LCSO Archives - Inside Lake

Man shot twice after entering Mount Dora-area home, deputies say

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was shot twice Saturday morning in unincorporated Mount Dora. Shortly after 8:45 a.m. Saturday, deputies and officers with Mount Dora Police Department responded to 30203 Cheval Street on a report of a verbal dispute. When law enforcement arrived, they found a man had been shot twice by the homeowner, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies determined the man is currently going through a divorce with a female resident of the home. Investigators said he knocked and banged on the front door and windows before entering through […]

Man shot twice after entering Mount Dora-area home, deputies say Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 2, 2026

Search warrant at ‘The Carwash’ in Leesburg nets drugs, pair of arrests

LEESBURG, Fla. — Two people are being held without bond in the Lake County Jail after a search warrant at what deputies described as a “fake business” uncovered a large quantity of drugs Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau executed a narcotics search warrant at 1645 Veech Road in Leesburg, a location commonly known as “The Carwash,” LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said. “This location has been identified as a fake business and a known location where multiple individuals will hang out and distribute narcotics,” Vachon said. “Furthermore, back in December

Search warrant at ‘The Carwash’ in Leesburg nets drugs, pair of arrests Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 27, 2026

Murder suspect captured in Leesburg, police say

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man wanted for murder in a fatal shooting Friday morning has been taken into custody, according to Leesburg Police Department. Matthew Pasco, 43, was apprehended Sunday on North Citrus Boulevard by LPD Officer Kira Smith, the department said in a social media post. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Vachon confirmed Pasco was in custody in an email. Pasco was wanted for first-degree murder after deputies said he attempted to shoot a dog attacking a woman and instead shot the dog’s owner in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment Friday. The man

Murder suspect captured in Leesburg, police say Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 19, 2026

Man wanted for murder in Leesburg shooting remains on the run

LEESBURG, Fla. — A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man deputies say fatally shot a dog owner Friday. Matthew Pasco, 43, is considered “armed and dangerous,” Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Vachon said. Witnesses told deputies a woman was being attacked by a large dog in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment when Pasco attempted to shoot the dog Friday morning, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The dog’s owner was shot. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has

Man wanted for murder in Leesburg shooting remains on the run Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 18, 2026

Dog attack leads to fatal shooting in Leesburg; deputies seeking person of interest

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man is dead and a woman is injured after a dog attack led to a shooting Friday morning in Leesburg, prompting a nearby school to be placed on lockdown. Witnesses told deputies a woman was being attacked by a large dog in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment when Matthew Pasco, 43, attempted to shoot the dog to help her, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The dog’s owner was shot, Earley told Inside Lake. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where he was

Dog attack leads to fatal shooting in Leesburg; deputies seeking person of interest Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 17, 2026

Armed person of interest sought in Leesburg shooting, LCSO says

LEESBURG, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a person of interest in a shooting in Leesburg. Deputies are investigating a shooting in the area of 1904 Griffin Road. The person of interest has been identified as Matthew Lee Pasco, 43, according to LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley. Deputies search for Matthew Pasco, a person of interest in a Leesburg shooting Friday morning. VIDEO: Eddie Allard/Inside Lake Pasco is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a prominent scar on the right side of his

Armed person of interest sought in Leesburg shooting, LCSO says Read More »

Uncategorized / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 17, 2026

LCSO executes narcotics search warrants at two Eustis homes

EUSTIS, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office executed two narcotics-related search warrants in Eustis Thursday morning, Inside Lake has learned. Details remained limited early Thursday afternoon. LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley said the warrants were executed at 1022 and 1024 Morin Street. Deputies and detectives remained on scene just before noon, with a portion of Morin Street closed as the investigation continued. A tent was set up near the scene with numerous items laid out on a table, along with brown paper bags commonly used for evidence. This is a developing story.

LCSO executes narcotics search warrants at two Eustis homes Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 16, 2026

Friends, family demand answers in deputy-involved shooting; LCSO releases statement

TAVARES, Fla. — There is no body-worn camera footage of the deadly encounter between a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy and a 38-year-old man, LCSO said, as family and friends held a rally in Tavares Wednesday. At 6:19 a.m. Sunday, a 911 caller reported a man had been stabbed in the neck, according to audio released earlier this week. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Leesburg Police Department responded to 2415 Montclair Road. Bystanders pointed deputies in the direction the suspect fled on foot, and a deputy located Timotheus Reed. During the encounter, the deputy shot

Friends, family demand answers in deputy-involved shooting; LCSO releases statement Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 15, 2026

Emaciated cows surrendered to deputies Monday near Tavares

TAVARES, Fla. — A livestock welfare complaint led authorities to a Tavares pasture where multiple cattle were found severely emaciated Monday, launching an animal neglect investigation, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Around 1:15 p.m., Lake County Agricultural/Marine Unit and Animal Enforcement officers responded to 28304 Atlantis Road in unincorporated Tavares. From the roadway, deputies could see several zebu-type cattle in an enclosed pasture in poor condition, with ribs, spines and pelvic bones clearly visible, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The pasture consisted largely of bare sand and appeared to lack

Emaciated cows surrendered to deputies Monday near Tavares Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 13, 2026

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot, killed by deputy in Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man is dead after he was shot by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy before daybreak Sunday. At approximately 6:19 a.m., a 911 caller reported someone had been stabbed multiple times. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and officers with Leesburg Police Department responded to 2415 Montclair Road, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. Bystanders pointed in the direction the alleged suspect fled on foot, and a deputy located Timotheus Reed, 38, Earley said. During the encounter, the deputy shot Reed. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot, killed by deputy in Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 12, 2026

Barricaded subject surrenders in Fruitland Park, brother also arrested

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — A man who barricaded himself inside a home following an armed confrontation with a neighbor on Easter Sunday has surrendered, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a home near Sunnyside Drive after Alexander Barrios Ozorio Walfre allegedly threatened a neighbor with a gun, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. VIDEO: Eddie Allard/Inside Lake Walfre remained barricaded inside the home for several hours before surrendering to the Lake County Crisis Negotiations Team. He was taken into custody without incident, Earley said. Walfre was arrested along with his brother, Walter Emanuel Berrios Ozorio,

Barricaded subject surrenders in Fruitland Park, brother also arrested Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 5, 2026

Barricaded subject prompts large law enforcement response in Fruitland Park

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is on scene and attempting to negotiate with a barricaded subject in Fruitland Park, officials said Sunday morning. Deputies responded to 4522 Sunnyside Drive after an individual allegedly threatened a neighbor with a gun, LCSO Public Information Officer Stephanie Earley said. LCSO’s negotiations unit is on scene attempting to make contact with the individual, Earley said. This is a developing story.

