An Auburndale man with a felony warrant attempted to strike Winter Haven officers with his vehicle when they responded to a suspicious persons call. No officers were struck and there were no injuries to any officers.

On March, 23, 2018, at approximately 2:08 a.m., Winter Haven officers responded to a call of someone banging on a residential home window at 1908 Fairfax Ct. NE in Winter Haven. The resident said that an unknown black male was banging on her window for no apparent reason.

When officers arrived in the area, they found a silver Ford F-150 in an adjacent yard with the parking lights on and the vehicle running. As officers approached the truck, they saw a black male (later identified as 41 year-old Michael Jamie Harris (DOB 8-16-76, 616 Orange St., Auburndale FL) sitting in the driver’s seat.
Multiple officers who had arrived were around the truck making numerous requests for Harris to turn the truck off and exit the vehicle. Harris ignored the officers’ commands and quickly reached for the gear shift and threw the truck into drive rapidly accelerating straight towards officers. All of the officers were able to jump out of the way without being struck.
Officers returned to their marked patrol vehicles and activated their emergency equipment in an attempt to stop Harris, but he failed to stop the truck. Harris headed towards Ave. T NE where he turned west. He continued at a high rate of speed driving recklessly leaving the roadway along the residential area of Ave. T at different times. Due to the reckless nature of his actions and the fact that he placed lives in danger, all officers shut down their emergency equipment. Officers continued to follow at a safe distance without emergency equipment activated into the City of Auburndale. Harris stopped the vehicle near 2075 Alderman Rd in Auburndale where officers from the Auburndale Police Department assisted. Harris immediately jumped out of the truck and started running, but a Winter Haven officer quickly caught up to him taking him into custody without further incident.
Officers searched the truck Harris was driving and located Methamphetamine and a large knife within reach from the driver’s seat.
Harris was booked into the Polk County Jail on three counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer F.S.S. 784.07 (F2) and one count each of Possession of a Weapon by Felon F.S.S. 790.23 (F2), Fleeing to Elude Reckless-High Speed F.S.S. 316.1935 (F2), Possession of Methamphetamine F.S.S. 893.13 (F3) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia F.S.S. 893.147 (M1).
Harris had an active Felony Warrant for Tampering/Intimidating A Witness.
His criminal history includes numerous criminal traffic violations along with Fleeing To Elude (6/95); Battery (12/96); Possession of Marijuana (3/98); Possession of Cocaine, Burglary and Resisting Arrest
(9/03); Resisting Arrest W/O Violence (4/09) and Tampering With A Witness (1/10).

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Release:

Polk County Sheriff Deputies caught six suspects Tuesday night, March 28, 2018, at around 9:30 p.m., after they broke into the Scrap-It III auto salvage yard in Bartow, and caused approximately $40,000 in damages.

A PCSO sergeant was working an off-duty detail next door to the victimized business at 3450 Highway 17 North, Bartow, when he heard glass being broken, and went to investigate. He called for back up, and a perimeter was set up around the Scrap-It III property.

All six suspects, two adults and four juveniles, were detained as they tried to leave the property. The two adults were identified as 21-year-old Johnathan Thomas, and 24-year-old Joseph Thomas, both of whom are from Frazier Street in Bartow. The juveniles were: 15-year-old Bradlee Brown and 14-year-old Clayton Brown of Bartow, 14-year-old Tristin Taylor of Auburndale, and 13-year-old Devon Howard of Bartow.

Almost all of the windows of the autos on property had been shattered, causing an estimated loss of $40,000.

“I can’t understand why two adults would be taking these four juveniles out at 9:30 at night to do something like this. You’re adults…you’re supposed to be role models. I wish that all six of them could be made to work at this business every day until they can pay off those damages.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

All six suspects were charged with Burglary of a Business (F-3) and Felony Criminal Mischief (F-3).

According to the affidavits, this was the second consecutive night that three of the suspects had burglarized this business and caused damages. Johnathan Thomas, Bradlee Brown, and Tristin Taylor were charged with additional charges of burglary and felony criminal mischief for their March 26th crimes.

Of all six, only Johnathan Thomas had any prior criminal history. He was arrested in 2016 for trespassing on school grounds.

