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Stepdad Turns Stepson in to Police After Finding Evidence of Multiple Burglaries in his Eustis Home Monday

EUSTIS, Fla.—A teenager who was keeping his loot from multiple burglaries in his stepfather’s Eustis home is being held in the Lake County Jail on $65,000 bond after being captured by Eustis Police Department officers Monday afternoon. Jordan Blair Makuannen’s stepfather contacted EPD Monday and said he found numerous identification cards belonging to different people on his back porch where Makuannen was staying, according to an arrest affidavit. Officer responded to the home on East Atwater Avenue and collected the cards that matched up to several victims of recent burglaries of both homes and vehicles in the area, some as […]

Stepdad Turns Stepson in to Police After Finding Evidence of Multiple Burglaries in his Eustis Home Monday Read More »

Paisley Man Killed on I4 in Hillsborough County Saturday Night

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.—A pedestrian from Paisley was killed Saturday night when he was struck by minivan on Interstate 4, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A Toyota Sienna, being driven by a 59-year-old Sarasota man, was traveling westbound on I4 near McIntosh Road, just after 8:15 p.m. when the Paisley man, 24, walked across the highway and into the path of the minivan for an unknown reason, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said. “As a result, the vehicle struck the pedestrian, who suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash,” Gaskins said in an email.

Paisley Man Killed on I4 in Hillsborough County Saturday Night Read More »

Legal Troubles Escalate for Accused Mount Dora Child Abuser

TAVARES, Fla.—A man first arrested nearly two years ago for breaking his 8-month-old daughter’s leg is back in the Lake County Jail for failing to appear at a mandatory court date, according to documents in the case against him. Dominic Ralston’s new legal troubles began in July when Circuit Judge James Baxley ordered him to appear in court Aug. 28. On Aug. 27, his attorney, Jaimie Washo Spivey, filed a motion to withdraw from his case stating in part, “The undersigned attorney has reached out via text to the Defendant numerous times since January 2023 and has not received any

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9-1-1 Calls Released in Eustis Hit-and-Run, Hero Bus Driver Likely Saved Victim’s Life

EUSTIS, Fla.—Two 9-1-1 calls made following the hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian in Eustis Monday night have been released. The calls made by two different people are difficult to listen to because both callers are emotional as they report the tragic situation. Stacey Hatcher, a Lake County Schools bus driver, found Abigail Stevens, 32, lying in the road on West Lakeview Avenue near Morin Street around 9 p.m. Monday night. Hatcher told Inside Lake in an exclusive interview Wednesday, God and fate put her in the right place at the right time. Hatcher had just dropped off members of

9-1-1 Calls Released in Eustis Hit-and-Run, Hero Bus Driver Likely Saved Victim’s Life Read More »

Lake County Schools Bus Driver Who Found Eustis Hit-and-Run Victim Hailed a Hero

EUSTIS, Fla.—The driver who found the victim of a hit-and-run and used her school bus to shield the victim from oncoming traffic in Eustis Monday night is being hailed a hero. “Mrs. (Stacey) Hatcher’s actions very likely saved a human life Monday,” Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri said. “The world needs more people like her.” Hatcher, a 25-year-veteran Lake County Schools bus driver, spoke only with Inside Lake Wednesday and said it was God and fate that put her in the right place at the right time around 9 p.m. Monday night. “I just give God all the glory,” Hatcher

Lake County Schools Bus Driver Who Found Eustis Hit-and-Run Victim Hailed a Hero Read More »

Tracking App Helps Nab Accused Umatilla Teenaged Armed Robber

UMATILLA, Fla.—A tracking app helped nab an accused teenaged armed robber earlier this week, according to an arrest affidavit. Juan “Slugga” Gomez Jr., 16, of Umatilla, is accused of robbing two victims of $500 on Orange Circle in Lady Lake Sunday. The victims told Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies a masked male suspect pointed a gun at them and demanded money, and a second male who was not wearing a mask helped him, the affidavit states. The victims identified Gomez through social media and LSCO found that he attended Umatilla High School. Gomes was secured and detained at UHS Monday,

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Sumter County Deputies Searching for Missing Lady Lake Man

Update: Ryan Kenney has been found safe.  THE VILLAGES, Fla.—The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a Lady Lake man who has not been seen since Tuesday morning, it said in a social media post. Ryan Kenney, 52, who has a history of medical issues, was last seen Tuesday morning on his silver bicycle around the area of Lake Sumter Landing. He is described at a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown plaid shirt and shorts, according to SCSO. If you see Kenney or know

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School Bus Driver Finds Victim of Hit-and-Run Lying in the Street and Blocks Traffic Monday Night Until Eustis Police Arrive

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating after the victim of an apparent hit-and-run was found lying in the street Monday night by a school bus driver, who used her bus to block traffic until police arrived, according to a report. Abigail Stevens, 32, was found lying on West Lakeview Avenue near Morin Street around 9 p.m. Monday by the bus driver who called police. The bus driver did not see who hit Stevens, she said. When police arrived, they observed Stevens was suffering from a head injury and a broken leg. She was unresponsive, but breathing and when Lake EMS

School Bus Driver Finds Victim of Hit-and-Run Lying in the Street and Blocks Traffic Monday Night Until Eustis Police Arrive Read More »

Names of Tavares Weekend Crash Victims Released

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department has released the names of the two men involved in a deadly single-car crash early Saturday morning. TPD believes Anthony Petchonka Jr., 24, of Tavares was driving a 2003 black Acura coupe when he crashed shortly before 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Dead River Road and Baytree Boulevard. The impact ejected Petchonka Jr., and his passenger Jordan Debitetto, 22, of Astatula. Inside Lake originally reported Debitetto was from Apopka, as listed on his driver license, but TPD has since discovered he lives in Astatula, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. Petchonka Jr. was pronounced

Names of Tavares Weekend Crash Victims Released Read More »

Connecticut Crash Claims the Lives of 2 Sorrento Women and Virginia Man, 3 Children Hospitalized

WETHERSFIELD, Conn.—A Connecticut crash claimed the lives of two Sorrento women and a Virginia man Sunday and sent three Sorrento children to the hospital, according to the Connecticut State Police (CSP.) Shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday, Kory Watson, 40, of Hillsville, Va., was driving a 2003 Lincoln Aviator on Interstate 91 South when he veered into the right lane for an unknown reason and collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder near Exit 25. Watson, and one of his passengers, Lacey Marie Price, 32, of Sorrento, were pronounced deceased on the scene. Passenger Rebecca Marie

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Man Arrested for Armed Robbery in Eustis Friday

EUSTIS, Fla.—A man suspected of an armed robbery in Eustis Friday is in the Lake County Jail on $50,500 bond. According to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri, a man reported he was robbed of his wallet that contained around $400, his identification and a Cash App card Friday afternoon on East Hazzard Avenue. He told police the suspects were in an older blue SUV and a black Volkswagen, and he was walking on the side of a home in the 1200 block of East Hazzard Avenue when he felt two firearms on his back. He said two men, one

Man Arrested for Armed Robbery in Eustis Friday Read More »

Single-Car Crash Kills Tavares Man and Sends Apopka Man to the Hospital Early Saturday

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tavares man was killed in a single-car crash early Saturday morning and his passenger is in critical condition at a local trauma center, according to Tavares Police Department. TPD traffic homicide investigators responded to the scene near Dead River Road and Baytree Boulevard overnight and TPD released preliminary information Saturday morning. TPD believes the 2003 black Acura coupe being driven by a 24-year-old Tavares man was traveling on Dead River Road when it crashed shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday, ejecting both the driver and his 22-year-old male passenger of Apopka. The crash killed the Tavares man, and the

Single-Car Crash Kills Tavares Man and Sends Apopka Man to the Hospital Early Saturday Read More »

