In July 2019, Howell-Gonzalez took FMLA due to work stress; upon her return she was to switch to night shift, limiting her interactions with Severance and Bell. Officials said the woman walked into the Walmart store on U.S. 441 on Sunday night and left with a load of cash. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS (WFTV/WFTV). The supervisor on the scene said he did have concerns and sent an email asking Gibson to review the video and requested a recommendation on whether the officer should be disciplined. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Police said Williams was spotted wandering around the retirement community multiple times between Dec. 30 and 31, and on one occasion, knocked on another resident's door and asked to take a shower before that resident pressed her panic button. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. That means hiring a training supervisor, as well as a crime analyst who can identify trends in crime. MOUNT DORA, Florida Just two business days after meeting with Lake Legal News to create a better relationship with the media, Mount Dora Police Deputy Mount Dora police 9 Investigates is reporting ongoing turmoil within the Mount Dora Police Department tied to the retirement of its last chief of police. (WFTV.com News Staff) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. The Sergeant then goes to open his car door, and the incident escalated from there, as he tries to pull Stevens from the vehicle who refuses to comply. READ: Police search for men shooting people with airsoft guns in downtown Mount Dora. I prayed and prayed, and the Lord blessed me with you Ms. Jones, I guess, because youre the one that researched and found the incident because they have me facing 45 years in prison, Stevens told Jones. "Thats concerning," Mount Dora resident Jane Bloom said. The officers Lieutenant wrote in this report that while deploying a taser on someone in physical control of a moving vehicle is normally against Mount Dora police department policy, I do believe that there were exigent circumstances involved in this case. He signed off on it, along with Chief Brett Meade, who resigned over disagreements with the City Manager about bringing in a third-party investigator to review two other incidents 9 Investigates has exposed, and now this one. The lawsuit further alleges Bell made it clear Howell-Gonzalez would never return to the community relations unit because of her objections to what Howell-Gonzalez refers to as Severances theft of time. Severance later made a list of villains and Howell-Gonzalez was included as Lady Tremaine, Cinderellas evil stepmother, the lawsuit states. Born and raised in Lake County, she is a graduate of Umatilla High School and Lake-Sumter State College. The report said a butcher-style knife was in Darryl's abdomen when detectives found him, and that he had defensive injuries. Meade served as interim chief beginning in July 2020 and was named as the permanent replacement in April 2021. Mount Dora Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said she was arrested out of state and will be extradited back to Florida in the coming days. Vickie Gibson said he believes the murders were a random act. We went to City Hall, to ask the City Manager about his plans to have an outside agency to investigate this and other incidents 9-investigates has exposed, but a spokesperson told us they would provide a statement, instead. Stevens is charged with a long list of felonies, in part, because the officer said Stevens backed into his patrol car, and Stevens car door hit him as he took off. Officials did not share details about where the vehicle or the woman were found. Police arrested the driver, who is the person of interest, on a charge of vehicle theft. The Blairs said police would not tell them if the people in the photos were suspects in the murders, or if the woman who tried to come into their home had anything to do with the homicide. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. VIDEO: Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 Karla Ray anchors Eyewitness News This Morning on Saturday and Sundays, and is an investigative reporter for the 9 Investigates unit. OGrady was succeeded by Robert Bell, who had been serving as deputy chief. Williams is also charged with grand theft auto. She told FOX 35, "She said she lost her car keys and needed to charge her phone. READ: Mount Dora police release sketch of suspect in abduction. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of potentially suspicious activity in the Senior Living Community, Waterman Village, located at 150 Waterman Avenue. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. Her professional career began at the Daily Commercial in 2004 where she covered cops and courts the majority of her time there until she left in 2009. Gibson said the resident hit an alarm button, and the woman then grabbed a set of keys and fled. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of potentially suspicious activity in the Senior Living Community, Waterman Village, located at 150 Waterman Avenue. In alleged retaliation for taking FMLA, she was told she would be on dayshift, which would result in daily interactions with Bell and Severance. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. The current deputy chief, Mike Gibson, will serve as the interim chief until a new chief is found, the release said. Police said they should be able to give more information Monday and they have been in contact with the victims son, but would not release any names until he arrives in town. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. On Oct. 3, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez was interviewed, and she identified a witness to support her claims. The top priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures. WebHaving a blast helping out fellow TEGNA news station ABC24 WATN Memphis for the next few days!! Stevens was ready and waiting when Investigative Reporter Daralene Jones arrived in the visitors area at the Lake County Jail. In 2019, Mount Dora police Chief John OGrady was relieved of duty after he was supposed to present an award to the couple who owns Las Palmas restaurant. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - Florida prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty against Vickie Williams, the woman accused of violently killing an older couple inside their home in a retirement community in Mount Dora. MOUNT DORA, Florida Just two business days after meeting with Lake Legal News to create a better relationship with the media, Mount Dora Police Deputy Chief Michael Fewless was fired for meeting with Lake Legal News. Howell-Gonzalez lawsuit states that on Aug. 27, 2019, she filed a written complaint to City Manager Robin Hayes, Human Resources Director Sharon Kraynik and Chief Robert Bell, stating she was treated unfairly as a result of her objections and refusal to engage in improper activities. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. Police have not released the cause of death. He wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that Anyone with information on this theft is asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7130. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. An investigation is ongoing, but law enforcement are confident the case will be solved. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Howell-Gonzalez was then transferred from her unit, the lawsuit states. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to352Tips@gmail.com. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. WebMike Gibson Interim Chief of Police Ph: (352) 735-7130 Fax: (352) 383-4623 Email gibsonm@cityofmountdora.com But I do know this, at the time the officer approached my car he had no probable cause to even talk to me, Stevens said during the interview. Howell-Gonzalez is represented by Christopher Pace of Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter Park. Williams is currently being held on no bond at the Lake County jail. On the way to the shooting LLN texted Fewless, who said a lieutenant on scene would be available as a point of contact. Frank and Pat Blair said the day before the murders, a woman tried to get them to let her in their home. She spoke to the interim chief about a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete. If you have any information, call the Mount Dora Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at (352) 735-7130. "As you can see by the photograph, they were enjoying their 'golden years' of retirement, something that we all kind of look forward to I think. (Karla Ray, WFTV.com). Channel 9 spoke to a couple who said they have experienced multiple days of strange situations leading up to this homicide. READ: Police search for men shooting people with airsoft guns in downtown Mount Dora. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a deceased man and woman. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. MOUNT DORA, Fla. 9 Investigates has learned more about why the Mount Dora police chief suddenly resigned last week. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The Mount Dora Police Department said officers responded to the Waterman Village senior living complex on Dec. 31 and found the couple stabbed to death inside their home. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. Theyre investigating whether Meade was forced out under pressure because Meade said he refused to violate internal affairs procedures. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A woman has been taken into custody as a person of interest in the murders of a Florida husband and wife at a senior living community over New Year's weekend, police announced during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Santiago reportedly sped away from police again in Sanford before a helicopter spotted the pickup about 4:45 p.m. Monday, near U.S. Highway 441 and Eudora Road. Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. The Mount Dora Police Department is on a stable course and I am honored to serve with men and women so dedicated to serving our community, Meade said in a statement. Neighbors said they are very concerned for their safety, but police will be keeping a watchful eye on the community for the time being. We appreciate all the support we have received. (Andrews represented Fewless in a prior case involving retirement issues with another agency.). 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(Our website also offers breaking news and web exclusives.). City Staff and I are working diligently to find a third party to review these cases. Police officers responded to the complex later Saturday afternoon after the couple was found dead. Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of couple at senior living community Police are not releasing any details at this time. LLN has also been tipped off that Bell is just weeks away from retirement, following command staff complaints (including by Fewless), which informed Hayes of the unrest and hostile work environment in the department, created by Bell. Police said they should be able to give more information Monday and they have been in contact with the victims son, but would not release any names until he arrives in town. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. Shortly after learning about the homicides over the weekend, FOX 35 spoke with a neighbor who told us there was a strange woman who came to their door asking for help. Jessica Howell-Gonzalez filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Mount Dora alleging violations of Floridas Whistleblower Act, Family Medical Leave Act and the First Amendment. Watch: Archaeologists: Mystery object unearthed by hurricanes in Volusia County could be 1800s cargo ship. Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else. She has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, includingNancy Graceand theGreta Van Susterenshow, along with her appearance onEvil Twins. Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. 0:00. Shortly before 11 p.m., officials said she returned to the community and knocked on the door of one of the apartments and asked the tenant if she could take a shower. Vickie Williams was charged last month with first-degree murder and grand theft in the slayings of Darryl and Sharon Getman, a retired couple in their 80s. In July, a double shooting occurred near Grant Avenue and Clayton Street, just a few blocks from Mount Dora Middle School. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. The officer and his supervisor never arrested the driver for suspicion of DUI, opting for an easier charge because they didnt want to do the paperwork involved. A manner of death was not immediately released, but police previously described the crime as "heinous.". In the body camera video, we never hear the Sergeant tell Stevens why hes being pulled over, he approaches the car and immediately asks for his license and registration. Please utilize our website regularly and follow us on Facebook, Nextdoor, Ring, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed. The Mount Dora Police Department was the first law enforcement agency in the nation to receive full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). VIDEO: Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out, Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out, VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows, Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows, Sheriff: 4 found dead, including child, at Brevard County home, Governor requests information from state attorneys office on accused Pine Hills shooters record, All aboard: Ride SunRail for free this Saturday, West Virginia could pay former residents $25,000 to come back, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport. Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. LLN spoke with Fewless attorney Ryan Andrews of Andrews Law in Tallahassee Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. An arrest affidavit described what appears to be a violent encounter inside the home with both Sharon and Darryl suffering serious injuries to their bodies. MOUNT DORA, Fla. After a little more than a year in his current position, Mount Doras police chief is resigning, effective Thursday. The Sergeants Lieutenant, the former chief and interim chief - all signed off on the incident, though they agreed it was against department policy to tase someone sitting behind the wheel of a running vehicle. Williams, 50, was arrested in Savannah, Georgia in the couples stolen car. John Stevens will likely die in prison if hes convicted for any of the long list of felony charges he faces, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, leaving the scene of a crash and driving while license canceled suspended or revoked. 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