Arrest Made in June Robbery and Shooting

In a busy week for the Lake Wales Police Department, detectives have made an arrest in yet another violent crime which occurred on June 4 of this year. Jaheim Romulus, 19, of Frostproof, has been charged with attempted felony murder for the shooting of a Lake Wales resident during an armed robbery.

The crime took place at about 9:30 pm that evening at 414 Domaris Avenue. When called to the scene, police found a 36-year-old resident suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. It was reported that two black males fled the scene on foot.

Despite multiple wounds the victim survived and is reportedly still recovering, according to police. The Lake Wales Police Department has maintained an open investigation since that time, and today confirmed the October 19 arrest of Romulus, who was already in custody at the Polk County Jail on unrelated charges.

The investigation remains open as detectives continue to work to identify the second suspect in the case. Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Russell Klingler at the Lake Wales Police Department, or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at1-800-226 TIPS (8477).

Using a cell phone, residents are encouraged to dial **TIPS, or visit the website http://www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip." Citizens are also invited to download a free app, "P3tips" for use on a smartphone or tablet.

Anyone submitting a tip will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and remain eligible for a cash reward if that information leads to an arrest.

On Friday, June 4, 2021 at approximately 9:34 PM, Lake Wales Police Department responded to 426 Domaris Avenue regarding a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers learned an armed robbery had just occurred at 414 Domaris Avenue. Officers found the victim, a 36 year old Lake Wales resident, at 422 Domaris Avenue with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect(s) are possibly two black males who fled the scene on foot before law enforcement arrival. These suspects are still at large and remain unidentified at this time. We are requesting help from the community in solving this crime.

Lake Wales Police Detectives have been actively investigating this attempted murder since the evening of June 4, 2021. These efforts have resulted in the identification of one suspect and information about the second.

On October 19, 2021, Detectives charged 19 year old, Jaheim Romulus of Frostproof with attempted felony murder for this violent, premeditated crime against a Lake Wales resident. Despite being shot numerous times, the victim survived and continues to slowly recover. Romulus was already incarcerated on unrelated charges at the Polk County Jail where now remains without bond.

This case remains active as detectives work to arrest the second suspect involved in this case.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Russell Klingler at the Lake Wales Police Department or Heartland Crime Stoppers at:

• 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)

• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS

• Visit the website http://www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"

• Or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.

You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.