Suspect Wanted In Burglary

Winter Haven, Florida – Winter Haven Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects who broke into the Mobile Mart in Winter Haven overnight.

On 12-20-13 at approximately 1 a.m., two black males are seen entering the store located at 1140 6th St., NW in Winter Haven. The suspects took electronics and jewelry along with Christmas stockings hanging on the wall. The stockings have the names “Slim”, “Nate”, “Gladys” and “Hunter” on them.
Suspect one is a black male, medium build, wearing a black long sleeve shirt, black shorts, a pink watch, black and white Chuck Taylor style shoes, and a black du-rag. He is seen in the video looking straight at the camera.

Burglary Suspects

The second suspect is a black male wearing a long tang jacket, blue jeans and a blue and white striped shirt. He appears to have a black towel or shirt draped over the back of his head, and had the hood of his jacket up.
Anyone with information on who either of these suspects are is asked to call Detective Charles Bolten at 863-401-2256 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Winter Haven, Florida – Emergency responders were called to the scene of an accident early Sunday evening. The accident occurred on Cypress Gardens Blvd near the intersection of 6th St. SE. According to Winter Haven Public Information Officer, Jamie Brown, complete details of the crash were currently unavailable. The information available was that an accident had occurred between a car & a motorcycle. The motorcyclist, who has yet to be identified, was responsive and transported to Winter Haven Hospital.

Witnesses advise that the motorcycle ended up on top of the car. This is an ongoing story and we will update when we have more information.

Winter Haven Police are asking for help locating suspects who took a truck containing 41,000 pounds of frozen food.

On 12-22-13, Police responded to the Royal Inn (3525 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven) where a 2006 blue Freightliner semi truck and his 53 foot, 2000 white Utility trailer was reportedly taken. The truck and trailer were last seen on 12-21-13 at 9 p.m.

The vehicle had tags displayed that included F2590I on the truck and Florida tag of 0923CE on the trailer.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Charles Bolton at 863-401-2257 by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Winter Haven, Florida – Around 7:47 a.m. this morning, December 26, 2013, PCSO received a call in reference to a car that was seen by a Florida Refuse Truck on Country Club Road South, between Dundee Rd and Lake Hamilton Road, upside down and about 2/3 submerged in water in what can be described as a creek or ditch. The wood fence where the car appears to have entered the embankment and down into the water was also broken. The car could not be seen from the roadway by passers-by or a normal sized vehicle. The Florida Refuse workers were able to see down the embankment thanks to their height advantage from inside their work truck.

Winter Haven Police, PCSO Deputies, Fire/EMS, and the PCSO dive team arrived on-scene. There were no signs of life from within the car during the numerous efforts by first responders to locate any survivors. The front end of the car was completely submerged, and a portion of the back end was sticking up out of the water (see attached photos).

Around 11:45 a.m., the deputies on the dive team who were in the water heard noises coming from within the car. They established communication from a man who was inside the car, telling deputies he was cold and needed help. Up until this point in time the victim had made no noise and did not respond to any of the first responders’ efforts to locate survivors.

The dive team, comprised of Deputy Sheriff Jeff Kistler and Deputy Sheriff Bob Clayton, rescued the adult male victim, who was a back seat passenger during the time of the crash. The victim was submerged in the water up to his neck. He is being treated for hypothermia and other injuries at Winter Haven Hospital.

He has been interviewed by deputies but is not completely lucid. Deputies are still trying to determine exactly when and how the crash occurred. So far it does appear that this car was the only car involved, and that it was heading northbound on Country Club Road when, for unknown reasons, it left the roadway across the southbound lane, through a fence, down an embankment, ending up upside down in the water. The depth of the water is about 5 feet.

The dive team located two deceased victims in the front of the car, which was completely submerged. One appears to be the driver, and one the front seat passenger.

Deceased driver: 25-year-old Rafael Fernandes De Aguiar Valim of Campbell Drive in Winter Haven. The Mitsubishi involved is registered to him, and he was driving.

Deceased front-seat passenger: 23-year-old Taylor Jeffrey Bowden of Towhee Road in Winter Haven.

