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Teenager Who Shot at Cops Transferred to Lake County Jail, Volusia Sheriff Says Missing Dad’s Body Found  

Editor’s Note: A YouTube link to dash cams and body cams released by LCSO is available at the bottom of the story. Due to its policies, YouTube has restricted the video to viewers aged 18 and up. TAVARES, Florida—The teenager accused of shooting at Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Mount Dora Police officers Monday was transferred to the Lake County Jail Thursday—the same day his father’s body was found. Jonny Ze Guiseppe Santiago, 18, is being held in LCJ on no bond on three charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding and discharging a […]

Teenager Who Shot at Cops Transferred to Lake County Jail, Volusia Sheriff Says Missing Dad’s Body Found   Read More »

EPD Nabs Accused Vehicle Burglar Less than an Hour After his Alleged Crime

EUSTIS, Florida—An accused vehicle burglar is behind bars after he was caught on video entering one vehicle and attempting to enter a second one, according to an arrest affidavit. Eustis Police responded to Blue Lake Estates off State Road 44 after a victim reported a possible vehicle burglary shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday. The victim allowed police to view video surveillance from his home that showed a man entering a vehicle and attempting to enter a second one, according to the affidavit. About an hour later, EPD found Damon Cornelius Evans, 33, of Eustis, walking about a mile away from

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LCSO Sergeant Arrested for Solicitation of Prostitution

UPDATE: This story now contains Stone’s mugshot that was released after press time. TAVARES, Florida—A Lake County Sheriff’s Office sergeant has been arrested for solicitation of prostitution after an investigation found he paid someone for sex for 8 months, with one encounter allegedly occurring on duty. Sgt. Scott Stone, a 17-year veteran of LCSO turned himself in to the Lake County Jail on the warrant, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said in a press release. In March, LCSO received “vague information from a citizen who advised there was a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office who was possibly paying for sex,” Herrell

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Teenager who Shot at Lake County Law Enforcement a Person of Interest in Father’s Disappearance, Volusia Deputies Say

MOUNT DORA, Florida—The teenager who fled Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Mount Dora Police Officers before firing shots at them on Donnelly Street is a person of interest in the disappearance of his father, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO.) VSO was searching for Johnny Santiago, 18, after receiving a call from Santiago’s mother, who was in New York, shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday. The woman said she was on the phone with her husband, Juan Santiago, 52, when she heard him arguing with Johnny. She heard a loud noise and the phone disconnected. She has not spoken

Teenager who Shot at Lake County Law Enforcement a Person of Interest in Father’s Disappearance, Volusia Deputies Say Read More »

Man Arrested After Putting his Meth on Police Department Bench

EUSTIS, Florida—A man was arrested Saturday after walking into Eustis Police Department and emptying his pockets of the methamphetamine he was carrying, according to an arrest affidavit. Eustis Police officers responded to EPD, 51 East Norton Avenue, shortly before 11:30 a.m. on a report of a suspicious person. When the first officer arrived, he found Anthony Maurice Bales, 25, of Eustis, in the lobby. On the bench next to where Bales was standing, the officer observed two small bags of a substance, later identified as methamphetamine, a pack of Swisher Sweets cigarillos and a blue pen, according to the affidavit.

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Wanted Suspect Shot at least once after Opening Fire on Law Enforcement

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A 18-year-old suspect wanted by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office was shot at least once by law enforcement Monday after shooting at them, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect’s truck was spotted by Eagle One, LCSO’s helicopter, after LCSO received information the suspect may be in Lake County, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. “We were looking for that vehicle,” Herrell said. According to a social media post by Volusia Sheriff’s Office, a white Ford F-150 related to a suspicious incident in Deltona fled from both Volusia County and Seminole County deputies Monday morning. The Deltona man

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Roommate Arrested in Death of Altoona Man who Suffered before Dying

TAVARES, Florida—A man already in the Lake County Jail for moving a man’s body and covering it with a sheet and couch cushions has been charged in his death, according to a probable cause affidavit. Jesse “Cracker” Franklin Hill, 42, was arrested May 27 on a charge of tampering with evidence and is now facing a manslaughter charge, in the death of his roommate, Ernie Wayne Wilburn, 44, in Altoona in May. On May 4, Hill made two “cryptic” emergency calls to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and deputies responded to 19331 East Altoona Road and found Wilburn covered in

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Crash Claims Life of Groveland Man, CR 33 Remains Closed Friday Night

UPDATE 9:36 p.m.: County 33 has reopened. GROVELAND, FLORIDA—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a single-car crash that killed a Groveland man Friday afternoon. The 23-year-old man was southbound on County Road 33 around 5:30 p.m. near Odom Lane when he ran off for the road for unknown reasons, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The 2004 Monte Carlo he was driving collided with a utility pole and he was transported to Blue Cedar Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was wearing a seatbelt. County Road 33 remained closed at 9 p.m. Friday between Simon Brown

Crash Claims Life of Groveland Man, CR 33 Remains Closed Friday Night 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 Pointing Gun at Trio, “I’m Going to Cap All 3 of Y’all!”