Auburndale, Florida – According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office a call was about someone shot at a Polk County Citrus Plant. The employees of Cutrale Citrus, 602 McKean St, Auburndale, FL 33823, were evacuated and deputies searched the entire facility. At this time all the employee’s are accounted for and there are no injuries. Deputies have found no evidence to corroborate to a victim being shot. The incident started sometime around 9am. Deputies could be seen coming from all over Polk to the scene. Deputies are still on scene at the facility.

At this time the Polk County Sheriff’s Office believes that this was a prank call.

We will update as more information is obtained.

Polk County Sheriff’s Press Release

On March 29, 2018, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit arrested 18-year-old Justin Cruey of Auburndale, for sexually battering five girls – as young as 12-years-old over a span of two years. He has been charged with 2 counts Sexual Battery with threat of force (F-1), Lewd Molestation (F-3), Sexual Battery (F-2), Lewd Lascivious Conduct (F-2), Lewd Lascivious conduct on a person younger than 16 and older than 12 (F-3), and 2 counts VOP (M-2).

According to the arrest affidavit and recent interviews with victims and witnesses, sometime in March or early April of 2016, the first victim (who was 13-years-old at the time) was sleeping at family member’s home with her friend, when Cruey (who was 16-years-old at the time) entered the home through the bedroom window around 12:30 a.m. Cruey forced oral sex and unprotected sexual intercourse on the first victim against her will.

The first victim left the bedroom and when she came back, she saw Cruey laying on top of her friend, who was also in the bedroom. The second victim (who was 12-years-old at the time) told detectives he laid on top of her and put his hand up her shirt near her ribs and sucked on her neck until he left a mark. Later on, a family member walked into the bedroom and forced Cruey to leave. The first victim did not tell the family member about the sexual battery because she said she was ashamed and embarrassed.

Detectives were told that Cruey hangs out after school ends at a local middle school, and notified a School Resource Officer. On March 26, 2018, a School Resource Officer notified PCSO detectives that a 12-year-old student, the third victim, recently mentioned Cruey.

The third victim told PCSO detectives that Cruey sexually battered her approximately two-weeks before at a local park in Winter Haven. She told detectives that he kissed her and put his hand down the front of her pants, and continued to touch her inappropriately. She told Cruey to stop, but he refused. On March 18, 2018, at the same park, Cruey forcefully pinned her feet and hands down and engaged in unprotected sex.

A fourth victim came forward (who is 15-years-old) and told detectives that on March 24, 2018, they were sitting at a picnic table at a Winter Haven park, when Cruey touched her inappropriately over and under her clothing. She told detectives that she tried to leave but Cruey threatened her with a knife.

On March 29, 2018, the third victim asked Cruey to bring her an emergency contraceptive pill, in fear that she may be pregnant. Cruey agreed to meet her at the park. She notified detectives, who found and arrested prior to him going to the park.

Based upon the physical evidence obtained in both of these cases and the disclosures by all four victims, Justin Cruey was arrested and charged on March 29, 2018, with the following:

* 2 counts of Sexual Battery by force or threat F.S.S 794.011(4) (a);
* 1 count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation F.S.S 800.04(5) (d) on a person less than 16, older than 12 by a person 18 years or older;
* 1 count of Sexual Battery by a JV F.S.S. 794.011(4)(B); and
* 1 count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct F.S.S. 800.04 (5) (d).

Cruey was on juvenile probation for lewd and lascivious behavior and battery, and was additionally charged with VOP.

“As far as we know Cruey has been sexually battering young girls since he was 16-years-old. We need to find out if there are more victims. If you know your daughter has been in contact with Cruey either from school or a personal interaction, please call us. We need to make sure Cruey is held accountable for his actions.” Grady Judd – Sheriff

After PCSO arrested Cruey, on March 30, 2018, a fifth victim came forward and showed detectives pictures of her and Cruey on her phone. The fifth victim, who was 13-years-old at the time, told detectives that this happened approximately three weeks ago when she was spending the weekend at a friend’s house. Cruey snuck into the girls’ bedroom. The picture on the victim’s phone shows a sexual act being done.

Based on the physical evidence and statements from victims and witnesses, detectives additionally charged Cruey with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct F.S.S. 800.04(6)(b) by a person 18 YOA or older on a person less than 16 YOA, and VOP.

