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Sebring Florida Man In Custody After Allegedly Shooting & Killing Bradenton Man In Lake Wales On Father’s Day

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Sebring Florida Man In Custody After Allegedly Shooting & Killing Bradenton Man In Lake Wales On Father’s Day

The Lake Wales Police Department, with the assistance of the Winter Haven Police Department, located the suspect, Tex Gifford, at 7015 Summit Cir in Winter Haven. Gifford was taken into custody without incident. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact. Detective Ricky Hartwell at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223

SECOND UPDATE:

The Lake Wales Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for Tex Gifford age 40 of Sebring for the murder of Bruce Spry, age 42 of Bradenton. During the investigation, police learned Gifford was involved in a verbal argument with Spry earlier in the evening on Sunday, June 20th. Afterward, Gifford walked away from the immediate area. He then returned within the hour, walking up to Mr. Spry who was sitting on the tailgate of a pickup and began firing at him. Gifford shot Mr. Spry at least six times, in this senseless and heinous act of violence on Father’s Day. Gifford has been charged with first degree murder and police are asking for the public’s help in locating this dangerous individual. Additional charges are pending as this investigation progresses. Gifford should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to immediately call 911 and notify law enforcement of his location. Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a $5000.00 reward for any information leading to his arrest.

This remains an active investigation. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Ricky Hartwell of the Lake Wales Police Department. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
• Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
• Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

UPDATE:

At approximately 11:32 p.m., long after most people had returned to their homes after celebrating Father’s Day, Lake Wales Police Officer Emmanuel Viera was patrolling the area of Lincoln Avenue. As he neared B Street, he could hear loud music and drove toward the noise, which became louder as he approached D Street. As he turned onto D Street, he could see a large crowd had gathered near the intersection of Dr. J.A. Wiltshire Avenue in the parking lot of a vacant and dilapidated building. This location is in the middle of a residential neighborhood with nearby commercial businesses.

Officer Viera was approximately half a block away when he heard multiple gunshots and saw the crowd running from the area. He rushed toward the gunfire and requested available units to come assist. As he approached the crowd, citizens began to shout for him and directed him to the victim. Officer Viera located the victim, a 42-year-old male from Bradenton unresponsive at the tailgate of a pickup truck. The Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on scene and attempted lifesaving measures to no avail.

Officers soon learned a second person had been shot during this incident and was at a local hospital receiving treatment. This victim, a 28-year-old Lake Wales man, was treated and later released from the hospital. Police believe this person was unintentionally struck during the reckless gunfire.

This remains a very active investigation and detectives are working around the clock to identify the shooter and determine motive. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Ricky Hartwell at Lake Wales Police Department.

Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
• Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
• Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

ORIGINAL:

Lake Wales Police Department detectives are conducting an active homicide investigation, which occurred in the late evening hours on Sunday, June 20, 2021. The shooting occurred in the area of D Street and Dr. J A Wiltshire Avenue. At this time, one person is deceased and a second is being treated for a gunshot wound. Detectives are in the early stages of this investigation and are looking for anyone who may have knowledge of this incident. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Ricky Hartwell at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

Boynton Beach Man Wishes He Didn’t Drive Through Polk County With Suspended License – Stay Now On Drug Trafficking And Weapons Charges

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Boynton Beach Man Wishes He Didn’t Drive Through Polk County With Suspended License – Stay Now On Drug Trafficking And Weapons Charges

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, PCSO deputies arrested 23-year-old Sam Bolin of Boynton Beach for drug trafficking and other felonies following a traffic stop.


At around 8:20 p.m. that evening, a deputy sheriff observed a silver BMW traveling northbound on US Highway 98 in unincorporated Lakeland. The registered owner of the BMW had a suspended license, so a traffic stop was initiated.
The deputy made contact with the driver of the BMW, Sam Bolin. When Bolin handed the deputy his driver’s license, he told the deputy, “I believe my license is suspended right now.”


According to the affidavit, the deputy smelled a strong odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle and during a search, found several plastic bags in the backseat floorboard containing large amounts of loose marijuana, THC gummies, and three wrapped packages.


