EUSTIS, Fla.—Multiple deputies have been shot while responding to a call for service in unincorporated Eustis, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell confirmed. Details are limited and we are headed to the scene. Keep an eye on Inside Lake for more details.
BREAKING NEWS: Several deputies shot outside of Eustis Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A driver and a pedestrian are OK after an SUV crashed into a Bank of America building in downtown Eustis Friday afternoon. Shortly before 2:15 p.m., an elderly driver lost control of her SUV and careened into the glass double doors of the building, located at 100 North Bay Steet. A pedestrian was near the building and suffered minor injuries, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri said. The building has been unoccupied for several years, and according to Bank of America’s website, only an ATM is available at that location for customer use. The driver and pedestrian, whose names
SUV crashes into unoccupied bank building in downtown Eustis Friday afternoon Read More »
TAVARES, Fla.—The father of a young girl found dead in Montverde last month was arrested last week on unrelated charges out of Polk County, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office online booking records. Lojuan Jamario Sessions, 26, father of 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions, was picked up at his job in Eustis Wednesday by Eustis Police Department on two warrants for violating probation, stemming from a 2019 Polk County case. In January 2019, Sessions was accused of fleeing from a Haines City Police Department officer after the officer found a bag of drugs, later determined to be amphetamine, in plain view in
Father of young girl found dead in Montverde last month arrested on unrelated charges Read More »
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A 30-year-old Astatula man was killed before daybreak Friday morning after he rear-ended a dump truck near Zellwood, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 5:30 a.m., the Astatula man was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado westbound on Jones Avenue near Jewel Foliage Road when he entered the eastbound lane, traveling above the posted speed limit, to pass another vehicle, FHP said. He reentered the westbound lane, failed to slow down and rear-ended a 1985 dump truck being driven by a 38-year-old Eustis man. The Astatula man was transported to AdventHealth Apopka and pronounced deceased; the Eustis
Astatula man killed Friday morning after rear-ending dump truck in Orange County Read More »
TAVARES, Fla.—The man police believe is responsible for the murder of a Leesburg store owner was booked into the Lake County Jail Friday morning. Alex Lopez, 25, is facing charges of premeditated murder, armed robbery and two other weapons offenses, and is being held on no bond. Lopez was on the run for nearly a month, while Leesburg Police Department worked with state, federal and local agencies to track him down and finally located him at a motel in Kissimmee around 7 p.m. Wednesday, Leesburg Police Department Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. He was taken into custody by the FDLE/Orlando –
TAVARES, Fla.—A man accused of operating his motorcycle drunk and killing a woman riding on the back in April 2022 has pleaded no contest to DUI manslaughter and was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison. Edgar Wesley Tello, 66, of Umatilla, has been in the Lake County Jail since his arrest in February 2023, nearly a year after the crash that killed Rebekah Jo Towner less than two weeks after her 28th birthday. On April 24, 2022, Towner, of Sorrento, was a passenger on 2006 Harley Davidson being controlled by Tello, northbound on Grove Street in Eustis, when
TAVARES, Fla.—Each June, more than 40,000 amateur radio operators, known as “hams” set up temporary transmitting stations in public places throughout North America to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill, and service to our communities and nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933 and remains the most popular event in ham radio. The competitive aspect of Field Day is to contact as many other amateur stations as possible between 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The public is invited to attend the
EUSTS, Fla.—The driver of the truck that took out an electrical pole, a fire hydrant, and shut down Grove Street for more than 10 hours Monday has been arrested for DUI. Tyler G. Cook, 29, of Eustis, was arrested early Tuesday morning after being released from the hospital, where he refused a blood draw, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 6:30 p.m. Monday, EPD responded to a crash one Grove Street near North Eustis Street and found a power pole lying across the road, a fire hydrant spewing water and a blue Chevy truck on its roof, with an open
Driver who caused crash that shut down Grove Street Monday night arrested for DUI Read More »
EUSTS, Fla.—A state road is shut down Monday night after a speeding truck took out an electrical pole, a fire hydrant, and flipped over; and the driver may have been drunk, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. An adult male, who has not been publicly identified, was traveling northbound on Grove Street near North Eustis Street at a “high rate of speed” in a pickup truck around 6:30 p.m. when he lost control, hit the pole, the fire hydrant and flipped over, Capri told Inside Lake. The driver and his passenger were transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares with
EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis family is trying to rebuild their lives after losing their home and beloved dog to a devastating fire around midnight Monday. Amanda and Joe Mitchem and their son, Joey, 16, were able to escape the blaze, but lost everything they owned and their pup “Bitty Dog,” in the fire. Their daughter, Joni, 18, did not live at the home but was storing most of her belongings there, Amanda told Inside Lake. The Mitchem family does not have insurance. Joe and Amanda heard their breaker box making a “buzzing” sound late Sunday night and when Joe opened
FLORIDA—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a license-free freshwater fishing weekend Saturday and Sunday Florida residents and visitors of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to try recreational fishing this weekend and FWC has helpful resources for new anglers to get started. Largemouth bass are Florida’s most popular freshwater fish and if you catch one 8 pounds or heavier, submit it to TrophyCatch. There is a special promotion this season where pink-tagged bass are swimming and worth extra prizes in five waterbodies across the state. Try your luck and you could even win sunglasses just for
FWC: License-free freshwater fishing this weekend Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A man was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center last week after his friend ran him over—and Eustis Police say it was intentional. Around 6:30 p.m. May 19, EPD responded to the intersection of Clay Boulevard and Pine Grove Road on a report of someone being hit by a vehicle and when they arrived, they found Frederick Correll lying on the ground, bleeding, with road rash all over his body. His injuries were so severe he was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, according to an arrest affidavit. His condition at press time was unknown. Correll’s friend was on
