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Umatilla Man Killed in New Year ATV Crash

UMATILLA, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal ATV crash that occurred just 30 minutes into the new year Saturday morning. A 36-year-old Umatilla man was riding an ATV westbound on Lakeview Street near Lakeshore Avenue in the area of Lake Umatilla, when he lost control around 12:30 a.m., FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The ATV overturned and landed on top of the man. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he later died. The crash remains under investigation.

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Inside Scoop, Umatilla / By / January 23, 2022

Duo Follows Intended Robbery Victim Into MDPD Parking Lot

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Two men who followed their intended robbery victim right into the parking lot of Mount Dora Police Department are behind bars on no bond. Shortly before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday a man in a truck pulled into the parking lot of MDPD, followed by another vehicle. The man in the truck told police the vehicle had been following him since he was in Orange County, flashing its high beams at him and making him feel uncomfortable. As the officer spoke to the victim, a man exited the second vehicle and made statements, “about a small Hispanic officer that shot

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Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By / January 23, 2022

Leesburg Teen Arrested For 34 Felonies After One Victim Said He “Let A Whole Clip Go” At Local Park

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg High School student accused of opening fire at Berry Park Thanksgiving weekend was arrested Tuesday and is facing 34 felony and two misdemeanor charges, according to an arrest affidavit. On Nov. 28, around 5:45 p.m., Leesburg Police Department responded to Berry Park, 2121 Johns Avenue in reference to a disturbance, battery and shooting. LPD arrived at the park to find more than two dozen people and most refused to speak with officers, according to the affidavit. One woman, who refused to give her name, came forward and said the altercation began over a black female driving a

Leesburg Teen Arrested For 34 Felonies After One Victim Said He “Let A Whole Clip Go” At Local Park Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / January 23, 2022

Woman Arrested Last Year After Tot Required 3 Doses Of Narcan, Busted Thursday With Meth/Marijuana Edibles, Facing New Neglect Charge

LEESBURG, Florida—A woman who was arrested for child neglect last year after a toddler in her care overdosed and required three doses of Narcan has been arrested again for child neglect and drug trafficking, along with numerous other charges. Leesburg Police responded to Microtel Inn, 9700 U.S. Highway 441 Thursday morning in reference to multiple warrants for Destinee Rose Keen, 29.  After finding out what room she was staying in, LPD knocked on the door of Room 110 and police found her in the room with a child whose information is redacted from the arrest affidavit. In plain view, officers

Woman Arrested Last Year After Tot Required 3 Doses Of Narcan, Busted Thursday With Meth/Marijuana Edibles, Facing New Neglect Charge Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / January 23, 2022

Feud Over Security Light Ends In Apparent Murder/Suicide

PAISLEY, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving neighbors that occurred on Fisherman’s Road in Paisley Monday afternoon. LCSO responded to a home on Fisherman’s Road at 12:50 p.m. and found Timothy Patch, 59, “We discovered him dead from an apparent gunshot wound, LCSO Lt. Fred Jones told Inside Lake. LCSO then discovered Eric Hilderbrand, 61, dead behind a home from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Jones said. The pair were neighbors and had an ongoing feud about a security light that had started in October; Hilderbrand was apparently upset that the light was shining in

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Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / January 23, 2022

Miami Man Busted With 5 Catalytic Converters at Closed Fruitland Park Business

FRUITLAND PARK. Florida—A Miami man was busted with five catalytic converters and methamphetamine late Wednesday night after a business owner noticed him driving in and walking around the closed business on his security cameras. Fruitland Park Police responded to Serenity Surfaces, 2860 U.S. Highway 27/441 just before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday after the owner spotted a vehicle driving into the business with no headlights. Elieser Rodriguez, 21, exited the vehicle and began walking around several vehicles on the property, according to the arrest affidavit. FPPD found Rodriguez, who was wearing a black hoodie and black pants, on the premises walking away

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Fruitland Park / By / January 23, 2022

Villages Man Accused Of Threatening To “Blow His Way In” T-Mobile Store Wednesday

LADY LAKE, Florida—A 73-year-old man from The Villages is facing charges after being accused of trespassing and threatening employees of the Lady Lake T-Mobile store that he would put a bomb in front of the store if they did not help him. Donald Stuart Brown was trespassed from the store on Dec. 2 and returned around 11:05 a.m. Wednesday, screaming and being verbally abusive towards employees, according to the arrest affidavit. Employees called Lady Lake Police and Brown had already left when police arrived; an employee told LLPD Brown had also been causing disturbances at T-Mobile’s Leesburg store. Around 4

Villages Man Accused Of Threatening To “Blow His Way In” T-Mobile Store Wednesday Read More »

Lady Lake / By / January 23, 2022

Eustis Father and Son Killed in Fiery Head-On Christmas Eve Crash

LAKE COUNTY, Florida–A Eustis family is grieving tonight after a 49-year-old man and his 27-year-old son were killed in a head-on crash on Christmas Eve. A 21-year-old Summerfield man was eastbound in an SUV on State Road 46 near State Road 429 in the Sorrento area, when he traveled into the westbound lane for an unknown reason, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The SUV struck a sedan head-on, being driven by the Eustis father, and the sedan caught fire, Montes said. The driver died at the scene and his son later died at Orlando

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Eustis, Unincorporated Lake / By / January 23, 2022

FHP Investigating Fiery Crash, Asks Drivers To Avoid Area Of SR 46 and SR 429

LAKE COUNTY, Florida–The Florida Highway Patrol is on the scene of a deadly crash near the intersection of State Road 46 and State Road 429 near Sorrento, according to FHP Lt. Kim Montes. The crash occurred at 1:25 p.m. Friday and involves two vehicles; one vehicle caught fire and one of its occupants was pronounced dead, Montes said. Traffic is being rerouted and drivers are asked to avoid the area. This is a developing story,

FHP Investigating Fiery Crash, Asks Drivers To Avoid Area Of SR 46 and SR 429 Read More »

Eustis, Unincorporated Lake / By / January 23, 2022

Female Shot In Leesburg, Teenager Arrested

LEESBURG, Florida—A 14-year-old boy is facing a litany of felony charges, including attempted murder after he allegedly shot at a car with four females in it, striking one in the leg, according to an arrest affidavit. Leesburg Police responded to UF Health Leesburg shortly before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on a report of a gunshot victim. Police arrived to find a female shot below her left knee. She told police she drove her friend to a home on Stearns Avenue to pick up her friend’s boyfriend, along with two other friends in her Ford Focus. When they arrived at the home,

Female Shot In Leesburg, Teenager Arrested Read More »

Leesburg / By / January 23, 2022

Woman Hides Drugs Inside Her Body, Arrested on 4 Charges

EUSTIS, Florida—A passenger in a car stopped for speeding early Saturday morning was arrested for tampering with evidence and drug offenses after pulling a bag of cocaine and a bag of fentanyl from her vagina. Joanne Marie Breeden, 32, who is listed as homeless, was a passenger in a car pulled over for speeding at South Bay Street and East Woodward Avenue, just after 2 a.m. Saturday by a Eustis Police officer. The driver, who Inside Lake is not naming because she was not charged with a crime, agreed to allow EPD to search her vehicle. During the search, the arresting officer

Woman Hides Drugs Inside Her Body, Arrested on 4 Charges Read More »

Eustis / By / January 23, 2022

Umatilla Man Bonds Out On Child Pornography Charges

UMATILLA, Florida—A Umatilla man bonded out of jail just a day after Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents arrested him at his Umatilla home for four counts of possession of child pornography Thursday. Working on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) FDLE began investigating two images of child pornography that were reportedly found in a DropBox account in July. User nighthawkinflight64200@gmail.com uploaded two sexually explicit images of two little girls who appear to be 6 years old and 10 years old with adult men, on July 18, according to a probable cause affidavit. Through its

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Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By / January 23, 2022

