72 F
Lake Wales
Thursday, April 3, 2025

21 Year Old Lake Wales Man Shot & Killed During Dispute

Date:

Lake Wales man, 21, fatally shot during dispute last night in Lake Wales; shooter in custody

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred last evening in Lake Wales. 

According to the preliminary investigation so far, 21-year-old Vincent Thomas, Jr., and at least three others drove to a residence on Northside Drive in Lake Wales around 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Thomas got out of the car armed with a handgun, and confronted a 20-year-old male outside the residence, threatening to shoot him. 

The two men went to Lake Wales High together, knew each other, and apparently had some disagreement with each other.

During the altercation, the resident who was confronted by Thomas armed himself with a rifle and shot at Thomas several times, striking him at least twice. The shooter remained at the scene and is cooperating with detectives. 

Thomas was driven to Advent Health Lake Wales Hospital by his friends, where he succumbed to his injuries. Two of those friends were arrested by PCSO and charged with tampering with evidence, and providing false information to law enforcement during a felony investigation.

The investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information regarding this incident and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related

In My Own Words: What the Blue Angels Taught Me

Ever wonder what it’s like to fly in a...

Lake Wales Chorale Spring Concert April 6

Celebrate the beauty of the season with an enchanting...

Babson Park Man Arrested for Allegedly Crashing Tesla and Lying to Deputies

A Babson Park man was arrested on Sunday after...

Northern Precinct Brings It Home For Hilligoss in Successful Bid For Lake Wales Mayoral Reelection

After 6 weeks of discussion, banter and campaigning, City...