Leesburg police arrest suspect in Eustis park stabbing, second violent attack
LEESBURG, Fla.— A man accused of stabbing a victim nine times at a Eustis park and later attacking another person in Leesburg has been arrested on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and aggravated battery, police said. James Edward Thompson, 32, is being held at the Lake County Jail on no bond and is also facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Eustis incident Shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, Eustis Police Department received a call in reference to a battery at Ferran Park. An unnamed witness said a man, later identified
Person of interest in Eustis park stabbing in custody, police say
EUSTIS, Fla.— The hunt for the person of interest in a stabbing Tuesday is over, according to Eustis Police Department. James Edward Thompson Jr. was taken into custody in Leesburg with the help of Leesburg Police Department, EPD said. Thompson Jr. is a person of interest in a stabbing that occurred around 1 p.m. at popular Ferran Park in downtown Eustis. An unidentified victim was stabbed multiple times; police have not released the victim’s name or their condition. If you have information on the incident, call EPD at 352-483-5400. Previous story: https://insidelake.com/2026/02/03/video-more-details-released-in-eustis-stabbing/
VIDEO: More details released in Eustis stabbing
EUSTIS, Fla.— Eustis Police Department is still searching for an individual it is calling a “person of interest” in a stabbing in downtown Eustis Tuesday. Around 1 p.m., the unnamed victim was stabbed multiple times at Ferran Park and the suspect fled on foot, police said. Late Tuesday afternoon, EPD released video and additional photos seeking the public’s help identifying the “person of interest.” Police said the individual is considered armed and dangerous and warned residents not to approach. If you have information on the incident or the identity of the person of interest, call EPD at 352-483-5400, or
Eustis police searching for person of interest in alleged stabbing at Ferran Park
Update: https://insidelake.com/2026/02/03/video-more-details-released-in-eustis-stabbing/ EUSTIS, Fla.— Eustis Police Department is searching for a man it is calling a “person of interest” in an alleged stabbing at Ferran Park Tuesday. The incident occurred around 1 p.m., EPD said in a social media post. No other information was released. The man is considered armed and dangerous and police are asking residents not to approach him. If you have information on the incident or the identity of the person of interest, call EPD at 352-483-5400.
Missing woman found, Silver Alert canceled
Update: 10:30 p.m. Ann Vaida has been located safe. THE VILLAGES, Fla.—A Silver Alert has been issued for a 77-year-old woman of the Villages, according to Leesburg Police Department. Ann Vaida is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs 130 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen in the 1000 block of Walsh Lane in The Villages and was wearing a jean jacket and black tights. She has a shunt on the back side of her head. Vaida may be traveling in a white Ford Fusion, license plate 76EIQZ. If you have information in
Tavares man killed in crash Sunday
TAVARES, Fla.— Tavares Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a man Sunday. Blake Sawyer, 21, of Tavares, was riding a dirt bike on Dead River Road shortly before 12:15 p.m. when he attempted to pass vehicles using the shoulder, according to a preliminary investigation, Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. Sawyer struck a pole and crashed. He was wearing a helmet, Sullivan said. Sawyer was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash remains under investigation.
News Briefs
Lake County Schools district phones out of service Wednesday for emergency maintenance
TAVARES, Fla.— The telephone network provider for Lake County Schools will be performing emergency maintenance to all Lake County school and office phone circuits on Wednesday and possibly continuing through Thursday. Schools and district offices will not be able to send or receive external calls on landlines during this time. Each location will be assigned a temporary cell phone, and principals will contact parents with the temporary phone number for their child’s school. The temporary number for the district office will be 352-630-5020, effective Wednesday. The district’s Communications team will notify all parents once landline phones are fully functional again.