UMATILLA, Florida—A man who allegedly threatened a group of people with a gun scaring a woman so much she urinated on herself, is being held in the Lake County Jail on $26,000 bond. Jeremy Forest Mitchell, 29, is accused of accosting the woman about some money she allegedly owed him Saturday, according to an arrest affidavit. The woman told a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy she was riding her bicycle with her friend on State Road 19 Saturday night when Mitchell came up on his skateboard asking about the money. Her boyfriend apparently saw the altercation, approached Mitchell, and asked, “Why

Man Accused of Pointing Gun at Trio, “I’m Going to Cap All 3 of Y’all!” Read More »

Uniformed Apopka Police Officer Driving Marked Patrol Car Arrested for DUI, Blew Nearly 5 Times the Legal Limit, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—An Apopka Police officer is on administrative leave with pay after being arrested for DUI in his marked patrol car, in full uniform and blowing nearly five times the legal limit on Independence Day. Oscar Mayorga, a 5-year veteran of APD, was assigned to the patrol division and was scheduled to work Monday, according to a statement released by APD Sgt. Kim Walsh. Just after 6 p.m. Monday, Eustis Police received a report of a reckless driver from a witness who said a marked Apopka Police car was unable to maintain its lane near U.S. Highway 441 and Donnelly

Uniformed Apopka Police Officer Driving Marked Patrol Car Arrested for DUI, Blew Nearly 5 Times the Legal Limit, Police Say Read More »

Tragic End to Search for Lake Yale Missing Boater on Independence Day

EUSTIS, Florida—The body of a boater missing since Saturday afternoon has been found. Helicopters could be heard flying over Lake Yale as soon as the sun was up on Monday morning, and the man was found around 7 a.m., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Public Information Officer Chad Weber said in a press release.   The man was identified as Nicholas Kenley, by his wife Christina, in several Facebook group posts Monday morning and by Weber, late Monday morning. “The FWC would like to extend its condolences to the family during this difficult time,” Weber said in the

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Still No Sign of Missing Boater on Lake Yale

EUSTIS, Florida— The man who went missing on Lake Yale Saturday afternoon still has not been found. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) began searching for the man at daybreak Sunday, FWC Public Information Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake Sunday afternoon. The afternoon storms hampered their efforts, but several boats were still on the water searching around 4:30 p.m., Weber said. “We’re still continuing search and rescue efforts,” he said. Officers will continue to stay on the water unless the weather gets too bad, or lightning becomes an issue. FWC

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FWC and LCSO Searching for Missing Boater on Lake Yale

EUSTIS, Florida—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) are searching for a boater who went missing on Lake Yale Saturday afternoon. Officers and deputies are searching for an adult male and it is unknown if he was wearing a life vest. Numerous boats from FWC and LCSO, along with Lake EMS have been staged at Marsh Park off County Road 452 for several hours. LCSO received the call about the missing boater from an individual who was on the same boat and LCSO notified FWC around 3:15 p.m., FWC Public Information Officer

FWC and LCSO Searching for Missing Boater on Lake Yale Read More »

Tavares Police Investigating Second Armed Robbery in Less than a Week

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police are investigating another armed robbery—the second one is less than a week. Shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday, TPD and Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Golden Ox Liquors, 305 E. Burleigh Boulevard on a report of an armed robbery. The victim told police two black males with their faces covered, entered the store through the front door armed with guns, according to a report. The two suspects approached the cash register, pointed their guns at the victim and demanded money. The victim complied and gave the robbers an undisclosed amount of cash, the report states. The

Tavares Police Investigating Second Armed Robbery in Less than a Week 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

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

Tavares Names New Police Chief

TAVARES, Florida—There will be a new police chief in town Aug. 31. Tavares Police Lt. Sarah Coursey has been appointed as the new chief by City Administrator John Drury and will succeed current Chief Stoney Lubins when he retires Aug. 31 after 30 years at TPD and 21 years as chief. “Over the past 21 years, under the leadership of Chief Lubins, TPD has continued to aggressively fight crime, innovate with new technology, and further increase transparency with our community,” Drury said in a press release. “It’s been an honor to work together with Chief Lubins to protect and serve

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Lake County Firefighter Fighting for his Life After 2 Masses Found on his Brain

PAISLEY, Florida—A Lake County Fire Rescue firefighter is fighting for his life after two masses were found on his brain after being rushed to the hospital earlier this month. Blake Kocielko, 28, of Deltona, was rushed to Central Florida Regional Medical Center in Sanford after experiencing blurred vision and sudden dizziness while at home on June 19, according to a GoFundMe started by his brother Colton. Colton also works for Lake County Fire Rescue and is currently working on his firefighter certification, he told Inside Lake. Blake went through testing and two masses were found and one was determined to

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Tavares Police Searching for 2 Armed Robbers

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday night, TPD Lt. Sarah Coursey told Inside Lake. TPD patrol officers responded to Sun Foods, 1165 East Alfred Street after a customer reported the robbery, according to a report. Two black males, with their faces covered, entered the store and demanded money from the clerk, the witness said. The robbers took an undisclosed amount of money from the register and one of the males fired a shot, hitting some canned sodas, and they fled the scene on foot, Coursey said. A TPD detective responded,

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Man Wanted for Shooting at Man in Feud Over Woman Arrested

EUSTIS, Florida—A man who has been on the run for over a month for a shooting in an apparent feud over a woman in early May was picked up earlier this week on multiple charges stemming from the shooting. On May 7, Eustis Police Department responded to El Sereno Apartments, 600 North Grove Street on a report of a shooting. The victim told police he was walking to his apartment when he felt like someone was behind him; he turned around and saw a man he recognized as Cameron Deon Blair, 19, pointing a gun at him. Blair fired three

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Umatilla Man Accused of Hugging and Trying to Kiss Girl, 11

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla man has bonded out of jail on child abuse and battery charges after an 11-year-old girl accused him of hugging her, rubbing her legs and trying to kiss her, according to an arrest affidavit. Umatilla Police Department responded to a home Monday after the girl reported to her parents Hector Laguna-Ruiz, 47, touched her. She said Laguna-Ruiz hugged her and tried to kiss her several times and she pushed him away and told him to leave, when he came into her room around 1 a.m., the affidavit states. She said Laguna-Ruiz left and returned 20 minutes later

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Witness Tells FHP Bicyclist was Struck by at Least 1 Vehicle after Hit and Run Crash

FOUR CORNERS, Florida—A 35-year-old Lakeland man was killed in the early morning hours Friday as the result of a hit and run and at least one vehicle running him over, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was riding a bicycle southbound at 4:45 a.m. on U.S. Highway 27 near U.S. Highway 192 in the bicycle lane when an unknown vehicle failed to maintain the outside lane and struck the bicyclist, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The impact ejected the bicyclist and he landed in the outside lane, where a witness saw at least one