Barricaded subject prompts large law enforcement response in Fruitland Park Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 5, 2026

Judge denies independent DNA review in Duckett case despite defense push

TAVARES – A circuit court judge Wednesday denied death row inmate James Duckett’s appeal to have an independent DNA lab analyze inconclusive results he hoped would exonerate in the 1987 rape and murder of a child. Duckett was a rookie Mascotte police officer on duty when Teresa McAbee was found floating in a lake. Until recently, he has resisted testing a semen stain found on her panties because the sample would be destroyed in the procedure. But with the clock ticking after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant for March 31, testing went forward. The Florida Supreme Court issued

Judge denies independent DNA review in Duckett case despite defense push Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mascotte, Tavares / By Frank Stanfield / April 1, 2026

Eustis detectives investigating apparent suicide near US Highway 441 overpass

EUSTIS, Fla. — A death investigation is underway in Eustis after a person was found hanging from a tree Wednesday afternoon, police said. Officers responded at 1:18 p.m. to the area of State Road 19A and the U.S. Highway 441 overpass after a passerby reported seeing the individual, according to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri. The individual had been at the location for several hours and was beyond life-saving measures, Capri said. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation unit responded to process the scene, and the body will be turned over to the medical examiner’s office. Eustis

Eustis detectives investigating apparent suicide near US Highway 441 overpass Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 1, 2026

No serious injuries in Paisley crashes Monday

PAISLEY, Fla. — Foggy conditions led to two crashes involving multiple vehicles Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Shortly before 6:30 a.m., a crash occurred on County Road 42, west of George Street in Paisley, FHP said. “There was a multi-vehicle crash involving a marked Lake County Sheriff’s patrol car and six other vehicles due to fog in the area,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia told Inside Lake. “There were no serious injuries reported.” A Lake County Fire Rescue vehicle responding to the crash was rear-ended by a Dodge Ram, causing a secondary crash in the area, Garcia said. No

No serious injuries in Paisley crashes Monday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 23, 2026

Mount Dora fire lieutenant replaced medication with water, police say

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Mount Dora Fire Department lieutenant is facing charges after police say he tampered with medication by replacing it with water. Jesse Ravenscraft, 36, a firefighter paramedic with the City of Mount Dora since June 2017, was suspended without pay and resigned March 13, City of Mount Dora Director of Public Information Misty Sommer said. Ravenscraft was arrested March 6 and is facing a felony charge of reckless tampering with a product risking injury and a misdemeanor charge of petit theft, following an investigation by Mount Dora Police Department. “The Mount Dora Fire Department recently identified

Mount Dora fire lieutenant replaced medication with water, police say Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 13, 2026

FHP: Preliminary findings indicate woman fell from SR 429

SORRENTO, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a woman’s body Wednesday after preliminary findings indicated she fell from State Road 429. Around 7:15 a.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a body found in a grassy area near State Road 46 and Sleepy Bear Lane, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. Deputies responded, and found a 49-year-old DeBary woman, who was pronounced deceased by Lake EMS/Fire Rescue. LCSO detectives and crime scene investigators responded, and the case was later turned over to FHP. The preliminary investigation determined the woman fell

FHP: Preliminary findings indicate woman fell from SR 429 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 18, 2026

Deputies investigating after body discovered near SR 46

Correction: Based on initial information provided to Inside Lake, an earlier version of this story reported the body was found on State Road 429. The correct location is State Road 46. Update: FHP takes over death investigation near SR 46 – Inside Lake SORRENTO, Fla. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body was discovered Wednesday morning. Deputies are on scene off State Road 46 and the investigation remains active, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. No other information has been released.

Deputies investigating after body discovered near SR 46 Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 18, 2026

Deputies pick up sex predator on 2013 warrant before prison release

TAVARES, Fla.—A convicted Volusia County sexual predator is back in Lake County to face similar crimes he’s accused of committing 20 years ago. Stanley Puckett, now 63, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2014 after pleading no contest to several child sex crimes that involved multiple children as young as 9, some he molested for nearly a decade, according to Volusia County court records. Puckett was incarcerated at Madison Correctional Institution, near the Florida-Georgia border, nearly finished with serving his sentence for his Volusia crimes, when he was picked up on 2014 detainers from Lake and Marion counties.

Deputies pick up sex predator on 2013 warrant before prison release Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 16, 2026

Technology leads Georgia deputies to missing 12-year-old Paisley girl

LAURENS COUNTY, Ga.— A 12-year-old Paisley girl is safe after being found in Georgia with a 19-year-old Illinois man, with the help of Georgia license plate readers (LPRs.) Juliette Delgado was reported missing Thursday after taking personal belongings with her, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley said. “Based on prior knowledge of Juliette Delgado’s history and information that was gathered on scene, deputies determined that Juliette Delgado had met 19-year-old male, Alex Lindsley, online via TikTok,” according to Earley, and Lindsley made the drive to Florida to meet the girl. Deputies determined Lindsley was driving a silver Dodge truck

Technology leads Georgia deputies to missing 12-year-old Paisley girl Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 6, 2026

Leesburg police arrest suspect in Eustis park stabbing, second violent attack

LEESBURG, Fla.— A man accused of stabbing a victim nine times at a Eustis park and later attacking another person in Leesburg has been arrested on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and aggravated battery, police said. James Edward Thompson, 32, is being held at the Lake County Jail on no bond and is also facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Eustis incident Shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, Eustis Police Department received a call in reference to a battery at Ferran Park. An unnamed witness said a man, later identified

Leesburg police arrest suspect in Eustis park stabbing, second violent attack Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 4, 2026

LCSO searching for teen shooting suspect

DeLAND, Fla.— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a teenager accused of shooting his sister’s boyfriend near DeLand. Jordan Furber, 17, is accused of shooting Euhari Gordon Wednesday morning, shortly before noon, according to a report obtained by Inside Lake. LCSO responded to a report of a shooting at 42215 Dogwood Avenue in the DeLand portion of Lake County and found Gordon sitting outside in a chair, suffering from two gunshot wounds with both entry and exit wounds, the report states. Three people, including his girlfriend, Renique Leopold, were providing aid. The deputy assessed Gordon’s injuries and Lake

LCSO searching for teen shooting suspect Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 29, 2026

Shooting sends one to the hospital Wednesday, LCSO investigating

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the address of the incident. DeLAND, Fla.— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred in the DeLand portion of Lake County Wednesday afternoon. LCSO responded to 42215 Dogwood Avenue in reference to a shooting, Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area hospital and is in stable condition. Deputies have identified the suspect, and the investigation was still active at press time.

Shooting sends one to the hospital Wednesday, LCSO investigating Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 29, 2026

Report: Umatilla man paid for rideshare to transport minor for sex

UMATILLA, Fla.— A months-long investigation involving two counties culminated Tuesday with the execution of a search warrant and an arrest in a case involving sex crimes against a minor, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Jordan Charles Lewis, 30, of Umatilla was arrested Tuesday following an investigation that began in October 2025 when the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office forwarded a report to LCSO alleging a victim had engaged in sexual activity with Lewis. The report, written by a school resource deputy (SRD) at a Citrus County high school, stated the victim disclosed she received Snapchat messages from Lewis soliciting

Report: Umatilla man paid for rideshare to transport minor for sex Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 21, 2026

Anonymous threat prompts lockdown at Lake Minneola High Monday

Update 1:55 p.m.: The lockdown at Lake Minneola High School has been lifted. MINNEOLA, Fla.—An anonymous bomb threat was the cause of the lockdown at Lake Minneola High School Monday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “An anonymous caller made a threat this morning against Lake Minneola High School,” LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. “The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating. We have no reason to believe this i s a credible threat, but we are responding with an abundance of caution following protocol to make sure students and staff are safe.” Campus access is temporarily restricted while

Anonymous threat prompts lockdown at Lake Minneola High Monday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Minneola / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 12, 2026

Lake Minneola High on lockdown, deputies say

MINNEOLA, Fla.—Lake Minneola High School is on lockdown regarding a bomb threat Monday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies are at the school canvassing the area. The investigation is being conducted according to standard protocol and procedures,” LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley said. This is developing story.

