LPD Online News

Lakeland Police Re-Arrest Sexual Predator

Lakeland Police Crimes Against Children Unit arrested Michael Chad Evans today, March 25, 2008, a registered sexual predator, for the repeated sexual assault of two children under the age of twelve.  Evans was arrested at 727 Hennessee Street in Lakeland, Florida.

For additional information, please contact Sergeant Gary Gross, Supervisor of the Crimes Against Children Unit of The Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-8980.

Click here to read the complete Media Release.pdf

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Double Homicide

On Friday, March 21, 2008, at approximately 0130 hours, police responded to 929 Gilmore Avenue, Apartment 155 in response to a report of a shooting.  Upon arrival police found the bodies of two victims, Jessica Upton (W/F, DOB:  2/5/90), and Aundre M. Barnes (B/M, DOB:  9/29/78) inside the apartment.  Both victims had sustained gunshot wounds to the head.

Read the complete media release along with the complete copy of the complaint affidavit in this case.pdf

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Shooting

Lakeland Police are investigating a Shooting that occurred on March 16, 2008, at approximately 0315 hours at 1877 Holton Road in Lakeland, Florida.  This location is the residence of victim, Zach Clerina (DOB:  10/9/72).  The investigation has indicated that Clerina was leaving his residence when he was approached by at least two suspects and was shot.  Clerina was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injureis.

The shooter was identified as Dieuseul Pierre-Gilles.  Pierre-Gilles was placed under arrest for Aggravated Battery with a Firearm.  This incident does not appear to be a random act.  This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may be made.

Lakeland Police Looking for Wanted Person

Lakeland Police are attempting to locate Christopher Lewis Davis, (W/M, DOB:  6/8/78).  Davis currently has a 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.

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Host "Cops and Kids" Open House

The Lakeland Police Department will be hosting an open house on March 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the community at the main station located at 219 North Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland. This event is free to the public and drinks and refreshments will be served.

There will be tours of the police department, crime lab, emergency operations center, and communications. Activities for Children.  Equipment displays and demonstrations by the SWAT Team, K-9 Team, Helicopter, Crime Scene, DUI Unit, Aviation and Hostage Negotiations Unit.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy yourself and learn more about your location police department.

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Schedule Pill Drop Off Day

The Lakeland Police Department and the Drug Prevention Resource Center are sponsoring a "Pill Drop Off Day" for citizens that would like to discard pills they have accumulated in the back of their medicine cabinets or cupboards.  It does not matter how many, what size, or what kind they are.  The community is invited to drop them off at The Lakeland Police Department, 219 North Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland on March 22, 2008, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

This event has been designed to bring about awareness.  Accidental prescription drug overdose is reportedly on the rise.  Storing excess pills you do not intent to use, or outdated medication in your home can pose a risk for accidental ingestion or abuse.

For additional information, contact Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer at 863.834.6949. 

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Find Man Shot in Roadway

On Sunday, March 2, 2008, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Lakeland Police were dispatched to the 1500 block of Kettles Avenue, in Lakeland, after a caller stated there was a “man down in the roadway” at that location.

Upon arrival, Officers found Samuel L. Bryant (DOB:  10/25/82) lying in the roadway unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds.  Bryant was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead early this morning.

The initial investigation indicates that an officer responded to an earlier altercation in this same area involving Bryant at approximately 5:15 p.m.  This earlier incident is still being investigated and it remains unclear at this point if these two events are related.   No additional information will be released on this incident at this time.

Police are requesting that anyone with knowledge regarding the homicide investigation of the shooting of Samuel L. Bryant to please contact Sergeant Jeff Birdwell, or Detective David Anderson at The Lakeland Police Department, 863.834.6900.

This information is also posted on www.lpdonlinenews.com

Sergeant Terri Smith