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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

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

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 »

Teenager Arrested for Crashing into Patrol Car while Trying to Flee Deputies

CLERMONT, Florida—A teenager is facing four criminal charges after crashing a stolen car into the back of a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s patrol car while trying to flee around 4 a.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest affidavit. LCSO received information a stolen white Dodge Dart was entering Lake County and located it around State Road 50 and East Avenue and several deputies attempted a rolling roadblock. The 16-year-old driver veered across State Road 50 and crashed into a deputy’s marked cruiser, according to the affidavit. The Orlando boy fled into a nearby parking lot and performed a U-turn and

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Man Arrested more than a Dozen Times since 2016 Accused of Fleeing Tavares Police

TAVARES, Florida—A man who is no stranger to the law has been arrested again—his 15th felony arrest in Lake County since 2016, according to Lake County Clerk of Court online records. Austin Dean Chaudoin, 26, of Astatula is accused of fleeing Tavares Police officers Saturday and having drugs on him when a detective caught up with him Sunday, an arrest affidavit states. A TPD detective was getting gas Saturday around 1 a.m. when he spotted Chaudoin pull up to a nearby gas pump. The detective recognized Chaudoin from past involvements and found the tag was expired on the white Dodge

Man Arrested more than a Dozen Times since 2016 Accused of Fleeing Tavares Police Read More »

Gift Card Scheme Lands Longtime Police Department Employee in Hot Water

EUSTIS, Florida—A police support coordinator accused of defrauding Eustis Police Department of $6,665 worth of gift cards, abruptly resigned and she is facing a criminal charge, according to an internal investigation obtained only by Inside Lake. Pam Gordon, who has worked at EPD for 19 years, is alleged to have altered invoices submitted to the City of Eustis finance department to hide complimentary gift cards from a marketing company, the report states. In early May, an EPD sergeant opened a package containing promotional materials for EPD and found an envelope containing nine $25 Amazon gift cards. The sergeant thought it

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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

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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.

Man who Reportedly Jumped from Tavares Bridge Identified Read More »

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,

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

Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla Saturday Morning

UMATILLA, Florida—A 64-year-old DeLand man was killed when he failed to negotiate a curve on County Road 450 Saturday morning, the Florida Highway patrol said Saturday. Shortly before 10:45 a.m., the man was traveling eastbound on a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he failed the negotiate a curve on County Road 450, also known as East Collins Street, near 9th Avenue, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The motorcycle left the roadway and overturned; the man was pronounced dead on the scene. He was not wearing a helmet. The crash remains under investigation.

Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla Saturday Morning Read More »

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 »

Body Located in Water During Search for Man Who Jumped from Dead River Bridge

TAVARES, Florida—A body has been found by first responders who were searching for a man who was spotted jumping off Dead River Bridge Wednesday afternoon. The man had not been identified at press time. When he is identified, police must notify next of kin before releasing the man’s name. A witness called Tavares Police Department shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday and reported seeing a man jump from Dead River Bridge and Tavares Police quickly responded and asked for assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, Lt. Sarah Coursey told Inside Lake. A pair of shoes was found in

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Witness Reports Seeing Man Jump off Bridge, Tavares Police and LCSO Dive Team Searching

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team are looking for a man who possibly jumped off Dead River Bridge Wednesday afternoon, according to TPD Lt. Sarah Coursey. A witness called TPD Wednesday afternoon and reported they saw a man jump off the bridge; TPD responded to the area and requested the assistance of the LCSO Dive Team, “We are working with LCSO to thoroughly investigate the situation,” Coursey told Inside Lake. First responders used sonar technology to scan the water and found an anomaly, Coursey said. A pair of shoes were also found floating in

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Eustis Fire Inspector Arrested for Domestic Violence

EUSTIS, Florida—A fire inspector for Eustis Fire Department has been arrested for domestic violence, according to an arrest affidavit. The affidavit states, on Tuesday, a member of Eustis Police Department’s command staff accessed a former employee’s computer and observed messages between the former employee and her husband, Adam John Gordon, 50, on June 5. In the messages, Gordon tells the victim he is leaving her, and she accuses him of hitting her at least 10 times and in turn, he accuses her of biting him and pushing him. The messages also included several photos of the victim that included swelling,

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Umatilla Man Nabbed for Admittedly Smashing ATM

UMATILLA, Florida—A man who inconvenienced numerous people in Umatilla last month by admittedly breaking a Bank of America ATM, was picked up on a warrant for the crime Thursday, according to jail records. Several witnesses told Umatilla Police Department, a man, later identified as Michael Allen Connell, 31, punched and used pliers to hit the ATM located in the shopping center that includes Pizza Hut and Save-A-Lot on Central Avenue May 25. Connell broke the machine and caused more than $4,600 worth of damage, before he rode away on his bicycle, according to an arrest affidavit. Connell went to a

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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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Registered Sex Offender Accused of Exposing Himself to 2 Teenagers at Park Last Weekend

CLERMONT, Florida—A 74-year-old registered sex offender was nabbed at Clermont’s Waterfront Park Saturday after being accused of exposing himself to two teenagers, according to an arrest affidavit. Clermont Police responded to the park around 5 p.m. Saturday and the two victims, approximately 13 years old, said a man, later identified at Victor Manuel Nieves-Mendez, watched them from across the park and then unzipped his pants and exposed himself, according to the affidavit. The victims’ guardian yelled at Nieves-Mendez and said she was going to call law enforcement. Nieves-Mendez fled and ran into Lake Minneola and hid under a boat dock,

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Tavares Man Reported for Reckless Driving on Golf Cart Arrested for DUI Friday

TAVARES, Florida—A call about a reckless golf cart driver landed a Tavares man in jail, for DUI Friday night after he ran from police and admitted he had been drinking wine all night and was drunk, according to an arrest affidavit. Tavares Police responded to the downtown area around 9:15 p.m. Friday on a report of a man driving a golf cart who almost struck a pedestrian. The complainant stated the man was possibly drunk and possibly being aggressive with people. The man, later identified as Robert William Lodsin, 51, was pulling out of a parking lot as TPD arrived

