“On March 4, 2025 at approximately 1:15 p.m., #WinterHaven Police officers were dispatched to a call at Santiago’s (898 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven) for a disturbance involving a firearm. The subject observed with the firearm, 29-year-old Godfrey Hercules II (DOB 3/29/95) was in an altercation with a store employee, 46-year-old Jesus Crespo Perez (DOB 10/27/78) in the parking lot. Godfrey ultimately left the property heading south on Hwy 17. A #BOLO (be on the lookout) was issued for a red Nissan Altima with Hercules as the driver, a female passenger, and a small child passenger. Ultimately, officers located the vehicle at the American Legion (300 Ave. M NW, Winter Haven) where Hercules, a female, and a young child had exited the vehicle. Hercules was located on the side of the building where he was quickly apprehended. The female, 27-year-old Mariah Banks (DOB 9/11/97), was directed to get to the ground, and she immediately complied. Her young child mimicked the mother’s actions. Banks was quickly detained. Officers immediately calmed and cared for the young child. A Diamondback 9mm semiautomatic pistol was located in the vehicle. Officers responded with an appropriate level of caution with the understanding there was a weapon involved seeking to resolve the situation. When approaching Hercules and Banks, officers could not have known who was in possession of the firearm. As soon as the officer approaching Banks became aware of the presence of the child, he immediately pointed his firearm towards the ground at a low-ready position. At no point was the officer’s weapon pointed at the child as confirmed by multiple cameras. As required by law, the Winter Haven Police Department notified the Department of Children and Families, of the details of the incident because it was a violent crime committed in the presence of a child. Both Hercules and Banks were released, along with the child, because Perez declined to press charges. A complaint affidavit was filed with the State Attorney’s Office for Hercules for affray and improper display of a weapon. A complaint affidavit was filed with the State Attorney’s Office for Perez for affray. Police Chief Vance Monroe, Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Charlie Bird, and City Manager T. Michael Stavres will be available to address the media at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 6, at the Winter Haven Police Department.” - Winter Haven News Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOdH5V1hktXOmjh3q-pK3vQ/join