32-year-old Ashauntie Cox (DOB 2/15/1991) of Orlando, who caused serious bodily harm to two children in her vehicle while fleeing from two crashes and driving under the influence, was arrested in Polk County on Friday, May 19, 2023, and charged with several felonies.
According to witnesses and information developed during the investigation, the first crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at the intersection with US Hwy 98 near Frostproof. Cox was driving a blue Kia southbound on Hwy 27 when she struck a grey Chevy Silverado pickup truck and then fled at a high rate of speed. As she continued to recklessly speed south down Hwy 27, weaving in and out of slower moving traffic, she rear-ended a 2016 Honda CRV while trying to pass between that SUV and the vehicle next to it which were both also going southbound. The victim driving the CRV was taken to Sebring Hospital, where he was treated and released with minor injuries.
The collision caused Cox’s vehicle to flip several times, ejecting two Orlando children, ages 5 and 8 years old. Both sustained significant injuries, and they were taken to Tampa General Hospital where they are both in critical condition. A 27-year-old female passenger was also seriously injured along her spinal cord, hip, and back. She remains at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in stable condition.
When deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they detected the odor of marijuana and located a bottle of tequila in Cox’s vehicle. Cox was transported to the hospital and interview by deputies. Cox told deputies they were driving from Orlando to Avon Park to celebrate the 5-year-old’s kindergarten graduation. She admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, and to having four shots of tequila. Her blood was drawn for further analysis, and she displayed several signs of impairment.
She was booked into the Polk County Jail and is being charged with:
· Three counts DUI with serious bodily injury (F3)
· Two counts negligent child abuse with great bodily harm (F2)
· Reckless driving (F3)
· One count DUI with property damage (M1)
· One count DUI (M2)
Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
“This woman had no regard for anyone’s life when she got behind the wheel intoxicated and then drove recklessly down a major highway, but what’s worse is the blatant disregard she had for the lives of the innocent children in her car. I expect a successful prosecution to hold her accountable—and let’s hope she loses her driving privileges if she’s released from jail or prison. Please keep these babies and their families in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
If you were to ask ChatGPT to write a script for a new Captain America movie, and you asked it to have the film star Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, as well as to incorporate Isaiah Bradley, the Celestial, the Red Hulk, and Sabra (without ever mentioning she’s Sabra because…reasons!), you would most likely have a script resembling that of Captain America: Brave New World.
The new movie is that big of a mess–and considering the film received endless reshoots, a shuffling around of release dates, and a scathing article in Vulture detailing its chaotic production (where one of the crew members literally stated, “I think everyone on the crew knew this is probably not going to be a good film”), expecting anything less would have been wishful thinking.
Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie) assuming his role as the new Captain America. As a government agent, he now works under the new president Thaddeus Ross, who has proven controversial considering his history.
However, following an assassination attempt by Isaiah Bradley (a former soldier who had been experimented on to create the original super serum for Captain America), Sam is forced to investigate and uncover the real culprit. Will he find out who’s really responsible? And will the Red Hulk factor into it? (Considering he was featured in the trailers, that answer’s obvious.)
I’m not even going to bother with a rhetorical question asking whether or not this movie will be hypothetically good. Because it isn’t! This may not be the worst Marvel movie ever (because Iron Man 2 and The Incredible Hulk win that dishonor with a tie), but it is hands down the worst Captain America movie.
I’m not kidding when I say this movie feels like it was written by AI. It looks like a Marvel movie. It even feels like a Marvel movie. But something about the story feels hollow, almost as ifit was written by a computer borrowing heavily from previous Marvel movies and shows. And watching it certainly leaves you feeling hollow.
And is it a spoiler to mention that the entire “mystery” involves the Red Hulk? Especially since Marvel already spoiled that “twist” in their trailers? Because the whole time, I was sitting in my seat waiting for the moment the Red Hulk finally appeared(because I knew he was going to be in the movie), and then when he did appear, the result felt underwhelming, leaving one to ask, “Wait, that’s it?”
Anthony Mackie does an excellent job reprising his role as Sam, who is now assuming his role acting as the new Captain America. And Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross…well, Harrison Ford is great in everything he appears in. Because he’s Harrison Ford.
However, the rest of the cast feels undercooked. This movie introduces Shira Haas as Sabra, an Israeli superhero who’s never mentioned in the film to be an Israeli superhero because…current events! The result is that her character doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
Oh, and there’s also Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, who assumes the role of the new Falcon. He exists. Seriously, I had forgotten he was even a character in this movie, he was that forgettable. In fact, he’s so irrelevant to the overall plot that he’s written out halfway through following a serious injury in the film.
But perhaps the worst aspect of the film is how “apolitical” it feels, especially considering it’s a Captain America movie. Captain America, as a hero, embodies the heroic ideals of the American spirit. As such, his movies usually have something to say about America.
In contrast, this movie has nothing to say at all. The movie almost has something to say with the president being a literal monster, but considering that whole plot point feels almost incidental, rendering the metaphor toothless.
I recently stumbled across a thread by someone on BlueSky who put it best:
“[The movie] is such a rejection of who Cap should be as an inspirational character, someone who always took a stand, always tried to do what was right, no matter the thumps or how unpopular it may have been…
A Cap story HAS to stand for something, HAS to have meaning, or it, it’s intrinsic to the character as a greater symbol. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming the meaning, in this case, a weak, mealy-mouthed sequel.”
With that said, as underwhelming as this whole movie felt, I’m not too enthused about The Thunderbolts, and I’m crossing my fingers that Fantastic Four proves to be the better film.
It’s finally here; tonight, March 13, 2025, a total lunar eclipse is expected , and we’re, ahem, over the moon about it.
According to timeanddate.com, the eclipse could be visible in Lakeland (with a similar time expectation in the Lake Wales area), from 11:57 p.m. ET Thursday, March 13, to 6 a.m. ET Friday, March 14, with max viewing at 2:58 a.m. ET Friday, March 14.
Obscuration could be 100% and average cloud cover could be 53%. The uncertainty of cloudy skies shouldn’t cull your desire to try and witness this phenomenon.
According to the National Weather a service, much of Florida is expected to have a reasonably clear view of tonight’s lunar eclipse.
The most recent total lunar eclipse, also known as a “blood moon”, occurred on November 8, 2022.
Be part of the Great American Cleanup and help clean up the City of Lake Wales.
Each volunteer will receive a complimentary ticket to Bok Tower Gardens and t-shirt while supplies last.
The event takes place on Saturday, April 5 from 8am to 12pm. Volunteers will meet with City staff at 450 Scenic Highway. Supplies, such as protective gloves, bags and other items will be provided to volunteers.
“Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, today announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to nearly 4,900 homes and small businesses in Polk County, Florida. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildoutextends Spectrum services to parts of Lake Wales, Fort Meade, Polk City and surrounding unincorporated areas of Polk County.
Spectrum’s multi-year Rural Construction Initiative is driven by an approximately $7 billion private investment from Spectrum and will ultimately connect approximately 1.75 million new homes and small businesses across the country.
“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Florida and across America,” said John Dosher, Area Vice President, Field Operations, Charter Communications. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services to additional rural Polk County communities. We are providing local residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.”
In addition, Spectrum has partnered with the state of Florida through the Florida Office of Broadband to continue expanding broadband access through the Broadband Opportunity Program to thousands more additional unserved homes and small businesses in Polk County and across the Sunshine State.
“Expanding rural broadband has been a longtime priority for me and ensuring that residents and business across Polk County have reliable, fast, and affordable internet is critical,” said State Rep. Josie Tomkow. “With Spectrum’s support, we are making significant progress in closing access gaps for the communities that need it the most.”
Broadband speeds up to 1 Gbps, plus money-saving Mobile options and 85,000 On Demand choices
Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuringstarting speeds of 500 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 400 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area.
