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Lady Lake Woman Accused of Killing Woman and Seriously Injuring Man in 2022 Hit-and-Run Crash Turns Herself in to FHP Thursday

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Lady Lake woman turned herself in at the Lake County Jail Thursday after a warrant was issued for her arrest for hitting and killing a woman and seriously injuring a man last year and fleeing the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Tara Renee Schiessle, 31, is accused of striking the pair as they walked northbound on the grass shoulder of Rolling Acres Road near West Lakeview Street shortly before 9:45 p.m. Sept. 11, 2022. The impact killed the 40-year-old woman, and the 31-year-old man, identified as Jonathan Kirkland in a separate civil suit, was airlifted

Lady Lake Woman Accused of Killing Woman and Seriously Injuring Man in 2022 Hit-and-Run Crash Turns Herself in to FHP Thursday Read More »

Tavares Police Searching for Woman Missing Since Saturday

UPDATE: Celia Schwinden has been found safe. TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a woman who was last seen at her home in the area of Dora Avenue Saturday. Celia Schwinden, 67, is known to frequent Tavares, Eustis and Leesburg on foot and may be carrying bags with her. TPD is utilizing the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center, bloodhounds and pinged her cellphone with negative results. TPD has also issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) and reached out to surrounding law enforcement agencies, TPD Chief Sarah Coursey told Inside Lake. “We

Tavares Police Searching for Woman Missing Since Saturday Read More »

Person Airlifted After Being Rescued from Fire Sunday Night, Deputy Transported

ALTOONA, Florida—One person was rescued and airlifted for treatment and a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was transported to the hospital following a structure fire Sunday night, according to Umatilla Fire Department. Numerous agencies responded to the fire in addition to UFD and LCSO, including Eustis Fire Department, Leesburg Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue, Marion County Fire Rescue and Lake EMS, a UFD social media post stated. An exact address for the fire was unavailable at press time, but numerous social media posts and comments said the fire was in the Shockley Heights area. UFD was first on the

Person Airlifted After Being Rescued from Fire Sunday Night, Deputy Transported Read More »

Motorcycle Crash Kills Leesburg Man, Injures Leesburg Woman

TAVARES, Florida—A late night motorcycle crash killed a Leesburg man and injured a Leesburg woman Wednesday night, according to Tavares Police Department. A TPD officer was parked in the parking lot of the Tavares Recreational Park (TRP) boat ramp off U.S. Highway 441 and witnessed a 2007 Harley-Davidson with two riders appear to lose control near the entrance shortly before midnight, Courtney Sullivan, TPD Public Information Officer, told Inside Lake. Gerald Hoffman, 48, was pronounced deceased on the scene and Laura Hoffman, 47, was transported to a local trauma center and suffered minor injuries. Neither rider was wearing a helmet

Motorcycle Crash Kills Leesburg Man, Injures Leesburg Woman Read More »

Fourth Annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Law enforcement and supporters will join forces for the fourth annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk at Wooton Park Saturday morning. Scheduled for 9 a.m., this is one of many law enforcement events around Lake County held in May during Law Enforcement Appreciation Month. In its fourth year, the walk began in 2019 to show support for law enforcement during a time when the “defund the police” movement was making its way across the country, event organizer Shannon Cook told Inside Lake. Representatives from several law enforcement agencies and numerous public officials are expected to be in attendance. “The good

Fourth Annual Lake County Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday Read More »

CNA Admits to Abusing Elderly Woman and Posting it to Social Media to Get “Likes”

MOUNT DORA—A Leesburg woman was arrested Wednesday after an anonymous email was sent to her place of employment advising she was abusing an elderly patient and posting it on social media, according to an arrest affidavit. Mount Dora Police Department responded to an assisted living facility in the city after an employee reported receiving the email that included a video posted to TikTok showing Gabriel V. Woods, 34, wearing a green work shirt and black pants, with “extremely distinct” gold and silver bracelets dancing to a song. The video was captioned “Nurse: The resident fell out of bed…Me: but this

CNA Admits to Abusing Elderly Woman and Posting it to Social Media to Get “Likes” Read More »

Details Released After Fugitive Taken Into Custody Nearly 2 Months After Skipping Out on DUI Manslaughter Trial

MOUNT DORA, Florida— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released details about the apprehension of Zachery Waldo Wednesday. Waldo, 36, was tracked down by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force that includes a deputy from LCSO, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. He was found at Lakeside Inn, 100 Alexander Street, a popular downtown Mount Dora hotel, shortly before 11 a.m.   “They boxed him in, in the parking lot,” Jones said. A $10,000 reward was being offered for information leading to Waldo’s capture, but no one will be getting the reward because the Marshals developed information on their

Details Released After Fugitive Taken Into Custody Nearly 2 Months After Skipping Out on DUI Manslaughter Trial Read More »

Where’s Waldo? In the Lake County Jail. Man Who Skipped Out on DUI Manslaughter Trial Apprehended Wednesday

MOUNT DORA, Florida— The man who left for lunch during his DUI manslaughter trial in March was taken into custody Wednesday morning. Zachery Maurice Waldo, 36, was on trial for killing Christopher Smith, 44, his wife, Jessica Smith, 35, and their daughter Hailey Smith, 13, all of Eustis, more than three years ago. Their son Hunter, just 11 years old at the time, was the sole survivor in the vehicle his family was riding in. Christopher and Jessica died on the scene of the Christmas Eve 2019 crash and Hailey died on Christmas Day 2019. As his trial was underway

Where’s Waldo? In the Lake County Jail. Man Who Skipped Out on DUI Manslaughter Trial Apprehended Wednesday Read More »

Traffic Stop Nets 2 Guns, 1 Stolen; Crack Cocaine, THC Wax, Marijuana

LEESBURG, Florida—A speeding SUV that caught the attention of a Leesburg Police officer resulted in eight charges for a Leesburg man Monday. An LPD officer was patrolling the area of Tuskegee Street shortly before 2 p.m. Monday when he noticed a black Chevy Equinox speeding and swerving, according to an arrest affidavit. The Chevy turned onto Harlem Avenue and then Georgia Avenue and the officer drove parallel to the SUV and found it on Waitman Avenue and watched it back into a driveway on Waitman Avenue, the affidavit states. The officer initiated a traffic stop and smelled a strong odor

Traffic Stop Nets 2 Guns, 1 Stolen; Crack Cocaine, THC Wax, Marijuana Read More »

Sumter County Crash Seriously Injures 3 Leesburg Residents, Wildwood Woman

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—Four people were seriously injured in an early morning crash near The Villages, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 35-year-old Leesburg man was driving a sedan eastbound on State Road 44 when he sped through a red light and collided with an SUV being driven by a 32-year-old Wildwood woman that was traveling southbound on Morse Boulevard, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. Both vehicles rotated and came to a final stop on the south shoulder of State Road 44, while the front axle of the sedan and the engine block of the SUV

Sumter County Crash Seriously Injures 3 Leesburg Residents, Wildwood Woman Read More »

“It is Black Friday Every Week,” at New Leesburg Store, the First of Its Kind in Lake County

LEESBURG, Florida—Shoppers have a new place in town to hunt for bargains. The first of its kind in Lake County, Bin Pickin, 1015 West North Boulevard, Leesburg, is a new concept for the area, Jennifer Wooten, who owns the store with her husband, Jamie, told Inside Lake this week. The Wootens purchase truckloads of overstock and returns from Amazon, Kohl’s and CVS Pharmacy and offer all the items for one price three days a week, Wooten said. Fridays, each item is $10, Saturdays, items are $7 and Mondays, they are just $3.  Items are placed on large tables and shoppers

“It is Black Friday Every Week,” at New Leesburg Store, the First of Its Kind in Lake County Read More »

