Altoona

Benefit for LCSO Deputy Diagnosed with Cancer Scheduled for Saturday

EUSTIS, Fla.—An event to benefit a Lake County Sheriff’s Office school resource deputy who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year is scheduled for Saturday.

What started as chest pain in 2022 turned into a terrifying diagnosis last summer for LCSO Cpl. Adam Tytler. In November 2022, Tytler went to a cardiologist for ongoing chest pain, and after a EKG showed his heart was in good shape, the cardiologist told him the pain was likely gastrointestinal. The next month, on Christmas Eve, Tytler discovered a swollen lymph node on his neck and by February the lymph node had not gotten any better. He was also suffering from a sinus infection at the time and went to his primary care doctor for treatment and mentioned the lymph node. The doctor chalked it up to the infection, but during the spring Tytler’s chest pain continued and had also moved to his back, and then he began to find swollen lymph nodes on his chest.

Tytler went through a battery of tests and upon reviewing the results, his doctor said it was likely cancer. Tytler sought a second opinion from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and his fears were confirmed when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma in June 2023.

Tytler, his wife Tiffany, and two daughters, Shay 17, Lily, 14, are currently splitting their time between Mount Dora and Tampa for treatment and it is taking a financial toll on the family while already dealing with an emotional roller coaster. Tytler said he came forward with his struggle because cancer affects millions of people and often they go through it alone.

“I would have given up if it weren’t for my faith, my family and the support from the school resource deputy unit,” Tytler said. “I only wanted for those who are struggling to know they are not alone. Not now. Not ever and to never give up.”

Tytler’s struggle inspired Shannon Cook, organizer of Lake County’s annual Back the Blue Walk, and LCSO Lt. Kristin Thompson to create the benefit scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at That Place, 925 North Bay Street, Eustis.

Dinners will be available for purchase, along with an auction of numerous items, including a Back the Blue basket with items from multiple Lake County law enforcement agencies, tickets to various events, like New Kids on the Block concert tickets and Richard Petty Driving Experience, along with a Yeti cooler packed with alcohol, various craft items made by local residents, a high-end fishing pole and numerous other items. A poker scramble is also scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at Gator Harley-Davidson, 1745 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg, and will include five stops, ending at That Place, Cook told Inside Lake.

Tytler has spent nearly his entire adult life at LCSO, and most recently worked as a corporal in the school resource deputy unit. He prevented a shooting on the Eustis High School campus during the 2018-2019 school year and was awarded the Lake County Officer of the Year in 2019 for his efforts.

He said he is excited he has only one treatment left, and it has been a difficult journey. “Truthfully, it’s been challenging and difficult treatment-wise, not just for me but my family also,” Tytler said.

He will have to wait until after the new year to find out if he is cancer-free, he said.

Tytler told Inside Lake saying thank you to all those who have helped him, and contributed to the benefit will never be enough.

“My family and I are so appreciative and overwhelmed of the outpouring of love and support from everyone. Especially from people I’ve never met,” he said.

For more information on the benefit, visit Corporal Adam Tytler Benefit.

Benefit for LCSO Deputy Diagnosed with Cancer Scheduled for Saturday Read More »

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.

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

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 found near the swimming area.

According to the U.S. Forest Service the victim suffered puncture wounds and lacerations and he transported himself for medical care.

Alligator Attack Closes Alexander Springs Read More »

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

ALTOONA, Florida—One person was rescued and airlifted for treatment and a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was transported to the hospital following a structure fire Sunday night, according to Umatilla Fire Department.

Numerous agencies responded to the fire in addition to UFD and LCSO, including Eustis Fire Department, Leesburg Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue, Marion County Fire Rescue and Lake EMS, a UFD social media post stated. An exact address for the fire was unavailable at press time, but numerous social media posts and comments said the fire was in the Shockley Heights area.

UFD was first on the scene of the fire that had one person trapped inside. The unidentified person was rescued and airlifted to a local hospital and a deputy was transported to an area hospital to get checked out, according to UFD. The fire was extinguished.

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

Late Night Head-On Crash Kills Eustis Man and Altoona Woman Saturday

TAVARES, Florida—Two people are dead following a head-crash on a busy Tavares Road Saturday night.

Shortly before 10:45 pm. Tavares Police Department responded to a report of a crash near County Road 561 and Lona Street. According to witnesses and evidence on scene, a 2019 black Nissan Sentra being driven by Scott Alexander Sawyer, 29, of Eustis, was speeding northbound on County Road 561 and attempted to pass vehicles on a double yellow line. He struck a 2008 gray Mazda Tribute head-on being driven southbound by Lindsay Marie Baker, 26, of Altoona, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake.

