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July 30, 2010

Lakeland Police Officer Witnesses Crime Against Handicapped Person

Lakeland Police Officer Adam Williams was jogging northbound on Success Avenue at approximately 3:00 PM on July 29, 2010, when he observed several young males crouched and hiding behind a brick wall at Lake Morton.  As he got closer, he could hear the suspects counting down.  As Officer Willams got even closer, he heard one of the suspects say, “here he comes”, and then “three, two, one, get him!”  At this time four young males jumped out from behind the wall and ambushed the victim, Richard Werner (age 20), an adult handicapped person, as he rode his bicycle westbound past their location.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Werner yelled for help and tried to escape as the four young males attacked him.  Werner was holding a backpack, and one of the suspects grabbed the backpack and attempted to pull Werner from the bike as the other three were swinging and grabbing at his arms, head and body.  Somehow, Werner managed to stay on his bike and continued to try to escape all the while calling for help.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Officer Williams continued running after the group, but before he could catch up to them, a good samaritan, Monica Gonzalez, intervened and placed her vehicle between the suspects and Werner and called police for help.  The suspects then fled on foot as Officer Williams continued to monitor their movement and location. Officer Williams located Officer Bart Butler in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Lake Morton.  Together they located the four suspects and placed them under arrest.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> All four suspects were charged with Abuse of a Handicapped Person (F3), Battery (M1), and Disorderly Conduct (M2).  Those arrested are:  Kevonta Isaac (DOB:  6/8/85),  Iquan Isaac (DOB: 4/1/94), Kamion Matos (DOB: 9/25/94), Timothy Scott (DOB:  9/22/91. <o:p> </o:p> Werner received minor, non life threatening injuries.<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.  This information is also posted on <a href="http://www.lpdonlinenews.com/">www.lpdonlinenews.com</a>.<o:p></o:p>

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July 26, 2010

Lakeland Police Place First in Click it or Ticket Challenge

The Florida Law Enforcement Challenge is a competition between agencies of similar size and rewards the best <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef013485b674de970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_23" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef013485b674de970c " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef013485b674de970c-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_23" /></a> overall traffic safety programs that are conducted by agencies in the State of Florida.  The areas of concentration include efforts to enforce laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving, speeding, and other areas of traffic safety.  Departments submit an application that documents their agency’s efforts and effectiveness in these areas.  The winning programs are those that combine officer safety, public information, and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries within respective jurisdictions.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> The program is financed through grants from the Florida Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The Florida Law Enforcement Challenge provides a way for departments to share traffic safety tactics and to recognize those that have exemplary programs.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> There are several challenges an agency can apply for, such as the 2010 DUI Challenge, the Law Enforcement Challenge, Click it or Ticket Challenge, Motor Carrier Compliance Challenge, or Florida Motor Unit Challenge.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> The Lakeland Police Department placed first in the Click It or Ticket Challenge.  During the first wave that ended in May, 2010, Lakeland Police Officers wrote 1,227 safety belt violation tickets, and 55 child restraint violations. Officers were awarded points for winning first place that can be exchanged for items that further promote this cause.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> You can obtain more information on The Florida Law Enforcement Challenge at: <a href="http://www.challengerewards.com/About">http://www.challengerewards.com/About</a><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; COLOR: #000066; 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">Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.

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July 25, 2010

Lakeland Police Partner with PCSO and Community for Anti-Crime Rally

Lakeland Police are partnering with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Lakeland Community<a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef013485aebf71970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_78" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef013485aebf71970c image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef013485aebf71970c-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_78" /></a> to send the message to all that “Enough is Enough”.  This anti-crime rally is in response to the escalation of gun related crime in the community among young adults.  Last year in Lakeland violent crime was down, yet the percentage of violent crime occurring where firearms were used was up. This is not just a crime issue, this is also a social issue.  While conflicts between people remain the same, the manner of settling these conflicts is changing.  Member of the community are fed up with escalating gun violence and are beginning a movement to get the community involved to seek a solution to change this trend that appears to be emerging within our community.<o:p></o:p> Please join community members, together with the Lakeland Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office for the Anti-Crime Rally and March on Saturday, July 31st, 2010, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Simpson Park, 1725 Martin Luther King Avenue, in Lakeland.  The march will take place from Simpson Park, through the surrounding neighborhood, and back to Simpson Park. The purpose of this march is to get the attention of community members and demonstrate the commitment of police and citizens to this cause.   <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> There will be guest speakers at Simpson Park, free t-shirts for those participating in the march, door prizes, food vendors, and opportunities for adults and children to learn about the dangers of gangs and gun violence, and other crime prevention information.  There will also be equipment on display at the rally.   <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The community and the media are invited and encouraged to attend.<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; COLOR: #000066; 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">Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.