When asked what was in the packages, Bolin told the deputy “they were going to a friend,” and then said, “You can go ahead and open them.” Inside the packages were 25 vacuum sealed and unopened tubes labeled as 1 gram each, with what appeared to be marijuana cigarettes.
Deputies also located loose ammunition on the front driver’s side floorboard, and three firearms: one not holstered and under the driver’s seat where Bolin had immediate access to it; one in the glovebox, as well as 3 loaded magazines; and another firearm in a locked box in the trunk of the vehicle.
During the search of the BMW, deputies seized:

  • 1.89 grams of morphine;
  • 0.57 grams of LSD;
  • 12.06 grams of Fentanyl;
  • 5 Adderall pills in several clear bags;
  • 4.5 Ecstasy pills in a clear plastic bag;
  • A total of 448.07 grams of a green leafy substance that yielded a positive test result for marijuana;
  • Marijuana resin;
  • THC gummies;
  • An electronic scale; and
  • A glass pipe.

“A simple traffic stop resulted in getting a significant amount of narcotics off the street and identifying a drug dealer. Of particular concern was the fentanyl he had—two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s weight and drug tolerance, and Bolin had over 12 thousand milligrams. Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine. In fact, drug dealers often use fentanyl to mix with other drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine to make them more potent and increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Bolin has a history of selling drugs. Our deputy may well have saved lives by getting those drugs out of circulation.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Bolin was arrested and charged with:

  • Armed Trafficking in Fentanyl (F1);
  • Use/Display Firearm during a Felony Offense (F2);
  • Possession of LSD (F3);
  • Possession of Marijuana Resin (F3);
  • Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams (F3);
  • Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell (F3);
  • Possession of Morphine (F3);
  • Possession of Ecstasy (F3);
  • Maintaining a Vehicle for Drug Use (M1);
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1);
  • Carrying a Concealed Firearm without a Permit (M1);
  • Possession of a Prescription without a Prescription (M2);
  • Possession of a Suspended Driver’s License (M2); and
  • Knowingly Driving on a Suspended License (M2).

He is currently in the Polk County Jail and has no bond. Bolin’s prior criminal history includes 10 felonies and 4 misdemeanors, to include charges of Possession of Alprazolam with Intent to Sell, Possession of Codeine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Tampering with Evidence, and DUI.

Lakeland Man Tasered After Drunken Tirade At Publix

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Lakeland Man Tasered After Drunken Tirade At Publix

Lakeland, Florida – The Lakeland Police Arrest a Lakeland man after he became irate in the Publix off Bartow Rd. / Hwy 98.The suspect, Larry Barrett 39, was arrested and charged with Disorderly Intoxication, Simple Assault Threat To Do Violence, Assault Of A Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest Without Violence.

The incident took place on June 20, 2021. Here is large excerpt of the Lakeland Police Arrest affidavit.

(It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lakeland Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions)

“On June 20, 2021, I responded to the parking lot of 1617 Bartow Road in reference to an irate male subject (defendant) who had just broken the windows of a car with a hammer. Prior to my arrival dispatch advised the subject entered the Publix grocery store and was being irate. Upon arrival I made contact with the subject on the north side of the parking lot.


