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Lakeland Man Charged With Robbery After Beating and Kicking a 15-Year-Old Boy

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Lakeland Man Charged With Robbery After Beating and Kicking a 15-Year-Old Boy

PCSO Release:

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated an incident in northwest Lakeland Monday afternoon, in which a 25-year old man beat up a 15-year old boy over the death of a dog.

According to the arrest affidavit, on 10/30/17 at about 3:58 p.m. at 3815 Knights Station Road, Lakeland, a 15-year old boy was walking to a convenience store, and noticed a dog had apparently been hit and killed by a passing vehicle in front of the home. The resident, 25-year old Antwan Houston, came out and blamed the boy for the death of his dog, and demanded the boy compensate him. Houston grabbed the boy’s headphones, which were around his neck, and the boy pulled away. Houston then began hitting the boy, knocking him to the ground, and continued hitting and kicking him.

Houston’s roommate pulled the man away from the victim, and the child ran away and called law enforcement.

The victim, who suffered several abrasions, said that if it wasn’t for the roommate, he believes Houston would have killed him.

Houston told the detective that he blamed the boy for his dog’s death, because he was wearing a hoodie and walking by his yard while the dog was not tethered. There was a lot traffic in this area, and there was no evidence that the boy had anything to do with the dog’s death.

Houston was charged with robbery without a firearm/weapon (F-2). His criminal history includes five felony and five misdemeanor charges, including carrying a concealed weapon, drug possession, DWLSR, and violation of probation.

 

Deputies arrest Kissimmee man for DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide

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Deputies arrest Kissimmee man for DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Release:

On Monday, October 30, 2017, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 22-year-old Luigi Grieco of Kissimmee for 1 count DUI Manslaughter (F-2) and one count Vehicular Homicide (F-2). Grieco was the driver in a single car crash on May 2, 2017, in Davenport which resulted in the death of his passenger, 26-year-old Vanessa Miller of Kissimmee. PCSO Traffic Homicide deputies investigated the crash and it revealed that Grieco was driving under the influence of alcohol during the time of the crash.

According to the affidavit and based on evidence collected, on May 2, 2017, around 11:10 p.m., a gray 2015 Toyota Corolla driven by Grieco was traveling at a high rate of speed and passed a vehicle on the left shoulder of the off-ramp before heading southbound on U.S. Hwy 27. Once Grieco was on U.S. Hwy 27 traveling southbound, the vehicle traveled in the right lane approaching another vehicle from behind. Grieco abruptly changed lanes left to the center lane in an attempt to pass.

Traffic was congested in the center lane and Grieco made another abrupt turn towards the right and lost control of the Toyota sliding approximately 185 ft. on the edge of the roadway. He overcorrected the steering to the left, slid approximately 160 ft., and began to overturn in the grassy shoulder numerous times for approximately 152 ft. until it reached its final resting point.

While the vehicle was flipping, the front seat passenger (Vanessa Miller) was not wearing her seatbelt and was ejected out of the passenger side window. The vehicle landed on Miller, crushing her between the ground and the roof of the vehicle, and she was pronounced deceased on scene. Grieco was taken by air to LRHMC and was treated for minor abrasions and bruised lungs (consistent with wearing a seatbelt).

The investigation revealed that Grieco was driving at 100.7 mph, 5 seconds prior to the crash. Blood samples obtained from Grieco were sent to an FDLE laboratory. Results from the FDLE revealed an ethanol B.A.C of .192.

“Here’s another example of how dangerous it is to drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs kills people. Grieco made a huge mistake that cost the life of Ms. Miller. Please, don’t drink and drive. Call for a ride.” –  Sheriff Grady Judd

Haines City Tennis to Serve for Those Who Serve

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Haines City Tennis to Serve for Those Who Serve

Haines City Tennis to Serve for Those Who Serve


HAINES CITY, FL – The City of Haines City partnered with ThanksUSA to host its inaugural Tennis Thanks the Troops Benefit Tournament Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Lake Eva tennis courts.
Founded in Washington, D.C. in 2005, ThanksUSA exists to carry out the mission of providing educational, need-based scholarships for the children and spouses of military personnel.
The City of Haines City extends the invitation for all to attend and support the worthy cause by giving the gift of education to military families. Presented by title sponsor Henery Ruffin with Walking State Insurance, the tennis tournament is a unique way to “serve for those who serve,” according to ThanksUSA.

