Lakeland police shooting suspect concerned neighbors

Submitted by Eric Glasser, Anchor/Reporter

Wednesday, June 11th, 2014, 8:00pm

LAKELAND, Florida -- Neighbors say more than five years ago they had warned police about Tommie Lanier's behavior, saying that he was "crazy" and had guns. Now, he is accused of shooting a police officer.

But after speaking with Lanier at the time, police determined he was "paranoid," but didn't pose a threat to public safety.

"They should have paid closer attention to it," said neighbor Tom Mallotta.

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Lakeland police officer, suspect shot

Submitted by WTSP Web Staff

Tuesday, June 10th, 2014, 7:49pm

LAKELAND, Florida -- An exchange of gunfire at a Lakeland park on Tuesday morning left a police officer wounded and a suspect hospitalized.

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Submitted by WTSP Web Staff

Monday, June 9th, 2014, 8:45pm

Winter Haven, Florida -- UPDATE: Winter Haven Police say 16-year-old Mckenzie Benton has been located and reunited with her mother.

Detectives said they followed leads throughout the day, which included her friends and strangers in the community. She was later found Monday afternoon in the Inwood area by detectives.

Previous Story:

Winter Haven Police are asking for the public's help in locating a 16-year-old girl who was last seen Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 4:30 p.m.

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Submitted by WTSP Web Staff

Sunday, June 8th, 2014, 10:13pm

31-year-old Rodney J. Brown, was arrested on Saturday, June 7, 2014, charged with Domestic Battery, Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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Polk teacher faces more sex charges

Submitted by Eric Glasser, Anchor/Reporter

Thursday, June 5th, 2014, 5:29pm

Lakeland, Florida -- It looked like a video replay in Polk County Court today.

Yet again, Jennifer Fichter was back in front of a judge, facing an additional 10 charges for allegedly having sex with a minor.

The allegations involve a third student from the Central Florida Aerospace Academy where Fichter was once a teacher, and where police say she used her position to prey on teenage boys.

"She has every sign and indication of a predator," said Sgt. Gary Gross with the Lakeland police department.

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Submitted by Tammie Fields, Weekend Anchor/Reporter

Thursday, June 5th, 2014, 6:33am

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Submitted by WTSP Web Staff

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014, 3:02pm

Lakeland, Florida -- A Lakeland couple have been arrested for severely neglecting more than a dozen horses on their property, the Polk County Sheriff's Office says.

28-year-old Jacob Caudy and 24-year-old Emily Cowper face numerous charges, including felony animal cruelty, and 45 counts of confining an animal without sufficient food and water.

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