Tavares High School Student Busted with Gun on Campus Monday

TAVARES, Florida—A Tavares High School student was found with a gun on campus Monday, according to an arrest affidavit. Freddy Adams, 16, was pulled out of class around 12:30 p.m. Monday because he and two other students were believed to be under the influence of the drugs, the affidavit states. Adams’ backpack was searched by an assistant principal and he found a small black bag that contained a Remington Arms R51 9mm. The names of the other two students were not released. The gun was not loaded, but the AP found a magazine that contained six 9mm rounds in the

Tavares High School Student Busted with Gun on Campus Monday Read More »

Leesburg Crash Claims Life of Motorcyclist Sunday Night

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a Crystal River man Sunday night. Shortly after 8:15 p.m. Sunday, LPD responded to a crash between a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a Kia SUV near State Road 44 and Euclid Street, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi said in a press release. According to the preliminary investigation, Rodney J. Balderas, 41, of Crystal River was westbound on a black 2013 Harley-Davidson when he collided with a 2016 black Kia SUV being driven by John R. O’Steen, 73, of Leesburg. Balderas was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his

Leesburg Crash Claims Life of Motorcyclist Sunday Night Read More »

Leesburg Man Accused of Shooting at Truck with 5-Year-old Child in it During Road Rage Incident on Florida’s Turnpike

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Osceola County Jail on no bond, accused of shooting a truck that contained a 5-year-old child in a road rage incident on Florida’s Turnpike Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. A trooper was conducting traffic enforcement in the median of Florida’s Turnpike near Kenansville shortly before 6:30 p.m. Sunday when he observed a white sedan driving recklessly and changing lanes around a white pickup truck in the northbound lanes. The trooper made his way into traffic and watched the white car continue to improperly change lanes

Leesburg Man Accused of Shooting at Truck with 5-Year-old Child in it During Road Rage Incident on Florida’s Turnpike Read More »

Man Apprehended in Tavares by Multiple Agencies Last Year Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

OCALA, Florida—A Leesburg man who was apprehended near a Tavares motel more than a year ago has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Timothy Eric “Tater” Evans, 41, was taken into custody March 3, 2022 near La Bella Inn, 101 West Burleigh Boulevard by multiple agencies on a federal warrant issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) stemming from an incident that occurred in Tavares on May 21, 2021. In May 2021, Evans was found with a stolen vehicle and an officer with

Man Apprehended in Tavares by Multiple Agencies Last Year Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison Read More »

Lucky Streak: For the Third Month in a Row, Lake County Resident Claims $1 Million Lottery Prize

LEESBURG, Florida—For the third month in a row, a Lake County resident has claimed a $1 million prize from a Florida Lottery scratch-off ticket, the Florida Lottery announced Friday. Leesburg resident Edward Haggerty purchased the $20 GOLD RUSH LIMITED ticket Circle K, 2211 North Citrus Boulevard, Leesburg and chose to take his prize as a one-time, lump sum payment of $795,000, officials said. The store that sold the ticket will receive a $2,000 bonus.  In February, Cynthia Jackubowski, of Groveland claimed a $1 million prize from a ticket she purchased in Leesburg and last month, William Rundall, 69, of Astatula

Lucky Streak: For the Third Month in a Row, Lake County Resident Claims $1 Million Lottery Prize Read More »

Dry Conditions Force Countywide Burn Ban

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—Lake County officials imposed a burn ban effective Friday that will last indefinitely, according to a press release. The burn ban is in effect for all of Lake County and prohibits the burning of yard debris, land and recreational fires but does not include outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills and barbecue pits that have a total fuel area of 3 feet or less and 2 feet or less in height. Dry conditions forced the move by county officials and surrounding counties have enacted similar bans. For more than three weeks, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) rating has exceeded 500

Dry Conditions Force Countywide Burn Ban Read More »

Where’s Waldo? LCSO Increases Reward for Missing Fugitive to $10,000, Girlfriend Arrested

TAVARES, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has increased the reward for a man who ditched his DUI manslaughter trial earlier this month and arrested his girlfriend for assisting him. Zachery Maurice Waldo, 36, was on trial earlier this month for killing Christopher Smith, 44, his wife, Jessica Smith, 35, and their daughter Hailey Smith, 13, all of Eustis, more than three years ago. Their son Hunter, just 11 years old, was the sole survivor in the vehicle his family was riding in. Christopher and Jessica died on the scene of the Christmas Eve 2019 crash and Hailey died on Christmas

Where’s Waldo? LCSO Increases Reward for Missing Fugitive to $10,000, Girlfriend Arrested Read More »

Leesburg Man Caught on Video Cutting Wires and Stealing from His Former Home

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man was arrested last week after he was caught on video cutting wires at his former home earlier this month. On March 10, the owner of the home reported his former tenant, Frank Kendle Collins, 60, was captured on video cutting wires from a power pole to the home on Rancho Drive in the Bassville Park area of unincorporated Leesburg, causing $5,000 worth of damage. Collins also cut wires under the home and on the air conditioning unit, the homeowner told the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. LCSO reviewed the surveillance video and Collins can be seen cutting

Leesburg Man Caught on Video Cutting Wires and Stealing from His Former Home Read More »

Leesburg Police Department and U.S. Marshals Search Home Tuesday Morning for Missing Suspect, Nobody Home

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department and the U.S Marshals served a search warrant Tuesday morning in their quest to find a man who left court last week in the middle of his trial, but came up empty, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi told Inside Lake. LPD and the U.S. Marshals searched the home on East Street, near Dixie Avenue, but nobody was home, Iozzi said.  The scene caused a commotion and garnered several posts on popular Facebook word of mouth groups Tuesday morning. “The (U.S.) Marshals task force acquired a search warrant for the house,” Iozzi said in a text. Zachery Maurice

Leesburg Police Department and U.S. Marshals Search Home Tuesday Morning for Missing Suspect, Nobody Home Read More »

Ocala Woman Killed in Early Morning Leesburg Crash  

LEESBURG, Florida—An Ocala woman was killed early Monday morning when the car she was riding in crashed into a pole, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. Around 12:45 a.m. Monday, LPD responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and U.S. Highway 441. Police believe Enock Sulfa, 40, of Ocala was traveling north on U.S. Highway 27 in a 2012 Hyundai when he lost control and struck a power pole, Iozzi said. Sulfa, and his passengers, Larousse Telfort, 64, and Maria Seraphin-Telfort, 66, both of Ocala, were transported to UF Health Leesburg, where Seraphin-Telfort succumbed

Ocala Woman Killed in Early Morning Leesburg Crash   Read More »

9-Month Investigation Uncovers Conspiracy to Smuggle Drugs into Jail, 3 Arrested, Including Siblings

TAVARES, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people and is looking for a fourth person, it says conspired to smuggle drugs into the Lake County Detention Center, better known as the Lake County Jail or LCJ. LCSO announced Friday it arrested Victoria Morrison, 24, of Lady Lake, Robert Morrison, 28, of Leesburg, and Anthony Arnold, 37, of Fruitland Park and a warrant has been issued for the arrest Patrick White, 40, of Okahumpka, according to a press release. Victoria Morrison and Robert Morrison are brother and sister, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. According to LCSO, Victoria

9-Month Investigation Uncovers Conspiracy to Smuggle Drugs into Jail, 3 Arrested, Including Siblings Read More »

Man Accused of Killing Family in 2019 DUI Christmas Eve Crash Leaves Trial for Lunch and Never Comes Back, Found Guilty in Absentia

TAVARES, Florida—A man on trial this week for killing three members of the same family on Christmas Eve 2019 is on the run after leaving his trial during a lunch break and never coming back—and was convicted the same day, according to Lake County Clerk of Court docket information. Zachery Maurice Waldo, 36, is accused of killing Christopher Smith, 44, his wife, Jessica Smith,35, and their daughter Hailey Smith, 13, all of Eustis. Their son Hunter, just 11 years old, was the sole survivor in the vehicle his family was riding in. Christopher and Jessica died on the scene of

Man Accused of Killing Family in 2019 DUI Christmas Eve Crash Leaves Trial for Lunch and Never Comes Back, Found Guilty in Absentia Read More »

