Page 32 - Florida Sentinel 12-25-18
P. 32
CrimeTeen In Stolen Car Fatally Shot By Police
Man Killed In Shoot-Out With Police
A 17-year-old Lakeland res- ident died early Wednesday after being shot by police. He is alleged to have attempted to run over police driving a stolen car.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, shortly before 2:30 a.m., officers re- sponded to Salem’s Gyros & More Restaurant, 101 E. Me- morial Blvd., in reference to a large crowd gathering in the parking lot.
The officers attempted to clear the area of 150 to 200 people when Officer Raj Patel observed a stolen Chevrolet Camaro in the park- ing lot. The vehicle had been reported stolen to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The ve- hicle was parked sideways in the parking space, facing southwest. As several officers approached the stolen vehicle, the driver, identified as Michael Jerome Taylor,
MICHAEL JEROME TAYLOR
attempted to flee by rapidly ac- celerating the car, placing the officers and the crowd in im- mediate danger.
Officer Markais Neal
was also in the parking lot and as the car accelerated, it was coming directly at him. Offi- cer Neal fired at the stolen car. Two other officers also fired at the car as it accelerated recklessly through the parking lot, police said.
The vehicle struck several vehicles and a utility police. It continued on hitting another vehicle, propelling it into the wall of a local business, caus- ing damage to the outer wall.
At some point during the incident, a female passenger jumped out of the stolen car and was detained by police.
The officers removed Tay- lor from the vehicle and began administering first aid. He was transported to Lakeland Re- gional Health, where he later died of his injuries.
During the search of the car, police found a firearm on the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle.
Officer Joseph Novis
was the other officer involved in the shooting. As is standard policy, all of the officers in- volved in the shooting have been placed on paid adminis- trative leave. The investigation is continuing.
ANNIE VANN
... Considered as a witness to shooting
A 35-year-old Clearwater man died after being involved in a shoot-out with police. The shooting occurred after police responded to a welfare check.
According to police, they were contacted shortly before 2 a.m., Wednesday. A relative of Ms. Annie Vann stated she had requested help via a Facebook Messenger. The message stated, “Help, Call 911, 1444 Gulf-To-Bay Blvd., He has a gun.”
The officers were dis- patched to the address shortly before 2:30 a.m. They con- tacted Ms. Vann at the back door of the address. While the officers were talking to Ms. Vann, Wayne Falana, Jr., 35, allegedly appeared behind Ms. Vann inside the apart- ment when Falana opened fire on the officers. Falana continued to fire rounds at the officers as they sought cover.
WAYNE FALANA, JR. ... Killed in shoot-out
Falana continued firing as he ran out of the front door.
Falana began shooting through the front glass door, and then ran into the roadway, still firing at the officers.
The officers returned fire, striking Falana several times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ms. Vann fled the scene during the exchange of gun- fire. She went to the police de- partment Wednesday to be interviewed. Police said Ms. Vann is not considered a suspect, but a witness in the shooting.
There were five officers in- volved in the shooting. They have been identified as Offi- cer Michael Spitaleri, 35, Officer Robert Main, 32, Officer Zachary Senter, 27, Officer Steven Buis, 28, and Officer Thomas Dawe, 41.
Christmas Fight Lands Seven People In Jail
DERRICK MUNSON
MARQUARIUS JASPER
EDDIE MUNSON
LATOYA MUNSON
TERRANCE MILLER
Seven people were ar- rested Christmas night after police responded to a large fight in the street. The call was received around 9:30 p.m., Tuesday.
Several Winter Haven Po- lice officers responded to 120 Avenue R NW, in reference to the fight. When the officers ar- rived and attempted to break up the fight, they were at- tacked by members of the crowd.
Five of those taken into custody were charged with at- tacking the officers.
Derrick Munson, 26, of Winter Haven, allegedly spit in the face of the officer at- tempting to arrest him. He was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without vi- olence.
Marquarius Jasper, 18, of Auburndale, was charged
with battery on a law enforce- ment officer and resisting an officer with violence. He is ac- cused of running up behind an officer and pushing him while the officer was attempting to break up the fight. He then at- tempted to run away, but was tazed.
Eddie Munson, 52, of Lakeland, was charged with resisting an officer without vi- olence. He reportedly ignored several verbal commands to step back. He is also said to have tried to separate an offi- cers from attempting to break up the fight. He was sprayed with mace.
Ms. Latoya Munson, 37, of Lakeland, was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence. She al- legedly grabbed the arm of an officer as he attempted to ar- rest another individual.
Terrance Miller, 33, of Winter Haven, was charged with battery on a law enforce- ment officer. He is alleged to have pushed an officer several times to prevent the officer from making an arrest.
Ms. Shantee Walden,
39, of Winter Haven, was charged with resisting an offi- cer without violence. She is ac- cused of interfering with an officer as he attempted to place an individual inside the police car.
T’Artis Washington, 16, of Winter Haven, was also ar- rested and charged with bat- tery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence. He is accused of interfering with officers as they attempted to gain control of the crowd. Washington allegedly pushed the officers several times and refused to obey their commands.
UNCLE SANDY
You will never find time for anything 6, 18, 27, 42, 63. If you want time you must make it 8,19, 23, 31, 48.
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