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Haines City Police Department Trying To Identify Suspects That Robbed At&T Store

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Haines City Police Department Trying To Identify Suspects That Robbed At&T Store

Press Release Haines City Police Department

On 07/31/2017 @ approximately 5:39pm, the Haines City Police Department responded to a smash & grab style retail theft at AT&T. The two suspects asked the store clerk for Apple products. As the black male in the red shorts is asking for the products, the black male in the blue and yellow hat walks up to a display case and rips it from the hinges, taking four different types of iPhones.

Both males then run out of the store to an awaiting gray in color 1994 Mazda Protégé. If you can identify either subject, please contact Det. Donovan at 863-421-3636 x2238. You can also remain anonymous and help us solve this crime through Crime Stoppers – there may be some cash in it for you! Check out www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com

Multiple People Arrested In Winter Haven Drug Bust

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Multiple People Arrested In Winter Haven Drug Bust

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

Following A Tip To Locate Convicted Felon Finds Child In Public Housing Residence With Drugs and Unsecured Guns Within Reach

On 7-31-17 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Winter Haven Police received information that Michael Merriweather (DOB 1-10-91, Winter Haven) was inside of an apartment at the Abbey Lane Complex, located on Evergreen Place in Winter Haven. Merriweather had multiple felony warrants for Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Resisting Arrest with Violence, Possession of Cannabis, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Aggravated Fell to Elude.

As officers arrived, they located a vehicle that Merriweather was reportedly driving. The white Chrysler was parked in front of a residence on Evergreen Place. A subject was seen exiting the residence and entering the back seat of the vehicle. As officers approached the vehicle, 19 year-old Gregory Lewis Mikell (DOB 10-5-97, 8th Ave S, Bartow) and 17 year-old Anquan Butler (DOB 2-9-00,  Taylor Blvd., Winter Haven), who is on Felony Probation for Burglary, were inside of the vehicle. There was a strong odor of cannabis and smoke coming from the vehicle. There also was a three year-old child strapped in a car seat in the back seat of the car.

After both occupants were detained, it was determined that the small child was in Merriweather’s care. Officers knocked on the apartment door and the lease holder, 28 year-old Decara Hardee (DOB 2-14-89, 206 Evergreen Place, Winter Haven) answered. Hardee told officers there were numerous people inside and she was willing to cooperate with officers. Merriweather along with eight other subjects were removed from the apartment. Merriweather was taken into custody on the outstanding warrants. Hardee explained that she routinely let people “hang out” in her apartment.

As officers walked around the apartment, there were multiple areas where drugs and drug paraphernalia were seen in plain sight. Additionally, a firearm was seen protruding from underneath a mattress. At that time, officers authored a search warrant for the apartment, which was signed by a judge and produced to Hardee.

During the search of the apartment, five firearms, miscellaneous ammunition, 113 grams of narcotics to include cannabis, cocaine and prescription pills and drug paraphernalia were found stashed throughout the rooms. Also located in Hardee’s bedroom, where she allows a 3 year-old child to sleep with her, officers found an open bag of cannabis, baggies, a digital scale and Hardee’s identification card. Also, three of the five firearms that were located inside of the apartment were determined to be stolen.

A total of four people were arrested on various charges: Hardee, Merriweather and Mikell were booked into the Polk County Jail. Butler was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Bartow.

Charges are as follows:
Decara Hardee – Possession of Cannabis in Public Housing Facility (FSS 893.13(1)(F)) F-2, Negligent Child Abuse w/o Bodily Harm (FSS 827.03) F-3, Possession of Cocaine (FSS 893.13(6A)) F-3, Maintain Structure for Keeping Controlled Substance (FSS 893.13(7)(A) M-1, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (FSS 893.147) M-1

Michel Merriweather – (in addition to the outstanding warrants) Knowing Abuse Child W/O Bodily Harm (FSS 827.03(2)(C) F-3

Gregory Lewis Mikell – Knowing Abuse Child W/O Bodily Harm (FSS 827.03(2)(C) F-3, and Possession of Cannabis (FSS 893.13(6)(B) M-1

Anquan Butler – (In addition to Violation of Felony Probation) Possession of Cannabis (FSS 893.13(6)(B) M-1 and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (FSS 893.147) M-1

Polk County Fire Rescue EMT Arrested For Allegedly Forging Qualifications Documents

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Polk County Fire Rescue EMT Arrested For Allegedly Forging Qualifications Documents

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Polk County Fire Rescue EMT Arrested

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 28-year-old Kyla Anne Rivas Zehtab of Lakeland on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, for 1 count grand theft (Florida State Statute 812.014) and 1 count forgery (Florida State Statute 817.566). Zehtab was employed by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) since January 3, 2017. Zehtab forged a physical abilities test certificate from the Broward Fire Academy to be eligible for a Firefighter promotion at PCFR (which would have resulted in a higher salary– an additional $11,123 annually).

