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One Person Killed In Crash On Cypress Gardens Rd. In Winter Haven

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One Person Killed In Crash On Cypress Gardens Rd. In Winter Haven

Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

Around 5:30 p.m. on December 22, 2017, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call regarding a two-vehicle crash on Cypress Gardens Road at Lameraux Road, Winter Haven. The Winter Haven Fire Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and PCSO deputies responded to the scene. Upon arrival they found 81-year-old Dorothy Jean Stricklen of Audubon Rd in Winter Haven deceased in her vehicle, a 2013 silver Toyota SUV. The other driver, 25-year-old Shelby Lynn Lee of South Lake Star Blvd in Lake Wales, who was driving a 2013 green Ford F-150, was not injured.

Cypress Gardens Road in the area of the crash is a two-lane road that connects numerous residential neighborhoods. It has grass shoulders and a 40 mph speed limit. Lameraux Road is a two lane road that runs north off Cypress Gardens Road, also connecting numerous neighborhoods. There is a stop sign on southbound Lameraux Road at the intersection with Cypress Gardens Road.

Evidence at the scene and witness statements indicate that Stricklen was southbound on Lameraux Road at the intersection with Cypress Gardens Road. It is unclear at this time if she stopped at the stop sign. She attempted to turn from southbound Lameraux Road onto eastbound Cypress Gardens Road, but pulled into the path of Lee’s pick-up truck, which was westbound on Cypress Gardens Road and unable to stop.

Both drivers were seat belted and the airbags in both vehicles deployed. Both were the only occupants of their vehicles.

There were no signs of impairment on the part of either driver. Excessive speed is not believed to be a factor for either vehicle. Distracted driving does not appear to be a factor. No civil or criminal charges are expected. Cypress Gardens Road was closed in both directions for approximately 4 hours during the investigation

In Loving Memory Of Richard L. Joyce – 6/6/1947 – 12/20/2017

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In Loving Memory Of Richard L. Joyce – 6/6/1947 – 12/20/2017

In Loving Memory Of
Richard L. Joyce – 6/6/1947 – 12/20/2017

Richard L. Joyce Sr., of Lake Wales, Florida passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Lake Wales Medical Center.

He was born June 6, 1947 in Newcastle, Indiana to the late Paul E. and Mabel L. (Jones) Joyce. He was a Manager for McDonald’s Restaurant’s and of the Methodist faith.

He was preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Harpp. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Wanda K. Joyce, daughters; Rhonda K. Bowers (Leroy) of Manassas, VA, Renee L. Joyce of Lake Wales, FL, sons; Richard L. Joyce Jr. (Melissa) of Lake Wales, Rod E. Joyce (Missy) of Winter Haven, FL, Robb W. Joyce (Maria) of Winter Haven, FL, adopted daughter Tammy Norton (Rich) of Beach Grove, Indiana, sister; Judith A. Trussler of Crowley, TX, brother; Everett P. Joyce (Doylie) of Greenfield, IN, 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, foster parents of 38 children over 16 years along with raising their own children, survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 11:00am Saturday, December 23, 2017 until service time at 12:00pm at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home with Pastor Nathan Osbourne officiating. Marion Nelson Funeral Home handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family and the webcast may be viewed at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com .

Amtrak Train Crashes Into Semi Tractor Trailer In Auburndale

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Amtrak Train Crashes Into Semi Tractor Trailer In Auburndale

Auburndale, Florida – Emergency responders are on scene of an Amtrak train vs. semi-tractor trailer in Auburndale.

It appears as if the Amtrak train traveling East struck the trailer portion of a semi that had just crossed over the tracks that cross Recker Hwy near Derby Avenue in Auburndale. The train dragged the trailer a short distance before coming to a complete stop. There are no injuries to anyone on the train or to the driver of the semi.

The accident reportedly occurred just prior to 3pm.

This a developing situation and we will update as soon as possible.

Victory Ridge Academy Receives McGuire Difference Award

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Victory Ridge Academy Receives McGuire Difference Award

Lake Wales, Florida – On December 21, 2017, Victory Ridge Academy (VRA) was awarded the McGuire Difference Award from McGuire Kia and McGuire Chevrolet. All funding received will go towards VRA’s School Café and upcoming Farm-to-Table Food Truck. Participants in this program will learn food prep, hospitality, workforce, and independent life skills. Furthermore, this unique project will help facilitate proper etiquette and day-to-day routines as students will learn to prepare healthy foods.

