Alcoma Athletics won LWLL major division baseball championship last night over the Medlock Tree Service Marlins in a close & hard fought game. Congratulations to both teams!
PCSO Traffic Unit is Investigating a Single Vehicle Crash in Lakeland
The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a single-vehicle traffic fatality that occurred off of Morgan Combee Road in Lakeland today. Preliminary information so far is as follows:
Around 3:45 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, May 17, 2017, PCSO received 911 calls from witnesses who saw a pickup truck that was heading westbound on Morgan Combee Road, veer off the roadway to the south, down an embankment, and into a body of water (a filled-in phosphate pit, part of Saddle Creek Park).
The driver, who has been positively identified as 86-year-old Charles Custer, was awake and talking to the witnesses as they yelled at him to get out – his window was partially down. Custer was unable to get his seatbelt off and get out of the truck, and it quickly became completely submerged underwater.
The first first responders to arrive on-scene were Polk County Fire Rescue personnel, Cody Bentz and Cimberly Harris, who both jumped into the water. The first PCSO deputy sheriff to arrive on-scene, Deputy Josh Ringdahl, also jumped into the water. They were unable to locate the truck.
The PCSO Dive Team responded to the scene, and recovered the truck, with Custer’s body inside. It was down approximately 30 feet underwater.
Custer was employed by PCSO as a civilian in Court Security from 1988 until he retired in 1999.
The investigation is ongoing.
Body of Unknown Man Found in Retention Pond Near Imperial Parkway in Mulberry
UPDATE to death investigation in Imperial Lakes area:
The deceased person found floating in the water near Imperial Lakes yesterday has been positively identified as 26-year-old Jonathan Andrew Whitted, with no known address.
He was positively identified via fingerprint analysis, and positive identification from his family members.
At this time no foul play is suspected. His autopsy is pending toxicology.
Original Release:
PCSO detectives working a death investigation
At approximately 10:56 a.m., on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, PCSO received a 911 call from a witness who was fishing in a retention pond, near Imperial Parkway in Mulberry, and discovered a body floating near the shore.
Deputies arrived on scene and found the body of an unknown white adult male with brown hair, wearing a blue Florida Gators jersey, and black and orange swim trunks. The decedent also has multiple tattoos on his hand, arm, chest, and knees.
The decedent has not been identified at this time.
If you have any information about the decedent described above, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200, Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
Reward Increased to $10,000 for Information Leading To Arrest in the Homicide of Preston Burnett
UPDATE to Preston Burnett homicide investigation:
On May 17, 2017, PCSO sent out photos of two unidentified women, related to the Preston Burnett homicide investigation, seeking the public’s help to identify them.
Thanks to the media coverage, we received tips and have positively identified these two women. We are no longer seeking the media or the public’s help to identify them.
The women are cooperating with PCSO on this investigation.
The reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) remains at $10,000. We appreciate your cooperation.
We will bring you more information when it becomes available.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Heartland Crime Stoppers to increase the reward to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for killing 29-year-old Preston Burnett.
As previously released, Burnett’s body was found around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, in a wooded area off of Skyview Blvd in Lakeland.
Burnett was last seen leaving Teri Street in the Sun Acres subdivision in Auburndale on foot, around 2:30 a.m. on May 10, 2017. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt, white and blue New Balance sneakers, and a black ball cap with a Camping World logo on it.
During the investigation, these two photos were found with Burnett (see below).
PCSO needs the public’s help to identify the women in these photos. Detectives would like to speak with them.
If you can identify the women in these photos, if you know who killed Preston Burnett, or if you saw Preston Burnett between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, please contact Detective Keith Brannon at 863-224-7964.
Anyone with information who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a $10,000 CASH REWARD is urged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Or log onto www.p3tips.com to submit your tip via the web, or download the free “P3tips” mobile app.www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!
Haines City’s Memorial Day Ceremony Will Be Downtown at 9:00 AM
Memorial Day Ceremony
Please join us Monday, May 29, 2017 to remember all those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedom! Haines City’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be Downtown at the Military Court of Honor at Railroad Park at 9:00 AM.
Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show Saturday May 20th
Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show
Saturday, May 20 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Free Cypress Gardens Water Ski show, 3rd Saturday of every month. Concessions are available bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating.
Details
Date:
Saturday, May 20
Time:
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cost:
FREE
Venue
MLK Park
199 E Lake Silver Dr NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Family Homeless After Fire Destroys Scott Lake Home
Family Homeless After Fire Destroys Scott Lake Home
Bartow, Fla. (May 17, 2017) — A home along Scott Lake in Lakeland was destroyed by fire. Just after 10 p.m. on May 16, Polk County Fire Rescue and the Bartow Fire Department responded to 1228 Lake Point Drive. The 3,759 square foot wood frame home was heavily involved in fire when firefighters arrived.
The winds were strong and blew flames towards the home next door. A Polk County deputy evacuated the threatened homes before firefighters arrived. Everyone was accounted for, so firefighters focused on protecting the nearby structures. The fire was brought under control by midnight. No one was injured and no other homes were severely damaged.
Five people lived at the home, three adults and two children. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family.
The cause of the fire is undetermined, so the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations were called to carry out an investigation.
UPDATE: Four Vehicle Accident Blocking Both Directions on SR 60 Near Indian Lake Estates
The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a four-vehicle traffic crash in Lake Wales – preliminary information so far is as follows:
Around 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Monday, May 15, 2017, on SR 60 East near CR 630 near Indian Lake Estates, a blue 2009 Volvo semi tractor-trailer, a black 2010 Kia Rio, and a white 2005 semi tractor-trailer, were traveling westbound on SR 60 in that order when the blue semi began braking to slow down, due to traffic up ahead.
The Kia also began to slow to a stop.
The white semi behind the Kia began braking, and locked up its brakes, striking the Kia (rear-ending it) and forcing the Kia off the road and into a drainage ditch.
After striking the Kia, the white semi then veered into the eastbound lane and jack-knifed, and was then struck by a grey 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was heading eastbound.
The driver of the blue Volvo semi, 53-year-old Sergey Zhuklevich (male) of North Port, was not injured.
The driver of the Kia, 22-year-old Shannon Reid (female) of Vero Beach, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the white semi, 53-year-old Gil Samuel Ramirez-Cabrera (male) of Tampa, suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Osceola Regional Medical Center. That driver’s name will be released once deputies make next of kin notification.
The roadway in that area is still shut down and traffic is being directed around it.
We will update you when Traffic is flowing again.
The investigation is ongoing.
Sponsored by:
PCSO Traffic Unit Arrests Two For DUI Over The Weekend
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PCSO Traffic Unit arrests two for DUI over the weekend
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During the weekend of May 12-14, 2017, the PCSO Traffic Unit arrested the following two people, unrelated, for driving under the influence:
44-year-old Lonnie Williams of Sebring, who is employed by G4S and works the Highlands Youth Academy (a DJJ facility), had an initial BAC of .153. He was booked into the Polk County Jail on Friday, May 12th, and bonded out. His charges were: one count DUI, one count possession of marijuana, and one count possession of paraphernalia.
40-year-old Jakhui Duren of Lake Wales, who is employed by Polk State College, was going 100 MPH in a 55 MPH zone and had an initial BAC of .230. She was booked into the Polk County Jail on Sunday, May 14th, and bonded out. She was charged with one count DUI.
The following are excerpts from the affidavits and are self-explanatory:
LONNIE WILLIAMS
PHASE 2 PERSONAL CONTACT: The suspect stated he drank it when he was at home in Sebring, Florida, and was driving to Clearwater to a friend’s house. As I was standing with the suspect I observed his eyes were bloodshot, red, and watery. His speech was slurred and he talked soft. The suspect was swaying front and back about 1-2 inches. I asked the suspect if he would complete some tasks so I can determine if he should have been operating a motor vehicle at the time of the crash. The suspect stated he would compete the tasks. I asked the suspect if he was a diabetic or suffers from epilepsy. The suspect stated no. I asked the suspect what he did for work the suspect stated he works as a counselor at the Highland Youth Academy. His employer is G4S. I asked the suspect if he had any physical or mental deficiencies that would hinder him from standing, walking, and standing on one leg. The suspect stated no, he was in perfect health. A line of white tape was laid down in the right lane of Hwy 60 for the evaluation. PHASE 3 PRE-ARREST SCREENING / STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTING: I explained and demonstrated each task to the suspect prior to him completing the task he stated he understood the directions.
1. HGN – HORIZONTAL GAZE NYSTAGMUS: I observed six clues. 2. WAT- WALK AND TURN: I observed four clues. 3. OLS- ONE LEG STAND: On this task the suspect raised his right foot the suspect put his foot back down on the ground three times. The suspect hopped and raised his hands more than six inches away from his body on second 4, 5, 6, and 15. I advised the suspect based on my observation he was being arrested and charged with DUI. The suspect was placed in the back my marked patrol unit and transported to the Polk County Jail without incident. POST ARREST PROCEDURES / BREATH TESTING: JAKHUI DUREN:
On May 14, 2017, at approximately 0201 hours, I was conducting traffic enforcement in the area of Highway 60 and Logistics Parkway. I observed a white car traveling eastbound on Highway 60 at what visually appeared to be a high rate of speed in the inside lane. I activated the rear antenna of my marked patrol vehicle’s radar unit. I heard a loud audible tone and the digital display read 100 miles per hour. The area of Highway 60 and Logistics Parkway is a posted 55 mile per hour zone. I performed a traffic stop on the vehicle approximately two miles east of Logistics Parkway on Highway 60 eastbound.