MOUNT DORA—The Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle awarded $26,000 in scholarships to 13 central Florida residents who are pursuing higher education degrees in the 2024-25 academic year. The awards are based on criteria including scholastic ability, responsibility toward education and financial need with a special emphasis on community service Morris W. Dunbar established a Nursing Scholarship in honor of his wife. The recipient is Reyna Green, a Mount Dora High School graduate, studying at the University of South Florida. The Richard Earhart Endowment provides a scholarship to students from Mount Dora. The recipient is Kari Martinez, a Mount
Lake County Golden Triangle Rotary awards scholarships for 2024-25 school year Read More »
ZELLWOOD, Fla.—A Eustis man was killed early Sunday morning in a head-on crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 42-year-old Eustis man was driving a 2013 Kia Optima northbound in the southbound lanes of Orange Blossom Trail/U.S. Highway 441 approaching Jones Avenue just before 2:30 a.m., when he collided with a 2012 Toyota Rav 4 being driven by a 51-year-old Orlando woman. The Eustis man was transported to AdventHealth Apopka, where he was pronounced deceased; his next of kin has not been notified. The Orlando woman and her passenger, a 72-year-old woman, also of Orlando, were transported to Orlando
Eustis man killed in early morning wrong-way crash Read More »
LITTLE LAKE HARRIS, Fla.—The unofficial start to summer is upon us and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to stay safe during National Safe Boating Week that begins Saturday. Inside Lake had the opportunity to speak with FWC’s Kristen Turner and Chad Weber, along with Hunter Bland of the National Safe Boating Council Friday about staying safe on the waterways. Florida is the “Boating Capital of the World,” with more than 1 million vessels registered in the state, according to FWC. Florida does have some requirements for boating but common sense and taking simple precautions
EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating after a body was found Thursday morning at a busy gas station and police believe it was a suicide. “It appears to be a suicide and there is no danger to the public,” EPD Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The body of a male in his 30s was found by a store employee around 9 a.m. Thursday in the area of the dumpster at 7-Eleven, 2002 North Highway 19, EPD Capt. Jon Fahning said. His name has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. If you are struggling or having suicidal
Eustis Police investigating apparent suicide at Eustis gas station Read More »
LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—Caps will be flying through the air this week and next as Lake County Schools seniors say goodbye to high school and hello to adulthood. Graduations are scheduled to begin Tuesday with Tavares High School and will end with Lake County Virtual School next week. Schools are listed below in alphabetical order. East Ridge High School—9 a.m. Wednesday at UCF/Addition Arena Eustis High School—9 a.m. Saturday, at Eustis High School Panther Stadium Lake County Virtual School—6 p.m. May 23, at Mount Dora High School Auditorium Lake Hills School—occurred May 1 at Lake Hills Gymnasium Lake Minneola High School—7 p.m. Friday at UCF/Addition
Lake County Schools high school graduations scheduled for this week and next week Read More »
Photos from the 5th Annual Back the Blue and Red Walk. Organizer Shannon Cook has been supporting law enforcement since 2019 with this walk. This year, firefighters were added to the event, and the name was changed. PHOTOS: Bonnie Whicher/Special to Inside Lake
5th Annual Lake County Back the Blue and Red Walk Read More »
TAVARES, Florida—For the fifth year in a row, law enforcement and supporters will join forces for the annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk at Wooton Park Saturday morning, and this year firefighters will join the fun. Scheduled for 9 a.m., this is one of many law enforcement events around Lake County held in May during Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and this year, Organizer Shannon Cook wanted to add firefighters to the appreciation walk to coincide with the Lake County Board of County Commissioners proclaiming May 4 “International Firefighters’ Day” in Lake County, she told Inside Lake. “I figured what
EUSTIS, Fla.—A man accused of a domestic battery was arrested Wednesday night in downtown Eustis after leaving the scene of the incident with his mother. Eustis Police Department responded to a home near the Lake County Fairgrounds around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on a report of physical domestic altercation and possible kidnapping. As officers arrived, dispatch advised the children were no longer in the car that left the scene, and the victim told officers all her children were at the home and not in the vehicle with her ex-husband. She said her youngest son was in the car with him, but
EUSTIS, Fla.—Only Inside Lake was on the scene as a large search was conducted Saturday by multiple law enforcement agencies for Mount Dora missing mom Nicole Baldwin. Law enforcement officers and volunteers searched areas near the east side of Eustis for Baldwin, who has been missing since early November 2023. Inside Lake witnessed searchers on foot, along with additional searchers on ATVs and horses. The search spanned several hours and ended early in the afternoon Saturday. The search was planned for at least several weeks and a search of that magnitude involves a lot of preparation to coordinate with multiple
Multiple law enforcement agencies search for missing Mount Dora mom Saturday Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A man who was wanted for battery by one law enforcement agency and wanted for questioning by another was apprehended Thursday by Eustis Police Department. According to an arrest affidavit, Deon Otis Grant, 18, was arrested for simple battery stemming from an incident Sunday at Winn Dixie, 1955 North State Road 19, Eustis. Around 5 p.m. EPD responded to the grocery store after the victim reported she was “inappropriately touched,” by a black male, later identified as Grant. She told officers she arrived at the store around 4:30 p.m. and noticed Grant “wandering” around the store without a shopping
Man suspected of battering woman at Eustis grocery store apprehended Thursday Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—The man who shot his cousin Sunday in a dispute over a vehicle repair likely won’t be charged, according to Eustis Police Department. Jamaal Jones, 32, got into a dispute with his cousin, Devante Simmons, 31, over Jones repairing Simmons’ transmission, EPD Sgt. Paul Barnett told Inside Lake. The altercation led to Jones shooting Simmons after warning him several times, Barnett said. Simmons was shot in the left upper thigh and transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford with non-life-threatening injuries. Previous story: BREAKING NEWS: Eustis Police investigating after dispute between cousins ends in shooting – Inside
EUSTIS, Fla.—One man is in custody and one man is in the hospital after a dispute between cousins ended in a shooting Sunday, according to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri. The incident occurred around noon Sunday at 210 West Stevens Avenue near Titcomb Street. Police had not released names at press time, and Capri said detectives are investigating whether the incident was a case of self-defense. The victim suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford. This is a developing story.