Tavares Police Investigating Apparent Attempted Suicide in Hospital Parking Lot

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after finding a man shot who they believe was attempting suicide in a vehicle in the parking lot of AdventHealth Waterman Friday. Shortly before 1:15 p.m. Friday, Lake County Dispatch received a 9-1-1 text message that included the location of AdventHealth Waterman and a vehicle description, Tavares Police Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. When asked if the subject needed police, fire or an ambulance, the subject replied, “whomever,” she said. TPD located the vehicle and found a male suffering from a gunshot wound. “Officers performed life-saving measures on the male who

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Social Media Dispute Between Umatilla and Apopka Teens Erupts into Chase, Gun Found

UMATILLA, Fla.— A dispute between teenagers that began over social media erupted into a chase and eventual arrest Thursday after one teen admitted a gun found in a truck was his, according to an arrest affidavit. Law enforcement received information that a large fight was going to occur between Umatilla teens and Apopka teens over a social media dispute. A video showed a teen brandishing a black pistol with an extended magazine from inside what appeared to be a Dodge Ram, according to the affidavit. Umatilla High School Principal Brent Frazier sent out a voice message to parents and guardians

Social Media Dispute Between Umatilla and Apopka Teens Erupts into Chase, Gun Found Read More »

Man Pleads Guilty Monday to Hit-and-Run that Killed Beloved Local Musician in 2022

TAVARES, Florida—More than a year after a beloved local musician was killed in a hit-and-run crash, the driver pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and was sentenced to five years in prison Monday. Inside Lake was in the courtroom when Justin Thomas Flower, 39, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the crash that killed Robert “Bobby” Wilson July 23, 2022. Flower was originally charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash causing death in November 2022, but as part of his plea agreement, the manslaughter charge was dropped, and he pleaded guilty to the remaining charge. He

Man Pleads Guilty Monday to Hit-and-Run that Killed Beloved Local Musician in 2022 Read More »

5 Arrested in Lake County Child Sex Sting

TAVARES, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of five people Monday who are accused of traveling with the intent to have sex with a juvenile earlier this month. “After unknowingly talking online with an undercover detective, the subjects traveled to a predetermined location with the intent to have sex with a child. All suspects were taken into custody upon arrival,” LCSO said in a statement. The suspects are: Musa Sawaneh, 25, who traveled from Temple Terrace. Jason Spencer, 40, who traveled from Tavares. Kahlil Amilivia Rodriguez, 25, who traveled from Groveland. Bhaveshkuma Vekaria, 45, who traveled from Orlando.

5 Arrested in Lake County Child Sex Sting Read More »

Fruitland Park Man Admits to Strangling his Dog and Cat

FRUITLAND Park, Fla.—A Fruitland Park man has been released from the Lake County Jail on bond after admitting to deputies he strangled his dog and cat, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in Fruitland Park Thursday morning on a report of a man, later identified as William Victor Brown, 65, having “homicidal/suicidal tendencies.” The complainant said Brown told her had strangled his black and white cat and black and brown Chihuahua Wednesday night and he wanted to kill himself with his gun, the affidavit states. Deputies spoke with Brown, who admitted he

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Man Shot Friday Night, Eustis Police Investigating

EUSTIS, Fla.—A man has been released from the hospital after getting shot in the hand Friday night, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The shooting occurred on Reddick Street near Bates Avenue and police found shell casings from two different types of guns near the scene. Police released few details citing an active investigation and are asking the public to come forward if they have information or video related to the incident.  If you have information, call EPD at 352-357-4121.

Man Shot Friday Night, Eustis Police Investigating Read More »

Leesburg Man Killed Walking Across CR 44 Friday Night

LEESBURG, Fla.—A 47-year-old Leesburg man was killed on County Road 44 Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was walking southbound across the eastbound lane near Rhett Road in the Leesburg area when he was struck by a 2019 Chrysler 3000 being driven by a 37-year-old man shortly before 9:30 p.m. The crash scene is near a Dollar General. The driver and his 38-year-old female passenger, both of Leesburg, were not injured. The pedestrian was pronounced dead on the scene, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. The fatal crash closed County Road 44 for several hours and remains

Leesburg Man Killed Walking Across CR 44 Friday Night Read More »

Bulletproof Vest, Explosive Devices, Guns and Drugs Found During Search Warrant, Suspect Now Facing Federal Charges

SORRENTO, Fla.—Only Inside Lake reported on a search warrant that was executed on a home connected to David Flores Thursday afternoon and now the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has revealed what was found. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives (ATF,) and LCSO’s SWAT Team, Hazardous Device Team (bomb squad,) detectives and crime scene investigators searched the home located at 31624 Orange Street, Sorrento Thursday afternoon and into the early evening hours. “During the search, detectives located firearms, a ballistic vest, fentanyl, and other drugs. The vest that was collected matches the description of the one the victim

Bulletproof Vest, Explosive Devices, Guns and Drugs Found During Search Warrant, Suspect Now Facing Federal Charges Read More »

Large Law Enforcement Presence at Home Where Wanted Man Found in Sorrento Earlier this Week

SORRENTO, Fla.— Numerous law enforcement officers were at the home Thursday night where a wanted man was apprehended earlier this week conducting a “follow-up investigation”, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake. Multiple sources reached out to Inside Lake Thursday evening and said law enforcement officers from multiple agencies were at the home at 31624 Orange Street in Sorrento, including LCSO and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office around 6:30 p.m. This is the same home David Flores, 37, fled from early Wednesday morning after being on the run from deputies for more than two days. Flores was

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Deputies Investigating Several Suspicious Incidents in Mount Plymouth Tuesday Night

MOUNT PLYMOUTH, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several reports of suspicious incidents in Mount Plymouth Tuesday night, including shots fired near at least two homes; and in one incident, a bullet entered a home through a sliding glass door. According to a report, deputies responded to an unoccupied home around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday on Troon Avenue after the complainant saw an unknown person, possibly a Hispanic male, walking around the residence on surveillance video.  While responding to that call, another call came in reporting a shot had been fired through a sliding glass door at a nearby home.

Deputies Investigating Several Suspicious Incidents in Mount Plymouth Tuesday Night Read More »

VIDEO: LCSO K9 Takes a Bite Out of Crime and Apprehends Suspect Wanted Since Sunday

SORRENTO, Fla.—A tip to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the apprehension of the man who was the subject of an extensive search in Eustis Sunday night. LCSO responded to a home on Orange Street in Sorrento just after midnight Wednesday and began searching the property for David Flores, 37, and he fled on foot, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. “A sheriff’s K-9 located him shortly thereafter hiding in a hole where it appeared trees had been cleared,” Herrell said in an email. K9 Ex bit Flores and he was treated for minor injuries and later transported to the

VIDEO: LCSO K9 Takes a Bite Out of Crime and Apprehends Suspect Wanted Since Sunday Read More »

Captured: Man who was Subject of Extensive Search in Eustis Sunday Night Taken into Custody

SORRENTO, Fla.—The man the Lake County Sheriff’s Office searched for by ground and air for several hours Sunday night has been taken into custody and Inside Lake is working on getting details on his apprehension. David Flores, 37, was suspected of an aggravated assault that occurred in the county portion of Bates Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and according to LCSO online booking records he was taken into custody shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday in Sorrento. He is facing a charge of resisting arrest and two bond revocation orders from previous arrests; he is being held without bond due to

Captured: Man who was Subject of Extensive Search in Eustis Sunday Night Taken into Custody Read More »

Lake-Sumter State College Foundation Honors Hall of Fame Recipients and Distinguished Alumni Tuesday Night, Including Inside Lake’s Own Marilyn Aciego

