INSIDE the Lakeland Police Department

Lakeland Police K-9 Unit Completes USPCA Field Trials

Lakeland Police traveled to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, from September 16^th thru the 22^nd to  compete in the annual United States Police Canine Association National Field Trials.  There were 84 teams that completed from all over the United States.  Each of the 84 teams consisted of five members per team. 

In order to eligible to compete in the USPCA Field Trials officers must first qualify in the Regional Certification and receive 560 out of 700 points in the events. 

This year’s team consisted of Officer Jose Bosque and K-9 Tiberius, Officer Cory Bowling and K-9 Riddick, Officer Rob Manrow and K-9 Qanto, Officer Aaron Peterman and K-9 Charief, and Officer Tye Thompson and K-9 Harris. 

Officer Peterman placed and K-9 Charief placed 2^nd in the nation individually and the four man team placed 3^rd overall.  Officers Peterman and Thompson tied for 3^rd place in obedience, and Officer Peterman placed 3^rd in agility. 

Officers braved the harsh 30 degree Minnesota weather with 20 MPH winds to compete.  They returned home with trophies, wind burn, and chapped lips.  Officer Jose Bosque said, “The competition was great and it was challenging, but I am glad to be back in the warm Florida weather.”

Chief Womack, “The Lakeland Police Department is very proud of our award winning K-9 unit. This outstanding accomplishment is the result of hours of hard work and dedication.  The citizens of Lakeland also appreciate the effort and high standard of excellence this unit consistently achieves.”  

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Attempt to Identify Vehicle Burglary Suspect

Lakeland Police are attempting to identify a suspect of a burglary to a vehicle that occurred on  August 31, 2011, in the area of South Ohio Avenue in Lakeland.  The suspect then used credit cards stolen in the burglary at an ATM and several other businesses in the Lakeland area.   The suspect is described as a white male, 20 to 30 years old, approximately 5’09” to 6’00” tall and weighing approximately 170 to 200 pounds wearing a  two tone camouflage/black baseball cap.

If you can identify this suspect, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.226.8477.

Download Original Crime Stoppers Bulletin 

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

 

Lakeland Police Investigate Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Traffic Incident

Lakeland Police responded to Fredricksburg Avenue and US 98 South on September 21, 2011, at approximately 6:30 am after receiving a report of vehicle vs. pedestrian that occurred at that location.  Richard Bell (DOB:  2/24/69 of 1923 Griffin Road, Lakeland) was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck eastbound on Fredricksburg Avenue approaching US 98 South and was in the left turn lane. 

Pedestrian, Scott Balvin (6/3/93, 1625 Crystal Court East, Lakeland) was crossing US 98 South from east to west.  As Bell turned left onto US 98 South he was unable to stop and avoid hitting Balvin.  Balvin was driven to LRMC by his parents with non-life threatening injuries.

This information is also available at www.insidelpd.com.  Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863.834.6917.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Attempt to Identify Grand Theft Suspect

Lakeland Police are attempting to identify the suspect of a grand theft that occurred at Home  Depot, 2805 N RD 98 in Lakeland, on September 11, 2011 at approximately 2:00 pm. 

If you can identify this suspect, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.226.8477.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

 

Lakeland Police Arrest Suspect on Homicide/Robbery Charges

UPDATE:  September 16, 2011

Joanna Jones has waived extradition in Texas and is in the process of being transferred back to Polk County.

Lakeland Police have arrested Joanna Jones, DOB:  5/14/60, for the murder and robbery of  Robin Windsor, age 54.  Windsor was found deceased in her apartment at 1108 South Road 98, #H-85, on January 14, 2011.

Jones, who resided in an apartment building within the same complex, had visited the victim asking for money and was "pushy".  Detectives found that property missing from the crime scene had been sold in the apartment complex by Jones immediately following the homicide. 

Detectives tracked Jones to Panama City, but she fled before they were able to contact her.  Detectives were able to speak with Jones via telephone, but she would not reveal her whereabouts.  Jones agreed to meet in Lakeland, Florida, on March 1, 2011, to be interviewed but did not keep the appointment.