I made contact with the driver identified by her Florida Driver’s License to be Jakhui Dee Duren. I advised her of the reason for the stop and she stated, “I was, I thought I was doing 50.” Duren stated that the car belonged to her brother and the car goes fast anyway so she did not know she was going that fast. I asked Duren for her license and vehicle registration. Duren pulled several papers from the glove compartment put them in her lap and stated, “What did you ask me for again?” I advised her that I needed her license and registration. Duren flipped through the papers in her lap going past the vehicle registration several times. Duren was finally able to locate the registration and handed it to me. She then sat in the car and did not produce her driver’s license as request. I again asked Duren for her driver’s license and after looking through her purse several times, Duren produced her license. I observed Duren’s eyes to be bloodshot, glassy, and a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her breath and person. While speaking to Duren she was slow to respond to my questions, her speech was slurred, and her movements were slow and lethargic. I asked Duren to step from her vehicle and walk to the rear. As Duren exited the vehicle, I observed her use the driver side door and top of the vehicle to maintain her balance. As Duren walked to the rear, she appeared unsteady on her feet and placed her left hand on the side of the vehicle as she walked. Once at the rear of the vehicle Duren leaned against the trunk of her vehicle for support as I spoke to her. Based on my observation, I asked Duren if she would consent to a series of field sobriety test (SFST’s) and she said yes. Prior to conducting the SFST’s, I asked Duren a series of medical questions. Duren told me she was in good health and had no injuries or conditions that would prevent her from performing any of the test. Duren denied any issues including epilepsy, diabetes, muscular and/or skeletal problems. Duren was not wearing glasses or contact lenses and did not use a prosthetic eye (glass eye). While speaking to Duren she was unsteady on her feet and swayed from side to side. I still detected a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her breath and person. Pre-Arrest Screening / Standardized Field Sobriety Testing: The SFST’s were conducted on the asphalt roadway on a level surface, where it was level and debris free. I used a white, duct-tape line for the walk and turn portion of the SFST’s. The area was adequate lighted by the headlights of the patrol vehicles and protected from traffic. Additional light beyond the patrol vehicle’s headlights were not needed. The Standard Field Sobriety Tests conducted were the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand. I properly explained and demonstrated each of the test to Duren. Duren advised she understood them and any questions she had I answered after each demonstration and prior to performing the test. HORIZONTAL GAZE NYSTAGMUS: I observed a total of 6 clues. WALK AND TURN: I observed 8 clues. ONE LEG STAND: I observed 3 clues. Post Arrest Procedures / Breath Testing: At the conclusion of the SFST, I determined that Duren was operating a motor vehicle with in Polk County Florida and based on my training and experience was determined to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol to the point where her normal faculties were impaired. I advised Duren of the DUI charge, she advised she understood, and she was taken into custody without incident. I arrived at Book-In located in Bartow, Florida, at approximately 0302 hours and I began a 20-minute observation period. At the conclusion of the 20-minute observation period, I requested Duren provide two samples of breath to determine the breath alcohol level, and Duren stated she would. The breath samples showed Duren’s breathe alcohol level to be .230 G/210L / .225 G/210L. I issued Duren one Florida DUI citations A6Y6M3E. I released Duren to the custody of Book In staff to complete the booking process. |
Elderly Lake Wales Man Struck By Semi & Killed On S.R. 60 Early Monday Morning
The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a traffic fatality in Lake Wales.
Lake Wales, Florida – Around 2:00 a.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017, PCSO deputies responded to SR 60, approximately 400 yards east of Old Bartow Road, where a pedestrian was fatally struck by a semi tractor pulling a trailer. The truck is a 2015 Freightliner pulling a box trailer, owned by Schneider National Carriers out of Gary, Indiana.
The driver of the semi, 27-year-old Dwayne Thomas of Orlando, was heading westbound on SR 60 when he was unable to avoid striking 70-year-old Franklin Guthrie Waters of 2949 Old Bartow Rd in Lake Wales; Waters was in the middle of the westbound lane.
Witnesses saw Waters walking along the east shoulder of the road prior to the crash. It is unknown why he was in the middle of the road – whether he was attempting to cross, or simply walking. There is reduced illumination in the area and the speed limit is 55 MPH.
Waters was deceased on-scene. The investigation is ongoing. Neither excessive speed, distraction, or impairment on the part of Thomas are suspected.
The westbound lanes of SR 60 were closed for approximately one hour, and the eastbound lanes were converted to a single lane in both directions for approximately three hours, during the investigation. The roadways are open at this time.