EUSTIS, Fla.—The man accused of multiple thefts in Eustis and Mount Dora beginning in October 2023 is now facing more charges, according to Eustis Police Department. Jordan Makuannen, 19, has been held in the Lake County Jail on no bond since he was arrested earlier this week after Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies worked together and took him into custody after he bailed out of a stolen vehicle near the Lake County/Polk County line. Makuannen is now facing additional charges related to the stolen Dodge Durango he dumped at Club at Eustis Apartments March
CLERMONT, Fla.—A man wanted for failure to appear in court for crimes in 2023 and now suspected of committing recent thefts in Eustis and Mount Dora, was apprehended after a Polk County license plate reader hit on the stolen SUV he was driving early Monday morning. According to an arrest affidavit, around 4:45 a.m. Monday, the Polk County license plate reader hit on a black Honda SUV that was stolen in Mount Dora and Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies located it traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 27 near U.S 192, approaching the Lake County line. PCSO’s Aviation Unit observed
EUSTIS, Fla.—A baseball bat attack sent one man to the hospital by helicopter and another man to the Lake County Jail, late Sunday night, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Waycross Avenue and Gables Drive, near Eustis around 10:30 p.m. Sunday after a witness reported she saw a man, later identified as Jamie Hoover Locklear, 41, strike another man in the head with a black metal baseball bat. When deputies arrived, they found a man, who was not publicly identified, suffering from a “severe laceration” on his head, approximately 3 inches long, the affidavit
Eustis man held on no bond after baseball bat attack Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—Dark tint and a burned-out tag light caught the attention of a Eustis Police Department officer early Friday and ended with the arrest of an Apopka man for trafficking, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 12:45 a.m. Friday, EPD was patrolling the area of U.S. Highway 441 and Eudora Road when an officer noticed a vehicle with “very dark” tint and a tag that was not completely illuminated. The officer stopped the vehicle and smelled burnt marijuana as he approached the car, the affidavit states. The officer asked the four females and one male occupying the car if anyone
Eustis Traffic Stop Leads to Trafficking Arrest Early Friday Read More »
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla.—A pedestrian was killed in Seminole County after walking into the direct path of truck being driven by a Eustis man Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 72-year-old Maitland man was crossing U.S. 17-92 at Spartan Drive around 6:30 a.m. when he walked in front of a 2002 Toyota Tundra being driven by a 34-year-old Eustis man. Witnesses told FHP the Eustis man had a green light. The Maitland man was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center and pronounced deceased; the Eustis man was not injured and remained on scene. The crash is under investigation.
EUSTIS, Fla.—Social media posts and rumors about a fight at the City of Eustis annual Georgefest event Saturday night were exaggerated, according to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri. EPD officers broke up two minor fights Saturday night at the Georgefest carnival that involved several dozen teens, some who participated in the fights, and some who just watched. One juvenile arrest was made, Capri told Inside Lake Sunday morning. The teen was arrested for battery, a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor juvenile arrests are not public record, so the teen’s name was not released. It is still an active investigation and more arrests
Eustis Police Chief Shuts Down Rumors about Carnival Read More »
Update 4:30 pm.: The roads have reopened. EUSTIS, Fla.—A gas leak shut down three streets in Eustis Monday afternoon. Around 2:45 p.m. authorities shut down Grove Street between East Idlewild Avenue and East Pinehurst Boulevard; East Idlewild Avenue and East Pinehurst Boulevard are also shut down. This is a developing story.
BREAKING NEWS: Gas Leak Shuts Down 3 Eustis Roads Monday Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department investigated two separate incidents that happened within minutes Wednesday morning, one of which caused two schools to go into a brief lockdown. Around 7:30 a.m. EPD responded to Little Oaks Apartments, 300 West Atwater Avenue, on a report of a possible stabbing. When officers arrived, they found no one had been stabbed but an altercation occurred between at least three family members, EPD said. One of the parties involved left the scene before officers arrived and they believed he ran from the scene toward Eustis Heights Elementary School and Lake Technical College. EHES was locked down
2 Schools in Eustis Placed on Brief Lockdown Wednesday Morning Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A rollover crash sent one person to the hospital by helicopter and another by ground Tuesday morning, according to Eustis Police Department. Wilbert McMillian, 66, of Eustis, was driving a 1998 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck westbound on East Barnes Avenue when he attempted to turn southbound on Bay Street, shortly before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. McMillian failed to yield to traffic traveling southbound on Bay Street and rear-ended a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by Brittany Weatherspoon, 30, of Umatilla. The impact caused the Equinox to strike the median and rollover three times before landing on its roof. Weatherspoon
EUSTIS, Fla.—Inside Lake has obtained body cam video from the 2022 arrest of a woman suspected of taking her children from a Sorrento foster home. Dixie Williams, 41, was arrested Dec. 4, 2022, by Eustis Police Department after a sergeant spotted her not wearing a seatbelt and pulled her over. After stopping Williams, EPD found she did not have a driver license and she claimed she did not need one because she was ”traveling” and not “driving.” The Michigan license plate attached to the maroon Chevy truck she was driving was not registered and as officers took Williams into custody,
EUSTIS, Fla.—The man accused of attempting to rape a woman at a Eustis massage business last year pleaded no contest to most of his crimes and was sentenced to eight years in prison, according to Lake County Clerk of Court online records. Timothy Paul Taylor, 36, was accused of entering the back door of A-1 Massage and Spa, 1316 South Bay Street, and asking for a sex act on March 16, 2023. The female victim told Taylor they did not perform sex acts and he pulled his pants down, grabbed her by the hair, put a BB gun to her
Eustis Attempted Rape Suspect Serving 8 Year Sentence After Pleading No Contest Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—Three people were nabbed by Eustis Police Department this week after selling tobacco products to an underage person, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. The operation aimed to identify and target stores believed to be selling tobacco products to underage individuals after seeing a “concerning rise in the use of underage tobacco consumption in Eustis schools,” EPD said in a press release. The undercover individual attempted to buy tobacco at 11 different stores and was successful in making a purchase at three of them, Capri said. The three individuals who sold the tobacco products were given misdemeanor citations
EUSTIS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol has confirmed the identity of the man killed after he crashed into a tree Saturday morning. Tyler Evans, 27, of Umatilla, was driving a 2016 Nissan Versa northbound on County Road 439 near Dairy Road in unincorporated Eustis when he lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree around 5:15 a.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. Evans was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. According to a gofundme created to benefit Evans’ family, Tyler
Umatilla Man Killed in Early Morning Crash Identified Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A Umatilla man was killed before daylight Saturday morning after losing control of his car and striking a tree, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The 27-year-old man was driving a 2016 Nissan Versa north on County Road 439 near Dairy Road, in unicorporated Eustis, shortly before 5:15 a.m. when he lost control for an unknown reason, left the roadway and struck a tree, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The man was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The crash closed County Road 439 for more than five hours and remains under
Umatilla Man Killed after Losing Control of Car and Crashing into a Tree Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate a single-vehicle crash that took out a wall in a Eustis neighborhood early Monday morning. A 32-year-old Sorrento man was driving a 2014 Jeep Compass westbound on State Road 44 near Estes Road when he lost control, ran off the road and crashed into a wall at the Brookshire neighborhood just before 2 a.m. Monday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. A resident of Brookshire, who wished to remain anonymous, told Inside Lake the damage to the wall is estimated at $50,000. The Sorrento man was not injured, and the crash
