LCSO

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 »

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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 »

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

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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

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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 »

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

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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

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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 »

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 »

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.

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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 »

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

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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

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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

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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 »

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

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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 »

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

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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 »

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

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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 »

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

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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 »

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

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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 »

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

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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 »

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 »

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.

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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

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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 »

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…”

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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,

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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 »

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

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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.

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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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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

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

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.

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

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

BREAKING NEWS: Matriarch indicted for ambush of deputies Read More »

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.

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

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.

LCSO: No signs of foul play in Altoona death investigation Read More »

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

Celebration of Life and Service for fallen LCSO deputy held Saturday Read More »

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

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

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

Injured K9 deputy releases first public statement Read More »

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

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

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.

Fallen deputy to be transported Monday morning Read More »

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

Suspects named in deputy ambush Read More »

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

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

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

LCSO releases names of deputies who survived ambush Friday night Read More »

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

Deputy killed in the line of duty identified Read More »

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,

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

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

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

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

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

Leesburg police investigating possible drowning

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating after a man’s body was found floating in Lake Harris near Ski Beach Monday night. The man’s body was spotted near Ski Beach Bar and Grill around 7:15 p.m. and Leesburg Fire Department (LFD) responded with its boat, along with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Underwater Search and Recovery Team. The man’s body was recovered, and he was turned over to the medical examiner’s office to determine cause of death, but police believe it may have been a drowning, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. Police have identified the man, described as a 67-year-old black

Leesburg police investigating possible drowning Read More »

Man dies after being found with multiple gunshot wounds in Leesburg yard

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating after a 20-year-old man was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds Monday afternoon. LPD responded to Aitkin Loop in Overlook at Lake Griffin around 2:30 p.m. Monday in reference to a shooting and found James Jordan in the front yard of a home in the 2200 block, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. Officers rendered aid to Jordan until EMS and Leesburg Fire Department arrived and Jordan was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he succumbed to his injuries. LPD set up a perimeter and utilized a K9 unit and

Man dies after being found with multiple gunshot wounds in Leesburg yard Read More »

Father of young girl found dead in Montverde last month arrested on unrelated charges

TAVARES, Fla.—The father of a young girl found dead in Montverde last month was arrested last week on unrelated charges out of Polk County, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office online booking records. Lojuan Jamario Sessions, 26, father of 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions, was picked up at his job in Eustis Wednesday by Eustis Police Department on two warrants for violating probation, stemming from a 2019 Polk County case. In January 2019, Sessions was accused of fleeing from a Haines City Police Department officer after the officer found a bag of drugs, later determined to be amphetamine, in plain view in

Father of young girl found dead in Montverde last month arrested on unrelated charges Read More »

Medical examiner: Self-inflicted gunshot killed Altoona man found in burning home Saturday

ALTOONA, Fla.—The man found dead in his burning home Saturday took his own life, according to the medical examiner, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Monday. Michael Gall, 49, was found dead in his home at 20332 Wood Duck Road in Altoona around 1 p.m. Saturday, LCSO Lt. John Herrell said. LCSO and Lake County Fire responded to the home after reports it was on fire and LCFR found Gall dead in the home. The medical examiner performed an autopsy Sunday and preliminary findings showed Gall died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Herrell. If you are struggling or

Medical examiner: Self-inflicted gunshot killed Altoona man found in burning home Saturday Read More »

Man found dead in burning Altoona home Saturday

ALTOONA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man was found dead in a burning home Saturday afternoon. LCSO and Lake County Fire Rescue responded to 20332 Wood Duck Road, Altoona around 1 p.m. on reports the home was on fire. LCFR removed a deceased male from the home, and authorities found he had an apparent gunshot wound, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell. The man, identified as Michael Gall, 49, lived at the home and detectives are conducting a death investigation, Herrell said; no other information was released.

Man found dead in burning Altoona home Saturday Read More »

Leesburg man accused of exposing himself on busy highway during road rage incident Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—A man was arrested after he was accused of exposing his genitals to three people in the middle of the day on a busy highway during a road rage incident Sunday afternoon. Shortly before 3:15 p.m. Sunday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of a road rage incident and indecent exposure. One of the victims told the deputy they were traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 27 when they slowed due to heavy rain, according to an arrest affidavit. A speeding silver Kia Optima swerved around their vehicle and cut them off. The Optima continued to

Leesburg man accused of exposing himself on busy highway during road rage incident Sunday Read More »

Death of 9-year-old girl being treated as a homicide investigation, maternal family says

MONTVERDE, Fla.—The maternal family of the child found deceased in a Montverde home Monday has publicly identified her and they say the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has told them her death is a homicide investigation. Only Inside Lake spoke with the uncle and grandmother of Jamaria Sessions, 9, this week. According to Jamaria’s uncle Joseph Robinson, Jamaria and her younger sister, 5, had been living with their father, Lojuan Sessions since October 2023, and Jamaria was found deceased at his home in Montverde. Prior to that, they were living with their grandmother when Sessions picked them up from school without

