On January 17, 2024, in the early morning hours, Lakeland Police officers intercepted a vehicle that fled from the Lake Alfred Police and the Auburndale Police departments after the driver attempted to assault officers with the vehicle.
Leonna Love (age 21), of Lakeland, was driving the vehicle and spotted coming into Lakeland on East Memorial Boulevard, traveling 70 mph in a 35-mph zone. Officers pursued Love and were able to stop her in the area of Kathleen Road where Love attempted to discard a stolen firearm. Our officers took her into custody, recovered the firearm, and found two more boxes of ammunition in the center console of the vehicle.
While the other agencies applied their charges, Lakeland officers charged Love with the following: Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Grand Theft – Firearm, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Display of a Firearm During a Felony.
One of the great things about working in Polk County is the partnerships we enjoy with our neighboring agencies. Great job to all involved!