Crime
Suspect Joshua Voigt arrested after fatally shot his father and injured his mother on Highland Boulevard in Bartow
Records indicate that Joshua Voigt has a history of violent offenses.
UPDATE: Suspect Joseph Voigt, who shot and killed his father and shot his mother has been arrested by the Orlando Police Department and is in custody in Orange County. He has two charges as of now.
Bartow, FL – On Saturday, December 7, 2024, at approximately 11:18 p.m., first responders received a distressing 911 call reporting a gunshot victim with multiple wounds on Highland Boulevard. The caller, however, could not provide the precise location of the suspect.
Authorities later identified the suspect as Joshua Voigt, who allegedly fatally shot his father and critically injured his mother in a domestic incident.
Both victims were transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital for emergency medical care. Tragically, Voigt’s father succumbed to his injuries.
Records indicate that Joshua Voigt has a history of violent offenses.
On November 30, 2024, he was arrested for battery/assault but was released on bond.
Additionally, in October 2023, Voigt was arrested for firing a weapon in a residential neighborhood. He was also released on bond for that charge, which remains an active court case.
At 11:32 p.m., the suspect’s vehicle—a silver or gray Toyota Corolla with black rims and tinted windows—was spotted traveling northbound on Highway 17 near Lake Ship.
Responding to the developing situation, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the Winter Haven Police Department, and Polk County’s helicopter and K-9 units quickly initiated a search for the vehicle in the surrounding area.
Despite their efforts, the vehicle evaded detection in the Bartow area. However, at 12:24 a.m., the suspect’s car was reportedly seen near Orlando, prompting coordination with the Orlando Police Department to extend the search efforts.
Law enforcement officials are urging the public not to approach the suspect or the vehicle. Voigt is considered armed and dangerous.
Description of the Vehicle
- Make and Model: Toyota Corolla
- Color: Silver/Gray
- Distinguishing Features: Black rims and tinted windows
Authorities continue their search for the suspect, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
If you have information about Joshua Voigt’s whereabouts or spot the described vehicle, please contact law enforcement immediately. Dial 911 or reach out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The safety of the community remains the highest priority. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.
Crime
River Ridge man kills wife, 2-year-old before Jefferson Parish deputies kill him
Sheriff Lopinto described the 911 call as critical to the rapid response and praised the child who called as “a brave little girl.”
Sheriff Joseph Lopinto of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) announced an ongoing investigation into a tragic incident involving a double homicide and a deputy-involved shooting early Friday morning in River Ridge, Louisiana.
Around 4:00 a.m., deputies responded to a 911 call from a child reporting multiple gunshot victims inside a residence on the 10000 block of Stephen Drive.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a harrowing scene.
An adult female and a 2-year-old child were found unresponsive and suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Two additional juvenile females, ages 9 and 13, were found injured but alive.
Both were transported to Children’s Hospital.
The 9-year-old remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery, while the 13-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle.
While securing the residence, deputies encountered an armed adult male suspect, later identified as the father of the juvenile victims, in a back bedroom.
Deputies reported that the suspect brandished a firearm, prompting multiple officers to fire their service weapons.
The suspect was struck multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary evidence indicates that the suspect shot all four victims before being confronted and fatally wounded by deputies.
Sheriff Lopinto described the 911 call as critical to the rapid response and praised the child who called as “a brave little girl.”
- Deceased:
- 40-year-old mother.
- 2-year-old child.
- Suspect (father).
- Injured:
- 9-year-old child (critical condition).
- 13-year-old child (non-life-threatening injuries).
The JPSO continues to investigate the incident, including the circumstances leading to the shootings and the actions of deputies at the scene.
Sheriff Lopinto emphasized the gravity of the tragedy and assured the community that the investigation would be thorough and transparent.
No further details are available at this time. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.