Winter Haven Police Investigating Two Dead Bodies Found In Motel

Winter Haven

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October 15, 2020

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Winter Haven Police Investigating Two Dead Bodies Found In Motel

Pictures above are from February 2019 / Dreads / August 2019

** UPDATE **

Winter Haven Police Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating 38 year-old Beloni Petitfrere. Detectives would like to speak with Petitfrere regarding the double homicide that occurred at the Rose Motel on 10-13-2020. Investigators believe he may have information regarding the case.

Anyone who has been in contact with or knows the whereabouts of Petitfrere is asked to call Detective Esteve at 863-287-8210 or the Supervisor on Duty at 863-401-2256.

Petitfrere could possibly have dreads now or a close hair cut.

Original Release:

Winter Haven detectives are investigating the deaths of two people found inside of a motel room after a well-being check was requested.

On Wednesday (10-14-2020) at approximately 3:20 p.m., a call was received from the mother of 40 yr-old Timothy Anderson requesting a well-being check be conducted at The Rose Motel (815 6th St NW, Winter Haven). She had not heard from her son, who typically called her daily and she was unable to reach him by phone. Approximately 15 minutes later, officers requested a staff member at the motel open the room since there was no answer when they knocked.

When officers entered, they found Anderson 49 yr-old Leslee Umpleby deceased with significant trauma injuries.

A witness who was interviewed reported seeing someone wearing a hoodie go towards the room sometime after 11 p.m. on Tuesday night (10-13-2020) and heard a commotion, however wasn’t sure what it was and went back into their motel room.

A search warrant was authored for detectives to search the room. The search warrant was ultimately granted late Wednesday night. This investigation is in the early stages and any information is very limited at this time.

If anyone knows anything regarding this case, please call Detective Rod Esteve at 863-287-8210.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $5,000.

Breaking News:

Winter Haven, Florida – The Winter Haven Police Department is currently investigating two bodies found in the Rose Motel, 6th St N.

Department spokeswoman, Jamie Brown, advised that Winter Haven Police Chief Byrd would brief the press on a double homicide at 3:30pm

We will update details as more information is released.

Two Unrelated Incidents Result in Stabbings

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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October 15, 2020

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Two Unrelated Incidents Result in Stabbings

Two unrelated disturbances in two days resulted in two people being stabbed. Both victims were fortunate that neither of them sustained life-threatening injuries.

The first incident occurred on October 10, 2020 at approximately 10:30pm near the intersection of Dr JA Wiltshire Blvd and E St. The investigation revealed the victim and Pamela Heyward had been arguing back and forth for a couple hours that evening. The arguing abruptly became physical when Heyward was blocking the victim’s view of a television. The victim reportedly threw a backpack in the direction of Heyward to get her to move. A witness stated Heyward starting striking the victim in a hammering motion and when she stopped the victim had blood on her shirt. That is when the victim and the witness realized Heyward was armed with a kitchen knife and had stabbed the victim. The victim was transported to the hospital where she was treated for injuries which were not life threatening. Heyward, a 64 year old Lake Wales resident, was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail for Aggravated Battery. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Detective Russell Klingler at (863) 678-4223 extension 271.

The second incident occurred on October 11, 2020 at approximately 8:25pm in the 200 block of D St. The investigation revealed there had been ongoing arguing and disturbances in a large crowd of people that had gathered. Among those in the crowd were Abriya Green and the victim. A physical fight occurred between Green and the victim. During the fight it was reported Green had an unknown shiny object in her hand and she was striking the victim in a stabbing motion. At the conclusion of the fight the victim had sustained a stab wound and was transported to the hospital where she was treated for injuries that were not life threatening. Green left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Green was contacted by phone but she refused to come back to the scene or the police department. Green, a 22 year old Lake Wales resident, was charged with Aggravated Battery and a warrant has been obtained for her arrest. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are likely. Anyone with information about this investigation or the whereabouts of Abriya Green is asked to contact Detective Amanda Ayers at (863) 678-4223 extension 264 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

Sheriff Grady Judd Will Brief Media This Morning Regarding Deadly Deputy Involved Shooting

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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October 15, 2020

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Sheriff Grady Judd Will Brief Media This Morning Regarding Deadly Deputy Involved Shooting

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in unincorporated Frostproof that occurred on Freedom Drive around 9:00 pm on October 14, 2020.