Single-Vehicle Crash Takes Out Wall in Eustis Neighborhood Early Monday Read More »
LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—Lake County Schools will follow Wednesday schedules on Tuesday in anticipation of severe weather, according to an LCS spokesperson. “Severe thunderstorms are in the forecast for tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024) in Lake County, particularly in areas on the northern end. In an effort to get as many students home before the worst of the storm begins, Lake County Schools will follow our Wednesday early dismissal schedule on Tuesday,” LCS Communications Coordinator Sherri Owens said in an email Monday night. LCS will excuse weather-related absences and all after school outdoor activities are canceled. Extended Learning Centers (ELC)
MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A truck that ran a red light caused the crash that closed a major Mount Dora roadway for more than eight hours last week, according to Mont Dora Police Department. Shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Johnny Fisher, 45, was driving a black 2009 Dodge pickup truck northbound on U.S. Highway 441 when he ran the traffic light at Eudora Road and was struck by a 2018 Honda passenger vehicle being driven by E. Addison Hulit, 84. The impact caused Fisher to lose control of the truck, veer off the road and overturn, MDPD Spokesperson Brittany Haller told Inside
Details Emerge on Mount Dora Crash that Closed US Highway 441 for 8 Hours Last Week Read More »
UMATILLA, Fla.—Three people are behind bars and $50,000 worth of drugs are off the streets following a search warrant at a Umatilla home early Wednesday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Acting on Crimeline tips and complaints, LCSO’s SWAT team, along with detectives from LCSO, Clermont Police Department, Eustis Police Department, Leesburg Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security wrapped up a six-month long investigation Wednesday with the execution of the search warrant at 38945 Pine St., in unincorporated Umatilla. Law enforcement detained three people found inside the home, Robert Donaldson, 46, Joana Silva, 22,
LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—At press time Christmas Eve, the jolly fellow best known as Santa Claus was last spotted in Lithuania and had delivered more than 3 billion gifts, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD.) Little boys and girls can track the big guy’s movements online as he makes his way across the world with his trusty reindeer crew, by visiting NORAD Tracks Santa. NORAD began tracking Santa in 1958 after taking over the duty from the U.S. Air Force.
EUSTIS, Fla.—The missing kayaker authorities were searching for on Lake Eustis has been found alive, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. “His kayak capsized and the (Lake County Sheriff’s Office) Marine Unit found him floating in the middle of the lake,” Capri told Inside Lake. LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One, also searched for the man, along with Eustis Fire Department. Previous story: Authorities Searching for Missing Kayaker on Lake Eustis – Inside Lake
Update: Missing Kayaker Found Alive on Lake Eustis – Inside Lake EUSTIS, Fla.—Authorities are searching for a missing kayaker on Lake Eustis. The man, who was not publicly identified, was last seen Thursday afternoon when he launched the kayak from his home on Lake Eustis, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. Eustis Fire Department is searching the water with its boat, along with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One. Residents near the lake are being asked to look around their property for any sign of the man and call 911 if they find
Authorities Searching for Missing Kayaker on Lake Eustis Read More »
MARION COUNTY, Fla.— The Marion County Sheriff’s Office released details in the arrest of a Eustis Middle School teacher earlier this week. On Friday, MCSO announced the arrests of six males for possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) including a Eustis Middle School teacher who was also a volleyball coach at the school. Michael “Mr. K” Kozierowski, 58, of Ocklawaha, is facing 10 counts of possession of child pornography and could face more charges if additional images or videos are found on any of his electronic devices, MCSO said in a press release. Eustis Police Department was notified of Kozierowski’s
EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis woman has claimed a $1 million prize from the Florida Lottery, it announced Thursday. Shelby Abbott, 29, purchased her winning $1,000,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE $50 ticket from Circle K, 2754 East Orange Ave., Eustis and chose to take her winnings in a lump sum of $640,000, the Florida Lottery said. The store will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the ticket. This is at least the fifth million-dollar winning ticket purchased in Lake County this year. Previous stories: Lottery Lucky Streak Continues in Lake County – Inside Lake Lucky Streak: For the Third Month in
Eustis Woman Claims Million-Dollar Lottery Prize Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating an argument that led to shots being fired Thursday afternoon. Details were limited early Thursday evening as EPD was still on scene investigating the incident that occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. at Little Oaks Apartments, 300 West Atwater Avenue. EPD Capt. Jon Fahning said two male neighbors got into an unknown argument and one male pulled out a gun and threatened the other male. The second male then pulled out his own gun and fired an unknown number of rounds. No one was injured, Fahning said. The two males’ names were not available at
Eustis Police Investigating After Argument Leads to Gunfire Read More »
MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A Eustis Middle School teacher has been arrested on child pornography charges, but authorities are not releasing any details. Michael “Mr. K” Kozierowski, an ESE teacher, was arrested Wednesday “on multiple charges of possession, control and viewing depiction of child sexual conduct,” Lake County Schools stated in an email sent to parents at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday. Sources told Inside Lake Kozierowski was arrested in Marion County, but details about the arrest were not available at press time. “Michael Kozierowski was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation. Therefore, we are unable to release further information, an arrest affidavit,
Eustis Middle Teacher Arrested on Child Porn Charges, Details Remain Unknown Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis Middle School employee who worked as both a teacher’s assistant and a family-school liaison was arrested for child abuse after a father reported she slapped his 14-year-old son across the face just before Thanksgiving break began earlier this month and according to Lake County Schools, she has been “alternatively placed in a role with no interaction with students.” According to an arrest affidavit, on Nov. 17, the principal of EMS contacted the boy’s father and told him Ute Galloway, 61, had slapped his son across the face in front of other students and then pulled the boy
EUSTIS, Fla.—A woman who crashed into a pole at a gas station Saturday had a breath-alcohol level more than four times the legal limit, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday, Eustis Police Department responded to Circle K, 19516 State Road 44, Eustis on a report of a drunk driver. When officers arrived, they found Viviana Natalie Viera, 47, had crashed her vehicle into a small pole in front of the gas pumps, the affidavit states. Viera, of Altamonte Springs, reeked of alcohol, was swaying side to side and had to use her vehicle door for support,
EUSTIS, Fla.—A community plans to come together Sunday afternoon to raise money for three children injured in a crash that killed their moms in Connecticut last month. On Oct. 22, Lacey Marie Price, 32, and Rebecca “Becky” Marie Schutte, 36, both of Sorrento, were passengers in a Lincoln Aviator being driven by Kory Watson, 40, of Hillsville, Va. Watson veered into the right lane for an unknown reason on Interstate 91 South in Wethersfield, Conn. and collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder. The collision killed Watson and Price; Schutte was transported to Hartford Hospital
EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating a stabbing that sent a 28-year-old man to the hospital early Wednesday morning. The man told police he was near the intersection of Palmetto Street and Bates Avenue around 5:40 a.m. when a man came out of a wooded area, they exchanged words and the man attacked him, according to Eustis Police Department. The victim suffered superficial cuts to his back, arm, hand and behind his ear, EPD said. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment and is expected to be OK.
