This morning (Tuesday, August 10, 2021) around 8:00 a.m., PCSO received calls about an aircraft crash alongside Coronet Road in Mulberry, and deputies along with Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene.
The pilot of the maroon DeltaJet Apollo Light Sport
aircraft, 71-year-old Charles McLochlin of Lake Placid, was conducting
“touch and go” landings on the grassy runway that parallels Coronet,
when on his fourth “touch and go” the front wheel collapsed upon
landing, causing the nose of the craft to collide with the ground, and then
rotate and come to a stop in a ditch.
McLochlin and his passenger, 68-year-old Michael Hano of
Lakeland, were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
39th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally Returns To Lake Eva Center
by James Coulter
There are four things Sergio Ortiz loves: God, family, country, and pork. This congressional candidate was able to share his love of all four at the 39th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally in Haines City last Friday.
Ortiz is currently running as a Republican for the U.S. House to represent Florida’s 9th Congressional District. As a real estate broker with 30 years of experience in the industry, he claims to have the business savviness to represent Florida small businesses.
“We need to get our country moving forward, because we are heading backwards with a lot of people in fear of what is going to happen to them in the future,” Ortiz said. “We need to open up the economy, open up the businesses, so that the people can go out there and provide for their families.”
He shared his pro-family, pro-business, pro-conservative views to potential voters during last week’s political rally and dinner. The only thing he loved more than speaking his mind was enjoying his fill of good food and better company.
“This is my second time,” he explained. “It is a wonderful event. I love the place. The food is great. The people are amazing. And I believe this is something worth doing. You get to meet people you don’t normally see every day.”
The Northeast Chamber of Commerce hosted its 49th Annual Pig Roast and Political Rally last Friday in Haines City. The annual dinner and political event hosted its welcome return at the Lake Eva Center, with last year’s event being hosted at Balmoral Resort due to pandemic restrictions.
The annual event served a barbecue dinner catered by John Michael Exquisite Weddings & Catering, with live entertainment performed by Red Hot Rooster. Attendees were able to meet and greet many local politicians and political candidates from local, state, and federal offices.
This year’s turnout was slightly smaller from previous years. This slight decline in attendance was most likely due to this year’s event being hosted during a year without a major election, and also due to the recent spike in COVID-19 rates, explained Olivia Moorehead, Media and Community Relations Coordinator for the Northeast Chamber.
“Some people may not be as comfortable attending, but we are still happy with everyone who showed up and we hope everyone has a great time,” she said.
Moorehead has been officially part of the Chamber for the past three years. She had previously volunteered during high school, and had worked part-time until recently. She enjoys being able to mingle with locals and chamber members alike during these major events, she said.
“I enjoy most that it is a social time, but it is more than that,” she said. “People get to be informed about the candidates running for office and being able to advocate for them. Overall, it is a great time for all of our members to come together and enjoy the night.”
Darren Soto, the Democratic U.S. Representative for Florida’s 9th District, was one of the many politicians who attended that evening’s event to mingle with his constituents and discuss his politics. He focused primarily on hot button issues like jobs and infrastructure. Most importantly, he discussed the measures needed to address the ongoing pandemic.
“Right now, it is all about trying to combat COVID, and getting relief to small businesses, and getting better infrastructure to the county,” he said. “It is nice to be able to reach out to small businesses and see how we can help.”
Soto has been attending the annual political dinner ever since his first campaign for the state senate in 2012. Being able to speak with his supporters is his favorite part of the evening. His second favorite part? Being able to enjoy good old-fashioned barbecue.
“We enjoy the food, mixing with folks in a very laid back, very Polk County manner, and so it is excited to be able to be here,” he said.
Puppy Parade Graces Dixieland National Night Out in Lakeland
by James Coulter
Several dozen pupper doggos and their human companions marched their way through Dobbins Park in Lakeland as they made their grand arrival to National Night Out on Tuesday evening.
The puppy parade arrived from the adjacent Camphor Heights neighborhood. Lee Robinson led the makeshift parade, which included many of his neighbors walking, biking, and pushing strollers with their doggie companions by their side.
Robinson works as a dog trainer, so the parade came naturally for him. He attended that evening with his own female white boxer, Pandora. This was the second year he and his neighbors hosted the event in conjunction with the annual National Night Out in Dixieland.
“I think it is great,” Robinson said. “What they do out here…I think it is a great thing the city does and they help promote it.”