Surviving back-seat passenger: 22-year-old Robert Lewis Edwards of Jeffrey Street in Boca Raton.

Preliminarily, based on interviews with victims’ friends and family and phone calls they received from the victims last evening, it appears the victims were at Indigo’s bar on US 17 in Winter Haven last evening (December 25, 2013) and that the crash occurred around 2:00 a.m. this morning (December 26, 2013) after they left Indigo’s and while they were enroute to a friend’s house in the area of where the crash occurred.

The investigation is ongoing. Autopsies on both deceased victims will be conducted to determine cause and approximate times of death.

PCSO in response to inquiries, are advising that deceased victim, Taylor Bowden, is likely former FSU Bobby Bowden’s grandson.

Don’t Dress for Dinner is a frenetic case of mistaken identity with more twists than a corkscrew. Bernard’s plans for a romantic rendezvous with his mistress are complete with a gourmet caterer and an alibi courtesy of his friend, Robert. But when Bernard’s wife learns that Robert will be visiting for the weekend, she decides to stay in town for a surprise tryst of her own….setting the stage for a collision course of assumed identities and outrageous infidelities. A story of illicit bliss and hilarious complications!

DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER
January 9 – 26, 2014 (3 Weeks)

Tickets 20$ Adults & 17$ Students

Theatre Winter Haven – Chain O’ Lakes Complex
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.  Winter Haven, FL  33880
Box Office: 863-294-SHOW (7469)
Business Office: 863-299-2672

Showtimes & Ticket Info

	Thursday January 9th at 7:30 pm
	Friday January 10th at 7:30 pm
	Saturday January 11th at 7:30 pm
	Sunday January 12th at 2:30 pm
	Thursday January 16th at 7:30 pm
	Friday January 17th at 7:30 pm
	Saturday January 18th at 7:30 pm
	Sunday January 19th at 2:30 pm
	Sunday January 19th at 7:30 pm
	Thursday January 23rd at 7:30 pm
	Friday January 24th at 7:30 pm
	Saturday January 25th at 2:30 pm
	Saturday January 25th at 7:30 pm
	Sunday January 26th at 2:30 pm

Warrant for arrest of man who kidnapped and attempted to strangle his wife on New Years Day.

Winter Haven Police obtained a warrant for David Archer (B/M, DOB 1-14-81) on charges of Domestic Battery Strangulation, Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Shooting into and Occupied Dwelling Suspect stemming from an incident that began on New Years Eve and continued into New Years Day.

Archer became enraged at his wife on New Years Eve and began the horrific assault inside of their home, which included firing a weapon into a wall. Archer’s wife, who received significant injuries from repeated beatings, talked him into taking her to the hospital. However, after they left the home, Archer drove them to the Orlando area and threated to kill them both.

Eventually, Archer drove back to Winter Haven, making another stop along the way threatening to kill himself by drowning in a nearby lake. After pleading with him, Archer finally took his wife to the emergency room on 1-1-14. Archer threatened his wife more harm if she did not tell a fabricated story of how she received the injuries. The lie told to medical staff and law enforcement included a fight between other females, which caused the injuries to the victim.

After treatment, Archer drove his wife to a hotel on Hwy 27 holding her against her will for two days. After two days, Archer took his wife back home late in the afternoon on 1-3-14 and he left. Once he left the residence she contacted relatives who in turn called Police. The victim was taken back to the hospital and received additional medical care.

Archer is described as a black male, 5’7″ and 160 pounds. He is possibly driving a blue 2008 Yamaha YZF-R6, Florida tag 98676N. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who knows of Archer’s whereabouts or who sees him is asked to call Winter Haven Police Detective Steve Rusich at 863-401-2256. Callers can also call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

ohn Ferguson and Wesley Wise of Polk State College finished 4th with 33-1 (Photo By Shaye Baker – Bassmaster.com)

Winter Haven, Florida – Wesley Wise & John Ferguson two students at Polk State College are headed to the Bassmaster College Championship. They qualified by coming in as one of the top four teams at last weekends Carhartt College Series Southern Regional on Lake Okeechobee.

