News Update for 3/28/25
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office has dismantled a major drug trafficking operation after a six-month undercover investigation. Authorities arrested 18 suspects and seized nearly 8 pounds of methamphetamine. The operation, dubbed “Lil Bit,” was named after the alleged ringleader, 37-year-old Dalia Elaine Gonzalez, who now faces multiple drug trafficking charges. Sheriff Paul Blackman praised the Crime Suppression Unit’s efforts, emphasizing their dedication to keeping drugs off the streets. The investigation uncovered a drug distribution hub in Avon Park, where officers seized over 3.5 pounds of meth, with another 4.2 pounds intercepted in transit. The suspects face various charges, including drug trafficking, conspiracy, and weapons offenses. Authorities stress that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty in court.
The Avon Park City Council has approved a $15 to $20 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade on Ryker Drive. The project aims to meet stricter environmental standards set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Design costs are estimated at $1.4 million, with construction expected to take up to five years, wrapping up by 2028. Community members raised concerns about funding, but officials say they’re exploring grant options. The motion passed in a close 3-2 vote, with Mayor Garret Anderson and two council members in favor.
A high-speed chase through DeSoto County ended in an arrest early Monday morning. Around 2 AM, Christopher Montgomery fled from Wauchula police in a red Nissan with no headlights. Deputies and Arcadia police pursued him until he crashed and tried to escape on foot. Officers quickly took him into custody, finding a firearm, ammunition, and marijuana in his vehicle. Montgomery now faces multiple charges, including fleeing law enforcement and firearm possession as a convicted felon. Arcadia’s City Marshal warned lawbreakers they will be held accountable.
A Bartow man’s escape attempt ran out of gas—literally. Police say 31-year-old Taron Todd fled the scene of a minor crash in Winter Haven on Wednesday, only to be caught when his motorcycle ran out of fuel. After a brief pursuit, he surrendered, throwing his hands up in frustration. Todd now faces multiple charges, including fleeing the scene, driving without a license, and drug possession. Polk County deputies took him into custody, and he’s now being held at the county jail.
A reminder for Highlands County residents, beginning Monday, March 31st, West Lake Drive Boulevard will see temporary closures for pole installation between Hawks Landing Drive and Golfview Road. The project will last 7-10 days, and detours will be posted for the duration. Night closures are expected from Medina Way to Hawks Landing for four nights. Once poles are set, a single-lane closure with flaggers will remain. Palmetto Avenue between Orange and Eucalyptus will also permanently close for the Highlands County Jail expansion.
A DeSoto County man is behind bars after allegedly attacking his family during a heated argument. Deputies say 43-year-old Jeremy Johann assaulted his father and sister in their front yard before resisting arrest. When officers arrived, he refused a pat-down and grabbed a deputy, prompting them to use a Taser. Even then, he allegedly attempted to punch an officer before being restrained. Johann now faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery and battery on a senior citizen. Held on a $101,000 bond, he’s set to appear in court on April 28.
Two Lakeland men were arrested after a late-night car burglary spree in May Grove Village. Around 3 AM, a sharp-eyed resident noticed brake lights on a parked car and saw two suspects, Bradley Shaw, 21, and Caiden Kirkland, 20, opening vehicle doors. When confronted, they fled—on a golf cart. Deputies quickly responded and arrested them as they tried to ditch masks and gloves. Both face multiple charges, including burglary, trespassing, and resisting arrest. They are now in the Polk County Jail.
An attempted murder suspect is in custody after leading deputies on a chase in Central Florida Wednesday night. The chase began in Osceola County and came to a halt Orange County. Suspect Jordan Bailey was arrested in Winter Park. Footage from the scene shows a police cruiser with front-end damage, but no deputies were injured. Bailey was wanted on charges of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He’s accused in a March 13th shooting in Kissimmee.