Tavares Archives - Inside Lake

Argument Over Dog Feces, Latest in Years Long Neighborhood Feud, Lands Tavares Man in Jail

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego

TAVARES, Fla.—A Tavares man is in the Lake County Jail after video surveillance captured him throwing a bag of dog feces in his neighbors’ driveway and garage and then punching one of the neighbors, the latest incident in a multi-year feud.

Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Tavares Police Department responded to a home on Sycamore Circle on a report of a battery. Residents of the home told TPD their neighbor, Ty Alan Heichel, 24, threw a bag of dog feces in their driveway and a verbal argument ensued. During the verbal altercation, Heichel punched the male resident in the face, according to an arrest affidavit.

As the residents explained what happened, Heichel approached the home again, yelling and stating he punched the man in the face and he would do it again, the affidavit states. Heichel was detained and placed in the back of a patrol vehicle while officers investigated.

Video surveillance at the home captured the altercation and showed Heichel launching the bag of feces into the driveway as he walked by the home. The female resident confronted Heichel and told him to pick it up and he continued to walk by, the affidavit states. He soon returned, grabbed the bag and threw it into the open garage, near where the residents were standing.

Heichel approached the male resident, who stepped backed as Heichel approached him and he attempted to push Heichel away as they became face-to-face in the garage. Heichel then threw punches at him and eventually left the property, the video showed. He returned shortly after officers arrived at the residence.

This was the latest incident in an ongoing and escalating feud between Heichel and his neighbors, resulting in repeated calls for service over multiple years, according to the arresting officer. “The issues have continuously progressed and (Heichel) repeatedly shows his violent outbursts towards several others in the community as well as (the victims,) the officer wrote in the affidavit.

Heichel was arrested for burglary and battery and is being held in LCJ on $3,000 bond.

Operation Poison Control Results in 21 Arrest Warrants, 50 Charges

Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By Marilyn M. Aciego

TAVARES, Florida—A six-month long undercover drug investigation targeting fentanyl traffickers has wrapped up with the arrests of 15 people and six more are on the run, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

A joint operation between LCSO’s Special Investigations Bureau, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City County Investigation Bureau— which includes police officers from Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg and Mount Dora—uncovered a variety of illegal narcotics being distributed throughout the county, including trafficking amounts of deadly fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA.

Law enforcement developed information from the public to aid in the investigation and obtained warrants for 21 individuals on a total of 50 charges that range from trafficking in narcotics to minor possession.

“Operations like this and the many we have done in the past save lives. I’m proud of the dedication and commitment of our undercover agents to keep Lake County safe,” Said Sheriff Peyton Grinnell.

Six people involved in the case have eluded authorities and are still being sought: Scottie Crosby, George Medina, Jason Simpson, Kourtney Smith, Tyson Smith and Derrick Walker.

Woman, 21, Caught on Tavares High Campus and Lied About Being a Student, Deputies Say

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego

TAVARES, Fla.—A 21-year-old woman was caught on the Tavares High School campus last week and lied to a school resource deputy (SRD) about her age and status, according to an arrest affidavit.

Acting on a tip Friday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office SRD found Dakota Marie Adams, 21, of Tavares, within the fenced portion of THS near the auditorium and confronted her around 11 a.m. Adams allegedly lied to the deputy and said she was 19 and a senior at the school. She also said she did not have her driver license, but the SRD found it in her wallet, the deputy noted in the affidavit.

Adams was arrested for trespassing on school grounds and giving false information to a law enforcement officer. She was transported to the Lake County Jail, where she was released on $2,000 bond.

Tragic Mount Dora Crash Claims Toddler’s Life, Sends Mom to Hospital

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

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating a crash that claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy and sent his mom to the hospital Thursday afternoon.

MDPD has not released names, but a gofundme and accompanying social media post identified mom and son as Kaley Paladino and her youngest son, Guy Wesley Paladino, of Tavares.

Guy Wesley Paladino, 2, who was called Wesley by family and friends, was transported to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children following the tragic crash on State Road 46, where he later succumbed to his injuries and his mom, Kaley Paladino, was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with severe injuries.

Little information is being released about the crash, as it is still under investigation, MDPD Chief Michael Gibson told Inside Lake. Paladino was driving a Dodge minivan when she collided with a semi with a flatbed trailer, Gibson said. The driver of the semi was not injured.

