Sunshine News

01/15/2026

If you have any information on this person or their current whereabouts please contact the Lake Wales Police Department at (863) 678-4223.

60 year old, Edward Cummings is missing and considered endangered. He left AdventHealth Lake Wales at 5:13am on Wednesday, January 14. Edward suffers from seizures and mental health conditions and is dependent on a group home. Edward is usually in a wheelchair as he has trouble walking.

He left the hospital wearing a blue shirt, gray sweatpants, socks and no shoes.

01/15/2026

Leon County Student Arrested for False Imprisonment and Battery Involving Another Student

LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA- On Wednesday, January 14, a 9th-grade student at Lincoln High School was arrested and charged with false imprisonment and battery following an incident that occurred in a campus bathroom.

Surveillance footage revealed several students attempting to drag another student into the bathroom by holding the victim’s arms. Detectives later determined that the victim was pushed into a bathroom stall and prevented from leaving. During this time, a 14-year-old male student restrained the victim and engaged in unwanted touching.

The student was arrested on charges of false imprisonment and battery and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC).

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office urges parents and guardians to speak with their children about bullying, conflict resolution, and the importance of maintaining a safe school environment.

01/15/2026

OBPD Seeking Witnesses to Crash

ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA- The Ormond Beach Police Department is investigating a traffic crash that occurred on Monday, January 12, 2026, at approximately 10:05 a.m. at the intersection of North Yonge Street and New Britain Avenue. The crash involved a black Jeep Wrangler and an individual riding an electric skateboard.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Sgt. Caleb Braun at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or 386-229-7148.

01/15/2026

Officer-Involved Shooting and Homicide Investigation

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA- On Wednesday, January 14, at 7:56 a.m., the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) received a report from a citizen who heard gunshots in the 1200 block of East University Avenue.

A GPD officer in the area responded to the 1300 block of East University Avenue and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description provided by the caller. As the suspect exited the vehicle, he advanced toward the officer while firing a weapon. Two additional officers arrived almost immediately and returned fire.

Two of the three officers involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They were transported to a local hospital, treated, and later released. The suspect was fatally injured during the exchange. His name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

While securing the area, GPD units conducted a precautionary search of nearby businesses and discovered a deceased victim with gunshot wounds at a lumber and hardware store in the 1200 block of East University Avenue. Investigators have linked this homicide to the suspect.

GPD is conducting the homicide investigation, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting, as standard protocol. In accordance with policy, the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave.

Police Chief Nelson Moya expressed gratitude to the responding officers, stating that their actions neutralized an individual intent on causing harm and committing murder, ensuring the safety of the community.

Despite the impact on nearby businesses and residents, GPD reports that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. East University Avenue between State Road 24 and Hawthorne Road will remain closed until further notice.

Interim City Manager Andrew Persons spoke with the injured officers and their families and commended them for their bravery, noting that the swift actions of GPD officers protected the community and demonstrated exceptional service.

The Gainesville Police Department and the City of Gainesville extend appreciation to the State Attorney’s Office for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, University of Florida Public Safety, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives, Gainesville Public Works, Florida Department of Transportation, and Alachua County Emergency Management for their assistance. Thanks are also extended to off-duty GPD personnel who responded to assist in various capacities.

This remains a developing incident, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

01/15/2026

Update: Juvenile has been located safely.

Thank you for your patience and assistance.

Law Enforcement in area...

There is heavy law enforcement presence in the area of Curve Ct & Precedent Pkwy in Lady Lake, FL. Units are currently looking for a 12 year old white female with red medium length hair. She is approximately 4'11" 111lbs. She was last seen wearing a gray shirt, jeans, white and black crocs.
*** PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH THE JUVENILE AS SHE IS CONSIDERED ARMED ***
If you see anyone matching this description, please contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at 9-1-1 or 352-793-2621.
Again, please do not approach. We will update this post when have additional information.

01/15/2026

Former Sanford Police Officer Arrested for Inappropriate Conduct With a Minor

SANFIRD, FLORIDA- A former Sanford Police officer, Pedro Enrique Da Silva, has been arrested on charges of Written Solicitation of Certain Minors to Commit a Lewd or Lascivious Act and S*xual Offense by an Authority Figure.

On December 17, 2025, the Sanford Police Department was notified by an officer that Da Silva, who served as the School Resource Officer at Seminole High School, had been engaging in inappropriate communication with a student. Upon receiving this information, Chief Smith met with Da Silva, removed him from his School Resource Officer position, and terminated his employment with the Sanford Police Department. A criminal investigation was then initiated by the department’s Investigations Section.