Cruey is being held at the Polk County Jail on $95,000 bond for the sexual battery charges, and on no bond for his 2 counts of VOP.

Cruey’s criminal history includes:
01-07-2016 – Auburndale P.D. – VOP
04-04-2012 – Bartow P.D. – 3 counts Lewd/Lascivious Behavior
01-26-2012 – PCSO – Burglary

Auburndale Police Department Press Release

On Thursday morning, April 5, 2018, at approximately 10:40 a.m., the Auburndale Police Department received a call of a vehicle being stolen at Lowe’s Home Improvement, located at 2301 Highway 92 West, Auburndale, Florida.

Officers responded and learned that the victim’s vehicle had been taken by force by an individual described as a white or Hispanic male, approximately 20-35 years of age with dark hair, a black t-shirt, and red shorts. He was also wearing a multi-color patterned baseball cap turned around backward. He was of an average build and had at least one tattoo on his neck.

According to the victim, she had purchased several items at Lowe’s and was approaching her vehicle with her keys and the items she purchased in her hands. She was approached by the suspect who demanded her keys and then forcefully took them from her hand, pushing her as well. The suspect then got into the victim’s vehicle and sped out of the parking lot, nearly causing a collision according to a witness. The victim received a minor injury to her finger that did not require medical treatment.

The victim’s vehicle is a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Trail Blazer SUV with Florida tag number “M718KY.” There is some minor damage on the rear bumper and there is a hitch receiver, though no ball is inserted in it. The vehicle was last seen being driven in a reckless fashion northbound on Berkley Road in the area of Old Dixie Highway, Auburndale.

A photograph of the suspect is attached for your review. Please circulate the photograph. Witnesses said the suspect has been seen in the area of Lowe’s for the past few days. If you have any information or can identify this suspect, please contact Detective Ryan Astronskas at the Auburndale Police Department at (863)965-5555, or to be eligible for a reward, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS. Your information will remain anonymous.

An Auburndale Man Arrested For Attempted Murder of His Adult Son Following An Argument

Winter Haven Police Department Release:

On Wednesday, 11-29-17, Winter Haven Police arrested 52 year-old Danny Hawthorne (DOB 6-15-65, 165 Rebecca Lane, Auburndale FL) after he pointed a handgun at his son, 33 year-old Artavious Hanford (DOB 9-5-84, Winter Haven) and fired one time. The shot missed Hanford and nobody was injured.

Hanford immediately got into his vehicle and left the area to contact law enforcement.

The argument stemmed from Hawthorne being upset with his son after being left at a business without a ride the previous day (11-28-17). This caused Hawthorne to have to walk home. On 11-29-17, Hanford went to the residence where his child lives with her mother. Hawthorne was there sitting on the porch with a friend who also lives at that same residence. When Hanford got out of his vehicle and approached the porch, the two began to argue.

Hanford left the porch and started walking to his car when he looked back towards the porch and saw Hawthorne bending down beside the porch. Hawthorne stood back up with a black gun in his hand and pointed it at his son stating, “I’m going to make you disappear!” Hawthorne then fired the gun one time missing Hanford. Hanford quickly got into his vehicle and left the property and called police.

When officers arrived, a witness told them that they spotted Hawthorne walk over to the property of the Abundant Believer’s Church located at 2101 2nd St NE and officers surrounded the building. Commands were given for Hawthorne to exit the church, however he never responded, so a K-9 team entered the building ultimately locating Hawthorne and taking him into custody.

Hawthorne was booked into the Polk County Jail on one count each of Attempted Felony Murder (F.S.S. 782.051) FL and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (F.S.S. 790.23(1)(A) F2.

Winter Haven Police Execute “Operation Camp’s Closed – The Sequel” sending six people to jail on drug charges.

Based on numerous complaints regarding suspected drug activity, Winter Haven Police Detectives conducted “Operation Camp’s Closed – The Sequel” on Thursday, 12-7-17.
In June 2016, Winter Haven officers executed search warrants on the property at 232 Ave. P NW on the corner of Ave. P, NW and 3rd St, NW in Winter Haven – locally known as Camp Eight. The results included ten people being taken into custody on drugs, weapons and illegal alcohol sale charges.
Recently, reports of activity increasing at the property were received by the Winter Haven Police Department and an investigation was launched.