*Mount Dora Fire Department and Mount Dora Police Department respond to a crash that claimed life of a toddler and severely injured his mother Thursday afternoon. Submitted photo*

The investigation is ongoing and at press time, neither driver had been ticketed or charged, according to Gibson.

“Because of the nature of the investigation, we (MDPD) will not release investigative information until (it is) complete and reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office,” Gibson said in an email to Inside Lake.

A gofundme was created to assist the Paladino family with medical and memorial expenses, to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-and-medical-expenses-for-loving-family?fbclid=IwAR3KiaDFqQPa1c0wpi6XZ8C3WN-MuGZAM7q2qU6manfkm7tJ-GPMk60Cg84

“Guy Wesley was known for his cool calm demeanor and ever-present smile, always up for a hug which he could hold for hours. Kaley is known for her generous loving spirit and family first attitude,” the gofundme states.

At press time, the fundraiser had raised nearly $31,000 of its $100,000 goal.

*Kaley Paladino and her son, Guy “Wesley.” PHOTO: Kaley Paladino/Facebook*

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

Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego

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 Perdue’s numerous arrests for armed robbery in 2022 in Clermont, unincorporated Mount Dora and Tavares and in February 2023, he was charged with murdering Alejandro “Alex” Garcia in Tavares April 8, 2022. Perdue’s nephew, Octavious Marquis Reed, 23, was also charged in the murder.

According to the affidavit, Hill told LCSO he was talking with another inmate when Perdue came up behind him and struck him multiple times in the back and neck and finally on his left temple. Perdue then went upstairs to his cell and Hill followed him to confront him. Hill walked back downstairs, and Perdue attacked him a second time. He told a detective the weapon was a sharp, small, metal object and the handle was a t-shirt. The weapon was found Monday when detectives returned to LCJ to interview other inmates who may have witnessed the attack.

The attack, which began at 7:11 p.m., was captured on video and clearly showed Perdue committing the crime. Detectives also listened to a call Perdue made to a female just minutes before the attack.

“During the conversation, the inmate advises the female that he was about to go to the box (Disciplinary Confinement). The female questions the inmate who states, ‘l can’t really um talk…you know the news?’ to which the female says, ‘OK. The new…oh, OK. Alright, baby.’

The inmate then states, ‘Yeah, he just came in my…(unintelligible.)’ Later in the conversation the inmate tells the female that he would be given 30 days and would then probably be going to AC confinement for ‘like eight months.’ The inmate then tells the female. “You know I’m not just fixing to fight this dude. So, I’m going to get 30 days in the box.’

Perdue was charged with attempted murder on Tuesday and remains in LCJ.

Previous stories

Arrest Made in Eustis January Murder – Inside Lake

Armed Robbery Suspect and Nephew Charged in 2022 Tavares Murder – Inside Lake

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

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego

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 man’s name has not been released.

“Detectives are working diligently at collecting as much evidence as possible to assist with the investigation,” Sullivan said.

TPD is asking anyone with information to contact detectives at 352-742-6200.

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

Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Features, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Tavares, Umatilla / By Mark O'Keefe/Special to Inside Lake

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

Established in 1952 by a group of Lake County/City radio amateurs, LARA has steadily grown over the years and now boasts a membership of more than 130 dedicated individuals. Not only do they own their own property, but they have also constructed a state-of-the-art clubhouse onsite. LARA’s primary focus lies in the fun hobby of Ham radio and service to the community. Furthermore, the club’s three VHF repeaters and three UHF repeaters, some of which are linked to Echolink, DMR and the IRLP network, enable worldwide communications, amplifying the club’s impact and reach.

*PHOTO: Mark O’Keefe/Special to Inside Lake*

The Ham Radio Field Day event at the Lake County Institute of Public Safety serves as a testament to LARA’s commitment to promoting the invaluable role of amateur radio in emergency situations. The event not only highlighted the association’s advanced communication capabilities but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among radio enthusiasts and local public safety agencies. As LARA continues to expand its membership and community involvement, their dedication to serving as a vital link during times of crisis remains unwavering. For more information, visit www.k4fc.org

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

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego

TAVARES, Florida—A Lake County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy was booked into the very jail he worked at, accused of leaving vape cartridges in a trash can accessible to inmates.

Acting on a tip, LCSO began investigating Bailey Levi Lennon, 25, at the end of May and interviewed inmates and employees and found a cartridge that had been left by Lennon, according to a press release.