As I exited my marked agency patrol vehicle I observed the defendant, later identified as Larry Barrett Jr., walking towards my vehicle. I observed the defendant to yell “lets fucking go” and patted his chest with both hands indicating he wanted to fight me. I asked the defendant what was wrong due to him clearly being upset. The defendant then turned away from my car and started walking away. I then proceeded to follow the defendant at which point he turned around, balled his fist up and started walking towards me. At the same time the defendant “lets fucking fight”. The defendant walked approximately within 15 feet away from me but stopped and put his right hand behind his back. At that point I was unaware if the defendant was possibly armed and due to his aggressive behavior I feared he was possibly grabbing a weapon or getting ready to attack me. I unholstered my agency issued Conducted Electric Weapon (CEW) (SN# X1200AIKE) and pointed it in his direction in a low ready position. I gave the defendant a lawful order to get on the ground which he refused. The defendant then took a few steps forward towards me again in an aggressive manor. Fearing that I was going to be attacked by the defendant and him actively resisting my lawful orders I deployed my CEW towards the defendant, who was approximately 10 feet away from me. The CEW deployment was successful causing the defendant to fall to the ground the defendant was then quickly handcuffed.
After I placed the handcuffs on the defendant he spontaneously stated “I’m sorry Im drunk”. I later advised the defendant of his Miranda rights off my agency issued Miranda warning card, Post Miranda he stated that he recently had a few mixed drinks with his wife and then started drinking Coors Light beer. He also stated has had a problem with alcoholism.
I made contact with the manager of Publix, REDACTED(victim), who stated that he was called to the front of the store by his employee. The victim stated the defendant was yelling to use a phone and cursing at the employees. He then observed the defendant to exit the store and followed the defendant at a distance, while calling 911. The victim stated that the defendant turned around and observed him on the phone and asked the victim if he was calhng 911. The victim stated that he nodded yes to the defendant at which point the defendant walked up to the victim and got approximately 1 foot away from him, clenched both fist, and yelled at the victim, “Im going to beat your ass”. The victim stated this action caused him to have a well-founded fear that the defendant was about to attack him. The victim took a few steps back and the defendant then walked away from him.


I determined the defendant was intoxicated and endangered the safety of other people and in the course of doing so had the ability and intent to carry out a threat of violence by word and act towards the victim, This threat of violence caused a well-founded fear of harm in the victim. The defendant also actively and intentionally by word and act threatened myself with violence and caused a well-founded fear in myself that harm was eminent The defendant then actually and intentionally refused my lawful orders as I was acting in my scope of duty as a sworn law enforcement officer.

City of Winter Haven Celebrates National Garbage Man and Woman Day

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City of Winter Haven Celebrates National Garbage Man and Woman Day

City of Winter Haven:

June 17 was National Garbage Man and Woman Day, and the City of Winter Haven didn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate. City Public Works staff attended a City Commission meeting where the Mayor and City Commissioners presented a proclamation to recognize the hard working men and women who travel door-to-door every week to provide exceptional garbage, junk, landscape material, and recycling collection service.

5 St. Petersburg Teenager’s Attempt Crime Spree In Polk County – Sheriff Grady Judd “Sick & Tired Of It”

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5 St. Petersburg Teenager’s Attempt Crime Spree In Polk County – Sheriff Grady Judd “Sick & Tired Of It”

Five teenaged suspects (ages 15-18) from St. Petersburg, all of whom who have criminal histories, were apprehended by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office minutes after stealing a Glock 9mm handgun from a vehicle in Davenport on Friday, June 25, 2021. The teens arrived in Polk driving a truck stolen out of Pinellas County. The stolen truck also had marijuana in it, which the suspects are being charged with possessing.


Around 2:20 p.m. that afternoon, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call from a man on Aberdeen Avenue whose pickup truck had just been burglarized. A witness told the victim that he saw a black Dodge Ram pull up next to the victim’s truck, and a black male get out of the passenger seat, enter the truck, and take something from within. The victim discovered his firearm missing from the center console, and dialed 911.
Deputies responded to the area, and the suspect vehicle description was sent out via BOLO (Be On Lookout). Deputies saw a black Dodge Ram heading westbound on Ronald Reagan Parkway and conducted a traffic stop, at which time a rear seat passenger [Jakeiron Allen] exited and fled on foot. The driver and three other occupants stayed inside the Dodge, and were taken into custody without incident. The suspect who stole the gun [Tyger Woods] was positively identified, but deputies quickly realized that the stolen gun was with Allen.
The Dodge Ram was confirmed stolen out of Pinellas County, and a search of the truck revealed two baggies that tested positive for marijuana.
A perimeter was quickly set up, and the ECC sent out an Alert Polk message to residents in the area with the suspect description. The PCSO Public Information Office also posted a message to residents on Nextdoor, with the suspect description – a black male wearing a black hoodie, armed with a handgun. The ECC quickly began receiving calls from citizens, while at the same time the PCSO helicopter, deputies, and two canine teams searched the area within the perimeter.
While fleeing, Allen entered a construction zone and attempted to carjack a vehicle. The carjacking victim pulled Allen out of his vehicle, at which time Allen pointed the firearm at the victim before running away and jumping a fence. Allen ended up in the parking lot of a fire station, where he was confronted by a firefighter who ordered him to stop. The firefighter heard the carjacking victim and others yelling “he’s got a gun,” as Allen began fumbling with something in his hoodie pocket. The firefighter retreated, in fear Allen would use the gun. Allen was later located and apprehended by canine team Deputy Sheriff Amber Ludlow and K-9 Bonez.