Lake Minneola High on lockdown, deputies say Read More »

Inside Scoop, Minneola / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 12, 2026

Driver says, “I’m not going to lie, bro, I’ve got to go,” and attempts to flee traffic stop near Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla.—A man who told a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy he made a bad choice and regretted his decision is facing two felony charges, according to an arrest affidavit. An LCSO deputy spotted a Hyundai SUV make an illegal U-turn on U.S. Highway 27 at High Grove Boulevard shortly after midnight Wednesday and initiated a traffic stop. The driver pulled into a nearby parking lot, and the deputy approached the SUV and asked for his license. As the driver searched for it, he reportedly said, “I’m not going to lie, bro, I’ve got to go,” and put the SUV

Driver says, “I’m not going to lie, bro, I’ve got to go,” and attempts to flee traffic stop near Clermont Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 25, 2025

Bushnell woman ejected, killed in crash near Lake/Sumter line

GROVELAND, Fla—For the second time in less than a week, a motorist was killed on State Road 50 near Sloans Ridge Road. A 30-year-old Bushnell woman was driving a 2002 GMC Sierra westbound on State Road 50, just before 10 p.m., when she failed to negotiate a curve and drove off the northwest side of roadway. The GMC overturned several times, ejecting the woman, FHP said. She was pronounced deceased on the scene. Multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist, including Groveland Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Mascotte Police Department. This is the

Bushnell woman ejected, killed in crash near Lake/Sumter line Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Mascotte, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 26, 2025

Woman shot in Grand Island Saturday by man trying to “get answers”

GRAND ISLAND, Fla. —A man who was trying to “get answers” is facing an aggravated battery charge after being accused of shooting a woman Saturday. According to a probable cause affidavit, shortly before 7:15 p.m., Denise Rosa was outside of a home in Grand Island putting her dog in her vehicle when she saw Michael Phillips, 76, and invited him inside for a card game. The address of the residence is redacted from the affidavit. Rosa told deputies she finished with her dog, and when she walked in, she heard Phillips say, “Don’t trust what she says.” Rosa asked him what

Woman shot in Grand Island Saturday by man trying to “get answers” Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 15, 2025

No one injured in shooting near Eustis campus Tuesday

EUSTIS, Fla.—No one was injured in a shooting near Eustis High School’s Curtright Campus Tuesday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday. What deputies are calling an “aggravated assault” occurred on Harlem Avenue just outside Eustis city limits, and about a half of a mile away from the campus, causing the school to be placed on lockdown for more than an hour Tuesday morning. Crime scene tape and Eagle One circling overhead prompted concern from nearby residents, several of whom reached out to Inside Lake for information. At press time, a suspect had not been located or arrested, Deputy Stephanie

No one injured in shooting near Eustis campus Tuesday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 24, 2025

Deputies and police search for shooting suspect near Eustis Tuesday

EUSTIS, Fla.— The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Eustis Police Department are searching for a suspect involved in a shooting that occurred Tuesday morning. Deputies cordoned off Harlem Avenue just outside of Eustis city limits with crime scene tape, and LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One, was flying over the area searching for the suspect, witnesses said. Harlem Avenue is just over a half-mile from the Eustis High School Curtright Campus, and the incident caused the campus to be placed on lockdown from 10:38 a.m. until 11:43 a.m. Tuesday, EPD Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. No other information was released

Deputies and police search for shooting suspect near Eustis Tuesday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 23, 2025

FWC identifies boater found in Lake Harris Friday

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified the man found deceased in Lake Harris Friday. Thomas “Tommy” Griffin, of Leesburg took his jon boat out on Lake Harris Thursday night and it was discovered empty around 9 a.m. Friday, FWC Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake Saturday. FWC and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to Singletary Park on South 14th Street in Leesburg and began searching for Griffin. Around 7:30 pm. Friday, LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One, found Griffin deceased, according to Weber. The incident remained under investigation Sunday and no other information has been released.

FWC identifies boater found in Lake Harris Friday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 14, 2025

Body recovered Friday after unattended boat found on Lake Harris

LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the death of a man found in Lake Harris in Leesburg Friday. Around 9 a.m. Friday, someone reported finding an unattended boat, and FWC and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded and began searching, FWC Officer Chad Weber told Inside Lake. Authorities spent the day searching the area near Singletary Park on South 14th Street in Leesburg. Around 7:30 pm., LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One, found the man deceased, according to Weber. The man’s name and cause of death have not been released, pending confirmation of notification of next of

Body recovered Friday after unattended boat found on Lake Harris Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 13, 2025

K9 Code is on the case: LCSO’s newest pup has a nose for electronics

TAVARES, Fla.—There’s a new pup strutting his stuff through Lake County, sniffing out electronics and working economic crimes, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Electric Detection K9 Code—pronounced “Cody” — a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, will be working alongside his handler, Investigator Dunn, in the Economic Crime Unit, specializing in cryptocurrency investigations, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley said. “With a strong background in criminal investigations, Investigator Dunn took on the unique role of working with K9 Code,” Earley said. “Together, Investigator Dunn and K9 Code completed an intensive certification process, spending hundreds of hours side by side.” At

K9 Code is on the case: LCSO’s newest pup has a nose for electronics Read More »

Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Staff Report / September 9, 2025

Deputies: Brother-in-law accused of killing Eustis woman, held on federal immigration warrant

TAVARES, Fla.—An arrest warrant has been obtained for the brother-in-law of a Eustis woman found murdered in May. Monica Islam, 44, was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road outside of Mount Dora around 7:30 a.m. May 2 after vanishing from Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis around 6 a.m. the same morning. According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing around 8:30 a.m. May 2. She told Eustis Police Department they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell shortly after. She

Deputies: Brother-in-law accused of killing Eustis woman, held on federal immigration warrant Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 2, 2025

Eustis man sentenced to 15 years in prison in ‘23 drug trafficking case

TAVARES, Florida— A man arrested many times for multiple felonies but seldom convicted in past cases, was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 15 years in prison stemming from a 2023 case, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Emmanuel Cazeau, now 41, of Eustis, was pulled over in June 2023 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 asked for consent to search Cazeau’s vehicle, which

Eustis man sentenced to 15 years in prison in ‘23 drug trafficking case Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 28, 2025

Leesburg schools locked down Thursday after report of “possibly” armed person

LEESBURG, Fla.—A report of person who was possibly armed locked down an elementary school and a middle school in Leesburg Thursday morning, according to Leesburg Police Department. Around 8:30 a.m., someone reported seeing an individual who was possibly armed near Leesburg Elementary School (LES) on South Street and officers were immediately dispatched to LES and nearby Oak Park Middle School, LPD said. Both schools were placed on lockdown and LPD and Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a thorough search of school grounds and the surrounding area, on foot and with the assistance of drones and LCSO’s helicopter, Eagle One.

