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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 […]

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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Eustis Convicted Felon Shoots Stolen Gun at Man During Argument, Arrested on Multiple Charges

EUSTIS, Florida—A Eustis man is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond after firing a shot at another Eustis man Saturday and punching him in the face after the man threw him out of his house following an argument, according to an arrest affidavit. Albert Watkins III, 61, was at an unidentified man’s home in Eustis when the man began talking about someone close to the victim. Due to Marsy’s Law, the victim’s name and the name of the person who Watkins was talking about are redacted from the affidavit. The victim, upset about what Watkins was

Eustis Convicted Felon Shoots Stolen Gun at Man During Argument, Arrested on Multiple Charges Read More »

Mount Dora Man Killed in Crash After Fleeing Citrus County Deputies Early Saturday Morning

CITRUS COUNTY, Florida—A 41-year-old Mount Dora man is dead after fleeing a traffic stop, striking stop sticks and crashing into a concrete wall early Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Mount Dora man was driving a Jeep Cherokee westbound on State Road 44 near Colonade Street when he sped away from a traffic stop by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said in a press release. CCSO deputies deployed stop sticks around County Road 491, the Cherokee struck the stop sticks, continued fleeing, crossed a median and collided with

Mount Dora Man Killed in Crash After Fleeing Citrus County Deputies Early Saturday Morning Read More »

Search Warrant Nets Trafficking Amounts of MDMA, Cocaine; Squatter Arrested

CLERMONT, Florida—A squatter is in the Lake County Jail after Clermont Police Department executed a search warrant at a vacant home Thursday. After receiving a report of suspicious activity at the vacant home located at 657 Winding Lake Drive, CPD responded to the home and found several individuals who could not provide proof they lived in the home, including D’angel Terry Pugh, 20, according to CPD. Officers spotted narcotics and a gun in plain view and the CPD Crime Suppression Unit secured a search warrant for the home. During their search they found copious amounts of drugs, including 361 grams

Search Warrant Nets Trafficking Amounts of MDMA, Cocaine; Squatter Arrested Read More »

Ham Radio Field Day at Lake County Institute of Public Safety Showcases Lake Amateur Radio Association’s Ham Communication

TAVARES, Florida—The Lake Amateur Radio Association (LARA) hosted its annual Ham Radio Field Day event June 24 and 25 at the Lake County Institute of Public Safety, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide. The event, captured in a captivating photo, featured the club’s president, Glenn Casselman, and his spouse, Laura, who is also a Ham radio enthusiast. The picturesque location provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with showcasing mobile command vehicles from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Fire Rescue, and, of course, the Lake Amateur Radio Association. Established in 1952 by a group of Lake County/City

Ham Radio Field Day at Lake County Institute of Public Safety Showcases Lake Amateur Radio Association’s Ham Communication Read More »

Minneola Man Captured on Video Stealing from Several Downtown Clermont Businesses

CLERMONT, Florida—A Minneola man is behind bars after video surveillance captured him stealing from several businesses at the Montrose Street Market early Monday. Clermont Police responded to 793 West Montrose Street after the victim reported his security cameras caught a man, later identified as Michael Jacob Mathis, 21, entering the business around 2:30 a.m. through a door that was accidentally left unlocked by a cleaner, according to an arrest affidavit. Mathis, wearing a white hoodie and dark pants, did not cover his face or wear gloves as he made his way through the market, which houses several vendors. He stole

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Man Found Dead Monday Identified as 1981 Super Bowl Winner

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department has released the name of the man who was found dead near a cell phone tower off David Walker Drive Monday morning. Joseph Campbell, 68, was reported missing by a friend to Tavares Police Department prior to being found by a passerby around 8 a.m. Monday, TPD Chief Sarah Coursey told Inside Lake.   EPD is investigating the death, but it does not appear to be suspicious, EPD Capt. Ken Toler said Monday. Campbell was a former NFL player and played for the Oakland Raiders in 1981 when they won the Super Bowl, according to Raiders.com.