The Dixieland Neighborhood Association celebrated their annual National Night Out last Tuesday at Dobbins Park. The annual celebration included food, games, and other activities for the local children.
More than 50 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to participating children on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also given away that evening were two bicycles with helmets, both of which were conferred to a lucky boy and girl respectively through a raffle drawing.
Free pizza was provided from Hungry Howie’s Pizza, along with free drinks and water. Attendees were also able to play games with chalk drawings, soccer, basketball, and cornhole.
National Night Out is a nationwide initiative hosted in an effort to bring local communities and police departments together for a quality evening of camraderie. The Lakeland Police Department attended that evening to showcase many of their special units, including a demonstration with the K9 Unit.
Officer Simmons of the Lakeland K9 Unit participated with his fellow officers. He has been attending for many years, and he was glad to be able to do so again this year, even in spite of the ongoing pandemic.
“It looks like a great evening out here,” he said. “We are showing some of the special units of our agency, and making sure our community sees us, and [that] we interact with them and give them an insight of what we do on a daily basis.”
Tonya Rogers, President of the Dixieland Neighborhood Association, has been with the organization for many years. She loves being able to see the neighborhood and police department come together during events such as this.
“Ever since I have been on board, it [the event’s success] has been due to the love of the neighborhood and everybody who likes to get together,” she said. “I enjoy meeting with police officers and the neighbors and the kids.”
Dewey Cain served as a volunteer that evening. He has been with the association ever since it first started. During that time, he has seen his neighborhood rise and fall in quality. Even during the low moments, his community rallied together to make things better, he said.
“Now things are starting to improve, people are putting money into it, and it is becoming a real nice neighborhood again,” he said. “It is a good local area.”
Cain loves seeing friends, family, and loved ones come together for events like this: “I love the good friendly neighbors all my neighbors are real tight friends…We always enjoy it and the kids really enjoy it. When they come down, they look forward to it and have a good time.”
The Dixieland Neighborhood Association will be hosting a Taste of Dixieland event later this November. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dixielandfl
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Visits Lake Wales For First Responder Friday
by James Coulter
Deputy Chief Roy Wilkinson has been serving at the Lake Wales Fire Department for 21 years. He loves the community he was raised in, and he appreciates being able to serve it through his career in the fire department.
What he loves even more are local residents and other community members showing their appreciation through small kind gestures. He and his staff received one such gesture last Friday when volunteers delivered lunch to the fire station.
Melanie Brown Culpepper and the volunteers from her non-profit organization, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, delivered several boxes of food, including filet mignons, chips, drinks, and other snacks, to the Lake Wales Fire Department for the monthly First Responders Friday initiative.
“It has been amazing,” explained Deputy Chief Wilkinson. “It helps you know what you are doing is worth it. That you are impacting and helping people. Sometimes in the monotony of doing the job every day, it seems like you are going through the motions, but when you hear how it impacts people’s lives, it is powerful as well.”
During the visit, the chief and his staff were able to learn about the good work Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has been doing, especially by raising awareness for heart health and raising donations to supply defibrillators throughout the county.
Melanie started the non-profit organization last year following the death of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who suffered from cardiac arrest despite the best efforts of the responding EMTs. She has since been raising money to set up defibrillators at various locations, including Tanner’s Lakeside and her own salon, Melanie’s Cutting Edge.
“I think it is powerful how she is turning her tragedy and loss into something positive,” Wilkinson said. I had a heart attack a year and a half ago, so I know what she was going through and what she is talking about. And I appreciate what she is doing.”
Melanie has hosted various fundraisers throughout the year to help raise proceeds for her cause. Recently, she hosted Saving Lives Matters to raise awareness for heart health and local emergency services. This November, she will be hosting a pool tournament at Slate 8 Billiards.
She enjoys being able to deliver meals to first responders on the first Friday of every month. She and her team had previously served the fire departments in Bartow, Winter Haven, and Haines City.
“That made me very happy for them to be with me today, and I was able to be with them today,” Melanie said. “It was very touching and rewarding and it makes me very happy to see the firefighters very appreciative and thankful that we do this because they put their lives out for us every single day.”
Bobby Williams, Pastor of Freedom Tour Church in Lake Wales, helps prepare the food delivered to the fire departments. He and his church believe in setting an example by serving other people as they would God. Being able to participate with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is one way he does that.
“We appreciate the fire fighters,” he said. “It is a way for us to give back to them and show them to keep up the good work, to show people they are appreciated, [because] people out there do appreciate them and will lift them up in their prayers and that we are praying for them and they are one of us.”
Terica Moore also participated that day. She was one of the EMTs who administered defibrillation to Melanie’s fiancée on his way to the hospital. Since then, she had been good friends with Melanie and helped her in her endeavors.
I am very proud of Melanie for what she is doing and for her community,” she said. “Me and Melanie have been doing this for many years. She helped me when I lost my son, and we started doing benefits for that and raising scholarships for kids going to college…She has helped me out with that and I have been with her ever since, so every benefit she has, I have been right there by her side and vice versa.”
On Sunday August 8, 2021 at approximately 1:40 PM a vehicle crash occurred on Highway 27 at Washington Avenue between a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and a 1995 Ford F-150 pickup. The crash occurred when the driver of the Sport Trac, Jerry Lee, age 63 of Lake Wales, turned left from Highway 27 onto Washington Avenue to go west, into the path of the south bound F-150 being driven by 19 year old Tristan Barber, also of Lake Wales.
Barber’s F-150 struck the Sport Trac on the passenger side causing major damage to both vehicles. Barber’s vehicle traveled onto the Southwest corner of the intersection and overturned onto its roof. Lee’s vehicle traveled just south of the intersection before colliding with a fence belonging to Florida Natural where it burst into flames. Lee was pulled from the vehicle by good Samaritans who witnessed the crash.
Both Lee and Barber sustained serious injuries; both were flown by helicopter to an area hospital. Highway 27 was shut down for some time while emergency personnel treated the drivers. All but one lane was open during the remainder of the investigation. The complete roadway was reopened at approximately 5:00 PM.
Mr. Lee later succumb to his injuries from the crash at the hospital.
If you have any information regarding this crash, please contact either Officer Sean Robertson or Officer Rocky Myers at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223.
Tennessee woman killed in
single-vehicle crash in Poinciana
A single-vehicle crash in
Poinciana early Saturday morning, August 7, 2021 left a Tennessee woman dead,
and three others injured.
Deputies from the Polk
County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the
crash at about 3:05 AM, at the intersection of Poinciana Parkway and Cypress
Parkway. Upon their arrival, it was determined that the driver, 39-year old
Paris Leblanc of Nashville, Tennessee, was deceased.
The passengers in the
vehicle were identified as: 38-year old Darius Wright of Nashville; 27-year old
Tierra Crump of Chicago, Illinois; and 26-year old Martrelle Glasper of
Chicago. Their injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.
The vehicle they were
travelling in was a gray 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
According to the
preliminary investigation based on evidence and witness statements, the Jeep
was southbound on Poinciana Parkway and failed to stop at the intersection with
Cypress Parkway. The Jeep drove across the T-intersection, entered a shallow
ditch on the south side of the road, and struck an embankment. After going
airborne, the Jeep struck the ground, nose-first, then tumbled end-over-end
before coming to a stop on its roof, at the edge of a retention pond.
Ms. Crump and Mr. Glasper
were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and suffered minor visible
injuries.
Ms. Leblanc and Mr.
Wright were not wearing seatbelts. Ms. Leblanc was partially ejected, and Mr. Wright
was ejected completely from the vehicle and suffered a broken leg and facial
fractures.
The investigation is
ongoing, but no criminal charges are anticipated.
Bartow Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday With Car Parade
by James Coulter
Patsy Harris has been living at her Bartow home ever since the 1950s. There she raised seven children who would go on to bless her with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild.
Over the past century, Harris has lived a full life as a wife, mother, hard worker, and faithful servant of God. More than 37 cars passed by her house to help celebrate her 100th birthday on Sunday.
Harris and her family sat outside her home and watched as a parade of 37 cars filled with neighbors and loved ones passed by to offer her birthday greetings. Even several police cars from the Bartow Police Department participated. Her family, in turn, greeted them to present them all with gift bags.
The occasion officially kicked off with a small ceremony started with a prayer from Rev. Markus Floyd from Burkett Chapple Primitive Baptist Church in Bartow, at which Patsy had faithfully served for many years. He commended her for her long life and legacy, and prayed that God would continue to bless her family.
“You said you will bless them to the third and fourth generation,” he said. “This is an example of your blessings being manifest. Continue to bless and keep her, Lord, and we thank you for this opportunity.”
An official proclamation was presented to her on behalf of Alphonso Wyche, Senior President of the Wyche Family Reunion Foundation, who commended her for becoming a centenarian with a long and fruitful life.
“May every minute of your 100th birthday be filled with the immense joy you have shared with your loved ones for 100 years,” Wyche wrote in the proclamation. “Happy Birthday. Wishing you many more years of good health, overwhelming happiness, amazing grace, and perfect peace of mind.”
Judge Cassandra Denmark wrote a letter to Harris, calling her a gem so rare and beautiful now that she had reached the prime age of 100. In her letter, she expressed her joy of knowing someone who had reached such a ripe old age and wished continued blessings on Harris and her family.
“You are truly blessed,” Denmark wrote. “You have lived 100 years. And have 10 decades of memories as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and great-great-great grandmother. You are officially receiving birthday wishes, kisses, hugs, and a cake with 100 candles. This is an incredible milestone but nearly as incredible as you.
Your years of 100 years is a testament of the wonderful life you have lived, and I wish you love and continuous health.”
Harris was born on Aug. 9, 1921. She has lived in her current residence since the 1950s. During that time, as women were unable to buy houses, her brother purchased the house for her, though she paid the bills and eventually received the deed from him, her daughter, Sally Fields said.
Harris worked as a domestic worker and in the laundry department at Winter Haven Hospital. Her house only had three bedrooms and one bathroom, yet in it she was able to raise seven children. Though they did not have much, she always had an open heart and willingly gave to anyone who needed it, Fields said.
“My mother was a hard-working person,” she said. “She was a caring person. She mentored others. She loved people. She did not matter sharing what she had, no matter how little we had, people would come and stay and feed people and she took care of her father as a caregiver, so we are doing the same thing for her. We rotate in and out with her, because she did that with her and her siblings.”
Over the past century of her life, Harris would be blessed with 7 children, 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 41 great-great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great-grandchild. Harris always supported her seven children with every aspect of their lives and encouraged them to be the adults that they are.
“She made sure we got the education if we wanted it,” Fields said. “She was supportive and always said we could be anything we wanted to do and the sky was the limit.”
Her eldest son, Walter, owes her long life to her faith in God. Her youngest daughter, Josephine Battles, likewise owes her mothers long life to faith in God, and described her legacy as a hard worker and even harder-working parent.
“We may not have got what we wanted when we wanted it, but we got it,” Battles said.
Welcome, World Travelers! Here’s What to Pack for Your Day Trip to Disney World
by James Coulter
So, you’re planning to visit the Happiest Place on Earth but you don’t know what to bring along? Perhaps this is your very first time visiting the parks. Or maybe you haven’t been to them in a long time due to the COVID-19 crisis. Whether this is your first time or your first time in a long time, here’s some of the bare necessities you need to take on your visit:
#1: Backpack
Of course you need something to carry your other things in. While some people settle for a purse or fanny pack, a backpack is the best overall option for carrying the most items.
Backpacks are convenient when you want to do a lot of shopping but don’t want to carry around your shopping bags all day. Stow away your merchandise and leave your hands free.
They also come in handy when protecting your valuables when boarding rides. Store the items from your pocket and place your bag either in the designated compartment or between your feet.
My Recommendation: Don’t get a drawstring bag. I bought three of them, and each of them snapped apart upon my second or third visit. They were relatively cheap, but I ended up getting what I paid for.
Buy a regular backpack instead. You don’t need a large camping or hiking knapsack. A small or moderate-sized school bookbag will do well. The more pockets and compartments, the more convenient organizing your items will be.
#2: Refillable Water Bottle
Walking around the parks in the Florida heat will leave you dry and thirsty. Don’t bother buying soft drinks. They cost more than three dollars a pop. Plus, the high sugar and sodium content will only make you thirstier.
Settle for good old H20 instead. You can get it for free from any water fountain or food vendor. But your best bet is to bring along a refillable water bottle, preferably one that can fit in your backpack’s side pouch.
Fill up your bottle before you leave, and refill it whenever you can at the water fountains. Don’t like the taste of plain water? Bring a few flavor packets. Or fill your bottle with fruit like lemons, berries, or cucumber.
My Recommendation: A regular plastic bottle works well. If you’re willing to invest in a refillable water bottle, don’t buy a large water jug. Either 16 oz to 24 oz is big enough for your hydration needs.
