Nicole Griner found after Lake County home vandalized, destroyed by excavator: Deputies
Missing woman, boyfriend found after home trashed
Officials safely recovered previously missing Lake County woman Nicole Griner on Friday night. She was believed to be with her boyfriend, who also was found safe. Her home was mysteriously vandalized and nearly destroyed by an excavator earlier in the day. Deputies found an SUV and home significantly damaged. There was also a message scrawled across the side of the house in what's believed to be spray paint.
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - A home in Lake County was mysteriously damaged – almost destroyed – and officials are now looking to figure out why, how and by whom. Only a few hours later, the owner of the home was reported missing.
Here's everything we know about the investigation so far.
Home mysteriously destroyed near Clermont
What we know:
According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), deputies received a call about damage to a Ford Expedition at a home on Pine Island Road, which is south of both Clermont and Groveland, in a remote area.
When deputies arrived, they found an SUV and a manufactured home heavily damaged.
Photos and videos shared with FOX 35 Orlando show the outside walls of the home completely destroyed, exposing the inside of the home. On the other side of the home, there also appears to be damage to the porch area.
Officials said it appears "heavy equipment" was used to damage the home, but it's unclear what type of equipment was used nor who allegedly did it.
At last check, no one had been named as a person of interest, detained or arrested in connection with the damage.
VIDEO: Home mysteriously destroyed in Lake County
Who damaged a home in Lake County, and how did it get so damaged? That's what Lake County Sheriff's Office are investigating.
Was anyone hurt?
No one was at the home or on the property when Lake County deputies arrived, a spokesperson said. No injuries have been reported.
A not-so-hidden message?
Photos and videos reportedly taken early Friday morning show damage to the home, but no message on the side of the house. However, since then, there appears to be a message spray-painted on the side of the house.
"You (expletive) with the wrong girl!" is written on one side of the house. It also features someone's name. FOX 35 Orlando has blurred the photo because of the expletive.
Nicole Griner found safe
The LCSO issued a missing persons bulletin late Friday for 45-year-old Nicole Griner, who lives at the home that was vandalized. Deputies said her vehicle was on the property, but she was not.
She was last seen on Thursday, July 24, with her boyfriend, identified as 33-year-old Nickolis Dewitt. Both are depicted in the photo shared on the LCSO's Facebook page.
Deputies shared later on Friday night that both Griner and Dewitt were found safe in Pasco County.
What we don't know:
At this time, it is still unclear why the couple were reported missing and where they were found.
What you can do:
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the LCSO.
- Phone: 352-343-2101
- Email: tips@lcso.org
MAP: Where is the home?
The Source: A spokesperson for the Lake County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) shared initial details with FOX 35 Orlando. Additional photos and videos were shared with FOX 35 via someone who lives in the area.