Man Found Dead Monday Identified as 1981 Super Bowl Winner Read More »

Long Arm of the Law Catches Up with Umatilla Murder Suspect

UMATILLA, Florida—The third man suspected in the 2022 murder of a Umatilla man has been apprehended in Georgia, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Marvin Habakkuk Ellison, Jr., 40, of Orlando, was taken into custody at an apartment complex in in DeKalb County, Georgia on Friday morning and a search warrant was executed where he was staying, LCSO said. A warrant was issued for Ellison’s arrest earlier this year and he was located by LCSO detectives, investigators from the Orlando Police Department and U.S. Marshals; he may be involved with other cases, according to LCSO.   Ellison and two

Long Arm of the Law Catches Up with Umatilla Murder Suspect Read More »

Man’s Body Found in Eustis Monday Morning, Does Not Appear to be Suspicious, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is investigating after a man’s body was found by a passerby Monday morning. “It appears to be a natural death,” EPD Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The man’s body was found off David Walker drive near a cell tower, said Capt. Ken Toler. “We’re still investigating,” Toler said, “but nothing stands out (as suspicious.) We’re awaiting the medical examiner.” Police have identified the man but are not releasing his name until his next of kin has been notified.

Man’s Body Found in Eustis Monday Morning, Does Not Appear to be Suspicious, Police Say Read More »

“Bad Choice” and Lake County Arrest Leads to Orange County Deputy’s Termination

GROVELAND, Florida—An Orange County deputy sheriff has been fired after getting arrested by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy Wednesday. Juan Alberto Morales-Padilla, 44, of Groveland, was arrested after fleeing an LCSO deputy when the deputy attempted to stop him on his yellow motorcycle on State Road 50 in Clermont, around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to an arrest affidavit. The deputy was behind the motorcycle when it passed a vehicle in the median and the deputy attempted a traffic stop. Padilla failed to slow down, and the deputy activated his sirens and Morales-Padilla turned around and looked at him and

“Bad Choice” and Lake County Arrest Leads to Orange County Deputy’s Termination Read More »

Leesburg Man Accused of Robbing 2 Seminole County Banks in Less than 2 Hours Wednesday

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Florida—A Lake County man is in the Seminole County Jail after deputies say he robbed two banks Wednesday in under two hours—and it is not the first time he has been accused of the same crimes. Duwane Edward Gilmore, who turns 36 years old in five days, is accused of attempting to rob SeaCoast Bank, 2695 West State Road 434 in Altamonte Springs just before 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. According to a probable cause statement, Gilmore entered the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money, he then said he wanted $10,000 and the grabbed at his waistband

Leesburg Man Accused of Robbing 2 Seminole County Banks in Less than 2 Hours Wednesday Read More »

Body Cam Footage Released of Capture of Suspect in Eustis Jogger Attacks

The following video is body cam footage released Thursday from the apprehension of Jephson Seguin on June 29. The video contains some graphic language and images of Seguin’s bullet wounds. Viewer discretion is advised. EUSTIS, Florida—Only Inside Lake has obtained body cam footage from the moments a suspected serial attacker was taken into custody last week. Jephson Seguin, 20, was apprehended June 29 after his parents called police and he fled out the back door of their home on Marietta Lane in Eustis. He is accused of trying to run a police officer over and attacking two women in the

Body Cam Footage Released of Capture of Suspect in Eustis Jogger Attacks Read More »

Elderly Man and Crashed Boat Found in Lake Harris Wednesday

TAVARES, Florida—An elderly man was found dead in Lake Harris Wednesday afternoon after a witness noticed an unoccupied boat on the rocks on Lake Harris next to the Hickory Point Boat Ramp in Tavares around 5 p.m., according to Kristen Turner, Public Information Director of the Northeast Region of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC.) The witness found the vessel on the rocks and then found the 72-year-old man face down in the water, Turner said in an email. The witness contacted authorities, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Fire Rescue responded to the scene.

Elderly Man and Crashed Boat Found in Lake Harris Wednesday Read More »

Crash Claims Life of Leesburg Motorcyclist

LEESBURG, Florida—A Leesburg motorcyclist was killed Sunday night after crashing into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 60-year-old man was riding 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide westbound on Plantation Boulevard approaching Old Plantation Boulevard in unincorporated Leesburg, when he ran off the road and struck a tree around 9 p.m. Sunday, FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in a press release. He was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Emergency Room – Blue Cedar in Leesburg, where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a helmet. This was the second fatal motorcycle crash in Lake County Sunday.

