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March 31, 2010

Lakeland Police Identify Person Shot

The Lakeland Police responded 1434 E Gary Road in response to a call made at 5:30 a.m. stating there was a <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133ec5de9ae970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_31" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0133ec5de9ae970b " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133ec5de9ae970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_31" /></a> disturbance at this location. At 6:57 am, Officer Alex Aviles arrived on the scene. Heather Smith, DOB: 12/23/84, was present outside of the residence and did not appear to have any injuries.  Ms. Smith advised that everything was okay, and there was no disturbance. Officer Aviles left the scene.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> At 7:56, officers were dispatched to LRMC in reference to female who had been stabbed at 1434 E Gary Road.  Officer Aviles was not dispatched to this call, but heard it go out on the radio and recognized the address as the one he had been to earlier.  Officer Aviles went to the hospital and found Heather Smith to be  the victim of this incident.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Ms. Smith told the officers she had been attacked by an unknown assailant.  Ms. Smith stated at this time there should be no one else in her residence, and gave them permission to enter her house and secure the crime scene.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Officers Phil Smith and Ted Sealey were dispatched to the residence of 1434 E Gary Road to secure the crime scene,  clear the house, and ensure that there were no additional victims inside based on Heather Smith’s initial statement.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> At approximately 8:45 am officers arrived on the scene.  The officers identified themselves as Lakeland Police Officers at the front of the residence, banged on all the windows,  including the back of the house, and did not receive a response.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>   Officers then entered the house, again acknowledging their presence, and did not receive a response.  As the officers proceeded through the house, Officer Smith located an adult male hiding inside the closet of a rear bedroom of the house, clutching a knife in both hands.  Officer Smith gave commands telling the man to drop the knife.   Officer Sealey heard the verbal commands given by Officer Smith, and rushed to aid Officer Smith.  The suspect was in close quarters – approximately two to four feet from Officer Smith. The suspect eventually dropped the knife while still in the closet, and then made a sudden move, picking up the knife.  Officer Smith,  in fear for his life, took defensive action and used deadly force to protect himself and Officer Sealey from harm,   firing three rounds at the suspect.   Davis collapsed and was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Subsequent investigation after the shooting revealed that Heather Smith knew the identity of her attacker as her boyfriend, Demetrius Davis, DOB:  4/30/82.   Ms. Smith failed to provide Officer Aviles with this information at the time of the initial call to her residence, and later when Officer Aviles interviewed her at L.R.M.C.   <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Officer Phil Smith, age 48, has been employed as a police officer at LPD since 6/22/92, and is currently assigned to Uniform Patrol.  Officer Ted Sealey, age 42,  has been a police officer at LPD since 5/4/98, and is currently assigned to the K-9 Unit.  Both officers will be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation of this shooting by the State Attorney’s Office.  This is standard procedure.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Heather Smith was treated and released from LRMC<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Albert Demetrius Davis was on community control and has a criminal history of 17 prior arrests, to include resisting an officer.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> This investigation is still ongoing.  No additional information will be released today.  Media inquiries should be made to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863-834-6917.  <o:p></o:p>

Posted at 06:36 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

Lakeland Police Sell Speical Olympics Torch Run T-Shirts and Hats

The Lakeland Police are selling Law Enforcement Torch Run 2010 Special Olympics Florida baseball hats and t-shirts <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133ec5d4b45970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_31a" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0133ec5d4b45970b image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133ec5d4b45970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_31a" /></a> to raise money for the Special Olympics Florida.  The Torch Run is scheduled for May 6, 2010, at 9:00 am,   Runners will begin at 2515 S Florida Av (Publix Southgate) and run to 4730 S Florida Avenue (Publix Lake Miriam).  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The shirts are available to the public.  All proceeds go to the Special Olympics Florida, a non-profit organization.  The shirts $10, hats are $12.  A shirt and hat are $20.  To purchase these items, please contact Officer Darlene Miller, Badge 280.  863-834-6900.  For more information on the Special Olympics Florida, go to  <a href="http://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/">http://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/</a>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Media inquiries should be made to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863-834-6917.  <o:p></o:p>