At 6:56 pm, deputies responded to the residence following a report of a family disturbance by the suspect’s sister. She told deputies that her brother, 28-year-old Yoel Arnaldo Mejia Santel, was paranoid and likely schizophrenic. She also told deputies that her brother took her cellphone, broke the screen, and during a physical altercation injured her finger, breaking her fingernail. She said Santel made statements that if she calls the cops, they’ll have to shoot him because he’ll have a machete.

When they arrived, deputies located Santel standing in the doorway of the apartment. Santel’s right hand was hidden behind the doorframe. In an attempt to deescalate the situation, deputies engaged Santel in dialogue and instructed him to show his hands. Santel refused, and one of the deputies attempted to get control of Santel. Santel fell away from the deputy and into his apartment, where he armed himself with a machete and retreated to a bathroom.

Upon entering the residence, deputies smelled a strong odor of gasoline. Deputies gave commands for Santel to exit the bathroom, which were refused. Instead, Santel told deputies, “Did you smell that gas? I poured gas everywhere.” Believing Santel also possessed a lighter, deputies introduced chemical agent in an attempt to get Santel to exit the bathroom with his hands up. Deputies were in dialogue with Santel for approximately 45 minutes.

Santel exited the bathroom with the machete raised over his head and charged at the deputies. Fearing for their safety, the deputies fired their agency-issued weapons at Santel. The deputies then rendered aid to Santel and summoned Polk County Fire Rescue, who continued life-saving efforts. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

“There is no doubt, Law Enforcement is a dangerous job. When deputies respond to a family disturbance, they do everything they can to deescalate the situation and bring about a peaceful conclusion. Unfortunately, Santel put them in a position where they had to protect themselves and those around them.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

During a search of the residence, a glass pipe with white residue which tested positive for methamphetamine was found in the suspect’s bedroom.

Santel’s criminal history includes 12 felonies and 3 misdemeanors, including Battery Domestic Violence, Burglary, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Violation of Probation. He was released from Florida state prison in May of 2020 (violation of probation, 8 counts).

Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings will include four independent investigations. The PCSO homicide unit will conduct a death investigation. PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry. The State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate investigation. The 10th District Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an investigation to determine the cause and manner of death.

The deputies involved are: 40-year-old Lieutenant Kenneth Hill, a 20-year veteran of PCSO; 36-year-old Sergeant Joshua Anderson; a 15-year veteran of PCSO, and 49-year-old Deputy Sheriff Sarah Taylor, a 10-year veteran of PCSO. All involved deputies are CIT certified (Crisis Intervention Training).

Per agency protocol, all members involved will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.

25 Yr Old Man Struck By Hit & Run Driver While Riding His Bicycle In Frostproof – Family Wants To Know Why He Was “Left For Dead”

Staff Reporter

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October 15, 2020

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25 Yr Old Man Struck By Hit & Run Driver While Riding His Bicycle In Frostproof – Family Wants To Know Why He Was “Left For Dead”

Frostproof, Florida – A Lake Wales Man was in serious condition following a crash Monday night.

The crash occurred on 10/12/20 at about 10:38 pm at 1000 Hwy 630 West in Frostproof. It was a hit & run crash between an unknown type of vehicle, according to deputies, and a bicycle. The operator of the bike was 25-year-old John White of Lake Wales. He was transported by EMS to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center via Aero Med with a head laceration, broken leg and collar bone.

According to the preliminary investigation, White was travelling west on Hwy 630, while the vehicle was going east on Hwy 630. After the vehicle struck the bicyclist, it left the scene.

White’s bicycle was not equipped with any lights.

