INSIDE the Lakeland Police Department: Media Release

August 19, 2010

Lakeland Police Attempt to Identify Residential Burglary Suspect

Lakeland Police are investigating a burglary that occurred in an unoccupied residence in the <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133f32dd550970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="CS10_30a" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0133f32dd550970b " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133f32dd550970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="CS10_30a" /></a> 1700 block of the Crystal Grove Drive area.  This burglary occurred on July 9, 2010.    The suspect is described as a black male, mid to early 20’s, approximately 6’ tall, medium build, short hair, and a goatee.   If you feel you have information that could lead to the identity of this suspect, please contact the Lakeland Police Department, 863.834.6900, or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-226-8477.  You may be eligible to receive a cash reward.  <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/cs10_30burglaryresident-1.pdf">Download Original Crime Stoppers Bulletin </a>   Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.  Posted By Sergeant Terri Smith <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef013486515ae2970c-pi" style="FLOAT: left"><img alt="CS_30c" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef013486515ae2970c image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef013486515ae2970c-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 5px 5px 0px" title="CS_30c" /></a>

Posted at 06:08 PM in Crime Stoppers Bulletins, Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

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 07, 2010

Lakeland Police Arrest Serial Robbery Suspect

The Lakeland Police Department has arrested Jonathan Tarill Varnes, DOB:  3/10/88, for one robbery, and anticipate charging him with another.  Varnes was arrested in Zephyrhills, Florida, on July 7th, 2010, and charged with a robbery that occurred on July 1, 2010, at a business in Zephyrhills.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Information revealed during the investigation of the Zephyrhills robbery led Lakeland Police to file charges on a robbery that occurred at the BP Gas Station, 1219 Lakeland Hills Blvd. on June 26, 2010.  During this robbery the suspect entered the store at approximately 8:40 PM and confronted victim, Patel Kirtik, (age 43) with what appeared to be a handgun and demanded money.  At some point, Kirtik realized the weapon was a plastic toy gun and a physical altercation ensued.  The suspect was able to flee from the store with an undisclosed amount of cash.  Kirtik sustained minor injuries during the scuffle.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Lakeland Police anticipate filing charges on Varnes for another robbery that occurred at Keeman Food Mart, 3975 New Tampa Highway on June 21, 2010.  At approximately 6:30 PM, the suspect entered the store and confronted victim, Mohammed Azam, (age 39) with a handgun and demanded cash.  The suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash, along with some additional merchandise.  Azam was not harmed during this incident.<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 06:33 PM in Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

April 12, 2010

Lakeland Police Investigate Bank Robbery

Lakeland Police responded to a bank robbery at Fifth Third Bank, 4012 Lakeland Hills Blvd, at approximately 12:48<a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133eca46ab8970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_39d" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0133eca46ab8970b image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133eca46ab8970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_39d" /></a> PM.  Two suspects entered the bank, displayed guns, demanded money, and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.  One suspect was wearing a ski mask, the other a gorilla mask.  A third suspect remained outside in a vehicle.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> The suspect 1 is described as short, possibly 5’0” to 5’4”, light skinned male, plaid shirt over yellow shirt, tan pants, dark colored shoes, with “thick” facial features.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Suspect 2 is described as taller, possible 6’0”, Caucasian male, camo jacket over light colored shirt, dark pants, dark boots.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Suspect 3 is an unknown height Caucasian male, driving a white GM product, possibly an impala or Malibu, possibly missing the left rear hubcap.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Anyone with information regarding the identity of these suspects, or information regarding this bank robbery is asked to contact the Lakeland Police Department, 863.834.6900.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Media inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, at 863.860.4178.    <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/cs10_16robberysuspects.pdf">Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin  </a>   Sergeant Terri Smith

Posted at 07:38 PM in Crime Stoppers Bulletins, Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

