Shooting

Police search for persons of interest in deadly Leesburg park shooting

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is on the hunt for two persons of interest in the death of a Grand Island teen Sunday. Tuesday, LPD released the names and photos of two people they are calling “persons of interest” in the shooting death of Juan Gomez Jr. “The Leesburg Police Department is actively seeking information regarding the whereabouts of James Fenderson IV and D’Yuntre Wright, who are persons of interest in an ongoing homicide investigation,” LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. Gomez, 18, was found dead shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday in a vehicle at Berry Park, 2121 Johns Avenue, after LPD […]

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Grand Island teen found shot to death in vehicle at Leesburg park Sunday

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating the death of teenager found Sunday. LPD patrol officers responded to Berry Park on a report of a possible shooting victim, shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday, LPD Chief Joe Iozzi said. When they arrived, they found Juan Gomez, 18, of Grand Island, with at least one gunshot wound. Leesburg Fire Rescue and EMS responded, and Gomez was pronounced dead on the scene, Iozzi said. Crime scene investigators and LPD detectives responded and detectives are following up on leads. The West Leesburg Community Development Corporation released a statement Sunday. “We are aware of the situation

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Shots fired in Mount Dora Monday night, no injuries reported

MOUNT DORA, Fla. —Mount Dora Police Department is investigating after multiple shots were fired in the area of Jackson Avenue and Clayton Street Monday night. Around 8 p.m., MDPD responded to the area and found multiple shell casings, City of Mount Dora spokesperson Misty Sommer told Inside Lake. No injuries were reported, and Sommer said no witnesses had come forward at press time. If you have information, call MDPD at 352-735-7130.

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Fruitland Park police seeking information on Friday night shooting

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla.—Fruitland Park Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a vehicle with several bullet holes and its driver with a graze wound. Around 10:40 p.m. Friday, FPPD responded to U.S. Highway 27/441 and Register Road on a report of a shooting. The investigation revealed two vehicles, a black 2012 Mazda sedan and an unknown vehicle were traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 27/441 in different lanes. Several shots were fired from the unknown vehicle, striking the Mazda several times on the left side and grazing the driver, FPPD said. The driver of the Mazda was transported to an

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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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Arrest made in shooting of 14-year-old Eustis boy last month

EUSTIS, Fla.—A 20-year-old man is behind bars and is being held on no bond, accused of shooting a teenager in Eustis last month. Ja’baree Lane, of Deltona, was picked up in Volusia County on a Eustis Police Department warrant for attempted second degree murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling and discharging a firearm in public, EPD Chief Craig Capri said, and more arrests are imminent. According to a heavily-redated report, around 8:45 p.m. July 6, EPD responded to a call of a 14-year-boy who had been shot on Hazzard Avenue. As officers arrived, a woman flagged officers down and said

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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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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

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14-year-old boy shot in Eustis Sunday, police investigating

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating a shooting that sent a teenager to the hospital by helicopter Sunday night. According to a heavily-redated report, around 8:45 p.m., EPD responded to a report of a 14-year-boy who had been shot on Hazzard Avenue. As officers arrived, a woman flagged officers down and said the teen was inside a home, suffering from a gunshot wound. Police entered the home and found the boy lying on his back with a gunshot wound to his inner thigh, according to a report. An officer rendered aid, applied pressure to the wound until Lake EMS arrived

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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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Leesburg shooting victim identified, suspect facing murder charges

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has identified the man shot and killed Friday night. Around 7 p.m., Dontae D. Copeland, 20, of Leesburg was found suffering from at least one gunshot wound in the 1000 block of Tuskegee Street, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. Officers and EMS personnel rendered aid to Copeland, and he was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. While investigating the murder Friday, Kameryn Pickard, 18, of Mount Dora, turned himself in with his father at LPD, Walsh said. He was later arrested for premeditated murder and conspiracy – solicit, and is being

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Father turns son in after man shot and killed in Leesburg Friday night