The family would appreciate any type of help identifing the driver. Deputies are conducting an investigation that typically involved canvasing the area and looking at surveillance video from local cameras.

Anyone who has any information that might be helpful to this investigation is urged to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

* Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)

* From your cell phone, dial **TIPS

* Or 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.

Polk Deputies Seize 7 Kilo’s Of Meth & Arrest Multiple People Including Two Illegal Immigrants

Staff Reporter

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October 14, 2020

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Polk Deputies Seize 7 Kilo’s Of Meth & Arrest Multiple People Including Two Illegal Immigrants

Polk County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives developed information in September of 2020 that a source of illegal narcotics was trafficking methamphetamine from Colorado to Polk County. Detectives developed information on a suspect in Arapahoe County, Colorado that resulted in three arrests. The latest arrest occurred last week in Denver, Colorado; the investigation continues regarding other possible suspects involved.

26-year-old Cristian Garcia-Cornejo (illegally in the United States from Mexico) of Denver, Colorado was arrested on October 5, 2020, and booked into the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office on a Polk County warrant for Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 200 Grams. Garcia-Cornejo is being held with no bond while awaiting extradition to Polk County. Garcia-Cornejo is being extradited to Polk County.

21-year-old Kevin Nieto-Figueroa (illegally in the United States from Mexico) of Senoia, Georgia was arrested on October 4, 2020, for Trafficking in Methamphetamine (F1), Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine (F1), and Possession of Paraphernalia (M1). Nieto-Figueroa was booked into the Polk County Jail and currently has an ICE hold.

20-year-old Myra Alejandra Meraz of Senoia, Georgia was arrested on October 4, 2020, for Trafficking in Methamphetamine (F1), Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine (F1), and Possession of Paraphernalia (M1). Meraz was booked into the Polk County Jail.
The investigation is as follows:
PCSO detectives arranged a face-to-face narcotics transaction. On October 4, 2020, PCSO detectives met Nieto-Figueroa and Meraz at an undisclosed location in Winter Haven. The two produced 5 kilograms (which has a street value of $400,000) hidden in a box from their vehicle and placed them into the back seat of the undercover vehicle.
Both Nieto-Figueroa and Meraz were placed under arrest and transported to the Polk County Jail.
During the investigation, it was learned that Nieto-Figueroa had picked up the methamphetamine in Atlanta. He had been communicating with someone in Mexico who had put him in touch with a distributer out of Colorado, identified as Garcia-Cornejo.
PCSO detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Garcia-Cornejo, and on October 5, 2020, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Garcia-Cornejo. He is currently being held at the Arapahoe County Jail with no bond awaiting extradition to Polk County.
“Those coming into our country illegally with the sole intent to commit crimes must be held accountable and ultimately returned to their country of origin. Through strong law enforcement partnerships and great detective work, our community is safer because these dangerous drugs – and dealers – have been removed from our streets. Methamphetamine destroys people and families—anyone who traffics and sells this poison is trafficking in death and destruction.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Man Grabs Speakers From Walmart, Stuffs Them Into Stolen Backpack and Darts Out The Door

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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October 14, 2020

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Man Grabs Speakers From Walmart, Stuffs Them Into Stolen Backpack and Darts Out The Door

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

The guy in the video helped himself to a set of speakers at Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd). Then selected a cammo backpack, put the speakers inside and walked out through the Garden Center (yep – no attempt to p ay). He is seen getting on that nifty bike we guess he wanted the speakers for.
Recognize him? Call Det. Watts at 863-834-0784. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Winter Haven Face Covering Requirement Ends October 15

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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Winter Haven Face Covering Requirement Ends October 15

In response to reducing the spread of COVID-19, the City of Winter Haven had previously passed and extended a number of emergency Ordinances requiring masks/face covering when in public settings inside the City limits. On September 25, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 2020-244 which prohibits the City from collecting any fines or penalties associated with COVID-19. In light of the Governors order and the reduction in the Winter Haven area infection rate, the City Commission will allow Emergency Ordinance O-20-39 to expire October 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

The City Commission strongly encourages the use of face coverings/masks when in public settings, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Social distancing, hand washing and staying home if ill or if there is exposure with someone with COVID-19 is also strongly urged.