Crash Claims Life of Leesburg Motorcyclist Read More »

Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla After Attempting to Pass Pickup Truck in No-Passing Zone, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake

UMATILLA, Florida— A motorcyclist was killed Sunday afternoon after he attempted to pass a pickup truck in a no-passing zone as the truck was making a left turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 51-year-old Enterprise man was riding a 2019 Ducati Panigale motorcycle southbound on County Road 44A approaching Bill Collins Road in unincorporated Umatilla when he attempted to pass a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado towing a boat just after 1:30 p.m., FHP Lt. Tara Crescenzi said in an email. As the 19-year-old Umatilla man driving the Silverado made a left turn onto Bill Collins Road, the motorcycle struck

Motorcyclist Killed in Umatilla After Attempting to Pass Pickup Truck in No-Passing Zone, Witness Speaks Only to Inside Lake Read More »

Man Accused of Attacking Women and Trying To Run Down Cop Released on Bond  

EUSTIS, Florida—Jephson Seguin, the man suspected in the attacks of three women and trying to run over a Eustis Police officer has been released on bond. Seguin, 20, was apprehended Thursday afternoon after his parents called police and he fled out the back door of their home on Marietta Lane in Eustis. He is accused trying to run a police officer over and attacking two women in the spring and a third woman Tuesday night after he followed her on foot and in the black Cadillac Escalade EXT he was driving. When he tried to run the officer over, the

Man Accused of Attacking Women and Trying To Run Down Cop Released on Bond   Read More »

Lady Lake Shooting Victim Identified

LADY LAKE, Florida—The young man shot and killed early Friday morning has been identified. At 12:45 a.m. Friday, Lady Lake Police Department responded to a home in the 100 block of Caroline Street on a report of gunshots and found Bryson Leverette, 20, of Leesburg, with severe injuries from gunshot wounds, according to Elisha Pappacoda, Communications Director for the Town of Lady Lake. Leverette was pronounced deceased on the scene and a second person suffering from gunshot wounds approached officers and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, Pappacoda said. No other information has been released. If you have

Lady Lake Shooting Victim Identified Read More »

Lady Lake Police Investigating Shooting that Killed One Person and Injured Another Early Friday

LADY LAKE, Florida—Lady Lake Police Department is investigating after one person was killed and another person was shot in early Friday morning. At 12:45 a.m. Friday, LLPD quickly responded to a home in the 100 block of Caroline Street on a report of gunshots, according to Elisha Pappacoda, Communications Director for the Town of Lady Lake. “Officers were on scene within minutes and located a subject with severe gunshot injuries. They attempted to give first aid while awaiting the arrival of EMS,” Pappacoda said in an email. The individual was pronounced deceased on the scene. While securing the scene, a

Lady Lake Police Investigating Shooting that Killed One Person and Injured Another Early Friday Read More »

Man Suspected in Attacks on 3 Women Booked into Jail, Bond Set at $26,500

EUSTIS, Florida—The man suspected in the attacks of three women and trying to run over a Eustis Police officer has been booked into the Lake County Jail. Jephson Seguin, 20, is accused trying to run a police officer over and attacking two women in the spring and a third woman Tuesday night after he followed her on foot and in the black Cadillac Escalade EXT he was driving, according to an arrest affidavit. After following the victim both on foot and in the Escalade, a witness told an EPD detective Seguin was peeping through his kitchen window on Morningview Drive

Man Suspected in Attacks on 3 Women Booked into Jail, Bond Set at $26,500 Read More »

Man Accused of Attacking 3 Women in Eustis in Custody, Now Being Treated for Gunshot Wound

EUSTIS, Florida—The man accused of attacking three women in Eustis since April is in custody. Jephson Seguin, 20, was apprehended Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m. as he ran out the back door of his parents’ house in the 800 block of Marietta Lane in the Hillcrest at Lake Nettie subdivision, Eustis Police Department Capt. Jon Fahning said. Inside Lake was the first media organization to break Seguin was in custody, the only media on the scene of the latest incident Tuesday night on Morningview Drive and the only media on scene at Seguin’s house after he was captured. Two EPD

Man Accused of Attacking 3 Women in Eustis in Custody, Now Being Treated for Gunshot Wound Read More »

Detention Deputy Accused of Leaving Vape Cartridges in Trash Can at Jail

TAVARES, Florida—A Lake County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy was booked into the very jail he worked at, accused of leaving vape cartridges in a trash can accessible to inmates. Acting on a tip, LCSO began investigating Bailey Levi Lennon, 25, at the end of May and interviewed inmates and employees and found a cartridge that had been left by Lennon, according to a press release. Lennon denied leaving the vape cartridges for inmates but admitted he knew the trash can was accessible to them. A warrant was issued for his arrest for introducing contraband into a correctional facility Tuesday afternoon

Detention Deputy Accused of Leaving Vape Cartridges in Trash Can at Jail Read More »

Suspect in Eustis Tuesday Night Attack Believed to be Responsible for April Attacks, Body Cam Released, $5k Reward Offered