Wesley Wise is from Lake Wales and John Ferguson is from Bartow. The PSC students competed and beat some very large named schools and lost to a few big named ones also. The number one team was University of Central Florida followed by Alabama and Florida came in 3rd. They beat out colleges like Florida State, Auburn, Georgia just to name a few. As the 4th place team the young men qualified for the 2014 Carhartt College Series National Championship which will take place sometime after June.

Were pretty proud of these young men and wish them well as they head on to the championship later this summer.

Winter Haven, Florida – Winter Haven Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen vehicle and also warning businesses of a potential smash & grab occurrence.
On 1-7-14 at approximately 1:20 p.m., a 1996 white Jeep Grand Cherokee (FL tag N648DU) was reported stolen from 50 Lake Howard Dr., SW in Winter Haven. The owner last saw the vehicle at 7 p.m. on 1-6-14.

There have been a number of recent smash & grab burglaries across the area where suspects steal older model Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep products and ram the stolen vehicle into the front of a business and burglarize the structure.
The white Grand Cherokee (pictured) has distinctive yellow stickers advertising “You Lube” oil change (see photo attached). Additional distinguishing items include a black front bumper cover and a St Joseph’s Catholic magnet.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this vehicle is asked to call Sgt. Don Nunnery at 863-401-2256 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Police suspect this man as a lookout for woman trying to cash forged check.

Winter  Haven, Florida – Winter Haven Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who teamed up with another suspect to cash a forged check.

Female suspected of trying to cash forged check

On 1-7-13 at approximately 3:30 p.m., a black male in his mid to late 20′s entered the BB&T Bank on Magnolia Ave. in Winter Haven. At the same time, a gray or silver Toyota Camry was driving up to a drive-thru teller window. The man inside of the bank stayed on the phone apparently in an attempt to be the lookout while the driver of the Camry attempted to cash a forged check. Tellers contacted law enforcement and the vehicle fled and the man inside the bank ran out as well without making any transaction. The driver of the vehicle is described as a heavy-set white female possibly wearing a dark wig.

Anyone with information on who the man is or with any information on this case is asked to contact Detective Larry Brooks at 863-291-5620 or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Polk County Sheriff’s detectives are seeking information about a strong-armed robbery that occurred at a CVS store in Winter Haven.

Around 6:35 p.m. on January 11, 2014, as the victim was being wheeled in her wheelchair by her husband into the CVS store located at 3005 Winter Lake Road in Winter Haven, an unknown black male suspect ran up to her and snatched her purse. The suspect then fled on foot westbound.

A video surveillance image seen here shows the suspect standing in front of CVS watching the victim approach. There is another photo of him inside the store before the robbery. He is described as a black male, 5’9″ to 5’11″ tall, 140-160 lbs., wearing a gray shirt with white lettering on it, black pants, and white shoes. He may have had a blue backpack as well.

If anyone has information about this incident or can identify this suspect, they are urged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers.

 ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!  iPhone and Droid users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install these free apps, please visit www.tipsoft.com.

Winter Haven Hospital Community Blood Center Rolls out New Bloodmobileat City of Auburndale Fire Station            Winter Haven, Fla.,

(January 14, 2014) – When blood donors roll up their sleeves today at the City of Auburndale Fire Station, they’ll be the first to save lives on board Winter Haven Hospital Community Blood Centers new 40 foot bloodmobile. The bloodmobile is complete with new equipment, spacious registration area, a hydraulic stabilization system to keep it steady, a surround sound stereo system and enough donation beds to collect blood from five donors at a time.

“Voluntary blood donations ensure that a supply is available when patients need it. The new bus will hopefully allow us to collect donations in an efficient and timely manner while providing a more comfortable experience for donors,” said Kayla Kapp, a recruiter/coordinator for the Winter Haven Hospital Community Blood Center.

The Community Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood to Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven Hospital’s Regency Center for Women and Infants, as well as Lake Wales Medical Center. Each unit donated can help up to three patients and it takes approximately 1,500 donors a month to support the blood needs of those facilities.