Lady Lake Police Release More Details in Applebee’s Shooting, Victim Identified

LADY LAKE, Florida—Lady Lake Police Department continues to investigate a shooting that left a man dead early Tuesday morning. In a press release late Wednesday afternoon, LLPD Deputy Chief Jason Brough said a man, identified as Dishaun Marquis Hudson, 38, of Leesburg was seated outside at a patio table with a group of people at Applebee’s, 1009 Bichara Boulevard, Lady Lake. Hudson walked into the parking lot where at least three  gunshots were fired and vehicle left. After the shots were fired, several customers of the restaurant fled out the back door and Hudson walked around to a side door

Lady Lake Police Release More Details in Applebee’s Shooting, Victim Identified Read More »

Accused Bank Robber Nabbed by Leesburg Police Several Blocks from the Scene of the Crime

LEESBURG, Florida—A man is custody after Leesburg Police Department found him running several blocks from a busy bank that was robbed Monday morning, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. Brandon J. Hooks, 38, of Lady Lake is accused of giving a teller a note indicating he was robbing Wells Fargo, 2271 Citrus Boulevard just after 9:30 a.m. Monday. Hooks, who was wearing all black, did not brandish a gun, Iozzi said.   The teller complied and LPD responded to the scene after receiving multiple robbery alarms and confirming the robbery with a bank employee by phone. Hooks fled the scene

Accused Bank Robber Nabbed by Leesburg Police Several Blocks from the Scene of the Crime Read More »

Man, Angry Over a Ride, Accused of Slapping Deputy’s Hand and Disorderly Intoxication

LEESBURG, Florida—A man apparently angry that a pair of Uber delivery drivers would not take him anywhere, slapped a deputy’s hand, got tased and went to jail Saturday night, according to an arrest affidavit.  A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was flagged down in the 11000 block of Huggins Street in the Bassville Park area of Leesburg by two females around 10:30 pm. Saturday. The pair told the deputy they arrived at a home on Huggins to pick up a package and they were approached by Jemerh Tyrik Cosby, 26, who lived at the home. Cosby, who they said appeared

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Man, 21, Killed in ATV Crash

LEESBURG, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating an ATV crash that killed a Leesburg man Saturday afternoon. The 21-year-old man struck a pole while riding an ATV around 5:15 p.m. and was pronounced dead on the scene at Veech Road and Pruitt Street near Leesburg, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release. It is unknown if the man was riding the ATV on the roadway, or if he was wearing a helmet. There was no other information available at press time because FHP’s traffic homicide investigator was sent to additional fatal crashes that occurred soon after the ATV

Man, 21, Killed in ATV Crash Read More »

Troopers Investigating Fatal ATV Crash Near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Florida—An ATV crash has killed at least one person Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers are investigating the crash at Veech Road and Pruitt Street that occurred around 5:20 p.m., FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in an email; no other information has been released. There is a roadblock in the area. This is a developing story.

Troopers Investigating Fatal ATV Crash Near Leesburg Read More »

2 Killed in 6-Vehicle Crash on Turnpike Friday Morning

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Florida—The crash that shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike most of the day Friday resulted in the deaths of two people, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. At 7:15 a.m. Friday, a 2020 Toyota Corolla being driven by a 23-year-old Tallahassee woman was traveling southbound on Florida’s Turnpike in the inside lane near mile marker 286 when she failed to stop for traffic ahead. She rear-ended a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by a 69-year-old Ocala man. The Chevrolet left the roadway and the right rear of the Chevrolet struck the left rear of a 2014 Jeep

2 Killed in 6-Vehicle Crash on Turnpike Friday Morning Read More »

Pedestrian Killed on CR 473 Near Leesburg Late Thursday Night

LEESBURG, Florida—A 41-year-old Groveland man was killed Thursday night while walking in the southbound lane of County Road 473 near Lake Drive, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. Shortly after 10:30 p.m., a 2012 GMC Acadia being driven by a 38-year-old Leesburg man was traveling southbound on County Road 473 when it struck the Groveland man, killing him. The Leesburg man told troopers he did not see the man walking in his lane, Crescenzi said in a press release. The Groveland man was pronounced deceased on the scene and the Leesburg man suffered minor injuries. The crash remains

Pedestrian Killed on CR 473 Near Leesburg Late Thursday Night Read More »

Leesburg Woman Accused of Keeping Loaner SUV for More than a Month

CLERMONT, Florida—A woman who police say kept a loaner vehicle for more than a month, turned herself in at the Lake County Jail Thursday on a warrant for failure to redeliver a hired vehicle, according to an arrest affidavit. Tamera Shania Pollard, 26, of Leesburg, dropped off her vehicle, a silver 2014 Mazda 6 for service at Headquarter Mazda, 17500 State Road 50, Clermont, and was given a white 2022 Mazda CX-30 as a loaner vehicle on July 15, 2022, a representative of the dealership told Clermont Police Department on Aug. 19, 2022. Pollard failed to return the vehicle and

Leesburg Woman Accused of Keeping Loaner SUV for More than a Month Read More »

FHP: Multivehicle Crash Kills 2, Shuts Down Southbound Turnpike Lanes, Delays Expected for Hours

LEESBURG, Florida—Two people are dead following a multivehicle crash that shut down the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike, according to Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor. The crash involves four passenger vehicles and two tractor-trailers and two people were pronounced dead at the scene, Taylor said. Southbound traffic is being diverted at mile marker 289 and travelers should expect heavy traffic and delays for several hours, according to Taylor.

FHP: Multivehicle Crash Kills 2, Shuts Down Southbound Turnpike Lanes, Delays Expected for Hours Read More »

FWC Releases Name of Man Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday

LEESBURG, Florida— The man found in Lake Griffin Tuesday has been identified, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC.) Around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported finding an empty boat on Lake Griffin near Herlong Park in Leesburg, FWC Public Information Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. FWC responded to the scene and the body of an adult male was found in the water nearby where the empty boat was found, and Leesburg Fire Rescue recovered the body of Thomas G. Eichelberger, 80. Eichelberger was brought to the boat ramp, where he was pronounced

FWC Releases Name of Man Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday Read More »

Body, Unmanned Boat Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday, FWC Investigating

LEESBURG, Florida—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating after the body of an adult male was found near an unmanned boat around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, FWC Public Information Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. The name of the man has not been released pending notification of his next of kin, Weber said. There was no obvious cause of death, and the man was turned over to the medical examiner. Weber responded to the scene along with Leesburg Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office marine unit. “It’s an active investigation,” Weber said, and an update is

Body, Unmanned Boat Found in Lake Griffin Tuesday, FWC Investigating Read More »

$1 Million Winning Scratch-Off Ticket Purchased in Leesburg

LEESBURG, Florida—A Groveland woman has claimed a $1 million prize from a winning scratch-off ticket she purchased in Leesburg, the Florida Lottery announced Monday. Cynthia Jackubowski, 56, bought the 500X THE CASH ticket for $50 at Quick Stop, 1200 West Main Street, Leesburg; the store will get $2,000 commission for selling the ticket, the Florida Lottery said. Jackubowski claimed her prize at lottery headquarters in Tallahassee, and chose to take her winnings as a one-time, lump sum payment of $820,000.

$1 Million Winning Scratch-Off Ticket Purchased in Leesburg Read More »

Leesburg Man Loses Control of SUV on Interstate 75, Dies in Pasco County Crash

PASCO COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man was killed and his passenger seriously injured, after he lost control of the SUV he was driving on Interstate 75 Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 75-year-old man was driving northbound on Interstate 75, near mile marker 279, when he lost control, left the roadway, struck a fence and collided with a tree shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The Leesburg man suffered fatal injuries, and his passenger, a 73-year-old woman, also of Leesburg, suffered serious injuries. Her condition was unknown at press time.  