April 11, 2010

Lakeland Police Investigate Armed Robbery/Homicide

<o:p> UDDATE 4/11/10:  Police Release Composite Sketch of Homicide Suspects<a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef01347fce1d9a970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_37f" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef01347fce1d9a970c image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef01347fce1d9a970c-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_37f" /></a>   <o:p></o:p><o:p> The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred at approximately <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0133ec9a2f2f970b-pi" style="DISPLAY: inline"></a><a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef01347fca38a0970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 3px"></a> 6:00 PM today at 1315 West 14th Street in Lakeland, Florida.  Intakab Asalat, age 21, and Cody Melarkey age 19, drove into an apartment complex at this location to buy marijuana.  The two men exited their vehicle and were in the breezeway of an apartment complex when they made contact with 3 men who attempted to rob them.  During this robbery attempt, Asalat was shot. <o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p> Asalat and Melarkey returned to their vehicle and drove out of the area.  They flagged down an ambulance on North Rd 98 and the ambulance took them to the hospital where Asalat died in surgery. Malarkey was not injured.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> The suspects are described as all black males.  One is 5’08” to 5’10”, approximately 140 pounds, wearing all black clothing, late teens/early twenties.  The second suspect is 6’0” to 6’3”with a shaved head wearing a black shirt and blue shorts, late teens/early twenties.  The third suspect is described as wearing a tank top and in his late teens.  <o:p> Anyone with information as to the identity of these suspects is asked to contact the Lakeland Police Department, 863.824.6900.  These suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> This case is under investigation. No further information will be released tonight.  Media inquiries tomorrow should be directed to Sergeant Terri Smith, PIO, 863-834-6917.    <o:p></o:p><a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/cs10_17homicidesuspects.pdf">Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin  </a>   Sergeant Terri Smith</o:p>

Posted at 01:20 AM in Crime Stoppers Bulletins, Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

January 12, 2010

Lakeland Police Arrest Man on Bus With Gun

Lakeland Police Department responded to a 911 call today from a man riding on a city<a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef012876cd5c8f970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"></a><a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef012876cd69a8970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="10_4a" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef012876cd69a8970c image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef012876cd69a8970c-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="10_4a" /></a> bus.  The man <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef012876cd5a15970c-pi" style="FLOAT: right"></a> stated a man on the bus was threatening a young girl with a gun.  The man was later identified as Neil Dekle, white male,  23 years old. At approximately 4:00 pm today, the victim boarded the bus at 2410 North Crystal Lake Drive, in Lakeland, Florida.  Once on the bus,  Dekle began to admire the victim’s shoes.   Dekle continued to make remarks to the victim about her shoes indicating that he intended to take them from her.  As Dekle was making these remarks, he began handling and moving the gun around on his waistband.  A witness on the bus called police and gave a description of the suspect, as well as information about where the bus was as it travelled through the city.  As the bus approached the main terminal in downtown Lakeland, police were able to stop the bus and take Dekle into custody after a brief scuffle. The gun in Dekle’s possession was a pellet gun that was not loaded.  Dekle and the 15 year old victim did not know each other prior to this incident. Dekle was charged with Armed Robbery, a first degree felony.  Media inquiries should be directed to Terri Smith at 863.834.6917.   <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/10_4armed_robbery.pdf">Download Arrest Affidavit with Original Media Release  </a> Sergeant Terri Smith

Posted at 06:23 PM in Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

November 18, 2009

Lakeland Police Arrest Juvenile for Attempted Homicide

On November 17, 2009, just before midnight, Lakeland Police were in the area of the<a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a6b0984c970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="09_90AttemptedHom" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a6b0984c970b image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a6b0984c970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="09_90AttemptedHom" /></a> 1706 West Parker Street assisting PCSO in reference to a search for a suspect.  The suspect had fled from the scene of a burglary that had just occurred.  The scene of the burglary was in the county and the suspect had fled into the city limits of Lakeland.  A short time later, there was a call of a residential burglary in progress at 353 Dawn Street - the area that the suspect had fled to.  The suspect broke into the residence at 353 Dawn Street through a window and was confronted by the victim.  At that time, the suspect stabbed the victim approximately 30 times.  The victim (Daniel Granton, DOB:  8/20/54) sustained wounds to his chest area as well as other parts of the body causing life threatening injuries.  The suspect, Noel Cruz-Diego (DOB: 3/26/95), also took the victim’s wallet, then fled the scene and was later apprehended by police and charged with Attempted Felony Murder, Home Invasion Robbery and Burglary to a Conveyance (2 counts). The victim was transported to LRMC where he remains in critical condition at this time. Media inquiries should be directed to Jack Gillen, 863-834-6949.   <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/09_80atthom.pdf">Download original media release with map of location and additional photo of suspect  </a> Sergeant Terri Smith