Based on the investigation, on 12-7-17 a search warrant was obtained for the property. Officers detained 19 people who were found at the property while the search for illegal narcotics was conducted.

During the search of the property, a total of 327.6 grams if cannabis, 17 grams of cocaine, 1.1 grams of MDMA, one 9 mm handgun and more than $3400 in cash.
The following people were booked into the Polk County Jail on charges listed:

Charles Cuyler  (DOB 03/08/1958) 232 Ave P NW, Winter Haven (property owner)
Charges:  Maintaining dwelling for narcotics sale (M1)

Evan DeSheye Walker (DOB 1-12-91) 2400 Edison Ave., Ft Meyers, FL 33901
Charges:  Resisting w/out violence (M1); Possession of Marijuana (M1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1); Disorderly Conduct (M2)

Charita Williams (DOB 4-9-79) 3017 Allred Dr, Auburndale, FL
Charges:  Poss of MDMA (Ecstasy) (F3); Possession of Marijuana (M1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1)

Michael Williams  (DOB 5-16-80) 2320 Ave C SW, Winter Haven, FL
Charges:  Possession of Marijuana Over 20 Grams (F3); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Debra Woods (DOB 07/03/61) 2711 Ave T NW, Winter Haven
Charges: Possession of Marijuana (M1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1)

Louis Cheriubin (DOB 6-4-74) 1914 Fairfax Ct NE, Winter Haven
Charges:  Possession of Cocaine With Intent To sell (F2); Possession of Marijuana With Intent To Sell (F3); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1); Vehicle Used For Drugs Keep/Sell  (M1)

(Was not booked into the jail – complain affidavit filed)
Brandon Scaife (DOB 4-18-86) 232 Ave. P NW, Winter Haven FL
Charges:  Possession of Marijuana (M1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1)

Annual Havendale Christmas Parade brings Polk County together in Celebration

By Allison Williams

Crowds of people lined the streets Friday evening to see the 2017 Havendale Christmas Parade. The parade started at 6:30 p.m. at Spring Lake Square and made its way to Havendale Boulevard. The City of Winter Haven and City of Auburndale hosts this celebration every year.

Police set up orange cones and directed traffic before, during and after the parade. Swarms of people could be found along the road’s edges anticipating the arrival of the floats.

Creative minds from all around inspired unique floats. From decorated boats to bedazzled cars to Star Wars floats, the parade was one to remember.

Casey McKibben, owner of McKibben Power Sport Honda in Winter Haven, and his team came up with a Star Wars themed float to showcase in the parade.

“I’m a big Star Wars nerd,” McKibben said. “With the movie coming out, we wanted to do something that the kids would like.”

McKibben said he really wanted “something memorable” for this year’s parade. The company participated in last year’s event for the first time and when the team realized how big it was in the community, they wanted to go even bigger this year. They put more money and time into the Star Wars themed float so that it would be something the community, especially the children of Polk County would remember.

After the parade, the McKibben Power Sports Honda float stopped in a parking lot, and children and families from all around came to see the design up close. Children even grabbed light sabers and jumped in front of the float for a Star Wars photo opportunity.

In addition to capturing the crowd’s attention with the Star Wars idea, having two dressed up dogs was also sure to turn some heads. Dressed in red and green holiday attire, Gator and Darby had their heads popping out of the truck window entertaining the crowd.

Gator and Darby are always in on the fun. “Both of them are always featured in our ads including television, YouTube, Facebook, Billboards, and Sales,” McKibben said.

Two young Winter Haven children, Mattie and Rylee, who were a part of the parade, shared their favorite part about the night.

“I liked riding on the float,” Mattie said. “It had really loud music.”

Her brother Rylee added, “I really liked it when we threw the beads to everyone.”

Members of Mattie and Rylee’s family have grown up attending the Havendale Christmas Parade every year. It has become a tradition for them.

Not only is the parade a fun event to bring the family and community together, but it is also a contest. Judges pick winners for titles such as the Parade Committee Award, the Spirit of Havendale Award, the Mayor’s Award and the Spectacular Sparkle Award.

With the massive turnout of family and friends around the area, the Havendale Christmas Parade proves to be a successful holiday event year after year.

Auburndale, Florida – Emergency responders are on scene of an Amtrak train vs. semi-tractor trailer in Auburndale.

