Lakeland, Florida -- A Lakeland Police Officer has been arrested for stalking his former fiance.
On September 17, the Lakeland Police Department began an administrative investigation into the unwanted contact between an officer and LPD employee. The officer in question is Robert L. Manrow who is currently assigned as a Canine (K-9) Officer.
The victim and Robert Manrow had previously been engaged and living together and their relationship ended on August 13, 2014. The victim had warned Manrow on numerous occasions to stop contacting her.
On August 21, the victim was startled in her residence by Manrow after he entered without permission or invitation through the garage with a garage door remote. The victim ordered him out of the residence, and he complied.
On August 24, the victim arrived home to find Manrow within her fenced in area at the rear of the residence. Manrow allegedly was at the residence to retrieve a few personal items he had not secured prior. However, no arrangements had been established for him to return the property. Once he got these items, he was again requested to leave.
Between September 3 and 7, Manrow contacted the victim via her cell phone, text messages and a social media site harassing her placing a well-founded fear in the victim. On September 8, Manrow allegedly sent text messages and photographs to the victim who replied, "Enough is Enough".
On September 9, supervisors met with Manrow and gave him a direct order to stop all contact with the victim.
On September 13 and 20, Manrow made statements to fellow employees of his displeasure with the situation and also directed these comments towards another witness (LPD male employee). Manrow suspected that the victim and witness had developed a relationship.
On September 21, at approximately 2:25 a.m., the victim and witness observed a male approaching the residence. The witness stated that the male appeared to be Manrow. The victim and witness secured themselves inside the residence in fear for their safety and reported this to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
The victim stated she requested Robert Manrow to stop contacting her approximately 10 times since August 13, and she stated she was in fear for her safety.
On October 11, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Lakeland Police Department arrested Manrow at his temporary address for Aggravated Stalking (Domestic Violence) and transported him to the Polk County Jail. Sgt. Gary Gross, spokesperson says, "The Lakeland Police Department holds itself highly accountable to the laws and policies that govern society and we will not tolerate any officer misconduct. It's unfortunate that this incident occurred and have no doubt that Officer Rob Manrow will be held accountable for his actions".
Based upon the timing of his arrest, Marrow has been placed upon paid administrative leave for the time being, pending further evaluation.
More Lakeland PD stories:
- State Attorney alleges Lakeland PD sexual misconduct
- More details on Lakeland PD sex scandal
- Lakeland Police have history of sex on job
- Lakeland Police make woman shake bra during search
- Woman at center of LPD sex scandal comes forward
- 10 News EXCLUSIVE: more unflattering pics surface of LPD
- LPD Chief Womack faces council amid sex scandal
- Lakeland Chief "chats" about changing culture at dept.
- Sex scandal forces long-time Captain to retire
- Advisory board assigned to Lakeland PD sex scandal
- 2 police sergeants fired, another resigns
- 2 more LPD officers out of a job
- LPD Chief outlines next steps in sex scandal investigation
- Community commission gears up to examine LPD sex scandal
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