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Lake-Sumter State College Foundation honored its Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame recipients Tuesday night in a ceremony held at the Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center at the college’s Leesburg campus. Nine individuals and a community organization were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the community in front of a large crowd that enjoyed a three-course dinner and video testimonials from the recipients. Each year, the LSSC Foundation Board of Directors select the recipients from nominations made by the public to receive distinguished alumni awards. For the first time its 12-year history, two people were awarded the

Lake-Sumter State College Foundation Honors Hall of Fame Recipients and Distinguished Alumni Tuesday Night, Including Inside Lake’s Own Marilyn Aciego Read More »

Alleged Threats Against DCF End in Stinky Situation for Tavares Police

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tavares woman was arrested Thursday on a warrant stemming from alleged threats she made against the Department of Children and Families in a September incident that turned out to be a stinky situation for Tavares Police Department. Around 8 a.m. Sept. 22, TPD responded to the Department of Children and Families, 1300 South Duncan Drive, on a report of a woman banging on the doors and making threats. When officers arrived, they asked Anquinette Fieldings what was going on and she became upset and said “DCF needed to do their jobs” and she needed immediate assistance. Fieldings, 33,

Alleged Threats Against DCF End in Stinky Situation for Tavares Police Read More »

After Extensive Search Sunday Night in Eustis, Wanted Suspect Still on the Lam

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for a suspect who was the subject of an extensive search in Eustis Sunday night. David Flores, 37, is the suspect in an aggravated assault that occurred in the county portion of Bates Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and he also has an active warrant for burglary, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. Rumors were flying on social media Sunday night as residents watched numerous deputies and Eustis Police Department officers search the area around Eustis Middle School and DeLand Road, commonly known as the Eustis bypass. Tavares Police Chief Sarah Coursey

After Extensive Search Sunday Night in Eustis, Wanted Suspect Still on the Lam Read More »

LCSO and EPD Search for “Possibly Armed” and “Dangerous” Suspect

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Police Department and Eagle One, LCSO’s helicopter, are searching for a suspect near Eustis Middle School wanted in an aggravated assault case. LCSO received a report of an aggravated assault around 5:30 pm. Sunday at a home on Bates Avenue in LCSO’s jurisdiction, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. Deputies received information that the suspect was David Flores, 37, and he was armed and had fled on foot into nearby woods. “The Sheriff’s Office has been on scene trying to investigate the situation and locate the suspect, with little cooperation from the victim,” Herrell

LCSO and EPD Search for “Possibly Armed” and “Dangerous” Suspect Read More »

Turnpike Crash Claims 2 Lives Saturday

CLERMONT, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol in investigating a crash that killed two people Saturday afternoon on Florida’s Turnpike in Clermont. The crash, involving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, occurred at 2:30 p.m. near mile marker 280 in the southbound lanes and killed the driver and one passenger; a second passenger was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, according to Trooper Migdalisis Garcia. This is a developing story.

Turnpike Crash Claims 2 Lives Saturday Read More »

Jailbreak (In.) Man Captured on Video Breaking into Lake County Jail Thursday Night and being Tackled by Detention Deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—A man who tried to break into the Lake County Jail is now in the custody of the Lake County Jail after detention deputies tackled him inside the jail Thursday night. In what Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell called a “bizarre and unusual scene,” Michael Ray Few, 41, was captured on video in the public lobby of the jail acting as if he was trying to hide from someone shortly after 9 p.m., Herrell said. Few moved a metal detector and climbed through a small opening leading into an x-ray machine to bypass a secured door. He

Jailbreak (In.) Man Captured on Video Breaking into Lake County Jail Thursday Night and being Tackled by Detention Deputies Read More »

Apopka High School Teacher Admits Giving THC Edibles and Alcohol to Child Prior to “Sexual Incident” in Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—An Apopka High School science teacher is accused of giving a juvenile edibles and alcohol and sexually battering him at his home in Mount Dora, according to Mount Dora Police Department. Dmitri V. Kostyunina, 50, was arrested Tuesday after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contacted MDPD and stated a “sexual incident” occurred at Kostyunina’s home in Mount Dora, an arrest affidavit states. MDPD detectives met with special agents and the victim, and the victim said in September Kostyunina asked the juvenile to watch a movie with him. The boy, whose age was not released, told detectives they

Apopka High School Teacher Admits Giving THC Edibles and Alcohol to Child Prior to “Sexual Incident” in Mount Dora Read More »

Account Established to Benefit Family of Lake Minneola High Senior Tragically Killed in School Bus Crash

MINNEOLA, Fla.—A fundraising account has been established to benefit the family of the Lake Minneola High School (LMHS) student who tragically passed away Monday. Sherman “Isaiah” Vannoy, a 17-year-old senior, was on a bicycle when he was struck by a school bus before daylight Monday morning at the entrance of LMHS. Mary Laurenzi, 78, of Leesburg, who was hired by Lake County Schools in November 2021, was driving the school bus southbound on Hancock Road, south of Fox Trail Avenue, in the left turn lane. Vannoy was riding a bicycle northbound on the north sidewalk of Hancock Road approaching the

Account Established to Benefit Family of Lake Minneola High Senior Tragically Killed in School Bus Crash Read More »

Lake County Schools Releases Name of Student Tragically Killed in School Bus Collision Monday, Grief Counselors on Campus

MINNEOLA, Fla.— Lake County Schools (LCS) has released the names of the teen and the bus driver involved in a fatal crash Monday morning at Lake Minneola High School. Sherman Vannoy, 17, was a senior at Lake Minneola High School, Sherri Owens spokesperson for LCS told Inside Lake. “This was a very difficult day for all of us at Lake County Schools,” Owens said in an email. “We are in touch with the family and are offering our support. We have grief counselors on campus this week for any students or faculty members who may need their services.” The bus

Lake County Schools Releases Name of Student Tragically Killed in School Bus Collision Monday, Grief Counselors on Campus Read More »

Teen Bicyclist Killed in Collision with School Bus near Lake Minneola High School

MINNEOLA, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 17-year-old bicyclist near Lake Minneola High School Monday morning. “The crash occurred as the bus was turning left into the school from traveling southbound on Hancock Road,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake in an email. The crash occurred at 6:50 a.m. near Hancock Road and Fox Trail Avenue and troopers are still investigating the sequence of events that resulted in the crash, Garcia said. The 17-year-old Minneola boy was transported to South Lake Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The bus driver, a 78-year-old woman from Leesburg,

Teen Bicyclist Killed in Collision with School Bus near Lake Minneola High School Read More »

FWC Launches Online Reporting Tool to Help Combat Deadly Turtle Virus

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has launched a public reporting tool to help in its research on a virus that is killing Florida freshwater turtles. FWC has been studying turtle fraservirus (TFV1) since 2018 and is now asking the public to report any sick or dead turtles to help them combat and understand this deadly virus. TFV1 has been found in Lake County, in addition to several other counties in Central Florida, but it could be present throughout the state, FWC warns; it has been identified in softshells, cooters, sliders and snapping turtles. Signs a turtle

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Paisley Bicyclist Dies from Injuries Sustained in Pine Lakes Crash

PINE LAKES, Fla.—The bicyclist injured in a crash with a semi-truck Wednesday has died. Terry Cowart, 45, of Paisley was riding a bicycle when he attempted to cross State Road 44 near Spruce Drive and collided with a semi-truck with a trailer attached shortly after 8:15 a.m. The truck was traveling on State Road 44 shortly after 8:15 a.m. Wednesday when Cowart attempted to cross State Road 44 in the direct path of the semi, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The truck driver, a 55-year-old man from Kissimmee, swerved to avoid Cowart, and the truck overturned

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Woman Crashes Car Through Front Door of Tavares Condo Wednesday Night