It appears as if the Amtrak train traveling East struck the trailer portion of a semi that had just crossed over the tracks that cross Recker Hwy near Derby Avenue in Auburndale. The train dragged the trailer a short distance before coming to a complete stop. There are no injuries to anyone on the train or to the driver of the semi.

The accident reportedly occurred just prior to 3pm.

This a developing situation and we will update as soon as possible.

The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2018, and is seeking the public’s help.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

On January 21, 2018 at approximately 11:30 PM, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call in reference to an adult male pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle in front of International Market World, 1052 US Hwy 92 West in Auburndale. It appears the victim was struck by a vehicle in the westbound turn lane that turns into the Flea Market. The vehicle would have been traveling westbound.

The victim has been positively identified as 45-year-old Eduardo Sanchez of Dietz Road in Bartow.

“We’re hoping someone saw something in the area at the time this man was killed. No matter how insignificant you think something is, if you saw or heard something suspicious, please, please give us a call. Whomever killed this man needs to be identified and arrested.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

If anyone has information about this incident they are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

Anyone with information who wants to REMAIN ANONYMOUS and be eligible for a CASH REWARD is asked to call HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. Anonymity is Guaranteed!!

*** Missing Elderly Adult ***

Eduardo Rodriguez 10/05/1938 was last seen at a business in Auburndale on Havendale Boulevard at approximately 10a.m. on Monday, April 23, 2018.

Mr. Rodriguez should be driving a 2007 Silver Toyota Camry, 4-door, with a Florida tag of DLBI89.
Mr. Rodriguez has been known to become confused in the past and If you have seen or know the whereabouts of Mr. Rodriguez please contact the local law enforcement agency or Auburndale Police Detective David Oros at 863-965-5555.

On Monday, April 30, 2018, PCSO Traffic deputies arrested 26-year-old Cody Wheeler of Bentley Oaks Blvd in Auburndale for 2 counts Leaving the Scene of a Crash Causing Serious Bodily Injury (F-2), after he was positively identified as the driver who hit two bicyclists on Spirit Lake Road in Winter Haven and fled the scene, on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.

According to the affidavit, the two victims – 30-year-old Alicia Eggersdorf and 35-year-old Steve Lampone – were riding their bicycles north on Spirit Lake Road, just north of Thornhill Road, around 25 minutes after midnight on the morning of April 25th (AKA the late evening hours of Tuesday, April 24th) when they were both struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. Both bicycles had operational lights. There were no witnesses to the crash. Both victims had significant injuries and were transported to an area hospital.

During the investigation, Traffic deputies analyzed the debris left at the scene, and identified the suspect vehicle as a 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. They also reviewed surveillance videos from cameras in the area. During the investigation, a possible suspect vehicle was identified as being registered to a man and a woman living on Bentley Oaks Blvd. in Auburndale – the man’s name was Cody Wheeler. The truck is a white 2014 Chevy Silverado.

Traffic deputies interviewed the co-registrant of the truck, who confirmed she and her boyfriend Cody own the truck, that Cody is the only one who drives the truck, and that Cody was driving the truck that night. She told deputies that when Cody got home just after 12:30 a.m., he asked her to back her car out of the garage so that he could park the truck inside it. He told her that he hit something, and she observed the broken front headlight and damage.

Deputies observed the truck parked in the garage, and the front-end damage consistent with the crash.

Traffic deputies then responded to Wheeler’s place of employment in Bartow, where they interviewed him. Wheeler confessed to crashing into something on the roadway that night, stopping at a nearby Publix store to inspect the damage to his truck, then driving home and parking inside the garage. He told deputies he wasn’t sure what he hit.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail on Monday night, April 30th, and will have a first appearance hearing this afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

“Here is yet another example of an irresponsible motorist, who might not have been criminally charged if he had stopped to assist these two victims and contacted law enforcement. Because he fled the scene, he is facing two serious felony charges. We are encouraged by the reports that these victims should recover, although it will be a slow and painful process.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

Duke Energy Volunteers Come Together to Restore Habitat at Lake Wales Ridge

By Allison Williams

On Monday, Duke Energy and Bok Tower Gardens partnered together for a volunteer event aimed at restoring the Lake Blue Scrub, which is part of the Lake Wales Ridge habitat. The location of this restoration project is 1801 Hobbs Road, Auburndale, Florida, 33823.

Jerry Miller, Government and Community Relations Manager and Nancy Dodd, Public Relations Assistant welcomed all the volunteers to the event. Miller stressed the importance of Florida’s scrubland. “If you’re from Florida or you’ve been here a long time, then you have an appreciation of the scrubland,” Miller said.

Peveeta Persaud, Duke Energy Spokesperson, is committed to giving back to the community and environment. Duke Energy is participating in 62 events throughout 35 counties in the state of Florida this month for Duke Energy in Action month.

“Duke Energy is committed to being a good environmental steward and community partner, Persaud said. “We are proud to partner with local agencies in Polk County to give back and to show that we are true neighbors in the area. We live here, we work here, we raise our children here, and we are proud to be able to reinvest not only grant money but also our time and energy put back into the communities.”

This is Duke Energy’s second year in a row partnering with Bok Tower Gardens to put on a volunteer event such as this restoration project.

David Price, President of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales shared with volunteers that Bok Tower Gardens is one of 43 public gardens organizations in the United States that currently work with rare plant conservation.

“One plant in particular is the plant we are introducing onto this property and that is scrub lupine,” Price said.  “Scrub lupine is a plant that could go extinct in our lifetime. We are working to propagate that plant and then put that plant back out into the wild. There are only one or two sites where it occurs naturally and those sites are vastly being encroached upon.”

Price expressed his gratitude for all the volunteers who came to help remove the scrub overgrowth and enhance the scrub lupine habitat in order to improve biodiversity.

Whitney Costner, Conservation Biologist at Bok Tower Gardens appreciates the partnership Bok Tower has with Duke Energy. She stressed the importance of recovering scrub lupine.

“The scrub lupine is federally and state listed as endangered,” Costner said. “The recovery goals for this species is to propagate plants and establish populations on publically protected lands. We’ve selected this site with FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) as a reintroduction site to help create populations so it can persist into the future. Part of that is clearing the landscape of all these really dense oaks, because what the lupine needs is open sandy spots so it can flower and set seed.”

Tom Palmer, Writer, Blogger and Wildlife Explorer brought photos of various plant species to educate the volunteers. He explained how far the land has come even since the 1980s when there was no garbage pickup available and people would dump trash into the woods.

Between the educated staff and helpful volunteers, The Lake Wales Ridge made tremendous progress in just a few hours. People scattered about and worked tirelessly for a few hours to condense the scrub, pull unnecessary weeds and improve the habitat so that the scrub lupine can thrive in its new habitat.

Auburndale, Florida – According To The Auburndale Police Department someone reportedly spotted a suspicious man walking near the lake across from Auburndale High School. It appeared to the person reporting that the man had a rifle bag. Auburndale High School & Stambaugh Middle School, which already had armed resource officers, were placed on lockdown. Officers were not able to locate the suspicious person. No one was injured.

The lockdown has since been lifted. Additional law enforcement will remain at the schools for the remainder of the day.

Here is a copy of the message to parents

The Berkley Charter School crossing guard located at Old Berkley Road and Berkley Knights Road in Auburndale, will be removed due to the inconsistent use of the crossing by walking elementary students.

The decision was made by the School Crossing Guard Committee following crossing counts collected. This committee is comprised of representatives from the Polk County School Board, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Board of County Commissioners Traffic Engineering Division, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and a number of the municipalities within Polk County.

As a matter of procedure, the School Crossing Guard Committee communicates with the principal of the affected school to inform him or her of the actions taken. In addition, the principal is reminded to notify members of the committee if the situation changes at which time another survey would be conducted.

The school crossing guard will be removed effective at the end of the 2017/2018 school year (today).

While this review process occurs throughout the year, deputies patrol school zones daily as a reminder to motorists that caution is critical.  Please remember that fines are doubled in school zones and that all law enforcement members take the safety of children very seriously. As a responsible motorist, so should you.

The Polk County School Crossing Guard Committee reminds you to please drive safely in and around schools and school safety zones!

Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two vehicle crash Saturday, May 26, 2018 at around 8:46 p.m., on County Road 542 East near Fields Road near Lakeland, in which one person was killed.

63-year-old Iniol Ramos of Auburndale was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, 31-year-old Paula Montgomery of Lakeland, suffered minor injuries, and her one-year-old passenger was uninjured. The child was secured in a forward-facing child seat, and Montgomery was wearing her seatbelt.

According to the preliminary investigation, Ramos was driving east on CR 542. Witnesses said his vehicle repeatedly strayed outside of his lane of travel prior to the crash.

As Ramos’ white 2004 Toyota Corolla approached Montgomery’s westbound grey 2003 Toyota Camry, he crossed the center line and sideswiped the Camry, and both vehicles spun. Ramos was not wearing his seatbelt.

Impairment on Ramos’ part is suspected of being a factor for the crash, however blood toxicology will be conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

This investigation is ongoing.

Polk County Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested three teens early Sunday morning, June 3, 2018, after a nearby resident witnessed the boys attempting to get into a car. Arrested were 15-year-old Gavin Moran of Lakeland, 14-year-old Jacob Kreticos of Auburndale, and 14-year-old Maxx Draughn of Polk City. All three were charged with felonies.

At about 1:19 a.m., a resident in the Berkley Ridge neighborhood witnessed the boys trying to burglarize vehicles, notified the Sheriff’s Office, and provided detailed descriptions of them.

Deputies quickly arrived, and found the trio walking down Dornich Drive, and they were given orders to stop. Two of the boys complied, but Draughn tried to flee. He was immediately captured.

All three suspects were wearing dark hoodies, and carrying flashlights. Two of the boys were wearing bandanas. Kreticos was wearing a backpack which was found to contain a screwdriver and a glass pipe with a small amount of marijuana.

The suspects admitted that they wore the bandanas in an attempt to conceal their identities. A third bandana was located on the property of one of the burglary victims.

“Three teenagers behaving badly were caught, and arrested, in large part because the witness notified us immediately, and provided not only an excellent description, but also which direction the suspects went. This perfectly exemplifies how good ‘see something, say something’ works. It was a great conclusion – a string of burglaries interrupted , and three juveniles being held accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

All three boys were arrested and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center in Bartow, and charged with three counts of Attempted Burglary of Conveyance (F-3) for attempting to break into three different vehicles on Dornich Drive and Berkley Ridge Lane.

Draughn was additionally charged with Resisting (M-1). Kreticos was charged for Possession of Burglary Tools (F-3), and Possession of Marijuana (M-1) and Paraphernalia (M-1). Moran was also charged with Possession of Burglary Tools (F-3), and Violation of Probation (M-2).

Moran’s prior criminal history includes three misdemeanors (Battery, Petit Theft, and Marijuana Possession). Prior criminal history for Draughn is one misdemeanor charge for Battery. Kreticos had no prior criminal history.

Auburndale, Florida – An Auburndale man was shot on Friday and a live Facebook video caught the aftermath.

According to Scott Wilder, Public Information Officer with the PCSO, the shooting took place around at 12:30pm on Friday in the area of Henry St.

The victim (person shot) is Jim Bob Beardon a resident of Auburndale. He was listed in stable condition at a local hospital.

According to Wilder the investigation is ongoing as to exactly what took place. An arrest appears to be imminent, said Wilder.

The video which show Beardon went live moments after he was shot. He was seen laying on the ground bleeding from a gunshot wound to the leg.

Here is a link to the graphic video: Link

The video was taken by Anthony Martin, Jr. The video is rather graphic and unedited.

UPDATE: Warrant of the Day suspect is in custody. David Munroe III had the courtesy of showing up to work this afternoon at the Cutrale Citrus plant in Auburndale, where he was met by the PCSO Central District deputies and taken into custody without incident.

Original PCSO Release:

PCSO deputies have issued an arrest warrant for David Lee Munroe III, DOB 12/17/1989, of 722 Henry Street, Apt. B, in Auburndale, for one count attempted second degree murder with a firearm, in the shooting of 31-year-old Jimbob Bearden that occurred at Munroe’s home on Friday, June 8, 2018.

Bearden is improving and expected to live.

Munroe may be in his silver 2000 Saturn with FL tag JLRY86. He is to be considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

He’s 5’10” tall, 200 lbs.

If anyone has information about David Munroe’s whereabouts they are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is guaranteed!

Training Notification:

There will be an ongoing training exercise at the Old Ariana Hotel Building this morning. Fire Rescue will be performing drills at the location as part of their continual training schedule.