Eustis Police Investigating Wednesday Morning Stabbing Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—An event to benefit a Lake County Sheriff’s Office school resource deputy who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year is scheduled for Saturday. What started as chest pain in 2022 turned into a terrifying diagnosis last summer for LCSO Cpl. Adam Tytler. In November 2022, Tytler went to a cardiologist for ongoing chest pain, and after a EKG showed his heart was in good shape, the cardiologist told him the pain was likely gastrointestinal. The next month, on Christmas Eve, Tytler discovered a swollen lymph node on his neck and by February the lymph node had not gotten
Benefit for LCSO Deputy Diagnosed with Cancer Scheduled for Saturday Read More »
LEESBURG, Fla.—Dozens of vehicles lined both sides of Goose Prairie Road Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil held in remembrance of a teen who was killed in a crash Monday. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the names of both teens to Inside Lake Tuesday afternoon and loved ones and friends gathered to honor Michael Pasternak, 16, of Umatilla, who was the passenger in a Jeep Wrangler that overturned several times, killing him and the driver shortly before 8 p.m. Monday. Lane Johnson, 17, of Leesburg, was driving the 2016 Wrangler eastbound on Goose Prairie Road near Felkins Road when he
Candlelight Vigil Held for Umatilla Teen Killed in Crash Monday Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis man admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement executed a search warrant at his Lakeview Avenue home Thursday, according to an arrest affidavit. Alexander James Andrews, 28, remains in the Lake County Jail on $12,000 bond after an undercover investigation led FDLE agents to him; the details of the investigation were not released. Andrews admitted to viewing and downloading child pornography images of boys and girls as young as 6 years old, and used his phone for the illegal activities as recently as the night before the search warrant was
EUSTIS, Fla.—The driver who found the victim of a hit-and-run and used her school bus to shield the victim from oncoming traffic in Eustis last month was honored with Citizens Life Saving Award at the Eustis City Commission meeting Thursday night. Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri presented a plaque to Stacey Hatcher, a 25-year veteran Lake County Schools bus driver for her “heroic act.” “This is a great act of citizenship and caring about your fellow man,” Capri said. Capri and Hatcher both believe the the height of the school bus helped her spot the victim lying in the
Hero Bus Driver Honored at Eustis Commission Meeting Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A teenager who was keeping his loot from multiple burglaries in his stepfather’s Eustis home is being held in the Lake County Jail on $65,000 bond after being captured by Eustis Police Department officers Monday afternoon. Jordan Blair Makuannen’s stepfather contacted EPD Monday and said he found numerous identification cards belonging to different people on his back porch where Makuannen was staying, according to an arrest affidavit. Officer responded to the home on East Atwater Avenue and collected the cards that matched up to several victims of recent burglaries of both homes and vehicles in the area, some as
EUSTIS, Fla.—Two 9-1-1 calls made following the hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian in Eustis Monday night have been released. The calls made by two different people are difficult to listen to because both callers are emotional as they report the tragic situation. Stacey Hatcher, a Lake County Schools bus driver, found Abigail Stevens, 32, lying in the road on West Lakeview Avenue near Morin Street around 9 p.m. Monday night. Hatcher told Inside Lake in an exclusive interview Wednesday, God and fate put her in the right place at the right time. Hatcher had just dropped off members of
9-1-1 Calls Released in Eustis Hit-and-Run, Hero Bus Driver Likely Saved Victim’s Life Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—The driver who found the victim of a hit-and-run and used her school bus to shield the victim from oncoming traffic in Eustis Monday night is being hailed a hero. “Mrs. (Stacey) Hatcher’s actions very likely saved a human life Monday,” Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri said. “The world needs more people like her.” Hatcher, a 25-year-veteran Lake County Schools bus driver, spoke only with Inside Lake Wednesday and said it was God and fate that put her in the right place at the right time around 9 p.m. Monday night. “I just give God all the glory,” Hatcher
Lake County Schools Bus Driver Who Found Eustis Hit-and-Run Victim Hailed a Hero Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating after the victim of an apparent hit-and-run was found lying in the street Monday night by a school bus driver, who used her bus to block traffic until police arrived, according to a report. Abigail Stevens, 32, was found lying on West Lakeview Avenue near Morin Street around 9 p.m. Monday by the bus driver who called police. The bus driver did not see who hit Stevens, she said. When police arrived, they observed Stevens was suffering from a head injury and a broken leg. She was unresponsive, but breathing and when Lake EMS
EUSTIS, Fla.—A man suspected of an armed robbery in Eustis Friday is in the Lake County Jail on $50,500 bond. According to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri, a man reported he was robbed of his wallet that contained around $400, his identification and a Cash App card Friday afternoon on East Hazzard Avenue. He told police the suspects were in an older blue SUV and a black Volkswagen, and he was walking on the side of a home in the 1200 block of East Hazzard Avenue when he felt two firearms on his back. He said two men, one
EUSTIS, Fla.—A man has been released from the hospital after getting shot in the hand Friday night, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The shooting occurred on Reddick Street near Bates Avenue and police found shell casings from two different types of guns near the scene. Police released few details citing an active investigation and are asking the public to come forward if they have information or video related to the incident. If you have information, call EPD at 352-357-4121.
