[PHOTO CREDIT: Lake County Sheriff’s Office]
[Original Publish Date: 10/26/19]
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TAVARES, Florida – A registered sex offender was charged with exposure of sexual organs and resisting an officer without violence Thursday after witnesses called police and said he was masturbating in the parking lot of Circle K, 439 S. Duncan Drive on Sept. 21. Tavares Police responded to the store and saw a man, later identified as Winfred Smith, 56, of Tavares trying to conceal himself behind a dumpster.
As the officer exited his vehicle, he saw Smith stand up from a squatting position and appeared to be pulling up his pants, according to the arrest affidavit. He then began walking quickly away from the officer. The officer yelled for him to stop and Smith turned his head, making eye contact with the officer and said, “No, I don’t think so,” stated the affidavit.
Smith began to run and the officer gave chase until Smith ran into oncoming traffic on Dead River Road. After traffic cleared, police resumed their search, but were unable to locate Smith, according to the affidavit.
A short while later Smith was spotted in the area of the Lake County Jail; several officers gave chase and two officers tased Smith, but it had no effect on him, stated the affidavit. Officers eventually caught and restrained Smith. He was examined by Lake EMS and transported to AdventHealth Waterman where he was admitted.
Smith is being held at the Lake County Jail on $26,000 bond.
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Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing for Lake Legal News in 2010. In addition, she has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, including Nancy Grace and the Greta Van Susteren show, along with her appearance on Evil Twins. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to 352Tips@gmail.com. You can also contact us on our Facebook page — and make sure you “Like” and “Follow us” there. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher]
