Sebring Police say their investigation remains active following a May 23rd incident outside Back Alley Bar & Grill where a vehicle struck multiple people during a parking lot disturbance. Officers say the situation escalated as individuals attempted to leave the area in a vehicle while others gathered around the car. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and additional videos, which they say show objects being thrown at the vehicle as the driver attempted to leave. Criminal charges are pending, and authorities say no life-threatening injuries were reported.
A defendant in the ongoing Kenilworth Lodge legal battle is asking the court to move the case forward after months of inactivity. Court filings show multiple lawsuits tied to the historic Sebring property have been pending for more than two years, with no new trial date currently set. The property also remains out of compliance with city code enforcement, with officials reporting more than $627,000 in accrued fines and ongoing maintenance violations as litigation continues.
DeSoto County deputies say more than $41,000 in cash and large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine were seized during the arrest of a suspected drug dealer at the Economy Inn in Arcadia. Investigators say 54-year-old Imamu Gilchrist was taken into custody on narcotics warrants before detectives searched his vehicle, uncovering nearly 25 pounds of methamphetamine, several pounds of cocaine and crack cocaine, along with packaged drugs and cash. Gilchrist now faces multiple drug-related charges.
Polk County deputies say a Lake Wales man is facing charges after a violent golf club attack on an acquaintance. Investigators say 54-year-old Reuben Free allegedly struck a man multiple times while he slept, after accusing him of involvement with his ex-girlfriend. Witnesses stepped in and disarmed him before deputies arrived. The victim was hospitalized with possible broken bones. Free was later arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.