“I am sick and tired of juvenile suspects being treated with kid gloves. Here are five more examples of what happens when you don’t hold suspects accountable. During their most recent crime spree, they stole a truck, and then a gun, tried to carjack someone, and almost shot a firefighter. Our message is clear – if you come to Polk County to victimize our citizens, we will put you in jail and do everything in our power to ensure you are held accountable, regardless of your age.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The five suspects are:Tyger Woods, 18, from St. PeteCHARGES:

  • Armed burglary (F1)
  • Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F-3)
  • Grand theft of a firearm (F-3)
  • Conspiracy to commit burglary (F-3)
  • 4 counts contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M-1)
  • Possession of marijuana (M-1)
  • Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Woods’ criminal history dates back to 2015 (age 12) and includes: Aggravated battery on school board employee (adjudication withheld); Simple battery (dropped); Aggravated battery on school board employee (dropped); Aggravated Battery on school board employee (adjudication withheld); Aggravated assault with deadly weapon (adjudication withheld); Resisting arrest (dropped); Conveyance burglary (adjudication withheld); Violation of probation; Give false info to LEO/VOP (dropped); Tampering with electronic monitoring device/VOP (adjudication withheld); Tampering with electronic monitoring device/VOP (adjudication withheld); Resisting arrest/VOP (dropped); Resisting arrest/VOP (dropped); Possession of a stolen credit card/Grand theft motor vehicle (adjudged delinquent). 
Jakeiron Allen, 17, from St. PeteCHARGES:

  • Armed burglary (F-1)
  • Aggravated assault on a firefighter (F-2)
  • Attempted carjacking (F-2)
  • Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F-3)
  • Grand theft of a firearm (F-3)
  • Conspiracy to commit burglary (F-3)
  • 4 counts contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M-1)
  • Violation of probation (M-2)
  • 4 counts resisting arrest (M-1)
  • Possession of marijuana (M-1)
  • Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Allen’s criminal history dates back to 2016 (age 12) and includes: Lewd/lascivious behavior (nolle prosse); Conveyance burglary (dismissed); Grand theft of a motor vehicle (dropped); Fleeing to elude/resisting arrest (no action taken); Conveyance burglary (dropped); Conveyance burglary/Grand theft of motor vehicle (charges filed); Resisting arrest/fleeing to elude (charges filed).
Jayvion McLaurin, 16, from St. PeteCHARGES:

  • Armed burglary (F1)
  • Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F-3)
  • Conspiracy to commit burglary (F-3)
  • Possession of marijuana (M-1)
  • Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

McLaurin’s criminal history includes a November 2020 arrest for armed robbery (charges were dropped).
Michael Owens, 15, from St. PeteCHARGES:

  • Armed burglary (F1)
  • Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F-3)
  • Conspiracy to commit burglary (F-3)
  • Possession of marijuana (M-1)
  • Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Owens’ criminal history includes three arrests between January and April 2021 for conveyance burglary (dropped), petit theft (nolo contendre), and burglary of an occupied dwelling (dropped).
Lonnie Mozell, 16, from St. PeteCHARGES:

  • Armed burglary (F1)
  • Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F-3)
  • Conspiracy to commit burglary (F-3)
  • Possession of marijuana (M-1)
  • Possession of paraphernalia (M-1)

Mozell’s criminal history includes a March 2021 arrest for possession of synthetic cannabis (charges were dropped).