Tickets on sale for Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy
LADY LAKE, Fla. — The Town of Lady Lake will host a new event, the Taste of Lady Lake Speakeasy, part of a weeklong celebration marking the town’s 100th anniversary. It’s scheduled for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Lady Lake Library. Guests 21-and-over will enjoy samples from local restaurants and caterers, a cash bar, and live music by Sofia and The Speak EZ Band. Tickets are $20 in advance and are on sale through Nov. 5. Four VIP sit-down tables are available at $180 per table, tables seat six people. The 1920s themed evening celebrates Lady Lake’s century-long
Eustis police to host National Night Out Tuesday in Ferran Park
EUSTIS, Fla.— Eustis Police Department, along with Eustis Fire Department, Tavares Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department, Umatilla Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are scheduled to participate in National Night Out beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday in downtown Eustis. The event, a nationwide initiative designed to strengthen community partnerships and promote positive relationships between residents, businesses, and law enforcement will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., at Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis, EPD Cpl. William Starling said. The event will feature a variety of specialized units and equipment from participating agencies, including the Crisis
Lake-Sumter State College names 2025 Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame honorees
LEESBURG, Fla.— Lake-Sumter State College and the LSSC Foundation are proud to announce the 2025 Honorees for the Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame Awards. “Pursuing higher education, earning a degree, and achieving success is the core of the mission of Lake-Sumter State College,” said Dr. Laura Byrd, executive vice president, LSSC, and executive director, LSSC Foundation. “We are proud to celebrate the successes and impact of our alumni, faculty, staff, and partners, who showcase how this great institution is transforming lives and futures throughout our community.” DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HONOREES Scholar Award – Reanna Lynn Boardway ‘08 Boardway is the
Leesburg Blue Foundation Blue Runway 5K scheduled for Saturday night
LEESBURG, Fla.—The Leesburg Blue Foundation is gearing up for its one-of-a-kind Blue Runway 5K scheduled for Saturday night at Leesburg International Airport. Participants can walk, jog or run on the airport’s runways while supporting the nonprofit organization that provides resources to support Leesburg Police Department. The race begins at 7 p.m., and all proceeds will benefit the Leesburg Blue Foundation, which is an independent nonprofit organization that provides resources to support Leesburg Police Department, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said last year. “The organization aims to help innovate and improve the quality of its services; build bridges with the community; and
Fruitland Park Centennial Celebration continues Friday
FRUITLAND PARK, Fla.—Fruitland Park will continue its Centennial Celebration Friday with food, fun, giveaways and a drone show. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 810 West Berckman Street, the event will include free laser tag, food trucks, vendors, games, a DJ, and a drone show. Parking will be available at nearby churches, and a free golf cart shuttle will be provided for drop-offs and pickups from the event. A waiver is required to participate in laser tag and can be completed prior to the event by visiting: laser tag waiver. For more information, call Fruitland Park Parks and
Around The County
Leesburg police arrest suspect in Eustis park stabbing, second violent attack
LEESBURG, Fla.— A man accused of stabbing a victim nine times at a Eustis park and later attacking another person in Leesburg has been arrested on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and aggravated battery, police said. James Edward Thompson, 32, is being held at the Lake County Jail on no bond and is also facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Eustis incident Shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, Eustis Police Department received a call in reference to a battery at Ferran Park. An unnamed witness said a man, later identified
Person of interest in Eustis park stabbing in custody, police say
EUSTIS, Fla.— The hunt for the person of interest in a stabbing Tuesday is over, according to Eustis Police Department. James Edward Thompson Jr. was taken into custody in Leesburg with the help of Leesburg Police Department, EPD said. Thompson Jr. is a person of interest in a stabbing that occurred around 1 p.m. at popular Ferran Park in downtown Eustis. An unidentified victim was stabbed multiple times; police have not released the victim’s name or their condition. If you have information on the incident, call EPD at 352-483-5400. Previous story: https://insidelake.com/2026/02/03/video-more-details-released-in-eustis-stabbing/
VIDEO: More details released in Eustis stabbing
EUSTIS, Fla.— Eustis Police Department is still searching for an individual it is calling a “person of interest” in a stabbing in downtown Eustis Tuesday. Around 1 p.m., the unnamed victim was stabbed multiple times at Ferran Park and the suspect fled on foot, police said. Late Tuesday afternoon, EPD released video and additional photos seeking the public’s help identifying the “person of interest.” Police said the individual is considered armed and dangerous and warned residents not to approach. If you have information on the incident or the identity of the person of interest, call EPD at 352-483-5400, or