Latest news with #TrumpCivilWar
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
‘Civil War Trump': Lake Wales police search for suspect who spray-painted, threw Molotov cocktails at business
LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — Lake Wales police are searching for the suspect or suspects who threw Molotov cocktails through a business' windows and spray-painted 'Civil War Trump' on the building. Last week, 8 On Your Side spoke with the owner of Univista Insurance, who said he had no idea why vandals would target his business. Previous Report: Lake Wales business vandalized by Molotov cocktails, graffiti saying 'Trump Civil War' 'What is the message that you want, that you want to give? Because apparently there was a message sent. You want me out of here? Why? You want me to do business? Why don't you like me? Why? That's my question,' German Portillo said. Lake Wales police released new video on Wednesday of the car involved in the incident and asked for the public's help identifying the driver. They identified the vehicle as a light-colored Toyota Prius. Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to an arrest in this case. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Lake Wales Police at (863) 678-4223. If you would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for the cash reward through Crime Stoppers, you can call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477) or from your cell phone, dial **TIPS. You can also visit the website and click on 'Submit a Tip', or download the free 'P3tips' app on your smartphone or tablet to submit a tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Yahoo
Armed man points gun at victim, barricades himself in bedroom: deputies
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WFLA) — A Fort Myers man was arrested Friday after deputies said he threatened to shoot somebody inside the home and barricaded himself in a bedroom. Just after 9 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic disturbance at a home in the 2000 block of Gorthan Avenue in Fort Myers. Lake Wales business vandalized by Molotov cocktails, graffiti saying 'Trump Civil War' Investigators revealed Weston Allen Gardner, 39, had gotten into an argument with somebody inside the home and pointed a gun at them, threatening to shoot the victim and himself. When deputies arrived, they evacuated the remaining residents in the home, as Gardner barricaded himself in a bedroom. Despite several commands and attempts to get Gardner out of the home, the suspect ignored authorities, until the Special Operations Unit and Crisis Negotiation Teams responded. The video shows the moment Gardner exited the home, was ordered to the ground and placed under arrest. Tampa man found in the water, clinging to pylon after theft in Florida Keys: deputies 'I'm grateful for the teamwork used by all, to include response from Patrol, our Special Operations Unit, Crisis Negotiations Team, and Electronic Surveillance Unit in safely removing the suspect from inside the home before he was able to hurt himself or others,' Sheriff Carmine Marceno said. Inside the home, officials seized a Glock 19 handgun, several rounds of ammunition and a holster. Gardner was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and obstruction without violence. According to court records, Gardner has a decades-long history of run-ins with the law including criminal traffic charges, breach of peace, and battery (domestic violence). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Yahoo
Lake Wales business vandalized by Molotov cocktails, graffiti saying ‘Trump Civil War'
LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — A Lake Wales man said he was shocked to learn somebody threw Molotov cocktails into his business. When German Portillo pulled into his Lake Wales office Thursday morning, he was stunned by what he saw. Florida marks first arrest under the Alien Enemies Act 'Why do we have to go all the way to this? We don't have any issues with any customers,' Portillo said. Two Molotov cocktails had been thrown inside. They scorched the floor and filled the space with smoke. 'I don't know what to think. When you see things like that, you say, 'Well, what if it happened when I was here in the middle of the day?'' Portillo said. Outside, decals covering his windows were vandalized with paint, which has since been cleaned up. Police said the suspects spray painted the words 'Trump Civil War.' 'There were writings on the graffiti that we can't hide,' Portillo said. Portillo told 8 on your side he's owned Univista Insurance in Lake Wales for eight years, but had only been open at this location for three weeks. 'What is the message that you want, that you want to give? Because apparently there was a message sent. You want me out of here? Why? You want me to do business? Why don't you like me? Why? That's my question,' Portillo said. Portillo said he's thankful no one was hurt and hopes the person responsible is held accountable. Investigators said they do have evidence of the suspect's car, and they are using digital evidence to help solve the crime. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