Tavares Man Reported for Reckless Driving on Golf Cart Arrested for DUI Friday Read More »

2 Juveniles Arrested in Downtown Airsoft Shootings, Mount Dora Police Still Working to Identify Suspects in Eudora Road Incident

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Mount Dora Police Department has arrested two juveniles for shooting people downtown with airsoft guns Friday, according to the city’s spokesperson, Vershurn Ford. The two juveniles were arrested for battery and their names are not being released; the airsoft gun used in the shooting has been recovered, according to Ford. A second incident on Eudora Road Saturday is still unsolved, Ford said in a press release. In that incident, a pedestrian was walking down Eudora Road when he was struck in the leg and near one of his eyes, Ford said. Police released photos of vehicles used in

2 Juveniles Arrested in Downtown Airsoft Shootings, Mount Dora Police Still Working to Identify Suspects in Eudora Road Incident Read More »

Clermont 5-year-old and 3 Adults Killed in Early Morning Crash, CR 561 Shutdown, Troopers Say

CLERMONT, Florida—A 5-year-old girl and three adults were killed just after midnight Wednesday when the Dodge Durango they were traveling in left the roadway and struck a tree, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The 2008 Durango being driven by a 24-year-old Orlando man was traveling southbound on County Road 561 when it failed to negotiate a curve near Florida Boys Ranch Road in unincorporated Clermont. The Durango ran off the road and struck a tree. The driver, a 48-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, all of Orlando and a 5-year-old Clermont girl were all

Clermont 5-year-old and 3 Adults Killed in Early Morning Crash, CR 561 Shutdown, Troopers Say Read More »

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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Man Causes $50K Damage to Clermont Business, Bites Groveland Police Officer

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont man already in the Lake County Jail facing serious charges now stands accused of driving through a rollup door and causing $50,000 damage to a local business last month. Adaly Flores Flores, 30, of Clermont, was arrested shortly before 8 p.m. May 26 after allegedly striking multiple vehicles in Groveland’s Cypress Oaks neighborhood, striking a portable potty, light poles and finally crashing into a retention pond, before charging toward a witness and running through a retention pond into a marshy area, according to an arrest affidavit. Groveland Police officers and a Florida Highway Patrol trooper located Flores

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Woman Suspected of DUI Flees 3-Car Crash in Porsche, Captured in Nearby Parking Lot after Witness Follows Her

EUSTIS, Florida—A 62-year-old woman suspected of DUI caused a three-vehicle crash, fled the scene and was captured by Eustis Police after a witness followed her May 31, according to an arrest affidavit. Elfriede Schafer Stewart is accused driving a dark-colored Porsche and rear-ending a white GMC that caused another collision with a gold Chevy shortly before 1:15 p.m. near County Road 19A and U.S. Highway 441 last Tuesday, according to the affidavit. Stewart, of Eustis, fled the scene with the Porsche’s hood up obstructing her view, and a witness followed her to Eustis Plaza, less than a mile away. The

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Ray Bryant Jr., Community Leader and Volunteer, Passes Away Unexpectedly

UMATILLA, Florida—A well-known and well-loved community leader unexpectedly passed away last week. Social media posts began flooding Facebook, just a few hours after Ray “Ray Ray” Bryant, 55, died Wednesday. Bryant, of Altoona, was the owner and sensei of Central Florida Karate in Umatilla for more than 30 years and later, Central Florida Karate 2 in Mount Dora, according to his obituary. He impacted hundreds of children’s lives in the community through karate and founded Alee Academy in Eustis. Katie Mansfield, of Eustis, who trained with Bryant for five years when she was a child, told Inside Lake she was

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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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11-Time Convicted Felon Accused of Stealing Running Car Out of Restaurant Parking Lot

EUSTIS, Florida—A man with 11 felony convictions and a prior arrest for grand theft auto stole a running car out of the parking lot of a local restaurant May 27, according to Eustis Police Department. Robert Eugene Marks Sr., 47, who is listed as homeless, went into Double Take Pizza, 403 North Grove Street, shortly before 9:30 p.m. demanding free food and claiming he had $847 million in the bank while he moved the restaurant’s tip jar closer to him, according to an arrest affidavit. An employee took the tip jar and told Marks to leave. Witnesses told police Marks

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Mascotte Woman Accused of Public Assistance Fraud

MASCOTTE, Florida—A woman picked up on a warrant for public assistance fraud, earned nearly $60,000 in 22 months, but claimed she only made $300 per week, according to a criminal complaint. Rebecca Linda Rojas, 35, of Mascotte, is accused of stealing more than $4,100 in food stamp benefits and nearly $170 in Medicaid benefits between May 2019 and December 2020, according to the complaint filed by an investigator with the Florida Department of Financial Services. Rojas was taken into custody by Mascotte Police Department May 28 and transported to the Lake County Jail, where she was released on $2,000 bond.

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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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Mount Dora Police Chief Resigns

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A local city that has been in turmoil for several years is without a police chief—again. Inside Lake obtained a copy of the resignation letter late Wednesday afternoon. Brett Meade tendered the resignation to Mount Dora City Manager Patrick Comiskey Wednesday, it stated in part, “It is apparent that you and I have different viewpoints, which requires a change in leadership.” Comiskey was named city manager in November 2021, after former City Manager Robin Hayes and the city “agreed to part ways” in April 2021. Meade plans to utilize vacation time until his last official day, June 10,

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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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Fatality Closes Major Tavares Intersection Tuesday

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department in investigating a crash that resulted in the death of one person Tuesday morning, according to TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Dora Avenue and David Walker Drive and closed the intersection and a portion of Dora Avenue. At press time, the road had been closed for more than two hours. One person was killed and TPD is not releasing the person’s identity, pending notification of next of kin, Sullivan said. This is a developing story.