The City’s policy to require masks in City facilities for both employees and customers remains in place. Business owners are permitted to make their own determination as to whether employees and/or customers should wear masks.

PCPS Books Bridge Bus Program Comes To Winter Haven

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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PCPS Books Bridge Bus Program Comes To Winter Haven

Tuesday, October 13 @ 8:00 am – Tuesday, October 27 @ 5:00 pm

mywinterhaven.com:
The Books Bridge Bus Program is an outreach program designed to bring books and book-related knowledge to communities in Polk County. Books Bridge Library Media Specialists and Paraprofessionals take books on busses outfitted as mobile classrooms to young children throughout Polk County. The Book Bridge Bus will be stationed at the Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center for the next few weeks. Stop by before they drive off!

Frostproof Jeeptoberfest Draws In 4x The Crowds And Jeeps

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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Frostproof Jeeptoberfest Draws In 4x The Crowds And Jeeps

by James Coulter

What started as a few dozen jeeps and vendors last year has since quadrupled in size. This year’s Frostproof Jeeptoberfest had more than double the crowd, double the jeeps, and double the fun on Saturday.

The Frostproof Jeeptoberfest started last year as a community event, hosted by the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce, to bring people together for their mutual love of four-wheel off-road driving in the great outdoors.

Even with COVID-19 still looming, this year’s event more than doubled in size, with four times the number of jeeps and people turning out for last Saturday’s event on Henderson Field.

“We have so many jeeps here it’s crazy,” said Melody Kinkaid, Director of the Frostproof Chamber. “Last year we did a trial run on the first year to see what people were wanting and looking for. We listened to their needs and opinions and wants and interests. We gave them what they wanted, and we lined the field.”

More than a hundred jeeps parked inside Henderson Field near Lake Reedy in Downtown Frostpoof. So many jeeps turned out for the event that some had to park in the overflow parking across the street. Many of these vehicles proudly flew their American colors, and even sported flags and memorabilia in support of Donald Trump 2020 and Blue Lives Matter.

While some Jeep owners proudly showcased their vehicles on the field, others took off to drive along a nearby off-road trail. Back at the field, attendees perused the food and merchandise vendors, allowed their children to play in the bounce houses, and listened to live music on stage.

Melody Kinkaid was born and raised in Frostproof, having graduated from Frostproof High School in 1992. She’s been involved with the Frostproof Chamber, and recently obtained its Vice President position. She loves being able to host events such as this to draw the community together.

Their growth within the past year has been due to the support they receive from local community businesses, many of whom have contributed with donations and sponsorships. Only through their help has the event grown as large as it has, especially in light of the recent pandemic.

“The purpose of the Jeeptoberfest not only is to give everybody in the community a chance to meet and greet people from all over the state and a fundraiser for the chamber,” she said. “I believe we are over and beyond any expectations right now. It is more than amazing. We are giving the community something to do and somewhere to go.”

While many vehicles were showcased by jeep enthusiasts, some were being promoted by Jeep Dealers like Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. The dealership not only sells Jeep vehicles, but it is one of the few that provides a Jeep proving ground with a Jeep mountain, allowing potential customers to test-drive their vehicles in an off-road simulated-environment.

“So we don’t only talk to people about jeeps,” said Peter Conklin, Commercial Consultant for Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. “We show them what the vehicles can do.”

Conklin loves events such as Frostproof Jeeptoberfest. Not only does it allow him an opportunity to showcase his dealership’s latest models, but also allows him to engage in camaraderie among other Jeep enthusiasts.

“Jeep vehicles are a vehicle that transcends paths,” he said. “[They are] more than just a vehicle on the road with four wheels. It is a lifestyle that brings all sorts of people from across the community. The people, they are awesome, and you get to meet different people and different backgrounds.”