“Spectrum is helping us to deliver internet accessibility to more families in Polk County— from agriculture to manufacturing, our county’s rural communities will play a huge part in Florida’s growth this century,” said Becky Troutman, Commissioner, Polk County. “We are grateful to Spectrum for recognizing this and for being such a strong partner.”
Spectrum Internet exceeded advertised download and upload speeds for all tiers measured — even during peak weeknight usage between 7 and 11 p.m. — according to the FCC’s most recent “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report.”.
Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum TV®.Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile provides customers access to nationwide 5G at great value, with Unlimited lines starting at $30 a month, as well as By the Gig options.
Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S.*** —viewers can stream content across a growing number of platforms, including iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, XUMO TVs and PCs.
Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.
*Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.
**Based on 1Q 2024 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.
***iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of July 1, 2024. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of July 1, 2024.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to nearly 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
Splash into license-free freshwater fishing weekend!
Mark your calendars for an opportunity to go freshwater fishing during the upcoming Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) license-free freshwater fishing weekend!
This spring’s license-free fishing weekend is on April 5 and 6, 2025, and invites residents and visitors to explore the many recreational freshwater fishing opportunities Florida has to offer. Whether you like to fish from the shore or your boat, there are so many options available across the state.
Visit the FWC’s fishing basics webpage for tips and information on how to start fishing or refresh your knowledge.
All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. To renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Anglers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to take advantage of this special weekend that allows them to reel in their favorite freshwater species without the need for a fishing license. There are two family fishing events during this weekend:
Tenoroc Fish Management Area 3829 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, FL 33805 April 5, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Pre-registration required and ends on Friday, April 4, at 5 p.m. Call the FWC at 863-648-3200to register for the event. There will be a casting contest, exhibitors and other outdoor activities for youth participants. A free lunch will be provided by Publix Supermarkets and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Bait and a limited number of loaner rods and reels will also be provided free of charge to youth aged 15 and younger. A parent or guardian must accompany youth participants.
Florida Bass Conservation Center 3583 County Road 788, Webster, FL 33597 April 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Attendees should bring fishing gear and bait. A free lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided by Vital Fleet Services.
Visit MyFWC.com and learn where to go freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, or how to find a boat ramp or pier near you.
Check out FWC’s bass fishing recognition program TrophyCatch and submit your 8-pound and greater largemouth bass to win prizes.
Did you have a blast on the water? Plan ahead for the next freshwater license-free fishing weekend on June 8 and 9!
Looking for something fun to entertain your kiddos this Spring Break? Hop into Spring Camp at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center, happening March 17th-21st.
There will be an array of fun arts & crafts, STEM activities, outdoor playtime, and games planned for your camper. It’ll be the perfect way for your child to stay active, get creative and be entertained all week long.
Spring Camp is for children K-5TH grade. Camp runs from 7:30am-5:30pm. Camp will cost $25/day and there will be a $5 sibling discount.
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Register today for a week of fun!
Cathie Jo Bruursema of Babson Park passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Somers Hospice House in Sebring.
She was born July 16, 1969 in Holland, MI. She was a retired administrative assistant from the Grace Church in Gladstone, MI and a member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. She was very active, enjoyed fitness, cross country skiing, mountain biking and kayaking. She loved going to the beach.
Cathie was preceded in death by her mother, Ann Regelin. Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Ryan Bruursema; son, Nickolas Bruursema of Babson Park; and father, Loren Regelin of Holland, MI.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 27th from 10:00 am till the celebration of life at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Lake Wales with a reception to follow.
THIS IS A PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT: PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY JACK HILLIGOSS CAMPAIGN (NP)
by James Coulter
Mayor Jack Hilligoss has served as the Mayor of Lake Wales since 2022. In that time, the city has seen exciting change and growth. Now, he’s seeking re-election to ensure that the city continues to grow and thrive through the further implementation of the Lake Wales Connected Plan.