TAVARES, Fla.—A slip of the foot resulted in a car going through the front door of a Tavares condo, a woman told police Wednesday night. Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, Tavares Police Department responded to the 600 block of East Rosewood Lane in Rosewood Condominiums on a report of vehicle colliding with a structure, according to a report. Jada Broughton, 20, told police she was backing a 2011 Hyundai passenger car into a parking space when her foot slipped off the pedal and she accelerated into the front door of the condo. A 30-year-old woman who was sitting in a

Woman Crashes Car Through Front Door of Tavares Condo Wednesday Night Read More »

Virginia Murder Suspect Arrested in Lady Lake

LADY LAKE, Fla.—A Pennsylvania man wanted for murder in Virginia was arrested by Lady Lake Police Department early Wednesday morning. Maurice T. Massey, 29, was pulled over for traveling 51 miles per hour in a 40 miles-per-hour zone on U.S. Highway 27/441 near Griffin View Drive at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to Lady Lake Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda. LLPD Cpl. Heather Couch conducted the traffic stop and after a routine driver license check, Massey was found to have a warrant for second-degree murder out of Virginia, Pappacoda said. Massey, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, was driving a white Hyundai Sonata with a

Virginia Murder Suspect Arrested in Lady Lake Read More »

Paisley Bicyclist Critically Injured in Crash that Shut Down SR 44 Wednesday

PINE LAKES, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that critically injured a 45-year-old Paisley man riding a bicycle Wednesday morning. A semi-truck with a trailer was traveling on State Road 44 near Spruce Drive shortly after 8:15 a.m. Wednesday when the bicyclist attempted to cross State Road 44 in the direct path of the semi. He was not in a marked crosswalk, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The truck driver, a 55-year-old man from Kissimmee, swerved to avoid the bicyclist, and the truck overturned on the south shoulder of the road near a Circle K and

Paisley Bicyclist Critically Injured in Crash that Shut Down SR 44 Wednesday Read More »

Crash Shuts Down SR 44 in Pine Lakes Area Wednesday Morning

PINE LAKES, Fla.—State Road 44 is shut down in both directions in the Pine Lakes area as the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a crash, according to FHP. The crash occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of State Road 44 and Spruce Drive, and near a Circle K and a Dollar General.  Inside Lake reached out to FHP for details and was awaiting a response at press time. This is a developing story.

Crash Shuts Down SR 44 in Pine Lakes Area Wednesday Morning Read More »

Man Accused of Exposing Himself at Leesburg Park Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A man accused of exposing himself at a Leesburg park and in front of a Lake County Fire Rescue firefighter is being held in the Lake County Jail on $3,000 bond. Leesburg Police Department responded to Rogers Park, 610 South 9th Street shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday on two separate reports of a man exposing himself and loitering around the restrooms; one caller provided a description of the man, later identified as Desmond Seymore Harris Jr., 47, of Leesburg. As one officer canvassed the area, a second officer reported there was a man in the women’s restroom and officers

Man Accused of Exposing Himself at Leesburg Park Sunday Read More »

Gopher Tortoise in 5-Gallon Bucket Lands Eustis Man in Jail

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man was arrested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Saturday morning for possessing a gopher tortoise—a threatened wildlife species— he was keeping in a five-gallon bucket, according to an arrest affidavit. FWC received a call that a person on McDonald Street in Eustis was in possession of a possible gopher tortoise. An FWC officer responded to the apartment and Edrick L. Acres, 53, admitted he had the tortoise and showed the officer a five-gallon bucket that contained the tortoise, the affidavit states. FWC took possession of the tortoise to return it to the wild

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Orange County Wanted Suspect Taken Into Custody in Eustis Saturday Night Following Pursuit

EUSTIS, Fla.—A suspect wanted by Orange County Sheriff’s Office was taken into custody Saturday night in Eustis. Law enforcement sources told Inside Lake the suspect was in a stolen vehicle when OCSO pursued him into Lake County, traveling all around Mount Dora and Eustis around 8:30 p.m. Saturday night. After a pursuit that lasted more than 30 minutes, the suspect bailed on foot near Trout Lake and was taken into custody about 15 minutes after he bailed, sources said. Eustis Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office all assisted in the apprehension. This is a

Orange County Wanted Suspect Taken Into Custody in Eustis Saturday Night Following Pursuit Read More »

3 More Victims Come Forward and Allege Abuse by School Safety Officer

TAVARES, Fla.—Three more victims have come forward with accusations against a school safety officer arrested for child rape last month. James Wolfe, 50, has been behind bars since his arrest Aug. 18 after the Department of Children and Families reported allegations of sexual abuse to Groveland Police Department. “After a thorough investigation, Groveland Police detectives were able to confirm elements of the allegation and 50-year-old James Wolfe was arrested and charged with sexual battery, engaging in sexual battery with a child under 18 years of age and giving obscene material to a minor,” GPD spokesperson Sarah Panko said in an

3 More Victims Come Forward and Allege Abuse by School Safety Officer Read More »

Suspect in Stolen Vehicle Flees, Rams LCSO Cruiser, Strikes Multiple Stop Sticks, Flees on Foot, Apprehended by K9 Murphy in Leesburg Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Mount Dora man is facing a slew of charges after ramming a stolen vehicle into a Lake County Sheriff’s Office cruiser, fleeing to Sumter County, striking multiple stop sticks and fleeing back into Lake County where he was finally apprehended Sunday afternoon. Henry Lee Gamble-Coleman, 26, was spotted around 5 p.m. in Leesburg by LCSO deputies in a vehicle stolen from Eustis, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies attempted to pull Gamble-Coleman over near the intersection of South 14th Street and South Street and Gamble-Coleman “rapidly” accelerated and struck the passenger side of a K9 cruiser. He fled

Suspect in Stolen Vehicle Flees, Rams LCSO Cruiser, Strikes Multiple Stop Sticks, Flees on Foot, Apprehended by K9 Murphy in Leesburg Sunday Read More »

Tavares Police Release Name of Man Shot and Killed Saturday Night

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department has released the name of the man shot multiple times and killed Saturday night. Daniel Overbaugh, 57, was found lying in a yard near County Drive and Highland Avenue with multiple gunshot wounds, shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday after a 9-1-1 caller reported he had been shot, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. Multiple agencies responded to the scene and TPD detectives are working closely with TPD’s CSI and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office CSI. Overbaugh was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary information indicates the killing was an

Tavares Police Release Name of Man Shot and Killed Saturday Night Read More »

Tavares Police Investigating Death of Man Shot Multiple Times Saturday

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating the death of a man who was shot multiple times Saturday night and officers are hunting for the person responsible. Around 8:35 p.m., police received a 9-1-1 call stating a male had been shot and was lying in a yard in the area of County Drive and Highland Avenue. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the area and located the man who was suffering from several gunshot wounds, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. “TPD’s Criminal Investigations Division has responded to the scene and is working diligently with their CSI and the Lake

Tavares Police Investigating Death of Man Shot Multiple Times Saturday Read More »

Argument Over Dog Feces, Latest in Years Long Neighborhood Feud, Lands Tavares Man in Jail

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tavares man is in the Lake County Jail after video surveillance captured him throwing a bag of dog feces in his neighbors’ driveway and garage and then punching one of the neighbors, the latest incident in a multi-year feud. Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Tavares Police Department responded to a home on Sycamore Circle on a report of a battery.  Residents of the home told TPD their neighbor, Ty Alan Heichel, 24, threw a bag of dog feces in their driveway and a verbal argument ensued. During the verbal altercation, Heichel punched the male resident in the face, according

Argument Over Dog Feces, Latest in Years Long Neighborhood Feud, Lands Tavares Man in Jail Read More »

Head-On Collision Kills Umatilla Man, Shuts Down SR 46 Friday

SORRENTO, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is on scene of a crash that killed a Umatilla man and shut down State Road 46 in both directions. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2009 Hyundai Sonata being driven by a 42-year-old Umatilla man was traveling westbound on State Road 46 near Wekiva Pines Boulevard around 5:40 p.m. when he veered into the eastbound lane and collided with 2022 Ford E-350 being driven by a 49-year-old Deltona man, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. The Umatilla man was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The Deltona man

Head-On Collision Kills Umatilla Man, Shuts Down SR 46 Friday Read More »

Name of Pedestrian Killed in Leesburg Last Week Released

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released the name of the pedestrian killed in a crash Sept. 8. Stanley L. Rollins, 59, Mount Dora, was crossing U.S. Highway 441, near Mt. Vernon Road, just after 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8, when he was struck by a silver 2010 Nissan traveling north on U.S. Highway 441 and being driven by Alexander Aguilar, 19, of Leesburg, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. The investigation into the crash closed several lanes of traffic on U.S. Highway 441. Rollins was pronounced deceased on the scene; the crash remains under investigation.