Posted at 01:51 PM in Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

October 22, 2009

Lakeland Police Search for Missing Endangered Person - Cancel had been FOUND

UPDATE 10/23/09 10:00 a.m.: Zachary was located early this morning walking on Highway 60 west of Mulberry after an anonymous tip from a citizen was phoned in to police.  The citizen stated that he had observed a subject fitting the description of a missing person he had heard on the radio.  Zachary was found unharmed and in good condition, and had apparently walked to this location from his residence. <o:p></o:p> Lakeland Police are looking for Zachary Dean Hansen, a missing endangered person <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a6147add970b-pi" style="FLOAT: right"><img alt="09_79" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a6147add970b image-full " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef0120a6147add970b-800wi" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px" title="09_79" /></a> last seen at 722 East Myrtle Street on October 21, 2009 (yesterday) at 8:30 PM.  Zachary has a medical condition and is required to take medication daily.  Zachary is described as a white male, 30 years old, with brown hair and brown eyes.  Zachary was last see wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and red plaid pants.  If you have seen Zachary, or have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900. Media inquiries should be directed to Jack Gillen, 863-834-6949.  Sergeant Terri Smith

Posted at 04:13 PM in Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

February 26, 2009

Lakeland Police Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting

Three Lakeland Police Officers were involved in a shooting that occurred at 4514 Micanope Crescent Drive at approximately 11:41 pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Bruce Wooley, age 58, was home alone and contacted his sister by telephone in North Carolina. Wooley made statements to his sister that he was “armed and wanted to die”, but didn’t want “to do it”. Wooley’s sister contacted police who responded to the area and established a perimeter. Police established telephone contact with Wooley who advised that he was okay and did not intend to harm himself, but that he was “wanted to get some beer”. Officers observed Wooley leave his residence and enter a vehicle car carrying a shotgun. Wooley then began driving erratically through the neighborhood. Wooley then returned to his residence where he got out of his vehicle with the shotgun in his possession and pointed the gun a Lakeland Police Officer. All three officers then fired upon Wooley. Wooley was struck by gunfire and disarmed. Wooley was found to be armed with two other guns, one in a shoulder holster. There were indications that Wooley had been drinking alcohol, but the amount is unknown. Wooley was conscious and speaking at the scene. Wooley was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he was admitted. Wooley’s family has been notified of his condition and has been cooperative in this investigation. This investigation is ongoing. The complete <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/09_05shooting.pdf">media release</a> is available here. - Sgt. Terri Smith

Posted at 03:43 PM in Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

January 27, 2009

GEICO Awards DUI Education Grant

Impaired driving continues to be a deadly crime across our nation, but one that can be prevented. The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration reports in 2006 that more than 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Car crashes are also known to be the leading cause of death of adolescents. Enforcement and education are two proven methods to reducing the number of impaired drivers on our highways. To that end, GEICO Insurance today provided a financial grant to the Lakeland Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to fund a joint educational effort to reduce impaired driving. The grant is a philanthropic donation by GEICO to purchase a special vehicle that simulates impaired driving. <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef010536fb1fdc970c-pi" style="DISPLAY: inline"><img alt="GEICO Grant Presentation" class="at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef010536fb1fdc970c " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef010536fb1fdc970c-500wi" title="GEICO Grant Presentation" /></a> The Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience®, or SIDNE®, is a battery-powered vehicle that simulates the effects of impairment from alcohol or other drugs on a motorist’s driving skills. The goal of this collaborative initiative is to create a program that educates young drivers how dangerous impaired driving can be. Program instructors have complete control of the SIDNE® vehicle and can switch it from normal driving to impaired driving mode to demonstrate effects of impairment on driving skills. Participants experience with a sober brain how it feels when reaction time is slowed and they are unable to make a turn or stop, even when they have ample time and space. SIDNE® vehicles are used in conjunction with FATAL VISION® goggles that vividly demonstrate the concept of impairment by showing the effects of alcohol and drugs on the human brain. The Lakeland Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are teaming together to bring this educational program to the entire county. This joint effort is another demonstration of the commitment by Lakeland Police Chief Roger Boatner and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to work together to reduce impaired driving on our roads and highways. For more information on FATAL VISON® and SIDNE®, visit the company’s website at <a href="http://www.fatalvision.com/fv/home.php">http://www.fatalvision.com/fv/home.php</a>.   <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/files/sidne-media-release.pdf">Download SIDNE Media Release</a>   <a href="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef010536fb18b4970c-pi" style="DISPLAY: inline"><img alt="SIDNE Product Photo" class="at-xid-6a00d8341c896d53ef010536fb18b4970c " src="http://www.insidelakelandpd.com/.a/6a00d8341c896d53ef010536fb18b4970c-320wi" title="SIDNE Product Photo" /></a> Product shot from company website.   - Asst Chief Bill LePere

Posted at 01:23 PM in Media Release | Permalink | TrackBack (0)

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