Here’s a sample of his thoughts on his political career and his expectations for the future:
1. Mr. Hilligoss, tell us about your current term as mayor. You originally started as the pastor of HighPoint Church in Lake Wales. Tell us, what inspired you to go from the podium to politics?
I became involved in August of 2021 when I was asked to accept a temporary appointment to Seat Four, which had been vacated on our commission. Our mayor at the time, Eugene Fultz, had made it clear that he was not wanting to seek a fourth term. When that happened, several local leaders reached out to me and asked me if I would consider running. And in my time on the commission, I become aware of a few pressing issues that I felt demanded some leadership.
I felt like my experience in policy governance (which is the way we run our church, and which is very similar to how the City of Lake Wales is structured to run) helped me address those issues and bring some cohesion between the Lake Wales Commission and the City Staff. So, I prayed about it and consulted with our church leadership and decided that I would throw my hat in the ring to become the mayor. And I won the election in 2022.
2. And since you first became Mayor in 2022, how has your current term been? What have been some of the highlights and accomplishments of your political career?
I would describe my first term with two words: effective and challenging.
I say challenging because it is a steep learning curve for anyone who comes out of civic life, out of private life, and into public service. There are so many layers of government that work together in the City of Lake Wales. We have local, country, state, and federal government all interacting together here in the City of Lake Wales. And there are so many laws that govern how we get to work together. We are required to work with developers. And most of the system understands that. And so, for that reason, I think we receive a lot of criticism for decisions that we do not have any jurisdiction or control over do impact our local community.
It’s also challenging because of the growth. I understand that angst. I kind of share it. I heard a local official say they would be happy if there wasn’t another homebuilding in Polk County. Personally, I kind of share that. But since there is no way that we can stop that from happening, we have to deal with it more realistically.
That leads, I think, to the biggest challenge, which is there is a contingent of people in Lake Wales who play upon that angst with overgrowth by demonizing the Commission and making kind of vague slanderous accusations about corruption with absolutely no evidence and promising that they will stand up to the developers and stop the growth, which they can’t do and they won’t do. And it’s really just a cynical kind of dishonest political ploy.
So those are the challenging aspects of it. But overall, the good outweighs the bad.
3. Tell us about your plans for your next term, if you become elected. One of your main priorities is long-term planning and quality development. I assume, then, that the Lake Wales Connected Plan has been a main priority for you. Tell us, what are your thoughts on Lake Wales Connected? And how successful would you say you have been in helping implement it?
The accomplishment I would say I am the most proud of in the first three years that I have served as the Mayor of Lake Wales is the long-term planning that we have done. And the Lake Wales Connected Plan was only the beginning of that. It was actually initiated by Lake Wales Main Street in 2019. It is a big, bold comprehensive plan for the city. It has 69 actions. We have already completed or enacted over 50 of those 69 action plans. That is important because these kinds of plans often just turn into expensive three-ring binders in some city manager’s office. But we’ve acted on it.
But in order to implement any of that, you have to have the money. So, the City Commission has secured the financing to actually get started with $13 million to get the work done on Park Avenue and the Market Street Plaza. The result of that work has been national recognition and national sources of funding. In the last three years, the city of Lake Wales has received $31 million in grants.
We have created a mixed-use district in Downtown with different forms of housing. We created a historic overlay district for our downtown so we can preserve that historic quality in the area while we were activating it. I think that will activate the Downtown area. So, this is not about business and housing. We have had visits just in the last couple of months from two different investment groups and business groups that are visiting the downtown area and thinking about moving there.
We were also part of Lake Wales Connected. The city put $1 million behind HUD to help them secure, which is a federal organization that manages the Garden Grove Housing, and our $1 million dollars in backing will help secure federal funding for a big renovation and rework of the Garden Grove housing area. We established a 180-utility service area that gives a footprint for our city for the future, it gives us a first right of refusal. When people want to annex, it helps us prioritize zoning.