EUSTIS, Florida—The man who grabbed a woman, groped her and threw her to the ground before trying to run over a Eustis Police officer is believed to be responsible for two attacks in April, according to EPD Capt. Jon Fahning. Shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday, the suspect, described as a black male, late teens to early 20s, approximately 6 feet tall, with a thin build and wearing a grey hoodie, black pants and a surgical mask, grabbed a woman jogging on Morningview Drive near Eustis High School, groped her and threw her to the ground.  She was not injured and

Suspect in Eustis Tuesday Night Attack Believed to be Responsible for April Attacks, Body Cam Released, $5k Reward Offered Read More »

Photos Released in Search for Man Who Attacked Woman in Eustis Tuesday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department has released still photos taken from surveillance videos that captured the suspect and his vehicle in the attack of a female jogger Tuesday night. The suspect is described as a black male with a thin build, approximately 6 feet tall and was wearing a grey hoodie, black pants and a surgical mask, according to EPD Capt. Jon Fahning. The man ran up behind a woman around 9 p.m. on Morningview Drive, near Eustis High School, grabbed her, groped her and threw her to the ground. It is unclear who called in the attack, but two officers

Photos Released in Search for Man Who Attacked Woman in Eustis Tuesday Night Read More »

Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting Attacked Woman Prior to Call, Police Say

EUSTIS, Florida—More details were released in the Eustis Police Department officer-involved shooting shortly after midnight Wednesday morning. The suspect, described as a black male with a thin build, approximately 6 feet tall and was wearing a grey hoodie, black pants and a surgical mask, according to EPD Capt. Jon Fahning. The man ran up behind a woman around 9 p.m. on Morningview Drive, near Eustis High School, grabbed her, groped her and threw her to the ground. It is unclear who called EPD, but two officers responded and as one officer pulled up, the suspect returned to his vehicle and

Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting Attacked Woman Prior to Call, Police Say Read More »

Eustis Police Officer Shoots at Suspect Accused of Driving Toward Him Tuesday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—Only Inside Lake was on the scene of an officer-involved shooting late Tuesday night. EPD responded to Morningview Drive near Eustis High School on a report of a fight between a male and a female around 9 p.m., EPD. Capt. Jon Fahning said on scene. As one officer pulled up, the suspect returned to his vehicle and got inside; a second officer arrived and was outside of his patrol unit approaching the suspect when he ducked below the steering wheel and then accelerated toward the officer who was on foot. The officer opened fire, Fahning said. It is unknown

Eustis Police Officer Shoots at Suspect Accused of Driving Toward Him Tuesday Night Read More »

Leesburg Man Accused of Torching Masonic Lodge Facing More Charges  

LEESBURG, Florida—A man who admitted setting the Leesburg Masonic Lodge ablaze is now facing more charges. Luke Pratt, 22, of Leesburg is facing five counts of manufacturing an explosive device with intent to harm after the devices were found in his home on Casteen Road, according to an arrest affidavit. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the Hazardous Devices Team responded to the home after Pratt’s mother reported finding the devices. Pratt, who was already a suspect in the arson and has since been arrested for the crime, is accused of making five devices from plastic, ammonium nitrate. aluminum powder

Leesburg Man Accused of Torching Masonic Lodge Facing More Charges   Read More »

Leesburg Man Accused of Torching Masonic Lodge Told Investigator He was Mad at What Lodge Stands For and Believed He was Being Followed

LEESBURG, Florida—A man who admitted setting the Leesburg Masonic Lodge on fire turned himself in late Thursday. Luke Scott Pratt, 22, of Leesburg told an investigator with the Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosive Investigations he was mad at what the lodge stands for and he believed “they” were following him, according to a probable cause affidavit. Pratt told the investigator he sat in the parking lot of a nearby bowling alley with binoculars and waited until everyone exited the building, located at 200 Richey Road, before smashing the front

Leesburg Man Accused of Torching Masonic Lodge Told Investigator He was Mad at What Lodge Stands For and Believed He was Being Followed Read More »

Eustis Man Arrested for Painting Heart on Leesburg Bar Parking Lot

LEESBURG, Florida—A Eustis man is facing a felony criminal mischief charge after admitting he painted a heart on the parking lot of a Leesburg bar, according to an arrest affidavit. Timothy Scott Bombard, 36, was captured on video painting a white heart on the parking lot of Dirty South Saloon, 1850 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg on June 16 and he was easily identified because he had previously applied for a job at the bar, the manager told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy. Bombard apparently asked if the bar would keep a heart that was already painted there after the