Leesburg Man Loses Control of SUV on Interstate 75, Dies in Pasco County Crash Read More »

Lake County Tigers Secretary Turns Herself In After Being Accused of Stealing Thousands of Dollars

MOUNT DORA, Florida—For the second time in as many months a board member of a Lake County youth sports organization has been arrested for stealing funds meant to benefit the children. Tamara Lamar Jones, 38, of Leesburg, is accused of stealing nearly $13,000 from Lake County Tigers Inc., a Mount Dora based youth softball organization, while she served as secretary, according to a probable cause affidavit. From January 2022 through September 2022, Jones is accused of diverting $7,544 to her personal Venmo account and $5,274 to her Cash App account for a total of $12,818, the affidavit states. The Lake

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Leesburg Man Arrested After Fleeing Eustis Valentine’s Day Crash and Critically Injuring Man in Second Crash  

EUSTIS, Florida—A man without a license who police say fled a chain-reaction crash he caused, ran two stop signs and then slammed into the side of a Ford Focus on Valentine’s Day is facing three charges related to the crashes, according to an arrest affidavit. Gustavo Miguel Garcia, 29, of Leesburg was driving a white Ford flatbed pickup truck when he rear-ended a black Dodge SUV at Grove Street and Floral Avenue and fled the scene just before 6:20 p.m. Tuesday, witnesses told Eustis Police Department. The witnesses followed Garcia and he turned onto Wilt Avenue, and ran the stop

Leesburg Man Arrested After Fleeing Eustis Valentine’s Day Crash and Critically Injuring Man in Second Crash   Read More »

Thirsty Shirtless Man Arrested After Allegedly Smashing Windows, Doors and Coolers at Leesburg Subway

LEESBURG, Florida –A Leesburg man was nabbed at a local sub shop early Saturday morning after a passerby reported seeing him throwing rocks at the restaurant, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police Department responded to Subway, 1320 South 14th Street, Leesburg at 3:12 a.m. after someone reported seeing a man, later identified as Frederick Charles McPherson, throwing rocks at the shop and breaking the windows. When LPD arrived at the restaurant, an officer observed two large windows and both front doors smashed out, with a shirtless McPherson on the scene. McPherson was detained and the officer found several rocks

Thirsty Shirtless Man Arrested After Allegedly Smashing Windows, Doors and Coolers at Leesburg Subway Read More »

Gas Station Argument Escalates to Stabbing, Victim Airlifted, Suspect Jailed

LEESBURG, Florida—A argument outside a Leesburg gas station Thursday afternoon escalated to a stabbing and landed one man in jail and another in the hospital, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police Department responded to a stabbing report at Sunoco, 1200 West Main Street and found the victim responsive, but in a lot of pain and “clearly in need of medical attention,” the affidavit states. He was transported to a local hospital and then airlifted to a trauma center for the stab wound on the top, left side of his rib cage. He was not publicly identified. A witness told

Gas Station Argument Escalates to Stabbing, Victim Airlifted, Suspect Jailed Read More »

Wrong-Way Crash Just North of Eustis Sends 2 to the Hospital Friday

DONA VISTA, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate a serious crash that occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Friday night. A Nissan Versa being driven by a 37-year-old Leesburg man was traveling southbound on State Road 19 in the northbound inside lane, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake.   As he approached Orange Avenue, a 36-year-old Umatilla man driving a Ford Taurus southbound on State Road 19 attempted to make a left turn on Orange Avenue and the front of the Nissan struck the left side of the Ford at 9:50 p.m., Crescenzi said. The Umatilla man was airlifted

Wrong-Way Crash Just North of Eustis Sends 2 to the Hospital Friday Read More »

Leesburg Teen Arrested for Manslaughter in December Death of Sumter County Boy, 15

TAVARES, Florida—A Leesburg teenager was arrested Friday by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies for his role in the death of a Sumter County boy who was found dead in Bushnell in December. Jontae Solomon Haywood was reported missing around 1:20 a.m. Dec. 16, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO.) Deputies received information he may have been shot and he was found dead near County Road 557 in Bushnell later the same day. Haywood, an eighth grade student at South Sumter Prep, was just 15 years old. Haywood enjoyed football, basketball, and fishing; and dreamed of becoming a professional

Leesburg Teen Arrested for Manslaughter in December Death of Sumter County Boy, 15 Read More »

Eustis Head-On Collision Sends Man, 71, to the Hospital

EUSTIS, Florida— Only Inside Lake was on the scene of a head-on crash that injured a 71-year-old man early Thursday morning. A Dodge Ram being driven by a 19-year-old Leesburg man collided with a black Toyota sedan being driven by a 71-year-old Zellwood man around 6:30 a.m. Thursday. The report was unavailable at press time, it is unknown how the crash occurred, and the drivers’ names were not released. The Zellwood man was seriously injured and airlifted to a local hospital; he is expected to survive, Eustis Police Department Capt. Jon Fahning told Inside Lake. The driver of the truck

Eustis Head-On Collision Sends Man, 71, to the Hospital Read More »

Thief Nabbed After Leesburg Resident Spots Her Walking Off with Groceries

LEESBURG, Florida—A stolen grocery bag containing frozen cauliflower, juice and muffins landed a Leesburg woman in jail Tuesday, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim called Leesburg Police Department and said she arrived home around 7:20 p.m. to find April Lee Evans, 37, walking off her front porch with groceries that had just been delivered. The victim parked her car and spotted Evans, along with an unidentified male, walking east on Main Street carrying her groceries. The victim confronted the pair, and they dropped most of the groceries and continued walking, turning on Moss Street, the same street Evans lives

Thief Nabbed After Leesburg Resident Spots Her Walking Off with Groceries Read More »

Former Police Chief Arrested for Aggravated Stalking of a Child, Facing Child Rape Charges in Sumter

TAVARES, Florida—The former police chief of Center Hill, arrested last month for raping a 14-year-old girl in Sumter County while holding her at gunpoint, is now facing stalking charges in Lake County. William Ray Pruitt, 56, of Weirsdale, was arrested early Friday morning for stalking and aggravated stalking, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office online booking records. Pruitt served as Center Hill Police chief in 1998 and 1999 and currently owns Pruitt Water in Leesburg, according to his booking information. Pruitt is accused stalking the girl beginning in October 2021, when she was just 15 years old and continuing for

Former Police Chief Arrested for Aggravated Stalking of a Child, Facing Child Rape Charges in Sumter Read More »

State Attorney Creates Animal Cruelty Task Force

OCALA, Florida—In an effort to streamline delivering justice to those who hurt animals, State Attorney Bill Gladson has created an Animal Cruelty Task Force for the Fifth Judicial Circuit that includes Lake, Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties, his office said in a press release last week. The task force includes the Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC,) county animal services, and local law enforcement agencies and the goal is for law enforcement, animal services and animal protection organizations to work together to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty crimes throughout the circuit, according

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Leesburg Man Dead After Striking Guardrail on SR 429, Eustis Woman Seriously Injured

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is dead after running off the road, striking a guardrail and overturning in the truck he was driving Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 77-year-old man was driving a 2022 Toyota Tundra southbound on State Road 429, when he lost control for an unknown reason at mile marker 28, shortly before 10:30 a.m. Sunday. He ran off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. He and his 73-year-old passenger, a Eustis woman, were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where the man was

Leesburg Man Dead After Striking Guardrail on SR 429, Eustis Woman Seriously Injured Read More »

Windchills in the 20s and 30s Expected this Weekend, Cold Weather Shelters Activated

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—For the second time in less than a month, Lake County is scheduled to open two cold weather shelter locations in anticipation of this weekend’s near-freezing temperatures. Both locations open Friday; Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick Street, Fruitland Park will open at 5:30 p.m. and remain open through 7 a.m. each day, Friday through Sunday, and LifePointe Church, 3551 East Orange Avenue will be open 5 p.m. through 8 a.m. each day through Sunday, according to Lake County Emergency Management. A warming shelter will also be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Salvation

Windchills in the 20s and 30s Expected this Weekend, Cold Weather Shelters Activated Read More »

Man Accused of Hate Crime and Stalking LGBTQ Couple, Fights Deputies as They Attempt to Arrest Him