Lasting Effects 2 Years After Ambush Attack On Eustis Police Captain

EUSTIS, Florida–Two years ago Sunday, it was a normal Thursday for Gary and Stephenie Winheim; a warm December day, just six days before Christmas. Little did they know, their lives would never be the same. It is a struggle every day, Stephenie Winheim told Inside Lake earlier this week. One crazy afternoon and their lives forever changed, she said. Below is an exclusive interview with the Winheims and Inside Lake Publisher Marilyn. M. Aciego that previously published on Lake Legal News on Dec. 22, 2019. Eustis Police Captain Gary Winheim is grateful to be alive and grateful to the community

Lasting Effects 2 Years After Ambush Attack On Eustis Police Captain Read More »

Eustis, Features, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By / January 23, 2022

Suspicious Package Attached To Garbage Can In Downtown Eustis

9:15 a.m. update: LCSO Bomb Squad examined the package and found it to be empty. Downtown Eustis is reopened. EUSTIS, Florida-a large portion of downtown Eustis is currently shut down due to a suspicious package. Around 7:15 a.m. Friday, an employee of Bay Pharmacy found a suspicious package sitting on top of a garbage can near the pharmacy. The employee called Eustis Police Department, who responded immediately and asked for assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad.EPD Chief Craig Capri said the department immediately shut down traffic to both vehicles and pedestrians, “We are treating it as a

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Eustis / By / January 23, 2022

Mom Of Man Missing 3 Years Wants Answers

LADY LAKE, Florida—It has been three years since Mariann Decker heard her son, Danny’s voice. December is an extra hard month for her; her son’s birthday is Dec. 6, the anniversary of his disappearance is Dec. 15 and of course, Christmas. “It’s not a great time of year,” she said. Daniel “Danny” Decker, who was 34 at the time of his disappearance, has not been seen or heard from since the early morning hours of Dec. 15, 2018, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Detective Clay Watkins told Inside Lake earlier this week. Double D, as Decker was affectionately known, literally gave a homeless

Mom Of Man Missing 3 Years Wants Answers Read More »

Features, Lady Lake / By / January 9, 2022

Family Of Murdered Mom Celebrates Her Birthday With Balloon Release Monday

EUSTIS, Florida—Melissa Nease would have turned 30 Monday. Instead of celebrating this milestone birthday, Nease’ children and their father Shane Jenkins, her big sister Amy Harris, her mom Lisa Nease, best friend Abby Henderson and more than three dozen loved ones, sang “Happy Birthday” and released more than 100 balloons at her gravesite at Greenwood Cemetery Monday afternoon, many wearing memorial pink—Nease’ favorite color—shirts. Nease’ mom, had a special “#1” balloon to signify a long-running family joke. Nease always made cracks about being Lisa’s number one daughter, Harris said with a smile. Several of Nease’ loved ones held back tears

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Eustis, Features, Tavares / By / January 23, 2022

Man Drives Off Top Floor Of Tavares Parking Garage Monday

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police are investigating after a man drove off the top floor of the parking garage in downtown Tavares Monday afternoon, according to TPD Lt. Sarah Coursey.  Around 3:30 p.m. Jewell Sartin, of Tavares, drove a Ford Mustang off the top floor and landed in a fenced in area between the parking garage and BB&T Bank. Sartin fled the scene on foot and was apprehended a short time later, Coursey told Inside Lake. He is being treated at a local hospital for his injuries.  “The safety cables did play a role and slow the vehicle down,” Coursey said.  Units

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Tavares / By / January 23, 2022

Fatal Crash Shuts Down SR 44 Monday Morning

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A Daytona Beach man is dead following a head-on crash Monday morning on State Road 44, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man, 20, was driving an SUV westbound on State Road 44 near Fentress Lane in the Pine Lakes area, around 6:15 a.m., when he traveled into the eastbound lane, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The SUV struck a pickup truck being driven by a 20-year-old Webster man head-on, causing the SUV to overturn. The Daytona Beach man was pronounced dead on the scene; it is unknown if he was wearing his

Fatal Crash Shuts Down SR 44 Monday Morning Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / January 23, 2022

City of Eustis, First Responders And Vets Give Back to the Community

MOUNT DORA, Florida— “We’re gonna take over and go crazy!” Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri’s announcement to 22 children and their caregivers early Sunday morning was met with claps and cheers as they made their way into Walmart in Mount Dora to spend gift cards that were generously donated by the community, including the AMVETS and current and retired employees. “This day would not be possible without the AMVETS,” Capri told Inside Lake. Capri was joined by his two thirds of his command staff, Capts. Ken Toler and Dave Carney, and several of his road patrol officers and administrative staff, in

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / January 23, 2022

Tavares Police Officer And Infant Share Special Bond

TAVARES, Florida—Britney Ochoa has a lot to be grateful for this holiday season. Last month, just before she was about to go to bed around 11 p.m., her mom’s instinct kicked in and she checked on her son Elias to find he was not breathing. Just 2 months old at the time, Elias had spent the beginning of his life in the hospital and mom had just recently brought him home. Ochoa, 22, called 9-1-1 and some might say Elias’ guardian angel appeared in the form of Tavares Police Officer Teddy Pearl. Pearl arrived on scene to find Ochoa performing

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Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / January 23, 2022

Wanted Mount Dora Man Charged With Battering K-9, Drug Offenses

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A man wanted for conspiracy to introduce contraband into a detention facility compounded his problems Tuesday when he allegedly tampered with evidence and grabbed Lake County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Noble and refused to let him go. LCSO deputies responded to Quality Inn, 16630 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora to attempt to locate Michael Carl Nieves on a warrant Tuesday afternoon. After confirming his room number with management, deputies knocked on his door and Nieves answered, asking several times if he was going to jail, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies informed Nieves, 51, he was going to be

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Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By / January 23, 2022

Suspected Overdose Death At Embattled Eustis Motel Wednesday

EUSTIS, Florida—A man was found dead of a suspected overdose Wednesday at an embattled motel that is at risk of foreclosure due to code enforcement fines. Eustis Police responded to Colonial Inn, 1000 S. Bay Street, around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday after motel workers found an unresponsive man in a locked room, EPD Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. Responding officers found a 36-year-old man dead with a needle, and bags of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl underneath his body.   There were no signs of a struggle or foul play and the man is scheduled for an autopsy Thursday. He has

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / January 23, 2022

Head-On Crash Seriously Injures Eustis Pair

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida—A man and woman, both of Eustis were seriously injured Wednesday after the vehicle they were in was struck head-on around noon Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 76-year-old woman of Deland was driving a Ford truck westbound on East New York Avenue near DeLand when she traveled over the yellow line for an unknown reason, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. She hit a truck being driven by a 64-year-old Eustis man, head-on, seriously injuring the man and his passenger, a 64-year-old woman, also of Eustis.  They were transported to Central Florida

Head-On Crash Seriously Injures Eustis Pair Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / December 8, 2021

Arrest Made In Shooting Following High School Basketball Game

TAVARES, Florida—Less than 24 hours after a shooting following a high school basketball game, one person has been arrested, according to Tavares Police Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. Cedric Williams, 20, of Eustis, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and is facing four charges, including possession of a firearm on school property, carrying a concealed firearm, discharging a firearm from an occupied vehicle and disrupting a school function, Sullivan told Inside Lake.  He is being held at the Lake County Jail on $14,500 bond. At least one shot was fired following a basketball game between longtime rivals Tavares High School and Eustis High

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / January 23, 2022

3 Shots Fired After Tavares/Eustis Basketball Game, No Injuries

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police are investigating after three shots were fired following a basketball game between longtime rivals Tavares High School and Eustis High School, TPD said Tuesday night. Five to six males were in an altercation outside Tavares High School around 9:30 pm. when a school resource deputy (SRD) broke the group up, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. The group scattered and left in at least one vehicle and fired one shot as they drove down T.A. Hux Alley near THS, she said. Two additional shots were fired as the vehicle traveled down Ianthe Street. None of

