Officers with the Wauchula Police Department are investigating a death that occurred in the parking lot at Preston Station.
The department shared the update in a public information notice posted Sunday, confirming that officers are conducting a death investigation at Preston Station, according to the Wauchula Police Department. The notice specifies that the incident took place in the parking lot of the business, not inside the store itself.
Investigators said that, based on information gathered so far, they believe the incident is isolated and involves only the person who died. The department was careful to note that the incident did not involve the store or its personnel in any way, and reiterated that there is no known threat to the broader public.
Increased Police Presence Expected Near Preston Station
Because officers are actively working the scene, the department warned that locals may see an increased law-enforcement presence in and around Preston Station for a time. No other details about the person who died, the circumstances of the death, or how long the investigation might continue have been released.
The Wauchula Police Department is led by Chief Ron Curtis, who was tapped for the role after a selection process that drew 30 applicants, according to The Herald-Advocate. Before coming to Wauchula, Curtis served as a major and third in command at the Groveland Police Department in Lake County. He spent 27 years with the Lee County Sheriff's Office before retiring as a major in 2017.
No further statements, identification of the deceased, or cause-of-death information have been made public as of Sunday. The Wauchula Police Department has not indicated when additional details might be released.
