Flags to Half-Staff in Lakeland, Polk County for Slain Officer

In memory of slain Lakeland police officer Arnulfo Crispin, flags have been ordered to half-staff at the Lakeland Police Department, Lakeland City Hall and the Polk County Courthouse on Dec. 27, byGov. Rick Scott on Thursday.

Crispin, 25, died at Lakeland Regional Medical Center shortly before 5 a.m. Wednesday, becoming the first LPD officer fatally shot on duty in nearly 80 years, police said, according to the Lakeland Ledger.

Crispin was shot Sunday night while searching several men in a Crystal Grove Lane park, the Ledger reported.

Today we mourn the loss of Lakeland police officer Arnulfo Crispin, who lost his life while protecting his community, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated in a release. My prayers are with his family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers of the Lakeland Police Department. Crispins death is a tragic loss, and he will forever be remembered for his bravery and selflessness.

Kyle D. Williams, 19, of Lakeland, has been charged with first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer.

The flags will remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, according to the governors order.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Lakeland police officer Arnulfo Crispin, Scott stated in a release.