3 Shots Fired After Tavares/Eustis Basketball Game, No Injuries Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / January 23, 2022

Second Pedestrian Killed In Leesburg Thursday

LEESBURG, Florida—Another pedestrian was killed Thursday in Leesburg, unrelated to the crash that killed a man early Thursday morning, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi.   Jarret Roque, 40, of Howey-in-the-Hills, was observed by an independent witness standing in the center travel lane of U.S. Highway 441 just north of County Road 44A, around 11:50 p.m. Thursday, Iozzi said in a press release. Awilda Hernandez, 61, of Eustis, was southbound on U.S. Highway 441 in a 2021 Jeep SUV, when she collided with Roque. Roque suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported by Lake EMS to UF Health-Leesburg, where he

Second Pedestrian Killed In Leesburg Thursday Read More »

Eustis, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / December 3, 2021

Motorcyclist Dies Following Monday Crash In Leesburg

LEESBURG, Florida—A motorcyclist has died following a crash Monday morning in Leesburg. Tony Sammons, 52, of Wildwood was traveling north on U.S. Highway 27 shortly before 10:45 a.m. Monday when he collided with a 2017 Buick SUV being driven by 79-year-old Nancy Mitchell of Summerfield. Mitchell was southbound on U.S. Highway 27 and attempted to make a left turn onto Citizens Boulevard when Sammons, who was riding a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle, struck the passenger side of the SUV as she made her turn, Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi said in a press release. Sammons sustained serious injuries and was

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / January 23, 2022

Leesburg Pedestrian Killed Thursday Morning

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department is investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian early Thursday morning, according to a press release. The pedestrian, a 48-year old white male, was on a sidewalk when he suddenly entered the westbound lanes of South Street, near Bottle Brush Court, diverting traffic for about three hours, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi said in the release. He collided with a 2011 Chevrolet Colorado being driven by 61-year-old Frederick Fashaw, of Eustis just before 1:15 a.m. and sustained life-threatening injuries. The man who has not been identified publicly, pending notification of next of kin, was transported by Lake

Leesburg Pedestrian Killed Thursday Morning Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / December 2, 2021
Inside Lake/Marilyn M. Aciego

Eustis Hosts Public Safety Engagement Day For Special Needs Community

EUSTIS, Florida— More than 100 special needs clients and caregivers came out to the Eustis Community Center Wednesday to meet Eustis first responders in the city’s first-ever Public Safety Engagement Day; an event aimed at engaging members of the special needs community with first responders in a relaxed atmosphere. The event included demonstrations from Eustis Police Department’s K-9 unit and the SWAT bus was on hand for participants to look at. Participants also had an opportunity to hold a shield and try on body armor and check out a fire truck with Eustis Fire Department.  Numerous firefighters and officers were

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / December 2, 2021

Scheduled Holiday Closings And Modified Garbage Pickup

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—Many local government offices are scheduled to close this week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Lake County Government offices will be closed Thursday and Friday and county garbage pickup regularly scheduled for Thursday will be Friday and regularly scheduled pickup for Friday will be Saturday. This includes Altoona, Astor, Ferndale, Grand Island, Okahumpka, Paisley, Sorrento and Yalaha. For more information, visit  https://lakecountyfl.gov/trash-recycling. Most city government and town halls will be closed Thursday and Friday; this includes Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-In-The-Hills, Leesburg, Mascotte, Mount Dora, Tavares and Umatilla. Astatula, Lady Lake and Minneola are scheduled to

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Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By / December 2, 2021

Head-On Crash Sends Leesburg Man To Hospital, Kills Woman, Injures Another

VOLUSIA, COUNTY, Florida—A head-crash killed a DeLand woman and sent two people to the hospital, including a Leesburg man, shortly after 7:15 a.m. Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 26-year-old Leesburg man and his 26-year-old passenger of DeLand were southbound in an SUV on North Kepler Road near Periwinkle Avenue when he traveled into the northbound lanes and struck another SUV head-on, killing a 47-year-old DeLand woman; she was wearing her seatbelt. FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release.   The Leesburg man and his passenger were not wearing their seatbelts and were transported to Halifax

Head-On Crash Sends Leesburg Man To Hospital, Kills Woman, Injures Another Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / November 21, 2021

Single Dad And 4 Boys Lose Everything To House Fire

PAISLEY, Florida—A single dad and his four boys are trying to find a new place to live after the home they lived in burned to the ground just eight days before Thanksgiving. Jon Wilson, 36, and three of his sons were sleeping around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday when the mobile home they have lived in for nine years caught fire, he told Inside Lake. The electrical fire is believed to have started from a faulty outlet in Wilson’s room. Wilson and his twin 14-year-old boys and 15-year-old-son escaped the blaze on Palm Street, along with their dog and two cats, but the

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Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / November 19, 2021

People Helping People, Tavares Police Department Creates Special Needs Database

TAVARES, Florida—Following in line with its motto, “People helping people,” Tavares Police Department has launched a new initiative to get to know its community members with special needs. TPD announced Friday on its Facebook page, it is creating a database that will include details about individuals who may require a different response from officers and is asking for the public’s assistance to gather information and give the agency any ideas they feel will make the program better. If you have a family member or friend with special needs, such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy or any other

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Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / November 19, 2021

Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty, Sentenced To 25 Years In Federal Prison

OCALA, Florida— The head of a major drug trafficking organization who was busted earlier this year was sentenced this week to 25 years in federal prison, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Devonne L. Walker, 36, of Lady Lake pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance a little over a month after being arrested in Leesburg by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies on June 25, 2021. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton Jr. in Ocala federal court. At the time of his arrest, Walker was found

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Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By / November 18, 2021

Former LCSO Sheriff Gary Borders Dies After Cancer Battle

TAVARES, Florida—Former Lake County Sheriff Gary Borders has died following a battle with cancer. Borders was appointed sheriff in 2006, by then-Governor Jeb Bush following the tragic death of Sheriff Chris Daniels during a charity bus race in Volusia County. When appointed, he was serving as a major over the Corrections Operations Division, and before working for Lake County, he began his career at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in 1980. He was elected in 2008 and 2012 and filed to run in 2016, but later withdrew and retired after 36 years in law enforcement in January 2017. Current Sheriff

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Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By / November 16, 2021

Man Tells Troopers He Tampered With Evidence Because He Didn’t Want To Disappoint His Dad

ASTATULA, Florida—A man wanted for a hit-and-run caught two extra charges Monday when Florida Highway Patrol troopers attempted to question him about the crime, according to an arrest affidavit. On Monday, a trooper was investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred on Nov. 9 after receiving an anonymous tip including the tag number of the vehicle that fled the scene. The trooper went to the registered owner’s address in Clermont and he said although the van is registered to him, his son, Christopher Keith MacMillan, drives it and he had not seen him since the day of the crash and was

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Astatula, Inside Scoop / By / November 16, 2021

Man Reports Being Stabbed, Gets Arrested

MINNEOLA, Florida—A homeless man who called to report a man stabbed him ended up in jail after it was found he first attacked the man with a PVC pipe. Cody Lee Stout, 25, called 9-1-1 around 6:30 p.m. Thursday and reported a homeless white male stabbed him at Minneola Trailhead Park. LCSO located Stout in Clermont and he said a homeless man named Eric had stabbed him at a homeless camp located behind a business on Jan Mar Court in Minneola, according to an arrested affidavit. Stout, who is also homeless, said he got into a heated argument with the

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Inside Scoop, Minneola / By / November 15, 2021

Groveland Woman Heartbroken After Horse Shot To Death

GROVELAND, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a horse was found shot to death Sunday morning near Groveland. Jackie the horse was found by her owner, Tonya Sanders when Sanders went to feed her Sunday morning on the 13-acre property she owns with her husband, she told Inside Lake. Sanders found 15-year-old Jackie dead from a gunshot wound around 9 a.m. in her pasture on Indianhouse Lane near State Road 19 in unincorporated Groveland, according to an LCSO report.  Sanders and her husband told LCSO that between 10 and 11 p.m. Saturday they heard two loud booms they