In Loving Memory Of Patricia Ann Beasley – February 18, 1964 – June 24, 2021

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In Loving Memory Of Patricia Ann Beasley – February 18, 1964 – June 24, 2021

Patricia Ann Beasley, 57

Patricia Ann Beasley of Babson Park passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021 at her residence.

She was born February 18, 1964 in Vicenza, Italy to the late William “Bill” and Doris Haskin; she has been a resident of Babson Park as a child and has been a lifelong resident since. Patricia was a retired administrative assistant for Webber International University. She traveled all over the world with her family, and enjoyed cooking, family time, fishing, boating on crooked lake, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Patricia was preceded in death by her brothers, Rick Haskin, and Frank Haskin. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Raymond Michael Beasley; daughter, Jennifer Hutto and husband Cody of Frostproof; son, Michael “Mikey” Beasley and wife Hillary of Babson Park; brother, Bill Haskin and wife Cheryl of Valdosta, Georgia; sister-in-law, Peggy Haskin of Orlando; and six grandchildren.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Downtown Winter Haven Sidewalks To Be Cleaned

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Downtown Winter Haven Sidewalks To Be Cleaned

Winter Haven Police Department

Downtown Sidewalks To Be Cleaned

The City of Winter Haven Public Works/Streets Unit, will be cleaning and sealing brick paver sidewalks within the downtown area along W Central Avenue from Third Street to First Street, on both sides of the roadway.

Work will be performed on Sunday, June 27 from 4:00 a.m. until noon.

During the cleaning and sealing process, the sidewalk areas will be temporarily closed to the Public. However, to minimize the impact to your business, crews will accommodate accessibility needs within these areas, as needed.

Man Arrested For Aggravated Assault With Baseball Bat The Day After He Get Released From Jail

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Man Arrested For Aggravated Assault With Baseball Bat The Day After He Get Released From Jail

On Thursday, June 24, 2021, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 50-year-old Andrew Scott of Lakeland for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Scott had just been released from the Polk County jail the previous day.


Shortly before 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, deputies responded to a call where Scott was threatening another man with a baseball bat. According to the victim, Scott became angry with him during an argument about Scott’s illegal drug use – the victim told deputies he agreed to let Scott stay there to “get back on his feet” since he had just been released from jail. Scott armed himself with a baseball bat and threatened the victim. Scott also told the victim he was going to use the bat to make law enforcement shoot him.When deputies arrived, Scott was alone in the backyard holding the baseball bat. Deputies told Scott to drop the bat; Scott did not comply. Instead he turned toward the deputies and lifted the bat as if preparing to swing it. With only about 15 feet between Scott and the deputy, the deputy successfully deployed his agency-issued Taser. The deputies took Scott into custody without incident.


“I am proud of the quick response of my deputies. They were able to end a deadly situation without anyone getting hurt. This is just one example of many where deputies respond to a violent situation and disarm a violent suspect in order to keep people safe.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Scott was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (F3), Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (F2), Resisting without Violence (M1), and Violation of Probation. He is currently in the Polk County Jail with no bond.
At the time of his arrest, Scott had been released from the Polk County Jail on June 23, 2021 after serving a 30 day sentence for Trespassing, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Introduction of Contraband. He was also on probation for these charges.

One Dog Starved To Death & Two Dogs Starving Lands Bartow Woman In Jail

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One Dog Starved To Death & Two Dogs Starving Lands Bartow Woman In Jail

On Thursday, June 24, 2021, PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives arrested and charged 52-year-old Dashong Bonner of Bartow with two counts felony animal cruelty (F3) and one count misdemeanor animal cruelty (M1) after an investigation into the severe neglect of dogs at her home.
When Animal Control and Ag deputies arrived at 490 9th Avenue in Bartow, they found one dog deceased, and two dogs severely neglected and emaciated. The following is an excerpt from the affidavit, which is very graphic and self-explanatory:
“Dog #1, a brown in color female Pit Bull Terrier named Mocha, was located in a wire kennel with no plastic floor, covered in feces, with a 1/2 eaten plastic dog food bag in the kennel. In the bottom of the kennel were pieces of plastic the dog had digested and passed with its feces. The dog could barely stand and was carried to the animal control transport vehicle at the scene. Upon an evaluation of the dog by the Polk County Animal Control Veterinarian the dog was found to have a body score of a 1, with 1 being completely emaciated and 9 being obese. The dog was found to be suffering from heart worms and hook worms, anemic, severely underweight, and weighing only 24.1 pounds at approximately 5 years of age. This dog suffered repeated pain trying to stay alive eating a plastic dog food bag. The dog was unable to escape the wire kennel and attempt to hunt for food or water.
Dog #2, a tan Cur mix female dog named Caramel, was located roaming in the yard of the residence. The dog was severally underweight and was picked up and carried to the animal control transport vehicle at the scene. Upon an evaluation of the dog by the Polk County Animal Control Veterinarian the dog was found to have a body score of a 2. The dog weighed 22 pounds and was determined to be approximately 1 year old. The dog was found to be suffering from hook worms, whip worms, and heart worms. The dog was denied proper food and water or proper care.


Dog #3, a tan Cur mix male dog named Buster, was located in a wire kennel on the open back porch of the residence. The dog was found to be deceased. The dog was removed from the property and taken to Animal Control where it was found to have a body score of a 1. The dog had no visible fat on its body and appeared to be skin and bones. The dog clearly suffered a cruel death by starving to death inside a wire kennel with no food or water, and no way to escape to hunt for food or water. The floor of the kennel had one small piece of very dry feces in it indicating the dog had not had any food over an extended period of time.   


The suspect was located at her residence and surrendered ownership of the dogs to the Sheriff’s Office upon contact. While surrendering the dogs the suspect stated she was given the dogs by her ex-husband. She stated the following:
She had bought a bag of dog food a few weeks ago and then one again this past Monday. When asked when the last time she observed or fed the dogs she stated ‘I don’t know.’ When asked who is responsible for feeding and watering the dogs she stated she tells her kids to when she remembers to tell them. Upon showing her where the dogs were located on the open back porch and the conditions they were in, she stated she had no idea the area looked like that, and that she didn’t know the dog was dead in one of the kennels. When asked if she could smell the odor of the feces and the area where the dead dog was located she stated she was not home much and did not smell it.”  
Bonner was booked into the Polk County Jail, where she is being held on $2,500 bond ($1,000 per felony charge, $500 for the misdemeanor).


“Our Ag Crimes detectives and Animal Control personnel have seen some pretty awful things, but this is the worst case of animal cruelty they’ve encountered in a very long time. These dedicated men and women are working around the clock restoring health to these two severely neglected dogs. It’s a shame we didn’t get there in time to save them all. We appreciate the anonymous citizen who saw something, and said something.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Suspected Polk County Murderer Turns Himself In

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Suspected Polk County Murderer Turns Himself In

On June 24, 2021, Kelvin Ford, who has a Polk County Warrant for his arrest for second degree murder and tampering with evidence, turned himself in at the Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County. He will be transferred to Polk at a later date.

Original Article

Cat Man” AKA Kelvin Ford Sought By The Polk County Sheriff’s Office For Murder
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for 41-year-old Kelvin Ford (also known as “Cat Man”) who is wanted for 2nd degree murder and tampering with evidence.

His charges stem from an incident that occurred Friday morning, June 18th, in the Brenda Lane area in unincorporated Auburndale.

Around 11:00 a.m. that morning, Ford shot a man who was sitting in a vehicle. The victim then drove away from Ford, ultimately crashing on Old Dixie Highway. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injury.

Kelvin Ford is still at-large.

This was not a random shooting – Ford and the victim knew each other. We are asking that if you see him, please do not confront or engage with him – he is being considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please immediately call 911.

Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
* From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
* Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
* Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

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