The investigation, conducted with assistance from the Seminole County School Board, determined that Da Silva engaged in multiple inappropriate interactions with a 17-year-old female student while on duty between October 2025 and December 17, 2025. In one incident, Da Silva made a lewd remark to the student and then displayed several explicit photos of himself on his phone. Surveillance footage corroborated this interaction.

On January 14, 2026, Sanford Police investigators arrested Da Silva on one count of Written Solicitation of Certain Minors to Commit a Lewd or Lascivious Act, one count of S*x Offense Authority Figure Solicit Engage S*xual Conduct with Student, and one count of Obscene Materials – Show Obscene Material to a Minor. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.

Chief Cecil Smith stated that the reporting officer’s actions reflect the expectations he holds for all personnel. He described Da Silva’s behavior as vile and unacceptable, emphasizing that his duty had been to protect students, not exploit them. Chief Smith further noted that Da Silva used his position to manipulate and attempt to groom a 17-year-old student, calling him “a predator; the worst type of criminal.”

Seminole County Public Schools Superintendent Serita D. Beamon expressed appreciation for the Sanford Police Department’s swift action in removing Da Silva from duty once the allegations surfaced. She added that the school district will continue cooperating with the investigation and encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Da Silva had been employed with the Sanford Police Department since June 2024 and was assigned to Seminole High School as a School Resource Officer from July 28, 2025, to December 17, 2025.

Investigators are asking anyone with additional information or anyone who may have had inappropriate interactions with Da Silva to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or visit [www.crimeline.org](http://www.crimeline.org).

01/14/2026

We are devastated to share that Robert Womack Jr passed away on January 13,2026. Robert was the definition of hard work, dedication, and heart. He began working alongside his father when the company was just one truck. He learned every aspect of the business from the ground up. Through his determination, grit, and hard work, Womack Sanitation grew to the company that it is today. He was known as the “hometown garbage man” and prided himself on helping to keep DeSoto County clean. Robert worked every job in the company - from throwing trash and driving the trucks to working with the county. He believed in never asking his employees to do a job that he hasn’t done himself. He led by example and was always willing to lend a hand or offer guidance. Robert treated us like family and showed patience, understanding, and genuine care for everyone he worked with. Above all, Robert always saw the good in people. He believed in second chances, encouraged growth, and lifted others up. His kindness, leadership, and work ethic left a lasting impact on the company, the community, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robert’s legacy will live on through his family and the company he helped build. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16th at 2 PM at the First Baptist Church of Arcadia. All are welcome.

01/14/2026

01/14/2026

The City of Avon Park will be closed in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Day

01/14/2026

SWFL Crime Stoppers

The depicted individual is a person of interest in a burglary of a conveyance that occurred on Jaguar Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL. If you can identify this individual, call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS, submit online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or use the P3 Tips mobile app. Case #26-014307

01/14/2026

WANTED BAY COUNTY MAN LOCATED IN PENSACOLA, FACES MULTIPLE SEXUAL BATTERY CHARGES

BAY COUNTY, FLORIDA- The Bay County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Ashton Selemon following an extensive investigation into multiple allegations of sexual battery involving juvenile victims.

The case began on the evening of January 5, 2026, when deputies responded to a residence in Southport, Florida, after a juvenile reported that Selemon had inappropriately touched her while she was staying overnight at a friend’s home. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division conducted formal interviews with the juvenile victim and a witness, both of whom provided detailed and consistent accounts of the incident. Investigators also gathered additional evidence that supported the victim’s statements.

Based on the findings of the investigation, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Selemon on a charge of sexual battery. A second arrest warrant was later issued after another juvenile disclosed during a Child Protection Team interview at the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center that she had also been sexually battered by Selemon.

After learning of the allegations and outstanding warrants, Selemon fled Bay County in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement. Investigators determined that he had altered his physical appearance and repainted his vehicle to avoid detection. He was eventually located in Escambia County.

On the morning of January 13, 2026, Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigators, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and local law enforcement agencies, located Selemon at a residence in the Bayou Grande Villa subdivision in the Pensacola area. After initially refusing to exit the residence, he was taken into custody without incident.

Selemon was transported to the Escambia County Jail, where he remains in custody pending extradition to the Bay County Jail. He is currently charged with two counts of sexual battery, including one count involving a victim under the age of 12.