Leesburg schools locked down Thursday after report of “possibly” armed person Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 28, 2025

Wild ride in Slingshot through Mount Dora, Eustis sends Tennessee man to jail

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Tennessee man who police say hit three vehicles, two AC units and house while taking a drunken ride through Mount Dora and Eustis, has been released from the Lake County Jail on $9,000 bond. Shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday, Mount Dora Police Department responded to a hit-and-run that reportedly occurred at 4th Avenue and Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora. The victim in that crash told police the front of a grey Polaris Slingshot struck the corner of the front bumper of his truck, causing approximately $2,000 in damage. The victim said the Slingshot sped

Wild ride in Slingshot through Mount Dora, Eustis sends Tennessee man to jail Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 25, 2025

Suspected dog fighter loses ownership of dogs after court ruling

TAVARES, Fla.—A suspected dog fighter arrested last month has lost ownership of the 29 dogs taken from him during a search at his home in east Lake County, after a Lake County judge granted an injunction Thursday, filed by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Jason Biggers, 48, is facing 29 counts of animal cruelty and 29 counts baiting and fighting animals after a search warrant at his home in the DeLand area of Lake County by the Lake County Sheriff’s office Agriculture and Marine Unit July 23. Deputies arrived at the home at 31938 3rd Avenue in the DeLand area

Suspected dog fighter loses ownership of dogs after court ruling Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 17, 2025

Stretch of Minneola highway renamed in fallen deputy’s honor Saturday

MINNEOLA, Fla.—It’s been one year since Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the call that claimed the life of Master Deputy Bradley Link and Saturday, a stretch of U.S. Highway 27 in Minneola was renamed in his honor. The Minneola City Council adopted the resolution earlier this year that renamed the portion of the roadway between Division Street and County Road 561. Link’s parents, Daniel and Christi, accepted the resolution and were in attendance for the official renaming on Saturday, along with Link’s wife, Brittany, members of LCSO’s command staff and numerous deputies. Minneola Mayor Pat Kelley led the

Stretch of Minneola highway renamed in fallen deputy’s honor Saturday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Minneola, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 2, 2025

Suspected dog fighter arrested; 29 dogs found at east Lake County home

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misstated Jason Biggers’ bond and did not list two charges because he had not completed the booking process. The story has been updated with the correct information. DeLAND, Fla.—A suspected dog fighter has been arrested and is facing 29 counts of animal cruelty and 29 counts baiting and fighting animals following the execution of search warrant by the Lake County Sheriff’s office Agriculture and Marine Unit early Wednesday morning. Deputies arrived at the home at 31938 3rd Avenue in the DeLand area of Lake County shortly after 4:45 a.m. and found 29

Suspected dog fighter arrested; 29 dogs found at east Lake County home Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 23, 2025

Father of Eustis boy, 5, who shot himself last month, facing charges

EUSTIS, Fla.—The father of the young boy who found a gun under a pillow and shot himself last month has turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Dexter Demond Neal, who has cooperated with the investigation, turned himself in early Sunday evening at the Lake County Jail on a warrant for child neglect and culpable negligence and is being held on no bond, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. Inside Lake was the first to report Neal’s son shot himself in the head after finding an unsecured firearm June 29 at his home

Father of Eustis boy, 5, who shot himself last month, facing charges Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 20, 2025

Fatal crash closes CR 439 near Eustis Friday

EUSTIS, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol in investigating a crash that killed a Eustis man Friday afternoon. According to FHP, a 2013 Freightliner tractor-trailer being driven by a 78-year-old Orlando man was westbound on County Road 44A when it collided with a Dodge Ram just after 2 p.m. A witness told troopers the Freightliner ran the red light to turn left on County Road 439, in the direct path of a 56-year-old Eustis man driving the Dodge. The Eustis man was transported to HCA Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, where he was pronounced deceased. The Orlando man was transported to AdventHealth

Fatal crash closes CR 439 near Eustis Friday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 18, 2025

LCSO: “Pastor Pete” strikes again

UMATILLA, Fla.— A local man well-known in the community and to law enforcement has been arrested again, accused of battering an elderly woman at a group home in unincorporated Umatilla. Earlier this month, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a group home in unincorporated Umatilla on a report of a sex offense complaint but the incident was later was found to be a battery, according to a probable cause affidavit. For safety reasons, the responding deputy transported two women, one a victim and the other a witness, to Umatilla Police Department to be interviewed. During the interview, both women

LCSO: “Pastor Pete” strikes again Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 17, 2025

More details released in deputy-involved shooting, suspect has history of domestic violence

DeLAND, Fla.—The suspect shot by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies Tuesday night pointed a rifle at deputies before he was shot, according to LCSO. Around 8:10 p.m., LCSO responded to a domestic battery at 31801 Division Street in the DeLand area of Lake County. A woman reported her husband, Harold Malcolm Hughes, 62, was drunk and threw a hot coffee pot at her. The victim was able to escape the home and spoke with deputies at an undisclosed location near her home, LCSO said. Deputies went to the home to attempt to speak with Hughes, who exited the residence holding

More details released in deputy-involved shooting, suspect has history of domestic violence Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 9, 2025

Eustis boy, 5, accidentally shoots himself Sunday, in stable condition

EUSTIS, Fla.—A Eustis boy is in stable condition after accidentally shooting himself in the head Sunday morning. Around 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Eustis Police Department, Eustis Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue, Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake EMS quickly responded to the home on Hunter’s Trail and after the boy was stabilized, he was airlifted to an Orlando hospital by Air Care Team, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. The boy’s name has not been released, and Capri said the investigation is still very active. The boy had surgery on Sunday and is now recovering. “Our prayers are with the boy

Eustis boy, 5, accidentally shoots himself Sunday, in stable condition Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 29, 2025

Knife-wielding man shot at Mount Dora bus stop Thursday

MOUNT DORA, Fla.— A Winter Park man, arrested multiple times in Lake County, was shot in the leg at a Mount Dora bus stop Thursday morning and arrested, after accosting a man who first pepper-sprayed him, according to a report. William Tyler Barrett, 29, is facing a charge of aggravated assault on a person over 65 years old and is being held on $10,000 bond. Curtis Roberson, 67, of Eustis, told Mount Dora Police Department he was leaving the parking lot of Walmart Supercenter, 17030 U.S. Highway 441, around 10 a.m. when Barrett approached him and made a comment he

Knife-wielding man shot at Mount Dora bus stop Thursday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 21, 2025

Deputies break up large party outside Eustis Thursday night

EUSTIS, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and surrounding law enforcement agencies broke up a large party Thursday night after receiving information from a law enforcement agency in a neighboring county, according to a report. Around 10:20 p.m., Apopka Police Department (APD) shared information with LCSO it received about a large party of more than 200 teenagers who were reportedly coming from Aquatica in Orlando and headed to a party at a home at 34500 Tree Frog Lane in unincorporated Eustis. Some of that information included tips about weapons in multiple vehicles headed to the party that was promoted on social

Deputies break up large party outside Eustis Thursday night Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 13, 2025

Motorcyclist killed trying to pass truck in no-passing zone near Groveland Monday

GROVELAND, Fla.— A Lakeland motorcyclist was killed Monday afternoon while attempting to pass a truck in a no-passing zone on State Road 33 near Groveland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just after noon, the 28-year-old Lakeland man was riding a 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle southbound on State Road 33 approaching Pine Island Road when he attempted to pass a 2019 Ford F250 that began to make a left turn onto Pine Island Road. The motorcycle crashed into the side of the truck, throwing the Lakeland man from the bike, FHP said. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene

Motorcyclist killed trying to pass truck in no-passing zone near Groveland Monday Read More »

