INSIDE the Lakeland Police Department

Lakeland Police Arrest Burglar - Now Searching for Second Suspect

UPDATE:  7/29/2011, 6:30 PM.  Lakeland Police have identified Brandon Rashard Melton  (DOB:  1/4/87) as the second suspect in this burglary and have obtained a warrant for Melton for Armed Burglary.  Jones and Melton armed themselves inside the victim’s residence by taking a 380 and 40 caliber firearm before fleeing.  Both firearms were recovered by police.  In searching the vehicle abandoned at the scene by the suspects, officers found computers taken in another burglary and an additional firearm.   Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Melton is asked to contact the Lakeland Police Department, 863.834.6900.  Melton should be considered Armed and Dangerous.

 

Original Release:

Lakeland Police responded to 1848 Casco Street on 7/29/11 at approximately 10:45 am in  response to a report of a burglary in progress.  Resident, John Silver (age 50), arrived at his home to find a strange car parked in his driveway.  Silver approached his front door and noticed it had been kicked in.  As he got closer, he observed two males attempting to exit the residence.  When they saw Silver, they slammed the door and retreated inside the residence.  As they attempted to exit another door, Mr. Silver fired one shot into the ground from a handgun in an attempt to corral the men until police could arrive.  Both men fled on foot from the area leaving their vehicle behind.

Police arrived and quickly established a perimeter and were able to apprehend one suspect identified as Jerome Jones, Jr. (DOB:  11/17/91, 1403 Crescent Place, Lakeland).  Jones was charged with Burglary to Residence.  Detectives are currently attempting to identify and locate the second suspect. 

This remains an ongoing investigation.  No additional information will be released at this time. 

Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin on Burglary Suspect 

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate New Leads in 2009 Homicide

Lakeland Police are investigating new leads in a homicide case that occurred on April 15   2009.  Lakeland Police received a tip that an unsolved homicide may be linked to a homicide that occurred in Ft. Myers. 

Riggins is considered to be a suspect in the homicide of Shawn Turk, age 34.  Turk was found near the AmTrak Station, 600 E Main Street, Lakeland, FL.  Police have interviewed Reginald Riggins (DOB:  10/8/77) in reference to that homicide.  Lakeland Police are currently working with the State Attorney’s Office regarding this case. 

Riggins has not been arrested by the Lakeland Police Department on a homicide charge at this time.  Riggins is considered to be a suspect in the homicide of Shawn Turk, age 34.  Turk’s body was found near the AmTrak Station, 600 E Main Street.

This remains and ongoing investigation.  No additional information will be released at this time.  This information is also posted on www.insidelpd.com.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Jewelry Store Robbery

Lakeland Police responded to Lakeland Fine Jewelry, 3427 S Florida Avenue at approximately  3:00 pm to the scene of a robbery that had just occurred.  Two men entered the store and snatched merchandise from a customer, then fled on foot.   

Police were given a description of the suspects and quickly established a perimeter.  Both suspects were taken into custody.  The suspects, Michael Parker (DOB: 8/4/88) and Chez Lee Foreman (DOB: 3/6/93) both had outstanding warrants.  Foreman had a PCSO warrant for Robbery by Sudden Snatching and Parker had a warrant for Violation of Probation Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.  Parker and Foreman were charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching and Resisting Arrest Without Violence. 

No one was injured in this incident. 

Lakeland Police Investigate Single Vehicle Traffic Fatality

Lakeland Police responded to 1400 Kathleen Road on July 28, 2011, at 2:30 am after receiving a report of a traffic crash at this location.  A 2006 Saturn Ion was traveling northbound on Kathleen when the vehicle left the roadway and impacted a tree.  Driver, Vicki Thompson (1834 West Elliot Street, age 41) was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.  Thompson was the only occupant of the vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt.

Next of kin has been notified.  This information is also posted on www.insidelpd.com.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Single Vehicle Crash and Honor Good Samaritans

Lakeland Police responded to the area of 3700 County Line Road on July 22, 2011, at approximately 2:45 pm after receiving a report of a vehicle submerged in a pond.  Investigating officers found  Nicolas Fasanella, (Mulberry, age 20) had been driving his 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup southbound on County Line Road when he attempted to pass a semi truck by going around the truck  from the right lane.  Fasanella lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway, and crossed the median to the other side of the road.  The vehicle became airborne and landed in a retention pond at this location.  The vehicle was submerged.

The passenger, Robert Cutrer (Mulberry, age 19) was able to free himself from his seat belt and pop to the surface of the pond where he was fished out by rescuers that quickly responded to render aid.  Fasanella, also seat belted, did not pop to the surface.

A good Samaritan on the scene, using a broom handle, was able to locate the vehicle under the water by probing with the broom handle.  This man began diving to the truck until the seat belt was released and brought Fasanella to the surface.  At this time several people began working together to provide CPR for Fasanella until emergency medical personnel arrived.  Both Fasanella and Cutrer were transported to LRMC.  Fasanella sustained life threatening injuries and Cutrer was treated for minor injuries.

There were at least three other people involved in the rescue of Fasanella.  Derrick K. Buxton,  (727-793-4182), Denise Smith (813-368-9904), and Jose Martinez (813-223-5070) are both available for interview.  

