News and Investigations

A Lakeland man’s actions over two days eventually led to him being arrested for a list of charges, including attempted murder, plus the arrests of his parents and one of his friends.

28-year old Joshua Carpenter was first arrested on March 6, 2022 after a deputy responded to a disturbance between Carpenter and his new girlfriend, whom he had been dating for a few days.

During the investigation, it was learned that three days prior, Carpenter had pointed a firearm at his girlfriend and threatened to blow up her residence with a grenade. A second incident occurred in the morning hours of March 6th, in which Carpenter broke into the victim’s residence, stole her dog, broke her fence, and took batteries from her security cameras. The victim confirmed the incident on March 3rd, but refused to discuss the March 6th incidents.

The victim stated that Carpenter told her he would kill her dog and then himself.
Carpenter, who has been convicted of eight previous felonies, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

A Risk Protection Order (RPO) against Carpenter was subsequently signed by a judge which allows for restrictions of firearms by someone who poses a threat to others. 

On March 7th, Carpenter’s girlfriend bonded him out of the Polk County Jail and they went out for drinks with a friend. They ended up back at Carpenter’s residence on Helena Lane in Lakeland. 

Carpenter began to get angry, so the friend left in his car, and Carpenter’s girlfriend got into her vehicle to leave as well. At that time, Carpenter began yelling at her, smashed her side view mirror with his hand, and then fired five shots at her car as she drove away.

A detective arrived at the residence and made contact with Carpenter’s parents, Lawrence and Diana Carpenter. Mrs. Carpenter acted surprised when the detective told her why he was there, and she denied hearing any gunshots. Mr. Carpenter told the detective he hadn’t seen his son since that morning, and he also had not heard any gunshots.

The Carpenter’s residence was equipped with security cameras, and they allowed the detective to review it. During that review, Josh Carpenter could be seen with the firearm and shooting at the victim’s car. The detective also reviewed interior security video (with audio) showing Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter reacting to the sound of gunshots and running outside.

While reviewing the security video, Joshua Carpenter returned to the home and was arrested. 

During a search of the residence, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia belonging to Joshua Carpenter were discovered.

Also present at the house during the investigation was 32-year old Slater Cacace, who had warrants out of Rutherford County, Tennessee for Violation of Probation, and Failure to Appear on Cocaine and Paraphernalia Possession, and DWLSR. Cacace was also on Polk County probation for Burglary and Grand Theft and was in violation of his curfew. Cacace was arrested.

“It’s amazing nobody was physically hurt by this obviously violent man over the past few days. Our detectives were able to sort through this mess, and put him behind bars---hopefully for quite a while. And for those who actively try to interfere with our investigations, we will hold you accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Diana Carpenter was arrested and charged with Providing False Information to Law Enforcement During a Criminal Investigation (F3), and Violation of Probation for: Sale of Cocaine, Maintaining a Structure for Drug Sales, Sale of Marijuana, Methamphetamine Possession, and Paraphernalia Possession.

Lawrence Carpenter was arrested and charged with Providing False Information to Law Enforcement During a Criminal Investigation (F3).

Joshua Carpenter was arrested and charged with Attempted Felony Murder with Weapon (FL), Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (F2), Use Firearm During Felony (F2), Burglary of an Occupied Structure (F2), Tampering with Evidence (F3), Violation of RPO (F3), Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure (F3), Grand Theft (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Possession of Marijuana Over 20grams (F3), Keeping Shop for Drugs (F3), Discharge of Firearm in Residential Area (M1), and Criminal Mischief (M1), Resisting (M1), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).