Groveland, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 9, 2025

Grandmother seeks life insurance payout for suspects in deputy ambush

TAVARES, Fla.— The grandmother of two young women involved in the ambush of Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies last year has filed a claim on their life insurance policies, Inside Lake uncovered in a recent court filing. According to a complaint for interpleader filed by the Gerber Life Insurance Company (GLIC,) Linda Jefferson, mother of Julie Sulpizio and grandmother of Cheyenne and Savannah Sulpizio, is attempting to collect a total of $50,000 on two life insurance policies — $30,000 for Cheyenne Sulpizio and $20,000 for Savannah Sulpizio. An interpleader is a legal tool that allows someone involved in a lawsuit—usually

Grandmother seeks life insurance payout for suspects in deputy ambush Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / June 6, 2025

Woman accused of murdering deputy, attempted murder of 2 others, found incompetent again

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of plotting to kill Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies last year has been found incompetent to proceed to trial for the second time in three months. In an order by Circuit Judge Brian Welke, he states Julie Ann Sulpizio, “The Defendant is not competent to proceed due to Psychotic Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, r/o Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar type.” Sulpizio, 49, will be involuntarily committed to the Department of Children and Families, because she “…is manifestly incapable of surviving alone or with the help of willing and responsible family or friends, including available alternative services,

Woman accused of murdering deputy, attempted murder of 2 others, found incompetent again Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 30, 2025

Candlelight vigil scheduled for Eustis mom found murdered last week

EUSTIS, Fla.—The community is scheduled to come together Friday night to remember Monica Islam, the woman who was found murdered near Mount Dora last week. Islam, 44, was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch around 7:30 a.m. May 2 after vanishing from Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis approximately 6:10 a.m. the same morning. According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing around 8:30 a.m. Friday. She told Eustis Police Department they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell shortly after. She

Candlelight vigil scheduled for Eustis mom found murdered last week Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 9, 2025

Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The woman found dead Friday was shot to death and detectives believe it was not a “random act,” according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road Friday morning after someone reported they found a woman’s body. Deputies responded and found the woman, later identified as Monica Islam, 44, who was reported missing from Eustis, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake Friday. According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing

Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 6, 2025

LCSO deputy shot in rescue attempt of murdered deputy returns to light duty

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stefano Gargano returned to temporary light duty Monday, a little more than nine months after he was shot multiple times. On Aug. 2, 2024, Gargano was shot, suffering traumatic injuries, during a rescue attempt of Master Deputy Bradley Link. Link and K9 Master Deputy Harold Howell, along with several other deputies, were performing a well-being check at the home Julie and Michael Sulpizio shared with their adult daughters, Savannah and Cheyenne Sulpizio, located 38144 Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis, following a Baker Act of Julie Sulpizio. After finding two dead dogs in the yard,

LCSO deputy shot in rescue attempt of murdered deputy returns to light duty Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 5, 2025

LCSO treating death of woman reported missing from Eustis as “potential” homicide investigation

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of the woman found dead near Mount Dora Friday and Eustis Police Department has confirmed she is the subject of its missing person investigation. LCSO responded to the area of Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road Friday morning after a caller reported they found a woman’s body. Deputies responded and found Monica Islam, 44, a woman who was reported missing from Eustis, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. LCSO detectives are working the investigation as a potential homicide, pending information from the Medical Examiner’s Office, Cpl. Chanel Martin said.

LCSO treating death of woman reported missing from Eustis as “potential” homicide investigation Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 2, 2025

Deputies conducting death investigation near Mount Dora; Eustis police working missing person case, unconfirmed if cases are related

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is in unincorporated Mount Dora conducting a “death investigation” regarding a deceased adult, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin told Inside Lake Friday. Multiple tipsters reached out to Inside Lake about the large law enforcement presence near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road. Limited information was released late Friday morning. “The scene is secure and there is no danger to the public,” Martin said. “It doesn’t appear to be a result of natural cause. Detectives are on scene trying to gather more information.” There is also a large law enforcement presence at Shell, 1701

Deputies conducting death investigation near Mount Dora; Eustis police working missing person case, unconfirmed if cases are related Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / May 2, 2025

Report of gunshot wound in Umatilla Tuesday night was a false alarm

UMATILLA, Fla.—A report of a gunshot victim Tuesday night in Umatilla was a false alarm, according to a Umatilla Police Department report. UPD responded to Circle K, 391 North Central Avenue to meet the purported victim, Dana Waltrip shortly before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night. Waltrip arrived at the gas station shortly after a UPD officer and appeared “unsteady” and had a bloodstain on the right shoulder area of his shirt. Waltrip said he did not know what had happened to him and the officer asked him if he had been shot. Waltrip showed the officer the back of his head

Report of gunshot wound in Umatilla Tuesday night was a false alarm Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 23, 2025

Competency review hearing scheduled for matriarch accused of ambush attack on deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—A competency review hearing for the lone survivor of a family deputies say plotted to kill them last year is scheduled for next month. Julie Ann Sulpizio was declared incompetent to stand trial in February for charges stemming from the August 2024 ambush attack outside Eustis that killed Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link and wounded K9 Master Deputy Harold Howell and Deputy Stefano Gargano. According to Circuit Judge Brian Welke’s order to transport and notice of hearing, the court has been noticed Sulpizio “is competent to proceed, or otherwise no longer meets criteria for continued commitment…”

Competency review hearing scheduled for matriarch accused of ambush attack on deputies Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 16, 2025

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot and killed by deputy after producing handgun in Clermont early Saturday

CLERMONT, Fla.—A man is dead after being shot by a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy shortly after midnight, according to LCSO. Just after 12:15 a.m. LCSO responded to a report of a suspicious person standing in the road yelling at passing vehicles in the area of Via Roma Circle in Clermont, and a second call came in reporting the man was beating on a resident’s door, LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said in an email. When they arrived, they asked the man, later identified as 39-year-old Eric Escobar, to show his hands; Escobar refused. “While trying to communicate with the individual,

BREAKING NEWS: Man shot and killed by deputy after producing handgun in Clermont early Saturday Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 12, 2025

2 south Lake County schools on lockdown “out of an abundance of caution”

Update: The suspect has been taken into custody. MINNEOLA, Fla.—Two schools are on lockdown “out of an abundance of caution” as Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies are attempting to take a subject into custody on a warrant at a home in Minneola, according to LCSO. Lake Minneola High School and Grassy Lake Elementary are currently on lockdown due to their proximity to the incident location off of Hancock Road, LCSO said. No other information was released. This is a developing story.

2 south Lake County schools on lockdown “out of an abundance of caution” Read More »

Inside Scoop, Minneola / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 31, 2025

Stretch of Minneola highway to be renamed in fallen deputy’s honor

MINNEOLA, Fla.—The Minneola City Council adopted a resolution Tuesday, designating a portion of U.S. Highway 27 to be renamed in Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link’s honor. The stretch of roadway, from Division Street to County Road 561, will be renamed the “Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link Memorial Highway.” Link’s parents accepted the resolution, and once the final bill is approved in Tallahassee, the official change will be made. Link was killed Aug. 3, 2024 when LCSO responded to an altercation and then performed a well-being check in unincorporated Eustis. During the well-being check, Link was shot

Stretch of Minneola highway to be renamed in fallen deputy’s honor Read More »

Minneola, News Briefs, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / March 19, 2025

Suspected Sorrento murderer in custody

SORRENTO, Fla.—The man accused of killing a man in Sorrento Thursday, is in custody according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “… Justin Fout has been located and taken into custody by law enforcement. As the situation is still under investigation, additional details are not yet available,” LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said late Friday afternoon. Deputies were also attempting to locate Patricia Neeley, as person of interest in the murder of Justin Kates, 37. LCSO has not released any new information on her whereabouts. Fout is suspected of murdering Kates during an altercation Thursday at 31504 Colby Place in Sorrento.