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Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / November 15, 2021

Woman Finds Man Sawing Off Her Catalytic Converter Outside Leesburg Mall

LEESBURG, Florida—A former police car probably was not the best choice of transportation for a man accused of trying to saw a catalytic converter off a Ram pickup truck in the parking lot of Lake Square Mall Wednesday. The victim left the mall after doing some shopping shortly after 5 p.m. and heard a cutting sound as she approached her truck, the arrest affidavit states. She walked up to the passenger side and found a man, later identified as Garrett Dalton Heiserman, 23, underneath her truck. She told Heiserman to stop and he crawled from underneath the truck holding a

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / November 15, 2021

Former Mount Dora Police Officer Arrested For Stalking Local Woman

EUSTIS, Florida—A former Mount Dora Police Officer and current Palm Beach Garden Police detective has been arrested for aggravated stalking and cyberstalking, according to a probable cause affidavit. Bryan Craig Broehm, 53, is accused of stalking a woman who he was in a recent relationship with and worked with more than 20 years ago at MDPD, according to the affidavit. The woman was a dispatcher at the time, the affidavit states and according to Broehm’s Linked In account, he was a road patrol corporal and worked for the agency for 2.5 years. A Lake County Sheriff’s deputy went to the

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By / November 12, 2021

Early Morning Eustis Search Warrant Nets One Arrest

EUSTIS, Florida—In response to complaints about drug activity, Eustis Police Department, along with Mid Florida SWAT served a search warrant at a home on Woodward Avenue early Friday morning, according to EPD Chief Craig Capri. “We needed to get out there and take care of it,” Capri told Inside Lake. Two people were in the home at 357 W. Woodward Avenue Apartment B, including Antwan T. Cross, 34, and an elderly woman. Cross, who turns 35 Saturday, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia and violation of probation. The woman is not facing any charges. 

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / November 12, 2021

Coworker Tells Police Man Threatened Him With Makeshift Hatchet

LEESBURG, Florida—A man with a history of threatening people is back in the Lake County Jail, this time accused of threatening a man at his former job with a makeshift hatchet. Leesburg Police responded to a business on Thomas Avenue on a weapons complaint shortly before 9:45 a.m. Monday. The victim told LPD when he arrived at work, he found Preston Wade Greenlee, 50, of Fruitland Park inside the building. Greenlee is a former employee, but had been terminated around 10 years ago, according to the arrest affidavit. The victim said Greenlee spoke to him, but he kept the conversation

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / November 10, 2021

Clermont Teenager Accused of Killing Family Dog With Sword

CLERMONT, Florida—A 17-year-old boy with a “history of violence” is accused of killing the family dog with a sword Saturday and leaving it in the woods near his house. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in unincorporated Clermont over the weekend on a report that Avery Featherston, 17, had killed the family dog with a sword and buried it in the woods. Deputies found a sword in the boy’s bedroom that still had animal hair on it, according to an arrest affidavit.  The boy’s stepfather showed deputies where he believed the dog may be and they found

Clermont Teenager Accused of Killing Family Dog With Sword Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / November 9, 2021

Man Arrested After Bragging He Shot At His Neighbor

LEESBURG, Florida—A warrant was issued for a man Monday after he bragged about a shooting incident involving his neighbor last month, according to a probable cause affidavit.   Charles Derek Fueri, 49, is alleged to have driven his Dodge Ram and followed his neighbor as he rode his bicycle down the street on Oct. 28 in Bassville Park near Leesburg. Fueri passed the man and parked; as the man neared his home, Fueri turned his headlights on and accelerated toward the victim. As Fueri approached the victim, he reportedly yelled, “Do you want to die tonight,” displayed a gun and

Man Arrested After Bragging He Shot At His Neighbor Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / November 9, 2021

Accused Church Burglar Captured By Eustis Police After Foot Chase

EUSTIS, Florida—A man is facing drug and burglary charges after a witness saw him break into a local church and run from police last week. A nearby business owner spotted Chabazz Rionte Belle, 20, throw a bag onto the roof and enter Gethsemane Baptist Church, 505 S. Bay Street, around 8 a.m. Wednesday and he called Eustis Police Department, according to an arrest affidavit. EPD responded and attempted to get in the building but found all the doors were locked. A church official responded to the scene with a key and officers announced themselves, causing Belle to flee the building.

Accused Church Burglar Captured By Eustis Police After Foot Chase Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / November 8, 2021

Lake County Student Holiday Card Contest Exhibit Opening Reception

Lake County Museum of Art 213 West Ruby St., Tavares, FL 32778 Join us for an opening reception at the Lake County Museum of Art, and vote on your favorite LCMA card – all designed by Lake County students! Tickets to vote are $1, with half going back to the student’s school. Vote on your favorite designs through November 27th. Winners will be announced December 2nd.

Lake County Student Holiday Card Contest Exhibit Opening Reception Read More »

Events, Tavares / By / November 4, 2021

Leesburg Chili Cook-off Sat, November 6, 2021

City of Leesburg 501 W Meadow St, Leesburg, FL, 34748 Chili Cook‑Off competition 4:30pm-10:00pm. Enjoy an all you can eat event for only $10.00. A cash Bar and live Entertainment, will also be available. Presented by the Leesburg downtown Business Association. For more information go to https://festivalnet.com/66199/Leesburg-Florida/Food-Festivals/Chili-Cook-Off.

Leesburg Chili Cook-off Sat, November 6, 2021 Read More »

Events, Leesburg / By / November 4, 2021

Clermont Teenager Killed in Head-On Crash

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Florida—A head-on crash claimed the lives of two teenage boys Wednesday and sent a 27-year-old woman to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.  Around 4:30 p.m., a 17-year-old Clermont boy was driving a sedan northbound on Pleasant Hill Road near Kissimmee, when he overcorrected and traveled into the southbound lane, striking another sedan head-on, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The first vehicle then hit a pole.  The boy was killed, along with his passenger, also a 17-year-old boy, of Kissimmee. Both boys were wearing their seatbelts. The driver of the second car,

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Clermont, Inside Scoop / By / November 4, 2021

Beer Can Helps Nab Eustis Man For ’96 Cold Case Murder

EUSTIS, Florida—A discarded beer can helped solve a quarter-century old brutal murder earlier this week, and resulted in the arrest of a Eustis man, according to an Orange County probable cause affidavit. Kenneth Robert Stough, 54, of Eustis was arrested Tuesday for first degree murder and armed robbery by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. In 1996, Terrence Paquette, 31, was found stabbed multiple times in the bathroom of Lil’ Champ, 4510 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando. The location is now a Kwik Stop, according to Google Maps. Paquette was found by OCSO deputies after receiving a call that the store was

Beer Can Helps Nab Eustis Man For ’96 Cold Case Murder Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / August 27, 2023

Middle School Student Arrested After Snapchat Post

UMATILLA, Florida—A 13-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday just four days before her 14th birthday for threatening a school shooting on Snapchat in apparent retaliation for getting in trouble for selling nicotine for vapes. The post stated, “Am shooting up umatilla (sic) middle scholl (sic) today bc all yopu (sic) 6, 7, and 8th graders are fake as (expletive) y’all (expletive) got me expelled for selling nic- – y’all (expletive)are going to pay on god.” Thea Stiles was interviewed at Umatilla Middle School and admitted to making the threat and said she made the post on the bus because she was upset. Stiles,

Middle School Student Arrested After Snapchat Post Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Uncategorized / By / November 3, 2021