#3: Entertainment
The average wait time for most rides is around half an hour. The more popular attractions will have you waiting over an hour. However, some attractions, like Flight of Passage, will have two to three hour wait times. Of course, this all depends on the time of year and whether it’s a holiday.
No matter what, you’re going to be doing a lot of waiting in line. Unless you’re content with playing “I Spy” or singing “99 Bottles”, you’ll want to bring along something to keep yourself entertained.
Some people settle for their phones, but you want to conserve your battery life. Instead, bring along a small tablet or a handheld video game, something that can easily fit in your pocket or bag.
Public Wi-fi is available, but the park’s bandwidth is not ideal for streaming videos, movies, or games. Also, unless your device is equipped with a VPN, using public internet can leave your personal information and data vulnerable.
My Recommendation: I recently purchased an Amazon Fire 7 Tablet. It cost less than $50, and it’s small enough to carry safely in my backpack or even my pocket.
Sometimes I use it to surf the internet or read e-books. But I especially make good use of the Netflix and Disney Plus apps, both of which allow for downloadable movies and episodes. Nothing passes the time better than binge-watching The Mandalorian.
#4: Portable Charger
Obviously, your phone is a basic necessity, and portable devices help keep yourself occupied in line, but your battery is going to run out sooner or later. That’s why you never leave home or the hotel without a portable charger.
While a single charge battery will suffice, a charger that can contain multiple charges are ideal, especially during stays over multiple days. Simply charge your battery the day before you depart on your trip, and you have enough power to last you two to three days without recharging after returning to your room or home.
My Recommendation: I own two power banks. One contains two full charges. The other, four. Both fit in my pocket and use the power cords for my phone and other devices. The four-charge bank is ideal for long trips. Again, simply charge it the day before you leave, and you have enough power for a good week.
Other Essentials
Sunscreen: Spray-on sunscreen is best. Lotions are far too messy. Anything over SPF 30 offers the best protection. Some people carry their sunscreen with them to the parks, but if you have a high enough SPF, then one spray before you leave will protect you for the day.
Snacks: You’ll want something to keep your energy up between meals while walking through the parks. Try to pack light with foods that don’t need refrigeration and won’t melt in the heat. Protein bars or small bags of chips, cookies, or gummy candies offer something small to eat to keep your hunger sated and your energy levels high.
Ponchos/Umbrella: With Florida weather being, well, Florida weather, there’s always an unexpected chance of inclement weather. Don’t bother with a big rain jacket or umbrella. A handheld umbrella or disposable poncho will suffice.
Hats/Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat, especially a sun hat or baseball cap, will keep the sun out of your eyes. Pair them with a pair of sunglasses, preferably prescription sunglasses tailor made for your eyes.
My Disney Experience App: This mobile app is a must for any visit, be it a day trip or a several day-long vacation. It has everything you need: wait times, fast passes, dining reservations, park maps. Don’t leave home without it. Download it to your mobile device through Apple Store or Google Play.
Other Suggestions
Dry Bags: You might want to get soaked on the big water rides, but your electronics probably don’t. To keep them dry during water rides or heavy rain, bring along a cheap zip-top bag for protection.
First Aid Kit: First aid stations are available at the parks for your minor first aid needs from nausea to headaches. However, if you’d prefer personal care, bring along a small bag with bandages, aspirin, and antibiotic cream.
Portable Fans: Personally, I’ve never needed one. But if Florida weather leaves you sweltered and breathless, consider a portable fan. Don’t burn away money with the fans sold at the park. Buy something affordable from a dollar store or supermarket. If you are super budget conscious, bring an empty spray bottle that you can fill with water to help you cool down.
Personal Information For Children: Disney does an overall good job reuniting lost children with their parents. However, make sure your little ones have their personal information available just in case. A small slip of paper will work. Some parents write their number on their child’s arm with a sharpie.
What To Wear
Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must. A good pair of sneakers allow you to tread several miles through your park stay comfortably. However, if you plan on riding water rides, consider wearing shoes that can dry quickly like crocs, or bring along a spare pair of flip flops and dry socks just in case.
Clothing: With the exception of water parks, swimsuits are not allowed in the parks. Between the rides, the rain, and the sun, quick-drying UPF shirts are an excellent choice. They offer sun protection, they are designed to keep you cool, and they dry quickly if they get wet.
