LAKELAND, Fla. – Lakeland police responded to a dangerous situation involving domestic violence and potential drug activity last Wednesday morning. What began as a disturbance call quickly escalated into a serious investigation with significant implications for the safety of the victim and the community.
On the morning of October 2, 2024, Lakeland Police Department officers responded to a disturbance call at a local apartment complex. A distressed female victim reported to 911 that she had been battered by John Gonzalez, who was also allegedly in possession of firearms and illegal drugs. The victim stated that Gonzalez had been consuming drugs throughout the night and was observed loading a gun, escalating concerns for her safety.
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Upon arrival, officers ensured the victim’s safety and initiated an investigation into the allegations of drug possession and weapons violations. Detectives were called to the scene, and a search warrant was obtained for the apartment.
The search of the residence yielded significant evidence, including crack cocaine (which also tested positive for fentanyl), two handguns, a rifle, and ammunition. Gonzalez confessed to manufacturing crack cocaine at his residence using cocaine supplied by an associate in Miami. He then distributed the manufactured drugs locally.
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This incident is particularly concerning as Gonzalez was already on pretrial release for a prior dating violence arrest, with conditions prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition. His actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and a serious threat to the victim’s safety.
Gonzalez was arrested and charged with a comprehensive list of offenses, including:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Violation of Pretrial Conditions
- Battery
- Aggravated Assault
- Manufacture of Cocaine
- Ownership/Lease/Rental or Possession (of a Structure) for Trafficking in or Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Fentanyl
- Possession of Cocaine
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