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Jeremy Drake

A Lehigh Acres deputy working out of the East Zone was recognized for what the sergeant who nominated him called “an exemplary level of proficiency to safeguard: the citizens of Lee County and for his duty and service.”

The nominating officer who made those comments was Sgt. John S. Craven.

LCSO Deputy Jeremy Drake, from the Lee Boulevard substation, was called before the monthly Greater Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week at the Majestic Golf Club on Homestead Road.

Lt. Mark Mallard said at about 12:10 p.m. May 13, deputies responded to Third Street West and Homer Avenue North in regards to a call where the person said fighting and screaming was heard, and then another call to the sheriff’s office about a suspicious person at another complainant’s door, who claimed to be escaping his assailants.

Drake was the first responder and he made sure of the safety of any injured people involved in the disturbance. He quickly located the victim in a state of physical exhaustion and with numerous visible injuries.

Drake also noticed that one of the victim’s wrists was restrained with a zip-tie. He cut the zip-tie and called EMS to the scene for treatment to the victim’s injuries.

At the same time, Drake was able to question the victim. The victim said he had been abducted at gunpoint near his home by three people. Mallard said the victim said he know one of the suspects and was able to give him his name.

Mallard said the victim told Drake that he was brought to a nearby house, tortured for “snitching” on the suspects and that the suspects had taken his cell phone.

The victim believed one of the suspects was with his girlfriend. The victim said he was able to escape after resisting efforts to be restrained with the zip-tie and was chased down by the suspects who were driving a black BMW.

Mallard said that based on the information obtained by Drake, a request to locate the victim’s phone was submitted and assisting units dispersed to the addresses associated with the suspect.

MEL TOADVINECitation for Deputy Jeremy Drake, left, is read by Lt. Mark Mallard at the Greater Lehigh Chamber of Commerce luncheon. In the middle is Sgt. John S. Craven, who nominated Drake for the outstanding award from the chamber.

“Deputy Drake found one of the suspects at her nearby home and the victim confirmed the residence as the same site that he was tortured at and had escaped from,” Mallard said. “This residence was cleared for a pending search warrant and the suspect was detained for questioning.”

Using an investigative technique, Drake was directed to a possible location of the victim’s stolen phone. Drake also located the black BMW sedan, which matched the description of the suspect vehicle at the same location. Several black zip-ties were in plain view, along the victim’s phone on the back seat.

“In addition to apprehending the suspect’s at this location, Drake also took another suspect into custody. Both men were arrested and charged with kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadline weapon and battery,” Mallard said.

For his actions, Drake was cited for what police said was an exemplary level of police duties.

Capt. Todd Garrison, the substation commander, and Craven also took part in the ceremony.

The next chamber luncheon is June 30 at 11 a.m. Guests may attend the luncheon.

To RSVP, call the chamber at 368-3322. Inke Baker is the executive director of the chamber.

MEL TOADVINEDeputy of the Month was given to Deputy Jeremy Drake during a ceremony last week at the Lehigh chamber luncheon. From left to right are Capt. Todd Garrison, Drake, Sgt. John Craven and Lt. Mark Mallard.MEL TOADVINECitation for Deputy Jeremy Drake, left, is read by Lt. Mark Mallard at the Greater Lehigh Chamber of Commerce luncheon. In the middle is Sgt. John S. Craven, who nominated Drake for the outstanding award from the chamber.
Deputy recognized for work By Staff | Jun 3, 2015