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July 24, 2010

Lakeland Police Investigate Traffic Fatality

Lakeland Police responded to 2100 Griffin Road on July 24, 2010, after reports of a traffic crash that occurred at approximately 2:01 am.  The investigation indicated that a 2004 Nissen and 2004 Honda motorcycle were both travelling eastbound on Griffin Road in the outside lane.  The vehicle struck the motorcycle from behind.  It appeared the vehicle was travelling at a high rate of speed.  The driver of the motorcycle, Kenneth B. Spooner, age 67, was pronounced dead on the scene by EMS.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The vehicle flipped and came to final rest on the roof after travelling approximately ¼ of a mile from the scene of the accident.  The driver of the vehicle, Damian Kyle Hernandez, DOB:  11/9/87,  fled on foot and was apprehended by Officer Aaron Peterman and his K9.  Hernandez was arrested for Leaving the Scene of a Fatality Without Rendering Aid (F3), Battery on a Police Dog (M1), and Resisting Arrest Without Violence. (M1).   Hernandez was treated at LRMC for minor, non-life threatening injuries, and then transported to Polk County Jail.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The passenger of the vehicle, Jeremy Andrew Edinger, age 24, received minor, non life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; COLOR: #000066; 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">This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.  Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.

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July 23, 2010

Lakeland Police Investigate High School Teacher

A press conference is scheduled for July 23, 2010, 3:00 PM, at the Lakeland Police Department.  Sergeant Gary <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133f280648c970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_76" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0133f280648c970b image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133f280648c970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_76" /></a> Gross, Supervisor of the Crime Against Children Unit, will be answering questions from the media.   Lakeland Police began an investigation of a Lakeland High School Teacher in April, 2010, after receiving a complaint from parents of a student that there was inappropriate behavior occurring between the student and teacher, Greg A Madsen.  The parents of the student had become alarmed after intercepting facebook postings between the student and Madsen that appeared to be highly inappropriate.   In the exchange between Madsen and the student, there was conversation that was sexual in nature.  In addition, there was conversation of involving words such as “trust” and “love”.  At one point the student tells Madsen, “I love you too much” and Madsen replies, “I love u too buddy”.  Madsen had also attempted to arrange a meeting with the student at a public location.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> As this investigation continued, detectives gathered text messages and emails from the student’s cell phone and computer.  Detectives executed a search warrant at Madsen’s   residence on April 26, 2010.  Madsen’s cell phone and two computers were seized and later forensically examined.  Madsen had approximately 700 facebook friends, and detectives found facebook chats on Madsen’s computer that were sexual in nature that had occurred with several minors that attended Lakeland High School where Madsen is employed as a teacher.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The information was referred to the State Attorney’s Office.  On July 7, 2010, Madsen entered into a Pre-Trial Intervention Contract Settlement Agreement where he agreed to surrender his teaching certificate to the State of Florida Department of Education, resign from his position at Lakeland High School, and not work or volunteer in any capacity where he would be in a position of trust involving children whether it be a school, church, club, or any other institution.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; COLOR: #000066; 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">Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.

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July 22, 2010

Lakeland Police Participate in 2010 National Night Out

Lakeland Police invite the community and the media to attend the 27th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef013485a00516970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_75" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef013485a00516970c image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef013485a00516970c-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_75" /></a> August 3th, 2010, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  National Night Out is a festival where neighborhoods, communities, businesses, law enforcement, and churches meet and celebrate the fight against crime and drugs.  There are all types of festivities planned at numerous locations throughout the City of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lakeland</st1:place></st1:city> including pizza parties, pool parties, bingo, covered dish events, potluck dinners, ice cream socials, block parties, bounce tents, and more!  There is something for everyone, and a complete list of locations and what is planned is available.    <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Contact the organizers in your area and see how you can get involved.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> For public inquiries regarding this event, please contact Supervisor, Community Services Unit, 863.834.6912, <a href="mailto:greg.robinson@lakelandgov.net">greg.robinson@lakelandgov.net</a>.  Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, pager 863.834.6917.  <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/10_75national-night-out-list.pdf">Download 2010 National Night Out Location List</a> <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/2010-national-night-out-locationsmappdf.pdf">Download 2010 National Night Out Map of Locations  </a> Sergeant Terri Smith

Posted at 07:39 PM | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

July 20, 2010

Lakeland Police Investigate Hit and Run Fatality

Lakeland Police responded to 900 East Main Street at approximately 1:11 am after receiving information that a man had been hit by a car.        <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> James Raney Rizzo, DOB:  4/19/76, was pronounced dead at the scene by EMA.  A witness walking with Rizzo at the time of the crash stated he observed a dark colored vehicle travelling southbound over the US 98 Bypass strike Rizzo, then proceed on south crossing over East Main Street, and continuing on South Road 98 without stopping.  The witness was unable to provide additional information as to the vehicle description.    Lakeland Police are asking that anyone with information regarding this fatal accident to contact Officer Michael Catalano at 863.834.2558, or crime stoppers.  There is a possibility the vehicle will have heavy front end damage, to include windshield damage and/or damage to the under body.  Police are asking that citizens who are aware of a vehicle that was recently damaged in this way since the date of this accident to please report this incident.     Anyone with information regarding this accident is asked to contact Officer Michael Catalano at 863.834.2558.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.      <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/cs10_29hitandrunfatality-1.pdf">Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin  </a>   Sergeant Terri Smith