Suspected Sorrento murderer in custody Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2025

Deputies searching for Sorrento murder suspect

SORRENTO, Fla.—A man is on the run, accused of killing a man in Sorrento Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses said Justin Kates, 37, and Justin Joseph Raymond Fout, 31, engaged in a verbal argument Thursday at 31504 Colby Place in Sorrento. The argument apparently escalated and Fout shot Kates, killing him, LCSO said. He was found dead lying in the roadway when deputies arrived on scene. Fout fled the scene, along with Patricia Neeley, in an older model white Dodge Ram van. The van should have front and rear end damage and red transfer paint on

Deputies searching for Sorrento murder suspect Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 21, 2025

Victim shot and robbed Sunday, Leesburg police searching for accused gunman

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is searching for a man it says robbed and shot someone Sunday night. Around 8 p.m., LPD responded to the 100 block of Truitt Street on a report of a shooting and found the 51-year-old victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. Police have not released the victim’s name or gender. The suspect fled the scene and police searched the area; Eagle One, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, assisted in the search, but law enforcement was unable to locate him. The victim was transported to an area

Victim shot and robbed Sunday, Leesburg police searching for accused gunman Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 17, 2025

Summerfield man facing murder charges in deaths of victim and alleged accomplice in 2022 gunfight outside Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A man on the run for nearly a year is in custody facing murder charges in the deaths of his intended home invasion victim – and his alleged accomplice. Dieuseul Charlemon, 22, was taken into custody on multiple warrants including first- and second-degree murder on Jan. 31 by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department and US Marshals at 10131 SE 169th Lane, Summerfield after a months-long investigation, MCSO said. On Feb. 16, 2022, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to 804 Montclair Road in unincorporated Leesburg on a report of a shooting around 4:30 a.m. There were

Summerfield man facing murder charges in deaths of victim and alleged accomplice in 2022 gunfight outside Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / February 12, 2025

Orlando man convicted of Umatilla murder, sentenced to life in prison

TAVARES, Fla.—One of the men accused of murdering a Umatilla man in 2022 will spend the rest of his life in prison, according to Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson’s Office. “The actions of this defendant were calculated, deliberate, and devoid of remorse,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Justice demands accountability for such actions.” Undray Benson, 53, of Orlando was found guilty in the first-degree murder of Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart, 31, Thursday following a bench trial, and he was sentenced to life in prison by Judge James Baxley. Only Inside Lake was on the scene Nov.

Orlando man convicted of Umatilla murder, sentenced to life in prison Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Umatilla / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 24, 2025

Leesburg High freshman arrested after loaded gun found in backpack

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg High School freshman was arrested for possessing a loaded, stolen gun Thursday after a Lake County Sheriff’s Office vape-detection dog alerted on the student’s backpack. K9 Samba and her handler Erica Samborski assisted Leesburg Police Department school resource officers with a prescheduled visit to LHS for a routine check for contraband and illegal items. Samba alerted on a backpack in the media room where students often leave their belongings, according to LCSO. No students were present at the time of the search and after Samba’s alert, the backpack was searched and a loaded 9mm Glock was found.

Leesburg High freshman arrested after loaded gun found in backpack Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 16, 2025

Man accused of syphoning gas in Eustis gets free ride to Tavares Thursday night

EUSTIS, Fla.—A boat owner timed a trip to get dinner just right when he spotted a man syphoning gas out of his boat as he drove by a Eustis storage facility Thursday night. Around 5:15 p.m. Thursday, the boat owner was driving by Campus Storage, 36622 County Road 19A when he saw a man at the rear of his boat syphoning gas. He circled back around to the storage facility and the man was gone, he told Eustis Police Department. He checked his boat and found the motor cover lifted and the fuel line removed and dripping gas, according to

Man accused of syphoning gas in Eustis gets free ride to Tavares Thursday night Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / January 9, 2025

Fruitland Park man admits to robbing grandparents at knifepoint

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla.—A Fruitland Park man remains in the Lake County Jail on $28,500 bond, accused of robbing his grandparents and threatening to slice their throats. Shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in unincorporated Fruitland Park on a report of a robbery that occurred Friday night. Richard French told a deputy his wife, Shirley, had just left the home with his grandson Kyle Davis Blowers, 36, to get gas. French said around 9 p.m. Blowers came into their bedroom, approached them with a knife and reportedly said, “I want the money, I

Fruitland Park man admits to robbing grandparents at knifepoint Read More »

Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 17, 2024

Argument about infidelity leads to shooting in Altoona

ALTOONA, Fla.—An argument about infidelity left one man shot and sent another to jail Thursday afternoon, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly before 4:15 p.m. Thursday, LCSO responded to 19331 East Altoona Road on a report of a verbal altercation, and when a deputy arrived, he found James Andrew Carroll 48, lying on his side suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower torso. The deputy rendered aid to Carroll until EMS arrived and Carroll was airlifted to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. His condition is currently unknown, LCSO Lt. John Herrell told Inside Lake. Carroll’s girlfriend, Shana Cottle,

Argument about infidelity leads to shooting in Altoona Read More »

Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 6, 2024

Fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona

ALTOONA, Fla.—A Umatilla man has died following a crash on a busy Altoona road Wednesday afternoon. The Umatilla man, 45, was driving a 2018 Honda Accord and collided with a 2021 GMC Sierra on County Road 42 at Penley Lane around 3 p.m. The details on how the crash occurred have not been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Umatilla man was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was pronounced deceased. County Road 42 remained shut down between State Road 19 and County Road 450 at press time, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies are

Fatal crash shuts down CR 42 in Altoona Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / December 4, 2024

Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—An Ocala woman was found dead Monday morning in a retention pond, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman, 25, was traveling northbound on County Road 452 in a 2019 Dodge Challenger when she ran of the right side of the road, hit a pole, crashed through a chain link fence and drove into a retention pond, fully submerging the car. The pond is located at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, 39034 County Road 452, Leesburg. “The exact time of the crash is under investigation,” Trooper Migdalisis Garcia said. FHP responded to the scene around 8 a.m. Monday

Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 18, 2024

Vehicle found in pond Monday morning in unincorporated Leesburg, one confirmed fatality, FHP says

Update: Ocala woman, 25, dies after crashing into pond near Leesburg – Inside Lake LEESBURG, Fla.—The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating after a deceased person was found in vehicle at the bottom of a pond Monday morning. The vehicle was found in a small pond at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, 39034 County Road 452, Leesburg around 7:45 a.m. Monday. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team is on scene and assisting FHP with recovery, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin told Inside Lake. Inside Lake was on the scene and a large portion of fence was broken in front of the

Vehicle found in pond Monday morning in unincorporated Leesburg, one confirmed fatality, FHP says Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 18, 2024

Shot fired at LCSO sergeant in Tavares, suspect identified and arrested

TAVARES, Fla.—A man who allegedly fired a shot at a Lake County Sheriff’s Office sergeant’s patrol vehicle early Thursday morning and fled the scene has been identified and arrested. Shortly before 2:15 a.m. Thursday, the LCSO sergeant was patrolling the area of Wells Avenue in Tavares when he was flagged down by a citizen who told him a black male on a bike was rummaging through vehicles in the area. The sergeant canvassed the area and found two males and a female in front of the Peninsular Masonic Lodge, 1234 Wells Avenue. One of the men was on a e-bike,