Name of Pedestrian Killed in Leesburg Last Week Released Read More »

Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges

TAVARES, Florida—A six-month long undercover drug investigation targeting fentanyl traffickers has wrapped up with the arrests of 15 people and six more are on the run, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. A joint operation between LCSO’s Special Investigations Bureau, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City County Investigation Bureau— which includes police officers from Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg and Mount Dora—uncovered a variety of illegal narcotics being distributed throughout the county, including trafficking amounts of deadly fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA.   Law enforcement developed information from the public to aid in the

Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges Read More »

Few Details Released in Leesburg Crash that Killed Pedestrian Friday, Investigation Ongoing

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released few details about the crash that killed a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 441 Friday afternoon. The pedestrian, a 59-year-old male of Mount Dora, was crossing U.S. Highway 441, near Mt. Vernon Road, just after 4:30 p.m. Friday, when he was struck by a silver 2010 Nissan traveling north on U.S. Highway 441 and being driven by Alexander Aguilar, 19, of Leesburg, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. The investigation into the crash closed several lanes of traffic on U.S. Highway 441. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene and his name still has

Few Details Released in Leesburg Crash that Killed Pedestrian Friday, Investigation Ongoing Read More »

Leesburg Police Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian Friday Afternoon

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred late Friday afternoon. The crash occurred at U.S. Highway 441 and Mt. Vernon Road and closed the inside lanes of U.S. Highway 441; the center and outside lanes are open, according to a social media post by LPD around 5 p.m. Friday. Police are urging motorists to use caution in the area. This is a developing story.

Leesburg Police Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian Friday Afternoon Read More »

Clermont Police Bust Tampa Man with “Blatantly Counterfeit” $100 Bills

CLERMONT, Fla.—A man wanted in Tennessee for passing counterfeit money and already on probation in Hillsborough County, was arrested Tuesday, along with a teenager, after Clermont Police Department found him with counterfeit $100 bills, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, CPD responded to Advance Discount Auto Parts, 2655 East Highway 50, on a report of people passing counterfeit bills. The caller described one of the suspects, the affidavit states. About 20 minutes later, members of CPD’s Crime Suppression Unit spotted a white Nissan pull into the parking lot of Auto Zone, 200 West Highway 50, bypass

Clermont Police Bust Tampa Man with “Blatantly Counterfeit” $100 Bills Read More »

The Villages Golf Cart Driver in Serious Condition Following Collision with Car

THE VILLAGES, Fla.—A 89-year-old man is in serious condition after driving his golf cart into the path of a car Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 89-year-old man of The Villages was driving a golf cart northbound on a golf cart path shortly before 8 a.m. when he turned left in front of a car near Woodridge Drive in Sumter County, according to FHP. The golf cart driver struck the left side of the car, being driven by a 69-year-old Lady Lake man. The golf cart driver was seriously injured; the Lady Lake man and his 69-year-old

The Villages Golf Cart Driver in Serious Condition Following Collision with Car Read More »

Motorcyclist Killed After Running Stop Sign in Unincorporated Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg motorcyclist was killed Monday after he ran a stop sign in unincorporated Leesburg, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 84-year-old man was riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound on El Presidente Boulevard when he failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. Highway 27 while attempting to make a left turn around 2:10 p.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. The motorcycle entered the direct path of a 2015 Toyota Corolla traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 27 and being driven by a 31-year-old woman of Stone Mountain, Georgia. The front of the Corolla

Motorcyclist Killed After Running Stop Sign in Unincorporated Leesburg Read More »

Anonymous Tip and K-9 Alert Result in Mount Dora Man’s Arrest

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—An anonymous tip to Mount Dora Police Department late Tuesday night proved true when officers pulled a car over and found exactly what the tipster said would be in it, according to an arrest affidavit. The Lake County Communications Center received a call from an anonymous female at 11:55 p.m. Tuesday, who said a silver Dodge Charger with a motorized scooter attached to the back would be traveling to the area of Jackson Avenue and Simpson Street and picking up a man who was in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine. The caller said the Charger would be traveling

Anonymous Tip and K-9 Alert Result in Mount Dora Man’s Arrest Read More »

Teen Found with Gun at Eustis vs. Leesburg Football Game Thursday Night

EUSTIS, Fla.—An Orlando teen was arrested at Thursday night’s Eustis High School football game after Eustis Police Department school resource officers recognized him from a prior incident and then found him with a gun, according to EPD Chief Craig Capri. Officers recognized J’son Rashad Cyprian, 18, when he entered the EHS campus for its game against Leesburg High School Thursday and approached him to speak with him about the February incident. Cyprian allegedly lied about his name and date of birth and upon searching Cyprian, officers found a loaded Ruger .380 with a scratched-off serial number, according to an arrest

Teen Found with Gun at Eustis vs. Leesburg Football Game Thursday Night Read More »

Woman, 21, Caught on Tavares High Campus and Lied About Being a Student, Deputies Say

TAVARES, Fla.—A 21-year-old woman was caught on the Tavares High School campus last week and lied to a school resource deputy (SRD) about her age and status, according to an arrest affidavit. Acting on a tip Friday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office SRD found Dakota Marie Adams, 21, of Tavares, within the fenced portion of THS near the auditorium and confronted her around 11 a.m. Adams allegedly lied to the deputy and said she was 19 and a senior at the school. She also said she did not have her driver license, but the SRD found it in her wallet,

Woman, 21, Caught on Tavares High Campus and Lied About Being a Student, Deputies Say Read More »

Astor Store Manager Arrested for Refund Scam

ASTOR, Fla.—The manager of a Dollar General store is facing a felony theft charge after being arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for a refund scam, according to an arrest affidavit. On Friday, LCSO responded to Dollar General, 24150 State Road 40, Astor on a report of a theft. When the deputy arrived, a loss prevention director told the deputy she began investigating Nancy Marie McDonald, 51, of Astor, for an unusual amount of refunds totaling $925 that were processed in July and August. The loss prevention director said McDonald admitted to taking items of the shelves, processing refunds

Astor Store Manager Arrested for Refund Scam Read More »

Man, 18, Struck and Killed on Busy Road Near Clermont

FOUR CORNERS, Fla.—A Davenport man was killed while walking in the westbound lanes of U.S. 192 late Monday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after 10 p.m. Monday, a 2014 Toyota Camry being driven by a 58-year-old Clermont woman was traveling westbound on U.S. 192 approaching Town Center Boulevard in the outside lane when the Davenport man walked into the westbound lanes, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. The Camry struck the teen, and he was pronounced deceased on the scene. The Clermont woman was transported to AdventHealth Four Corners ER with minor injuries. The

Man, 18, Struck and Killed on Busy Road Near Clermont Read More »