Man Shot Friday Night, Eustis Police Investigating Read More »
SORRENTO, Fla.—Only Inside Lake reported on a search warrant that was executed on a home connected to David Flores Thursday afternoon and now the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has revealed what was found. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives (ATF,) and LCSO’s SWAT Team, Hazardous Device Team (bomb squad,) detectives and crime scene investigators searched the home located at 31624 Orange Street, Sorrento Thursday afternoon and into the early evening hours. “During the search, detectives located firearms, a ballistic vest, fentanyl, and other drugs. The vest that was collected matches the description of the one the victim
SORRENTO, Fla.— Numerous law enforcement officers were at the home Thursday night where a wanted man was apprehended earlier this week conducting a “follow-up investigation”, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake. Multiple sources reached out to Inside Lake Thursday evening and said law enforcement officers from multiple agencies were at the home at 31624 Orange Street in Sorrento, including LCSO and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office around 6:30 p.m. This is the same home David Flores, 37, fled from early Wednesday morning after being on the run from deputies for more than two days. Flores was
SORRENTO, Fla.—A tip to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the apprehension of the man who was the subject of an extensive search in Eustis Sunday night. LCSO responded to a home on Orange Street in Sorrento just after midnight Wednesday and began searching the property for David Flores, 37, and he fled on foot, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. “A sheriff’s K-9 located him shortly thereafter hiding in a hole where it appeared trees had been cleared,” Herrell said in an email. K9 Ex bit Flores and he was treated for minor injuries and later transported to the
VIDEO: LCSO K9 Takes a Bite Out of Crime and Apprehends Suspect Wanted Since Sunday Read More »
SORRENTO, Fla.—The man the Lake County Sheriff’s Office searched for by ground and air for several hours Sunday night has been taken into custody and Inside Lake is working on getting details on his apprehension. David Flores, 37, was suspected of an aggravated assault that occurred in the county portion of Bates Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and according to LCSO online booking records he was taken into custody shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday in Sorrento. He is facing a charge of resisting arrest and two bond revocation orders from previous arrests; he is being held without bond due to
LEESBURG, Fla.—The Lake-Sumter State College Foundation honored its Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame recipients Tuesday night in a ceremony held at the Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center at the college’s Leesburg campus. Nine individuals and a community organization were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the community in front of a large crowd that enjoyed a three-course dinner and video testimonials from the recipients. Each year, the LSSC Foundation Board of Directors select the recipients from nominations made by the public to receive distinguished alumni awards. For the first time its 12-year history, two people were awarded the
EUSTIS, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for a suspect who was the subject of an extensive search in Eustis Sunday night. David Flores, 37, is the suspect in an aggravated assault that occurred in the county portion of Bates Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and he also has an active warrant for burglary, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. Rumors were flying on social media Sunday night as residents watched numerous deputies and Eustis Police Department officers search the area around Eustis Middle School and DeLand Road, commonly known as the Eustis bypass. Tavares Police Chief Sarah Coursey
After Extensive Search Sunday Night in Eustis, Wanted Suspect Still on the Lam Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Police Department and Eagle One, LCSO’s helicopter, are searching for a suspect near Eustis Middle School wanted in an aggravated assault case. LCSO received a report of an aggravated assault around 5:30 pm. Sunday at a home on Bates Avenue in LCSO’s jurisdiction, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. Deputies received information that the suspect was David Flores, 37, and he was armed and had fled on foot into nearby woods. “The Sheriff’s Office has been on scene trying to investigate the situation and locate the suspect, with little cooperation from the victim,” Herrell
LCSO and EPD Search for “Possibly Armed” and “Dangerous” Suspect Read More »
LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has launched a public reporting tool to help in its research on a virus that is killing Florida freshwater turtles. FWC has been studying turtle fraservirus (TFV1) since 2018 and is now asking the public to report any sick or dead turtles to help them combat and understand this deadly virus. TFV1 has been found in Lake County, in addition to several other counties in Central Florida, but it could be present throughout the state, FWC warns; it has been identified in softshells, cooters, sliders and snapping turtles. Signs a turtle
FWC Launches Online Reporting Tool to Help Combat Deadly Turtle Virus Read More »
PINE LAKES, Fla.—The bicyclist injured in a crash with a semi-truck Wednesday has died. Terry Cowart, 45, of Paisley was riding a bicycle when he attempted to cross State Road 44 near Spruce Drive and collided with a semi-truck with a trailer attached shortly after 8:15 a.m. The truck was traveling on State Road 44 shortly after 8:15 a.m. Wednesday when Cowart attempted to cross State Road 44 in the direct path of the semi, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The truck driver, a 55-year-old man from Kissimmee, swerved to avoid Cowart, and the truck overturned
Paisley Bicyclist Dies from Injuries Sustained in Pine Lakes Crash Read More »
PINE LAKES, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that critically injured a 45-year-old Paisley man riding a bicycle Wednesday morning. A semi-truck with a trailer was traveling on State Road 44 near Spruce Drive shortly after 8:15 a.m. Wednesday when the bicyclist attempted to cross State Road 44 in the direct path of the semi. He was not in a marked crosswalk, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The truck driver, a 55-year-old man from Kissimmee, swerved to avoid the bicyclist, and the truck overturned on the south shoulder of the road near a Circle K and
Paisley Bicyclist Critically Injured in Crash that Shut Down SR 44 Wednesday Read More »
PINE LAKES, Fla.—State Road 44 is shut down in both directions in the Pine Lakes area as the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a crash, according to FHP. The crash occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of State Road 44 and Spruce Drive, and near a Circle K and a Dollar General. Inside Lake reached out to FHP for details and was awaiting a response at press time. This is a developing story.
