A Clermont trailer and vehicle were heavily damaged by what investigators believe was heavy equipment early Friday morning, leaving behind a scene described by neighbors as “unbelievable” and a spray-painted message that deputies say appeared to be personal in nature.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a vandalism call around 7 a.m. Friday near Pine Island and Monte Vista roads.
“It appeared that both sides of the residence were struck by heavy equipment,” the agency said. A Ford Expedition at the property also had a smashed roof and broken windows.
On one side of the home, a message was spray-painted that included a man’s name and the words “you (expletive) with the wrong girl.” Lake County Crime Scene detectives spent most of the morning investigating, and the Sheriff’s Office said no suspect has been identified. Charges in the case would be criminal mischief.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has now also confirmed that the homeowner, identified as Nicole Griner, is considered a missing person. According to deputies, Griner, 45, is 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs approximately 170 pounds, and has blonde hair and brown eyes. Investigators said her heavily vandalized residence in the Pine Island area of unincorporated Clermont was discovered on July 25, and while her vehicle was present, she was not. Griner was last seen on July 24 with her boyfriend, Nickolis Dewitt, 33, traveling in an olive-green diesel pick-up truck. Authorities said it is unknown if they are still in that vehicle. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101 or email [email protected].
Style reporter Roxanne Brown headed to the scene. …