Posted at 04:33 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 26, 2010

Lakeland Police Arrest Man for Homicide

<a name="OLE_LINK2"></a>  <o:p>The Lakeland Police responded to 2840 Moonlight Cove Lane, #208, on March 25, 2010, at approximately 6:50 pm in<a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef01310fe2a98c970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_29c" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef01310fe2a98c970c image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef01310fe2a98c970c-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_29c" /></a> response to an emergency 911 telephone call indicating that victim, Rose Ann Smith, DOB:  6/18/68, had attempted to commit suicide by shooting herself.  Police arrived at the location and found Smith unconscious with life threatening injuries from gunshot wounds.  Smith regained consciousness and, with police and emergency personnel on the scene, stated that she had been shot by Christopher Hibbert, DOB:  2/14/85. <o:p></o:p></o:p>   As the investigation continued, police learned that Christopher Hibbert and his wife, Shaquan, had been arguing throughout the day over the use of a vehicle in the possession of Shaquan Hibbert.  When Shaquan refused to allow Christopher to use his vehicle, he left the room and returned with a gun.  Christopher Hibbert then pointed the gun at Rose Smith and shot her.  Christopher Hibbert then called 911 and told them that Rose Smith had committed suicide.  Christopher Hibbert then told Shaquan that if she did not authorities the same thing, he would also shoot her.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Rose Smith died as a result of these injuries at approximately 11:07 pm, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.  Christopher Hibbert has been charged with 1st Degree Murder (capital offense) and Aggravated Assault (F3)<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> This incident continues to be under investigation.  Media inquiries should be made to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863-834-6917.    <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/shooting.pdf">Download Homicide Arrest Affidavt on Christopher Hibbet </a>

Posted at 12:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 22, 2010

Apply for 2010 Citizens Police Academy

We are now accepting applications for the 2010 Citizens Police Academy that starts on August 19 and graduates November 18. This year's academy will be on Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the police station. Visit our CPA website for more information.

To apply, complete a 2010 CPA application and mail it to the address listed on the application.

Class size is limited to approximately 50, so we encourage you to apply early.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Posted at 01:54 PM in Community Policing, Department Events, Public Information Office | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

March 19, 2010

And the Winner Is...

LakelandPD celebrated the exceptional service of our members in 2009 during our annual awards presentation last night. Recognized for their actions included members receiving Meritorious Service Awards and Lifesaving Awards, as well as naming the Officer of the Year, Detective of the Year, and Civilian of the Year.

Officer of the Year went to Officer Mark Eby for his courage during an encounter with an armed subject threatening suicide. Officer Eby was forced to give up his location of cover and approach the armed subject on foot who deliberately aimed a shotgun at him. The personal courage required to face such imminent danger is part of what makes Mark such a respected member of our organization. We applaud his willingness to expose himself to a lethal threat in order to keep our community safe.

Detective of the Year went to Detective Jim O'Neill with our Criminal Investigations Section. Det. O'Neill works frauds for us and is known as someone who will take a single case and follow all available leads to the point that he often ends up with multiple new cases that spin off from the original crime. Jim was recognized for a case where the suspect not only defrauded a local bank using a stolen credit card but subsequent investigative efforts revealed the same suspect, originally from California, used the stolen card in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and St. Petersburg. The investigation did not stop there. Additional evidence showed the card was also used in New Hampshire and New York. The total take was estimated to be $37,000. Tenacity and attention to details, including two latent fingerprints lifted from a fraudulent receipt in New York, helped bring this case to a successful conclusion.

Civilian of the Year recognition went to two Crime Prevention Practitioners in our Community Services Unit. CPP Anna Ricks and CPP Cindy Sharp were named Co-Civilians of the Year for their tireless efforts to conduct crime prevention programs throughout the community. In addition to working with local Neighborhood Watch Groups, Ms. Ricks and Ms. Sharp were involved in planning and conducting such events as National Night Out, Citizens Police Academy, Cops for Kids Christmas program, LPD Open House, Back to School Bash, Red Ribbon Week, and the Amscot Bike Helmet giveaway just to name a few. These dedicated professionals work hard to demonstrate that "by working together we can make a difference."

We could not be more proud of our department if we wanted to be. It is indeed an honor to attend these award ceremonies and listen to the cases for which we bestow awards. This is not to suggest that other acts of courage, dedication, and commitment do not occur everyday here, but these are truly the cream of the crop. Our congratulations to the award winners.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Posted at 01:45 PM in Community Policing, Current Affairs, Department Events, Public Information Office | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

March 16, 2010

Lakeland Police Annual Awards Ceremony Scheduled for March 18, 2010

<span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">The Lakeland Police Department will hold their annual awards ceremony on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 7:00 PM at 219 N Massachusetts Avenue, in Room 2A, Lakeland, Florida. <span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">  <span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">The following is a list of personnel that will be recognized at that time: <span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; COLOR: navy; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">  <o:p></o:p>Medal of Valor     Officer Mark Eby #246     Sergeant Russell Longaberger #65<o:p></o:p>     Officer Bryan McNabb #146<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Life Saving Medal<o:p></o:p>    Officer Todd Edwards #227    <o:p></o:p>    Public Safety Aide Darlene Melius #677<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Meritorious Service Award     Former Officer Joseph Valente #262    Officer Jose Bosque #207<o:p></o:p>    Officer Scott Kercher #135<o:p></o:p>    Officer Scott Weaver #138<o:p></o:p>    Officer Talya Frazier #153<o:p></o:p>    Officer Jerry Monroe #249<o:p></o:p>    Sergeant M. Eric Watson #53<o:p></o:p>    Officer Aaron Peterman #263<o:p></o:p>    Sergeant Robert Rist #52<o:p></o:p>    Crime Prevention Practitioner Cynthia Clifford #711    Crime Prevention Practitioner George Butler #664    Crime Prevention Practitioner Anna Ricks #629    Crime Prevention Practitioner Cynthia Sharp #672    Dr. Gregory Robinson #670<o:p></o:p>    Crime Prevention Practitioner Anna Ricks #629    Crime Prevention Practitioner Cynthia Sharp #672<o:p></o:p>    Detective Russell Hurley #109<o:p></o:p>    Officer Scott Kercher #135    Detective Bradley Grice #187<o:p></o:p>    Detective Russell Hurley #109<o:p></o:p>    Detective Nicholas Marolda #252<o:p></o:p>     Detective Derek Gulledge #308<o:p></o:p>     Detective Eddie Benitez #167<o:p></o:p>     Detective Jason Perez #281<o:p></o:p>     Detective Kathy Chin #232<o:p></o:p>    Detective Marvin Tarver #144<o:p></o:p>    Detective Marvin Tarver #144<o:p></o:p>    Detective Drake Mackey #301    Detective James O’Neill #141<o:p></o:p>    Sergeant Brent Addison #78    Officer Mark Eby #246<o:p></o:p>    Officer Jasper Yzaguirre #193<o:p></o:p>    Officer Bryan McNabb #146<o:p></o:p>    Officer Chad Whitaker #303<o:p></o:p>    Officer Rawn Haynes #221<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>   Officer of the Year<o:p></o:p>    Officer Mark Eby #246<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>   Detective of the Year<o:p></o:p>    Detective James O’Neill #141<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>   Co-Civilians of the Year    CPP Anna Ricks #629<o:p></o:p>    CPP Cynthia Sharp #672 <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Light Refreshments will be served from 6:15 to 6:45 PM.  The media and public is welcome to attend.<o:p></o:p> Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863.834.6917.  Sergeant Terri Smith

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March 12, 2010

Lakeland Police Plan DUI Saturation Patrols and Checkpoints During St. Patrick's Day Holiday

The Lakeland Police DUI Enforcement Unit will be conducting saturation patrols on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef01310f94c7b9970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"></a> from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM.  The saturation patrols will take place throughout the city. In addition, checkpoints will be conducted in the 4400 block of Old Road 37 and the 800 block of Alamo Drive. <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a92e1e76970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_28c" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a92e1e76970b " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a92e1e76970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_28c" /></a> <o:p></o:p>   <o:p></o:p> These operations are scheduled to reduce impaired driving and traffic fatalities during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> These efforts are part of the Drunk Driving.  Over the Limit.  Under Arrest program sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation.  Police hope that by announcing these patrols people will think twice about drinking and driving.  The Lakeland Police Department would like to encourage people who choose to drink to use a designated driver, public transportation, or taxi for transportation.   Those drivers that observe an impair driver are encouraged to call 91 to report this serious offense.  Alcohol or drug impaired driving kills and injures thousands of innocent people a year and is a totally preventable crime.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> So remember, if you are Over the Limit, you will be Under Arrest.<o:p></o:p> Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863.834.6917.  This information also posted on <a href="http://www.lpdonlinenews.com/">www.lpdonlinenews.com</a>.<o:p></o:p>