A Junior-aged segment of the tournament is Friday, November 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a $10.00 entry fee. The Adult-aged segments are Saturday, November 4, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for men’s and women’s doubles and 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. for mixed doubles, with a modest $40.00 per team entry fee.

The collected fees will go toward the funds for scholarship awards provided by ThanksUSA. The goal of the fundraising event is to raise at least $3,100.00 to fully fund one scholarship award for ThanksUSA.
Haines City Interim Parks and Recreation Director Jeffery Jones said, “Our department is excited to work with ThanksUSA while highlighting the talents of tennis players and supporting the scholarship fund of children and spouses of military members.” “We appreciate the backing of each sponsor to help make this effort a great success,” said Jones.

To make a contribution and/or register for the tournament, contact Haines City Parks & Recreation department at 863 421-3700 by Wednesday, November 1.

Lake Wales Museum Monsters’ Ball

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Lake Wales Museum Monsters’ Ball

Lake Wales Museum Monsters’ Ball

by James Coulter

Sickly-looking zombies with pale faces and rotting flesh reach out as screaming people try and flee from their grasps.

No, this wasn’t an episode of “The Walking Dead”, but it was close enough and more family-friendly.

The Lake Wales Museum hosted its first ever Museum Monsters’ Ball and Infected Zombie Freight Room Maze on Friday evening.

Hundreds of young guests and their families arrived in costume and were able to engage in Halloween arts and crafts by painting pumpkins, making cotton swab skeletons, and filling in coloring book pictures.

Meanwhile, guests young or old who were brave enough could venture into the museum’s 1938 Freight Room and navigate the infected zombie maze.

Even though the maze has been created to offer an authentic haunted house experience, the museum made sure to keep the scares to a PG-13 rating as to make it enjoyable for all ages.

“It is not too scary so everyone is invited to come through,” said Monica Drake Pierce, Lake Wales Museum Director. “We are being conscientious of the fact that we don’t want to scare some of our younger patrons.”

To get to the haunted maze, guests first had to wait in line and weave through the museum, providing them the opportunity to browse its exhibits and learn more about their local hometown.

This was the first ever Halloween event hosted by the Lake Wales Depot Museum with support and funding provided by the local Kiwanis club.

While expectations were high that evening, the overall turnout more than exceeded expectations, as people who would otherwise not visit the museum otherwise were given the opportunity to so do, explained museum assistant Bart DelCamp, who was dressed as a pirate that evening.

“We are really pleased with how everything has been going thus far…just seeing how many kids and families are coming to the museum.” he said.

“They always knew that this museum was here, but for whatever reason, they are not always coming to it, but this is a great away to bring more attention and more people to see the museum,” he continued. “This has been a success already and we can’t wait to do this again next year.”

For Kristina Nichols, a volunteer and library worker who was dressed as a witch, being able to see so many children and family enjoy the evening was the best thing about the event.

“Being able to see the children’s happiness makes it all worthwhile,” she said. “I think it is great, [and] I think it is a fantastic turnout.”

The Lake Wales Museum had been placed under new management, with Pierce as its new director, ever since the museum’s former director was forced to step down nearly two years ago.

Since then, the museum has undergone massive renovations with new exhibits and services such as a virtual walking tour provided via a downloadable mobile app.

Aside from these new renovations, the museum has also been hosting family-friendly events such as this in order to draw in more of the local community.

“I am excited to see people’s reactions to the haunted maze and also just to see everyone having fun,” Pierce said, dressed as a fairy princess. “It is a fun holiday, and we are very happy to welcome everyone to the museum.”

Man Killed After Hitting Telephone Pole

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Man Killed After Hitting Telephone Pole

Lakeland Police Department Press Release

LAKELAND, FL (October 29, 2017) – On October 28, 2017 at approximately 10:20 p.m., the Lakeland Police Department responded to the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard in reference to an accident. A 1999 Chevrolet Express van was eastbound on US 92 East, locally known as East Memorial Boulevard, in the outside lane of travel. While the vehicle was in motion, the vehicle left its lane of travel and impacted the raised curb located on the south side of the roadway. The vehicle continued to travel onto the raised curb, partially in the road and on the raised grass shoulder. As the vehicle continued eastbound, it began to rotate. The vehicle impacted a wooden power pole which was located between the roadway and the sidewalk. Upon impacting the pole, the vehicle spun around, separating from the pole, and coming to final rest. During the impact, the pole became of-set and broke in two (2) pieces. The upper section of the pole completely separated from the base. While on scene, the driver of the vehicle was declared deceased at 10:34 p.m.

