LPD Online News

Lakeland Police Arrest Car Jacking Suspect

On June 29, 2009, at approximately 10:00 pm, Mena took a vehicle left parked at the Chevron Gas Station, 1315 South Road 98, that was left with the keys in the ignition and the engine running as the owner, Frank Scianimanico, ran into the gas station for a few minutes.  As Mena entered the vehicle, he was confronted by a friend of the victim, Rochelle Ann Clary, that had been following Scianimanico in another vehicle and had also parked at the Gas Station waiting for Scianimanico to return to his vehicle.  As Mena drove off with the vehicle, Clary was thrown to the ground.  Clary received minor injuries.

At this time, Scianimanico and Clary began to follow Mena in Clary’s vehicle while giving the location of the stolen vehicle, via cell phone, to Lakeland Police dispatchers.  Mena stopped the vehicle in the area of 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive and fled on foot.  Scianimanico pursued Mena on foot, and provided direction of travel via cell phone until Lakeland Police responded to the scene and placed Mena under arrest.  Mena was also arrested for violation of parole on a warrant from the State of Illinios.

Media inquiries should be directed to Sgt. Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.  

Download Affidavit

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Attempt to Identify Theft Suspect

Lakeland Police are attempting to identify a subject captured in a surveillance video entering the All Saint Episcopal Church, 202 South Massachusetts Avenue, on June 26, 2009.  The suspect entered the church and removed a wooden box with the words “Day by Day” on it. 

The suspect is  described as a black male, 5’06” tall, medium length natural hair, clean shaven.

If you can identify this suspect, please contact the Lakeland Police Department, 863.834.6900, or Crime Stoppers, 800.226.TIPS (8477).

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Suicide

Lakeland Police are investigating a suicide that occurred at 1640 East Fern Road in Lakeland on June 24, 2009.  At approximately 6:20 pm, officers responded to a residence at this location after receiving a 911 call from a male who stated that there was going to be a suicide at that location, and he wanted the police and emergency medical persons to be the ones to find the body and not anyone else. 

Lakeland Police responded and made contact with two occupants of the residence and found that they had not made the call.  They directed an officer to the back of the house to the garage where the landlord lived.   As the officer approached the back yard, they observed vehicles parked behind the house.  One vehicle was running with a cable attached inside the vehicle and the other end attached to a pole in the garage.  As the officer came closer, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and drove away from the house and crashed through a fence and into train tracks located behind the house.  As officers approached the vehicle, they found Eric C. Lucht (W/M, DOB:  7/20/66) inside the vehicle deceased.   Lucht’s vehicle was running with the gear shift still positioned in drive.  The heat from the engine caused a small fire to start.  LFD responded and was able to extinguish the flames. 

Witnesses that knew Lucht stated that Lucht had a history of mental illness and had attempted suicide in the past.  Lucht had served in the military in Iraq and was honorably discharged in 2004.

Next of kin has been notified.  Media inquiries should be directed to Sgt. Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.  This information is also available on www.lpdonlinenews.com.

Sergeant Terri Smith
 

Lakeland Police Attempt to Locate Wanted Person

Update:  6/29/09, Suspect has Been Arrested

Lakeland Police are attempting to locate Fernando Soliz, age 37, who has an outstanding warrant for the offense of Aggravated Battery With a Deadly Weapon.  
 
Soliz met the Lakeland victim online, traveled to Lakeland on June 14, 2009, and on June 17, 2009, battered the victim with a baseball bat causing serious injuries when the victim demanded that Soliz leave the residence. 

Soliz is described as a hispanic male, DOB:  4/7/72,  approximately 5’10” tall, weighs 150 to 170 pounds, has a tattoo on the back of his neck “POPEYE”.  Soliz was last seen wearing tennis shoes that have red shoelaces.  Soliz has black, shoulder length, braided hair and was last known to reside in Kissimmee, Florida.

Police are asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of Soliz to contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863.834.6900, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS. Do not approach Soliz.  Soliz should be considered armed and dangerous.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Sgt. Terri Smith - PIO, 863.834.6917   

Sergeant Terri Smith

Police Find Many Red Light Citations are From Turning Right on Red

Yesterday, Lakeland Police released that 1,021 red light violations had been approved for citations since cameras were installed at five major intersections to capture images of red light violators.  