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Lake County Jail on more than $100,000 bond after being accused of stalking his LGBTQ neighbors since at least September, violating an injunction and fighting the deputies who were trying to arrest him Tuesday, according to an arrest affidavit. Frank Randall Norviel, 57, of the Bassville Park area of Leesburg, is accused of a litany of crimes stemming from his alleged stalking of his neighbors beginning in September when he stood in his yard on Marlette Avenue and repeatedly squeaked a rubber chicken at the victims and screamed, “It’s not Adam

Man Accused of Hate Crime and Stalking LGBTQ Couple, Fights Deputies as They Attempt to Arrest Him Read More »

Orange County Carjacking Suspects Flee Cops, Flip SUV in Clermont

CLERMONT, Florida—Three Lake County men were arrested Sunday morning after a license plate reader alerted deputies that a vehicle involved in an Orange County carjacking was in Clermont, according to several arrest affidavits. Shortly before 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted that a green Kia Soul involved in an early morning carjacking was in the area of U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont. Deputies began searching the area and located the SUV and attempted a traffic stop. Jason Curtis Marks, 21, of Lady Lake, put the Kia in reverse and “intentionally struck the front push bumper of a

Orange County Carjacking Suspects Flee Cops, Flip SUV in Clermont Read More »

Leesburg Man Flees Sumter County Crash that Killed Motorcyclist Thursday Night, Arrested a Few Miles Away

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Sumter County Jail after fleeing a crash that killed a Kissimmee motorcyclist, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Lloyd Douglas Walters, 59, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound on State Road 44 in the left turn lane near County Road 171 while a 51-year-old Kissimmee man riding a Suzuki motorcycle was traveling westbound on State Road 44 in the inside lane at 7:25 p.m. Thursday. Walters changed lanes and collided with the motorcycle, ejecting its rider. The motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital where he later succumbed to

Leesburg Man Flees Sumter County Crash that Killed Motorcyclist Thursday Night, Arrested a Few Miles Away Read More »

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed Thursday Night, Police Say

LEESBURG, Florida—A 30-year-old Leesburg man was killed late Thursday night after he struck the back of an SUV, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. James B. Freeze was riding a blue 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle southbound in the 10400 block of U.S. Highway 441, when he struck the back of a white 2020 Lexus GX being driven by Meredith K. Nettles, 44, of Pensacola shortly before 10:30 p.m. Nettles had just made a U-turn prior to the crash, Iozzi said in a press release. Freeze was pronounced dead on the scene. “The crash remains under investigation, though it

Leesburg Motorcyclist Killed Thursday Night, Police Say Read More »

Christmas Carjacking and Crash Into Blueberry Field Ends in a Trip to Jail

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—A homeless man is accused of carjacking a taxi driver, crashing the car into a blueberry field and spitting on a firefighter’s boot Christmas night, according to an arrest affidavit. A taxi driver received a call from staff at UF Health Leesburg Hospital to pick up Troy Ravin Yar, 23, who is listed as homeless, to transport him to a cold weather shelter around 6 p.m., the affidavit states. As the pair drove to Fruitland Park, Yar struck the victim in the right side of his neck with his fist and said, “Get the (expletive) out, I’m going

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Elderly Woman Struck by 2 Vehicles and Killed Christmas Night, Leesburg Police Say

LEESBURG, Florida—An 80-year-old woman was struck by two vehicles and killed Christmas night as she attempted to cross busy State Road 44, also known as Dixie Avenue in Leesburg, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. Gladys Lopez was found deceased in the roadway when LPD responded to a crash at Dixie Avenue and Euclid Avenue around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, Iozzi said. The intersection is a just about a mile from UF Health Leesburg Hospital. “The preliminary investigation indicates Ms. Lopez was struck by two vehicles as she was attempting to cross State Road 44/Dixie Avenue,” Iozzi said in

Elderly Woman Struck by 2 Vehicles and Killed Christmas Night, Leesburg Police Say Read More »

Leesburg Woman, 22, Dies from Injuries She Suffered In Sumter County Crash Monday

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—A 22-year-old Leesburg woman has succumbed to injuries she suffered from a three-vehicle crash in Sumter County Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, the woman was a passenger in a sedan being driven by a 27-year-old Wildwood man when the sedan was struck by another sedan being driven by an 18-year-old Leesburg man who ran a red light at the intersection of County Road 466 and Buena Vista Boulevard, according to FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins.   Both sedans rotated and collided with a traffic sign support and the second sedan collided with

Leesburg Woman, 22, Dies from Injuries She Suffered In Sumter County Crash Monday Read More »

Tree Service Owner Picked Up on Warrant for Pilfering Packages from Customer in October

LEESBURG, Florida—The owner of a tree service company was caught on camera stealing packages from one of his customers, according to a probable cause affidavit. Robert Wayne Williams, owner of Tree Life Services, was captured on surveillance video Oct. 29 stealing two Amazon packages from the victim who had hired Williams to do tree work on her Leesburg property, she told the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The case was turned over to an LCSO detective, who viewed the video and was able to identify Williams from past encounters, the affidavit states. Williams, 48, of Leesburg, is seen exiting his white

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“Arctic Blast” Arrives Just in Time for Christmas, Cold Weather Shelters to be Activated

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—In anticipation of this weekend’s chilly weather, Lake County will open two cold weather shelter locations Friday afternoon. Both locations will open at 5:30 p.m. Friday; Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick Street, Fruitland Park will stay open 24 hours a day through Tuesday, and LifePointe Church, 3551 East Orange Avenue will be open 5:30 p.m. through 8 a.m. each day until Tuesday, according to Lake County Emergency Management. A warming shelter will also be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday at the Salvation Army, 2605 South Street, Leesburg,   Lake Xpress will provide

“Arctic Blast” Arrives Just in Time for Christmas, Cold Weather Shelters to be Activated Read More »

3 Leesburg Residents Seriously Injured and Wildwood Man Killed in Sumter County Crash Monday, Villages Woman and Ocala Man Suffer Minor Injuries, Says FHP

SUMTER COUNTY, Florida—Three Leesburg residents were seriously injured, a Wildwood man was killed, and two others suffered minor injuries shortly before 10 p.m. Monday in a three-vehicle crash in Sumter County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. An 18-year-old Leesburg man was driving a sedan westbound on County Road 466 when he ran the red light at the intersection of Buena Vista Boulevard, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. The first sedan collided with left side of a second sedan, being driven by a 27-year-old Wildwood man; both vehicles rotated and collided with a traffic sign support

3 Leesburg Residents Seriously Injured and Wildwood Man Killed in Sumter County Crash Monday, Villages Woman and Ocala Man Suffer Minor Injuries, Says FHP Read More »

Assisted Living Employee Accused of Stealing from Elderly Residents

LEESBURG, Florida—A former employee of an assisted living facility is behind bars on 17 charges after a Leesburg Police Department investigation revealed she was stealing from several residents at the facility, according to a probable cause affidavit. LPD began investigating in August when the executive director of Vista Assisted Living, 700 South Lake Street, Leesburg, reported a 93-year-old resident was missing a ring from her room. The victim told police Angelique Sinceria Daniels, 24, was assisting her when Daniels told the victim she needed to attend a meeting. The victim left the room but returned shortly after when she found

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Leesburg Police Respond to Apartment Sunday and Find “Blood All Over the Floor,” Woman Arrested for Stabbing

LEESBURG, Florida—A verbal dispute that turned physical landed a woman in jail Sunday after Leesburg Police responded to an apartment of a report of a weapon, according to an arrest affidavit. When LPD arrived at the apartment on Sennett Drive, officers heard screaming and found a door ajar. They entered the open door and “observed multiple subjects in an altercation with blood all over the floor,” the affidavit states. The subjects, Davonna Loren Jones, 56, her son, and the victim and her daughter, were detained and separated by LPD. The victim told police she arrived at the apartment to pick

Leesburg Police Respond to Apartment Sunday and Find “Blood All Over the Floor,” Woman Arrested for Stabbing Read More »

Leesburg Man Arrested in Summer Overdose Death

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Leesburg man has been arrested in the overdose death of a 38-year-old man in Lady Lake over the summer, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Albert Robert Springs, 33, was taken into custody Wednesday after an investigation revealed Springs dealt Harry Cooper the lethal fentanyl that killed him on June 25. Cooper was found dead in a bedroom at a home at 4100 Holly Hill and the medical examiner’s office ruled his death an accidental overdose of fentanyl, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. “Detectives worked diligently throughout the course of this investigation,” Herrell said. Phone records

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Man Caught on Video Using Pallet Jack to Break Into Local Publix

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man put in some work to break into a local Publix early Saturday, according to an arrest affidavit. Edward Lee Brown, 61, was caught red-handed inside Publix, 717 North 14th Street, Leesburg shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday by Leesburg Police with a backpack full of loot that included 35 packs of Newport cigarettes and 39 Black and Mild cigars, along with other tobacco products valued at more than $500, according to the affidavit. LPD also found a crack pipe in Brown’s backpack. LPD responded to the popular grocery store after a caller reported seeing Brown breaking into

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Naked Woman on Motorcycle Causes a Stir Sunday

LEESBURG, Florida— “I had to do a double take.” Tiffany Khoudali got quite the surprise as she made her way home from a tea party with her daughter Sunday afternoon when she saw a naked woman riding a motorcycle, she told Inside Lake. At 5:59 p.m. as Khoudali drove northbound on U.S. Highway 441 near Buzzard Beach, she spotted a woman on a motorcycle. As they approached County Road 473, she first thought the woman was wearing flesh-colored leggings, “So I sped up a little,” she looked over, “And…she’s naked,” she told Inside Lake.   She quickly snapped a photo,

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Crash Monday Kills One Man, Lands Another in Jail

LEESBURG, Florida—The driver who rear-ended a man, causing a chain-reaction crash Monday morning that killed the man, does not have a license, the Florida Highway Patrol said following the crash. Around 7:20 a.m. Monday, Gustavo Martinez Cortez, 36, of Eustis was driving a 2003 Chevy Silverado southbound on County Road 44 when he failed to stop for a 2004 Toyota Corolla that was stopped in the southbound lane, waiting to turn on Silver Lake Road, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Silverado struck the Corolla, being driven by a 42-year-old Eustis man, and pushed it into the northbound lane, causing

Crash Monday Kills One Man, Lands Another in Jail Read More »

Fatal Crash Shuts Down CR 44 Monday Morning

LEESBURG, Florida—A fatal crash involving four vehicles has closed County Road 44 at Silver Lake Road in unincorporated Leesburg Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 7:20 a.m. Monday and killed a 42-year-old man from Eustis driving a 2004 Toyota Corolla, said FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi. A 23-year-old DeLand woman driving a 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, Crescenzi said; a Eustis man, 36, driving a 2004 Chevy Silverado and a 69-year-old Avon Park man driving a 2021 tractor trailer were not injured. Drivers are asked to seek an

Fatal Crash Shuts Down CR 44 Monday Morning Read More »

Chain Reaction Crash Kills Leesburg Man, Seriously Injures Good Samaritan

LEESBURG, Florida—A motorcyclist was killed late Saturday night after he was thrown from his motorcycle in one crash and then struck by his motorcycle after a second vehicle hit it and propelled into him and a good Samaritan near Leesburg, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 57-year-old Leesburg man was riding a 2016 Harley Davidson Street Glide in the inside lane northbound on County Road 473 approaching California Street when a 2004 Toyota Tacoma traveling southbound on County Road 473, attempted to make a left turn into a gas station parking lot and struck the motorcycle.  The motorcyclist was

Chain Reaction Crash Kills Leesburg Man, Seriously Injures Good Samaritan Read More »

Tavares Police and LCSO Join Forces for Operation Aware

Operation Aware will provide wristbands and a database for first responders and the special needs community. TAVARES, Florida—Two law enforcement agencies have joined forces to provide a new tool to the community that will give first responders valuable information when responding to calls for service in the special needs community. Nearly a year in the making, Tavares Police Department began its Operation Aware initiative in November 2021 and has since teamed up with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to provide wristbands to members of the community that may require a different response from law enforcement. “We are big on community

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Unborn Baby Killed in Head-On Collision Late Tuesday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—A head-on collision killed an unborn baby late Tuesday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 19-year-old Leesburg woman was westbound in a 2007 Cadillac DTS on County Road 44 near Sparrow Lane around 10: 45 p.m. Tuesday when a 2017 Ford Transit van traveling eastbound entered her lane. The van, being driven by a 34-year-old Eustis man, struck the left front of the Cadillac, causing critical injuries to the teenage driver, who was 30 weeks pregnant. The unborn child did not survive. The woman was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment and the driver of

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Leesburg Police Officer Injured in Fight Friday Morning

9:30 a.m. Update: The officer’s leg is broken. He was assisting a female officer who was trying to detain a Baker Act patient who was running in and out of traffic on U.S. Highway 27 near Palm Plaza, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg Police Officer was injured Friday, and may have a broken leg, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. Numerous people saw the officer down during rush hour traffic Friday morning. “An officer was injured fighting with a Baker Act (patient.) He may have a broken leg,” Iozzi told Inside Lake. The

Leesburg Police Officer Injured in Fight Friday Morning Read More »

Violent End to August as LCSO Investigates 5 Homicides in 6 Days

LAKE COUNTY, Florida— It was a bloody and violent end to August in Lake County, as the sheriff’s office continues to investigate five homicides that occurred in just six days from one end of the county to the other. Numerous sources have told Inside Lake there was yet another homicide in unincorporated Fruitland Park Saturday, but LCSO did not respond to an email or a text all day Sunday to confirm. Altoona, Aug. 25 Around 9 p.m. Aug. 25, Shane Eugene Clements, 41, of Altoona, and David Thomas Mikell, 34, of Umatilla were found dead at a home at 45918

Violent End to August as LCSO Investigates 5 Homicides in 6 Days Read More »

Missing Man Found Dead in Marion County, “Maniac” Arrested and Held on No Bond

LEESBURG, Florida—A man reported missing Wednesday has been found dead in Marion County and a Wildwood man has been arrested in his death, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. On Wednesday, a friend of Casey Dean’s told LCSO they heard Dean had been killed and was last seen with Matthew Luke “Maniac” Allen, 26, on Sunday riding with Allen and unidentified person in a red 2015 Dodge Ram. Deputies went to a home on Misty Meadows Drive in attempt to find Dean, Allen or the truck and were unsuccessful. They found the door to the guest house on the

Missing Man Found Dead in Marion County, “Maniac” Arrested and Held on No Bond Read More »

Florida Women and Children Fought in Busy Intersection Because of Past Problem, Suspect Tells Police

EUSTIS, Florida—A fight between two women spilled out into the street and small children joined in the brawl at a busy Eustis intersection Thursday morning, according to an arrest affidavit.   Santana Potts, 35, of Leesburg, is accused of arguing with a woman near the intersection of Bay Street and Orange Avenue around 8:30 a.m. Thursday and then using her red Hyundai SUV to block the woman’s grey Toyota Camry. Both women exited their vehicles and began fighting each other in front of numerous witnesses, including a Florida Department of Law Enforcement agent. A small child exited each vehicle and

Florida Women and Children Fought in Busy Intersection Because of Past Problem, Suspect Tells Police Read More »

Inmate Found With Shank In His Cell

TAVARES, Florida—A Leesburg man serving a 270-day sentence for domestic battery by strangulation and deprivation of 9-1-1 was found with a homemade shank in his jail cell and is last week, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Jail correction staff members were conducting a search Joshua Jerome Robertson’s cell around 12:45 a.m. Aug. 13 when they found the stabbing weapon fashioned from a toothbrush. Robertson, 27, admitted it belonged to him, and is now facing a charge of possession of contraband, the affidavit states.  

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Leesburg Man Charged in Woman’s Murder Earlier This Month

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department and the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office has charged a man in the murder of a Leesburg woman earlier this month, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. Alphonza Bryant, 40, also of Leesburg, is facing three charges, including first degree murder, armed burglary and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Bryant has been in the Lake County Jail since Aug. 10—two days after the murder—for a violation of probation stemming from a battery case in April. On Aug. 8, LPD responded to a home on Penn Street after someone reported that they believed

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Man Picked Up on Warrant for Buying Cigarettes with Movie Prop Money

LEESBURG, Florida—A man who has been booked into the Lake County Jail six times since 2018 and has an “extensive juvenile record” in Delaware was arrested Monday on a warrant for uttering counterfeit bills on two separate occasions in January, according to a probable cause affidavit. Leesburg Police Department picked up Shymiere Montese Howell, 27, of Ocala on two charges of uttering forged bills, petit theft and scheme to defraud, according to his arrest affidavit. On Jan. 11, a man later identified as Howell, is alleged to have purchased a pack of Newport cigarettes with a counterfeit $100 bill at

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LCSO Sergeant Paid Prostitute $80 for Trysts, Unsealed Court Documents Reveal

TAVARES, Florida—A Lake County Sheriff’s Office sergeant arrested last month for soliciting prostitution paid the person $80 per encounter, according to a probable cause affidavit unsealed by County Judge Sarah Jones earlier this month. LCSO was tipped off to Sgt. Scott Stone’s activities by a woman who told an LCSO captain and a detective her friend of four years confided in her that a “Sgt. Stone” with LCSO was paying the friend to have sex with him in public places. The friend is not named in the affidavit and is referred to as he/she or “the source” throughout the affidavit.

LCSO Sergeant Paid Prostitute $80 for Trysts, Unsealed Court Documents Reveal Read More »

Missing Nearly 16 Years, Trenton Duckett’s Family Celebrates His 18th Birthday Without Him

Publisher’s note: This story was republished Dec. 27, 2022 as a part of Inside Lake’s Top 10 stories of 2022. LEESBURG, Florida—Nearly 16 years ago, Leesburg and Lake County were thrust into the national spotlight when a mom going through a divorce and custody battle reported her tiny toddler missing. Over the next two weeks those close to the boy would go through a whirlwind of emotions as police found sonogram pictures in a dumpster, accused the boy’s father of taking him and investigated the mother’s suicide. Wednesday, Josh Duckett should be eating cake and watching his oldest son Trenton

Missing Nearly 16 Years, Trenton Duckett’s Family Celebrates His 18th Birthday Without Him Read More »

Woman Found Shot to Death Early Monday, Leesburg Police Investigating

LEESBURG. Florida—Leesburg Police Department is investigating the death of a 37-year-old woman who was found shot early Monday morning, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. Someone called LPD and said they believed their friend was dead and when LPD officers arrived at the home in the 1200 block of Penn Street at 2:39 a.m. they found a black female deceased in a converted laundry room, Iozzi said in a press release. The woman appeared to have been shot and LPD detectives responded to the scene and are treating the death as a homicide; the investigation remains active. If you have

Woman Found Shot to Death Early Monday, Leesburg Police Investigating Read More »

Leesburg Man Found Sleeping in Stolen Car in Mount Dora Facing Multiple Charges

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Leesburg man found sleeping in a stolen vehicle is facing 10 charges after running from Mount Dora Police early Monday morning, and police say he needed three doses of Narcan after becoming unresponsive following the foot chase. MDPD responded to 2785 West Old U.S. Highway 441, near Spin City Laundry just after 2:30 a.m. Monday to investigate a suspicious vehicle, according to an arrest affidavit. They found a man, later identified as Andrew Ray Begeot, 29, of Leesburg sleeping in the driver seat with a syringe filled with brown liquid on the passenger seat. Begeot identified himself

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Fire Knocks Out Power to Much of Leesburg, Full Restoration Hours Away

10:30 p.m. update: According to the City of Leesburg, two of the three distribution substations that were deenergized due to a lightning strike have been repaired and power in those areas has been restored. The third substation, where most of the damage occurred, is still being assessed. Downtown and nearby areas are still without power. Crews are working throughout the night to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Fire Department continues to battle a large fire Tuesday night at a Duke Energy electrical substation, 501 North Boulevard East near Cutrale, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe

Fire Knocks Out Power to Much of Leesburg, Full Restoration Hours Away Read More »

EXCLUSIVE: Fiancé of Man Killed Last Month Says, “My Father was No Hero.”

LEESBURG, Florida—“It feels like I’m in hell.” Lauren Carlton spoke exclusively to Inside Lake this week about the death of her fiancé, Austin Graham, at the hands of her father, James Carlton last month. Carlton was accused of shooting Austin in the head and killing him after Austin stopped to talk to Carlton in the middle of Whitney Road in unincorporated Leesburg June 22. Austin, 26, recognized Carlton’s truck, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Fred Jones said last month, and stopped to talk to the grandfather of his children. After a brief conversation, Carlton, who was known to carry a

EXCLUSIVE: Fiancé of Man Killed Last Month Says, “My Father was No Hero.” Read More »

Man Accused of Murdering Daughter’s Boyfriend Dies of Suspected Medical Issue Thursday

TAVARES, Florida—The man accused of killing his daughter’s boyfriend last month has died. James M. Carlton, 57, was accused of shooting Austin Graham, 26, in the head and killing him on June 22 after the pair stopped to talk to each other on Whitney Road in unincorporated Leesburg. Graham was Carlton’s daughter’s boyfriend, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. Carlton, of Fruitland Park, fled the scene and was arrested for murder later that day at a bar in Marion County and held in the Marion County Jail until he was transferred to the Lake County Jail

Man Accused of Murdering Daughter’s Boyfriend Dies of Suspected Medical Issue Thursday Read More »

More Charges Added to Suspected Eustis Vehicle Burglars

EUSTIS, Florida—A pair of teenagers arrested last month for several vehicle burglaries are facing more charges. Matthew Hanners, 18, of Eustis, was arrested twice this week, first on Wednesday and again on Thursday, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office online booking records. In June, numerous neighborhoods on the east side of Eustis were hit with thieves, including, but not limited to, Blue Lake Estates, Misty Oaks, Summer Glen, Brookshire, Horizon Oaks and Hillcrest over the past few weeks, EPD Capt. Jon Fahning told Inside Lake last month. Hanners and Casey C. Johnson, 19, of Leesburg, are accused of stealing many

More Charges Added to Suspected Eustis Vehicle Burglars Read More »

Team Effort in Operation Sneak-A-Peek Nets Largest Fentanyl Haul in County History

TAVARES, Florida—Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell has a message for those dealing drugs in Lake County…to be continued. Announcing the largest fentanyl haul in Lake County history at a press conference Thursday, Grinnell spoke to members of the media about a 4-month operation that resulted in 27 people facing drug-related charges after detectives with multiple agencies targeted three high-level drug traffickers and their associates across the county. Cliff “Sneak” Johnson, 40, Andrew “Smurf” Woodruff, 37, and Charles, “Cuz” Carter, 50, who have collectively been arrested 75 times for felonies, were the main targets of “Operation Sneak-A-Peek” Grinnell told reporters Thursday

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Man Accused of Killing Daughter’s Boyfriend Wednesday Held on No Bond

LEESBURG, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the man killed in Leesburg Wednesday afternoon. Austin Graham, 26, was shot in the head by James Carlton, 57, of Fruitland Park. Graham was Carlton’s daughter’s boyfriend, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. Shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, Graham and a witness were driving down Whitney Road near State Road 44, when the victim recognized Carlton’s vehicle. The two vehicles stopped, and Graham got out to greet Carlton and had a short conversation with him, the witness told LCSO. After the brief conversation, Carlton shot Graham and fled

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Man Shot in the Head in the Middle of the Road by a Man he Stopped to Greet; Suspect Flees and is Arrested at Marion County Bar

