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Invader Burns 2 Women At Lake Wales Business ("heartless, absolutely heartless")
The Ledger ^ | 12-14-07 | Bill Bair

Posted on 12/14/2007 4:23:32 PM PST by Main Street

Friday, December 14, 2007

'heartless, absolutely heartless' Invader Burns 2 Women At Lake Wales Business

Police Say Robber Threw Gasoline onto Employees, Who Are in Critical Condition

By Bill Bair

The Ledger

LAKE WALES | Two women were severely burned and a man who came to their aid was shot in the nose during a robbery at a Lake Wales insurance office Thursday afternoon.

Wales Police Report on the Attack Women, Baby Still Struggling to Live After Attack

Police said the robber threw gasoline on the women and set a fire inside the Nationwide Insurance office, injuring Juanita Luciano, 23, who was six months pregnant, and Yvonne Bustamante, 26.

They were flown to an Orlando hospital and were in critical condition Thursday night, Lake Wales Police Chief Herbert Gillis said.

Leonardo Suarez, a friend of Bustamante's husband, Mike, said an emergency Caesarean was done on Luciano to save the baby. Gillis confirmed that report.

The robbery was the most violent this southeast Polk County town has seen for years, Lake Wales police Capt. Troy Schulze said.

"I've worked in this business for 13 years and not seen or heard of anything like this in my career here," he said. "I've never seen anything come close to this, violence-wise. It was heartless, absolutely heartless, for someone to do something like this."

A massive manhunt for a suspect, Leon Davis Jr, whose 30th birthday is today, ended about 7 p.m. Thursday when Davis turned himself in at the Polk County Sheriff's Office substation on Thompson Nursery Road.

Gillis said police and the State Attorney's Office were discussing charges Thursday night.

He said he expects Davis to at least be charged with three counts of attempted murder and arson.

Lake Wales police Sgt. Joe Elrod said a robber entered the Nationwide Insurance office at 124 W. Central Ave. and demanded money from the two women working there.

Scott Headley, the owner of the Nationwide office, said when the robber did not get enough money, he became frustrated, threw gas on the women and set them on fire.

"They are good girls," a tearful Headley said.

He said Bustamante has worked for him for nine years, and Luciano has worked for him for two years.

"I can't imagine someone can do something so cruel," Headley said.

The two women are sisters-in-law, said Angela Torres, the former office manager and a cousin of Bustamante.

Suarez said he was driving by the business Thursday as the incident occurred. He said one of the women came out screaming "help, help." He said most of her clothes had been burned off.

About that time, two people on Stuart Avenue, immediately behind the business, heard the commotion and ran to assist.

One was a woman who identified herself only as Fran. She and the city employee, Brandon Griesman, 33, went to the building and Griesman was shot through the nose with a handgun.

Fran, an unemployed nursing assistant, said she applied pressure to Griesman's bleeding nose, then went to assist the women. It appeared one of the women had been shot in the hand, she said.

Witnesses said two or three shots were fired. Suarez said the gunman pulled the pistol from an orange lunch box.

After the shooting "he just walked away," Fran said.

Griesman was treated at Lake Wales Medical Center on Thursday night and officials said they expected he would be released and taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center today for corrective surgery.

Police said Davis is an Eagle Lake city employee who lives in the Winter Haven area. He was suspended from his city job after his arrest Nov. 30 on larceny charges. He was on three years' probation after a July 6 grand theft conviction, according to the Florida Department of Corrections Web site.

Davis had been a client at the Nationwide office, and Torres said he seemed like a nice man. He came in last week and canceled his policy, although Torres said she did not know why.

Police said they received a call about the assault at 3:39 p.m. Officers closed off Central Avenue and helicopters circled over the city as police hunted for Davis.

Davis has been booked into the Polk County Jail at least five times. The most recent was Nov. 30 on charges of grand theft. He was released Dec. 3 on $5,000 bail.


TOPICS: Local News
KEYWORDS: crime; davis; florida; robbery; torture
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1 posted on 12/14/2007 4:23:35 PM PST by Main Street
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To: Main Street

Ok.. he needs to die.


2 posted on 12/14/2007 4:25:28 PM PST by xcamel (FDT/2008)
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To: Main Street

Reports say that both women were burned over 90% of their bodies and are critical. The baby was surgically removed from the mother at 5 months in an attempt to save it’s life.


3 posted on 12/14/2007 4:25:41 PM PST by Main Street (Stuck in traffic)
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To: Main Street

Not good news. Two counts of capital murder, maybe three if the baby doesn’t make it. Praying but that’s real, real bad.


4 posted on 12/14/2007 4:29:10 PM PST by Billthedrill
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To: xcamel

I completely agree. Nothing fancy. Just quick.


5 posted on 12/14/2007 4:29:43 PM PST by patriotUSA (Thank you Jesus.)
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To: Main Street
Suarez said the gunman pulled the pistol from an orange lunch box.

I'm guessing the "No Weapons" signs didn't work? Imagine that.

6 posted on 12/14/2007 4:33:18 PM PST by unixfox (The 13th Amendment Abolished Slavery, The 16th Amendment Reinstated It !)
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To: xcamel
Just burning the women and children that decent Americans won't burn.


7 posted on 12/14/2007 4:33:20 PM PST by Diogenesis (Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum)
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To: Diogenesis

Hate crime?


8 posted on 12/14/2007 4:33:50 PM PST by oldvike
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To: patriotUSA

Booking 1

Inmate Name: DAVIS, LEON Release Date: 03/09/2002
Booking Number: 2002-005266 Booking Date: 03/09/2002
Race: B Sex: M DOB: 12/14/1977 Height: 604 Weight: 225

Location:
Arresting Agency: LAKE WALES POLICE DEPT.
Hold: N Hold for:
Disposition of Hold:

Charge Number: 1
Statute: 812.014(3A) LARC-PETIT 1ST OFF
Charge on arrest docket: PETIT THEFT
Bond Type: CBN Bond Number: 02-000484
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 250.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: CBN 02-000484 FOR 250.00
How Released: CBN
Upgrade/Reduction:

Booking 2

Inmate Name: DAVIS, LEON Release Date: 01/05/2007
Booking Number: 2007-000380 Booking Date: 01/04/2007
Race: B Sex: M DOB: 12/14/1977 Height: 605 Weight: 240

Location: TRANSFERRED TO BOOKING
Arresting Agency: LAKELAND POLICE DEPT.
Hold: N Hold for:
Disposition of Hold:

Charge Number: 1
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GRAND THEFT
Bond Type: SBN Bond Number: 2007AA0405
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 1,000.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: SBN 2007AA040544 $1000.00
How Released: SBN
Upgrade/Reduction:

Booking 3

Inmate Name: DAVIS, LEON Release Date: 02/03/2007
Booking Number: 2007-002923 Booking Date: 02/02/2007
Race: B Sex: M DOB: 12/14/1977 Height: 605 Weight: 245

Location: TRANSFERRED TO BOOKING
Arresting Agency: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF
Hold: N Hold for:
Disposition of Hold:

Charge Number: 1
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GRAND THEFT
Bond Type: SBN Bond Number: AA07547103
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 2,000.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: SBN AA07-547103 FOR $2000.00
How Released: SBN
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 2
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GRAND THEFT
Bond Type: SBN Bond Number: AA07547107
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 2,000.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: SBN AA07-547107 FOR $2000.00
How Released: SBN
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 3
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GRAND THEFT
Bond Type: SBN Bond Number: AA07547104
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 2,000.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: SBN AA07-547104 FOR $2000.00
How Released: SBN
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 4
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GRAND THEFT
Bond Type: SBN Bond Number: AA07547105
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 2,000.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: SBN AA07-547105 FOR $2000.00
How Released: SBN
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 5
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GRAND THEFT
Bond Type: SBN Bond Number: AA07547106
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 2,000.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: SBN AA07-547106 FOR $2000.00
How Released: SBN
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 6
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: O/B GRAND THEFT A/O 020307
Bond Type: SBN Bond Number: AA07547108
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 1,000.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: SBN AA07-547108 FOR $1000.00
How Released: SBN
Upgrade/Reduction:

Booking 4

Inmate Name: DAVIS, LEON Release Date: 09/23/2007
Booking Number: 2007-017076 Booking Date: 07/14/2007
Race: B Sex: M DOB: 12/14/1977 Height: 605 Weight: 255

Location: TRANSFERRED TO BOOKING
Arresting Agency: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF
Hold: N Hold for:
Disposition of Hold:

Charge Number: 1
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GT
Bond Type: Bond Number:
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 0.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.:
How Released: TISR WWR
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 2
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GT
Bond Type: Bond Number:
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 0.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.:
How Released: TISR WWR
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 3
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GT
Bond Type: Bond Number:
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 0.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.:
How Released: TISR WWR
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 4
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GT
Bond Type: Bond Number:
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 0.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.:
How Released: TISR WWR
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 5
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GT
Bond Type: Bond Number:
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 0.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.:
How Released: TISR WWR
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number: 6
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GT
Bond Type: Bond Number:
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 0.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.:
How Released: TISR WWR
Upgrade/Reduction:

Booking 5

Inmate Name: DAVIS, LEON Release Date: 12/03/2007
Booking Number: 2007-029387 Booking Date: 11/30/2007
Race: B Sex: M DOB: 12/14/1977 Height: 603 Weight: 226

Location: TRANSFERRED TO BOOKING
Arresting Agency: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF
Hold: N Hold for:
Disposition of Hold:

Charge Number: 1
Statute: 812.014(2C1) LARC-THEFT IS 300 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 5000 DOLS
Charge on arrest docket: GRAND THEFT—INFO FILED
Bond Type: SBN Bond Number: PC70712599
Purge Number: Purge/Bond Amount: 5,000.00
Surety: 0.00 Cash: 0.00 Bond Exp.: SBN PC7-00712599 $5000.00
How Released: SBN
Upgrade/Reduction:


9 posted on 12/14/2007 4:35:55 PM PST by Diogenesis (Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum)
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To: Main Street

“Davis has been booked into the Polk County Jail at least five times.
The most recent was Nov. 30 on charges of grand theft.
He was released Dec. 3 on $5,000 bail.”

They say a bail only costs 10 percent, if true his bail was $500.
Revolving doors!


10 posted on 12/14/2007 4:35:57 PM PST by HuntsvilleTxVeteran (Rudy,Romney,McCain, Huckabee will send a self-abused stomped elephant to the DRNC.)
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To: Main Street
A massive manhunt for a suspect, Leon Davis Jr, (snip) ended about
7 p.m. Thursday when Davis turned himself in at the Polk County
Sheriff's Office substation on Thompson Nursery Road.


Wise move Mr. Davis.
You never know when some of the victims' families/friends
might decide the court system is just too slow in getting justice.
(Yes, I know he's "considered innocent".)
11 posted on 12/14/2007 4:35:59 PM PST by VOA
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To: oldvike

Impossible, according to Sharpton and Jackasson, he’s ‘blick’.


12 posted on 12/14/2007 4:37:56 PM PST by MHGinTN (Believing they cannot be deceived, they cannot be convinced when they are deceived.)
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To: Diogenesis

in addition to all the bookings you listed:

“Police said Davis is an Eagle Lake city employee”

It will be interesting to see when the city of Eagle Lake gets
all “judgemental” and actually fires him!

No wonder some law-abiding folks have trouble finding jobs...
when a government employess trash like this guy!


13 posted on 12/14/2007 4:39:49 PM PST by VOA
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To: Diogenesis
Did I read...

He seemed like a nice guy???

jeeese peaple...(Thanks Boortz)

14 posted on 12/14/2007 4:40:02 PM PST by pandemoniumreigns
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To: Main Street

Any of you folks out there still opposed to buying and carrying a gun?

Not even for your own protection?
Not even for the protection of your family?

Police and Courts can not, will not and are not interested is protecting you from professional assholes like this bastard..

They play catch and release AFTER the crime is committed..

They would much rather bust speeders, seatbelt violators, rolling through Stop Signs, penny ante criminals -— not these long term professional and dangerous thugs on our streets...

Americans will have to do that for THEMSELVES..

Arm thyself - and deliver a form of justice that can’t be “pardoned”, “Commuted” or put back on the street after a fine or paying Bail.....


15 posted on 12/14/2007 5:18:48 PM PST by river rat (Semper Fi - You may turn the other cheek, but I prefer to look into my enemy's vacant dead eyes.)
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To: Main Street

Good picture. Captures the reactions to such a heinous crime.


16 posted on 12/14/2007 5:47:33 PM PST by Joya (Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn king. Peace on earth and mercy mild ...)
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To: Main Street

Prayer bump


17 posted on 12/14/2007 7:37:49 PM PST by DocRock (All they that TAKE the sword shall perish with the sword. Matthew 26:52 Gun grabbers beware.)
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To: Main Street

Just kill him. No trial, no court hearing, just shoot the sonofabitch.


18 posted on 12/14/2007 7:38:52 PM PST by RockinRight (Fred Thompson spells gravitas B-A-L-L-S-O-F-S-T-E-E-L.)
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To: Main Street
Update: Davis was just charged in a double homicide in Lake Alfred. LINK
19 posted on 12/15/2007 10:05:41 AM PST by DocRock (All they that TAKE the sword shall perish with the sword. Matthew 26:52 Gun grabbers beware.)
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To: Aaron0617
Update: baby of pregnant burned woman died ~ Burned Mother's C-Section Baby Dies
20 posted on 12/17/2007 1:30:12 PM PST by Aaron0617
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