Police are finding that the majority of these violations (exact number is not available) are the result of drivers failing to come to a complete stop before turning right on red in intersections where right turns are permitted.  Citizens are reminded that in order to be in compliance with traffic laws, a driver must come to a complete stop behind the stop line/bar prior to making a right turn on red.  If a driver pulls into the intersection crossing over the stop line/bar before stopping, or simply slows down and “rolls” through the intersection without coming to a complete stop, they are considered to be in violation of the red light.

Police are stressing the importance of obeying these laws.  It is hoped that as drivers become more focused on stopping properly at intersections as a result of the use of these cameras, there will be fewer traffic crashes. 

Media inquiries should be directed to Sgt. Terri Smith, 863.834.6917.  

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Release Red Light Citation Numbers

Lakeland Police have released red light camera numbers as of June 23, 2009.  Since the program began, there have been a total of 1,242 citation violations reviewed.  Of this number, 1,021 have been approved to be issued citations, and 221 have been rejected. 

Media inquiries should be directed to Sgt. Terri Smith, 863.834.6917. The below link gives some additional information on the red light citations. 

http://www.insidelpd.com/

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Seek Public's Help to Identify Burglary Suspects

Lakeland Police are investigating a business burglary that occurred on May 28, 2009, at Great USA Food Mart, 337 S Road 98, Lakeland, Florida.  The suspects broke the glass door, entered the business, and removed Newport brand cigarettes.
 
The images attached were captured by surveillance equipment.  There is also a picture of the vehicle used by the suspects. 

 Police are asking anyone who may be able to identify these suspects to contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863.834.6900, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS. 

Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin and Additional Photos 

Sergeant Terri Smith 

Lakeland Police Seek Public Help to Identify Counterfeiters

Lakeland Police are investigating a counterfeiting case that occurred on  June 11, 2009, at Mojo’s Liquor Store, 1853 E Memorial Blvd., in Lakeland.  Two men entered the store and purchased liquor using counterfeit currency.  Suspect descriptions:

Suspect 1:  Black male, 22 to 25 years of age, approximately 5’10” tall, weighing 200 pounds.  Suspect had a goatee.

Suspect 2:  Black male, 22 to 27 years of age, approximately 5’09” tall, weighing 220 pounds.

 
Police are asking anyone who may be able to identify these suspects to contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863.834.6900, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS. This information is also available on www.lpdonlinenews.com.

Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin With Additional Suspect Photos

Sergeant Terri Smith

Police Seek Help of Public to Identify Attempted Car Jacking Suspect

Lakeland Police are investigating a car jacking attempt where the victim was shot by the suspect.    The victim was in his vehicle on June 13, 2009,  parked by the main entrance of 5251 Long Lake Circle  when the suspect got into the passenger seat, pointed a gun at him, and told the victim to get out of the car.  The suspect shot the victim when he refused to give the suspect his car. 

Attached is a composite sketch of the suspect.  The suspect is further described as a black male, 6’02” tall, slender build and an “ugly” face.

Police are asking anyone who may be able to identify this suspect, or who may have additional information regarding this case, to contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863.834.6900, or Crime Stoppers at       1-800-226-TIPS. The public is also cautioned not to approach this suspect as he is armed and dangerous. 

Download Crime Stoppers Bulletin  

Sergeant Terri Smith

Lakeland Police Investigate Homicide

UPDATE:  6/18/09, 12:30 PM:  The name of the victim in this case is Stephanie Joseph, B/F, DOB:  3/2/90.  Victim lived with Chambers.  The State Attorney’s Office has upgraded the charge in this case to 1st Degree Murder.  Next of kin has been notified.

Lakeland Police have arrested Christopher Lee Chambers, (B/M, DOB:  8/22/85), for the homicide of an adult female that occurred at 1017 Griffin Road, Lakeland, Florida. 

Chambers shot the female while she was taking a shower in his apartment.  Chambers stated he was only trying to frighten the victim, and did not believe the handgun was loaded.  Chambers was charged with 2nd Degree Murder with a Firearm.

The name of the victim will be released pending notification of next of kin.  All media questions should be directed to Jack Gillen, PIO, 863.834.6949.  

Download Arrest Affidavit

Sergeant Terri Smith