Latest news with #UnivistaInsurance
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
Lake Wales insurance business vandalized with spray paint, molotov cocktails
The Brief The Lake Wales Police Department is searching for a suspect who threw Molotov cocktails into an insurance business. Police say someone broke the door window and then threw two Molotov cocktails inside the sitting area. The fires burned the floor and an artificial plant but went out before the business was fully engulfed. LAKE WALES, Fla. - The Lake Wales Police Department is searching for a suspect who threw Molotov cocktails into an insurance business. Dig deeper The incident happened at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday at Univista Insurance off of Highway 60. It offers several different types of insurance, including auto, home, commercial, life, Obamacare and Medicare. READ:Polk County breaks ground on new water production facility to meet future water demand Police say someone broke the door window and then threw two Molotov cocktails inside the sitting area. "One was a RedHot Hot Sauce bottle, and another one was a soy sauce-type bottle," said Sgt. Ricky Hartwell with the department's Criminal Investigations Division. The fires burned the floor and an artificial plant but went out before the business was fully engulfed. "Civil War Trump" was also spray painted on the front of the business. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube What they're saying "We don't know what the motive is," said Hartwell. "We hope to find out when the guy goes to jail, of course. I can speak about the city limits of Lake Wales. Inside the city limits it's pretty unique to us we don't see this everyday and that's why we're taking it so seriously." No one was inside the business at the time; Therefore, no one was hurt. The search for the suspect is ongoing. The other side Univista Insurance's owner told FOX 13 he didn't feel comfortable talking about the investigation until it was complete, and an arrest had been made. The Source The information in this story was gathered through an interview with Sgt. Ricky Hartwell and details given by the Lake Wales Police Department. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
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.