According to the affidavit, Zehtab was interested in being promoted to a Firefighter position and met all of the qualifications other than the required certification for a physical abilities test. Zehtab told her supervisor at PCFR she had taken the course two times, but failed to obtain her certificate of completion.

On July 19, 2017, Zehtab forwarded to her supervision a copy of a certificate for successful completion of the physical abilities test from the Broward Fire Academy dated June 10, 2017. Her supervision noticed irregularities while processing the documentation. The text on the certificate appeared to be darker than normal, slanted, and not parallel with the corresponding text on the document.

When PCFR employees contacted the Broward Fire Academy to verify Zehtab’s attendance, they responded saying there was no record of her attending the training, and stated an original document was altered. Director Mark Wilson with the Broward Fire Academy stated, “In reference to your fax of July, 27, 2017, the Broward Fire Academy does not have a record of this person successfully completing a County-wide Ability test at our facility. Furthermore, we are unable to locate a registration form, payment confirmation, or a time/score sheet that would indicate participation on the date identified on the certificate. At this time we must conclude that one of our original documents has been altered and presented to you.”
“Instead of doing the right thing, Ms. Zehtab decided to forge a certificate to make herself eligible for a promotion in order to receive compensation for which she was not entitled. Forging a certificate to be promoted to a Firefighter is not only an integrity issue, but it is also a public safety concern.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Zehtab has been suspended with pay pending an internal investigation by PCFR. “Ms. Zehtab did not meet the high standards set to become a firefighter. As a result of her actions, such conduct will not be tolerated. Therefore, we notified the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and she was charged criminally. We expect nothing less than professionalism and honesty from our employees!” -Joe Halman, Jr., Deputy County Manager of Public Safety, Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

Zehtab has been booked into the Polk County jail on the above charges and is being held on no bond pending first appearance hearing.

Former Girlfriend Shot After Allegedly Trying To Break Into Winter Haven Apartment

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Former Girlfriend Shot After Allegedly Trying To Break Into Winter Haven Apartment

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

Winter Haven Police detectives are investigating and overnight shooting that injured a woman attempting to enter an apartment.

On 7-31-17 at approximately 11:45 p.m., residents inside of a unit at Briarcrest Apartments (200 Ave. K, SE #64) in Winter Haven heard someone pushing on the door and wiggling the door handle in an attempt to enter. The door was locked and had a hotel-style latch also securing it closed.

Twenty-six year-old Joshua Peguero told detectives that the residence had been burglarized three times over the past two months and he was on edge about the suspicious noises. Fearing someone was again attempting to enter the apartment, Peguero retrieved his 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol.

Twenty-five year-old Danzil Norman, who also lives in the apartment, had been having issues with his former girlfriend, 23 year-old Trekeria Richardson after a recent breakup. Norman claimed that Richardson kicked in the door to the apartment about three weeks ago. Norman looked outside of the window to see if Richardson’s vehicle was parked in front of the building. Not seeing any vehicle, Norman and Peguero decided to unlock the door to see if they could confront the person attempting to enter.

Norman unlocked the deadbolt with Peguero poised behind the door aiming the pistol at the door. When the lock released, the door immediately was pushed open from the outside until the additional latch engaged. Peguero told detectives that he feared someone was trying to enter to cause harm so he fired one shot through the door striking Richardson who was pushing on the door with her shoulder.

Once the men realized who was outside, they immediately started rendering aid until officers and EMS personnel arrived. Richardson received one gunshot wound to the shoulder. She was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with non-life-threatening injuries. Police continue to investigate the incident and at this time no charges have been filed.

Safety & Sobriety Patrols This Weekend In Lakeland

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Safety & Sobriety Patrols This Weekend In Lakeland

Lakeland, Florida – On Friday, August 4th, 2017, members of Lakeland Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol will be conducting Safety and Sobriety Saturation Patrols from the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. in the areas of Highway 92 (Memorial Blvd.), Florida Avenue, Highway 98 North and Highway 98 South.

Additionally these mobile saturation patrols will be used for Safety Belt Enforcement efforts and educational purposes related to traffic safety. Heightened patrols will take place throughout the City in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

The Lakeland Police Department is fully committed to making the streets in our community safer through aggressive impaired driving enforcement and continued education, as impaired driving is one of America’s and deadliest crimes.

Remember, if you are Over the Limit, you will be Under Arrest.

