Lock Your Car Doors

Posted Sep 17, 2008 by Josh Poltilove

Updated Sep 17, 2008 at 11:00 AM

Several vehicle burglaries occurred in Polk County this week, and in some cases, people had left their car doors unlocked.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said people should lock their parked car’s doors and remove items such as cell phones, GPS devices and iPods.

“There are two guaranteed things that you can do to help prevent from becoming a victim of a vehicle burglary,” Judd said in a news release. “You can lock your car doors or you can park your car in your garage at night.

Five vehicle burglaries took place late Monday and early Tuesday on Hartsworth Drive in Lakeland. Six vehicle burglaries occurred this week in the Symphony subdivision in Davenport.

Six of the 11 vehicles had been left unlocked.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Follow crime throughout the day at Keyword: Crime Blog

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Names We Like

Posted Sep 9, 2008 by Josh Poltilove

Updated Sep 9, 2008 at 08:09 AM

Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president of the United States. He was in office from 1913 to 1921.

In other news, Woodrow Wilson of Lutz was arrested on Monday. The 49-year-old man was charged with driving under the influence.

Click here for more information on the president.

Click here for more information on the Lutz man.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Follow crime throughout the day at Keyword: Crime Blog

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Death Row Menu Choices Are Final

Posted Jul 10, 2008 by Josh Poltilove

Updated Jul 10, 2008 at 08:48 AM

Here’s what the last five people executed in Florida ate for their last meals:

Arthur Rutherford: fried green tomatoes, fried eggplant, fried catfish (fresh water), hush puppies, sweet tea and ketchup [Jan. 31, 2006]

Clarence Hill: two soft taco shells, shredded cheese, rice, pinto beans, taco meat, tossed salad, apple crisp and fortified beverage [Sept. 20, 2006]

Danny Rolling: lobster tail, butterfly shrimp, baked potato, strawberry cheesecake and sweet tea [Oct. 25, 2006]

Angel Nieves Diaz: seasoned shredded turkey (taco seasoning), shredded cheese, rice, pinto beans, tortilla shells (two), apple crisp and tea [Dec. 13, 2006]

Mark Schwab: two fried eggs, four strips of bacon, two sausage links, buttered toast, hash browns and a quart of chocolate milk [July 1]

For the record, the maximum cost allowed for an inmate’s final meal is $40.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Follow crime throughout the day at Keyword: Crime Blog

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Lakeland Publix Target Of Paper Plate, Cold Medicine Theft, Deputies Say

Posted Jul 7, 2008 by Josh Poltilove

Updated Jul 7, 2008 at 04:58 PM

Courtesy of reporter Ray Reyes:

Shoplifters have targeted a particular Lakeland Publix twice in recent months, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

The items taken?

A stack of paper plates and eight boxes of cold medicine.

Deputies have not yet arrested the suspects, but they were captured on video.

According to the sheriff’s office, this is what happened about 8:20 p.m. May 31:

Two men entered the Publix at 2040 Shepherd Road in Lakeland and removed the paper plates without paying.

Photos courtesy of Polk County Sheriff’s Office

The first man is described as Hispanic, about 23 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white tank top and jean shorts.

The second man is described as Hispanic, about 19 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and about 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing jean shorts and a short-sleeve shirt.

They were last seen leaving the area in a 1998 four-door beige Buick with a possible tag number of 843IEQ.

Then there was this incident, which the sheriff’s office said happened about 8:24 p.m. June 13:

A man walked into the supermarket and removed eight boxes of cold medicine without paying. He is described as a white man with multiple tattoos and was last seen wearing jeans with a chain, a black shirt and hat.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call Detective Jill Seymour at (863) 577-1600 or (863) 534-6200.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Follow crime throughout the day at Keyword: Crime Blog

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Names We Like

Posted Jun 23, 2008 by Josh Poltilove

Updated Jun 23, 2008 at 08:20 AM

Lisa Marie Pressley was arrested at her Tampa home Sunday.

No, not Lisa Marie Presley.

Lisa Marie Pressley.

Pressley, 42, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and burglary of an occupied structure.

She remained in Orient Road Jail today.

Her bail was set at $15,000.

Click here for more information on Lisa Marie Presley.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Follow crime throughout the day at Keyword: Crime Blog

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