Two Men Arrested by Lake Wales Police After Gun Incident

Two young Lake Wales residents found themselves quickly in the custody of police after one attempted to rob a man near Polk Avenue Elementary school. According to police, the incident "does not appear to be a random act, as the victim was an acquaintance of the suspects."

No shots were fired during the encounter, which was apparently an attempt to frighten and rob the victim.

Minutes after receiving the call, a Lake Wales Police response led to the arrest of Joemil Olivers of Lake Wales, who was charged with armed burglary with assault.

Also arrested was Alberto Cervantes, also of Lake Wales, who was charged with possession of a firearm by a delinquent person. It was unclear if he had been a participant in the robbery attempt.

Police had responded to a report of a disturbance in the area of Highway 60 and 4th Street in Lake Wales. There they found an adult victim who reported that he had been approached by a man with a handgun who opened the victim's car door and pointed the handgun at him.

While attempting to flee the victim a crashed his car into a small concrete pole. The suspect fled the area in a silver Kia Soul as the victim called 911.

Officers quickly located the Kia in the alley between Polk and Townsend Avenues near Polk Avenue Elementary school. They initially believed one subject may have fled on foot, so the school was briefly placed in a lockdown.

After confirming that police had located and detained both the subjects the school was notified to release students as normal.

If you have information regarding this case please contact the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:

• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)

• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS

• Visit the Heartland Crimestoppers website and click on "Submit A Tip,"

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