Eustis Woman Slaps Child Over Drink, Arrested For Child Abuse

DeLAND, Florida—An altercation between a group of children and adults over a drink landed a Eustis woman in jail on a child abuse charge Tuesday night. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a gun complaint around 6:30 p.m. on Beech Avenue in the DeLand area of Lake County, according to an arrest affidavit. The complainant told deputies approximately 20 people were outside his home and they went back to their residence nearby. He said the argument was over a drink and when they went to check the mail, the altercation began. No gun was found. Deputies

Eustis Woman Slaps Child Over Drink, Arrested For Child Abuse Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / November 3, 2021

8-Month-Old Baby’s Leg Broken, Dad Arrested

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Mount Dora man was arrested Monday for aggravated child abuse after he was accused of breaking his 8-month-old daughter’s leg, bruising several ribs and failing to get her immediate medical attention. According to a heavily redacted arrest affidavit, the infant was picked up from a home in Eustis around 5 p.m. Wednesday by her father, Dominic Tyler Ralston, 22, after spending the night of Oct. 26 and most of the day Wednesday with two individuals whose names were redacted. The baby had no visible injuries, except for a bruised forehead that was explained by the baby’s parents,

8-Month-Old Baby’s Leg Broken, Dad Arrested Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By / January 23, 2022

Fruitland Park Man Facing Molestation Charge After Girl Comes Forward

LEESBURG, Florida—A Fruitland Park man was arrested on a warrant for lewd and lascivious molestation Friday after a girl came forward and told about the abuse she suffered more than three years ago, according to a probable cause affidavit. In early October, the victim told a Leesburg Police Officer, David Carl Hall, 50, put his hands between her legs while she shared a bed with him and two other people whose names are redacted from the affidavit, 3.5 years ago.  The victim, whose exact age is also redacted, was under 12 when the molestation is alleged to have occurred. She

Fruitland Park Man Facing Molestation Charge After Girl Comes Forward Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / November 1, 2021

Paisley Woman Jailed After Argument Over Beer

PAISLEY, Florida—A Paisley woman has been released from jail after she was accused of pointing a rifle at her live-in boyfriend in front of Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies late Friday night just 30 minutes after deputies told the pair to separate for the night. LCSO responded to Loudermilk Drive around 11:45 p.m. Friday on a reported domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they found Amanda Christine Foster, 33, and her boyfriend standing near a driveway and shed. As a deputy approached, the victim reportedly said, “What are you going to do, shoot me?” The deputy then saw Foster standing in

Paisley Woman Jailed After Argument Over Beer Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / November 2, 2021

Leesburg Man Killed In Early Morning Shooting

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department is investigating after a man was shot in his home early Monday morning with four young children inside, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. Damien L. Shiver, 19, suffered at least one gunshot when multiple rounds were fired into the home from outside in the 1600 block of Center Street at 1:24 a.m. Monday. Six additional people were in the home, including four young children, Iozzi said in a press release. Shiver was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he later died. LPD detectives are investigating to determine a motive and who is responsible, Iozzi said.

Leesburg Man Killed In Early Morning Shooting Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / November 1, 2021

Mount Dora Man Killed In Wednesday Night Crash

MOUNT PLYMOUTH, Florida–A 44-year-old Mount Dora man died in a single-vehicle crash late Wednesday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.  Shortly before midnight, the man was traveling eastbound on State Road 46 near Carroll Street when the SUV he was driving left the roadway for an unknown reason, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The SUV overturned and the man, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected. He was pronounced dead on the scene.  The crash remains under investigation.

Mount Dora Man Killed In Wednesday Night Crash Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / October 28, 2021

Multiple Shots Fired on Busy Leesburg Road Friday Night, Mount Dora Man Behind Bars

LEESBURG, Florida—A Mount Dora man is facing a litany of charges after he was accused of shooting at a vehicle on North Boulevard Friday night. Leesburg Police received a complaint about a burgundy Ford Expedition driving recklessly in the area of Citizens Boulevard and North Boulevard at 8:21 p.m. Friday. The complainant provided dispatch with updated locations and about two minutes into the call the complainant said they heard what sounded like four to five gunshots, according to an arrest affidavit. The SUV then pulled into a business on U.S. Highway 441. One minute later, a second complainant reported the

Multiple Shots Fired on Busy Leesburg Road Friday Night, Mount Dora Man Behind Bars Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By / October 25, 2021

Paisley Man Dead After Couple Fights, Struggles Over Gun

PAISLEY, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a struggle over a gun resulted in a man’s death. LCSO responded 27631 Veva Avenue around 9 p.m. Friday and found 31-year-old Chris Smith dead from a single gunshot wound. Smith’s wife, Marina McDonald told deputies the couple had a physical altercation and Smith pointed a gun at her, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said in a press release. McDonald and Smith struggled over the gun and Smith was apparently shot; McDonald had injuries consistent with an altercation. This is an ongoing investigation, Herrell said.  

Paisley Man Dead After Couple Fights, Struggles Over Gun Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / October 23, 2021

Plea Negotiation Conference Scheduled For Former EMT Facing Child Pornography Charges

TAVARES, Florida—A former Lake EMS EMT who was arrested by Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents in June for four counts of possessing child pornography and four counts of transmitting child pornography is now facing a total of 17 felony charges. Acting on a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), FDLE agents met James Bryan Hamrick, 30, in his Eustis driveway the morning of June 11 and took possession of his phone after obtaining a search warrant, according to an affidavit. NCMEC’s CyberTipline Report included copies of the four videos Hamrick is accused of direct

Plea Negotiation Conference Scheduled For Former EMT Facing Child Pornography Charges Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / October 22, 2021

Man Dies Following Medical Episode, Crash Near Leesburg

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A Tallahassee man is dead following a medical episode and single-vehicle crash Thursday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly after 2:30 p.m. Thursday, the 74-year-old man was traveling eastbound in a 2017 Dodge Ram on State Road 44 near Executive Boulevard, in the Leesburg area, FHP Lt. Kim Montes said in a press release. The man suffered a medical episode, left the roadway and struck a tree. His passenger, a 39-year-old man from The Villages was not injured; both men were wearing their seatbelts. The driver was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he later died. The

Man Dies Following Medical Episode, Crash Near Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By / October 22, 2021

Man Caught With Pants Down, Pair Accused Of Having Sex, Possessing Meth in Eustis Restaurant Bathroom

EUSTIS, Florida—A couple picked the wrong place to have sex and use methamphetamine Saturday and ended up in the Lake County Jail. Eustis Police responded to Sonic Drive-In, 15125 U.S. Highway 441, just before 5:45 p.m. Saturday in reference to a suspicious person being locked in the bathroom for 30 minutes. When officers arrived, they heard a male voice in the bathroom and ordered the occupant to step out. Scott David Suttie, 31, of Eustis, stepped out and said, “Who us,” as he pulled his pants up, the arrest affidavit states.  Suttie was accompanied by a female, identified as Morgan

Man Caught With Pants Down, Pair Accused Of Having Sex, Possessing Meth in Eustis Restaurant Bathroom Read More »

Around the County, Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / October 18, 2021

Clermont Man Accused Of Plying Three Sisters With Alcohol And Marijuana

CLERMONT, Florida—A 41-year-old Clermont man is facing several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of lewd and lascivious conduct after being accused of giving three minor sisters alcohol and marijuana and behaving inappropriately. Edwin Ivan Cuevas Quinones, of Clermont, is accused of plying the three girls with marijuana and alcohol in June while they were in Florida for a visit, according to a probable cause affidavit. Due to heavy redaction in the affidavit, it is unclear what Quinones’ relationship to the children is. The victims’ mother contacted the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in early

Clermont Man Accused Of Plying Three Sisters With Alcohol And Marijuana Read More »

