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
17-Year-Old Wyatt Sanders Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting of 16-Year-Old Miranda Clements in Vivian
Caddo Parish authorities are continuing their investigation into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl in Vivian, Louisiana, on the evening of Sunday, April 20.
According to officials, officers with the Vivian Police Department responded to reports of a shooting just before 8:30 p.m. at a residence in the 33 block of Pardue Street.
Upon arrival, officers located 16-year-old Miranda Clements lying on the floor inside the home with a gunshot wound to her upper body.
Emergency personnel with Caddo Fire District 8 responded and pronounced the teenager deceased at the scene.
Following the initial response, Vivian police contacted the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office launched a joint investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities initially stated they were working to establish whether foul play was involved.
As part of the investigation, 17-year-old Wyatt Layne Sanders was taken into custody in connection with the incident.
He was booked into the Caddo Parish Correctional Center at 3:07 a.m. on Monday, April 21. According to jail records, Sanders is facing two counts of illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and one count of negligent homicide.
He remains in custody as of the latest report.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Further details, including the events leading up to the shooting, have not yet been released.