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story inaccurately stated Kameryn Pickard’s age due to incorrect information released by Leesburg Police Department. The story has been updated with Pickard’s correct age.  LEESBURG, Fla.—An 18-year-old Mount Dora man is facing charges for killing another man after his father turned him in to Leesburg police Friday. Leesburg Police Department responded to a shooting in the 1000 block of Tuskegee Street around 7 p.m. Friday. When officers arrived, they found a 20-year-old man shot and officers, along with EMS, rendered aid to the man. He was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital and

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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

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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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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

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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

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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,

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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,

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Police on the hunt for Eustis triple shooting suspect

EUSTIS, Fla.—A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the man who police say shot three people Friday night. Gary “Pookie” Davis, 46, is wanted for attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public, EPD Chief Craig Capri said. EPD responded to a report of a shooting in front of 604 Kensington Street around 10 p.m. and found three people shot. Delmetrius Brown, 41, was shot multiple times and airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center; he underwent surgery and is expected to survive. Rashida Henderson, 47, was shot in the

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BREAKING NEWS: 2 shot in Eustis Friday night

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating after two people were shot Friday night. EPD responded to the area of Kensington Street around 10 p.m. and found a male and a female suffering from gunshot wounds, EPD Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. Capri said the scene was “active and fluid” and little information was available late Friday night. The victim’s names and the extent of their injuries have not been released, but at least one person was airlifted for treatment, he said. Units were still on scene around 11:30 p.m., “They are canvassing the area for evidence,” Capri said. No

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Leesburg shooting victim, 87, dies, 2 arrested for murder

LEESBURG, Fla.—The 87-year-old victim of a shooting in late September has died and two Leesburg men have been arrested for his murder, according to Leesburg Police Department. Clarence Ervin, 87, of Leesburg was shot shortly before 2:45 p.m. Sept. 28, at 2101 West Main Street, as he sat in a car at a gas pump, video released by LPD showed. Ervin was transported to an area hospital and later died from his injuries on Oct. 6, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. On Friday, Kenneth D. Bailey, 22, and Craig A. Stevenson Jr., 22, were arrested on charges of capital murder and

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Eustis police investigating after multiple shots fired Saturday afternoon

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating after multiple shots were fired just after noon Saturday while dozens of youth cheerleaders and football players enjoyed their Saturday game day just a few blocks away. EPD received multiple calls about shots fired beginning at 12:01 p.m. Saturday and callers believed the shots were at Carver Park and officers rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the shots actually occurred on Wall Street between Virginia Avenue and Hollywood Avenue after finding multiple shell casings and speaking with witnesses, Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. Carver Park is on Bates Avenue, and a

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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

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Leesburg police release videos of suspects in shooting of man, 87

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released two videos capturing the people suspected in the gas station shooting of an 87-year-old man. One video shows the suspects walking across the parking lot of Citgo, 2101 West Main Street, and the second shows the incident occurring around 2:40 p.m. Saturday, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said.   Two suspects approached the passenger side of the vehicle, while another suspect approached the driver side, where the victim was sitting. During a confrontation, the victim was shot and all three suspects fled. The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area

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Leesburg police searching for suspects in shooting of 87-year-old victim

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is searching for three suspects who they say are involved in the shooting of an 87-year-old man. LPD responded to Citgo, 2101 West Main Street on a report of a shooting around 2:40 p.m. Saturday, LPD. Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. Two suspects approached the passenger side of the vehicle, while another suspect approached the driver side, where the victim was sitting. During a confrontation, the victim was shot and all three suspects fled. The victim, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area hospital and underwent surgery Saturday night, Walsh said. Anyone with

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Teen facing charges after allegedly firing shots in Lady Lake restaurant parking lot

LADY LAKE, Fla.—A 15-year-old male was arrested Saturday night after being accused of firing several shots in a restaurant parking lot where a crowd of people had gathered. Lady Lake Police Department officers were responding to a reported fight in progress at Fresh Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant, 360 South Highway 27/441 when they received information shots had been fired in the parking lot, around 11 p.m. Saturday, according to Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda. As officers arrived on scene, a silver SUV being driven by the 15-year-old suspect, sped out of the parking lot and turned south on U.S. Highway 27/441. Officers