Potentially Contaminated Gas Sold in Lady Lake and Umatilla, Officials Warn

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) is warning consumers of potentially contaminated gas sold at numerous gas stations, including two different Lake County locations over the weekend. “The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has identified a potentially widespread fuel contamination caused by human error at the Port of Tampa. Fuel purchased after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, at stations supplied by CITGO from the Port of Tampa has a strong likelihood of being contaminated,” it said in a press release. The gas stations impacted in Lake County are BJ’s Wholesale, 13585 Northeast

Potentially Contaminated Gas Sold in Lady Lake and Umatilla, Officials Warn Read More »

Eustis Man Convicted in Orange County ’96 Cold Case Murder Solved Using Genetic Genealogy

Editor’s note: The following story contains crime scene photos some may consider graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.  ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A Eustis man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted earlier this month in the brutal cold case murder of a gas station manager in 1996. Terence “Terry” Paquette was 31 years old when he was stabbed 73 times and found dead in the bathroom of Lil’ Champ, 4510 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando in northwest Orange County on Feb. 3, 1996. The store is now a Kwik Stop. “It was a horrific crime scene with blood

Eustis Man Convicted in Orange County ’96 Cold Case Murder Solved Using Genetic Genealogy Read More »

Saturday Head-On Collision Kills Leesburg Man

MARION COUNTY, Fla.—A head-on collision killed two people on County Road 464 in Marion Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 71-year-old Ocklawaha woman was driving an SUV northbound on County Road 464 near Locust Road around 1:55 p.m. Saturday when she crossed over into the southbound lane for reasons still under investigation, FHP said in a press release. The SUV the woman was driving traveled directly into the path of another SUV being driven by a 79-year-old Leesburg man. The woman was pronounced deceased on the scene and the man was transported to an area hospital, where

Saturday Head-On Collision Kills Leesburg Man Read More »

LCSO Issues Purple Alert for Young Woman Last Seen in Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Purple Alert has been issued for a young woman last seen in Leesburg earlier this week. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the woman, who suffers from an intellectual disability, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. Lesley Perez, 21, ran away from LifeStream Behavioral Center, 2020 Tally Road Leesburg earlier this week; she was on foot, and last seen wearing a sports bra, shorts and no shoes. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website, “The Florida Purple Alert is used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from

LCSO Issues Purple Alert for Young Woman Last Seen in Leesburg Read More »

Man Arrested for Attacking Man with Metal Pipe at Umatilla Business

UMATILLA, Fla.—An Altoona man is being held in the Lake County Jail on $16,000 bond after allegedly striking another man in the head with a metal pipe at a Umatilla business. Shortly before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Umatilla Police Department responded to Kerr’s Tires, 501 North Central Avenue, Umatilla on a report of a fight in progress. A witness said a fight occurred between Jess Robert Kerr, 51, and another man outside the business. The victim told police he saw Kerr wearing his wife’s hat and had a lighter that should have been in the victim’s car. He said he confronted

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Yalaha Man Accused of Striking his Neighbor, 79, with a Golf Cart

YALAHA, Florida—A man apparently upset because he believed his neighbor was telling people he is “bipolar” was arrested Monday after the 79-year-old victim told a deputy the man knocked him off his bicycle with his golf cart, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy, he was riding his bicycle on Magnolia Lane in Yalaha when Charles Dean Ingram, 60, of Yalaha, accused him of telling neighbors he is bipolar. An angry Ingram then struck the victim with his golf cart, knocking him to the ground, the victim said, Ingram did not stop the

Yalaha Man Accused of Striking his Neighbor, 79, with a Golf Cart Read More »

Shoplifting Suspect Flees Lady Lake Police, Hops Fence at Elementary School Causing School to be Placed on Lockdown Friday

LADY LAKE, Florida—A Lake City man suspected of a one-day shoplifting spree at Best Buy stores in Gainesville and Ocala was arrested by Lady Lake Police Department Friday after fleeing from officers in Best Buy parking lot Friday, according to an arrest affidavit. LLPD responded to Best Buy, 552 North Highway 27/441, Lady Lake to meet with the manager about theft suspects who had already stolen from Best Buy stores in Gainesville and Ocala. The manager believed the suspects were headed to Lady Lake and provided officers with still photos of a white male wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans

Shoplifting Suspect Flees Lady Lake Police, Hops Fence at Elementary School Causing School to be Placed on Lockdown Friday Read More »

School Safety Officer Accused of Child Rape Held on No Bond

GROVELAND, Florida—A Lake County Schools school safety officer assigned to Mount Dora High School has been arrested for multiple sex offenses involving a child, according to Groveland Police Department. James William Wolfe, 50, of Groveland, was arrested Friday after the Department of Children and Families (DCF) reported allegations of sexual abuse to GPD, said Sarah Panko, spokesperson for GPD. “After a thorough investigation, Groveland Police detectives were able to confirm elements of the allegation and 50-year-old James Wolfe was arrested and charged with sexual battery, engaging in sexual battery with a child under 18 years of age and giving obscene

School Safety Officer Accused of Child Rape Held on No Bond Read More »

Pedestrian Killed in Mount Dora Early Sunday, Motorcyclist in Critical Condition

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A pedestrian believed to be walking in the road was killed early Sunday morning following a collision with a motorcycle, according to Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Gibson. Around 1 a.m. Sunday, Brandon Crunk, 38, was riding a motorcycle on County Road 19A near Progress Boulevard when he collided with a pedestrian, identified as Jason Bowlin, 42. The impact killed Bowlin and Crunk was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition, Gibson told Inside Lake. “At this stage of the investigation, it is believed the pedestrian was walking in the roadway,” Gibson said in

Pedestrian Killed in Mount Dora Early Sunday, Motorcyclist in Critical Condition Read More »

Homeland Security Investigation Reveals Eustis Man’s Possession of Child Pornography

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man out on bond for a prior arrest for possessing child pornography has been arrested again after he allegedly received child pornography in an online chat room being monitored by an undercover Homeland Security agent. Eric Allen Bozeman, 42, who was arrested in 2021 for four counts of possessing child pornography, was arrested again Tuesday at his job, Advance Auto Parts, 2505 South Bay Street, Eustis, by Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents. He refused to speak with agents and invoked his right to an attorney, according to an arrest affidavit. He was arrested for two counts

Homeland Security Investigation Reveals Eustis Man’s Possession of Child Pornography Read More »

Alachua County Wrong-Way Crash Leaves Umatilla Woman in Critical Condition

ALACHUA COUNTY, Florida—A Umatilla woman suffered critical injuries following a wrong-way crash Friday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 31-year-old woman was driving a white SUV northbound in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 301 near County Road 325 shortly before 10 a.m. Friday, when she collided with a tractor-trailer traveling southbound and being driven by a 33-year-old Jacksonville man. Both vehicles swerved to avoid the crash and it caused a T-bone impact, FHP said in a press release. The woman was airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville with life-threatening injuries; the tractor-trailer driver was not

Alachua County Wrong-Way Crash Leaves Umatilla Woman in Critical Condition Read More »

Tragic Mount Dora Crash Claims Toddler’s Life, Sends Mom to Hospital

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating a crash that claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy and sent his mom to the hospital Thursday afternoon. MDPD has not released names, but a gofundme and accompanying social media post identified mom and son as Kaley Paladino and her youngest son, Guy Wesley Paladino, of Tavares. Guy Wesley Paladino, 2, who was called Wesley by family and friends, was transported to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children following the tragic crash on State Road 46, where he later succumbed to his injuries and his mom, Kaley Paladino, was transported

Tragic Mount Dora Crash Claims Toddler’s Life, Sends Mom to Hospital Read More »

Former Lake County Firefighter Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Young Boy

TAVARES, Florida—A jury has found a former Lake County firefighter guilty of sexually battering and molesting a young boy 15 years ago. Steven Trent Ellis, 52, of Umatilla was arrested in July 2019 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after a tip and subsequent search warrant revealed multiple images of child pornography on his computer. Following his arrest, “several” individuals came forward and reported he had sexually abused them, according to a probable cause affidavit. FDLE met with a victim in 2019 who said he had been abused by Ellis four to five times in 2008 when he was