Around the County, Clermont, Unincorporated Lake / By / November 5, 2021

Man Wanted For Leesburg Murder Arrested Thursday

LEESBURG, Florida—A man wanted for the murder of his acquaintance was found with methamphetamine and resisted Lake County Sheriff’s deputies when they tried to arrest him Thursday, according to an arrest affidavit. Carl Edward “Scotty” Scott Jr., 50, is accused of stabbing a man in the chest during an argument on June 6 on Myer Avenue in Leesburg. The victim told an LCSO detective “Scotty” engaged him in an argument, and he pushed “Scotty” away; he came at the victim again and he punched “Scotty,” who then stabbed him with a sharp object, possibly an ice pick or screwdriver and

Man Wanted For Leesburg Murder Arrested Thursday Read More »

Leesburg / By / November 5, 2021

Naked Man Arrested After Eustis Police Receive Multiple Calls

EUSTIS, Florida—An Ocala man is facing burglary and criminal mischief charges after he was found in a vehicle naked with several cuts following two calls to Eustis Police Department late Wednesday night. EPD responded to two calls at Country Club Manor just after 10 p.m., one reporting a shirtless man inside a vehicle and a second call reporting a man broke a window and made threats, according to an arrest affidavit. Upon arrival, officers found Kendell Trimian Clark, 38, naked, sitting in a white Infiniti. Clark, who was hot and sweaty to the touch, was handcuffed and questioned by officers,

Naked Man Arrested After Eustis Police Receive Multiple Calls Read More »

Eustis / By / November 5, 2021

Leesburg Sex Offender Arrested Just 13 Days After Being Released From Prison

TAVARES, Florida—A sex offender who was released from prison just two weeks ago is back behind bars for failing to register his new address within 48 hours of his release, according to an arrest affidavit. Christopher Michael Shea, 36, was arrested Wednesday when he finally went to register 11 days late, the affidavit states. Shea, who according to Florida Department of Corrections records, was convicted in Martin County in 2020 of sending harmful information to a minor, said he visited friends and family upon his release and did not make it to his home on Lake Bend Circle in Leesburg

Leesburg Sex Offender Arrested Just 13 Days After Being Released From Prison Read More »

Leesburg, Tavares / By / November 5, 2021

Day 4: Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri Tour De Force NY 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri finished his memorial ride to Ground Zero Tuesday and again shared photos exclusively with Inside Lake. Capri cycled for four days, leaving from Boston with Tour De Force NY to honor those lost Sept. 11, 2001. These photos are from the final leg of the trip; the group rode 46 miles from Melville, New York and ended their journey at Ground Zero. “Never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Capri said. 

Day 4: Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri Tour De Force NY 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / September 15, 2021

Day 3: Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri Tour De Force NY 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri shared photos exclusively for the third day with Inside Lake from the 9/11 memorial bicycle ride with Tour De Force NY from Boston to New York City to honor those lost Sept. 11, 2001. These photos are from his third leg of the trip; he cycled 79 miles from Orient Point, New York to Melville, New York. 

Day 3: Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri Tour De Force NY 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / September 14, 2021

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri Tour De Force NY 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride: Day 2

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri shared photos exclusively with Inside Lake from the 9/11 memorial bicycle ride with Tour De Force NY from Boston to New York City to honor those lost Sept. 11, 2001. These photos are from his second leg of the trip; he traveled 84 miles from Warwick, Rhode Island to Foxwoods, Connecticut. 

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri Tour De Force NY 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride: Day 2 Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / September 13, 2021

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri Tour De Force NY 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride: Day 1

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri shared photos from his first day of the memorial bicycle ride from Boston to New York City to honor those lost Sept. 11, 2001. Capri battled many hills during his 64-mile ride on the first segment of his journey Saturday, he told Inside Lake.

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri Tour De Force NY 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride: Day 1 Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / November 16, 2021

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri To Honor His Fallen Brothers And Sisters On Sept. 11th

EUSTIS, Florida— Honoring his fallen brothers and sisters in blue is something that is close to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri’s heart and on Saturday he will ride his bicycle with Tour de Force from Boston to New York City to pay his respects to the nearly 3,000 people lost in the terrorist attacks two decades ago. Capri, an avid cyclist, joined the group nine years ago and has participated in numerous rides, he told Inside Lake. “It raises awareness for (law enforcement officers) killed in the line of duty.” Along with increasing awareness, the nonprofit organization also raises money for families

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri To Honor His Fallen Brothers And Sisters On Sept. 11th Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / November 16, 2021

Tavares Man Arrested For Arson — Police Have Responded To Location 25 Times In The Past Year

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. TAVARES, Florida — A man was arrested Sunday for trying to set his own home ablaze, according to an arrest affidavit. Just before 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Tavares Police responded to 902 Maplewood Street after a caller reported Reinaldo “Ray” Rodriguez, 56, had “squirted lighter fluid on a chair and tried to light it on fire,” the affidavit states. When TPD arrived, they found Rodriguez and a witness sitting under a carport; the home was not on fire. The witness told an officer he and another man were in the residence

Tavares Man Arrested For Arson — Police Have Responded To Location 25 Times In The Past Year Read More »

Around the County, Tavares / By / July 1, 2023

Mount Dora Man Erupts In Violence Twice Within A Week — Additional Drug Charges Pending

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. MOUNT DORA, Florida — A man is facing a slew of charges stemming from two separate incidents last month and a search warrant at his home Saturday, according to multiple public records. According to a probable cause affidavit, on May 25, a man was backing out of a parking spot at Dollar General, 3850 North Highway 19A when he struck a vehicle being driven by a woman Lake Legal News is not identifying because she was not charged with a crime. Both drivers exited their vehicles, and the man asked

Mount Dora Man Erupts In Violence Twice Within A Week — Additional Drug Charges Pending Read More »

Mount Dora / By / September 23, 2023
Photo Credit: Lake County Sheriff’s Office

Man Points Gun At Juvenile’s Forehead In Sorrento To ‘Teach The Boy Respect’

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. SORRENTO, Florida— A man is facing several weapons charges after being accused of pointing a gun at a juvenile’s forehead Sunday, according to an arrest affidavit. A juvenile was walking down Orange Street when a Dodge truck turned onto the street. The boy, whose age was not listed in the affidavit, told a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy he moved out of the way so the truck could pass, and the truck pulled up next to him. The driver, later identified as Reyes Trujillo, 25, told the boy to move and

Man Points Gun At Juvenile’s Forehead In Sorrento To ‘Teach The Boy Respect’ Read More »

Unincorporated Lake / By / November 16, 2021

Clermont Man Tells Boy, ‘Go Get Your Father So I Can Kill Him With My Bare Hands’

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. CLERMONT, Florida — “Legends has not seen anything yet and just wait,” a man who repeatedly threatened to kill his neighbor told a Clermont Police officer on his way to jail over the holiday weekend, according to an arrest affidavit. On Saturday, CPD responded to a home on Legendary Boulevard after the victim reported Daniel L. Boyan, 63, his neighbor, was threatening to kill him— again. The victim said Boyan’s behavior was becoming “too much” and explained that Boyan was driving past his home daily and yelling obscenities and just

Clermont Man Tells Boy, ‘Go Get Your Father So I Can Kill Him With My Bare Hands’ Read More »

Clermont / By / November 16, 2021

Eustis Police Find Deplorable Conditions As 11 Men And Women Jailed Following Search Warrant Near School

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. EUSTIS, Florida — Two toddlers were found in a home with “deplorable” conditions and nearly a dozen people were hauled off to jail after a search warrant was executed Friday following a weeks-long narcotics investigation, said Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. Eustis Police Department executed the warrant at 221 North Mary Street early Friday morning after receiving complaints about drug activity at the home that is less than 450 feet from a faith-based school. “We had several complaints of drug activity in the area. This house is the nuisance house

Eustis Police Find Deplorable Conditions As 11 Men And Women Jailed Following Search Warrant Near School Read More »