The good Samaritan that freed Fasanella from the submerged vehicle left the scene before officers could obtain his contact information.  The Lakeland Police Department would like to honor this person for his heroic efforts if he would contact the Lakeland Police Department and identify himself.

An awards ceremony for Good Samaritans Derrick Buxton, Denise Smith, and Jose Martinez has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 3, 2011, in the LPD Community Room at 1:30 pm.  Police Chief Womack and Fire Chief Gary Ballard are scheduled to attend.  Friends, family, and the media are also invited to attend.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Traffic Incident

Lakeland Police responded to 3437 N RD 98 on July 26, 2011, at approximately 4:20 pm after receiving a report of a man that was struck by a vehicle at a car wash.

Paul Stiles, (Lakeland, age 32), drove his 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup into the car wash.  As Stiles entered the car wash, he drove over a bump as the car wash sprayed the windshield of his vehicle.  Stiles believed the bump he had driven over was the sensor for the car wash and did not realize he had run over the legs of a person that had been asleep in the car wash bay until he heard John Tyer (Lakeland,age 59)  yelling.  Stiles, realizing there was a person in there, put his vehicle in reverse and backed out running over Tyer’s legs again. 

Tyer appeared to have minor injuries and was transported to LRMC.  Tyer stated he had consumed a large quantity of “beer” and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.  Tyer had gone into the car wash to get out of the rain. 

No one was charged as a result of this incident, but Tyer was trespassed from the car wash site by management to prevent this from possibly happening again.

- Posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Stabbing

UPDATE:  July 29, 2011.  After interviewing Cruickshank and conducting an investigation, detectives have determined that Cruickshank’s stab wounds were self inflicted.  Cruickshank had personal problems, was distraught, and used a beer bottle to self- inflict the wounds on his upper torso and arms.

 

Original Release:

Lakeland Police responded to US 98 North at the I-4 westbound entrance ramp (3300 West I-4) at approximately 1:00 a.m. on July 26, 2011, after receiving a report of a person lying on the side of the roadway at this location.  Officers found victim, Steven Jerrick Cruickshank, age 24, at this location.  Cruickshank had been stabbed multiple times.  Cruickshank was transported to LRMC with life threatening injuries where he was listed in critical condition. 

The initial investigation indicates that the victim knew the suspect and this was not a random act.  Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lakeland Police Department, 863.834.6900.  No additional information will be released at this time.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Hold 28th Annual National Night Out

The Lakeland Police Department would like to invite you to participate in the 28^th Annual  National Night out on Tuesday, August 2, 2011.  National Night Out is an annual event where neighborhoods, businesses, churches, and law enforcement come together to show solidarity in the ongoing fight against crime and drugs.  This event is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, strengthen police/community partnerships, and generate support and participation in local anti-crime programs.  This is a great opportunity to send a message to criminals letting them know that local neighborhoods are organized and fighting back!

Along with traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, your neighborhood can celebrate National Night Out with a variety of activities such as block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, and visits from local officials and police officers.  Participation is free so register your neighborhood today!  See attached list of times and locations below.

Download National Night Out List of Locations and Time of Events for August 2, 2011

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Attempt to Identify Burglary Suspects

Lakeland Police are attempting to identify suspects of an attempted burglary that occurred on  June 25, 2011, at approximately 5:00 PM in the area of Ariana Village MPH and Kings Manor MHP.  A neighbor observed the two suspects attempting to break into a residence and called police.  The suspects fled the area on foot.

Both suspects are described as black or hispanic males, approximately 5’10” tall.  

If you can identify one or both of these suspects    please contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863.834.6900, or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.226.8477.

Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin 

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith 

Lakeland Police Pursue Suspect of Armed Robbery Spree

UPDATE:  The armed robbery suspect has been taken into custody.  The suspect was monitored throughout the night as he moved around in the wooded area.  Officers maintained the peremiter and waited until early morning before sending in teams of officers to apprehend him.  The suspect was taken into custody and his name will be released at a later time. 

Original Release:

Lakeland Police Officer are currently pursuing a suspect that robbed 5 businesses at gun point tonight and then fled from police in a stolen vehicle on I-4 when a Lakeland Police Street Crimes Unit fell in behind the vehicle and attempted to stop it. 

The suspect had robbed five businesses beginning at 11:06 p.m., threatened the clerk with a gun, and then fled the businesses in a vehicle.  After robbing the last business, McDonalds at 5525 Walt Loop Road, at 12:54 am, a Lakeland Police Street Crimes Unit fell in behind the suspect vehicle at approximately 12:57 am. Police pursued the suspect vehicle to a point just east of Exit 44 where the suspect fled on foot from the vehicle. 

The Lakeland Police Department, FHP, Polk County Sheriff’s Office are all on the scene searching for the suspect in a wooded area.  Polk County and Osceola Helicopters are both being utilized in the search as well as LPD K9’s, and PCSO K9’s including a bloodhound.

Interstate 4 is open. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.  Media aircraft should stay clear of the area, as well as ground media. 

The other four businesses robbed are Gas Station, 825 South Florida, (11:06 pm), Dominos Pizza, 339 South Rd 98, (11:27 pm), Taco Bell, 1855 E Memorial Blvd. (12:00 am), Checkers, 991 E Memorial Blvd (12:49 am), McDonalds, 5525 Walt Loop Rd, (12:54 am)

More information will be released as it becomes available. 

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith