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May 2008

May 30, 2008

Bank Robber Captured

On May 27,2008, a bank was robbed in Tavares, Florida.  A witness was able to get Chris_floyd tag information from the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene.  The suspect was identified as Christopher Eugene Floyd, DOB:  11/4/78.  Floyd's last known residence was in Orlando, Florida.  Floyd has been arrested for the bank robbery in Tavares, Florida, and is a suspect in several other bank robberies that have occurred in the State of Florida.

Sergeant Terri Smith

May 27, 2008

Lakeland Police Seek Identity of Gas Theft Suspect

The Lakeland Police Department is seeking information regarding the identity of this person believed to be responsible for the theft of 430 gallons of gasoline.

Gasthief

Click here to see the complete Crime Stoppers Bulletin.pdf

Sergeant Terri Smith

May 23, 2008

Lakeland Police Identify Suspect Wanted in Attempted Murder of Police Officer

CANCEL BULLETIN - SERGIO ALBERTO CRANDALL HAS BEEN ARRESTED.  Lakeland Police are searching for Sergio Alberto Crandall, W/M, DOB:  3/15/72.  A Murderofleo warrant has been issued for Crandall's arrest for the Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officer Aaron Peterman with a deadly weapon.  Crandall reportedly has a shaved head, is missing several lower front teeth, has multiple tattoos on his back, one is "Tazmanian Devil".

This incident occurred on May 22, 2008, in the parking lot of the Lakeland High School.  The suspect backed into Officer Peterman's vehicle as he was exiting it causing extensive damage and then fled the scene.  Officer Peterman and his K-9, Charief, were not injured.

This suspect should be considered dangerous.  If you know the whereabouts of Sergio Alberto Crandall, do not attempt to make contact with him, but call The Lakeland Police Department 863.834.6900, and ask to be referred to Detective Scott Kercher, or call Crime Stoppers 800.423.TIPS (8477) immediately.

Media inquries should be directed to Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, 863.834.6949. 

Lakeland Police Announce Reward Offered for Serial Bank Robber

UPDATE:  BANK ROBBER CAPTURED - CANCEL BULLETIN - FOR FURTHER SEE ABOVE POST ON MAY 30, 2008 "BANK ROBBER CAPTURED". 

Police Believe one suspect is responsible for several bank robberies across the StateMedia_photo  of Florida.  Police are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying this serial bank robber.  This information has been posted on Crime Stoppers, and now the Riverside Bank is also offering a reward of up to $10,000.00 for information that leads to his arrest.

The suspect has been described as a white male in his early twenties, approximately 5'05" to 5'07" tall and weighing between 140 to 150 lbs.  He had short brown hair, and light to medium complexion.

Police believe the suspect may be driving a mid 80's Camaro or Firebird that has faded paint on the trunk of the automobile.

If you have any information regarding these bank robberies, or can identify the suspect involved, please contact 800.423.TIPS (8477).  This suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.  If you see him, do not approach him - contact police immediately.

All media inquiries should be directed to Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, 863.834.6949.  Download original media release and see photos of suspect vehicle, map, and additional photographs of the suspect.pdf

May 22, 2008

Lakeland Police K-9 Officer Involved in Shooting

Shooting_location_3The Lakeland Police Officer involved in the shooting that occurred last night has been identified as Officer Aaron Peterman, age 32, a seven year veteran of the Lakeland Police Department.  Officer Peterman's K-9 partner's name is Charief.

This incident occurred when Officer Peterman made a traffic stop at the Lakeland High School Parking lot at approximately 12:02 AM on May 22, 2008.  The suspect backed into Officer Peterman's vehicle as he was exiting it causing extensive damage and then fled the scene.  Officer Peterman was able to fire shots at the vehicle hitting it several times.  Officer Peterman attempted to follow, but his vehicle became disabled due the damage inflicted by the suspect's vehicle.  Lakeland Police Officers found the suspect's vehicle abandoned in a parking lot at Florida Southern College.

This investigation is ongoing.  No further information is being released at this time.

Sergeant Terri Smith

May 20, 2008

Lakeland Police Announce Memorial Day Traffic Patrol Operation

The Lakeland Police Department will be conducting Memorial Day Holiday saturation patrols throughout the City of Lakelandbeginning May 23rd in an effort to reduce impaired driving in Lakeland.

These efforts are part of the sustained Drunk Driving - Over the Limit, Under Arrest program sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation.  The goal of announcing these Saturation Patrols is to make people think twice about drinking and driving. Logodrunkdriving

This effort is in conjunction with the Click It or Ticket Enforcement Wave that began on May 19th and continues thru June 1st where the focus will be on seatbelt awareness and enforcement.

If you are planning to drink alcohol during this holiday or any other time of the year, The Lakeland Police Department asks you to use a designated driver, public transportation, taxi, or call a friend that has not been drinking to take you home.  Impaired driving by alcohol and drugs kills and injures thousands of innocent people a year, yet DUI is a totally preventable crime.

Remember, if you are Over the Limit, you will be Under Arrest and if you don’t Click It you will get a Ticket! Please drive safely over this holiday weekend.Logoclickitticket

Media inquiries should be directed to Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, 863.834.6949.

Sergeant Terri Smith

May 19, 2008

Lakeland Police Arrest Homicide Suspect

Lakeland Police have arrested Antonio Jerome Darden for the homicide (shooting) of Ronald Rodman, Jr.  (B/M, DOB:  5/5/87).Dardenpic_3

The homicide occurred at approximately 10:30 PM on May 15, 2008, at 1227 Robert King High Drive, Lakeland, Florida.  Darden was arrested on Friday, May 16th.

This investigation is still ongoing.  Media inquiries may be directed to Jack Gillen, 863.834.6949.

Sergeant Terri Smith

May 16, 2008

Lakeland Police Conducting Homicide Investigation

The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 1227 Robert King High Drive, Lakeland, Florida.

The victim has been identified as Ronald Rodman Jr., B/M, date of birth – May 5, 1987.

The suspect in this homicide is not in custody. Detectives are continuing the investigation at this time. Media inquiries should be directed to Mr. Jack Gillen, LPD PIO, at 863-834-6949.

View the media release here.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

May 09, 2008

Lakeland Police Department Participates in Hurricane Expo

The Lakeland Police Department will be participating in a free  hurricane preparedness seminar hosted by the  Hurricane_2 Presbyterian Church in the Highlands, 1010 Lake Miriam Drive (corner of Cleveland Heights Blvd. and Lake Miriam Drive) on Saturday, May 31, 2008, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

A presentation on home preparedness and generator safety will be conducted at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.  There will be vendors, Emergency Operations Personnel, and Displays on hand.  Food and soft drinks will also be available.

The Lakeland Police Department encourages citizens to attend to learn valuable information to prepare for this 2008 hurricane season!

Media inquiries should be directed to Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, 863.981.0196.

Sergeant Terri Smith

May 06, 2008

Lakeland Police Investigating Bank Robbery

The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that occurred this morning at the Bank of America, 4330 North Road 98.

Boa_bank_robbery_suspectThe suspect is described as a white male, in his early 20s, 5'5" - 5'7", approximately 170 lbs with a medium build. The suspect passed a note demanding money and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

All media inquiries should be directed to Mr. Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, at 863-834-6900. View media release.pdf.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere