INSIDE the Lakeland Police Department

Bank Robber Captured

<p><strong><span style="color: #003366;">On May 27,2008, a bank was robbed in Tavares, Florida.&nbsp; A witness was able to get <a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=269,height=319,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/05/30/chris_floyd.jpg"><img title="Chris_floyd" height="237" alt="Chris_floyd" src="http://www.lpdnewsonline.org/images/2008/05/30/chris_floyd.jpg" width="200" border="0" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" /></a> tag information from the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene.&nbsp; The suspect was identified as Christopher Eugene Floyd, DOB:&nbsp; 11/4/78.&nbsp; Floyd's last known residence was in Orlando, Florida.&nbsp; Floyd has been arrested for the bank robbery in Tavares, Florida, and is a suspect in several other bank robberies that have occurred in the State of Florida.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #003366;">Sergeant Terri Smith</span></strong></p>

Click It or Ticket Update

Thought I might share with you an update on our current enforcement efforts as part of the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign. Traffic Officers working speed enforcement along South Edgewood Drive last Friday wrote 13 speed citations and 11 seatbelt citations. Do the math and that is almost 100% non-compliance.

Traffic Officers working speeding enforcement on Brunnell Parkway last Friday wrote 20 speeding citations and 27 seatbelt citations. How did we get more than 100% non-compliance? Passengers who are not wearing a seatbelt can be ticketed as well.

DUI Officers conducting patrols over the holiday weekend made 6 DUI arrests on Saturday.

"Click It or Ticket" runs through June 1. Please buckle up when you get on the road. Our officers are working hard to ensure safety on our highways and we ask you to do the same.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Weekly Crime Report for May 19 - 25, 2008

In addition to our usual weekly crime report listing the significant events for the reporting period, we are adding a new report to the blog. Beginning today, we are also posting a weekly statistical TAC/CompStat report showing initial crime trends. These trends will be reported in increments of 7 days, 30 days, and year to date.

Weekly_crime report May 19 - 25.pdf

Weekly TAC/CompStat crime trend report May 19 - 25.pdf

Areas of concentration

Officers will be focusing directed patrols in apartment complex parking lots due to a recent increase in vehicle burglaries. A majority of those incidents involved unlocked vehicles with valuables in plain sight. These crimes are occurring all over the city rather than in just a limited area.

The theft of air conditioner units continues due to the high scrap value of copper found in these machines. The latest trend for these crimes includes thefts from residences as well as businesses, often late at night. We ask neighbors to be mindful of suspicious activity and call the Lakeland Police Department should anything appear unusual to you.

Call us at 863-834-6966 to report suspicious activity.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Weekly Crime Map for May 19th to May 25th

Here is the weekly crime map of significant events for the period of Crime Map – 05/19 to 05/25.

Lakeland Police Seek Identity of Gas Theft Suspect

<p><span style="color: #330099;"><strong>The Lakeland Police Department is seeking information regarding the identity of this person believed to be responsible for the theft of 430 gallons of gasoline. </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #330099;"><strong> </strong></span><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=413,height=308,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/05/27/gasthief.gif"><span style="color: #330099;"><strong><img title="Gasthief" height="186" alt="Gasthief" src="http://www.lpdnewsonline.org/images/2008/05/27/gasthief.gif" width="250" border="0" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" /></strong></span></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.lpdnewsonline.org/files/CS08_03GasThief.pdf">Click here to see the complete Crime Stoppers Bulletin.pdf</a> </p> <p><span style="color: #330099;"><strong>Sergeant Terri Smith</strong></span></p>

Memorial Day 2008

As this year's Memorial Day holiday unfolds and we get involved in our celebrations or family cookouts of the day, let us take a moment to remember the reason behind this day - to honor those who so bravely served our country and gave their lives in defense of the freedoms we enjoy.

We currently have four Lakeland Police officers on active military duty today. Our prayers are for their safe return to LPD as soon as possible.

In the mean time, we are grateful for all who served in the various branches of our military, and we thank you for what you have done for our country.

To the families of our fallen heroes - thank you for what you gave us and the emotions that you face everyday, not just on Memorial Day.

For the rest of us, let's not get so busy today that we do not take a personal moment to give our thanks - in whatever manner you feel is appropriate - to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Lakeland Police Swear-In Four New Officers

Four new officers were sworn-in as members of the Lakeland Police Department during ceremonies this past Thursday. Officers Mike Arbogast, Talya Frazier, Jason Leggett, and Scott Weaver took their oath of office and received their shields from Chief Boatner.