Additionally, funding will go towards purchasing a Dynamic Stander for our students with physical disabilities. This state-of-the-art piece of therapeutic equipment will help students achieve their therapy and standing goals; while also providing support to students’ breathing, circulation, and digestion.

Both staff and students at Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank McGuire Kia and McGuire Chevrolet for their generous donation and support!

Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c)(3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org

Four Arrested in Retal Theft Ring Targeting Home Depot in 6 Counties

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Four Arrested in Retal Theft Ring Targeting Home Depot in 6 Counties

PCSO Release:

On December 20, 2017, the PCSO Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Unit charged four out of five suspects (one died in November) who were working together to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise from Home Depot stores in six counties during an 11-month time frame: Polk, Hillsborough, Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole. In all, the suspects were charged with 26 felonies by the Office of the Statewide Prosecutor. The suspects committed 275 confirmed thefts during the time frame July 2016 – June 2017, depriving Home Depot of over $222,000.

The investigation began in April 2017 when PCSO was contacted by Home Depot loss prevention personnel. The suspects worked together, under the direction of Alberto Vera-Caraballo, to take merchandise (including flooring, vanities, countertops, doors, tools, and accessories) to the self-checkout lanes, and while one suspect distracted the clerk, the other suspect walked out of the store with the items in a cart, bypassing all points of sale. The suspects would then return the stolen merchandise back inside the store in exchange for a Home Depot gift card. They then sold the gift cards at a jewelry store in Altamonte Springs.

Transactions involving the return of merchandise without a receipt in exchange for a Home Depot gift card require a person to use personal identification – in some incidents, the suspects used their own ID cards; in several other incidents, the suspects used the stolen identification cards from 15 victims, 13 of whom live in Florida, and 2 of whom live in Texas.

From November 2016 to February 2017, the suspects committed 19 of the 275 thefts at the Home Depot store located at 6335 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland, stealing over $16,000 worth of merchandise to make fraudulent returns.

In all, the suspects obtained 271 Home Depot gift cards, totaling $220,000 – Alberto then sold them to a jewelry store for a total value of $149,000 ($71,000 less than the face value of the cards). Recently, Home Depot changed their return policy, no longer allowing the private sale of Home Depot gift cards.

The suspects’ criminal histories have a combined total of 27 prior felonies, and 26 prior misdemeanors

Upon completion of the investigation, PCSO detectives obtained warrants for all five suspects’ arrests, then learned one of the suspects died on November 5, 2017. She was Michdalie Palerm-Martinez, DOB 11/5/77, the girlfriend of the ringleader, Alberto Vera-Caraballo. She completed one fraudulent return using her own ID card, and several returns using stolen ID cards. She also used a stolen ID to bond Alberto out of jail in April 2017. The charges on her warrant were: 1 count organized scheme to defraud over $50,000 (F-1); 1 count conspiracy to commit fraud over $50,000 (F-2); 1 count grand theft over $100,000 (F-1); 1 count conspiracy to commit grand theft over $100,000 (F-2); 1 count organized dealing in stolen property (F-1); and 1 count criminal use of personal ID (F-3). Her criminal history includes one prior felony and 2 prior misdemeanors.

The following suspects were arrested and/or charged:

Alberto Vera-Caraballo, DOB 7/23/69, of Cypress Bay Court, Orlando – he is currently being held in the Osceola Jail on no bond – PCSO detectives served the warrant on him there for:

  • 1 count organized scheme to defraud over $50,000 (F-1)
  • 1 count conspiracy to commit fraud over $50,000 (F-2)
  • 1 count grand theft over $100,000 (F-1)
  • 1 count conspiracy to commit grand theft over $100,000 (F-2)
  • 1 count organized dealing in stolen property (F-1)
  • 1 count criminal use of personal ID (F-3)

Alberto was the leader of this group of suspects, and recruited others to make fraudulent returns. He is responsible for organizing the execution of 275 confirmed thefts, 19 of which occurred in Polk County. From July 2016 to March 2017, Alberto alone made 164  transactions at a jewelry store in Altamonte Springs, selling 271 Home Depot gift cards valued at over $220,000 for $149,000 ($71,000 less than the actual value). He has been in the Osceola County Jail since October 1, 2017, for 2 counts failure to appear, and 1 count possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. His criminal history includes 20 prior felonies, 17 prior misdemeanors, and 13 failures to appear.

