Lakeland Police Release New Details in Fatal Shooting of Rape Suspect

Lakeland police say David Cuevas, 42, had a duffel bag with rope, duct tape, chains, a stun gun and leg restraints inside a hotel room at the Crestwood Suites Extended Stay Hotel in Lakeland.

LAKELAND | Police found a chilling collection of weapons and restraints when they searched the motel room and car of the suspected rapist who was shot and killed by Lakeland officers last week.

David Cuevas, 42, had a duffel bag with rope, duct tape, chains, a stun gun and leg restraints inside a hotel room at the Crestwood Suites Extended Stay Hotel in Lakeland.

Inside his car, detectives found 725 9mm rounds, more leg restraints, two sets of handcuffs, a knife and binoculars.

When he was shot he was carrying a pistol and four loaded magazines.

"Looking now at what he brought to Lakeland, it was obvious that he was intent on committing a violent felony," police spokesman Sgt. Gary Gross said Tuesday. "We're thankful that (detectives) were able to intervene and stop another potential violent crime from occurring."

Police on Tuesday released new details in the shooting of Cuevas outside a North Lakeland restaurant.

The shooting happened about 5:40 p.m. Thursday on the sidewalk in front of Five Guys restaurant at 4660 N. Socrum Loop Road.

Police said two detectives Mike Lewis, 28, and Nick Pollice, 33 fired 18 times at Cuevas as he reached into his waistband and turned toward them with a pistol. The detectives hit him seven times, killing him, according to police.

Neither of the officers, nor any bystanders, were injured.

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Lakeland Police Release New Details in Fatal Shooting of Rape Suspect