Eustis / By / November 16, 2021

Bike Ride With Eustis Police Chief A Success

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. EUSTIS, Florida — Dozens of children rode their bikes from Eustis Police Department with Chief Craig Capri and spent the afternoon with him and visited several vendors in downtown Eustis’ Ferran Park Thursday. The “Bike Ride with the Eustis Police Chief,” started at EPD with about three dozen bike riders and the crowd of kids grew to nearly 50 in Ferran Park, visiting vendors, and hanging out with law enforcement officers from three agencies, including EPD, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Fruitland Park Police Department. “I consider it a huge

Bike Ride With Eustis Police Chief A Success Read More »

Eustis / By / November 16, 2021

Eustis Shooter Released On $12,000 Bond — Airlifted Victim Has One Bullet Removed, Second Remains

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. EUSTIS, Florida — Eustis Police arrested the man they say shot a man twice last week, and he is back out on the streets after being released on $12,000 bond. Gary “Pookie” Davis, 42, is accused of shooting the victim once in the right buttock and once in the right calf as the victim retrieved his puppy in the 600 block of Kensington Street Tuesday. According to a probable cause affidavit, the victim, Davis and another man had been having an ongoing dispute for more than a month. Lake Legal

Eustis Shooter Released On $12,000 Bond — Airlifted Victim Has One Bullet Removed, Second Remains Read More »

Eustis / By / November 9, 2024

Eustis “Tip A Cop” Drops $1,100 In The Bucket

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. EUSTIS, Florida — The community came in force Friday for Eustis Police Department’s “Tip a Cop” to benefit an EPD event scheduled for Thursday. Chief Craig Capri, along with Captains G. Winheim and K. Toler, Sgt. B. Jenkins, Cpl. L. Brown and Officers J. Allred, D. Perez and M. Freitas worked the lunch rush at Tillie’s Tavern & Grill, 12 E. Magnolia Street to raise money for “Bike Ride with the Eustis Police Chief” scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Thursday. The money raised Friday will benefit Thursday’s event; elementary aged children

Eustis “Tip A Cop” Drops $1,100 In The Bucket Read More »

Eustis / By / November 16, 2021

Eustis Police Looking For Information As Man, Shot Twice, Becomes City’s First Shooting Victim Of 2021

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. EUSTIS, Florida — Eustis Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Kensington Street Tuesday night. A man suffered two gunshot wounds around 6:20 p.m. and his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, EPD Chief Craig Capri told Lake Legal News. He was transported to Central Florida Regional Hospital for treatment. “It looks like the victim is going to pull through,” Capri said. EPD has developed information the shooting may be a part of an ongoing dispute with another man. Capri (who was on scene of the shooting),

Eustis Police Looking For Information As Man, Shot Twice, Becomes City’s First Shooting Victim Of 2021 Read More »

Eustis / By / November 16, 2021

LCSO Swat And Negotiations Teams Successful In Ending Potentially Violent Four-hour Mental Health Standoff

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. LEESBURG, Florida — A combat veteran with diagnosed mental health issues is facing several charges after a four-hour standoff Monday. Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about a suicidal female at a home on Silver Lake Drive around 11 a.m. Monday. The woman’s husband told LCSO his wife, Ieaka Yatanta Olmstead, 41, had been experiencing a mental health crisis that continued to escalate for the last month. He said Olmstead had been receiving treatment at a mental health facility and after 28 days, she checked herself out against

LCSO Swat And Negotiations Teams Successful In Ending Potentially Violent Four-hour Mental Health Standoff Read More »

Leesburg / By / November 16, 2021

Mount Dora House Guest Apparently Hopped Out Of Window With Shower Water Running To Steal Host’s SUV

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. MOUNT DORA, Florida — A man whose ex-girlfriend let him stay with her for a few weeks repaid her by stealing her SUV while she thought he was in the shower, and using her debit card without permission Sunday, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly after 7 p.m. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in Mount Dora on a report of a stolen vehicle. The victim told LCSO Joaquin Ramon Medina-Rondon, 34, had been staying with her for about two weeks, and told her he was going

Mount Dora House Guest Apparently Hopped Out Of Window With Shower Water Running To Steal Host’s SUV Read More »

Mount Dora / By / November 16, 2021

Umatilla Teen Keeps Buying Vehicles With Bum Checks — Two Lake Dealerships Hit

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. EUSTIS, Florida — An unemployed Umatilla man scammed two local car dealerships with nearly $70,000 of worthless checks, and attempted to scam two more, according to a probable cause affidavit. On April 16, Eustis Police Department responded to Advantage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, 18311 U.S. Highway 441 on a report of fraud. The general manager told police Prestin Scott Carroll, 19, purchased a 2021 Jeep Wrangler with a check written for $48,940.35 four days earlier. The check was returned the next day for insufficient funds; the manager contacted the bank and

Umatilla Teen Keeps Buying Vehicles With Bum Checks — Two Lake Dealerships Hit Read More »

Eustis, Umatilla / By / November 16, 2021

Victim Will Have Permanent Facial Scarring After 73-year-old Lady Lake Man Beats Him With Tire Iron

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. TAVARES, Florida — A 73-year-old man accused of chasing a man down and hitting him in the face with a tire iron earlier this month was picked up on a warrant for the crime Tuesday night, according to the arrest affidavit. On April 2, James Edward Rogers, of Lady Lake, was helping a woman retrieve her belongings from a home on Tracy Lane in unincorporated Tavares, according to a probable cause affidavit. The victim came to the home to ensure his belongings were not being taken and a fight broke

Victim Will Have Permanent Facial Scarring After 73-year-old Lady Lake Man Beats Him With Tire Iron Read More »

Unincorporated Lake / By / November 16, 2021

Stolen Truck Investigation Leads To Astatula Repeat Offender With Active Warrant For Separate Armed Home Burglary

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. LEESBURG, Florida — A man who has been booked into the Lake County Jail a dozen times since 2015 is behind bars again, facing multiple charges from two different cases. On Friday, a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a home in Eustis on a stolen truck complaint. The victim told the deputy he drove the truck to a home in Umatilla on Thursday night to visit a friend; the truck had mechanical issues and he left it front of the friend’s home. Around 4:30 p.m. Friday, the friend heard

Stolen Truck Investigation Leads To Astatula Repeat Offender With Active Warrant For Separate Armed Home Burglary Read More »

Leesburg / By / November 16, 2021

Fruitland Park Family Lock Themselves In Room As Father Goes On Shooting Rampage With Pellet Gun

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. FRUITLAND PARK, Florida — A man is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond facing two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after shooting his wife and daughter with an Air Soft pellet gun, according to an arrest affidavit. Fruitland Park Police responded to a home on Tropic Circle Thursday and found Jeffrey John Miller, 39, on the back porch of the residence loading a magazine for an Air Soft pellet gun. Miller, who had slurred speech and trouble walking, “was unable to complete a

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Fruitland Park / By / November 16, 2021

Clermont 7-Eleven Employee Accused Of Erasing Transactions From Cash Register’s “Memory”

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. Clermont, Florida — An employee of a local gas station is facing grand theft and scheming to defraud charges after he was found stealing cash from the business. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to 7-Eleven, 1635 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont Wednesday after a man reported he was reviewing transactions and video surveillance from January through March and found that an employee was stealing. According to the complainant, Luis Miguel Martinez-Rivas, 30, was captured on video on multiple occasions ringing a customer up and putting the transaction into “memory” instead

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Clermont / By / November 21, 2021

Tavares Woman Seeks Justice — Refuses To Let Her Sister’s Recent Murder Become A ‘Cold Case’

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. Tavares, Florida — “Somebody knows something.” Amy Harris wants justice. Harris’ younger sister, Melissa Nease, 29, was found murdered in her secluded Ocklawaha home in Marion County the afternoon of Feb. 28, by a family friend, Harris told Lake Legal News Monday. Nease, a 2010 graduate of Tavares High School, was home alone while her boyfriend and three children were out of town when she was shot and killed by two unknown individuals. Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case. MCSO has released very little information in the young mom’s murder;

