

Michael Russell Caraway, age 23, of Bartow, was arrested and charged with Tampering with/Destroying Evidence related to a Criminal Investigation (Felony-3) and Failure to Safely Store or Secure a Firearm (Misdemeanor-2).

Winter Haven PD Looking for 2 Suspects Who Went on a Shopping/Stealing Spree at Walmart

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Winter Haven PD Looking for 2 Suspects Who Went on a Shopping/Stealing Spree at Walmart

Check out this clear video of two suspects having a shopping spree – wait, shopping means paying. They didn’t pay.

On 1-23-18 at approximately 5:30 p.m. a male and female, both appearing to be in their mid to late 30’s enter Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and being their escapade. Roaming all over the store, they select everything from health and beauty aids, to sheets to cleaning products including four large containers of Tide Pods.

The female then is seen exiting from the area of the produce department while the male is seen coming down the center isle through the grocery area about 8 – 10 seconds later. You guess it – neither came from the cash register area. They are driving a dark SUV possibly a black Ford Escape that has an air freshener hanging from the rear-view mirror.

Anyone with information on their identities is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) Callers will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

See video here: https://www.facebook.com/175433949189901/videos/1907574909309121/

 

Update in The Hit and Run Investigation From Sunday In Auburndale

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Update in The Hit and Run Investigation From Sunday In Auburndale

UPDATE in the hit-and-run investigation from Sunday in Auburndale:

The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2018, and is seeking the public’s help.

On that date and time, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call in reference to an adult male pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle in front of International Market World, 1052 US Hwy 92 West in Auburndale. It appears the victim was struck by a vehicle in the westbound turn lane that turns into the Flea Market. The vehicle would have been traveling westbound.

There is a vehicle of interest (seen here) described as a 2000-2005 model dark-colored Ford Ranger stepside truck.

“If anyone has an idea of who owns this truck, or saw something suspicious in the area, they are urged to call PCSO at 863-298-6200; or you can remain anonymous and call Heartland Crime Stoppers. We need justice for Eduardo.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Anyone with information who wants to REMAIN ANONYMOUS and be eligible for a CASH REWARD is asked to call HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. Anonymity is Guaranteed!!

Tenoroc High School Student Arrested for Bringing Loaded Gun to School

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Tenoroc High School Student Arrested for Bringing Loaded Gun to School
Tenoroc High School Student Arrested for Bringing Loaded Gun to School

On Wednesday, January 24, 2018, PCSO School Resource deputies arrested 16-year-old Terrika Nichole Whitfield (DOB 1/5/02), a freshman at Tenoroc High School in unincorporated Lakeland, and charged her with:

  • possession of a firearm by a juvenile delinquent (F-2)
  • possession of a weapon on school grounds (F-2)
  • possession of a concealed firearm (F-3)
  • possession of a firearm with an altered/removed serial number (M-1)
  • disruption of a school function (M-2)
  • resisting arrest (M-1)
  • VOP (M-2)

According to the affidavit, Whitfield was seen by students with a gun tucked into her waistband. Some students reported it to school administration staff, who immediately reported it to the School Resource Deputy. The deputy responded to Whitfield’s classroom and searched her – the gun was not on her at that time. When asked, Whitfield told the deputy she did not have a backpack. The teacher then pointed out Whitfield’s backpack to the deputy. A 9 mm handgun was found within the backpack, with one round in the magazine, and one round in the chamber. The serial number was scratched off of the gun.

At the time the gun was found, Whitfield became aggressive, cursing and yelling at everyone. She was taken into custody and transported to the JAC.

She’s currently on probation for battery on a LEO and assault.

Whitfield’s criminal history includes prior arrests for: battery, battery on LEO, battery on education employee, petit theft, possession of marijuana & paraphernalia, VOP.

“The school staff and our school resource deputy did an outstanding job quickly locating and confiscating the weapon. Given the seriousness of this student’s criminal history and current charges, we are going to do everything we can to make sure the criminal justice system holds her accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The following statement was issued by the Polk County School Superintendent:

“We thank Tenoroc High’s students, staff and school resource deputy for acting quickly when reports surfaced of a weapon on campus. Through their efforts, the firearm was recovered before anyone could be threatened or injured. We will continue to cooperate with our partners in law enforcement to ensure our schools are safe places for learning.” – Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd

 

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