Latest news with #HeartlandCrimeStoppers
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘He loved his kids': Family mourns man killed Lakeland double homicide crash
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Polk County Sheriff's Office identified the victims from Monday's double murder as Davin Boutwell, 19, and Nathaniel Jones, 38. No suspects have been named. 'They were my babies': Mom of boys killed in Largo crash tearfully mourns loss 'A lot going through my mind right now because losing anybody, it hurts,' said Kenny Tarvar, Jones' uncle. He said his nephew was somebody everyone in the Medulla community knew. 'He loved his kids,' Tarvar said. 'It's the kids, man. I know they hurt right now because I'm hurt right now. It's tearing me up.' 'When he came around, he just uplifted your spirit and just made you smile,' said Jack Williams, Jones' cousin. Williams said he looked up to his older cousin, who he called Nat, while growing up. 'I just want him to be remembered as somebody who was a very special person to Medulla and to be remembered for the cars they used to race and for him just being a good uplifting person,' said Williams. Williams said his cousin started using his electric bike to get around within the last year or so. He said Jones was riding his electric bike to visit his brother before going to work Monday afternoon when he was struck on Pirates Way by a Mercedes, which then crashed into a home. 'He was just so unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,' Sheriff Grady Judd said. Both Jones and the driver, Boutwell, died on scene. 'Alligator advisory' sign installed at Tiger Creek after back-to-back attacks As first responders were performing life-saving measures, they discovered Boutwell had a bullet hole in his chest. According to Judd, Boutwell was shot while attempting to sell drugs in the Secret Cove area. The sheriff said detectives have video of the shooting. 'We have your picture,' Judd said. 'It's important that you understand you can be a suspect or you can be a witness.' When it comes to those involved, Tarvar said he hopes they change their ways. 'Living that life, man, it's not worth it. God got better for you,' he said. If anyone has any information regarding this case, reward money is available for anonymous tips made through Heartland Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida or dial **TIPS Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
‘I was covered in blood': Lakeland woman recovering after shooting on I-4
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — Trinity Ramos, 23, of Lakeland, said she remembers everything about being shot at on I-4 but does not know who did it or why. 'There were no thoughts other than surviving,' Ramos said. Truck drives off bridge into creek in Gibsonton In a split second, she went from excited to get home to her fiance from work to fighting for her life. 'I usually wear a white uniform with khaki pants,' Ramos said. 'It was all red. I was covered in blood.' Ramos was driving her Orkin work truck westbound on I-4 at around 3:45 Wedneday afternoon near the State Road 559 exit to Polk City and Auburndale when a bullet shattered her driver's side window. It tore apart the hat she was wearing and grazed her skull. Ramos was able to pull over safely. 'Tried to flag someone down but no one stopped so I said, 'Ok let's assess the situation'. I looked in the mirror, found where I was bleeding from and it was from my head,' said Ramos. She said she used a shirt to stop the bleeding and called 911. Deputies arrived and kept her calm. 'They took care of me. They said 'we're gonna get you outta here. You're not gonna die',' said Ramos. 'I said, ok we got this. We're gonna do this. I'm gonna live and here I am.' Ramos has 17 staples in her head, scratches on her face and is in a decent amount of pain. 'The bullet did not enter my skull, surprisingly. They said it was a miracle,' said Ramos. 'Fractions of an inch, she would have been dead,' said Sheriff Grady Judd. Sheriff Judd said his deputies have studied the terrain where Ramos was shot. 'We have no reason to believe based upon the evidence we see that it was someone on the side of the road,' Judd said. 'What we highly suspect was that it was someone eastbound that was involved in a road rage incident or simply fired a firearm.' Both Sheriff Judd and Ramos said they hope somebody comes forward with information. 'I think whoever did this,' Ramos said. 'I think they should really think about their life decisions and how they could work on themselves to better themselves and take a breath. It's not about the destination. It's about the journey.' Anybody with information is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200. If you have any information regarding this crime and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways: CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone VISIT the website and click on 'Submit A Tip,' DOWNLOAD the free 'P3tips' app on your smartphone or tablet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
Shooter sought after driver struck by gunfire on I-4 in central Florida
The Polk County Sheriff's Office says a driver was shot by another motorist on Interstate 4 between Polk City and Auburndale Wednesday afternoon. According to the sheriff's office, the victim called 911 just after 3:45 p.m. She reportedly said the bullet went through the driver's side window and grazed her while she was heading west in the area between the on and off ramp of State Road 559. She was treated at a local hospital, then released. Sheriff's investigators say the shot appears to have been fired from someone heading eastbound on I-4 at the same time. There is no evidence that the gun was fired by someone on the ground alongside the interstate. The shooter is still at large. Investigators are asking anyone who saw the incident or know who it is to call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200. Anonymous calls may also be made to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400 8477 or by dialing TIPS from a cellphone. You may also contact Heartland Crime Stoppers online or via the P3tips app. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
Suspects sought after 2 swans, their 4 eggs stolen from Lakeland community: deputies
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — Deputies in Polk County are looking for two men who they say kidnapped a family of black swans under the cover of night. Surveillance video captured most of the ordeal, with the suspects pulling up to the Highland Village Mobile Home Park in Lakeland around 9:04 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. WATCH: Dolphins welcome new training ship to Tampa Bay Two men were then seen walking around the area with what appeared to be nets. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the two men captured two black swans and stole four of their eggs. They then left the area around 9:43 p.m. The two men are now being sought for grand theft. Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office Agriculture Crimes Unit at 863-534-7205. If you wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways: • Call 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida • Dial **TIPS from your cell phone • Visit and click on 'Submit A Tip' • Download the free 'P3tips' app on your smartphone or tablet Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