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July 19, 2010

Lakeland Police Investigate Shooting

UPDATE:  July 19, 2010:  Police now believe, based on witness statements, that there was an exchange of gunfire between both groups during this incident.  Both victims were treated and released from LRMC last night.  There has not been an arrest in this case, police are still working through all the information and interviewing witnesses.  At this time, there is no suspect information to release.  Updates will continue to be released as they become available. <o:p></o:p>  Lakeland Police responded to 1660 Crystal Park Circle South at approximately 6:00 PM, after receiving 911 calls from residents in the area reporting a shooting had occurred.  Officers arrived on the scene and found an Isuzu Ascender in the roadway that had been shot multiple times.  Witnesses in the area stated that there had been an altercation between two groups of adult males earlier in the afternoon.  The groups dispersed, and later returned to continue the conflict.  Shots were fired at the Isuzu Ascender and the occupants of the vehicle fled on foot.  It is not known at this time if the occupants of the Isuzu Ascender returned fire.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> One man sustained a gunshot to the hip.  Reginald Rivers, age 54, was taken to LRMC with non life threatening injuries.  Rivers is believed to have been involved in the conflict.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Another victim, an 11 year old girl, was shot in the arm by a stray bullet that travelled through a window of her residence.  The girl’s residence is in close proximity to where the incident occurred.  The girl, Alexis Lewis, was taken to LRMC with non life threatening injuries.  Both victims are expected to be treated and released from LRMC tonight.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> There were several unoccupied vehicles in the area that also were damaged by gunfire, and at least two apartments were struck by stray rounds.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> At this time, no arrests have been made in this case.  Officers are still investigating this incident, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence.  More information will be released as it becomes available.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.     Sergeant Terri Smith

Posted at 12:32 AM in Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

July 13, 2010

Do I Stop or Be Careful and Prudent?

One of the nuances coming out of the new law permitting photo enforcement of red light running violations in Florida is the "careful and prudent" standard for right turns on red. A full stop is not required for photo enforcement activities. Drivers may roll through an intersection, provided they are careful and prudent, and will not receive a Notice of Violation from our red light camera program.

However, drivers need to understand careful and prudent only applies to photo enforcement and not when enforced by an officer on scene.

The statute for right turns on red still requires drivers to come to a full stop at the white stop bar before entering the designated crosswalk or the intersection itself. Careful and prudent is not the standard here - coming to a complete stop remains the standard.

Confused? Join the club.

Here is the bottom line - you are always safe if you come to a complete stop before turning right on red. After all, it is still the law in Florida. We will use the new careful and prudent standard for photo enforcement of red light running violations at the five monitored intersections. Officers working traffic in the field will still use discretion during their enforcement efforts, but an officer observing a driver rolling through an intersection may issue a uniform traffic citation for the offense regardless of whether the driver was careful and prudent.

It's best to stop before turning right on red.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Posted at 04:00 PM in Community Policing, Current Affairs, Public Information Office, Red Light Cameras, Traffic Safety | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

July 11, 2010

Red Light Camera Update

The new state statute authorizing photo enforcement of red light running violations went into effect July 1, 2010. This statute preempts camera enforcement to the state, and thus puts all local programs under statutory guidelines rather than municipal ordinances. We completed our conversion process and started enforcement this week in accordance with F.S.S. 316.083. I thought we would take a moment to highlight some key points of RLC information this weekend.

All violations occurring prior to July 1 have been reviewed and approved for Notices of Violation to be issued. If you committed a violation in June, you should be receiving your Notice in the mail soon.

Appeals for violations prior to July 1 will use the process outlined in our municipal ordinance by scheduling a hearing before a Code Hearing Officer. We will utilize that process until all appeals for pre-July 1 violations are completed. Follow the instructions on the back of your Notice should you want to schedule a hearing.

We started reviewing violations occurring on or after July 1 this week and noted approval of those events that are clear violations. Notices of Violation are in the mail at this time and should be arriving soon.

Right turns on red are now being enforced under the new "careful and prudent" standard rather than the previous standard of stopping at the white stop bar (or at least significantly slowing down when rolling through the intersection). We fully expect to issue far fewer Notices of Violation for right turn on red violations under the new less stringent standard.

Remember my earlier comment that photo enforcement was now preempted by the State of Florida? Among other things that means the fine amount is now established by the State rather than the City of Lakeland, and so the Notices contain a higher fine - $158 instead of the previous $125 - in accordance with the statute.

We will check in from time to time and keep the community updated on information related to the new red light camera enforcement procedures, but we continue to encourage everyone to Stop on Red and drive carefully.