LEESBURG, Florida—A man was shot in the head and left on the side of the road in unincorporated Leesburg Wednesday, and the suspect fled to a Marion County bar, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Fred Jones. At 2:50 p.m., the 26-year-old victim and a witness were driving down Whitney Road near State Road 44, when the victim recognized James Carlton’s vehicle. The two vehicles stopped, and the victim got out to greet Carlton and had a short conversation with him, the witness told LCSO. Inside Lake After the brief conversation, Carlton 57, shot the victim and fled the

Man Shot in the Head in the Middle of the Road by a Man he Stopped to Greet; Suspect Flees and is Arrested at Marion County Bar Read More »

Police Identify Burglar Shot by Leesburg Homeowner

LEESBURG, Florida—The burglar shot by a Leesburg homeowner Monday has been identified. Jeffrey Scott Garrard, 55, of Leesburg, was shot Monday morning when he and another man—still on the loose—attempted to enter a home on Flora View Lane, Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi said in a press release. Garrard was transported to a local trauma center when he remains in ICU and has not been able to speak to detectives, Iozzi said. His partner in crime fled the scene; he is described as a white male, 5’8” to 5’9”, with a slim build. He was wearing a black hoodie and

Police Identify Burglar Shot by Leesburg Homeowner Read More »

Man who Reportedly Jumped from Tavares Bridge Identified

TAVARES, Florida—The man who was found dead Wednesday after apparently jumping from Dead River Bridge has been identified by Tavares Police Department. Michael Wayne Newman, 50, of the Bassville Park area of Leesburg was found after a witness reported seeing him jump from the bridge around 5 p.m. Wednesday, TPD Lt. Sarah Coursey told Inside Lake.   First responders used sonar technology to quickly find Newman after receiving the report. There is no known cause of death at this time, “We are awaiting results from the medical examiner’s office,” Coursey said. The case remains under investigation.

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Leesburg Homeowner Shoots Would-Be Burglar, 2nd Suspect on the Loose

LEESBURG, FLORIDA—Two would-be burglars got more than they bargained for Monday morning when one of them was shot by the homeowner they were trying to steal from, according to Leesburg Police Department. Two men entered a residence on Flora View Lane and the homeowner opened fire, shooting one of them, an LPD Facebook post stated Monday. The suspect was taken to a local trauma center for his injuries and the second suspect fled.  The homeowner was not injured. LPD established a perimeter for the second suspect, who is described as a white male, 5’8” to 5’9” with a slim build,

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Eustis Police Saturate Areas Targeted in Vehicle Burglaries, Arrest 3 Suspects, on the Hunt for More

EUSTIS, Florida—In response to an uptick in vehicle burglaries over the last several weeks, Eustis Police Department saturated the targeted areas of the city with officers over the last week and busted three burglars and they are on the hunt for a fourth, EPD Capt. Jon Fahning told Inside Lake Friday afternoon. Numerous neighborhoods in both EPD jurisdiction and Lake County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction in Grand Island have been hit with thieves, in addition to several neighborhoods in the city, including, but not limited to, Blue Lake Estates, Misty Oaks, Summer Glen, Brookshire, Horizon Oaks and Hillcrest over the past

Eustis Police Saturate Areas Targeted in Vehicle Burglaries, Arrest 3 Suspects, on the Hunt for More Read More »

Man Allows 6-year-old Son to “Drive,” Crashes into Light Pole

LEESBURG, Florida—A man who put his 6-year-old son on his lap and allowed him to steer his vehicle right into a light pole was arrested Friday for child abuse and no driver license, according to an arrest affidavit. Josue Suarez-Zeledon, 38, told Leesburg Police his 6-year-old asked him if he could drive around 3:30 p.m. Friday. Suarez-Zeledon pulled over near the intersection of South Street and South Lone Oak Drive and put his son on his lap, the affidavit states. Suarez-Zeledon was controlling the gas and brake pedals while the boy was steering, he told police. The vehicle began traveling

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Barking Dog Alerts Showering Couple to Intruder in their Home

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg couple’s shower was interrupted last week when their dog alerted them to a woman in their home who was armed with a kitchen knife, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police responded to an apartment on Birchwood Court around 6:40 a.m. June 1 on a report of a burglary. When they arrived, they found Jayla L. Tart, 19, who lives in the same apartment complex as the victims, sitting on the couch yelling obscenities at police, clutching the knife with both hands, according to the affidavit. Police tried to calm the situation and Tart finally threw the

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Woman Accused of Slashing Temporary Roommate with Knife

LEESBURG, Florida—A woman temporarily staying with a man in Leesburg slashed him with a pocketknife last week when he came back to the apartment they were sharing to make sure she moved out, according to an arrest affidavit. Meghan Simpson Borsher, 49, was arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after her roommate told Leesburg Police Department, she slashed him in the arm with the knife when he demanded she leave the apartment. The man told LPD he moved his belongings out of the apartment on Washington Street May 31 and came back the following day to make sure

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Leesburg Man Killed in Saturday Evening Crash

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg man was killed in a single vehicle crash Saturday night, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. A witness told LPD, a 2011 Hyundai SUV being driven by Douglas Crews, was southbound on U.S. Highway 27 near Corley Island Road, when it hit a curb, overcorrected and rolled over several times, Iozzi said in a press release. Crews was ejected and pronounced dead on the scene. The crash closed a section of the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27 for about six hours Saturday night and remains under investigation.

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Man Released from Prison 3 Months Ago Arrested for Trafficking after Tossing Multiple Bags of Meth in Mount Dora Monday

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Leesburg man released from prison less than three months ago is being held in the Lake County Jail on $25,000 bond after he tossed multiple bags of methamphetamine in a yard in front of Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives, according to an arrest affidavit. LCSO detectives requested a marked patrol unit pull over a tan Chevy Impala that was involved in an investigation in the area North Orange Street in Mount Dora around 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon. When the marked deputy arrived in the area, the Impala was parked at a home and started moving a brief

Man Released from Prison 3 Months Ago Arrested for Trafficking after Tossing Multiple Bags of Meth in Mount Dora Monday Read More »

Young Woman Killed in State Road 44 Crash Identified

EUSTIS, Florida—The woman killed in a crash Tuesday morning in unincorporated Eustis has been identified as Rebecca Daily, by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 60. In a Facebook post Wednesday, LCSO Explorer Post 60 stated, “We are heartbroken today as we let our supporters and past members and friends know of a big loss to our post family. Rebecca Daily, a post member for 5 years died tragically in a vehicle accident yesterday in Eustis. Rebecca was 21 years old. Prayers for her family, and friends as we all grieve this unbelievable loss.” According to the Florida Highway

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Man Admits to Using Heroin Before Tavares Crash that Killed 75-year-old Woman

TAVARES, Florida—The man arrested for vehicular manslaughter in the death of a 75-year-old woman Friday told medical personnel and a Tavares Police officer he used heroin about an hour before the crash, according to an arrest affidavit. Brenten Kyler Salerno, 26, is accused of fleeing the head-on crash that killed Melissa Ellen Kroeger, 75, shortly before 2 p.m. Friday. Kroeger was in a 2021 white Kia SUV on Dead River Road near Oak Drive when she was struck by a 2008 gray Nissan Altima being driven Salerno, of Leesburg. Salerno fled the crash scene and was located by a TPD

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Leesburg Woman Killed in State Road 44 Crash Tuesday Morning

EUSTIS, Florida— The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 21-year-old Leesburg woman Tuesday morning. The woman was westbound on State Road 44 near Bottany Woods Drive just after 8:30 a.m. in a 2003 Ford Ranger when she veered onto the shoulder, overcorrected and entered the eastbound path of a 2021 Ford Ranger hauling a trailer. The 2021 Ranger was being driven by a 45-year-old Groveland man, according to FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi. The two Rangers collided, and the 2021 Ranger overturned and came to a final rest on its roof, the driver suffered minor injuries and

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