What Not To Bring
All bags are searched prior to entering the park. With fluids being the exception, if you can’t take it on a plane, you cannot take it in Disney. No weapons of any kind are allowed in the parks so leave the pocketknives, tasers, pepper spray and firearms at home.
For more suggestions on what to bring on your Disney trip, visit: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/03/moms-panel-update-know-before-you-go-tips-for-your-next-park-visit/
Those are my thoughts, but I want to know what you think: What are some “must have” items you bring with you to the parks? What can’t you leave your home without before going to Disney World? Leave your comments below or on Facebook!
38-year-old Danielle
Jensen of Davenport was arrested Monday
morning, August 9, 2021, at around 12:45 a.m. for Battery Domestic Violence
(M1).
The victim told the
responding deputy that Jensen slapped him in the face after he had returned
home from a bar. Jensen told the deputy that she and the victim were arguing
because he had taken her car without permission.
“Anyone who works
in public service must be held to a higher standard. Violent behavior is
unacceptable and will not be tolerated, especially from a public service
employee.” – Grady Judd,
Sheriff
Jensen was transported
to the Polk County Jail and is being held without bond until her first
appearance hearing.
Jensen told deputies that is is currently employed as a Sergeant at the Polk Correctional Institute.
A Polk County deputy
sheriff investigating a disturbance at the Economy Motor Lodge in Dundee,
Florida, was injured when a homemade explosive device concealed on 39-year-old
Marco Antonio Tolentino of Dundee was triggered, firing a 12 gauge shotgun
buckshot round. The single round struck the deputy’s hand and struck Tolentino
in his hand and shoulder. The deputy was transported to the hospital with a
serious injury to his hand. Tolentino was also transported and is being treated
for non-life-threatening injuries. Both are in stable condition.
Deputies responded to a
disturbance call for service on Sunday, August 08, 2021 at approximately 9:30
p.m. to the Economy Motor Lodge in Dundee. Upon arrival on scene, the deputies
were directed to a woman who was sitting on a bench at the neighboring motel,
the Monticello Motel. The woman had walked to the neighboring motel prior to
the arrival of law enforcement.
Another deputy arrived
on scene as a backup. Marco Antonio Tolentino, apparently unrelated to the
disturbance call, approached the scene on a bicycle. The deputy began
interacting with Tolentino, who was being evasive about who he was and said he
did not have identification. During the interaction, the deputy asked the
suspect if he had anything illegal on him. At that time, the suspect lifted his
shirt exposing a metal pipe which was concealed on the suspect’s person;
stating the item was for protection.
A portion of “the pipe”
was concealed in the suspect’s right pocket and also extended upwards to the
abdomen underneath the shirt. The suspect reached for the pipe and the deputy
stopped him; telling him that he would retrieve the item. At this point, the
deputy was unsure what the item was, but believed it was some sort of weapon
based on the interaction. The deputy reached for the item, at which time the
suspect also again reached for the item, and also was trying to pull away from
him. At that time, the pipe (which is also known as a zip gun or improvised
firearm) came apart as it was pulled from the pocket and then a “blast” went
off.
Another deputy on scene
immediately responded to provide aid; Polk County EMS and other deputies
also responded.
Tolentino later told
deputies that he had “a tube” with a 12 gauge round in his waistband. He said
it went off while being removed. He told deputies he carries “the tube” for
protection stated that he made “the tube” himself. He does not have a concealed
carry license.
The destructive device
has two inter-locking pieces of metal pipe that hold a single shotgun shell.
When pressed together, the device is designed to fire the single projectile.
The device contained a single spent 12 gauge round (Winchester- 00 buck shot). During
a search of Tolentino’s room, additional shotgun rounds of the same nature were
located and recovered. Only one shot was fired. No deputies fired any weapons.
As a result of the
investigation, Marco Antonio Tolentino was charged with:
· Attempted
felony murder (FL)
· Possessing
or discharging a destructive device (F1)
· Resisting
an officer with violence (F3)
· Carrying
a concealed weapon / firearm (F3)
· Providing
false info to a law enforcement officer (M1)
Tolentino is in custody
in an area hospital. He is in stable condition.
The investigation is
ongoing. The State Attorney’s Office was notified of the incident and responded
to the scene.The standard protocol for deputy-involved shooting, though in this
case, no deputy fired any shots, will include three independent investigations:
a PCSO criminal investigation will be conducted, Administrative Investigations
will conduct an administrative inquiry, and the State Attorney’s Office will
conduct a separate review.