The driver has been identified as Reginald Stanley Morgan, 55 years old, 3458 Fairfax Park Place, Lakeland, Florida. The next-of-kin has been notified.

The Department of Transportation  was notified of the roadway being shut down due to the power pole having to be replaced. Lakeland Electric was on scene coordinating the power restoration for that area. The roadway has been shut down for approximately 6 hours.

This case has been assigned to Traffic Homicide Investigator Ofc. Tyler Anderson for follow-up. 

19 Year Female Pedestrian Struck & Killed On Hwy 27

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19 Year Female Pedestrian Struck & Killed On Hwy 27

Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

Last night (Friday, October 27) PCSO ECC received a call around 11:42 p.m. regarding a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on US Hwy 27 near Sand Mine Rd, Davenport. The pedestrian, 19-year-old Shania Jordan of Paulette Dr in Haines City, was declared deceased on-scene.

Investigation revealed Jordan was at Applebee’s in the Berry Town Center with Miguel Albarran when they became involved in an argument in the parking lot as they were leaving. Jordan left on foot instead of getting into Albarran’s car. Albarran drove to the area of Berry Blvd and US 27 where Jordan was walking, pulled up alongside her, and asked her to get into the car, at which time Jordan moved into the center lane, where she was struck by a green 1999 Ford Winstar van being driven by 71-year-old Linda T. McClellan of Davenport. Linda and her passenger, her daughter 51-year-old Linda F. McClellan, were not injured, and stopped to render aid. Both stated neither saw Jordan until she was in their lane and it was impossible to avoid striking her.

The southbound lanes of 27 in that area were closed for approximately 4 hours during this investigation. The investigation is ongoing, but no criminal charges are anticipated.

Lake Wales Man Killed By Hit & Run Driver

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Lake Wales Man Killed By Hit & Run Driver

Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred this morning during the early morning hours, and is seeking the public’s help.

Just after midnight this morning, Saturday, October 28, 2017, 56-year-old Leonard Wimberly Jr. of South Jennings Rd in Haines City was riding his three-wheeled bicycle westbound along Masterpiece Rd, just east of Longhorn Drive in Lake Wales, when he was struck by a truck also traveling westbound.

Wimberly was transported to Lake Wales Regional Medical Center, where he was declared deceased.

Pieces of a side mirror were left at the scene, indicating that the suspect vehicle is a 1998-2009 Dodge 2500 or 3500 pickup truck. The mirror left behind is a tow mirror. The suspect truck appeared to have continued heading west on Masterpiece Road, towards Scenic Hwy.

We are seeking any witnesses to this crash. Please urge the public to call PCSO at 863-298-6200.

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!!

Polk Man Charged With Aggravated Child Abuse

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Polk Man Charged With Aggravated Child Abuse

Winter Haven Press Release

A Bartow Man Is Charged With Aggravated Child Abuse When an Eighteen-Month-Old Child In His Care is Discovered With Burns

On 10-13-17 at approximately 6 p.m., Winter Haven Police received a call from the Winter Haven Hospital  Emergency Room staff in regards to a possible child abuse case. The child had suspected burns from a liquid to the upper face, forehead and left ear.

Mitchell David Rich (DOB 7-10-92, Lakeland) was the sole person taking care of the child at a Winter Haven apartment while the mother was at work. When the child’s grandmother arrived to pick the child up, she saw that the child had redness, blistering and peeling on the face and head. Rich claimed that the injuries were a reaction to children’s liquid bathing soap or skin cream after Rich gave the child a bath.

The child was ultimately transported to Tampa General Hospital for further treatment. A doctor’s report concluded that the injuries to the child are consistent with a liquid burn, such as from scalding liquid.  Investigators are unable to conclude how the child’s head came in contact with any liquid, however Rich’s story is not consistent with the medical opinion. A detailed interview with Rich concluded that he was in fact the only person in care of the child and his statements during the investigation regarding the injuries sustained to the child are not consistent with that of the medical evaluation.

Continued investigations occurred on 10-27-17 when Rich responded to the Winter Haven Police Department for another interview. Detectives ultimately arrested Rich and he is being charged with Aggravated Child Abuse (F-1) and will be booked into the Polk County Jail.

Rich is currently on felony probation for Robbery charges out of the State of Virginia and being supervised by the Florida Department of Corrections.