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Eustis Woman Accused of Stealing from her Leesburg Job and a Retail Store in Mount Dora During March Crime Spree

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Eustis woman with a lengthy criminal history including numerous narcotics and theft charges dating back to 2009, was picked up on two warrants last week, one accusing her of stealing from her job in Leesburg and another accusing her of failing to pay for her items at a store’s self-checkout in Mount Dora. Brenna Lee Harmon, 34, is accused of stealing nearly $450 during two server shifts at City Star Diner, 10322 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg on March 12 and March 13, according to a probable cause affidavit. The owner of the diner told Leesburg Police Department

Eustis Woman Accused of Stealing from her Leesburg Job and a Retail Store in Mount Dora During March Crime Spree Read More »

Leesburg Man Arrested for Vehicular Manslaughter in Death of Tavares Woman Friday

TAVARES, Florida—A 75-year-old Tavares woman was killed Friday afternoon in what Tavares Police Department believes was a head-on crash, according to TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. Melissa Ellen Kroeger was in a 2021 white Kia SUV on Dead River Road near Oak Drive shortly before 2 p.m. Friday when she was struck, possibly head-on, by a 2008 gray Nissan Altima being driven by Brenten Kyler Salerno, 26, of Leesburg. “The accident appears to be a head-on collision,” Sullivan said. “A further investigation conducted by our Traffic Homicide Unit will reveal further facts and details about what occurred.” Salerno fled

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Jewelry Store Employee Who Admitted Stealing Nearly $2,000 in Merchandise said She Took it Home By Accident

LEESBURG, Florida—A woman who wore stolen jewelry to work at the place she stole it from turned herself into Leesburg Police Department Thursday afternoon, according to an arrest affidavit. Payton Elaine Alexander, 25, of the Marion County portion of unincorporated Umatilla, stands accused of stealing jewelry from Piercing Pagoda, located inside Lake Square Mall, while she worked there from November 2021 through February, when the thefts were discovered. In February, Piercing Pagoda’s Senior Manager of Loss Prevention emailed a Leesburg Police Department detective and asked if there were any pawn hits on Alexander and there were none. The manager sent

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“Irate” Woman Upset about the Care of her Animals Accused of Pepper Spraying Child, 3 Adults

CLERMONT, Florida—A Davenport woman apparently upset about the way someone was caring for her animals, pepper sprayed three adults and a child last week and is now facing three counts of battery, one count of child abuse and one county of burglary, according to an arrest affidavit. Dominique M. Glaspey, 19, was “extremely upset” that the woman who was caring for her animals left one inside of a vehicle while she went into a local business, according to the affidavit. Glaspey went to the woman’s home on Greater Groves Boulevard in unincorporated Clermont Saturday night and wanted her animals back,

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Lake County Sheriff’s Office Detective Fired Following Internal Investigation into 2 Off-Duty Traffic Stops

TAVARES, Florida—A Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective was fired earlier this month following an internal affairs investigation into two separate traffic stops by Eustis Police Department. Kejuan Monroe was a backseat passenger in a vehicle pulled over for speeding on Bay Street on Feb. 26, according to the internal affairs report. When the EPD officer activated her emergency lights, the car, being driven by a friend of Monroe’s failed to immediately stop and continued for nearly half of a mile before finally pulling over. When the EPD officer approached the car, Monroe stuck his LCSO identification card out of the

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Lake County Woman Charged with Murder in 2021 Hernando County Jail Overdose Death

HERNANDO COUNTY, Florida—A 28-year-old Lake County woman is locked up in the Hernando County Detention Center on no bond facing several charges, including first degree murder, for providing the fentanyl that killed her cellmate in 2021. According to a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office probable cause affidavit, Lauren Ann Moon, 28, concealed pills in her vagina when she was booked into the Hernando County Jail on Sept. 27, 2021, for two counts of failure to appear. Moon was not given a body cavity search because she falsely claimed to be pregnant, “This was a deliberate act to bypass the body scanner

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Man Dropped Off at Hospital with Multiple Gunshot Wounds Lied About His Identity, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—The man who was dropped off at AdventHealth Waterman Hospital early Sunday lied to police about who he was and where the shooting happened, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri said late Monday. Sherrod Lequan Whiley, 30, gave police a different name after they responded to AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in the early morning hours Sunday. Two females dropped Whiley off after he suffered a beating and four gunshot wounds, Capri told Inside Lake. The incident caused the hospital to be placed on lockdown for nearly an hour, Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake Sunday. Whiley,

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Man Vandalizes Mom’s Apartment, Texts Her to Tell Her About it

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Fort Pierce man destroyed his mom’s apartment and texted her to tell her about it, according to an arrest affidavit. Brett Barton Moorhouse, 34, texted his mom Sunday afternoon and said he was headed over, she told Lady Lake Police. The woman told Moorhouse he was not welcome, and he later texted her and stated, “Go check your apartment I made it up just for you. I admit everything 100%.” The victim sent family members to check on her home and when they arrived, they found the door unlocked, the affidavit states. They opened the door, found

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Second Lake County Student Found with Loaded Gun at School in a Week

MOUNT DORA, Florida—For the second time in a week a Lake County Schools student has been found with a loaded gun on campus. A Mount Dora Middle School guidance counselor received information that two students were seen vaping on the soccer field Friday. The guidance counselor asked for the school resource officer (SRO) to assist her, and they were able to identify the two students on video surveillance, according to an arrest affidavit. After identifying the boys, the principal and the SRO pulled one of them out of his classroom to search him for the vape. The boy, 15, denied

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Man Dropped Off at Hospital with Multiple Gunshot Wounds, Expected to Survive

TAVARES, Florida—A man was shot multiple times early Sunday, causing AdventHealth Waterman Hospital to be placed on lockdown, according to Tavares Police Department. Marcus McGowan, 28, was dropped off by two females at the hospital with four gunshot wounds to his arms and legs, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake.  He is expected to survive. Police have identified the females who dropped him off, an EPD detective close to the investigation told Inside Lake. The shooting caused AdventHealth Waterman Hospital to be placed on lockdown, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. Lockdowns are a precautionary

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Paisley Man Killed Early Sunday after Crashing into Tree

ALTOONA, Florida—A 36-Paisley man was killed early Sunday morning after crashing into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was traveling northbound on State Road 19 around 2 a.m., when the sedan he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree near County Road 445, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. He was pronounced dead on the scene, and he was not wearing a seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation.