Crash Shuts Down SR 44 in Pine Lakes Area Wednesday Morning Read More »
EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man was arrested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Saturday morning for possessing a gopher tortoise—a threatened wildlife species— he was keeping in a five-gallon bucket, according to an arrest affidavit. FWC received a call that a person on McDonald Street in Eustis was in possession of a possible gopher tortoise. An FWC officer responded to the apartment and Edrick L. Acres, 53, admitted he had the tortoise and showed the officer a five-gallon bucket that contained the tortoise, the affidavit states. FWC took possession of the tortoise to return it to the wild
Gopher Tortoise in 5-Gallon Bucket Lands Eustis Man in Jail Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—A suspect wanted by Orange County Sheriff’s Office was taken into custody Saturday night in Eustis. Law enforcement sources told Inside Lake the suspect was in a stolen vehicle when OCSO pursued him into Lake County, traveling all around Mount Dora and Eustis around 8:30 p.m. Saturday night. After a pursuit that lasted more than 30 minutes, the suspect bailed on foot near Trout Lake and was taken into custody about 15 minutes after he bailed, sources said. Eustis Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office all assisted in the apprehension. This is a
LEESBURG, Fla.—A Mount Dora man is facing a slew of charges after ramming a stolen vehicle into a Lake County Sheriff’s Office cruiser, fleeing to Sumter County, striking multiple stop sticks and fleeing back into Lake County where he was finally apprehended Sunday afternoon. Henry Lee Gamble-Coleman, 26, was spotted around 5 p.m. in Leesburg by LCSO deputies in a vehicle stolen from Eustis, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies attempted to pull Gamble-Coleman over near the intersection of South 14th Street and South Street and Gamble-Coleman “rapidly” accelerated and struck the passenger side of a K9 cruiser. He fled
TAVARES, Florida—A six-month long undercover drug investigation targeting fentanyl traffickers has wrapped up with the arrests of 15 people and six more are on the run, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. A joint operation between LCSO’s Special Investigations Bureau, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City County Investigation Bureau— which includes police officers from Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg and Mount Dora—uncovered a variety of illegal narcotics being distributed throughout the county, including trafficking amounts of deadly fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA. Law enforcement developed information from the public to aid in the
Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges Read More »
EUSTIS, Fla.—An Orlando teen was arrested at Thursday night’s Eustis High School football game after Eustis Police Department school resource officers recognized him from a prior incident and then found him with a gun, according to EPD Chief Craig Capri. Officers recognized J’son Rashad Cyprian, 18, when he entered the EHS campus for its game against Leesburg High School Thursday and approached him to speak with him about the February incident. Cyprian allegedly lied about his name and date of birth and upon searching Cyprian, officers found a loaded Ruger .380 with a scratched-off serial number, according to an arrest
Teen Found with Gun at Eustis vs. Leesburg Football Game Thursday Night Read More »
Editor’s note: The following story contains crime scene photos some may consider graphic. Viewer discretion is advised. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A Eustis man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted earlier this month in the brutal cold case murder of a gas station manager in 1996. Terence “Terry” Paquette was 31 years old when he was stabbed 73 times and found dead in the bathroom of Lil’ Champ, 4510 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando in northwest Orange County on Feb. 3, 1996. The store is now a Kwik Stop. “It was a horrific crime scene with blood
EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man out on bond for a prior arrest for possessing child pornography has been arrested again after he allegedly received child pornography in an online chat room being monitored by an undercover Homeland Security agent. Eric Allen Bozeman, 42, who was arrested in 2021 for four counts of possessing child pornography, was arrested again Tuesday at his job, Advance Auto Parts, 2505 South Bay Street, Eustis, by Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents. He refused to speak with agents and invoked his right to an attorney, according to an arrest affidavit. He was arrested for two counts
Homeland Security Investigation Reveals Eustis Man’s Possession of Child Pornography Read More »
EUSTIS, Florida—A Leesburg man is facing several charges for fraudulently selling a mobile home he claimed another man had “abandoned,” according to an arrest affidavit. In late June, the victim went to Eustis Police Department and reported Michael Anthony Pachetti, 65, sold his mobile home, located in Southern Palms RV Resort in Eustis while he was incarcerated in New York, forging the victim’s name and using an old driver license, according to the affidavit. The victim told police was arrested in Orange County in September 2022, later transferred to the Lake County Jail and finally extradited to Niagara County, New
Leesburg Man Accused of Fraudulently Selling Another Man’s Home while Victim was in Jail Read More »
TAVARES, Florida—The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (SAO) has upgraded charges against a man suspected in the attacks of three women and trying to run over a Eustis Police officer earlier this year. Late last month, the SAO dropped stalking and resisting an officer with violence charges against Jephson Seguin, 20, and upgraded the charges to attempted sexual battery and attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer, according to documents filed in the case by prosecutor Thomas Wieczorek. Seguin, of Eustis, is accused of attacking two women in the spring and a third woman on June 27
EUSTIS, Florida—The man captured on dashcam video shooting the trunk of a vehicle earlier this month has been identified and arrested, according to Eustis Police Sgt. Paul Barnett. Kenneth R. Brown, 21, of Winter Garden, was arrested Friday at Eustis Police Department for the incident that occurred on Grove Street Aug. 1. Police say the victim was driving northbound on Grove Street when a group of people were crossing the road. The victim honked at the group and as the victim drove away, Brown fired a single shot at the vehicle and struck the trunk. The victim was not injured.