Posted at 04:50 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

Lakeland Police Investigate Single Vehicle Crash

The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a single vehicle crash that occurred at 1200 West Lake Parker Drive at approximately 11:30 AM today.  Driver, Christopher Cruz, age 20,  was southbound on West Lake Parker Drive coming out of a curve on wet roads when his 1999 Kia Sportage crossed into the northbound lane, jumped the curb, and impacted a palm tree causing injury to the driver and three occupants of the vehicle.  The driver and two occupants received non-life threatening injuries. The right rear passenger, Christopher Estrada, age 19, was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he remains in critical condition with life threatening injuries.  Preliminary investigation indicates that Estrada was the only occupant in the vehicle not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The other two occupants of the vehicle were Angel Ramos, age 20, and Carl Crawford, age 19.  No citations have been issued at this time – this case is still under investigation. Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863.834.6917. Sergeant Terri Smith

Posted at 02:10 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 09, 2010

Lakeland Police Arrest Man for Video Voyeurism

The Lakeland Police Department responded to Leon’s Tanning Salon, 1221 South Florida Avenue, in Lakeland, to <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a91b43a0970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_27" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a91b43a0970b " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a91b43a0970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_27" /></a> investigate reports of a subject taking unauthorized photographs of a patron while she tanning.  The suspect was a customer tanning at the salon and was taking photographs of another adult female customer in various stages of undress while she was tanning without her knowledge or permission.  The victim noticed an arm reaching over the wall of the area she was occupying holding a cell phone.  The victim reported the incident to police and Mark Douglas McElwee, DOB:  2/6/68, was arrested on the charge of Video Voyeurism (F3).  <o:p></o:p> Police seized the cell phone of the suspect and it was placed into evidence.  McElwee and the victim did not know each other.       <o:p></o:p> This incident remains under investigation.  Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863.834.6917. <o:p></o:p>

Posted at 01:40 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

March 08, 2010

Lakeland Police Department Arrests Man of Attempted Homicide of Infant

<o:p></o:p> UPDATE:  3/11/10, 4:00 PM - Mark Ward has expired from the injuries incurred during<a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a92890e5970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_26y" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a92890e5970b " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a92890e5970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_26y" /></a> the assault from Ryan Clarke.  This case continues to be under investigation.  Additional charges may be filed pending the review of this case by the State Attorney’s Office. The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a suspicious incident regarding significant injuries that <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a916afc5970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_26" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a916afc5970b " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a916afc5970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_26" /></a> occurred to an infant on March 6, 2010.  The grandmother of the infant, Bridgit Ward,  is the legal guardian of the infant.  Ward returned home from work and discovered the infant not breathing.  The infant had been in the care of his stepfather, Ryan Joe Clarke, DOB:  3/27/80, while Ward was at work.  Ward and Clarke rushed the infant to L.R.M.C.  The infant was air lifted to Tampa General Hospital where he remains in critical condition with life threatening injuries.<o:p></o:p> The investigation indicated that the suspect intentionally inflicted injuries on the infant while he was in his care.  Lakeland Police Department obtained a warrant for the arrest of Clarke who lives in Orlando.  Clarke was taken into custody late this afternoon without incident by the Orlando Police Department, who was working in conjunction with Lakeland Police Detectives.  Clarke is currently in Orange County Jail and has been charged with Attempted Felony Murder (F1), and Aggravated Child Abuse (F1).  <o:p></o:p> This incident remains under investigation.  Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863.834.6917. <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/10_26attemptedhomicideinfant.pdf">Download Original Media Release and Complaint Affidavit Face Sheet  </a>   Sergeant Terri Smith

Posted at 05:43 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

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