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License Plate Reader Alerts Police to Stolen Vehicle, 130 Cocaine Pills Found  

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Georgia man busted Wednesday with 130 pressed pills that tested positive for cocaine is facing a trafficking charge and being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond due to a probation violation. Corey Michael Payton, 43, of Douglas, Georgia, was pulled over near the intersection of U.S. Highway 27/441 and Water Oak Boulevard after a license plate reader alerted Lady Lake Police a stolen vehicle had entered the town, according to an arrest affidavit. Lady Lake Police detained Payton and began to inventory the vehicle before having it towed and found a prescription bottle in

License Plate Reader Alerts Police to Stolen Vehicle, 130 Cocaine Pills Found   Read More »

No Tag Light Leads to Trafficking Arrest, Woman Held on $82K Bond

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—A woman who was at a known drug house and driving around with no taillights was arrested for a variety of drug offenses early Tuesday, including two trafficking charges, according to an arrest affidavit. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling the area of Palm Street in Fruitland Park early Tuesday morning when he spotted a red car in the driveway of a “known narcotics house,” around 1:30 a.m. “Due to my familiarity with the residence being heavily involved with narcotics users, I remained in the area even after the red car left the residence,” the deputy

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Sorrento Man Wanted for Setting Shed Ablaze, Beating Man with Pipe, Turns Himself in

SORRENTO, Florida—A man accused of attacking another man with a metal pipe and setting his shed ablaze, turned himself in at the Lake County Jail Monday and was released a few hours later. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on County Road 437 near State Road 46 around 11:15 p.m. April 29 in reference to an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to a probable cause affidavit. The male victim told LCSO, Shane L. Poole attacked him with a metal pipe, striking him all over his body and then set fire to a sheet that was

Sorrento Man Wanted for Setting Shed Ablaze, Beating Man with Pipe, Turns Himself in Read More »

Leesburg High Student Arrested with Gun on Campus

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg High School student was arrested Friday after he was found with a loaded gun in his backpack at school, according to an arrest affidavit. A teacher and an assistant principal responded to a classroom to assist a substitute teacher with three students who were possibly smoking a nicotine device around 9 a.m. Friday. The teacher and the AP removed the trio from the classroom and began walking them to an office and they were asked if they had anything they should not have; they submitted to a search, according to the affidavit. The teacher searched a 16-year-old

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Man Arrested for Ramming Trooper’s Car, Driving Recklessly in Mount Dora Construction Zone

MOUNT DORA, Florida—An Ocoee man is being held in the Lake County Jail on $37,000 bond for several charges after allegedly driving recklessly through a construction zone, fleeing a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and ramming the trooper’s car, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 10: 30 p.m. Sunday, a trooper was on Wolfbranch Road approaching U.S. Highway 441 when he spotted a Chevrolet pickup truck run the northbound red light on U.S. Highway 441. “It appeared as though the driver (later identified as Benton Wesley Smith) ‘stabbed’ the throttle intentionally and the rear end of the pickup broke traction,” the

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Fiery Crash Kills Man In Leesburg Friday

LEESBURG, Florida—A North Carolina man was killed Friday after a Lexus collided with the Cadillac he was driving, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. The preliminary investigation revealed Kenny Ray Amdahl, 69, of Hubbard North Carolina, was northbound on U.S. Highway 27/441 at Tally Road in a gold 1988 Cadillac when a silver 2019 Lexus being driven by Terrance Raghoonauth, 29, of Lauderdale, swerved into Amdahl’s lane, colliding with the Cadillac, Iozzi said in a press release. The Cadillac caught fire and Amdahl was pronounced dead on the scene, Iozzi said. Witnesses are encouraged to call LPD’s Traffic Unit

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Man Dead Following Altercation, Shooting in Daycare Parking Lot

GROVELAND, Florida—A man has died following a shooting at a Groveland daycare Thursday afternoon, according to Groveland Police Department. Two men got into a physical altercation around 4:15 p.m. in the parking lot of We Are The Future Academy, 207 Groveland Farms Road, which resulted in Stephan Jefferson being shot once, GPD spokesperson Sarah Panko said in a press release. Jefferson was transported by air to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, and the other man was transported to South Lake Hospital with minor injuries. “This was an isolated incident with no immediate threat to the community.

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Clermont Woman Ejected, Dies in Crash

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont woman died in a single-vehicle crash shortly after midnight Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 32-year-old woman was driving a 2015 Mercedes Benz SUV northbound on County Road 561 near Cypress Cove Lane when she lost control and left the roadway at 12:19 a.m. Wednesday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The woman collied with a tree stump, causing the SUV to overturn and eject her. She was pronounced dead on the scene, and she was not wearing a seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation.