Date: August 4th, 2017
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Locations: Hwy 92 (Memorial Boulevard)
Florida Avenue
Highway 98 North
Highway 98 South

Tropical Storm Emily Flooding One Local Families Home Here In Polk

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Tropical Storm Emily Flooding One Local Families Home Here In Polk

Polk County Fire Rescue Press Release

Lakeland, Florida – As of 1:30 p.m., the Polk County Emergency Management is aware of some flooding in Lakeland due to Tropical Storm Emily. One residential home, located at 5453 Old Highway 37, has approximately four inches of water inside the home. The American Red Cross is assisting the family. Five people live at the home, three adults and two children.

Several roadways are also affected. The following roads are closed:

· Duff Road, between Green Road and Highway 98 N
· Glean Oak Drive and Shady Oak Drive E
· Wabash at 10th Street
· Reynolds Road and Kirk Street

Two Teens Arrested For Shooting Out More Than 100 Car Windows

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Two Teens Arrested For Shooting Out More Than 100 Car Windows

Press Release Highlands County Sheriff’s Office

SEBRING — Two teenagers have confessed to shooting the windows out of more than 100 cars and nine businesses with BB guns during a month-long spree that began in late March.

Logan Patrick Lashley, 19, of Babson Park, and his 17-year-old cousin Reno Jay Lashley of Avon Park were arrested Friday, July 28, and charged with six counts of felony criminal mischief, nine counts of shooting into a building (a felony) and one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief. They turned themselves in on Friday, July 28, the same day arrest warrants were issued.

In total, there were 97 incidents (61 investigated by the HCSO and 36 by the Sebring Police Department) with 112 damaged vehicles and nine businesses damaged, resulting in more than $47,000 in repair costs. The District 10 Office of the State’s Attorney in Sebring grouped the cases by date in order to upgrade the charges to felonies instead of misdemeanors.

Assistant State’s Attorney Christine Pletcher said that statute allows for ongoing incidents to be grouped together and for the consolidation of victims to meet the criteria for felony charges. “Every victim has been accounted for,” she said, adding that each victim will be eligible for restitution if the two plead guilty to — or are convicted — on all charges.

The pair were identified and confessed in early May. The sheer volume of paperwork associated with such a large number of cases took weeks to process, accounting for the delay in the arrest warrants being issued. Pletcher said the task of organizing the cases to determine time frames and completing all the documentation required to make sure every victim was accounted for was a huge undertaking for the state’s attorney staff.

“This was a huge undertaking and it was solved by solid police work,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “There were many deputies, police officers and detectives involved in these cases from the start, and it took more than 300 hours between the two agencies from the beginning of the investigation to the end. HCSO Det. Du’Wayne Kelly and Sebring Police Det. Tim Ritenour are to be commended for taking the lead roles and putting an end to this crime spree so quickly.”

In total, HCSO logged more than 210 hours on the case, while SPD had 119 hours invested. That total does not include the hours spent by the State’s Attorney staff.

Lake Wales City Commissioner Allegedly Held Pocket Knife To Girlfriends Neck & Punches Her Repeatedly

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Lake Wales City Commissioner Allegedly Held Pocket Knife To Girlfriends Neck & Punches Her Repeatedly

 

Lake Wales, Florida – According to the Lake Wales Police on July 30, 2017, Curtis Lee Gibson Jr., a Lake Wales City Commissioner, was arrested for Aggravated Assault- Domestic Violence and Battery Domestic Violence.

The incident arose when Gibson and his girlfriend, victim, of 4 years, who also lives with Gibson and their 4 children, got into a verbal arguement,according to reports. The victim was reportedly tending to one of the children when the Gibson allegedly instructed the child to “bad mouth” their own mother. The victim stated that Gibson told the child to tell their mother to “shut up.” This made the victim mad so she snapped a hair bow towards the Gibson’s direction.

This allegedly angered Gibson so he approached the victim in an aggressive manner. According to reports as soon as Gibson was within arm’s reach, he allgedly punched the victim. The punch reportedly made contact with the victim’s left shoulder. In return, the victim swung back at Gibson. When asked, the victim was not sure if she had made contact. The victim stated, “I’m pretty sure I hit him.”

Soon after this exchange, Gibson allegedly grabbed the victim’s arm and twisted it behind her back. This was done in an attempt to restrain the victim at that moment. Reportedly at the same time, the victim is trying to reach for the bed in an attempt to reach for any object to hit Gibson in an attempt to get Gibson away from her. The victim stated when Gibson had her r arm behind her back, this caused her pain and she was trying to get Gibson to stop.

Once both Gibson and victim were near the bed, the victim grabbed a hanger and hit Gibson in an attempt to get him to stop hitting her. Gibson allegedly continued his onslaught by punching the victim multiple times. The victim then grabbed a hair brush and hit Gibson again. The victim then grabbed a set of nail clippers which, allegedly, inadvertently scratched Gibson as she attempted to stop his advance.