“Several area first responders responded to the scene in an attempt to render aid and assist with the investigation,” Sullivan said in an email.

Baker and Sawyer were both pronounced deceased following the crash and TPD traffic homicide investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation, Sullivan said.

The crash shut down County Road 561 for several hours and remains under investigation.

Late Night Head-On Crash Kills Eustis Man and Altoona Woman Saturday Read More »

13-year-old Boy Killed in Tragic Bicycle Crash Identified, Family Sets Up Fund for Funeral Expenses

ALTOONA, Florida—The teenage boy tragically killed Thursday afternoon on State Road 19 has been identified on social media by his family.

Dylan Kelley, 13, was riding his bicycle southbound on the paved shoulder of State Road 19 when he veered into the path of a Ford F-250 for an unknown reason near Shockley Trail Road and his home in Altoona, shortly after 5 p.m. He was pronounced deceased on the scene, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Channing Taylor said Thursday.

Dylan, described as outgoing and loving, always took care of his family, a post on a gofundme account states. Dylan’s family set up the account Friday morning to assist with Dylan’s funeral expenses.

To donate, visit Help pay for Dylan’s funeral expenses.

13-year-old Boy Killed in Tragic Bicycle Crash Identified, Family Sets Up Fund for Funeral Expenses Read More »

Teen Riding Bicycle Killed in Altoona Thursday

ALTOONA, Florida—A 13-year-old Altoona boy was killed Thursday afternoon when the bicycle he was riding veered into the path of a truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The boy was riding his bicycle southbound on the paved shoulder of State Road 19 when he veered into the path of a white Ford F-250 also traveling southbound on State Road 19 at 5:10 p.m. near Shockley Trail Road, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said in a press release.

The teen was pronounced deceased on the scene. The 33-year-old Oxford man driving the truck was not injured and remained on scene, Taylor said. The crash closed State Road 19 for several hours.

The crash remains under investigation.  

MAP: Florida Highway Patrol

Teen Riding Bicycle Killed in Altoona Thursday Read More »

FHP Investigating Bicycle Fatality in Altoona, SR 19 Shut Down

ALTOONA, Florida–The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatality that occurred Thursday afternoon.

The crash killed a bicyclist, possibly a juvenile, just before 5: 15 p.m. Thursday, FHP Lt. Channing Taylor said. State Road 19 is shut down at Shockley Trail Road.

This is a developing story.

FHP Investigating Bicycle Fatality in Altoona, SR 19 Shut Down Read More »

Alabama Man Charged in Altoona Double Murder

TAVARES, Florida—An Alabama man already in the Volusia County on unrelated charges has been arrested in the murders of two men, one month and one day after they were found.

Roger Myles Gilbert, 35, is accused of killing Shane Eugene Clements, 41, of Altoona and David Thomas Mikell, 34, at Mikell’s home located at 45918 Pennsylvania Avenue in Altoona. The two men were found dead of gunshot wounds around 9 p.m. Aug. 25, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell.

LCSO has not released a motive for the slayings.

Just a day after the murders, Gilbert was arrested in Ormond Beach after he fled a traffic stop in shortly before noon that Friday and crashed in an Ormond Beach KFC parking lot. Samantha Butler, age unknown, who was also named a person of interest in the double murder, was found dead in the white Volvo.

 Gilbert fled on foot and Butler was found in the car unresponsive and pronounced dead on the scene by Ormond Beach Fire Rescue.

“We do not believe Samantha Butler’s death is a result of injuries sustained in the crash,” OBPD said in a press release last month.

Gilbert fled to a nearby Dollar Tree, hiding first in a back room and then running through the store while grabbing at his waist. Gilbert was tased by officers and found with a Smith & Wesson firearm in his waistband. The gun was later found to be stolen from Mountain Brook, Alabama in August

Gilbert was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed firearm and resisting an officer without violence and has been held in the Volusia County Jail.

Monday he was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Clements and Mikell and is being held on no bond.

Click below to read our previous stories on this case.

Second Person of Interest in Altoona Slayings Found Dead Friday, Ormond Beach Police Say
Person of Interest In Altoona Double Homicide Booked Into the Volusia County Jail
Persons of Interest in Altoona Double Shooting Involved in “Encounter” with Ormond Beach Police Friday, Few Details Released
LCSO Investigating Double Homicide in Altoona

Alabama Man Charged in Altoona Double Murder Read More »

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

LAKE COUNTY, Florida— It was a bloody and violent end to August in Lake County, as the sheriff’s office continues to investigate five homicides that occurred in just six days from one end of the county to the other. Numerous sources have told Inside Lake there was yet another homicide in unincorporated Fruitland Park Saturday, but LCSO did not respond to an email or a text all day Sunday to confirm.