Eustis Man Arrested for Painting Heart on Leesburg Bar Parking Lot Read More »

Multi-Agency Pursuit Reaches Speeds of 100+ MPH Overnight

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Two people are in the Lake County Jail following a tussle with Mount Dora Police Department and a multi-agency pursuit across Lake County Friday. Shortly after midnight, MDPD responded to Perkins, 17080 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora on a report of a verbal argument. Officers found a black Ford F-150 with two occupants inside and identified the pair as Larissa Molina, 22 of Franklin, North Carolina and Adrian Delgado, 22, of Kissimmee. Officers ran the VIN of the truck and found it was possibly stolen out of Orange County, according to Delgado’s arrest affidavit. Delgado apparently had a

Multi-Agency Pursuit Reaches Speeds of 100+ MPH Overnight Read More »

Man Arrested for DUI After Going to Police Department to Pick Up Public Records with His Young Son

MOUNT DORA, Florida—A man, believed to be drunk, went to Mount Dora Police Department to pick up a public records request Monday morning with his young son and was later arrested for DUI, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 11:30 a.m. Monday, an MDPD officer responded to the department to assist a man with a public records request. When the officer arrived, Alexander Joseph Robillard, 35, was in his vehicle while his 7-year-old son waited in the police department lobby. “As Alexander was walking towards the front door, he was unsteady on his feet and swaying his body from side

Man Arrested for DUI After Going to Police Department to Pick Up Public Records with His Young Son Read More »

Mascotte Teen Accused Shooting Man in the Foot

MASCOTTE, Florida—A teeneger suspected of firing multiple shots at a Mascotte residence and shooting a man in the foot earlier this month was arrested Friday, according to an arrest affidavit. Shortly before 10:45 p.m. June 8, Mascotte Police Department responded to the 300 block of Betty Lane on a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the foot and multiple witnesses came forward and identified the shooter as Luis Antonio Lopez, 19, of Groveland, according to a probable cause affidavit. The investigation revealed a fight occurred between multiple people and

Mascotte Teen Accused Shooting Man in the Foot Read More »

Teen in Stolen SUV Arrested After Trying to Run Over Tavares Police Officer Early Sunday Morning

TAVARES, Florida—A 15-year-old male is in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice after accelerating towards an officer in training in a stolen SUV and then fleeing Tavares Police Department, according to TPD. Shortly before 3:45 a.m. TPD responded to Atwater Apartments 2570 Ann Road, after receiving a call from a citizen concerned about two dark-colored vehicles traveling through the parking lot with occupants who appeared to be wearing ski masks, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. One vehicle fled and was later located dumped off of Kurt Street in the City of Eustis. The occupants fled the

Teen in Stolen SUV Arrested After Trying to Run Over Tavares Police Officer Early Sunday Morning Read More »

Video Surveillance Captures Tavares Store Clerk Pilfering Cash and Lottery Tickets

TAVARES, Florida—A convenience store clerk is behind bars after surveillance video showed him stealing lottery tickets and cash from his job on three separate occasions earlier this month, according to an arrest affidavit. On June 11, Tavares Police Department responded to Circle K, 933 County Road 448, Tavares on a report of an employee stealing. The manager told police a total of $5,700 in cash and $1,700 in lottery tickets were missing and she planned to fire and trespass Ronald Lee Sain, 19, when he arrived for work that night. The manager said Sain, of Tavares, began working at the

Video Surveillance Captures Tavares Store Clerk Pilfering Cash and Lottery Tickets Read More »

FHP Searching for SUV Involved in Hit-and-Run Crash that Seriously Injured 2, Including Tavares Woman

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for an SUV that fled from a crash involving four other vehicles and pedestrian from Tavares. The crash occurred at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday at Paul Street and State Road 50, also known as Colonial Drive in Orange County and involved the white SUV, believed to be a Dodge Durango, four cars and a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a 64-year-old Tavares woman, was seriously injured, along with the driver of one the cars, a 19-year-old Orlando woman. The SUV was captured on video and troopers believe it has damage to its right front, consistent

FHP Searching for SUV Involved in Hit-and-Run Crash that Seriously Injured 2, Including Tavares Woman Read More »

Woman Jailed After Dropping Towel in Parking Lot and Exposing Herself in Front of 2 Kids

