Lakeland Local » crime

Do You Know This Man?

Cat Carter — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:59 +0000

On July 4, 2009 our house was broken into through a window in the back. The thief was able to use a knife to bust through the window, climbed into the window by standing on our grill and then steal…a LOT of our stuff. He took everything from computers to electronics to our vacuum cleaner, tools, jewelry, and yes even the food in our refrigerator. My husband interrupted his thieving, although not knowing it at the time. The door in the back was wide open and one bag was left that the guy hadn’t been able to come back and get.

Immediately we started playing the suspect game. We had an inkling it was our neighbor because it looked like the person made multiple trips and walked/ran with our belongings. Also a few days later they put their vacuum cleaner on the street for the trash collection. Coincidence? I think not. We gave the lead to the detective and the police on the scene had multiple fingerprints and blood. There we also about five more break-ins in a two week period and someone in the neighborhood told a neighborhood source (just protecting identity) who it was, yep our neighbor. We pass this information along to the police as well.

Easy case, right? No. On either the 15th or the 16th of OCTOBER we finally get a call saying the blood work was back and a positive ID was made.

Guess who it was? Sure enough our neighbor CHARLES KIRKLAND.

Great news right? No really because about 3 weeks ago he skipped out. He was in our neighborhood for TWO months and did the police even knock on his door? (I don’t know the answer to that question, but I would like to know.)

We are grateful for the work the police have put into the case and grateful to have a confirmation of who broke into our house. Something needs to be done though when there are solid leads in a case. I know the department is completely understaffed and having to wait THREE months for fingerprints and blood is a bit, ridiculous. That is a crazy back log. Of course we also realize this is on the bottom of the priority list, as it should be. Maybe a guest from the department would be willing to respond with ways we can assist the department. I don’t know for sure, but I bet break-ins are up from 3-5 years ago.

There is a warrant out for this man’s arrest and we would greatly appreciate your help. We know our stuff is long gone, but we still would like justice. He isn’t safe in any neighborhood. If you see this man please call the Lakeland Police IMMEDIATELY.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

PCSO Reports on Steroid Arrest

Chuck Welch — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:02:41 +0000

As a member of the fourth estate, we receive the media alerts from the Lakeland Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Some we’ll follow up and some we read for background and move on. There simply isn’t time to cover every story when you’re part of the not-for-profit press.

However, there are the occasional alerts we feel readers would find interesting. We’ve presented a few in the past, and will continue to do so when appropriate. Please understand that the text below was written by the PCSO, and is presented for your information.

We doubt we’ll cover this story, and look forward to seeing what Jeremy Maready puts together.

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From the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (May 26, 11:12pm):

Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Narcotics detectives, in conjunction with agents from ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement), served a search warrant at 1087 Stoney Creek Drive in Lakeland at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, after ICE received information that the homeowners, Richard and Sandra Thomas, were due to receive a large shipment of illegal anabolic steroids. After serving the search warrant, both Richard and Sandra were placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail for several counts of possession of illegal steroids, firearms, and maintaining a dwelling for drug use.

The following are comments made by Sheriff Grady Judd at a news conference held Tuesday evening in reference to these arrests:

PCSO detectives developed information from ICE agents in Philadelphia that there would be a package of illegal anabolic steroids delivered to the residence of Richard and Sandra Thomas at 1087 Stoney Creek Drive in Lakeland. After the delivery of the steroids, PCSO undercover Narcotics detectives and ICE agents executed a search warrant and recovered the steroids. In addition, they recovered Valium and thousands of anabolic steroid pills, injectable liquids, and syringes. Detectives also seized an AR-15 assault rifle, shotguns, and numerous semi-automatic handguns, all of which were loaded.

Detectives asked Richard Thomas about his suppliers, and he stated that he purchased them from all over the world. He then stated that he was the biggest dealer of anabolic steroids in the central Florida area. Thomas further stated that he imported steroids from Iran, Pakistan, Slovakia, Russia, China, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, and Germany. Detectives specifically asked Richard if he had sold anabolic steroids to professional steroids, and he replied, “You name the sport, and I’ve sold steroids to athletes who play it.” He claims to have sold steroids to professional baseball players, hockey players, and football players.