Arrest Made in Death Investigation

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Arrest Made in Death Investigation

Update to death investigation in Indian Lake Estates

After an extensive investigation, numerous interviews, and several search warrants, on Friday, October 27, 2017, PCSO Homicide detectives arrested 63-year-old James “Jimbo” Pennington of 3500 Orchid Drive in Indian Lake Estates, Lake Wales, for First Degree Murder (F-C), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (F-2), 2 counts Tampering with Evidence (F-3), and Violation of Probation (M-2), in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Devyn Martin that occurred on Thursday evening, October 26, 2017.

Below is an excerpt from the affidavit, and it is self-explanatory:

On October 26, 2017 at 1749 hours, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the area of Orchid Drive and Lake Haven Drive (Indian Lake Estates), Lake Wales, regarding a reported shooting. Upon arrival, deputies were unable to locate a potential victim until a witness approached responding deputies and provided information regarding the shooting.

The witness advised he visited the defendant, James “Jimbo” Pennington, between 1545 hours and 1600 hours (10/26/17) at his residence located at 3500 Orchid Drive, Lake Wales. The witness stated the reason for the visit was to fix his bicycle. The witness stated the homeowner was also at the residence where they all played pool for about an hour before he and the defendant exited the residence to work on the bicycle. The witness stated about 30 minutes later the victim pulled up on the defendant’s property driving a red golf cart.

The witness stated the victim began talking to him about the palmetto berries he picked. The witness stated the defendant suddenly demanded that the victim leave his property. The witness stated the defendant told the victim to leave numerous times and the victim stated “F*** you!” The witness stated the defendant then immediately entered his residence and quickly returned with a bow and arrow, where the defendant immediately fired one arrow at the victim. The witness stated the victim was in possession of a small caliber rifle, which was located on his golf cart.

The witness stated the victim raised the rifle so the defendant could observe the firearm, but never pointed it in his direction or aimed at the defendant. While doing this, the victim stated, “You want to play with this?”

The witness stated the defendant entered the residence a second time and quickly returned with a firearm. The witness stated the defendant approached the victim, who was standing near the golf cart and attempted to conceal himself. The witness stated the defendant shot the victim from a distance of about 20 feet. The witness stated the victim called out for help before he ultimately collapsed. The witness stated the defendant told him (The witness) that he needed to help him with the body. The witness stated he told the defendant that he would not and The witness grabbed the victim’s flip phone to call 9-1-1; however, no phone service was available in the area. The witness stated he then placed the victim’s cell phone on the golf cart before fleeing the scene to notify neighbors to call 9-1-1. After 9-1-1 was notified, The witness went to the victim’s residence and notified the victim’s girlfriend about the shooting.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Aviation subsequently located a golf cart in the wooded area approximately 300 yards west from the defendant’s residence. This location is located in between the incident location (3500 Orchid Drive) and where the suspect was taken into custody (3701 Orchid Drive). The victim identified as Devyn Martin was found deceased lying in a golf cart with visible gunshot wounds to the left side of his chest. The victim was observed slouched on his back on the passenger side of the golf cart. The victim had a black long sleeve shirt pulled over his right arm, which exposed his chest and stomach area. The victim was also wearing blue jeans that were located at his ankles and a pair of gray underwear down to his lower thigh area, which was consistent with dragging and pulling.

The victim’s girlfriend was interviewed, who advised she immediately responded to the defendant’s residence to confront the defendant about what occurred. She stated when she arrived at the defendant’s residence, she observed the defendant hosing himself off outside of his residence, which she thought was odd due to it being 55 degrees outside. She stated the defendant was only wearing a pair of “baggy” shorts and he was rubbing his body as he hosed himself off.

She stated she asked the defendant where the victim was, to which he responded, “I don’t know and I have not seen him.”

Other witnesses were interviewed, who confirmed they heard the shouting, and a gunshot, and that the defendant was seen shooting a firearm similar to the one the original witness described, during target practice. One witness told detectives that Pennington came to her house about thirty minutes after she heard the gunshot and attempted to jump in her pool. She advised him she had just shocked it, so he went in her home instead and used her shower. A towel with a small amount of blood on it was found in that bathroom. This contradicts the suspect’s original statement to deputies that he was wet from swimming.

Post Miranda, the defendant was interviewed at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Operation Center. The defendant advised he was working on his bicycle on his property with The witness when the victim pulled up on a golf cart. The defendant stated approximately 1.5 weeks ago, the victim said some negative comments to him, which the defendant did not approve of. The defendant stated he told the victim to leave his property multiple times and stated the victim said “F*** you.” The defendant stated he went to his bedroom and retrieved a bow and arrow and returned outside. The defendant stated he aimed the arrow at the victim’s head and released the arrow, but missed. The defendant stated the victim grabbed his rifle, which led to the defendant getting “reinforcement” and he does not have to worry about the victim anymore. The defendant made the reference that the victim was no longer here and the “reinforcement” used could not be located. The defendant also stated he wished he had a cannon to blow up the victim.