Shot fired at LCSO sergeant in Tavares, suspect identified and arrested Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 15, 2024

Accused Montverde child murderer appears in court Thursday

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of brutally torturing and murdering her boyfriend’s daughter appeared in court Thursday. Only Inside Lake was in the courtroom as Circuit Judge Heidi Davis questioned Tyshael Martin, 35, about retaining an attorney. Martin, who still does not have an attorney of record, more than two months after her arrest, told Davis she has retained Sean Landers, but he has not filed a notice of appearance yet due to him being out of town. Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek asked the court to keep Martin’s case on the docket for November for both a pre-trial conference to

Accused Montverde child murderer appears in court Thursday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Montverde, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / November 1, 2024

State to seek death penalty in August ambush attack on deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of helping mastermind an ambush attack on Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies may pay for her alleged crimes with her life. Fifth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Kenneth Nunnelley filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty late Tuesday afternoon in the case against Julie Sulpizio. Sulpizio, 48, is accused of starting an altercation with her neighbors on Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis on Aug. 2. LCSO responded to the altercation and during a well-being check at her home, just down the street from the original call, Master Deputy Bradley Link was shot and

State to seek death penalty in August ambush attack on deputies Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 16, 2025

Dad and girlfriend indicted in death of 9-year-old Montverde girl

TAVARES, Fla.—The father of 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions, and his girlfriend, have been indicted for Jamaria’s brutal murder. Lojuan Sessions, 26, and Tyshael Martin, 34, are both being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond, accused of ongoing abuse that led to the death of Jamaria, who would have been in fourth grade this school year. Martin pleaded not guilty to her crimes Monday morning and was ordered not to have contact with Jamaria’s next of kin, Althea Chenault. Chenault, known as, “Nana” to Jamaria, is Jamaria’s maternal grandmother. Chenault had custody of Jamaria and her little sister Jaliah,

Dad and girlfriend indicted in death of 9-year-old Montverde girl Read More »

Inside Scoop, Montverde / By Marilyn M. Aciego / October 25, 2024

Eustis police chief rides for fallen deputy

MARYLAND—For 13 years, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri has been riding his bicycle to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and fallen law enforcement officers around the country during the Tour de Force 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride, and this year the ride means a bit more— he is riding for fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link. The memorial ride started in 2002 and has since evolved into honoring both the victims of 9/11 and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. “This year I’m dedicating my ride to Master Deputy Link,

Eustis police chief rides for fallen deputy Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 7, 2024

LCSO deputy released from the hospital Monday

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stefano Gargano has been released from the hospital. More than 100 fellow law enforcement officers, friends and family members lined the sidewalk to welcome Gargano as he was released from HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, exactly one month after he was shot while attempting to rescue Master Deputy Bradley Link Aug. 2 from a home outside of Eustis. He was escorted to Lake County by multiple law enforcement agencies across Central Florida under a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds. Gargano was shot multiple times, as he and a team entered

LCSO deputy released from the hospital Monday Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / September 2, 2024

Tip leads Eustis police to pair of thieves who ratted each other out

EUSTIS, Fla.—Two accused burglars are behind bars after a tip from a Mount Dora homeless camp led a Eustis Police Department detective straight to one of the suspects. On Sunday, EPD road patrol officers responded to Ace Hardware, 18691 U.S. Highway 441 on a report of a burglary. Officers found muddy tire tracks that appeared to be from a lawnmower, a broken fence, a blue mask and a camera sprayed with a white substance, likely paint, according to an arrest affidavit. Video footage showed a man, later identified as Roy “Saint” Perrott, 23, wearing a black t-shirt with “original recipe”

Tip leads Eustis police to pair of thieves who ratted each other out Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 29, 2024

Videos showed girl, 9, was attacked by large rottweiler, and savagely beaten, kicked and dragged by father’s girlfriend who bragged about the “creative ways” she punished her

MONTVERDE, Fla.—Horrifying details have been released in the murder 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions. According to a probable cause affidavit, Tyshael Martin, the girlfriend of Jamaria’s father Lojuan Sessions, ordered a 103-pound rottweiler to attack the girl, and savagely dragged and kicked her-and it was all caught on video. Shortly before 5 a.m. June 17, Lake EMS responded to 16017 Harbar Oaks Drive, Montverde on a report of an unresponsive child. She was pronounced deceased by Lake EMS. Martin told EMS she woke up that morning to catch a flight to California with Jamaria and several other children to meet up with

Videos showed girl, 9, was attacked by large rottweiler, and savagely beaten, kicked and dragged by father’s girlfriend who bragged about the “creative ways” she punished her Read More »

Inside Scoop, Montverde / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 29, 2024

BREAKING NEWS: Arrest made in murder of 9-year-old Montverde girl

MONTVERDE, Fla.—An arrest has been made in the murder of a 9-year-old Montverde girl, the girl’s family told Inside Lake Thursday morning. Tyshael Elise Martin, 34, was arrested Wednesday night for the murder of Jamaria Sessions, Martin is the girlfriend of Lojuan Sessions, Jamaria’s father. According to Lake County Jail online booking records, Martin is facing charges of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse and child neglect and is being held on no bond at LCJ. Jamaria was found dead at a home in Montverde June 17 and detectives have been investigating the case for more than two months. Althea

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Inside Scoop, Montverde / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 29, 2024

Suspect casually strolls away from stolen ambulance, quickly apprehended by deputies (video)

TAVARES, Fla.—A Leesburg man remains in the Lake County Jail, accused of stealing an ambulance from a Leesburg hospital last week. Derek Tyrone Watkins, 22, was apprehended near Independence Boulevard in Groveland by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies casually strolling away from the ambulance early Friday morning, dash cam video obtained by Inside Lake shows. According to an arrest affidavit, Watkins stole the fully-stocked ambulance from the emergency bay at UF Health Leesburg Hospital, 600 East Dixie Avenue, Leesburg, while a paramedic from Sumter County cleaned off a stretcher inside the hospital after dropping off a patient around 2:30 a.m.

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Groveland, Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 22, 2024

BREAKING NEWS: Matriarch indicted for ambush of deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—A Lake County grand jury has indicted Julie Sulpizio for her role in the death of one Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy and the attempted murder of two others on Aug. 2. Sulpizio is now officially charged with principal to premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, three counts of principal to attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, conspiracy to commit murder, battery on law enforcement officer, three counts of battery. The battery charges stem for her original altercation with neighbors. Sulpizio has been held on no bond since her arrest Aug. 5 after she was medically cleared

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 19, 2024

LCSO Master Deputy Bradley Link to be honored with run Wednesday night

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link is scheduled to be honored Wednesday night by a young man who will run his 1,550th mile in support of fallen first responders. Zechariah Cartledge founded Running 4 Heroes Inc., a non-profit organization in 2019, to raise funds for fallen first responders. Cartledge is scheduled to run the mile at 8 p.m. Wednesday, at Tavares Middle School, 13032 Lane Park Cutoff Road, Tavares. Attendees are asked to arrive between 7 and 7:30 p.m.

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LCSO: No signs of foul play in Altoona death investigation

ALTOONA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation after a man was found deceased with his vehicle Wednesday in the area of Kismet Road in Altoona. The man, whose name was not released, is an older man, and a detective investigating the case believes the heat may have contributed to his death while he was stranded with his car that was stuck in in the woods. There are no signs of foul play, LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said.

