This past week we were honored to present these four City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation team members with the City of Lakeland, FL – Government‘s Heroism award for coming to the aid of an officer who was being attacked by a suspect.
On April 22, 2021, a call was made to 911 Dispatch about a disturbance in the Simpson Park main building. Reports of a man causing a disturbance with the staff escalated into him being asked to leave the property by the employees. A short time later, the man returned, began destroying City of Lakeland property and threatening the safety of the staff.
Officer Halstead arrived on the scene and attempted to take the defendant into custody. Officer Halstead gave verbal commands to the defendant and ordered his compliance. Instead, the defendant refused and attacked Officer Halstead. A struggle ensued between the two, and at one point, the defendant began striking Officer Halstead in his head with a closed fist. While Officer Halstead continued to struggle with him, the defendant then intentionally bit Officer Halstead on the wrist, causing him to sustain injuries that could cause longterm issues and will likely result in a permanent scar.
John Williams and Ronald McPherson witnessed the struggle between Officer Halstead and the defendant. Despite already being in danger and in fear for their safety, they did not hesitate in coming to the aid of Officer Halstead. Both physically engaged in the struggle and helped gain control of the suspect until additional officers could arrive.
While the incident was unfolding Brenda Tillman, Janice Williams and Barbara Smith also immediately sprang into action. As Brenda was calling for police assistance, Janice and Barbara began focusing on getting seniors who were in the center for Pickleball to safe location. All three women were able to safely usher the guests from the gymnasium to a location outside the facility.
Once backup officers arrived, the defendant was secured in handcuffs.
At last week’s City Commission meeting Officer Halstead joined Chief Garcia in showing his gratitude to John and Ronald for coming to his aid and doing the right thing when help was needed most. They also honored Brenda, Janice and Barbara for making that crucial call for help, providing vital information to responding officers, and for ensuring all the guests of Simpson Park that morning were safe. It was through all of their efforts that no one else was injured during the incident.
On behalf of the men and women of the Lakeland Police Department, THANK YOU!