MASCOTTE, Florida—A Mascotte woman clad only in a towel with a Four Loko in her hand was arrested Monday after exposing herself to two juveniles in the parking lot of a retail store, according to an arrest affidavit. Mascotte Police Department responded to Dollar General, 451 East Myers Boulevard and found Giselle Noemi Robinson, 36, wearing just a towel and holding a can of the malt beverage. During questioning, she told an officer walking around in just a towel in public is normal to her, the affidavit states. She was taken into custody and placed in the back of a

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Rush Hour Crash Kills 3 in Leesburg Wednesday Morning

LEESBURG, Florida—Three people were killed Wednesday morning in a crash that shut down U.S. Highway 441 for several hours, according to Leesburg Police Department. A blue 2020 Ford Mustang being driven by a 77-year-old male of Mount Dora was southbound on U.S. Highway 441 near Sleepy Hollow Road when it rear-ended a 2023 Hyundai Tucson being driven by a 69-year-old woman, just before 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi said in an email. The Mustang then traveled over the center median into the northbound lanes where it struck a gray 2013 Hyundai Sonata being driven by a 42-year-old Umatilla

Rush Hour Crash Kills 3 in Leesburg Wednesday Morning Read More »

1.5 million Doses of Fentanyl Seized During Drug Operation in Lake and Volusia Counties

LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA— A multi-agency investigation culminated in the arrest of more than three dozen people from Lake and Volusia counties last week —and only Inside Lake covered the first arrest of the main target in April. “Operation Daly Dose” targeted the Drew Daly drug trafficking organization that was responsible for distributing multiple kilos of the deadly drug fentanyl in both Lake and Volusia counties, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Tuesday, alongside Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell. Chitwood said the organization was distributing six to eight kilos of fentanyl across both counties each month since at least August 2022.

1.5 million Doses of Fentanyl Seized During Drug Operation in Lake and Volusia Counties Read More »

Leesburg Man Arrested After Leaving Infant in Hot Car at Tavares Grocery Store

TAVARES, Florida—A man who told police he left an infant in the car because he did not want the rain to get her wet, was arrested for child neglect after Tavares Fire Department rescued the baby from a car with only the windows cracked open. A man told Tavares Police Department he arrived at Publix, 2101 State Road 19, Tavares around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and parked next to a small, white car with the windows cracked open and noticed a baby in the car. He flagged down an employee who was gathering carts and she called 9-1-1, according to an

Leesburg Man Arrested After Leaving Infant in Hot Car at Tavares Grocery Store Read More »

2 Tavares Police Officers Suffer Minor Injuries Saturday while Taking Woman into Custody

TAVARES, Florida—A woman armed with a knife who barricaded herself in a home Saturday morning is receiving treatment at a local mental health facility, according to Tavares Police Department. Around 9:20 a.m. Saturday, TPD received a 9-1-1 call reporting a woman was experiencing a mental health crisis, according to TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. Officers responded to the 1000 block of Magnolia Circle and found the woman barricaded in a bedroom, armed with a knife and a Lake County Sheriff’s Office hostage negotiator responded to the scene to assist with the incident. Two TPD officers suffered superficial cuts to

2 Tavares Police Officers Suffer Minor Injuries Saturday while Taking Woman into Custody Read More »

Pickup Truck Hits Tractor-Trailer and Asphalt Truck Head-on Friday Morning, Killing 3 Mascotte Residents

CLERMONT, Florida—Three Mascotte residents were killed early Friday morning after the pickup truck they were in struck a tractor-trailer and an asphalt truck head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 21-year-old woman was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on State Road 33 near Bakers Lane shortly after 5:30 a.m., when it entered the northbound lane and struck a 1999 Freightliner tractor-trailer head-on, causing the tractor-trailer to run off the road and overturn on its right side, FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. The Silverado continued to travel in the northbound lane and struck a 2018 Kenworth asphalt truck head-on,

Pickup Truck Hits Tractor-Trailer and Asphalt Truck Head-on Friday Morning, Killing 3 Mascotte Residents Read More »

SR 33 Crash Kills 3 Early Friday Morning

CLERMONT, Florida—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed three people early Friday morning. The crash occurred at 5:36 a.m. at State Road 33 and Bakers Lane in unincorporated Clermont and involved an overturned asphalt truck; Lake County Fire Rescue has confirmed three fatalities on the scene, according to FHP Trooper Migdalisis Garcia. “There is currently roadblock in the area,” Garcia said in an email. This is a developing story.