Altoona, Aug. 25

Around 9 p.m. Aug. 25, Shane Eugene Clements, 41, of Altoona, and David Thomas Mikell, 34, of Umatilla were found dead at a home at 45918 Pennsylvania Road in Altoona. The two men were shot, and deputies were looking for two persons of interest, Roger Myles Gilbert, 35, and Samantha Butler, age unknown, both of Alabama.

The following day Gilbert and Butler fled from Ormond Beach Police and crashed in a KFC parking lot. Butler was found dead in the wrecked white Volvo and Gilbert fled on foot. OBPD does not believe Butler died from injuries sustained in the crash but has not released a manner or cause of death.

Gilbert was apprehended in a nearby Dollar Tree and is being held in the Volusia County Jail on a variety of charges, including possessing the stolen gun that was found in his waistband.  

Gilbert remains a person of interest in the deaths of Mikell and Clements but has not been charged. LCSO has not revealed a motive for the slayings.

Roger Gilbert and Samantha Butler were named as persons of interest in the killings of David Mikell and Shane Clements in Altoona Aug. 25. Gilbert was arrested in Volusia County in a separate incident and Butler was found dead in the crash the couple crashed while fleeing police. PHOTO: Samantha Butler/Facebook

Unincorporated Clermont, Aug. 31

A man was arrested Wednesday after a young woman reported he raped her repeatedly and killed his own stepson at 244 Jewelfish Lane in the Thousand Trails RV Resort in unincorporated Clermont. The woman told LCSO she heard screaming and found Justin Jones, 41, on top of his stepson, Ty Finister, 17, striking him.

She screamed for Jones to stop, and he slammed her to the ground, duct-taped her ankles, wrists, mouth and eyes and raped her repeatedly. Eventually she was able to escape and call for help. LCSO responded and found Finister dead, along with his mother, Sandra Gaudino, 38. The rape victim’s relationship to both murder victims and Jones is not being released because she is the victim of a sex crime.

Jones was apprehended walking southbound near a Publix, 4351 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. Earlier this week LCSO released body cam showing Jones being taken into custody.

He was arrested for two counts of domestic first-degree murder, domestic false imprisonment and domestic sexual battery. Jones, of Michigan, confessed to the crimes and told detectives he beat both murder victims with a mallet and raped the young woman.

Jones is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrest Justin Jones of Michigan, who confessed to killing his wife and stepson and raping another woman. VIDEO: Lake County Sheriff’s Office

Unincorporated Leesburg, Aug. 31

A man reported missing Wednesday was found dead in Marion County and a man known as “Maniac” is responsible, according to LCSO.

Casey Dean’s body was found near the home of a friend of Matthew “Maniac” Luke Allen, 26, and a woman Allen met on the dating app “Plenty of Fish,” told LCSO Allen shot him and disposed of his body, according to an arrest affidavit.

She told deputies Allen was standing across from Dean Sunday afternoon yelling about a gun on a coffee table that was believed to be inoperable. She said she heard Allen yell, “Why would you pull a gun on people that doesn’t work?” followed by a gunshot. Dean succumbed to his neck wound on a couch and Allen and another man are alleged to have rolled Dean’s body up in a rug and put him in the back of a Dodge Ram. Allen then forced the unidentified woman to help him dispose of the body. Two children also witnessed the killing.

The pair stayed at an undisclosed location and the woman, who feared Allen was going to kill her, convinced him to let her go home Wednesday to retrieve clothes. Allen, who allegedly planned on fleeing the state Thursday, allowed to woman to leave in a borrowed car. She dumped the car at a Marion County convenience store and escaped by calling a friend to come get her.

When she arrived home, she cooperated with LCSO and gave them information on the killing and where Allen dumped the body.

Allen was picked up in Marion County on outstanding Sumter County warrants and arrested for manslaughter, kidnapping. tampering with evidence, unlawful transportation of human remains, grand theft auto and child neglect. He is being held in the Marion County Jail on no bond.

Matthew “Maniac” Allen is accused of shooting Casey Dean in the neck and dumping his body in Marion County. PHOTO: Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Second Person of Interest in Altoona Slayings Found Dead Friday, Ormond Beach Police Say
Man Confesses to Killing Wife, Stepson and Raping Female in Travel Trailer Wednesday
Missing Man Found Dead in Marion County, “Maniac” Arrested and Held on No Bond

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

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