A convicted felon from Orlando learned the hard way that you don’t sit in a Winter Haven park after dark and smoke marijuana – with a two year-old in the car.
On August 7, 2025 at approximately 8:53 p.m., officers patrolling the area of Lake Maude Nature Park (1790 7th St NW, Winter Haven) located a vehicle with several subjects inside. The vehicle was in an area of the park that clearly had “closed” signs with the hours of operation listed.
When officers made contact with the driver, 24 year-old Deamonte Earl Lee Hill (Orlando, FL) to inform him the park was closed, the smell of burnt cannabis was coming from the vehicle. When asked if Hill had a medical marijuana card, he indicated that he did not. Officers also noticed a small child in the vehicle in a car seat.
Officers searched the vehicle and located a container with a green leafy substance, which tested positive for marijuana, near the center console. Additionally, a loaded Glock handgun was located underneath the front passenger seat. Officers asked Hill if he was a convicted felon and he said “no”. However, after a records search, it was learned that Hill had a prior felony conviction from September 2024 out of Orange County for Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony. (Contact Orange County to inquire about this conviction.)
Officers also located multiple driver’s licenses and identification cards with Hill’s face, however with different names. When asked about the multiple cards, Hill informed officers that they were “fake IDs”.
Hill was taken into custody without incident and charged with one count each of Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (F2), Possession of Ammunition by Convicted Felon (F2), Possession of Forged/Stolen Driver’s License (F3), Possession of Marijuana (M1) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).
The child was turned over to another individual that was on scene.
“Our officers consistently conduct proactive patrols throughout our city day and night to ensure our parks are safe for all residents and visitors,” said Police Chief Vance Monroe. “If you are in our parks when they are closed, you can expect to have an encounter with our officers.”