Victor Diaz-Martinez, DOB 8/9/67, of Tikimber Lane, Orlando – he is Michdalie’s cousin (see above) – he was arrested on December 20th in Orange County and is being housed in the Orange County Jail for:

  • 1 count organized scheme to defraud over $50,000 (F-1)
  • 1 count conspiracy to commit fraud over $50,000 (F-2)
  • 1 count grand theft over $100,000 (F-1)
  • 1 count conspiracy to commit grand theft over $100,000 (F-2)
  • 1 count organized dealing in stolen property (F-1)
  • 1 count criminal use of personal ID (F-3)

Victor was involved in the 275 confirmed thefts, 19 of which were in Polk County. He completed three fraudulent returns using his own ID card, and several returns using stolen ID cards. He recently bonded out of the Osceola County Jail. His criminal history includes 5 prior felonies, and 7 prior misdemeanors.

Alexander Febles-Mirelis, DOB 12/4/81, of Desoto Drive, Kissimmee – he is Giselle’s husband (see below) – he has a Polk County warrant for his arrest, and is believed to be in the Miami area. He has a Polk County warrant for:

  • 1 count conspiracy to commit fraud over $50,000 (F-2)
  • 1 count conspiracy to commit grand theft over $100,000 (F-2)
  • 3 counts organized dealing in stolen property (F-1)

Alexander was involved in 4 confirmed thefts, none of which were in Polk County. He completed three fraudulent returns using his own ID card. His criminal history includes a prior felony.

Giselle Sanchez Juala, DOB 11/15/76, of Desoto Drive, Kissimmee – she is Alexander’s wife (see above) – she has a Polk County warrant for his arrest, and is believed to be in the Miami area. She has a Polk County warrant for:

  • 1 count conspiracy to commit fraud over $50,000 (F-2)
  • 1 count conspiracy to commit grand theft over $100,000 (F-2)
  • 1 count organized dealing in stolen property (F-1)

Giselle was involved in one confirmed theft, not in Polk County. She admitted to fraudulently returning property with her husband, and giving the gift cards to Alberto. She attempted to complete a fraudulent return but was declined.

Lakeland Police Investigating a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

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Lakeland Police Investigating a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Lakeland, Florida – The Lakeland Police Department is currently investigating a fatal motorcycle crash on Griffin Rd and Providence Rd.

The crash occurred around 7am this morning.

The roadway is currently blocked off at this time.

We will update this article as more information is available.

Cops and Kids at Christmas 2017

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Cops and Kids at Christmas 2017

Cops and Kids at Christmas 2017

On December 14, 2017 Lake Wales Police Department employees and volunteers participated in the annual Shop with a Cop program.  Fifty-two children from the community and the children’s families met at Wal-Mart for a special shopping trip with Lake Wales Police Department members and volunteers.

The children who participated in the Shop with a Cop event were selected by officers partnering with local schools to identify students in need and by officers who through the course of their day to day duties were aware of children in need. The intent of this event is to build positive relationships between the children who participate and the police. Also, it provided a special time for children who may not have received Christmas presents.  During Shop with a Cop, children were assigned to officers and volunteers who escorted them through Wal-Mart as they shopped for whatever they wanted. Through generous donations from many sponsors and vendors, WALMART provided each family with 2 bags of food items, a turkey and a live Christmas tree this year.  The WALMART employees also collected donations among themselves and provided gift cards to each family.

This year we also had a student from Bok Academy, MJ Yodonis, who is also the son of one of our officers, organize a 5K to raise money for Shop With a Cop. It began as a school assignment and grew in to an event that raised over $2500 and began an annual event we hope to continue.  MJ attended Shop With a Cop with his dad last year and was impressed enough to want to do more so when the assignment was presented to him he chose to raise money for this special event.  He did an awesome job and we are very proud of him and his efforts.

There are several sponsors who made the $4,770.00 Shop with a Cop event possible. They are the Lake Wales Police Department, Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart employees, the Lake Wales Police Officer’s Association, McGuire KIA, Terry Loyd, Center State Bank, Mid-Florida Credit Union, Lori Kennedy State Farm, Victor Story, Tim Bean, Carlsberg Estates, Full Service Property Management, Century 21 At Your Service Realty, Home for Polk Inc, Up at the Cross, His Way Creation, Frank Yodonis, Michael, Michelle, Mckenzie, & MJ Yodonis, and many anonymous cash donations.