Death of 9-year-old girl being treated as a homicide investigation, maternal family says Read More »

Information finally released following search warrants executed on gaming facilities earlier this month

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—Only Inside Lake was on the scene earlier this month as Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives, in conjunction with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) searched an internet gaming facility in unincorporated Umatilla, and LCSO has finally released information regarding that search warrant and three more. On June 13, 2024, four search warrants were executed at different illegal gaming establishments in Lake County. Detectives with the Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis, and Mount Dora police departments also assisted with the investigation that stemmed from continued concerns that illegal gambling throughout Lake County leads to an increase in law enforcement calls

Information finally released following search warrants executed on gaming facilities earlier this month Read More »

Child found deceased at Montverde home, Medical Examiner to determine cause of death

MONTVERDE, Fla.—A 9-year-old child was found deceased by a family member at their home in Montverde Monday and turned over to the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The child’s name and gender were not released. Little information was available Tuesday, but “there is no danger to the public and the investigation is ongoing,” Cpl. Chanel Martin told Inside Lake.

Child found deceased at Montverde home, Medical Examiner to determine cause of death Read More »

Law enforcement investigating internet gaming facilities in unincorporated Umatilla and Tavares

LAKE COUNTY, Fla.—There is a large law enforcement presence at two internet gaming facilities, one in unincorporated Umatilla and one in unincorporated Tavares, Thursday morning and Inside Lake is working to find out why. Inside Lake received multiple tips and was on the scene at Hotspot, 37415 State Road 19, Umatilla, briefly and witnessed several marked units from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at the business around 9:30 a.m. A tipster also said there was a law enforcement presence at another Hotspot, located at 11203 U.S. Highway 441, Tavares, near County Road 473. “We’re working an investigation regarding those gaming

Law enforcement investigating internet gaming facilities in unincorporated Umatilla and Tavares Read More »

2nd suspect in Paisley home invasion nabbed Tuesday

TAVARES, Fla.—The man wanted for a home invasion and zip-tying a victim earlier this month is behind bars. James Kenneth Rohrer, 28, was taken into custody by Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the DeLand area of Lake County early Tuesday morning, according to public records. Rohrer is accused of zip-tying a man and ransacking his home, after his partner in crime, Kayla Louise Berlinski, 31, used a ruse to enter the home of Martin Bottom Jr. on May 12. Bottom Jr. said Berlinski arrived at his home, and he confronted her about a prior theft at his home. Berlinksi,

2nd suspect in Paisley home invasion nabbed Tuesday Read More »

Deputies OK after Clermont woman sprays them with chemical during well-being check

CLERMONT, Fla.—Four Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies are OK after being doused with a substance Friday by a woman while they performed a well-being check, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies arrived at an apartment in unincorporated Clermont after a father requested a well-being check on his small child. The child’s age and address are redacted from the affidavit. They attempted to contact Crystal Lorraine Velez, 36, at her apartment and she did not answer the door. They found the door was unlocked but barricaded and “due to concerns for persons inside the apartment” they removed the barricade, entered the

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Woman wanted for home invasion, impersonating law enforcement in custody

PAISLEY, Fla.—The woman accused of a weekend home invasion near Paisley is in the Lake County Jail on no bond. Kayla Louise Berlinski, 31, of Paisley, was taken into custody Monday night, two hours after Inside Lake published its story on the incident that occurred around 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home near Paisley after a friend who checks on Marvin Bottom Jr. regularly, reported finding him bound with zip ties. Bottom Jr. said Berlinski arrived at his home Sunday, and he confronted her about a prior theft at his home. Berlinksi, wearing both

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Pair wanted for zip-tying Paisley man and invading his home Sunday, 1 suspect accused of impersonating police officer

PAISLEY, Fla.—A man and a woman are wanted by Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives after a Paisley man was found bound with zip ties in his home Sunday afternoon. LCSO responded to the home after someone reported finding the man with his hands bound behind his back, shortly before 12:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a probable cause affidavit. The victim, Marvin Bottom Jr., said Kayla Berlinski, arrived at his home Sunday and he confronted her about $30 he believed she stole from him on a prior visist to his home. Berlinksi, wearing both a jacket and a hat emblazoned with

Pair wanted for zip-tying Paisley man and invading his home Sunday, 1 suspect accused of impersonating police officer Read More »

Deputies investigating exchange of gunfire near Mount Dora Thursday

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident that involved the occupants of two vehicles apparently shooting at each other Thursday afternoon in unincorporated Mount Dora. LCSO responded to Old Eustis Road around 5 pm. Thursday after someone reported shots were fired in the area, according to a report. A witness told a deputy he was outside when he heard what he believed to be fireworks. He then saw a silver midsize sedan traveling eastbound and what appeared to be a longer style gun firing shots from behind the car at a “metallic deep blue” truck traveling

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