The decedent (DEFENDANT) denied using a firearm and stated he did not have any type of ammunition or firearms at his residence. The decedent (DEFENDANT) also denied moving the victim’s body into the wooded area and stated he left to his girlfriend’s residence after the incident. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence and a spent shotgun shell casing was found in the garbage can of his bedroom. Bow and arrows were also found inside the defendant’s residence.

Based on the investigation, it was determined the defendant committed the criminal act of 1st Degree Murder. The defendant also committed the criminal act of Tampering with Evidence involving the victim’s body and firearm (2 counts). The defendant is a convicted felon and committed the criminal act of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The defendant also violated his Polk County Probation as he is on Active Probation for Felony Criminal Mischief until 02/16/2018.

As a reminder, effective 7/1/2017, per Florida House Bill 111, the following amendment was added to FSS 119 exemptions:

(m)1. Criminal intelligence information or criminal investigative information that reveals the personal identifying information of a witness to a murder, as described in s. 782.04, is confidential and exempt from s.119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution for 2 years after the date on which the murder is observed by the witness.

Pennington’s criminal history includes 7 previous misdemeanors and 2 previous felonies, with the following arrests:

07/29/2016 – PCSO – Battery, Probation Violation

09/11/2014 – PCSO – Felony Criminal Mischief

03/2/2005 – PCSO – Poss Cannabis, Poss Drug Para

08/28/1999 – LWPD – Violation of Injunction for Protection

10/20/1998 – PCSO – DUI

04/25/1993 – Martin County SO – Probation Violation

10/04/1992 – Martin County SO – Disorderly Intoxication

09/09/1982 – Martin County SO – Trafficking Marijuana

In the interest of time, I am sending out his July 2016 mugshot (in the link below), because he’s being booked in right now and his current mugshot is not yet available. I can send out his current mugshot later today.

90 Year Old Air Force Veteran Assaulted In Winter Haven Parking Lot

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90 Year Old Air Force Veteran Assaulted In Winter Haven Parking Lot

90 Year Old Air Force Veteran Assaulted In Winter Haven Parking Lot – Video of suspects driving away and witness who was trying to help stop suspects. You cannot clearly see the assault, but towards the end you can see the witness being dragged and falling away from vehicle.

 

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

Winter Haven, Florida – Winter Haven Police are asking for the assistance of anyone who witnessed and possibly recorded an incident in a Publix parking lot that resulted in a 90 year-old Air Force veteran to sustain significant injuries.
On 10/25/17 at approximately 4:50 p.m., the 90 year-old victim (we are not identifying him at this time due to the nature of the incident) was backing his vehicle out of a parking space at Publix (1395 6th St NW) in Winter Haven. At the same time a black four-door vehicle, possibly a Kia, was driving down the same aisle in the wrong direction.
According to the victim, he looked behind him and it appeared the aisle was clear for him to back out. However, the black vehicle appeared from the opposite direction and the two vehicles collided. Although there was minor damage to the cars, what transpired next is anything but minor.
The victim got out of his car and immediately both occupants of the black vehicle got out and started cursing, yelling and causing a disturbance. As this is going on, there are multiple people walking back and forth by the incident, as well as vehicles driving past the incident. The arguing escalated and went on for approximately six minutes, while bystanders watched. At that point, one of the occupants from the black vehicle struck the victim causing him to land on the pavement face first and also striking his head. The force of the fall resulted in the victim briefly losing consciousness.
Both suspects started to get back inside of the vehicle when a witness attempted to keep the vehicle from leaving. The witness was dragged a short distance before falling to the ground as the suspect vehicle speeds off ultimately leaving the parking lot. The witness did not sustain any injuries.
The victim was taken to Winter Haven Hospital where he was admitted for the injuries including a severe cut to his head and large facial scrapes along with both hands and arms being scraped and bruised. At this time, his status has improved and his injuries are non-life-threatening.
Due to the length of time that the disturbance occurred, Police believe there were witnesses who recorded the incident – even prior to the victim receiving his injuries. Anyone who saw the incident and possibly recorded what was occurring on their phones is asked to contact Winter Haven Police Detective Rod Esteve at 863-401-2256.

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