Richard and his wife Sandra were semi-professional body builders themselves. One anabolic steroid they were found to be in possession of was Oxymetholone (from Iran), which they stated that “cops are afraid of this steroid because it makes people so crazy they can flip a car.” Richard further stated that he was the largest steroid dealer in the state of Florida ten years ago, but now he is the biggest dealer only in the central Florida area. Richard’s mother told detectives that steroids is all he has ever known, and that his father introduced him to steroids. When Richard was asked if he was addicted to steroids, he replied, “It’s all I’ve ever known.”

Richard said he was once detained at the border of Mexico and the U.S. in 1995 and paid a fine to the Mexican authorities for possession of steroids.

Richard and Sandra are both being charged with:

10 counts Possession Anabolic Steroids With Intent to Sell or Distribute (F-1)
10 counts Importation of Anabolic Steroids Into the State of Florida
1 count Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Sales

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Lakeland Police Change Beats

Chuck Welch — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:02:27 +0000

The Lakeland Police Department is changing their beats to improve officer assignment and response flexibility. In the past, LPD utilized smaller single officer assigned beats. Two or three officers will be assigned to each of the new zones. LPD Lieutenant Jody Sisson, who participated in the remapping project, says the new beats allow officers to work together in between calls to target problem areas.

LPD splits the city into North and South districts. To reduce the radio chatter an officer hears, each district has its own dispatcher and radio channels. Emergency calls can be patched over both channels. The newly drawn beats are split into North: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and South: Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, and India.

LPD looked at crime statistics for the previous year and drew the districts to balance their calls for service. The beats were drawn to balance expected need and facilitate easy travel. The Echo beat is much smaller, but is patrolled 80% of the time by an office in a golf cart-like special purpose vehicle.

Sisson said finding the right boundary was challenging. The committee worked to use natural boundaries where possible, and paid attention to travel paths. For example, beat Foxtrot is split. A section appears to be a better fit with beat Hotel. Sisson said they found the area was better served as part of beat Foxtrot due to travel on Highway 92.

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You can find a PDF version at the LPD media site.

Update: We’re going to put off making the interactive map until we can get a clearer PDF. If the Ledger creates one before that we’ll link you there.

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The Lakeland Police Department media release follows:

The following information is also available at www.lpdonlinenews.com where a copy of the complete original media release is available, along with maps of the old and new zones.

Lakeland Police have recently concluded a six month study of the response times, personnel resource allocation, and zone configurations in the City of Lakeland with reference to dispatching of police calls. This study was done by a committee made up of sworn officers and civilians from within the Lakeland Police Department in an attempt to keep on top of the needs of the community as the city grows and changes over time.

The City of Lakeland is divided into two districts – one to the north of the downtown area, and one to the south. These two districts are then further divided into smaller geographical areas called zones. Over time the demographics of these zones had changed for many reasons such as: population increase/decrease, revitalization efforts, new business construction, new housing, and annexation.

After a period of time, these demographic changes can cause a change in the police services needed by an area. If personnel resource adjustments are not made to address these changes, the end result can be inefficient use of time and resources, and a lower quality of service to the community.

The committee first examined “calls for service” data to find out what areas received more calls for police service, at what time of day, and what type of calls. The district boundaries were then redrawn so that the number of calls to each district would be more balanced.

The current deployment system also had an officer assigned to each zone. The new deployment system utilizes the sector concept, otherwise known as “team policing”. With team policing, officers are not necessarily assigned to a specific zone, but can be assigned to more than one zone, or whatever area in the city that is the busiest. The zones will also now be identified phonetically, instead of by numbers.

There are examples attached of the districts before and after the change. It is believed that the new district reorganization will allow the Lakeland Police Department to operate more efficiently and provide better service to the citizens of Lakeland.

Note: Sisson noted that the media release was in error, and officers will work in specific zones.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Stolen City Truck Recovered

Chuck Welch — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:58:18 +0000

The Lakeland City truck stolen the morning of April 28th was found approximately 12 hours later by a Lakeland Police Department officer. It was 3.2 miles South of the location of the theft. LPD reports the vehicle appeared ransacked, but drivable. The doors were unlocked, keys were left on the floor board, and personal property software were missing from the vehicle.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Lakeland City Truck Stolen

Chuck Welch — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:42:12 +0000

The city water utilities division needs your help. It seems the driver didn’t listen to any of the many Lakeland Police Department reminders, and left the keys in a city truck while he ran into a convenience store. As you’ve deduced, the truck was gone when the city employee ran back out.

The truck was stolen this morning from the 2000 block of East Edgewood Drive. Based on the description, we believe it is the location below:

View Larger Map

The vehicle is described as a 2006 white Chevrolet Silverado Diesel pick-up truck with the City of Lakeland swan logo on the side door. The door also has the words, “City of Lakeland Water Utilities” on the door. The tag number on the vehicle is XA0797 and the tag is yellow in color. — Inside LPD

LPD has no suspects at this time, but ask citizens to call police immediately if the truck is spotted.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Walk the Line

Chuck Welch — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:43:12 +0000

The Lakeland Police Department would like to remind you not to drink and drive this holiday season. LPD officers Hans Lehman and Sean Finney present the message in this PSA shot by the LakelandGov.Net film crew:

(Note to readers hosting holiday parties: collect keys at the door and have cab numbers by the phone. Those going out to New Year’s Eve parties: Before the big night starts, write the phone number of a cab or really close friend on your wrist.)
Home page photo credit: kevindooley

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LPD Seeks Help With Bank Robber ID

Chuck Welch — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:59:24 +0000

At about 2:25 today the Mid-Florida Federal Credit Union, located at 2105 New Tampa Hwy was robber. The Lakeland Police Department would like your help identifying the suspect pictured at left.

The bank robber was described as a black male, 6’03” to 6’05”, 25-35 years of age, 200 to 215 pounds, with gold teeth on lower jaw.

The suspect passed a note demanding money and fled by foot to the Northwest. Witnesses did not report seeing a weapon. He escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash.

If you think you know the person pictured, call Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS, or LPD Detective Tye Thompson at 863.834.8955.

photo credit: Photo Courtesy of LPD

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Guns for Money

Chuck Welch — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:02:39 +0000

Yes, you can get money for your guns. Check in the couch, look under your car seat, grab that rifle off your neighbor’s gun rack, pull out that pistol with the serial number filed off that you were saving for a special occasion. They’re all worth $50.

The Lakeland Police Department has decided to host their first “gun buy back” meet and greet. While supplies last, LPD will trade your oily old guns for $50 gift certificates. Now, gift cards are in shorter supply than guns, so get there early. When the cards run out, LPD will still accept your slightly-used guns and give back the good feeling that another pistol won’t be laying around the living room.

LPD is not using city funds to buy the guns. Donations and money seized from criminal activity was used to fund the program. If you’d like to ask LPD any questions about the event, call Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, at 863 834-6949

•When and Where

Saturday, December 13, 2008
9 am to 2pm

Northwest Park
108 West 3rd Street

photo credit: Majikdragon

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Goodfellas Grill Stolen

Chuck Welch — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:02:34 +0000

You might recognize the grill above from our August feature on Goodfellas Grills. If you see it parked behind a neighbor’s house you might want to give the police a call.

Denis Baldwin, owner of Goodfellas Grills, reported the grill stolen yesterday. Baldwin said a neighbor saw a suspicious truck around 6 am. Baldwin said the neighbor reported three men guys got out of the truck. It appears they merely broke the look, hooked up the grill and drove off with it.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Have you used Dave’s Custom Driveways?

Chuck Welch — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:56:59 +0000

Police responding to complaints about a local businessman found themselves in a foot race.

Dave’s Custom Driveways contacted residents to paint driveways and install flooring. Customers complained the company owners, Dave McDonnell and his wife Marsha McDonnell, collected partial payments and then failed to complete projects.

During their investigation Lakeland Police discovered that Dave McDonnell was an alias for Robert Lee Cooper (DOB: 2/20/66). With outstanding warrants in Sarasota, Manatee, and Volusia Counties and in Ann Arbor Michigan, Cooper was considered a fugitive. Cooper he fled on foot when contacted by Lakeland Police. Apprehended after a short chase, he will be extradited to the agencies with pending charges.

Lakeland Police ask that anyone who feels they were a victim of Cooper to contact their office at 863-834-6900. The agency reminded residents “to use caution when hiring people to perform work on their property when they are contacted through door to door soliciting, or asked to provide money up front before the work is completed.”

For the LPD information release see: www.lpdonlinenews.com.

For tips on hiring contractors see: ConsumerReports.org

photo credit: LPD Booking Photo of Cooper

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Lakeland Police Investigating Shooting

Chuck Welch — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:54:43 +0000

When the Lakeland Police have certain breaking news they send an alert to the media. It’s always just the information LPD has that covers the facts as they’re known. It includes instructions for further contact, and gives the media an idea when additional information might be forthcoming.