The Center has a fleet of three bloodmobiles, which collect about 65% of all blood donations. It also operates two fixed site donation locations in Polk County.

Help christen the new bloodmobile and save lives at the City of Auburndale Fire Station on Jan. 14 at 100 Ariana Ave. in Auburndale from 1-4p.m.

Learn more about Winter Haven Hospital’s Community Blood Center or find out when a bloodmobile will be in your area by calling (863) 297-1840.

A warrant has been obtained for the arrest of Sean Paul Webster, a violent felon who robbed a man in his Winter Haven home and pointed a sawed-off shotgun in the face of the victim. Charges include Armed Robbery with Firearm, Armed Burglary with Assault, three counts of False Imprisonment, two counts of Aggravated Battery and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.

Webster, who police consider armed and extremely dangerous, has a “Fighting Irish” tattoo on the right side of his neck. 

On 1-13-14 at approximately 11:45 a.m., 19 year-old Nathaniel Smith was awakened by the sound of someone coming into his residence, located at 830 Ave. N, SW, Winter Haven. When Smith opened his eyes he saw Sean Webster (W/M, DOB 3-1-72, 2316 Azalea Ct., Lakeland FL) standing over him with the weapon pointed at his face. Smith’s girlfriend, 18 year-old Breanna Hause, was also in the room and heard Webster enter the room. Webster threatened to shoot Smith saying, “This is real,” and demanded money. 

Webster ordered both Smith and Hause out of the room and demanded that Smith put his two dogs away or he (Webster) would shoot them. Webster escorted both Smith and Hause outside to ensure the dogs were secured.  Webster walked the pair back into the house continuing to tell them he was going to shoot them both. As Smith and Hause sat on the floor, Webster kicked Smith in the mouth and started ransacking the room looking for more money. Webster continued to move the pair at gunpoint to other areas of the house demanding money.

Smith’s brother, 22 year-old Bradley Dugan, came to the residence and started to enter through the back door. When Webster saw Dugan, he grabbed him by the collar and hit him on the side of the head with the shotgun barrel, forcing him at gunpoint into the residence. Webster then picked up a computer and fled the residence in a 2000 red Pontiac Sunfire, which was later recovered by police in Lakeland.

Anyone with information on Webster’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Nick Gregory at 863-401-2256 or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

ANTHONY DAVIS

An alert citizen thwarted a residential burglary after calling Police upon seeing two people walking around a neighbors home after dark.

On 1-16-14 at approximately 10 p.m., Winter Haven Police received a call from an alert resident in the Normandy Heights neighborhood regarding subjects wearing dark-colored clothing sneaking around a home in an obvious attempt to not be seen. The citizen who witnessed the subjects kept an eye on them as law enforcement responded, watching the suspects in the front and the back of the home.

Winter Haven Police officers along with Polk County Sheriff’s deputies converged on the area and the two suspects ran. Eighteen year-old Anthony Davis (DOB 9-4-95, 1408 Evergreen Place, SW, Winter Haven) and 15 year-old Matthew Miller (DOB 11-7-98, 130 Ave. C, SE, Winter Haven) were then seen running behind homes in the Kings Pond subdivision when another alert citizen informed officers of the suspects. Miller was caught shortly after hiding behind a vehicle in the same neighborhood.

Davis continued to run and with the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Miller was located in the back yard of a home on Sunshine Way in the neighboring subdivision. Davis refused to obey commands to stop, but ultimately complied when an officer deployed his Department-issued Taser.

Davis, who is currently out on bond for a burglary in Lake Hamilton that occurred in December 2013, was taken into custody and booked in the Polk County Jail for Attempted Burglary (F-3), Trespass of Structure (M-2), Loitering/Prowling (M-2) and Resisting Officers without Violence (M-1).  Miller was taken to the Polk Juvenile Assessment Center in Bartow on charges of Attempted Burglary (F-3), Trespass of Structure (M-2), Loitering/Prowling (M-2) and Resisting Officers without Violence (M-1).