After victim’s futile attempts to stop the defendant from allegedly battering her, Gibson reached into his shorts pocket and allegedly produced a pocket knife. Once the pocket knife was produced, the victim began to scream and go for her cell phone. The victim was trying to call for help. At the same time, Gibson allegedly lunged at the victim in an aggressive manner. Gibson opened the pocket knife and allegedly pushed the victim onto the bed. Once on the bed, Gibson jumped on top of the victim while still holding the pocket knife in an aggressive manner. Once Gibson was on top of the victim, he allegedly placed the pocket knife onto the victim’s neck While having the pocket knife on the victim’s neck, Gibson allegedly stated; “you trying to pierce me? You trying to pierce me?” “I should stick you right now, I should stick you right now.” “Do you know what I can do to you right now? Do you know what I can do to you right now?” Gibson allegedly made the reference to “sticking” the victim meaning he should have stabbed the victim.

Reportedly soon after Gibson made this statement, the victim quickly begged for the him to get off of her. Once Gibson got up, the victim walked towards the bathroom where the he allegedly grabbed the victim again. Once Gibson was restraining the victim, he allegedly held the victim up against the bedroom dresser. The victim attempted to call 911, but hung up. As soon as the victim hung the phone up, Gibson elected to call 911 himself.

Gibson was placed under arrest for Aggravated Assault-Domestic Violence per FSS 784.021 (1) (a) and Battery-Domestic Violence 784.03 (1) (a) (1). The pocketknife and nail clippers used during this incident were seized for evidence. The victim and Gibson did not require medical attention while on scene. Gibson was transported to Polk County Jail.

PCSO & FWC Dive Teams Trying To Locate Missing Boater

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PCSO & FWC Dive Teams Trying To Locate Missing Boater

Update: With great sadness, at 6:58PM on July 30th, 2017, FWC with the support of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Lakeland Police Department, have located and recovered a body in Lake Gibson.  

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Update: Florida Fish & Wildlife continues the search for missing Plant City, Florida man. According an FWC spokesman the search has been going continuously since yesterday afternoon. Less officers work last night, but rescue workers work through the evening. At this time we know 23 year old Cornelius “Corn” Wiggins was riding in a 21 ft. Tidewater boat. According to the FWC Mr. Wiggins sunglasses came off and he jumped in after them. The operator of the boat, Julie Bryant, turned around and tried to help Wiggins. Bryant reportedly dove into the water to try and locate Wiggins, but he never surfaced again.

According to the FWC they will continue the search until Wiggins is found or his body is recovered.

Wiggins or “Corn” to his friends is well liked by many. Friends and family are expressing prayers and hoping for a miracle. One family member posting on Facebook “Why”

We will continue to update this story.

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Lakeland, Florida – According to the Florida Wildlife Commission an incident has occurred on Lake Gibson who in Lakeland. Earlier today a male boater fell overboard while boating on Lake Gibson. The man never resurfaced. At this time dive teams from the Polk County Sheriffs Office and FWC are conducting a search of the lake.

The victim is being identified by Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission as Cornelius Wiggins, 32, of Plant City, Florida.

This is a developing story and we will update as information becomes available.

Winter Haven Police Officer Charged With Having Sex With Minor

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Winter Haven Police Officer Charged With Having Sex With Minor


Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

Winter Haven Police Officer Arrested For Having Sex With A Minor

On Saturday, 7-29-17 at approximately 6:30 a.m., Polk County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 39 year-old William Kenna of Winter Haven for one count of Sexual Activity with a Victim 16 or 17 (FSS 794.05) (F2) after it was discovered he had sexual intercourse with a 17 year-old female.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., Winter Haven Police were contacted regarding the possible relationship between Kenna and the victim. Once police arrived on scene, Kenna and the 17 year-old victim were found together in a room alone, however they both denied any sexual act had occurred at this time. Winter Haven Police contacted the Polk County Sheriff's Office to conduct the investigation into the allegations.

According to the affidavit, the victim disclosed that she and Kenna had known each other for approximately one and a half years. She stated she and Kenna would discuss personal problems they each were having and would turn to each other when they needed advice. She stated that over time she and Kenna became close. The victim stated that approximately four months ago, she and Kenna were at his Winter Haven home and while there, they engaged in consensual sexual intercourse with each other.
Kenna, who immediately resigned in lieu of termination, was hired by the Winter Haven Police Department on 6-11-12 as a Police Officer. He obtained the reclassification of Police Officer II in July 2015.

"Our officers are expected to conduct themselves with honor and dignity and provide professional service to our citizens," said Chief Charlie Bird. "The decision Kenna made goes against everything the men and women of our agency stand for."

Kenna was booked into the Polk County Jail and is expected to make his first appearance on Sunday at 8 a.m.

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