Clermont Woman Ejected, Dies in Crash Read More »

Teenager Arrested for Bomb Threat at Eustis Wendy’s Last Month

EUSTIS, Florida—A prank phone call turned into a felony charge for a 14-year-old Tavares boy Tuesday when he was arrested for making a false bomb threat last month. Inside Lake is not naming the boy due to his age and the nature of the charge. Around 5:45 p.m. April 9, Eustis Police Department responded to Wendy’s, 2827 South Bay Street on a report of a bomb threat. Officers evacuated the building and parking lot and spoke with the manager who said he received a call on the restaurant’s main line around 5:30 p.m.; the caller asked, “Is this Wendy’s?” and

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Man Arrested for Stalking Uncle, Driving into his Fence in Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A man who allegedly has been harassing his uncle for about four months was arrested for several charges after being accused of driving a truck into a fence at his uncle’s home Monday morning and intimidating his uncle and his wife Monday evening. Around 7:15 a.m. David Dwayne Johnson, 45, is alleged to have driven his truck into his uncle and aunt’s fence on 11th Avenue, destroying about 20 feet of the fence, according to an arrest affidavit. The couple called Mount Dora Police Department to respond and told an officer Johnson had been harassing them for around

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Woman Stabs 2 People Sunday, Both Victims Airlifted

ALTOONA, Florida—A woman who told Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective she found the largest knife she could and “I never said it was self-defense” was arrested Mother’s Day for two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after stabbing two people, according to an arrest affidavit.  Shortly after 3:15 p.m. Sunday, LCSO responded to 20304 Green Wing Road in reference to a stabbing and found a large butcher knife with a blue handle, blood, and two victims; a female with a stab wound to her back and a man with a stab would to his left bicep, according to

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Couple’s Raunchy Escapade at Community Pool Lands Them in Jail

CLERMONT, Florida—A couple who apparently could not keep their hands off each other at a neighborhood pool and in the backseat of a patrol vehicle are each facing three counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition charges after Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies busted them in the act. A mom of three children, aged 4, 7 and 10 asked her friend to call LCSO around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, after she and her children witnessed Steven John Angrignon, 58 and Michelle Lynn Austin Lewis, 49, both of Clermont, involved in sexual activities at the community pool on Golden Eagle Boulevard in the

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Paisley Man Killed After SUV Strikes Tree Friday

DeLAND, Florida—A Paisley man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 52-year-old man was westbound shortly after noon Friday on County Road 42, near State Road 44 in the DeLand area of unincorporated Lake County, in a 2007 Mazda CX-7 when he left the roadway for an unknown reason a struck a tree, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The man was pronounced dead on the scene, and he was wearing his seatbelt, Montes said; the crash remains under investigation.

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Third Annual Back the Blue Walk Scheduled for Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Hundreds of people are expected to attend the third annual Lake County Backs the Blue Walk scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at Tavares’ Wooton Park. In its third 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 ones needed to know they were appreciated,” Cook said. Cook has always had respect for law enforcement officers

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LCSO Treating Suspicious Death in Altoona as a Homicide

ALTOONA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious death it is treating as a homicide, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. LCSO responded to 19331 East Altoona Road on a report of a dead man Wednesday and upon arrival found Ernie Wayne Wilburn, 44, deceased. Witnesses failed to provide an explanation as to what happened to Wilburn, Herrell said in a press release. The circumstances surrounding Wilburn’s death are “suspicious,” and his cause of death is not being released at this time, according to LCSO detectives. 

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Tavares Man Accused of Trying to Open Patrol Car Door and Take Deputy’s Gun

TAVARES, Florida—A man is being held in the Lake County Jail on $26,000 bond after getting into his neighbor’s vehicle, trying to get into a Lake County Sheriff’s Office patrol car and telling a deputy, “give me your gun, sir,” and trying to fight him for it, according to an arrest affidavit. LCSO deputies responded to the 12000 block of Lona Street around 6 p.m. Saturday, after receiving a report of a physical altercation. When the first deputy arrived and began to walk to the door of the residence, Jordan Michael Lanier, 32, started actively pulling on the door handle

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Man Arrested for Molestation the Day after Touching Teenage Girl at Local Store

CLERMONT, Florida—A man who smacked a 14-year-old on the buttocks as she walked through a local Walmart with her family was arrested for lewd or lascivious molestation Friday. The girl’s father told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy that a man, later identified as Derik Manuel Bonet-Rodriguez, 28, of Clermont, walked past his wife, daughter and an unnamed female and swung his right arm back and “intentionally struck the buttocks of the 14-year-old with an open hand,” at Walmart, 550 U. S. Highway 27, Clermont around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, the arrest affidavit states. The man then left on a bicycle

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Mount Dora Motorcyclist Killed after being Rear-Ended, Ejected Saturday Night

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A motorcyclist died Saturday night after he was rear-ended and thrown from his bike, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 64-year-old Mount Dora man was riding a 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Old U.S. Highway 441 when he slowed to make a left turn onto Holly Drive around 8:45 p.m., FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. A 2018 Hyundai being driven by a 34-year-old Mount Dora woman failed to slow and struck the back of the motorcycle as it approached the intersection, ejecting the rider. He was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares,

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Trio in Car Accused of Trying to Run Deputy Over Facing Litany of Charges

LEESBURG, Florida—The trio accused of being in a car that attempted to run over a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy are facing a litany of charges, according to several booking sheets. Jeffrey Elijah Gilbert, 20, of Orlando is facing the most serious charge, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle, after being accused of being the driver in Monday’s incident. According to LCSO, a deputy attempted a traffic stop near Water Oak Country Club Estates on a white Dodge Charger believed to be involved in a shoplifting incident at Walmart, 2501 Citrus Boulevard, Leesburg. Gilbert, along

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Naked Stroll through Umatilla Lands Man in Jail

UMATILLA, Florida—A nice leisurely naked stroll through Umatilla resulted in a trip to jail for a Fort Lauderdale man Thursday night. Stephen Robert Fauteux, 47, was arrested when he was found standing naked in front of Umatilla Police Department around 6: 10 p.m. Thursday. An officer was responding to a naked man walking in the area of State Road 19 and Golden Gem drive and as he left the department to respond, he was flagged down by two off-duty Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies who said the man was standing out front, according to an arrest affidavit. The officer went

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Clermont Woman Arrested and Held on $50K Bond for Shooting Husband in March and Leaving Him in Vegetative State