In my second term, one of my top two priorities will be with economic development. We have a plan for the Central Florida Council on that. Also, we are increasing our quality of life, and the primary way that we are going to focus on that is a Parks and Recreation master plan which call for millions of dollars in investment in our parks. It is an exciting plan. And my priority will be to implement that plan and get that work done.
4. And when it comes to implementing Lake Wales Connected, what have been some challenges. Having watched many city commission meetings, I can tell there have been many local residents who have been quite vocal about it. Have the NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) been somewhat of a stumbling block for you and your fellow commissioners?
I will say there have been many residents who have voiced opposition to this. There have been a few who have shown up persistently and consistently at City Commission meetings and have been critical. But those few I will tell you are just, they have been kind of that way almost about any initiative that the city takes and it seems to be their reason for living sometimes.
And so they have complained about the type of bricks that we use, the type of trees that we planted, and have used every one of these setbacks as kind of an opportunity to criticize. Jesus said these are the kind of people who strain out gnats and swallow camels. And that can be frustrating at time, but it has been a stumbling block.
But outside of that, you know when merchants have voiced legitimate concerns they have had and struggles we have faced, we have been trying to be sympathetic and kind as possible, and I believe they will be able to reap some of the real benefits in this project now that it is done.
The future home of Hutson’s Discount Groceries, across Hwy. 60 from Walmart
It’s true; Lake Wales is getting a brand new discount grocery store. While you may not yet be familiar with the name, seeing the new sign on Highway 60 will probably help you to remember.
Hutson’s Discount Groceries, an independent chain, is planning to open their second Florida store on at 2039 Hwy. 60 in Lake Wales, in the plaza that currently houses All-Star Grill, across from Walmart. This location formerly housed a Food Lion grocery store.
The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce currently has the company listed on their online business directory.
The store is on an expedited path to open within approximately 60 days, or sometime in May 2025.
According to their website, Hutson’s motto is “Shop with us, save with us.”
The company strategy to keeping food prices at a discount encompasses a few different factors. By minimizing overhead costs, bulk purchasing and having efficient supply chains, and offering private labels and limited inventory, this discount grocery store claims to be able to offer premium items at a fraction of the price of regular brand names.
The company’s first location is currently open in Port Ritchey, Florida.
Additional details regarding Hutson’s Discount Grocery will be forthcoming in an upcoming article.
Lake Wales, FL – A routine traffic complaint escalated into a dangerous situation on February 25, 2025, when officers responded to a DUI call on Burns Ave. The suspect, later identified as Audencio Castillo, was reported driving erratically, weaving through lanes, striking curbs, and forcing oncoming vehicles to honk to avoid a collision. A concerned citizen followed Castillo’s gray pickup truck into the Sunset Neighborhood and witnessed him park at home on Sunset Circle, stumble out of his vehicle with a beer can in hand, and fire a gunshot before police arrived. Castillo is charged with DUI (3rd offense in 10 years), Discharge A Firearm In Public, Use Of A Firearm Under The Influence Of Alcohol & Threatening A Law Enforcement Official.
Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions)
“On February 25, 2025, at approximately 1936 hours I responded to a traffic complaint call on Burns Ave. in Lakes Wales, that was later reclassified to a DUI. On my way to the scene, dispatch advised the driver is now shooting. I responded with lights and siren the rest of the way there. Upon arrival, Mr. Castillo had been cuffed by other responding officers. I placed Mr. Castillo in my patrol vehicle. Mr. Castillo refused to comply with orders. Officer Blaser walked around the right side of my vehicle to assist Mr. Castillo into my vehicle at which point he threatened to hurt officer Blaser by stating he would beat the shit out of him. I then met with the reportee, later identified as REDACTED. REDACTED advised she witnessed the defendant’s gray pickup truck traveling approximately 20 miles an hour in a 40 MPH zone. REDACTED noticed him weaving in and out of his lane. She also witnessed the vehicle hit a few curbs and ran over the median. Vehicles coming in the opposite direction had to honk the horn to avoid getting hit by the defendant’s pickup truck. REDACTED considered the reckless driving alarming and decided to dial 911 to stop the truck before it hurt someone. REDACTED followed the pickup truck into the Sunset Neighborhood. The pickup drove into and parked in the driveway of REDACTED Sunset Circle in Lake Wales. REDACTED witnessed the driver, later identified as Audencio Castillo, got out of the pickup truck, stumbling with a beer can in bis hand. REDACTED explained that as she was parked on the street, in front of the address mentioned above, she heard a gunshot and soon after, LWPD arrived on scene.