About 30 minutes ago LPD released they were investigating a shooting that occurred about 4:30 am. According to the report four men were drinking at a home on the 300 block of Doris Drive. An argument started, and the resident of the home, Christopher Thomas Morgan (22), shot Steven Burke (24) and Joshua Britton (21). They and the final of the four, Kevin Michael Kirk (20), all left the residence in a vehicle and drove near the Lockheed Martin and called for help. Britton and Burke were transported to the Lakeland Regional Medical Center where Burke later died. Britton is currently listed in serious condition.

The notice also reports that no charges have been filed against Morgan, who is represented by council, Rusty Franklin.

No further data is available, and LPD plans to not comment further until tomorrow morning.

update: 4:25 The Ledger now has it up.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

PCC USFP Campus on Bartow Rd is being closed immediately – No one reported hurt

Chuck Welch — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:00:17 +0000

12:50: I will post more information as I get it.

12:55: The Ledger is reporting that a fired PCC Winter Haven employee claimed to return with a gun.

I’ve spoken with people on the campus. They are closing the facilities and leaving orderly.

The order came through with security and school officials walking around telling everyone to leave.

1:19 The Ledger is now reporting the story in more detail. This is their current link.

I’ll update this as I get more.

1:31: The Ledger is now reporting it was a student making a threat against an employee.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Paper Shoes For Airport Security – Sign Me Up!

Darby Critendon — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:05:14 +0000

Everyone should know by now they have to take off their shoes (and socks?) while going through airport security. But who wants to walk barefoot on nasty carpet or tile? Not me for sure. Recently while at The Tampa Airport, they have come up with a solution and I plan on keeping these. Surprisingly enough Atlanta airport did not offer the paper shoes.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Lake Hollingsworth Drive – Do You Stop?

Chuck Welch — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:11:35 +0000

When traffic control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. FS 316.130 (7 – partial)

The law is Florida Statute 316.130 Pedestrian obedience to traffic control devices and traffic regulations.. The crossing is one of many on Lake Hollingsworth Drive. Do you stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk? For that matter, do you obey the 30mph speed limit?

I’ll accept anonymous comments for this post.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Lakeland Crime Week of April 7 , 2008

Chuck Welch — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:08:24 +0000

The weekly crime map is over at Lakeland Crime:

LakelandLocal.com Crime Map 04/07 to 04/13 2008

48 This week’s stats:

08 Business Burglary
01 Business Robbery
01 Gang Grafitti
00 Personal Robbery
13 Residential Burglary
00 Residential Robbery
00 Attempted Stolen Vehicle
00 Recovered Stolen Vehicle
10 Stolen Vehicle
15 Vehicle Burglary

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Latest Lakeland Crime Map Online

Chuck Welch — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:34:16 +0000

The latest Lakeland crime map is up. It doesn’t include crimes by Mulberry teens at houses near Highland City with Lakeland zip codes as reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

50 This week’s stats:

03 Business Burglary
02 Business Robbery
03 Gang Grafitti
04 Personal Robbery
06 Residential Burglary
01 Residential Robbery
00 Attempted Stolen Vehicle
02 Recovered Stolen Vehicle
07 Stolen Vehicle
22 Vehicle Burglary

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Real Estate Agent Robbery Suspects Arrested in Georgia

Chuck Welch — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:22:38 +0000

Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller says the men asked to test-drive a Ford Mustang at a Lithia Springs dealership yesterday. Miller says one pulled a knife on the salesman who accompanied them and made him withdraw $100 from an ATM.

They allegedly taped up the salesman and dropped him off at a park & ride lot, but he managed to use his cell phone to call 911.

Officers chased the car west on I-20 at speeds of more than 100 mph before the crash at an exit.

Steven Swords of Albertville, Alabama, and Robert Lewis of Ellijay, Georgia, were each charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and other charges.– WAFF

According to TBO.com those are the same two who recently tied up and robbed a Lakeland real estate agent.

Update: Looking over Robert Lewis’ record he was convicted in 1987 of aggravated child molestation

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Colonial Bank on Bartow Road

Chuck Welch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:34:36 +0000

Police and the Crime Scene Investigation van are at the Colonial Bank at Bartow Rd and South Edgewood. I wonder if there has been another robbery?

I don’t see anything on the LPD blog.

Update: I must have driven by just after it happened. The Ledger is now quoting LPD as saying there was a robbery.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Christopher Lewis Davis

Chuck Welch — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:43:02 +0000

“Lakeland Police are attempting to locate Christopher Lewis Davis, (W/M, DOB: 6/8/78). Davis currently has a Davis warrant for his arrest for Uttering a Forged Instrument, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, and Violation of Probation. Davis should be considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. If you come into contact with Davis, do not attempt to detain him, but instead contact the police.” LPD Online News

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Latest Lakeland Crime Stats & Map

Chuck Welch — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:23:55 +0000

Get the latest Lakeland crime stats and a map of events at Lakeland Crime

45 This week’s stats:

12 Business Burglary
0 Business Robbery
3 Gang Grafitti
3 Personal Robbery
7 Residential Burglary
1 Residential Robbery
0 Attempted Stolen Vehicle
0 Recovered Stolen Vehicle
12 Stolen Vehicle
7 Vehicle Burglary

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Scan Polk County is 10-8

Chuck Welch — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:07:54 +0000

How many times have you heard or watched a Polk County Sheriff cruiser zoom down the road lights ablaze? Now, how many times have you wondered what was their destination? Or who were they chasing?

You could buy a scanner to listen to their calls or you could surf over to Scan Polk County, That site present live and recorded radio communication from the Polk County Sheriffs Office and Fire/Rescue calls. It’s a labor of love from an unknown Polk County resident who hooks up a scanner to the Net and a Georgia resident who hosts the hardware for Scan Polk County and 11 sister sites.

There is a handy chat room to discuss current events and police business. A link to the Polk County Dispatch and Status Codes so you understand the lingo. They even maintain links to interesting articles about police business and crimes.

I know I couldn’t leave the scanner on as background music, but it will be useful the next time we have a major crime event. I wonder if someone has plans to add Lakeland Police Department?

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Not So Fleet of Foot in Downtown Lakeland

Chuck Welch — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:14:50 +0000

The following is a Lakeland Police Department Media Release. Blame the highlighting on me….

The Lakeland Police Department arrested Steward Butler, DOB: 6/28/91, B/M, for Burglary to a Conveyance and Grand Theft after a foot chase in the downtown area of Lakeland today. At approximately 1451 hours, the victim left her unlocked vehicle parked at in the 500 block of Michigan Avenue.

As the victim returned to the vehicle, three suspects that were standing nearby fled at the sight of the victim. Citizens in the area chased after the fleeing suspects as police were called. The suspects discarded the property taken from the vehicle – a computer and a cell phone — that were recovered.

Butler was later apprehended by K-9 Officer Jose Bosque in the area of the 700 block of Magnolia Street. This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may be made. No further information will be released today on this incident. — LPD Online News

This is a good time to remind everyone that the Lakeland Police Department has two very good sites: Inside LPD; for Lakeland Police Department information and LPD Online News, for all the media releases concerning select crimes and news.

You can also find crime maps at Lakeland Crime. I’m to blame for that one though.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Hit & Run Driver Identified

Chuck Welch — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:56:11 +0000

The Lakeland Police Department just released the name of the driver in yesterday’s hit & run on Memorial. Thomas Eugene Simpson, 53, came forward at midnight to give police a sworn statement. The dump truck was taken in as evidence. Police have not charged Simpson and state the matter is still under investigation.

Witnesses are encouraged to call LPD Officer Mike Catalano at 863-834-2507.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.

Bank Robber Photos

Chuck Welch — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:00:03 +0000

The LPD has released photos of yesterday’s bank robber. They don’t show much, but maybe you recognize his hand or stance.
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LPD K-9 Bite

Chuck Welch — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:06:48 +0000

Lakeland Police reported today that during a landlord tenant dispute a K-9 bit a 14 year-old girl. The incident at 1440 1/2 N Lincoln Ave was described in a LPD press release.

K-9 Officer Ted Sealey was present on the scene and speaking to a citizen when the citizen gestured and made contact with Officer Sealey’s uniform shirt pocket. Officer Sealey keeps his canine deployment device in this pocket. The deployment device allows the vehicle door to automatically open to deploy the K-9. The citizen contact caused the deployment door to activate and Officer Sealey’s K-9 partner was released from the police vehicle. The K=9, Bodo, instinctively reacted as trained to protect Officer Sealey and bit a 14 year old girl who was standing next to Officer Sealey.

As the time of the press release, the girl was at Lakeland Regional Medical Center being treated for minor injuries.

Area stories at Lakeland Local or Metro I4 News for regional articles.