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Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 14, 2024

Celebration of Life and Service for fallen LCSO deputy held Saturday

CLERMONT, Fla.— “Let us remember Bradley as a true hero for his courageous actions.” Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley spoke about her dear friend and field training officer Master Deputy Bradley Link at his Celebration of Life and Service Saturday. Thousands of people were in attendance. Earley spoke about the relationship she and her husband had with Link, and his wife, Brittany. The times they spent together playing Catch Phrase and, “our beach days together were the best,” she said. Deputy Matthew Layman, who was Link’s zone partner when he was in the road patrol unit, spoke about

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Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Minneola, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 10, 2024

Celebration of life and service for fallen deputy livestream available for those who cannot attend

CLERMONT, Fla.—A celebration of life and memorial service for fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link will livestream at 11 a.m. today. The livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person. You may watch by clicking here. Hundreds of people are attending the service, including community members, dignitaries and law enforcement officers from across the country, in addition to family and friends. Link, 28, was a 2015 graduate of Lake Minneola High School, served in the Army Reserves and became a deputy sheriff for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 2017. He was hired at

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Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Minneola, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 10, 2024

Injured K9 deputy releases first public statement

TAVARES, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office released a video of K9 Master Deputy Harold Howell leaving the hospital, along with his first statement to the public Wednesday. “Hello all— it is bittersweet to finally be home after this event. I would like to thank my Lake County Sheriff’s Office family for their unending love and support,” Howell said. He also had a message for the community that has rallied behind him, Deputy Stefano Gargano and the family of fallen Master Deputy Bradley Link. “To everyone in Lake County, as well as state and even nationwide—I have seen and heard your

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 7, 2024

Celebration of life and service announced for fallen deputy

CLERMONT, Fla.—A celebration of life and memorial service for fallen Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link has been announced. It is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, at Real Life Christian Church, 1501 Steve’s Road, Clermont. For those unable to attend in person, LCSO will livestream the service, the agency said in a social media post.

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Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 6, 2024

Matriarch now facing charges in “horrific nightmare” ambush of deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—Julie Sulpizio, the woman who set Friday night’s tragic events in motion, has been arrested and is a facing a litany of charges. Sulpizio is facing charges of principal to premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, seven counts of attempted murder, battery on law enforcement officer, battery by strangulation, and two counts of battery. She was arrested Monday afternoon at AdventHealth Waterman and transported to the Lake County Jail in Master Deputy Bradley Link’s patrol truck and cuffed with his handcuffs, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said at a press conference following her arrest. Link’s unit, Agriculture and

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / April 16, 2025

Fallen deputy to be transported Monday morning

LEESBURG, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office fallen deputy Bradley Link will be transported to the funeral home handling his arrangements Monday morning. Link will be escorted by his unit, LCSO Agriculture and Marine, from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Leesburg at 10 a.m. Monday. The public may show their support for Link and LCSO by standing anywhere along U.S. Highway 27, south of Dixie Avenue in Leesburg to the city limits of Minneola.

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Clermont, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Minneola, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 4, 2024

Suspects named in deputy ambush

TAVARES, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the suspects who shot three deputies Friday night. Michael Sulpizio, 49, Savannah Sulpizio, 23, and Cheyenne Sulpizio, 22, were all found dead by LCSO’s SWAT team after they made entry at the home where Deputy Bradley Link, 28, lay wounded after all three suspects opened fire on deputies Friday night, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. Deputies responded to a home on Brookside Drive in the Orlando Hills neighborhood in unincorporated Eustis, on a report that Julie Sulpizio, 48, attacked a resident at that home. Deputies took Julie into custody

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 4, 2024

Fundraisers set up for deputies shot in the line of duty Friday night

TAVARES, Fla.—Fundraisers have been set up to benefit the deputies who were shot Friday night outside of Eustis. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Bradley Link, Master Deputy Harold Howell and Deputy Stefano Gargano were shot in the line of duty Friday night. Link and Howell were ambushed while conducting a well-being check related to another call for service. Gargano was shot multiple times while attempting to rescue Link, who was trapped inside the home. Link was rescued and succumbed to his injuries. On Saturday, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said Howell was in stable condition and Gargano was in critical

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 4, 2024

LCSO releases names of deputies who survived ambush Friday night

TAVARES, Fla.—The two Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies who survived after being shot in the line of duty Friday have now been identified. Master Deputy Bradley Link and Master Deputy Harold Howell were shot Friday night while conducting a well-being check at a home on Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis. Link was trapped in the home and Deputy Stefano Gargano was part of a rescue team put in place to extract Link from the home. Howell, 41, was shot in the arm and is currently awaiting surgery; he is listed in stable condition. He began working for LCSO in 2005

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Inside Scoop, Tavares, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 3, 2024

Deputy killed in the line of duty identified

TAVARES, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deputy killed in the line of duty Friday night. Master Deputy Bradley Michael Link, 28, joined LCSO as an Explorer and after graduating from Lake Minneola High School in 2015, he served in the Army Reserves before becoming a deputy sheriff for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He joined LCSO in 2019, “where he quickly became part of our family and faithfully served our citizens with courage and zeal,” LCSO said in a Facebook post. “Brad, as our Sheriff’s Office family knew him, touched the lives of all who were blessed

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Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 3, 2024

Lake County Sheriff: 3 deputies shot, 1 killed Friday night outside Eustis in a “hail of gunfire”

EUSTIS, Fla.—The collective heart of the community is heavy today after three Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies were shot Friday night, one of them tragically killed. LCSO Sheriff Peyton Grinnell spoke to reporters early Saturday morning, his sorrow apparent, and explained what happened around 8 p.m. Friday, while Major Glenn Hall, Major Todd English, Lt. John Herrell, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson stood close by. Deputies first responded to a disturbance at a home on Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis. “While they were conducting their investigation, they were alerted to a home,

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 3, 2024

BREAKING NEWS: Several deputies shot outside of Eustis

EUSTIS, Fla.—Multiple deputies have been shot while responding to a call for service in unincorporated Eustis, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. John Herrell confirmed. Details are limited and we are headed to the scene. Keep an eye on Inside Lake for more details.

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / August 2, 2024

Leesburg police release identity of man found dead near Ski Beach Monday

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released the name of the man found dead near Ski Beach Monday night. Lucious W. Austin, 67, was spotted in Lake Harris near Ski Beach Bar and Grill around 7:15 p.m. and LPD, along with Leesburg Fire Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Underwater Search and Recovery Team responded to the scene and recovered Austin, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. Austin was turned over to the medical examiner (ME) and the preliminary investigation does not indicate foul play, Walsh said. LPD is still awaiting the ME’s final report and said Tuesday the department was

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 17, 2024

Deputies searching for man accused of robbing South Lake pharmacist at gunpoint

CLERMONT, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies are searching for a man who robbed a pharmacist of prescription pills at gunpoint in the Four Corners area of unincorporated Clermont Tuesday morning. The suspect, described as a white male, weighing 170 to 180 pounds, with balding red hair and a beard, entered Walgreens,1600 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, shortly before 9 a.m. and went to the pharmacy area of the store. He displayed a gun and robbed the pharmacist of prescription pills, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. No one was injured, and the man, who had tattoos on at least one of his

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Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego / July 16, 2024