I then checked the truck and area surrounding the defendant’s truck for evidence. I noticed a spent shell casing chambered in 9mm on the driveway by the left, rear wheel of the truck. I also noticed an unspent 9mm round on the driveway by the left rear passenger door. There were two other rounds on the floor of the driver’s cabin. 1 also found an unloaded, light gray 9mm Kimber brand pistol with wooden handles on the driver’s seat. There was also a large can of Modelo brand beer on the top of the truck bed just behind the driver’s seat of the pickup truck, the beer can was mostly empty, still cold to the touch, had an odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from it, and whea poured out was a yellow color consistent of urine, which had an odor of alcoholic beverage.
I then interviewed the reportee/witness, REDACTED. REDACTED reiterated everything she had related to dispatch. REDACTED gave us a written statement. REDACTED, reiterated that she has been following the vehicle since Burns Ave. REDACTED explained that the driver got out of the driver’s seat, was stumbling, and had a beer can in his hand. REDACTED also explained that immediately after she heard a gunshot and she saw the driver get back into the pickup truck’s driver seat before Police arrived.
I was informed by the initial responding officers on scene that Castillo was in the driver’s seat of the vehicle when they located him. His vehicle keys were later found in his right pocket. Defendant’s vehicle is equipped with push start system.
After securing Castillo, a Kimber Brand 9mm pistol was discovered on the seat where defendant had been sitting.
As I spoke with Castillo, I noted he had relaxed muscles in his face, he was stumbling and had a drunk like walk, his face was flush, he bad slurred speech, glassy bloodshot eyes, droopy eyellds, and he had a very strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath.
Based on Castillo being in actual physical control of the vehicle upon contact with law enforcement, and based on the observations of my Field Training Officer’s training and experience, there is probable cause to charge Castillo with DUI.
Based on the location of the firearm and the spent shell casing immediately where REDACTED said Castillo was standing, there is sufficient evidence to charge Castillo with discharging a firearm in public.
Based on Castillo’s apparent intoxication from alcohol, and the location of the firearm when he came into contact with law enforcement, there is sufficient evidence to charge Castillo with use of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Based on Castillo’s threats to cause harm to Ofc. Blaser while in the course of his duties, there is sufficient evidence to charge Castillo with threatening a law enforcement officer.
Audencio Castillo is being charged with DUI, 3rd offense greater than 10 years (316.193(2)(B)2). Castillo has two other DUI convictions, case# 532017CT007618A0000WT and case# 532012CT000894A000BA.
The use of a firearm while under the influence of Alcohol (790.151), Discharging a Firearm in public. (790.15(1)), and Threatening a Law Enforcement Officer (836.12). Issued a DUI citation AKWG6GE.
I attempted to interview Castillo however he refused to speak to us after I read his Miranda Rights.
Castillo was transported to the Polk County Processing Center for processing.
EVIDENCE:
A Kimber – Micro9, 9mm Firearm, one spent casing and three rounds have been submitted to evidence.
During the incident, I was wearing my agency-issued Class B uniform, which is a dark blue polyester shirt and dark blue polyester pants. On the polyester shirt is my agency-issued badge and nameplate, along with two patches on the sleeves which read, ‘City of Lake Wales – POLICE’. While wearing this uniform, it clearly indicates I am a sworn uniformed law enforcement officer. I was also wearing my agency-Issued Body Worn Camera (BWC). The Body Worn Camera video footage was uploaded to Evidence.com.”