“This is a prime example of what our citizens can do to help law enforcement capture these criminals,” said Chief Gary Hester. “Because of these alert citizens, we now have two burglars behind bars where they belong.”

34 year-old Priscilla Hatcher

Winter Haven, Florida – A 34 year-old Winter Haven woman is back behind bars after a routine traffic stop for a seat belt violation turned into a traffic crash and attempted carjacking.

According to the Winter Haven Police Department on 5-30-15 at approximately 7 p.m., a Winter Haven Police officer spotted a black Kia traveling East on Ave. L, NW approaching 6th St. NW. The driver, 34 year-old Priscilla Hatcher (DOB 12-16-80, 3132 Harmony Lane, Winter Haven) was allegedly not wearing her seatbelt. The officer activated his emergency lights in an effort to make a lawful traffic stop near the Publix parking lot (1395 6th St., NW). Hatcher pulled her vehicle into the parking lot appearing that she was going to stop.

Once she traveled through the parking lot, Hatcher accelerated towards the exit of the parking lot at Ave. M, NW in an attempt to flee the officer the report says.  In doing so, Hatcher ran the red light at Hwy. 17 and Ave. M, NW striking a vehicle driven by 55 year-old Barbara Campbell of Lakeland, who traveling south on 6th St., NW (Hwy 17).

When the cars came to rest in the roadway, Hatcher quickly exited her vehicle and ran to a car parked in the Citgo gas station, where the driver, 36 year-old Monita L. Brown of Winter Haven, was sitting inside. Hatcher opened the door and pulled Brown out of the driver’s seat. Hatcher yelled, “Get out of my way, I need your car,” in an attempt gain control of the vehicle. As Hatcher got into the driver’s seat, Brown reached back in and grabbed the keys, which were still in the ignition.
The officer, who had arrived in the parking lot where Hatcher ran, immediately took her into custody. During an interview with Hatcher, she told the officer, “My fingerprints aren’t on the keys. I only got in the vehicle to hide.”

Hatcher was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with Carjacking (F1), Fleeing to Elude (F3), Battery (F3) and Knowingly Driving with Suspended License (M2).

Hatcher is no stranger to the inside of a jail cell, including three separate times served in the Florida State Prison. Those charges included Assault (1998 – served 3 years), Grand Theft (2005 – served 1 year 4 months) and Possession of Cocaine (2012 – served 1 year 4 months). Hatcher has also been booked into the Polk County Jail 24 times for charges that include multiple Larceny and drug charges, Aggravated Assault and Failure to Appear.

The May Shoplifter Spotlight is overflowing!!

A total of 32 people took the FREE ride to jail in the month of May! There are a few here who took the ride for the very first time. We suppose the word got out about the free ride and wonderful accommodations at the Polk County Jail!
(For those new to our Shoplifter Spotlight, here’s our disclaimer – No matter what situation a person is in, stealing is against the law and you will get caught! Theft is one of the reasons we all have to pay more at the register. For those in need, there are many services to help. So, don’t break the law by stealing and you won’t be arrested OR in our spotlight!)

Winter Haven Police are warning residents to be very cautious when confronted by anyone that is trying to sell any product or service door-to-door.  Recent events have given authorities reason for concern.
On 6-1-15 and 6-2-15, residents have reported a male knocking on doors in the S.E. area of the city claiming to be with an alarm company. One instance, the male stated he was with the company ADT. The second incident, a male with a similar description stated he was with a company called Capital Connect. 
In the first incident, the homeowner only got his first name. The second incident yielded a first and last name. (The first name matched that of the first incident.) At this time, authorities have been unable to confirm whether he is an actual representative of either of these companies. 
This man has been reported to be extremely aggressive in his sales tactics. In both incidents, the elderly residents answered the door and, although reluctant, the residents allowed him into the home.  Ultimately, he was asked to leave on both occasions and did so without incident. However, the tactics are concerning, especially with the senior population.
Additionally, there have been no recent permits pulled with the City of Winter Haven allowing the door-to-door sales.  The City of Winter Haven has an ordinance requiring a permit to be obtained prior to any door-to-door sales.  Therefore, residents are encouraged to ask for a permit if anyone attempts to conduct this type of business.
“Residents should take extreme caution when approached by cold-call sales people,” said Chief Charlie Bird.  “There are many legitimate organizations that follow the rules, pull the proper permits and have representatives who are professional. However, there are also those that will try to skirt the ordinance and not play by the rules.”  
Anyone who is approached by a sales person at their residence is encouraged to ask for a permit. If a permit is not shown, please call the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-401-2256 with a description of the sales person. Police will attempt to locate them and inform them of the proper procedure to sell door-to-door. 