Comments from Deputy Chief Troy Schulze:

The Lake Wales Police Officer’s Association began partnering with local businesses and residents in 2012 to create a special Christmas shopping trip for children in our community. This special Christmas shopping trip was named “Shop With a Cop”. Hundreds of children have had a positive experience by doing their own Christmas shopping alongside members of the Lake Wales Police Department. Each Shop With a Cop event has been held at Wal-Mart on a mid-December evening. Witnessing a Shop With a Cop event will likely restore the dreams and hopes of Christmas to anyone who has lost them. The parking lot is filled with marked and unmarked police vehicles. Dozens of uniformed officers, detectives, and other police department members greet pre-selected families in front of Wal-Mart. Police department members are assigned to families and the shopping begins. As the children are escorted through the store some know exactly what they want and their shopping experience is brief while others look around carefully to see what catches their eye. Those escorting the children while they shop and bystanders who just happen to be in Wal-Mart while the children shop are gripped by the look in the children’s eyes and the smiles on their faces. This event seems to fill Wal-Mart with joy and laughter! We have seen children purchase their first bicycles, purchase gifts not only for themselves but also for other family members, and some have even purchased food for their family so they would have dinner. Some of the bravest and strongest law enforcement officers you will ever meet have been brought to tears of joy by a hug and a thank you from a child or their family at the conclusion of a Shop With a Cop event. So, has Shop With a Cop been a success? After witnessing children’s dreams become reality, hope restored, families being together, relationships developed, partnerships improved, and the generosity of our community revealed we would say yes. Merry Christmas!!!

Two Suspects Charged in Making a Destructive Device

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Two Suspects Charged in Making a Destructive Device

Two Suspects Charged in Making a Destructive Device

Lakeland PD Release:

On November 28, 2017, around 10:00 p.m., Brian Wilson, 20 years of age, and Michael Stein, 20 years of age, did willfully and unlawfully make, possess, and place a destructive device. The device that the defendant made is known as, “The Works Bomb”. The mixture of a chemical and aluminum foil reacts and causes the gas to expand which ultimately ends up causing the bottle to explode.

The above two subjects made two of these destructive devices in the parking lot of the Common Ground Park located at 1000 E. Edgewood Drive in Lakeland, Florida. The subjects after making the destructive devices placed them in the parking lot. According to subjects during the interview the destructive devices did not explode. The subjects made the destructive device after 9:00 p.m. and no children were present.

Both subjects then made one more destructive device in the area of Lake Hollingsworth Drive and Hollingsworth Oak Drive. This destructive device was placed by Brian Wilson in-between the pathway and the water’s edge in a grassy area. The destructive device was made after 10:00 p.m.

All three destructive devices were recovered by the Lakeland Police Department on November 29, 2017. On December 4, 2017, Michael Stein was interviewed with his attorney present, and he admitted to being the one responsible for the idea, the making, and the placing of these destructive devices. Stein stated his intentions was never to try and harm anyone, but this was something he had done as a younger person and he was trying to show his friends what this could do. Wilson was also interviewed and admitted to his involvement.

Both of the subjects actions are a violation of Florida State Statue 790.161(1). A person who willfully and unlawfully makes, possesses, throws, projects, places, discharges, or attempts to make, possess, throw, project, place, or discharges and destructive device commits a felony of the third degree.

Both subjects had no intent to harm anyone by making this device. A complaint affidavit was sent to the State Attorney’s Office charging:

Michael Robert Stein, 20 years old, Lakeland, Florida – Charged with 3 cts of Making a Destructive Device, F3.

Brian Edward Wilson, 20 years old, Lakeland, Florida – Charged with 1 ct of Making a Destructive Device, F3.

No Photos Available at this time.

Original Release:

LAKELAND, FL – (November 29, 2017) The Lakeland Police Department is currently investigating two suspicious homemade bottle devices found at separate locations this morning. Both were plastic bottles containing an unknown liquid substance and aluminum foil inside. Neither device was activated.
The first bottle was located at approximately 7:11 a.m. inside the north parking lot of CommonGround Park,1000 E. Edgewood Drive, by a Parks and Recreation employee who was cleaning the grounds. The second suspicious homemade bottle was reported at 10:01 a.m. by a pedestrian walking Lake Hollingsworth. The plastic bottle was located on the east side of Lake Hollingsworth, near the Hollingsworth Oaks intersection, approximately 25 feet off the bike path, near the shoreline.
Lakeland Police and Lakeland Fire Departments responded to both locations and secured the scenes. The Tampa Police Department’s Bomb Squad responded to the Hollingsworth location, neutralized the device and are continuing to process evidence.
All City Parks have been checked for similar suspicious devices. These devices appear to be made from common household items and do not create incendiary explosions, however, they can be hazardous to anyone making them as well as anyone who may encounter them.
There are no suspects at this time and the public should call 911 if they see anything suspicious.

UPDATE TO CRASH ON US 98 NORTH IN NORTH LAKELAND

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UPDATE TO CRASH ON US 98 NORTH IN NORTH LAKELAND

UPDATE TO CRASH ON US 98 NORTH IN NORTH LAKELAND:

 

FINAL UPDATE TO TWO-VEHICLE CRASH IN NORTH LAKELAND:

At 5:58 a.m. this morning (Tues, Dec 19th) PCSO received a call in reference to a two-vehicle near head-on collision in the southbound lane of US Hwy 98 North, just north of CR 471, in north Lakeland.

Preliminary information indicates that 27-year-old Nathan Barron of Lakeland was heading northbound in a 1997 green Nissan Altima when for unknown reasons he crossed over into the southbound lane and was struck nearly head-on by a southbound 2014 green Ford F-250 being driven by 53-year-old Lawrence White, Jr., of Dade City.

Barron had to be extricated from his car, and was deceased on-scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt. He has a suspended driver’s license.

White was transported to LRHMC with non-life-threatening injuries. He was wearing a seatbelt. No impairment on his part is suspected.

The speed limit in that area is 60 MPH. There was heavy fog at the time, with extremely limited visibility.

The road was shut down for several hours during the investigation and is open at this time. No charges are pending.

 

2nd Update:

The roadway is still shut down in that area, near CR 471 and CR 54. It may be cleared up in another hour.

The crash involved a near head-on collision between a Nissan Altima and a Ford F-250. Each vehicle had only an adult male occupant.

The driver of the Altima is deceased. The driver of the truck was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Drive Safe!!!

 

Original Release:

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: PCSO deputies are working a two-vehicle crash, involving a pickup truck and a car, with serious injuries on US Hwy 98 North about 1/2 mile north of 471 and CR 54 in North Lakeland. There is nearly zero visibility due to fog. It is extremely dangerous driving in this area, and 98 is shut down where the crash occurred.

Northbound traffic on 98 is being turned around at 471 and CR 54. Southbound traffic traveling out of Pasco is also being turned around. Please advise motorists to use alternate routes until further notice.

27 Yr. Old Haines City Teacher Charged After Having Sexually Explicit Conversations With 15 Year Old

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27 Yr. Old Haines City Teacher Charged After Having Sexually Explicit Conversations With 15 Year Old

Winter Haven Police Press Release

A 27 year-old Haines City High School teacher has been arrested after sexually explicit conversations and photos were sent to a 15 year-old Texas boy.

Back on 9-18-17, 27 year-old Robin Dunlap (24th St NW, Winter Haven) voluntarily came to the Winter Haven Police Department to turn herself in for sending nude photos to a 15 year-old boy in Texas. She stated that she sent the nude photos before she learned of his real age. The boy had represented himself as a 19 year-old throughout the conversations the two had over Xbox One. The conversations moved to communicating through Kik via text and video chat using their respective cell phones. The mother of the victim checked her son’s phone and realizing what was happening contacted Dunlap through the same phone and informed her that her son was 15 years-old, not 19. That’s when Dunlap chose to turn herself in. But it didn’t stop there.

On 10-29-17, Winter Haven detectives received information from the victim’s father that Dunlap continued to have conversations with the victim through Google Hangouts. Working with investigators in Texas, Winter Haven detectives received confirmation from the cell phone of the victim that multiple conversations continued after Dunlap was aware of the victim’s age.

Based on the information received that Dunlap continued to have conversations with the victim, detectives met with Dunlap at her home on 12-17-17 confronting her with information about the ongoing contact with the victim. Dunlap didn’t deny and in fact told investigators that she continued to speak to the victim because he is the only person that she can talk to and the only one who understands her.

Dunlap gave investigators consent to look at her phones she had in her possession and a conversation was found that started on 11-26-17 and continued through 12-11-17. The conversation slowly progressed to extremely vulgar with sexually explicit language.

Based on the fact that Dunlap knew the age of the victim, yet continued to have sexually explicit conversations with the 15 year-old, Dunlap was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of Transmitting Material Harmful to Minor (F.S.S. 847.0138) F3 and Using 2-way Communication Device to Commit a Felon (F.S.S. 934.215) F3.

“There is absolutely no excuse for an adult – especially a high school teacher – to continue sexually explicit conversations with a 15 year-old long after his real age is revealed,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “The vulnerable age of this victim and the fact that this woman took advantage of him for her own personal needs is inexcusable.”

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