Man Captured on Dashcam Shooting Vehicle in Eustis Identified and Arrested Read More »
EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department has released two photos of the suspect who robbed a Eustis gas station Wednesday night. The manager of Bay Street Food Mart, formerly known as Kars Mart, 1212 South Bay Street, was outside closing up at around 11 p.m. when the robber ran up, held the victim at gunpoint and went back into the business. The victim opened the cash register, and the suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled the scene on foot. Video surveillance captured the incident, and the photos accompanying this article were taken from that video. The
Suspect Photos Released in Eustis Gas Station Robbery Read More »
EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is hunting for an armed robber after the manager of a busy gas station was held at gunpoint late Wednesday night as he closed the store. The manager of Bay Street Food Mart, formerly known as Kars Mart, 1212 South Bay Street, was outside closing up at around 11 p.m. when the robber ran up from the north side of the building, pulled a gun from his jacket pocket and demanded money, EPD said in a press release. The victim and the suspect went back into the business and the victim opened the cash register. The
Eustis Store Manager Held at Gunpoint, Store Robbed of Cash Wednesday Night Read More »
TAVARES, Florida—Austin Hill, the man arrested last week in the murder of Wseni “Haitian Black” Laguerre, was stabbed multiple times by another inmate at the Lake County Jail Sunday; and the man accused of stabbing him is well-known to Lake County law enforcement. Around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective responded to the jail after detention staff reported an inmate had been stabbed. Hill, 26, was stabbed multiple times in the back, neck and face and video surveillance clearly showed his attacker was Dustin “Chico” Perdue, 27, according to an arrest affidavit. Only Inside Lake extensively covered
EUSTIS, Florida—An arrest has been made in the January murder of a Eustis man, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri announced Thursday morning. Austin Lashay Hill, 26, of Tangerine was taken into custody at the Lake County/Orange County line Tuesday on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Those crimes were also committed in Eustis. On Wednesday, several more charges were added to Hill, including premeditated murder, discharging a firearm in public and an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Groveland Police Department officer is under internal investigation and on paid administrative leave after he was arrested last week for felony domestic battery by strangulation. Joshua Allen Somers, 48, a six-year veteran of GPD and a school resource officer at South Lake High School, was arrested after an altercation with his wife that was captured on surveillance video at a popular restaurant and bar in Mount Dora. The video captured him grabbing her by the hair, striking her head against a wooden guardrail and putting his hand around her neck, according to an arrest affidavit. On July
EUSTIS, Florida—The name of the man shot and killed in Eustis Wednesday morning has been released. Eddie Alexis Vazquez Muniz, 47, succumbed to gunshot wounds after being transported to a local hospital Wednesday following the altercation. According to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri, Muniz had been in an ongoing dispute with the shooter for several months over a woman and was waiting for the shooter to walk out of his apartment at about 7 a.m. Wednesday. Muniz put his two young children in a vehicle and set up a tripod with his phone to record the altercation and attacked the
EUSTIS, Florida—A man has died following an altercation over what police believe is a love triangle, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. EPD responded to Devonshire Apartments, 1799 North 19A, Eustis around 7 a.m. Wednesday and found a man, 47, who had been shot multiple times. Emergency responders rendered aid to the man and transported him to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds, Capri said. The shooter is in custody, and police have recovered the firearm, but EPD is not calling him a suspect yet because the investigation is still ongoing and active, and it may
Eustis Love Triangle Leaves One Man Dead Wednesday Read More »
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida—A Eustis man who had two 3-month-old infant boys and a 5-year-old boy in a pickup truck with him was killed Tuesday morning when he crashed into a utility pole attached to a tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Eustis man, 34, was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 eastbound on State Road 44, near Paradise Drive, close to the Lake County/Volusia County line when he attempted to pass a commercial vehicle and a tractor-trailer at the same time, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. “Due to oncoming traffic in the westbound lane
Eustis Man Killed in Volusia County Crash, Boy, 5, and Infants Unhurt Read More »
LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A six-year, multi-state drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the indictments of 17 people—most with ties to Lake County. According to the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating Dudzinski Poole, aka “Zink” aka “Dirty” who they say is responsible for trafficking thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl on commercial planes, trains and through the mail, according to a press release. The defendants in the case played different roles in the drug trafficking organization, including suppliers, distributors, couriers and courier coordinators. Each defendant is charged with drug trafficking
EUSTIS, Florida—A Winter Park woman has claimed a $1 million prize from the Florida Lottery she won from a ticket she purchased in unincorporated Eustis, according to the Florida Lottery. Mary Walker, 56, of Winter Park, bought the $10 DIAMOND MINE 20X ticket at Circle K, 31734 East State Road 44, in the Pine Lakes area of unincorporated Eustis and recently claimed her prize. She chose to take her winnings in a one-time lump sum payment of $695,000 and claimed it at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Circle K may be the lucky spot. A sign was spotted at the store
LAKE COUNTY, Florida—It was a busy Saturday for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. Deputies and troopers responded to a multitude of vehicle crashes in the Eustis, Paisley and Umatilla areas Saturday, according to LCSO Lt. Fred Jones. At County Road 42 and Deerhaven Road, a truck flipped and before deputies arrived, the driver fled the scene. “The bloodhound and helicopter conducted an extensive search. The driver was not located,” Jones told Inside Lake. The second crash was at County 437, south of State Road 44 in Eustis. The driver left the road, struck an oak
Multitude of Crashes Keeps Law Enforcement Busy Saturday Read More »
EUSTIS, Florida—An Altoona man remains in the Lake County Jail after trespassing at a downtown Eustis park less than 12 hours after he was told to stay away by Eustis Police Department. EPD officers trespassed Wayne Anthony Sarlo, 47, from Ferran Park in downtown Eustis at 8:45 p.m. Friday and around 8:30 a.m. Saturday an EPD sergeant spotted Sarlo and thought he looked suspicious. Upon checking Sarlo’s name, the sergeant found Sarlo had just been trespassed from the park the night before. Sarlo was arrested and transported to LCJ, where he is being held on $1,000 bond.
Man Arrested at Downtown Eustis Park Less than 12 Hours After He was Trespassed Read More »
EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond after firing a shot at another Eustis man Saturday and punching him in the face after the man threw him out of his house following an argument, according to an arrest affidavit. Albert Watkins III, 61, was at an unidentified man’s home in Eustis when the man began talking about someone close to the victim. Due to Marsy’s Law, the victim’s name and the name of the person who Watkins was talking about are redacted from the affidavit. The victim, upset about what Watkins was
TAVARES, Florida—The Lake Amateur Radio Association (LARA) hosted its annual Ham Radio Field Day event June 24 and 25 at the Lake County Institute of Public Safety, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide. The event, captured in a captivating photo, featured the club’s president, Glenn Casselman, and his spouse, Laura, who is also a Ham radio enthusiast. The picturesque location provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with showcasing mobile command vehicles from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Fire Rescue, and, of course, the Lake Amateur Radio Association. Established in 1952 by a group of Lake County/City
EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department has released the name of the man who was found dead near a cell phone tower off David Walker Drive Monday morning. Joseph Campbell, 68, was reported missing by a friend to Tavares Police Department prior to being found by a passerby around 8 a.m. Monday, TPD Chief Sarah Coursey told Inside Lake. EPD is investigating the death, but it does not appear to be suspicious, EPD Capt. Ken Toler said Monday. Campbell was a former NFL player and played for the Oakland Raiders in 1981 when they won the Super Bowl, according to Raiders.com.
Man Found Dead Monday Identified as 1981 Super Bowl Winner Read More »
UMATILLA, Florida—The third man suspected in the 2022 murder of a Umatilla man has been apprehended in Georgia, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Marvin Habakkuk Ellison, Jr., 40, of Orlando, was taken into custody at an apartment complex in in DeKalb County, Georgia on Friday morning and a search warrant was executed where he was staying, LCSO said. A warrant was issued for Ellison’s arrest earlier this year and he was located by LCSO detectives, investigators from the Orlando Police Department and U.S. Marshals; he may be involved with other cases, according to LCSO. Ellison and two
Long Arm of the Law Catches Up with Umatilla Murder Suspect Read More »