As for this year’s event, it has more than exceeded his initial expectations: “With COVID-19 being as serious as it is, I have seen people doing social distancing and it is a little bit of a break. It is nice to have everybody outdoors where everyone can come together and see what is going on.”

Other vendors participating this year included Bang Energy, an energy drink company that sells drinks of many flavors like Rainbow Unicorn. They attend events such as this to allow people to try their drinks before they buy. They also loved the synergy between their drinks and Jeep vehicles, even sporting a vehicle decked in their logo and colors.

“We were invited because our regular everyday cars are Jeeps,” said Nicole Johnson, field team leader. “Just being surrounded by other jeep lovers

[was fun]

. We are an everyday drink, so anybody doing anything can consume our drink to make their day better.”

Local Lieutenant with PCSO Raises More Than $30,000 For Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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Local Lieutenant with PCSO Raises More Than $30,000 For Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center

by James Coulter

Lt. Jim Ostojic normally serves his community through law enforcement. This past month, he has also been serving it by helping raise money for a local treatment facility that helps countless children with their hearing disorders.

Lt. Ostojic is one of 22 local gentlemen who are helping to raise funds for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center by participating in its annual Mr. Central Florida fundraiser event.

For the past several weeks, he has volunteered 168 hours. During that time, he has raised nearly $30,000. He has another month to reach his goal of $50,000.

Aiding him with his efforts was Craft + Kitchen in Lakeland. The local eatery hosted specials that evening, with all proceeds from their pulled pork dinners going towards Lt. Ostojic and his campaign for Mr. Central Florida. Sales from their beer drafts were also included, with $2 for every draft sold.

For the past 60 years, Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center has served as a world-class speech, language and hearing disorders treatment facility whose core mission, according to its website, is “to provide the highest quality speech, language and hearing services, always in a caring manner.”

Deborah Dodge, the owner of Craft + Kitchen, previously ran her business near the Hearing Center, having since changed location along South Florida Avenue three years ago. She has a friend whose son has hearing problems that were being treated at the Center. She appreciates the work that they do, which is why she wanted to help raise money for it.

“Jim has been fantastic,” she said. “He is very passionate about supporting this cause with the speech and hearing center. He has been great to work with, he has spearheaded this entire endeavor.”

Lt. Ostojic has been a proud member of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) for the past 26 years. He started as an explorer as a teenager, having been introduced to law enforcement by a school resource officer. He became a reserve deputy at age 19, and his career has only grown ever since.

“I always wanted to be a police officer,” he said. “I always thought it was a good thing, a good way to help the community, and I want to give back to the community because they do so much for us, and we want to do a lot for them as well.”

He was chosen by the Honorable Sheriff Grady Judd personally to participate within the Center’s annual fundraiser, Mr. Central Florida. The event allows 22 men to raise funds and compete against each other for the titular title of the event.

As one of his daughter’s best friends receives treatment from the Center, Lt. Ostojic knows from personal experience the good that the local facility does. As such, he takes his position and volunteer work for it very seriously.

During his campaign, he met a gentleman who had taken a child under his care. The man had assumed that the child suffered from disciplinary problems. Only until after the child received a hearing test did they realize that he was hearing-impaired.

Earlier on, Lt. Ostojic met a stranger at a restaurant. He told her he was raising money. After giving her his info, he received a phone call from her. She asked to meet with him at another eatery. There she offered him three big checks for donations.

“She gave me a check from the organizations she is involved in,” he said. “It was inspiring, because for how hard I was working, it is nice for someone to go out and work hard to help us.”

For as much work as he has already accomplished, Lt. Ostojic hopes to continue raising more funds and perhaps even winning Mr. Central Florida. Of course, in the end, the goal is always to support a great organization like the Speech and Hearing Center.

“We have done a lot already, but there is a lot to be done,” he said. “Please help these organizations. There will be children who will be depending on this money to get hearing aids [and other treatment].”

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