CLERMONT, Florida—A Clermont woman who shot her husband last month and left him in a vegetative state was arrested on a warrant for attempted murder Wednesday and is being held on $50,000 bond. Teresa Marie Kemme, 57, stands accused of shooting her husband during an altercation on March 27 at their home on Lake Katherine Circle. According to a probable cause affidavit, a witness told Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Kemme’s husband, who is not named, attempted to start a physical fight with Kemme’s son and Kemme walked into the home. The witness then walked the victim into the house

Clermont Woman Arrested and Held on $50K Bond for Shooting Husband in March and Leaving Him in Vegetative State Read More »

Former Firefighter Pleads No Contest in DUI Manslaughter Case, Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison

TAVARES, Florida—The former Eustis firefighter accused of killing a young woman while he was driving drunk has pleaded no contest to DUI manslaughter. According to Lake County Clerk of Court online records, Downs was sentenced to six years in prison and must serve at least four years, followed by four years on probation, $2,100 fine, community service, restitution, court costs and he will lose his driver license for the rest of his life. Downs, who was the deputy chief of the volunteer Umatilla Fire Department, an engineer medic at Eustis Fire Department, and former local paramedic of the year was later

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Leesburg Mother Charged with Neglect after Volusia Deputies Find 2 Children Unrestrained in Car Pulled Over for Speeding

DeLAND, Florida—A little more than a week after a devastating crash that killed two unrestrained Leesburg children; two more Leesburg children were found unrestrained in a car that was reportedly speeding in DeLand at nearly 100 miles per hour. Shortly after 12:30 a.m. Monday, two Volusia Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted a white Chevy Impala traveling 57 miles per hour in a 45 miles per hour zone. VSO started to apprehend the car and its speed increased to 70 miles per hour before turning onto International Speedway Boulevard and accelerating to 91 miles per hour in a 50 miles per hour

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Two Suspects Shot After Driving Towards LCSO Deputy

LEESBURG, Florida—Two people were shot by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy after the vehicle they were in drove towards him when he was outside of his vehicle, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. LCSO deputies were looking for a suspect vehicle after a stolen credit card was used at Walmart, 2501 Citrus Boulevard, Leesburg. Deputies spotted the vehicle in Lady Lake and attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, Herrell said in a press release. “At some point during the chase, the deputy, after getting out of his vehicle, reportedly fired shots at the suspect vehicle as it

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Sorrento Woman Killed in Eustis Motorcycle Crash

EUSTIS, Florida—A weekend that saw many motorcycles on the roads, especially in Eustis and Leesburg ended tragically Sunday afternoon with the death of a 28-year-old Sorrento woman. Rebekah Jo Towner was the passenger on 2006 Harley Davidson being ridden by 64-year-old Edgar Wesley Tello, of Umatilla, northbound on Grove Street, when he struck a construction sign near Pendleton Avenue, a Eustis Police spokesperson told Inside Lake—the only media on the scene. The impact threw Tello and Towner from the motorcycle and she slid with the motorcycle more than 100 feet, coming to rest at a fence in front of a

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Eustis Woman Busted with Funny Money, Meth, Laptops and Printers; Secret Service Notified

EUSTIS, Florida—A traffic stop for a missing tag landed a Eustis woman in jail Tuesday night after Eustis Police found 50 counterfeit bills, several smoking devices, printers, laptops and methamphetamine in her car, according to an arrest affidavit. Kimberley Renee Rappoccio, 40, was pulled over near her home in Eustis around 9: 30 p.m. because the car she was driving did not have a tag. Rappoccio told EPD she had bought the car two months prior and was returning home from trying to sell the car. She was able to provide a title signed by the seller, according to the

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Sex Offender Busted with Kiddie Porn, Soliciting a Minor; Hundreds More Charges Possible

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A registered sex offender is facing a litany of sex-related charges after Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents searched his phone and found numerous files of sexually exploited children—some of them infants. Christopher Michael Kinney, 35, of Leesburg, was originally arrested on Tuesday for possession of child pornography and failure to register as a sex offender and was released on $10,000 bond the following day. At the time of his arrest, his phone was seized, and agents found 20 more photos containing male and female children ranging from infants to 13 years old and arrested him again Thursday

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Eustis Police Officer Resigns Following “Egregious Policy Violation”

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis Police officer has resigned following an internal investigation that resulted in a five-day suspension, for what EPD Chief Craig Capri called an “egregious policy violation.” Austin Williams, a four-year veteran of the department, resigned earlier this month after an internal investigation showed he violated the department’s pursuit policy, by pursuing a vehicle for a minor traffic violation and reaching speeds of up to 113 miles per hour. The vehicle he was pursuing crashed outside EPD’s jurisdiction, according to the internal affairs report. “Once we were made aware of the egregious policy violation, we investigated and took corrective

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Leesburg Man Dies in Crash With School Bus

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man was killed in a crash Wednesday after he collided with a school bus carrying 17 children and ended up in a retention pond, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A Lake County Schools bus, being driven by a 64-year-old Bushnell man was eastbound on Great Egret Drive around 6:40 a.m. when it attempted to make a left turn on U.S. 27. A sedan, being driven by a 36-year-old Leesburg man, collided with the back of the bus and the impact sent the sedan into a retention pond, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press

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Man Found Alive After 2-Day Search Effort at Alexander Springs

ALTOONA, Florida—The man who went missing during a canoe trip Easter Sunday has been found alive, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Davidson Anjab. 39, was reported missing after a canoe overturned; the two men Anjab was with were able to get back into the canoe and Anjab swam to shore and said he would walk back. He was reported missing when he failed to meet his party. LCSO and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers found Anjab while they were searching on foot, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. He was found one-tenth of a mile from

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Search Underway at Alexander Springs for Missing Man

ALTOONA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service are working together searching for a man who went missing on a canoe trip Easter Sunday. Davidson Anjab, 39, was canoeing with two men Sunday afternoon when the canoe overturned; two of the men got back into the canoe, but Anjab was unable to, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. The man swam back to shore and yelled he would walk back and meet his party, but he never made it. The U.S. Forest Service has closed the day-use area of Alexander Springs because it is being used as a

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