Former Lake County Firefighter Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Young Boy Read More »

Leesburg Man Accused of Fraudulently Selling Another Man’s Home while Victim was in Jail

EUSTIS, Florida—A Leesburg man is facing several charges for fraudulently selling a mobile home he claimed another man had “abandoned,” according to an arrest affidavit. In late June, the victim went to Eustis Police Department and reported Michael Anthony Pachetti, 65, sold his mobile home, located in Southern Palms RV Resort in Eustis while he was incarcerated in New York, forging the victim’s name and using an old driver license, according to the affidavit. The victim told police was arrested in Orange County in September 2022, later transferred to the Lake County Jail and finally extradited to Niagara County, New

Leesburg Man Accused of Fraudulently Selling Another Man’s Home while Victim was in Jail Read More »

Charges Upgraded in Case Against Man Accused of Attacking Woman and Trying to Run Down Eustis Cop

TAVARES, Florida—The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (SAO) has upgraded charges against a man suspected in the attacks of three women and trying to run over a Eustis Police officer earlier this year. Late last month, the SAO dropped stalking and resisting an officer with violence charges against Jephson Seguin, 20, and upgraded the charges to attempted sexual battery and attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer, according to documents filed in the case by prosecutor Thomas Wieczorek. Seguin, of Eustis, is accused of attacking two women in the spring and a third woman on June 27

Charges Upgraded in Case Against Man Accused of Attacking Woman and Trying to Run Down Eustis Cop Read More »

Man Electrocuted in Unincorporated Mount Dora Friday Night

MOUNT DORA, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident that killed a 57-year-old man Friday. The man, whose name has not been released, appeared to be working on a tree lift on Morningside Drive in unincorporated Mount Dora Friday night and came into contact with a live electrical wire, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin told Inside Lake. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. “The investigation is still ongoing, and no foul play was suspected,” Martin said in an email.

Man Electrocuted in Unincorporated Mount Dora Friday Night Read More »

Man Captured on Dashcam Shooting Vehicle in Eustis Identified and Arrested

EUSTIS, Florida—The man captured on dashcam video shooting the trunk of a vehicle earlier this month has been identified and arrested, according to Eustis Police Sgt. Paul Barnett. Kenneth R. Brown, 21, of Winter Garden, was arrested Friday at Eustis Police Department for the incident that occurred on Grove Street Aug. 1. Police say the victim was driving northbound on Grove Street when a group of people were crossing the road. The victim honked at the group and as the victim drove away, Brown fired a single shot at the vehicle and struck the trunk. The victim was not injured.

Man Captured on Dashcam Shooting Vehicle in Eustis Identified and Arrested Read More »

Geek Squad Manager Arrested on more than 30 Charges Involving Child Pornography

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—A Fruitland Park man is facing more two dozen counts of possession of child pornography and six counts of transmitting pornography after a search warrant revealed numerous images in his Adobe account, according to a probable cause affidavit. Acting on a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC,) Fruitland Park Police Department began investigating a report that eight images of child pornography were uploaded to an Adobe account belonging to David Michael Frisby, 37, on Dec. 18, 2022. A search warrant revealed 571 photos in his account including the eight photos that began the

Geek Squad Manager Arrested on more than 30 Charges Involving Child Pornography Read More »

Suspect Photos Released in Eustis Gas Station Robbery

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department has released two photos of the suspect who robbed a Eustis gas station Wednesday night. The manager of Bay Street Food Mart, formerly known as Kars Mart, 1212 South Bay Street, was outside closing up at around 11 p.m. when the robber ran up, held the victim at gunpoint and went back into the business. The victim opened the cash register, and the suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled the scene on foot. Video surveillance captured the incident, and the photos accompanying this article were taken from that video. The

Suspect Photos Released in Eustis Gas Station Robbery Read More »

Eustis Store Manager Held at Gunpoint, Store Robbed of Cash Wednesday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is hunting for an armed robber after the manager of a busy gas station was held at gunpoint late Wednesday night as he closed the store. The manager of Bay Street Food Mart, formerly known as Kars Mart, 1212 South Bay Street, was outside closing up at around 11 p.m. when the robber ran up from the north side of the building, pulled a gun from his jacket pocket and demanded money, EPD said in a press release. The victim and the suspect went back into the business and the victim opened the cash register. The

Eustis Store Manager Held at Gunpoint, Store Robbed of Cash Wednesday Night Read More »

Man Arrested for Murder Last Week by Eustis Police Stabbed by Inmate also Being Held for Murder

TAVARES, Florida—Austin Hill, the man arrested last week in the murder of Wseni “Haitian Black” Laguerre, was stabbed multiple times by another inmate at the Lake County Jail Sunday; and the man accused of stabbing him is well-known to Lake County law enforcement. Around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective responded to the jail after detention staff reported an inmate had been stabbed. Hill, 26, was stabbed multiple times in the back, neck and face and video surveillance clearly showed his attacker was Dustin “Chico” Perdue, 27, according to an arrest affidavit. Only Inside Lake extensively covered

Man Arrested for Murder Last Week by Eustis Police Stabbed by Inmate also Being Held for Murder Read More »

Man Shot Multiple Times in Tavares Tuesday Night, Police Seeking Witnesses

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department is investigating after a man was shot multiple times Tuesday night. Shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday TPD responded to the 1000 block of Maplewood Street after receiving calls about a male being shot, TPD Officer Courtney Sullivan said. “Residents surrounding the incident location advised officers that a dark midsized passenger car fled the scene following the shooting,” Sullivan said in an email. The man was shot multiple times and transported to a trauma center where he remains in critical condition. TPD’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to the scene and are actively investigating the shooting. The

Man Shot Multiple Times in Tavares Tuesday Night, Police Seeking Witnesses Read More »

Groveland Man Arrested for 2nd DUI in a Week, 4th in 2 Years

GROVELAND, Florida—A Groveland man is behind bars accused of DUI for the second time in a week and the fourth time since 2021. Shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday, Groveland Police Department responded to the area of State Road 50 and State Road 33 on a report of man leaving a residence drunk. The complainant told GPD what the man was driving and that he had been arrested the week before for DUI. An officer spotted the red Hyundai Daniel Joseph Smrekar, 59, was driving leaving a nearby gas station and began following it. The Hyundai had faulty brake lights and

Groveland Man Arrested for 2nd DUI in a Week, 4th in 2 Years Read More »

2 Tampa Men Nabbed for Leesburg Gas Station Robbery Monday

Update: 7:05 p.m.  A previous version of this story stated the suspects’ bond was set at $52,000. At 5:32 p.m. and 5:33 p.m., their bond status was updated to no bond.  LEESBURG, Florida—Two Tampa men found hiding under a blanket behind a washer and dryer in the carport of a Leesburg home have been arrested for robbing a gas station Monday morning of numerous cartons of cigarettes and vapes, according to their arrest affidavits. Tyreece Freeman Jr., 22 and Jahiem Vonzell Comer, 21, both of Tampa, were found by Leesburg Police Department after a complaint of a suspicious person led

2 Tampa Men Nabbed for Leesburg Gas Station Robbery Monday Read More »

2 Suspects Located Following Incident at Unincorporated Leesburg Gas Station

LEESBURG, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released more details about an incident that occurred at a 24-hour gas station early Monday. Three male suspects entered Circle K, 10030 County Road 44, Leesburg and stole multiple items around 4:15 a.m. Monday, according to LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin. “The employee did not observe a weapon, but it appeared that one of the suspects acted as if they were armed under their clothing,” Martin said in an email. The suspects fled the scene in a white car, and it was found after they abandoned it, Martin said. No one was injured. Two

2 Suspects Located Following Incident at Unincorporated Leesburg Gas Station Read More »

LCSO Investigating Armed Robbery at Gas Station in Unincorporated Leesburg

Update 9:20 a.m. 2 Suspects Located Following Incident at Unincorporated Leesburg Gas Station – Inside Lake LEESBURG, Florida—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the early morning hours Monday at a 24-hour gas station in unincorporated Leesburg. The robbery occurred around 4:15 a.m. at Circle K, 10030 County Road 44, Leesburg and no one was injured, according to LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon. No other information was available at press time.