SR 33 Crash Kills 3 Early Friday Morning Read More »

Fiery 2-Car Crash Critically Injures Teen and Elderly Woman  

TAVARES, Florida—Two people are in critical, but stable condition following a wreck that shut down U.S. Highway 441 for more than four hours Wednesday. Just before 2:10 p.m. Tavares Police Department responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a crash near AdventHealth Waterman. The preliminary investigation revealed Carol Murphy, 77, was driving a silver 2013 Hyundai southbound on U.S. Highway 441 when she turned left on Waterman Way and was struck by a silver 2014 Ford Mustang being driven by a 17-year-old male who was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 441, according to TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. The front

Fiery 2-Car Crash Critically Injures Teen and Elderly Woman   Read More »

Tavares Police Awaiting Toxicology Tests in Suspicious Death of Woman Last Week

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department continues to investigate the death of a woman found by her roommate last week. Danielle DeCurtis, 29, was found unresponsive by her roommate around 10:15 a.m. May 31 and pronounced deceased at the scene by Lake EMS about 10 minutes after they responded to the call in 1000 block of Maplewood Street, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. TPD responded to the scene after road patrol deemed the death suspicious and began investigating. Lake County Sheriff’s Office CSI responded to the scene to assist in the investigation, along with the Medical Examiner’s office. “There

Tavares Police Awaiting Toxicology Tests in Suspicious Death of Woman Last Week Read More »

Teen Gang Members, Well-Known to Law Enforcement, Arrested Again

EUSTIS, Florida—Three teens, who are documented gang members and well-known to local law enforcement were arrested again last week, this time for burglarizing vehicles, according to several arrest affidavits. On May 30, Eustis Police Department responded to a call about three suspicious males in black hoodies and masks on Beaumont Lane in the Arbor Hills neighborhood and found three males matching the description in the area of Waycross Avenue and Abrams Road around 3:30 a.m. The trio, later identified as Gyrice Trayvon Foster, 18, Kristine Morell Morris, 15, and Artavious Jamarr Williams, 17, all of Eustis, tried to run but

Teen Gang Members, Well-Known to Law Enforcement, Arrested Again Read More »

Man Arrested Numerous Times in Lake and Orange Counties Arrested Again for Trafficking in Fentanyl

LEESBURG, Florida—A man arrested, but never convicted, numerous times for a variety of offenses including vehicular manslaughter, witness tampering, trafficking in drugs and battery on a pregnant female in both Orange County and Lake County, has been arrested yet again, this time for trafficking in fentanyl, according to an arrest affidavit. Emmanuel Cazeau, 39, of Eustis, was pulled over early Friday morning by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies for a minor traffic offense as he pulled out of Circle K, at the corner of County Road 44 and County Road 473 in unincorporated Leesburg, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies

Man Arrested Numerous Times in Lake and Orange Counties Arrested Again for Trafficking in Fentanyl Read More »

Law Enforcement Agencies Need Your Vote for K9 Grant

LAKE COUNTY, Florida—Several local law enforcement agencies are counting on the public to help them grow their K9 units with a grant from a national biohazard clean-up company. Five agencies in Lake County are competing for a $2,500 grant that can be used for their K9 units, such as purchasing equipment and other needs for their pups. The grant will be provided by Aftermath Service LLC, a national company that provides biohazard clean-ups from incidents such as crime scenes and unattended deaths. Eustis Police Department, Fruitland Park Police Department, Lady Lake Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Tavares Police

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Tavares Police Investigating Suspicious Death

TAVARES, Florida—Tavares Police Department is investigating the death of a woman it is calling suspicious. TPD responded to a medical call in the 1000 block of Maplewood Street around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, along with Lake EMS, and less than 10 minutes later Danielle DeCurtis, 29, was pronounced deceased at the scene, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. “(Her death) appears to be suspicious in nature,” Sullivan said. Detectives responded to the scene and secured a search warrant and were awaiting the Medical Examiner’s Office at press time. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office CSI also responded to the

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Leesburg Police Seeking Information on Crash that Killed Lady Lake Woman Earlier this Month

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department continues to investigate a crash that killed a pedestrian earlier this month. Shortly before 2:30 a.m. May 20, Erica L. Davis, 40, was crossing U.S. Highway 27, also known as North 14th Street at West Main Street when she was struck by a 2019 black Toyota Corolla being driven by Zachary Sents, 32, of Webster. Davis, of Lady Lake, was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, formerly known as Ocala Regional Medical Center, with life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to her injuries. LPD is asking anyone with information about the crash to call the LPD Traffic

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Clermont Man Arrested for DUI Following Head-On Collision

