Lake County Sheriff's Office - Florida

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Labor Day weekend is here! 🇺🇸

Whether your plans include hitting the road, spending the day on the water, firing up the grill, or simply enjoying some extra time with family and friends, make safety part of the plan.

A little preparation and a few smart choices can go a long way toward making sure everyone gets to enjoy the holiday weekend.

Check out this graphic for a few reminders, and from all of us at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

09/03/2026

‼️Update: Both lanes on the bridge are back open.

Both lanes on the bridge closest to the intersection of State Road 19 and Savage Circle in Howey in the Hills, are shut down due to a traffic crash. Emergency personnel are currently on scene.

09/02/2026

There’s still time to join us! 👋

Our next Citizens on Patrol training begins September 14, and we’re looking for community members ready to get involved!

Citizens on Patrol volunteers assist our deputies and Community Engagement Unit at special events, parades and community programs throughout Lake County.

Training runs September 14–18, so if you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the time to get that application in!

Learn more about Citizens on Patrol and apply please visit: https://www.lcso.org/community-engagement/ or email [email protected]

09/02/2026

UPDATE 9/2: Damien was safely located

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance locating 17-year-old Damien Vaughn. Damien was last seen on August 31st, 2026, at approximately 6pm at his residence in Fruitland Park.

Damien is a 17-year-old white male 5'9", 120lbs, with short blonde hair (buzz style cut, not as depicted), blue eyes, last seen wearing black and red slides and shorts. He left his residence on a dark blue Trek bicycle.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Damien, please contact LCSO at 352-343-2101, [email protected], or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-8477. LCSO case number 260093282.

***this social media page may not be regularly monitored. Please use one of the contacts listed and not the comments section to provide information.

09/01/2026

On July 2, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Lake County deputies located a stolen brown Mazda in the Clermont area after receiving a BOLO for the vehicle.

When deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver fled, traveling into oncoming traffic and reaching high rates of speed. Deputies successfully deployed stop sticks near the intersection of CR-33 and CR-474, causing the vehicle to come to a stop after crashing into a telephone pole.

The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot behind several nearby homes. Patrol deputies and detectives quickly located the suspect and took him into custody.

The suspect was identified as Casey Bass and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the apprehension.

Casey Bass was arrested and charged with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Driving While License Suspended (3rd or Subsequent Offense), and Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement with Disregard for the Safety of Others.

08/31/2026

They grow up so fast!

It’s been one year since K9 Skeeter joined the LCSO family, and he’s come a long way from the little Bloodhound pup we first introduced!

Skeeter and his handler, M/D McGregor, have been hard at work over the past year, and he’s doing great with his tracking. According to his handler, Skeeter especially loves tracking people down for the cookies and the excitement of the find. We can’t blame him!

Next up, Skeeter will head to Tallahassee in September for a week-long mantrailing training that will continue building his skills and bring him one step closer to graduating as a full-time K9 with the LCSO Bloodhound Unit.

Keep up the good work, ! 🐾

08/30/2026

‼️ Missing Person: Christopher Smith

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance in locating 14-year-old Christopher Smith (LCSO Case #260092305). Christopher was last seen on August 29th, 2026, by family members.

Christopher is a 14-year-old white male standing 5'6', hazel eyes, short dirty blonde hair, and was last seen wearing a black Adidas shirt and black jogging pants.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Christopher, please contact LCSO at 352-343-2101, [email protected] or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-8477.

***This social media page may not be regularly monitored after normal business hours. Please use one of the contacts listed and not the comment sections with any information you may have.

08/30/2026

Congratulations to Lieutenant Jonathan Gillmore on 20 years of dedicated service! Thank you for your continued commitment and all you’ve contributed over the years. 👏

08/29/2026

Congratulations to Civilian Warrant Supervisor Tina Potter on 20 years of dedicated service! Thank you for your continued commitment and all you’ve contributed over the years. 👏