 

Winter Haven Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of a pickup truck that struck an electric pole guy wire along the side of the roadway causing an estimated $50,000 to a TECO substation.
On 6-8-15 at approximately 1:40 p.m., an older model Ford F150 was traveling west on Lucerne Park Rd towards Winter Haven when, for unknown reasons, the truck left the roadway in the area of Lucerne Park Loop (near the Wal Mart Distribution Center). The truck hit the wire and continued back onto the roadway traveling west. The wire snapped and the tension of the wire caused it to propel straight up where it connected with the electrical wires causing an arc. According to a witness who was across the roadway, blue flames shot down the wires and electricity in the area was lost.
A TECO representative arrived on scene and told officers that the substation, located just a short distance down Lucerne Park Rd. had significant damage due to the incident. He estimated the damage at $50,000.
The truck is described as an older model 2-door Ford F-150 pickup truck, either teal or green in color, possibly with yard tools and metal poles sticking out of the bed of the truck. The truck would have slight damage to the front in the form of a line that would be lowest on the driver’s side gradually moving at an angle higher towards the passenger side.
Anyone with information about the driver or who was in the area of Lucerne Park Rd. around 1:40 p.m. and saw the vehicle in question is asked to contact Officer Mike Lango at 863-401-2256.

Vehicle pictured is not actual vehicle.

After reports about lewd activity at the Lake Fannie Boat Ramp (Lucerne Park Rd by the Wal-Mart distribution center, Winter Haven) deputies arrested 75-year-old Bobby Ferrell of Winter Haven for soliciting another to commit lewdness. Mr. Ferrell asked an undercover Polk County deputy sheriff to expose himself while at the boat ramp. Prior to his arrest, Ferrell told the deputy he was nervous because he “didn’t want to be on Grady’s picture book.” Mr. Ferrell was transported to the Polk County Jail without incident. Mr. Ferrell was trespassed from all Polk County Parks. He had one prior arrest in Polk County in 2001 for DUI.

“We will continue to investigate reports of lewd activity in our county parks. Our children and families deserve to enjoy our parks without this kind of activity going on.” –Grady Judd

On 6-14-15 at approximately 7:25 p.m., 47 year-old Tony Harold Gunn (DOB 10-24-67:  of Winter Haven) was in the area of Lake Shipp Dr. and Ave. N, S.W. walking westbound on the railroad tracks. Witnesses report that Gunn was having a verbal altercation with other people in the area. As Gunn walked westbound on the tracks he continued to yell and others in the area. While continuing walking on the tracks, an eastbound locomotive, owned by Florida East Coast Railway and leased to CSX was headed eastbound at approximately 40 mph. The train consisted of only two engines with no other cars being pulled.

The train operators, 40 year-old Robert Durham and 40 year-old Chad Bunch, saw Gunn walking on the tracks ahead and sounded the horn numerous times. As the engines approached, the operators attempted to slow the train while continuing to blast the horn. 

Gunn did not respond to the warning blasts from the train. Witnesses in the area confirm hearing the sounds from the train and they also yelled for Gunn to leave the tracks. Gunn, who continued to walk towards the train made no attempt to get out of the way of the approaching train. 

The train struck Gunn propelling him approximately 20 feet off of the tracks. Polk County EMS responded and began administering aid. Gunn succumbed to his injuries and he was pronounced deceased by EMS personnel. 

An investigation continues into this incident and an autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Gunn sometime today. Gunn has an extensive criminal history with more than 40 arrests in Polk County resulting in multiple years served in the Florida State Prison.