Lennon denied leaving the vape cartridges for inmates but admitted he knew the trash can was accessible to them. A warrant was issued for his arrest for introducing contraband into a correctional facility Tuesday afternoon and he turned himself in at the jail Tuesday night, where he was released on $2,000 bond. Lennon has been employed as a detention deputy since 2019 and is on suspension, pending termination.

Multi-Agency Pursuit Reaches Speeds of 100+ MPH Overnight

Eustis, Fruitland Park, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego

MOUNT DORA, Florida—Two people are in the Lake County Jail following a tussle with Mount Dora Police Department and a multi-agency pursuit across Lake County Friday.

Shortly after midnight, MDPD responded to Perkins, 17080 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora on a report of a verbal argument. Officers found a black Ford F-150 with two occupants inside and identified the pair as Larissa Molina, 22 of Franklin, North Carolina and Adrian Delgado, 22, of Kissimmee. Officers ran the VIN of the truck and found it was possibly stolen out of Orange County, according to Delgado’s arrest affidavit.

Delgado apparently had a tire iron in his hands and MDPD tried to take him into custody; details in the affidavit are very limited and it is unclear when Delgado armed himself with the tire iron. Delgado tried to get away and kept “slipping out” of an MDPD’s officer’s grip and another officer tased Delgado, striking him in the back. Delgado then fled northbound toward U.S. Highway 441 on foot, the affidavit states.

He ran west toward the Walmart parking lot nearby and was finally apprehended in the parking lot of First National Bank at the corner of Eudora Road and U.S. Highway 441. Delgado reportedly said he was scared because he was homeless and kept asking about Molina, the affidavit states.

He was placed in the back of a patrol unit, where he vomited and was taken to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, where he was medically cleared and then transported to the Lake County Jail.

While Delgado was fleeing on foot, Molina fled in the stolen truck and MDPD attempted to stop her but was not successful. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy was in the area of Perkins when he heard unintelligible radio traffic but “sounded in distress,” he noted in Molina’s arrest affidavit.

“I began responding to the call when I was informed a black F-150 had struck one of the officers in an attempt to get away and was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 441,” the deputy stated in the affidavit.

Molina, however, is not facing a charge of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, which would be standard if she struck the MDPD officer as she was fleeing.

The deputy spotted the truck at U.S. Highway 441 and Spring Harbor Boulevard and attempted to perform a traffic stop. Molina continued to flee northbound on U.S. Highway 441, making several U-turns, failed to yield to oncoming traffic and reached speeds over more than 100 miles per hour, the affidavit states.

Multiple agencies assisted including Eustis Police Department, Tavares Police Department and Fruitland Park Police Department; LCSO never lost sight of the truck as it traveled across the county. FPPD deployed stop sticks at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the truck struck them and continued to flee before coming to a final stop at Lagrande Boulevard and U.S. Highway 27 in The Villages. Molina was then taken into custody, according to the affidavit.

The pair is facing multiple charges; Molina was arrested for fleeing and eluding, no driver license, grand theft auto, resisting an officer without violence and loitering or prowling. She is being held on $14,000 bond. Delgado is facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, resisting an officer without violence, grand theft auto and loitering or prowling; he is being held on $13,500 bond.

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

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By Marilyn M. Aciego

TAVARES, Florida—A 15-year-old male is in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice after accelerating towards an officer in training in a stolen SUV and then fleeing Tavares Police Department, according to TPD.

Shortly before 3:45 a.m. TPD responded to Atwater Apartments 2570 Ann Road, after receiving a call from a citizen concerned about two dark-colored vehicles traveling through the parking lot with occupants who appeared to be wearing ski masks, TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan said.

One vehicle fled and was later located dumped off of Kurt Street in the City of Eustis. The occupants fled the scene and escaped apprehension, Sullivan said. The other SUV was located at Atwater Apartments and when officers stopped the vehicle, Jarvis Le’Nard Coleman Jr., 15, turned the SUV towards officers and began to accelerate, nearly striking one of them. The officer was able to press himself against the patrol vehicle and the stolen SUV missed the officer and sideview mirror by just a few inches, Sullivan told Inside Lake.

*Jarvis Coleman PHOTO: Tavares Police Department*

“It happened so fast,” Sullivan said.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly located the vehicle and Coleman was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. Eustis Police Department and Mount Dora Police Department also assisted in the investigation. Coleman is facing several charges, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding at a high speed and grand theft auto; each of those charges is a felony. He is also facing a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer without violence.