Lakeland Police Department

  Lakeland, FL – (August 18, 2025) – The Lakeland Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association is thrilled to host the 17th Annual Honoring Heroes Steak Dinner & Silent Auction!   Join us for an unforgettable evening while helping raise funds to support the Lakeland Police Department’s K9 Unit, Explorer Program, Cops for Kids Program, and the LCPAAA Scholarship Program. ...

FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION    LAKELAND, FL (June 10, 2025) - On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at approximately 5:56 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near the 1300 block of U.S. 98 South. Just prior to the crash, a grey 2021 Tesla was traveling north on US Highway 98 South in the inside lane of travel. At the same time, a pedestrian was crossing US Highway 98 South in the ...

LAKELAND, FL (May 28, 2025) – A Florida Purple Alert has been issued for 71-year-old Frederick Blackwelder of Lakeland. Mr. Blackwelder is believed to be traveling in a 2006 Toyota Scion tC Florida license plate 665-3VY. A family member reported Mr. Blackwelder missing after unsuccessful attempts to make contact with him over the weekend. He was last known to be in the area of ...

Lakeland, FL – (May 12, 2025) – The Lakeland Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. This recruitment drive is open to candidates who possess the necessary Florida Law Enforcement Officer certification and aims to fill positions with dedicated individuals eager to serve and protect the community.   POSITION DETAILS: Application Ope ...

FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION    LAKELAND, FL (May 5, 2025) - On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at approximately 12:09 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near the 2800 block of U.S. 98 North. Just prior to the crash, a 2012 silver Toyota Camry was exiting the Home Depot parking lot, 2800 U.S. Highway 98 North, facing westbound and attempting to make a left turn. At the same ti ...

LAKELAND, FL (May 1, 2025) – On May 1, 2025, at 4:52 a.m. the Lakeland Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the Fast Stop convenience store, 820 E. Memorial Blvd. Upon arriving, officers located the suspect, Ricardo Zelidon (age 59 of Lakeland), behind his vehicle with his hands up. They also located Jessie Woullard (age 45 of Lakeland) inside his vehicle wit ...

*****UPDATE*****   LAKELAND, FL (May 1, 2025) - On May 1, 2025, Nicholas Lue was charged with Second Degree Murder in the death of Jesse Banks. Banks was killed while Lue was attempting to perpetrate the murder of another individual.   *****ORIGINAL RELEASE*****   LAKELAND, FL (April 25, 2025) – On April 24, 2025, at 9:31 p.m. the Lakeland Police Department responded to r ...

Lakeland, FL – (April 23, 2025) – The Lakeland Police Department is proud to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Law Enforcement representatives from across Polk County will run alongside Special Olympics Athletes through the downtown Lakeland area.    The course will start at the Lakeland Police Department, travel through t ...

FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION    LAKELAND, FL (April 4, 2025) - On Friday, April 4, 2025, at approximately 12:56 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near the 1200 block of U.S. 98 North. Just prior to the crash, a 2010 red Toyota sedan was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 98 North in the 1200 block. A 2001 black Honda motorcycle was also traveling southbound on U.S. H ...

*****UPDATE*****   LAKELAND, FL (March 24, 2025) - On Thursday, March 20, 2025, a deceased male was located in a rural area of unincorporated Polk County, just east of where Mr. Keen's vehicle was found in the 2800 block of County Line Road in Plant City. The male was in a state of decomposition; however, no trauma or injuries were observed. On March 24, 2025, the decedent wa ...