Detectives were able to link key evidence from the crime scene to Jones and obtained an arrest warrant on June 6, 2011.  Jones was located and arrested in Dallas, Texas, on September 13, 2011, and charged with the First Degree Murder and Robbery of Robin Windsor.  Jones is now awaiting extradiction.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

 

 

Lakeland Police Investigate Traffic Fatality

UPDATE:  September 14, 2011

Nicolas G. Fasanella passed away on September 13, 2011, as a result of the traffic crash and near drowning that occurred on July 22^nd, 2011.    

 

Original Information Released July 22, 2011:

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, (500 Seven Oaks St, 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 (500 Seven Oaks St., 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.

This information also posted on www.insidelpd.com.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland PAL Director Voted in as New Region 4 Director

Lakeland Police Athletic League Director, Tim Abram, was elected to the position of the Region  4 Director for the State of Florida PAL Association.  As the Region 4 Director, Tim will oversee a total of 7 chapters of PAL:  Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Zephyrhills, Fort Myers, Pinellas County Sheriff, and Manatee County.

Tim will schedule and promote regional activities such as regional qualifiers for state events, regional youth directors meetings, or other activities that promote the interaction and unity with other PAL programs.  Regional Directors serve a vital link between the Board of Directors and local PALS in their regions.  Regional Directors sit on the State of Florida Police Athletic League Board of Directors and are the voting delegate for their respective regions.  The State Board plan and coordinate state wide activities and events throughout the State of Florida.   Tim will also represent the central Florida PAL for funding opportunities while in this position.

Tim was elected by a vote of all Regions at the State of Florida PAL Annual Conference Training held on August 27, 2011, in Orlando.  Tim has been employed as the PAL Director since 2007.  Tim is a Lakeland native and has held several other positions in the City of Lakeland throughout his career.  Tim was also a correctional officer at Polk Correctional Facility for Juveniles for a period of seven years. Tim holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Grambling State University in Louisiana where he played football for the legendary Eddie G. Robinson.  Tim went on to earn a master’s degree in Business Administration from Everest University in Florida.  Tim and his wife, Tomeka, live in Lakeland with their three children. 

Tim has been very instrumental in the success of our PAL program in the Lakeland area.  His energy and drive to engage the youth of our community in healthy activities and lifestyle choices has been a driving force behind the great success of the program.  It will be a great benefit to PAL to have Tim carry this momentum forward to the Region level. 

- Posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Traffic Fatality

Lakeland Police responded to 1500 E Main Street at approximately 4:40 pm on September 9, 2011, after receiving a report of a traffic crash at this location.

Carolyn Duff (Age 53, Lakeland) was riding a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle eastbound on E Main Street entering the curve near the 1500 block.  A 1997 Nissan pickup driven by Robert Miller (Age 47,  Lake Wales, Florida) was westbound on E Main Street.  It appears that the rider of the motorcycle crossed the center line as she was entering the curve and traveled into the path of the pickup.  The rider of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet and was ejected.  Carolyn Duff was declared deceased at the scene by Polk County EMS. 

This remains an ongoing investigation.  Next of kin has been notified.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith 

Lakeland Police Attempt to Identify Vehicle Burglary Suspects

Lakeland Police are attempting to identify a suspect of a burglary to a vehicle that occurred on  August 20, 2011, at approximately noon  at the Lakeland Funeral Home.  Victim’s vehicle was parked at the business when suspect broke a window to gain entry and removed property from the vehicle.

The suspect in the images attempted to use credit cards stolen in this burglary to purchase merchandise at convenience stores in the Lakeland area.   The suspect may be driving the vehicle pictured to the right.

If you can identify this suspect, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.226.8477.

Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin 

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith

 

Lakeland Police Chief Womack's Next "Chief Chat" Scheduled for October

Lakeland Police Chief Lisa Womack next Chief’s Chat will be held on Monday, October 3, 2011,  from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the Community Room of the Lakeland Police Department, 219 N Massachusetts Avenue.  The Chief’s Chat scheduled for September is cancelled due to the Labor Day Holiday.

- posted by Sergeant Terri Smith