These four new officers have just completed a four-week orientation program and begin their 14-week field training program this weekend. We wish them the best in their careers at Lakeland PD and welcome them to our department.

From left to right: Officer Scott Weaver, Officer Jason Leggett,
Officer Talya Frazier, and Officer Mike Arbogast.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Lakeland Police Identify Suspect Wanted in Attempted Murder of Police Officer

<p><span style="color: #333366;"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">CANCEL BULLETIN - SERGIO ALBERTO CRANDALL HAS BEEN ARRESTED.&nbsp; </span>Lakeland Police are searching for Sergio Alberto Crandall, W/M, DOB:&nbsp; 3/15/72.&nbsp; A </strong><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=216,height=291,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/05/23/murderofleo.jpg"><strong><img title="Murderofleo" height="404" alt="Murderofleo" src="http://www.lpdnewsonline.org/images/2008/05/23/murderofleo.jpg" width="300" border="0" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" /></strong></a><strong> warrant has been issued for Crandall's arrest for the Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officer Aaron Peterman with a deadly weapon.&nbsp; Crandall reportedly has a shaved head, is missing several lower front teeth, has multiple tattoos on his back, one is &quot;Tazmanian Devil&quot;.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #333366;"><strong>This incident occurred on May 22, 2008, in the parking lot of the Lakeland High School.&nbsp; The suspect backed into Officer Peterman's vehicle as he was exiting it causing extensive damage and then fled the scene.&nbsp; Officer Peterman and his K-9, Charief, were not injured.</strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #660000;">This suspect should be considered dangerous.</span><span style="color: #003366;">&nbsp; If you know the whereabouts of Sergio Alberto Crandall, do not attempt to make contact with him, but call The Lakeland Police Department 863.834.6900, and ask to be referred to Detective Scott Kercher, or call Crime Stoppers 800.423.TIPS (8477) immediately.</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #333366;"><strong>Media inquries should be directed to Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, 863.834.6949.</strong></span>&nbsp; </p>

Lakeland Police Announce Reward Offered for Serial Bank Robber

I do not usually duplicate information found in our media blog, LPD Online News, by adding it to our INSIDE Lakeland PD blog. Today, I am going to make an exception.

The Lakeland Police Department has joined with other law enforcement agencies throughout central Florida to identify and arrest a subject who is believed to have committed numerous bank robberies dating back to at least March 2008.

Information on this bank robbery suspect can be found here.

We need the public's help in determining the suspect's identity. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of this subject. Anyone with information is urged to call the TIPS hotline at 800.423.TIPS (8477).

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Lakeland Police Announce Reward Offered for Serial Bank Robber

<p><span style="color: #000066;"><strong><span style="color: #990033;">UPDATE:&nbsp; BANK ROBBER CAPTURED - CANCEL BULLETIN - FOR FURTHER SEE ABOVE POST ON MAY 30, 2008 &quot;BANK ROBBER CAPTURED&quot;.&nbsp; </span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066;"><strong>Police Believe one suspect is responsible for several bank robberies across the State<a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=505,height=485,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/05/23/media_photo.jpg"><img title="Media_photo" height="288" alt="Media_photo" src="http://www.lpdnewsonline.org/images/2008/05/23/media_photo.jpg" width="300" border="0" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" /></a>&nbsp; of Florida.&nbsp; Police are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying this serial bank robber.&nbsp; This information has been posted on Crime Stoppers, and now the Riverside Bank is also offering a reward of up to $10,000.00 for information that leads to his arrest.</strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066;">The suspect has been described as a white male in his early twenties, approximately 5'05&quot; to 5'07&quot; tall and weighing between 140 to 150 lbs.&nbsp; He had short brown hair, and light to medium complexion.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066;">Police believe the suspect may be driving a mid 80's Camaro or Firebird that has faded paint on the trunk of the automobile.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066;">If you have any information regarding these bank robberies, or can identify the suspect involved, please contact 800.423.TIPS (8477).&nbsp; </span><span style="color: #663300;">This suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.&nbsp; If you see him, do not approach him - contact police immediately.</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #333366;"><strong>All media inquiries should be directed to Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, 863.834.6949.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.lpdnewsonline.org/files/08_33SerialBankRobberBOLO.pdf">Download original media release and see photos of suspect vehicle, map, and additional photographs of the suspect.pdf</a> </strong></span></p> <p><strong></strong></p>