CLERMONT, Florida—A man involved in a head-on crash at a busy intersection Saturday refused to participate in field sobriety exercises and was arrested for DUI, according to an arrest affidavit. Clermont Police Department responded to the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Hammock Ridge Road around 8:30 p.m. Saturday on a report of a head-on collision and spoke to Adrian Sanchez, 42, of Clermont. Sanchez told police he was driving a silver Hyundai involved in the crash, but refused to speak with CPD any further, the affidavit states. Sanchez, who had his niece in the vehicle with him, had glassy

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Second Arrest Made in 2022 Umatilla Murder

TAVARES, Florida—A second man has been arrested in the 2022 murder of a Umatilla man. Deandre Bernard Anderson, 32, of Leesburg, was booked into the Lake County Jail on a warrant for first degree murder Friday, accused of killing Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart, 31, on Nov. 8, 2022. Hart was found with at least one gunshot wound in front of a home in the Southside area of unincorporated Umatilla and died during transport to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake last year. Only Inside Lake was on the scene following the shooting.

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Car Collides with 2 Trees, Killing Driver and Passenger Early Sunday

DeLAND, Florida—Two men were killed early Sunday morning after the car they were in crashed into two trees, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A 2015 Honda Civic was eastbound on County Road 42 in the DeLand area of Lake County when it crossed the center line, went across the westbound lane, left the roadway and struck a tree, near Crows Bluff Road, shortly before 1:30 a.m., Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said in a press release. After striking the tree, the Honda continued in a northerly direction and struck a second tree; the crash killed the driver, a 23-year-old DeLand man

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Leesburg Man Dies From Crash Injuries

LEESBURG, Florida—A 73-old Leesburg man has died from injuries he suffered in a crash earlier this week, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. Shortly after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, David Reno, 73, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet sedan north on U.S. Highway 441 when he attempted to make a left turn on Perkins Street and collided with a 2011 GMC pickup truck headed southbound and being driven by Terrin Lawson, 22, of Leesburg. Leesburg Police Department and Leesburg Fire Rescue responded to the crash scene. Reno, Lawson, and Lawson’s passenger, 18-year-old Taraya McBride, also of Leesburg, were all transported to

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Leesburg Police Investigating After 2 Teens Shot at Apartment Complex

LEESBURG, Florida—Leesburg Police Department is investigating after two teenagers were shot at an apartment complex Wednesday night, according to Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi. LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi told Inside Lake two 17-year-old males were shot at Lake Harris Cove Apartments, 32511 Lake Harris Cove Avenue, near Lowe’s, located at 9540 U.S. Highway 441 shortly before 8 p.m. One teen is being treated at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, which caused the hospital to be placed on lockdown, Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said. The second teen, who has a superficial wound to his finger, is in custody

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Eustis Police Chief Finds Man Suspected of DUI in Grocery Store Parking Lot with Bottle of Vodka Next to Him

EUSTIS, Florida—A man who was apparently stumbling and staggering around a local grocery store and parking lot was busted for DUI Sunday after Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri found him sitting in his car with a bottle of vodka lying next to him. Capri was in the area Sunday around 8:15 p.m. when he heard a call go out about a possible drunk person stumbling around and trying to leave in a white Dodge Challenger in the Woodland Center plaza, 1930 North State Road 19, which houses Publix, according to an arrest affidavit. Capri spoke only with Inside Lake about

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

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

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Report Reveals Details in Child Neglect Case, Victim’s Mom Speaks Only with Inside Lake

UMATILLA, Florida—The young girl left in a sweltering hot van last summer for 1 hour and 22 minutes beat on the van’s windows and doors and honked the horn until she was rescued, and the adults in charge of her failed to call 9-1-1, according to the girl’s mom and a report obtained by Inside Lake. The girl, who was three weeks shy of her 7th birthday when the incident occurred in June 2022, fell asleep on a field trip to the Umatilla Public Pool and the adults who were responsible for her care failed to notice she was in

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Owner of Popular Dance Studio Accused of Leaving Girl, 6, in Hot Vehicle Last Summer

UMATILLA, Florida—The owner of a popular dance studio with locations in Umatilla and Mount Dora was arrested at her home in Altoona Monday for child neglect, according to Lake County Clerk of Court Records. Jolene Amy Coates, 51, owner of Dance Depot was picked up on the warrant by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office stemming from an incident in June 2022. The warrant was a direct file from Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney William “Bill” Gladson’s office May 10. According to the information filed in the warrant, Coates, “while being responsible for the welfare of the (undisclosed victim)” left a

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