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Around the County, Tavares / By / February 18, 2023

Man Blocks Traffic In Lady Lake With Construction Site “Road Closed” Sign

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. LADY LAKE, Florida — A man who is accused of swinging a board and a pipe at passing vehicles Thursday night near a busy intersection is being held in the Lake County Jail on $500 bond. Lady Lake Police Department responded to U.S. Highway 441/27 near Hartsock Sawmill Road after numerous reports that a man was attempting to strike passing vehicles with a pipe and a board, backing traffic up to Eagles Nest Road in Fruitland Park, around 9 p.m. Thursday. When LLPD arrived, they observed Floyd Thomas Coburn Jr.,

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Lady Lake / By / November 16, 2021

‘Fraudulent Receipt’ Scam Man Has Used For Years Gets Him Caught At Bealls Store, In Eustis

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. EUSTIS, Florida — A homeless man who told police he had been using fraudulent receipts “for years to get money” was busted for that offense and possessing methamphetamine Saturday, according to an arrest affidavit. Eustis Police responded to Bealls, 2802 David Walker Drive on a report of a man using fraudulent receipts. An employee told EPD Darin Clay Grenier, 44, had committed fraud at their other location and the employee had been watching for him. He said Grenier entered the store and took a cooler and jewelry totaling nearly $80

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Eustis / By / November 16, 2021

Breaking The Glass: LCSO Makes History With First Female Captain

The following story was published under a different headline in another publication.   LEESBURG, Florida — History was made Wednesday as longtime Lake County Sheriff’s deputy Christie Mysinger was appointed as the first-ever female captain at LCSO at a ceremony at Leesburg High School. LCSO Sheriff Peyton Grinnell is the first sheriff to appoint a woman to his command staff. “It’s history in the making, “ Grinnell told Lake Legal News. He said he chose Mysinger for a number of reasons, including her college education and her ability to think outside the box. “She has excelled in everything she has been assigned to,” he

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By / September 13, 2021

Tavares Double Murder-Suicide: Police Release Names Of Victims Killed As They Slept

This article first appeared on Lake Legal News in February 2021. TAVARES, Florida — The two victims in Thursday’s double murder-suicide never saw it coming, according to Tavares Police Lt. Sarah Coursey. Wendy Higgins, 39, and James Delgiorno, 41, were found shot to death in bed shortly before 9:45 a.m. Thursday in the master bedroom of the home at 331 Lakecrest Drive and Joseph McGuirl, 47, was found slumped on the floor near Higgins with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. All three individuals worked together at Lake Port Square in Leesburg. “It appears that both Delgiorno and

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Tavares, Uncategorized / By / June 12, 2025

Surveillance On Montverde Home Leads To Alleged Meth Trafficker Heading Back To Jail On New Trafficking Charges

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. MONTVERDE, Florida — A man already wanted for trafficking methamphetamine was busted Friday with more than 450 grams of the addictive drug, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were looking for David Joe Keller, 40, and surveilling a home on Heatherwood Lane in Montverde Friday when Keller left the home and got into the driver’s seat of a U-Haul truck. Keller, who has a suspended driver license, drove the truck eastbound down Heatherwood Lane and an LCSO deputy pulled him over. Keller exited the truck and began

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Montverde / By / November 16, 2021

“Lyla” The Dog Dead Following Botched Amateur C-Section In Clermont Home

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. CLERMONT, Florida — A TikTok video of an amateur botched C-section that killed a white French bulldog landed two men behind bars Friday, according to a probable cause affidavit. Larry Colon, 50, is alleged to have paid a man $650 to perform a c-section on his pregnant dog, Lyla, in Colon’s living room while Colon’s teenage daughter filmed the horrific surgery and posted it on the popular app TikTok Feb. 9. The video shows Colon holding Lyla down on a metal table while Frankie Huertas-Rivera, 33, cuts Lyla open. Lyla

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Clermont / By / February 13, 2024

Victims In Fruitland Park Barricade Themselves Until Police Arrive — Man Had Machete, Yelling Religious Chants

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida — A man who has been booked into the Lake County Jail 17 times since 2012 was arrested again Monday after allegedly yelling religious chants at a pair of brothers while pacing around them with a machete. Shortly before 3:30 p.m. Monday, Fruitland Park Police responded to Finch’s U Store-It, 2281 U.S. Highway 27-441, Fruitland Park and found Preston Wade Greenlee, 50, walking around his truck, talking to himself, according to an arrest affidavit. An FPPD officer patted Greenlee down and did not find any weapons on Greenlee’s person, but when asked if he had a machete;

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Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop / By / November 10, 2025

Interim Police Chief Says Mount Dora Police “Relentless In Our Efforts” To Bring Murderer To Justice

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. MOUNT DORA, Florida — Saturday marks two months since a beloved couple were gunned down in the store they owned, and their murderer still has not been identified despite three agencies actively investigating the case. Minh “Tina” Nguyen, 47, and Khiem “Ken” Ba Trinh, 56, were shot around 9 p.m. Nov. 30, at their popular store, T & N Market, 1345 North Grandview Street, just a few blocks from Mount Dora Police Department. Video surveillance from outside the store showed an unidentified individual accosting Trinh at his grey Honda minivan

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Mount Dora / By / January 9, 2022

Bond Set At $1.75 Million For Alleged Umatilla Shooter, Now In Custody

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. UMATILLA, Florida – The man who the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was looking for in connection with a shooting in Umatilla earlier this month is in custody. Jack Lamarbenn Brown II, 34, is accused of shooting the victim at a home on Highland Street shortly before 11:30 a.m. Jan. 20. The victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Brown, of Eustis, is facing an attempted first degree murder charge and a charge of shooting into an occupied dwelling. He is being held in the Lake County Jail

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Umatilla / By / January 9, 2022

Wanted Man’s Name And Photo Released, In Connection With Umatilla Shooting

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. UMATILLA, Florida — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released the name and photo of a man wanted for a shooting in Umatilla on Jan. 20. Jack Lamarbenn Brown II, 34, is accused of shooting the victim at a home on Highland Street shortly before 11:30 a.m. Jan. 20. The victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The shooting caused both Umatilla Middle School and Umatilla High School to be locked down for a short period of time, Lake County Schools said the day of the incident.

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Umatilla / By / January 9, 2022

Shots Fired In Leesburg McDonald’s Drive-Thru Across From Mall, Carnival

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. LEESBURG, Florida – A Tavares man accused of firing several shots in the air in the drive-thru of a local restaurant Friday night was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharging a firearm in public shortly after the incident, according to an arrest affidavit. Just after 9:45 p.m. Friday, Leesburg Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to McDonald’s, 10402 U.S. Highway 441, across from Lake Square Mall on a report of a shooting. An outdoor carnival was being held at the mall

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Leesburg / By / January 9, 2022

Arrest Warrant Executed — Clermont Man Arrested In Odd Case Of Exposure Of Sexual Organs

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News CLERMONT, Florida — A man accused of masturbating over children’s toys in December was arrested Saturday for exposure of sexual organs, according to an arrest affidavit and probable cause affidavit. On Dec. 11, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to East Chester Street and South Bloxam Avenue in Clermont on a report of a man exposing his genitals. When LCSO arrived at the scene, the victim said a man later identified as Nicholas Peter DeSalvo, 36, had been masturbating over children’s toys with his genitals exposed, according to the probable

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Clermont / By / January 9, 2022

LCSO Seeking Suspect In Umatilla Shooting — Crimeline Callers May Be Eligible For Reward

The following story was previously published on Lake Legal News. UMATILLA, Florida — A suspect is on the loose after someone was shot at their home in Umatilla Wednesday morning. According to a press release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, a black male with shoulder-length dreadlocks shot the victim at the victim’s home at 51 Highland Avenue at 11:20 a.m. The suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan with tinted windows, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. The victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The shooting caused both Umatilla

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Umatilla / By / January 9, 2022
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