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FHP Seeking Information on Hit-and-Run Crash that Seriously Injured Sorrento Bicyclist Wednesday Morning

SORRENTO, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist before daybreak Wednesday. A 59-year-old man of Sorrento was riding a bicycle with proper lighting eastbound on Wolf Branch Road approaching County Road 437 on the south edge of the road, possibly around 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, when he was struck by an unknown vehicle, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi told Inside Lake. The vehicle fled the scene and troopers found small debris that may belong to a white vehicle but were unable to determine the make or model of the vehicle. The bicyclist was transported to HCA Florida

FHP Seeking Information on Hit-and-Run Crash that Seriously Injured Sorrento Bicyclist Wednesday Morning Read More »

Arrest Made in Eustis January Murder

EUSTIS, Florida—An arrest has been made in the January murder of a Eustis man, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri announced Thursday morning. Austin Lashay Hill, 26, of Tangerine was taken into custody at the Lake County/Orange County line Tuesday on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Those crimes were also committed in Eustis. On Wednesday, several more charges were added to Hill, including premeditated murder, discharging a firearm in public and an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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Groveland Police Officer Under Investigation and on Leave After Arrest for Domestic Incident at Mount Dora Restaurant

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A Groveland Police Department officer is under internal investigation and on paid administrative leave after he was arrested last week for felony domestic battery by strangulation. Joshua Allen Somers, 48, a six-year veteran of GPD and a school resource officer at South Lake High School, was arrested after an altercation with his wife that was captured on surveillance video at a popular restaurant and bar in Mount Dora. The video captured him grabbing her by the hair, striking her head against a wooden guardrail and putting his hand around her neck, according to an arrest affidavit. On July

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Name of Deceased and 9-1-1 Call Released in Eustis Love Triangle Shooting, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake

EUSTIS, Florida—The name of the man shot and killed in Eustis Wednesday morning has been released. Eddie Alexis Vazquez Muniz, 47, succumbed to gunshot wounds after being transported to a local hospital Wednesday following the altercation. According to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri, Muniz had been in an ongoing dispute with the shooter for several months over a woman and was waiting for the shooter to walk out of his apartment at about 7 a.m. Wednesday. Muniz put his two young children in a vehicle and set up a tripod with his phone to record the altercation and attacked the

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Eustis Love Triangle Leaves One Man Dead Wednesday

EUSTIS, Florida—A man has died following an altercation over what police believe is a love triangle, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. EPD responded to Devonshire Apartments, 1799 North 19A, Eustis around 7 a.m. Wednesday and found a man, 47, who had been shot multiple times. Emergency responders rendered aid to the man and transported him to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds, Capri said. The shooter is in custody, and police have recovered the firearm, but EPD is not calling him a suspect yet because the investigation is still ongoing and active, and it may

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Eustis Man Killed in Volusia County Crash, Boy, 5, and Infants Unhurt

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida—A Eustis man who had two 3-month-old infant boys and a 5-year-old boy in a pickup truck with him was killed Tuesday morning when he crashed into a utility pole attached to a tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Eustis man, 34, was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 eastbound on State Road 44, near Paradise Drive, close to the Lake County/Volusia County line when he attempted to pass a commercial vehicle and a tractor-trailer at the same time, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. “Due to oncoming traffic in the westbound lane

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Man Admits Shooting Neighbor’s Dogs, Killing 1, Held on $150K Bond

An earlier version of this story misidentified the deceased dog due to an error in the arrest affidavit. The dog’s name is Mary. SORRENTO, Florida—A Sorrento man is in the Lake County Jail after he admitted shooting his neighbor’s dogs Saturday night, killing 13-year-old Mary, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Holopaw Trail in Sorrento shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday after the victim reported her neighbor, Sheldon Keith Hayward, 65, had shot her dogs, killing one of them. The woman told LCSO she let the dogs out in her backyard and did not realize

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6-Year Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering Investigation Results in 17 Federal Indictments

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—A six-year, multi-state drug trafficking investigation has resulted in the indictments of 17 people—most with ties to Lake County. According to the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating Dudzinski Poole, aka “Zink” aka “Dirty” who they say is responsible for trafficking thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl on commercial planes, trains and through the mail, according to a press release. The defendants in the case played different roles in the drug trafficking organization, including suppliers, distributors, couriers and courier coordinators. Each defendant is charged with drug trafficking

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Lottery Lucky Streak Continues in Lake County

EUSTIS, Florida—A Winter Park woman has claimed a $1 million prize from the Florida Lottery she won from a ticket she purchased in unincorporated Eustis, according to the Florida Lottery. Mary Walker, 56, of Winter Park, bought the $10 DIAMOND MINE 20X ticket at Circle K, 31734 East State Road 44, in the Pine Lakes area of unincorporated Eustis and recently claimed her prize. She chose to take her winnings in a one-time lump sum payment of $695,000 and claimed it at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. Circle K may be the lucky spot. A sign was spotted at the store

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Man with Lake County Connections Arrested on Federal Drug Warrant

MARION COUNTY, Florida—A man with connections to Mount Dora was arrested Tuesday on a federal warrant for drug distribution, according to Marion County Jail online booking records. Dudzinski Edwinn Poole, 49, aka “Zink” aka “Dirty” of Apopka, is being held in the Marion County Jail on no bond on a “Hold for U.S. Marshals—Drug Distribution.” Sources told Inside Lake he was the target of a lengthy investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with several other people whose names Inside Lake was not able to confirm at press time. Multiple search warrants were executed in Lake and Orange counties

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Multitude of Crashes Keeps Law Enforcement Busy Saturday

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—It was a busy Saturday for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. Deputies and troopers responded to a multitude of vehicle crashes in the Eustis, Paisley and Umatilla areas Saturday, according to LCSO Lt. Fred Jones. At County Road 42 and Deerhaven Road, a truck flipped and before deputies arrived, the driver fled the scene. “The bloodhound and helicopter conducted an extensive search. The driver was not located,” Jones told Inside Lake. The second crash was at County 437, south of State Road 44 in Eustis. The driver left the road, struck an oak

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Man Arrested at Downtown Eustis Park Less than 12 Hours After He was Trespassed

EUSTIS, Florida—An Altoona man remains in the Lake County Jail after trespassing at a downtown Eustis park less than 12 hours after he was told to stay away by Eustis Police Department. EPD officers trespassed Wayne Anthony Sarlo, 47, from Ferran Park in downtown Eustis at 8:45 p.m. Friday and around 8:30 a.m. Saturday an EPD sergeant spotted Sarlo and thought he looked suspicious. Upon checking Sarlo’s name, the sergeant found Sarlo had just been trespassed from the park the night before. Sarlo was arrested and transported to LCJ, where he is being held on $1,000 bond.

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Alligator Attack Closes Alexander Springs

ALTOONA, Florida—Alexander Springs, a popular swimming hole, closed unexpectedly Monday after a man was bitten by an alligator, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC.) The unidentified man was swimming near the spring head when the alligator bit his left arm and shoulder area Monday afternoon, FWC Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. An alligator that was 7 feet 6 inches long was captured by a trapper, but FWC is still investigating the incident, according to Weber. Earlier this month, Alexander Springs was closed for several days due to a female alligator and a nest that was

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