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Male airlifted after being shot in Mount Dora Monday night

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating after a male was shot in the area of East Jackson Avenue around 8:15 p.m. Monday. Police released very little information Tuesday; Spokesperson Misty Sommer confirmed to Inside Lake a male was shot in the leg and airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. His name and age were not released and the incident is under investigation. This is the second shooting in Mount Dora in a little more than a month. On Aug. 2, several people were at Cauley Lott Park, just a few blocks from Monday night’s shooting,

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Mount Dora man sentenced to three decades in prison for attempted murder

TAVARES, Fla.—A man convicted of shooting a woman twice in Mount Dora last year has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. In March 2023, Mount Dora Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Pine Avenue on a report of a shooting and when they arrived, they found a woman in a 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle suffering from two gunshot wounds. The victim told police “Jason,” later identified as Jason Jameel Ganga, shot her while she was attempting to leave. There were two bullet holes through her driver’s side window,

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Mom and sister of accused Leesburg murderer arrested, girlfriend wanted by police

LEESBURG, Fla.—The mother and sister of accused murderer Alex Lopez were arrested Thursday for their role in helping Lopez elude capture, and Lopez’ girlfriend is on the run. Patricia Kinchens, 42, and Breanna Lopez, 27, were taken into custody by Leesburg Police Department, with assistance from Lady Lake Police Department and Wildwood Police Department, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. Lopez’ girlfriend Kaili E. Dupuis, 25, remains wanted. Alex Lopez, 25, is facing charges of premeditated murder, armed robbery and two other weapons offenses; he is accused of gunning down father of five, Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, 51, at Fast Stop Superette,

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Mount Dora police release surveillance video in an effort to identify suspects in park shooting

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying three people who fired shots at a popular park early this month. MDPD released a surveillance video Monday that captured the early evening shooting Aug. 2 at Cauley Lott Memorial Park, 1717 North Highland St., Mount Dora. According to police, several people were at the park, along with vehicles parked along Pine Street, when a dark-colored, late model sedan backed out of a parking space. Two people walking down the sidewalk began firing at the sedan and a third shooter returned fire, Spokesperson Misty Sommer said. A

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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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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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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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Mount Dora police investigating after multiple shots fired into occupied vehicle Friday night

7:30 p.m. update: Lockdown has been lifted. 7:15  p.m. update: MDPD confirmed one person was shot and went to AdventHealth Waterman for treatment. The hospital is currently on lockdown. MOUNT DORA, Fla.—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating after numerous shots were fired at a park Friday night. MDPD responded to Cauley Lott Memorial Park, 1717 North Highland Street, shortly after 6 p.m., “Numerous shots were fired into an occupied vehicle,” City of Mount Dora Spokesperson Misty Sommer told Inside Lake. One person was shot, and officers are currently on scene interviewing witnesses; at press time it was unknown how many

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Shots fired in Tavares condo complex Wednesday, knocks power out to multiple residences

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after multiple shots were fired in a condominium complex late Wednesday night. Shortly before 10 p.m., TPD received multiple 911 calls in reference to numerous shots being fired in the Rosewood Condominiums, located off Dead River Road, Det. Courtney Sullivan said. No one was injured, according to Sullivan, and two vehicles fled the complex; one may have been a gray Chevrolet Impala or a Dodge Dart. Police believe there were multiple people involved in the incident and at least two shooters, due to evidence found at the scene. An electrical box was shot, leaving

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Lake County jury convicts man of shooting woman in Mount Dora last year

TAVARES, Fla.—A man accused of shooting a woman twice in Mount Dora last year was convicted by a Lake County jury Wednesday, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. In March 2023, Mount Dora Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Pine Avenue on a report of a shooting and when they arrived, they found a woman in a 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle suffering from two gunshot wounds. The victim told police “Jason,” later identified as Jason Jameel Ganga shot her while she was attempting to leave, and he was inside. There were two bullet holes through

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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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Clermont woman who was “acting strange and talking about having premonitions” arrested for killing husband

CLERMONT, Fla.—A woman is facing a first-degree murder charge after shooting and killing her husband late Sunday night, according to an arrest affidavit. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to 10649 Lake Ralph Drive in unincorporated Clermont just before 10:10 p.m. on a report of a homicide and when they arrived, the complainant whose name is redacted from the affidavit, escorted a deputy into the home where Maria Jose Rodriguez, 40, was sitting in the dining room. She was secured in handcuffs and placed in a patrol vehicle and deputies then found her husband, Andrew Rodriguez, 40, lying on his

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No charges expected in Eustis shooting Sunday

EUSTIS, Fla.—The man who shot his cousin Sunday in a dispute over a vehicle repair likely won’t be charged, according to Eustis Police Department. Jamaal Jones, 32, got into a dispute with his cousin, Devante Simmons, 31, over Jones repairing Simmons’ transmission, EPD Sgt. Paul Barnett told Inside Lake. The altercation led to Jones shooting Simmons after warning him several times, Barnett said. Simmons was shot in the left upper thigh and transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford with non-life-threatening injuries. Previous story: BREAKING NEWS: Eustis Police investigating after dispute between cousins ends in shooting – Inside

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BREAKING NEWS: Eustis Police investigating after dispute between cousins ends in shooting

EUSTIS, Fla.—One man is in custody and one man is in the hospital after a dispute between cousins ended in a shooting Sunday, according to Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri. The incident occurred around noon Sunday at 210 West Stevens Avenue near Titcomb Street. Police had not released names at press time, and Capri said detectives are investigating whether the incident was a case of self-defense. The victim suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford. This is a developing story. 

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Argument Over Drill Led to Shooting Near Fruitland Park Friday

FRUITLAND PARK, Fla.—The man accused of shooting another man in unincorporated Fruitland Park Friday is now facing an attempted murder charge. According to an arrest affidavit, Scott Hutcheson and Michael Robert Corkill, 39, got into an argument after Corkill grabbed Hutcheson’s drill while he was at a friend’s house working on a four-wheeler. Hutcheson told Corkill not to touch his things and Corkill reportedly said, “I’ve got something for your (expletive,)” and walked across the street to his home at 36751 Shadow Hill Drive, according to an arrest affidavit. Corkill then stepped out of his home, stood in his driveway,

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Leesburg Woman Accused of Shooting 2 People Last Week in Custody

LEESBURG, Fla.—The woman accused of shooting two people in Leesburg last week is in custody after turning herself in to the Lake County Jail Sunday, according to Leesburg Police Department Capt. Joe Iozzi. Ra’Niyah M. Benton, 20, is accused of shooting a male and a female in the 1000 block of Crosby Steet in Leesburg around 4 p.m. Thursday. The victims went to UF Health Leesburg hospital on their own and the male victim was later flown to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville as a precaution, Iozzi said last week. Their current conditions are unknown. Benton is facing two

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Argument Leads to Shooting and Lands Leesburg Man in Jail

LEESBURG, Fla.—A Leesburg man is being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond after shooting another man in unincorporated Leesburg late Monday night. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on County Road 452 shortly before 11:30 p.m. Monday on a report of an argument between Brandon Saunders and Mike Ford, according to an arrest affidavit. When deputies arrived, they found Ford lying on the ground suffering from two gunshot wounds and they began rendering aid to Ford, who was in and out of consciousness. He told deputies Saunders came after him and Ford “laid him

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Leesburg Police Searching for Shooting Suspect

LEESBURG, Fla—Leesburg Police Department is searching for a suspect who shot two people Thursday afternoon, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. Around 4 p.m. LPD responded to UF Health Leesburg Hospital regarding a shooting and found two victims, Iozzi said. Police determined the two victims, a 28-year-old male and a 20-year-old female were shot in the 1000 block of Crosby Street, about 10 blocks from the hospital. The male was flown to UF Health Shands Hospital inn Gainesville as a precaution and both victims are in stable condition. Police are now searching for Ra’Niyah M. Benton, 20, who is wanted

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Man Shot in November Pleads No Contest to Lying to Mount Dora Cops

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—A man who was a victim of a shooting, has pleaded no contest to a charge of filing a false report after Mount Dora Police Department determined he and his ex-girlfriend lied about the location where he was shot in November, according to a probable cause affidavit. Around 3:30 p.m. Nov. 13, shots rang out at Rosewood Condominiums in Tavares, terrifying parents and a school bus full of children that had pulled into the parking lot; Rosewood has been the site of several shootings and violent crimes in recent years. “This occurred during a time frame when children

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Leesburg Police Investigating Possible Gun Battle in Busy Shopping Center Sunday Night

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is investigating after a man was shot around 9 p.m. Sunday night in a busy shopping center and police have few details, according to LPD Capt. Joe Iozzi. “The person shot is an adult male and evidence suggests there was an exchange of gunfire between at least two people at Southside Plaza, one possibly being the person who was shot,” Iozzi said. Police have not been able to interview the man due to his injuries and subsequent surgery, according to Iozzi. If you have information on the shooting, call LPD at 352-787-2121.

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Eustis Police Investigating After Argument Leads to Gunfire

EUSTIS, Fla.—Eustis Police Department is investigating an argument that led to shots being fired Thursday afternoon. Details were limited early Thursday evening as EPD was still on scene investigating the incident that occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. at Little Oaks Apartments, 300 West Atwater Avenue. EPD Capt. Jon Fahning said two male neighbors got into an unknown argument and one male pulled out a gun and threatened the other male. The second male then pulled out his own gun and fired an unknown number of rounds. No one was injured, Fahning said. The two males’ names were not available at

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Tavares Police Investigating After Receiving Multiple Calls of Shots Fired at Rosewood Condos Friday Night

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after receiving multiple calls about five to six shots being fired around 9 p.m. Friday in a condominium complex that has been the site of several shootings in the past, the latest one just four days ago. TPD responded to Rosewood Condominiums but did not find any victims or shell casings Friday night, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. Just four days ago, shots were fired in Rosewood Condominiums as schoolchildren were arriving at home on the bus around 3:30 p.m. Monday. A short time after Monday’s shooting, a victim with

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Multiple Shots Fired at Tavares Condo Complex, Police Searching for Witnesses

TAVARES, Fla.—Tavares Police Department is investigating after multiple shots were fired at Rosewood Condominiums Monday afternoon. TPD officers responded to the call just after 3:30 p.m. when children were playing outside and a busload full of children were pulling into the parking lot, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. “This occurred during a time frame when children were being dropped off,” Sullivan said. “This is a residential neighborhood.” Police were searching for a victim and evidence, and a short time after the shots were fired, a victim with a gunshot wound arrived at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares;

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Man Shot Friday Night, Eustis Police Investigating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Eustis Love Triangle Leaves One Man Dead Wednesday

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

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Lady Lake Shooting Victim Identified

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

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

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

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Mascotte Teen Accused Shooting Man in the Foot

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

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Leesburg Man Accused of Shooting at Truck with 5-Year-old Child in it During Road Rage Incident on Florida’s Turnpike

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Florida—A Leesburg man is being held in the Osceola County Jail on no bond, accused of shooting a truck that contained a 5-year-old child in a road rage incident on Florida’s Turnpike Sunday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tara Crescenzi. A trooper was conducting traffic enforcement in the median of Florida’s Turnpike near Kenansville shortly before 6:30 p.m. Sunday when he observed a white sedan driving recklessly and changing lanes around a white pickup truck in the northbound lanes. The trooper made his way into traffic and watched the white car continue to improperly change lanes

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Tavares Police: Man in Custody After Firing Shots in Tavares Backyard

TAVARES, Florida—A man is in custody after he fired shots in the backyard of a home on Pineway Street, according to Tavares Police Department Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan. TPD responded to the 1000 block of Pineway Street around 7 p.m. Friday night on a report of shots fired, Sullivan told Inside Lake. Officers arrived and found the shooting occurred in the backyard of a home and after a foot pursuit, took Craig Austin Campbell, 31, of Weirsdale into custody. No one was injured in the shooting. Campbell complained he had a medical issue and was transported to AdventHealth Waterman

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Man Murdered During Confrontation Identified, Eustis Police Announce $10K Reward

EUSTIS, Florida—The man shot in Eustis Monday night has been identified. Wseni “Haitian Black” Laguerre, 39 was shot multiple times around 8:20 p.m. Monday following a confrontation with an unknown individual, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri said. EPD responded to the shooting at 202 Palm Ave near Grove Street and found Laguerre with multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses told police an individual had some sort of confrontation with Laguerre and then shot him multiple times and fled the scene. Detectives are currently interviewing witnesses and following up on leads, Capri said. Laguerre was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, causing

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Man Dies After Being Shot in Eustis Monday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—The man shot in Eustis Monday night has died. Eustis Police Department responded to a shooting on Palm Ave near Grove Street, just before 8:30 p.m. Monday, EPD Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The man was rushed to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, causing the hospital to be placed on lockdown, standard procedure when a victim of violence is brought in for treatment. He was pronounced dead a short time later, according to Capri. His name has not been publicly released. It appears the man was targeted, and there was no information available on a suspect at press

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BREAKING NEWS: Man Shot in Eustis Monday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—Eustis Police Department is on the scene of a shooting on Palm Ave near Grove Street, EPD Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. One man was shot and was rushed to a local hospital around 8:30 p.m. Monday. EPD detectives are enroute and road patrol officers are securing the crime scene, Capri said. There was no information available on the suspect(s) at press time. Capri is headed to the scene and will update Inside Lake as soon as more information is available. This is a developing story.

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Eustis Teenager Accused of Shooting Father and Son at Fruitland Park Apartment Complex

FRUITLAND PARK, Florida—A teenager is facing a slew of charges in connection with a shooting that occurred in a busy apartment complex Thursday. Sincere D. Chambliss, 17, of Eustis, is accused of shooting a 22-year-old man and his 48-year-old father during an altercation about the younger man’s girlfriend at Spring Lake Cove Apartments in Fruitland Park around 5 p.m. The 22-year-old man was shot in the leg and was airlifted to Ocala Regional Medical Center, and his father was grazed in the chest; both men were treated for their injuries and released from the hospital. The 22-year-old victim told police

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Man Accused of Shooting Man in Head Just Hours After Hurricane Ian, Apprehended by Eustis Police Tuesday

EUSTIS, Florida—Less than a month after a man was shot in the head the day Hurricane Ian made its way through Eustis, his attempted killer is behind bars, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. Only Inside Lake was on the scene the day of the shooting and at EPD Tuesday after Christopher Worlds was picked up on the warrant for attempted murder. Detectives worked diligently on this case for nearly a month, “I have zero tolerance for gun violence in my city,” Capri told Inside Lake Tuesday. On Sept. 29, shortly before 5 p.m., EPD responded to Lee’s Market,

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Man Shot Thursday Remains Hospitalized, Eustis Police Investigating 3 Persons of Interest

EUSTIS, Florida-Eustis Police Department is continuing to investigate a shooting that left a man hospitalized Thursday afternoon. EPD responded to Lee’s Food Market, 1333 East Orange Avenue and found a man shot above one of his eyes, EPD Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The man was taken to a local hospital and has not been able to talk to detectives yet, Capri said. No one has been arrested in the shooting, but police know who is involved, Capri said. “We know who the players are,” he said. Few details have been released about what led to the shooting, but

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