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 An arrest means only that a law enforcement officer attests there is probable cause to reasonably believe that a crime has been committed. An arrestee is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Week of July 26, 2010 - August 1, 2010 ~ Friday's Local/State News ~ Care Giver
of Homebound MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Sendrell Maurice Yowe, 22, of 5400 26th Street West, Bradenton.
According to the arrest report, Yowe is a care giver who works for Take Care of Manatee, 6146 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton. On July 16, 2010, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Yowe worked at the home of a homebound elderly man in the 3700 block of Gamble Creek Road, in Parrish. After Yowe left the home, the man's wife discovered that at least two rings were missing from the home. They were valued at $1,790. A theft report was made of the incident on July 20, 2010. A detective searched pawn records for Yowe and found he sold 3 rings to America's Super Pawn on July 16, 2010, at about 6 p.m., receiving a total of $200 for the 3 rings. On July 26, 2010, the detective met with the victim at the pawn shop. She viewed the rings and made a positive identification that they belonged to her. When Yowe was interviewed, he admitted to taking the rings because, "He needed the money." Yowe was charged with Grand Theft.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Alex Velez, 16, of the 2900 block of 33rd Avenue West, Bradenton.
A sheriff's report said on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at about 10:40 p.m., deputies converged on Velez' residence. Velez had an active warrant for a prior Felony Firearms charge. Immediately upon arrival of deputies, Velez ran out of the rear of the home, saw K-9, disregarded their commands to stop, and fled north bound into the St. Joseph's Catholic Church athletic field in the 3000 block of 26th Street West. Dep. Kruse and K-9 Nitro gave chase. Velez continued north through the field, disregarding K-9's stop command. Nitro was released. Nitro contacted Velez in the upper right shoulder and side areas, resulting in his apprehension. Once secured, Velez was found to be in possession of a small bag of marijuana. He was taken to the Manatee County Jail's Juvenile Booking Facility.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Justin Lizardi, 20, of Heritage Harbor, has been charged with additional burglaries (see Wednesday's Local News for prior charges).
A sheriff's report said in an interview on Wednesday with Justin, he showed Dep. Wilder and Dep. Drymon several houses where he admitted to stealing golf clubs from the garages. A check of the addresses revealed that two of these burglaries had not been reported yet. On Wednesday, July 28, 2010, Dep. Drymon and Dep. Pearson made contact with the home owners at these addresses. The home owners checked their property and did determine that they were missing the same golf clubs that Justin admitted to taking. In another burglary, Justin allegedly stole $36,000 worth of jewelry and received $750 for it from a gold dealer. Justin had just been released from jail in June of this year. Dep. Pearson completed the initial reports and submitted Probable Cause for Arrest reports to the jail, charging Justin with an additional two counts of Burglary and two counts Grand Theft. Justin has now been charged with 7 burglaries. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $85,120.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a drowning on Thursday, July 29, 2010, just off Anna Maria Island.
Terry Cox, 50, and witness John Bell, 48, were fishing about 400 yards from the southern shoreline of the inter-coastal at the 1000 Manatee Avenue West, in Holmes Beach. According to Bell, Cox was about 150 yards away from him when all of a sudden Cox started moving his arms in the water and it appeared that he was fighting a big fish at first. Then Bell heard Cox say that he needed help. Bell then noticed that Cox was a good distance from the shoreline and in the rip current that passes under the bridge. According to Bell, Cox appeared to be drowning at that point and was panicking. Bell yelled to Cox to swim west away from the currents and towards the mangroves to the west. Bell attempted to swim out to Cox but soon realized that there was a high tide and the water was too deep for him to swim and fight the currents that were present. Bell got out of the water to go get help and while he was getting out of the water Cox stopped yelling. Bell looked for Cox and could no longer see him. Bell got
help and notified authorities.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the alleged rape of a teenage girl on Thursday, July 29, 2010, at about 2 a.m., in an "unknown location in Manatee County." A sheriff's report said the victim, 18, met two unknown males in the parking lot of an area Sweet Bay store. She left with the two males to an unknown location. During that time victim said she blacked out. She arrived home a few hours later by unknown means and told her roommate that she was sexually assaulted by unknown person(s). She appeared to be calm, but stated that her whole body was hurting. She was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital by EMS, where a rape kit was completed and Rape Crisis was notified. The victim had no visible signs of injury, the report said. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol in conjunction with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department and Bradenton Police Department will conduct a comprehensive roadside safety checkpoint in Manatee County during the month of August. The exact location was not announced. The central focus of this checkpoint will be the apprehension of impaired drivers. The Goals for this checkpoint are: ~ Deter DUI; thereby reducing the death, injury and property damage caused by alcohol and drug impaired drivers. ~ Intercept currently impaired drivers before a traffic crash occurs. ~ Conduct the checkpoint with a minimal amount of intrusion and motorist inconvenience. ~ Ensure the safety of the motorists and officers In Manatee County during 2009, there were 398 alcohol related crashes that resulted in 17 fatalities. Driving Under the Influence is a crime and these deaths were preventable. The law enforcement community in Manatee County takes this crime seriously and has a zero tolerance policy for Impaired Drivers.
SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police are investigating a series of robberies at local adult video stores, and are asking the public's assistance in identifying him.
Two local businesses, The X-Factor (1940 12th St.) and XTC Super Center (2092 17th St.) have been robbed a total of three times since July 16, and it is believed that the same perpetrator is responsible for each of these robberies. The suspect is believed to be a White male in his 20’s to 30 years of age, between 5’10”-6’1”, 185-200 lbs, and was wearing a mask during the robberies. The suspect was armed with a handgun during each of the robberies. The suspect is believed to be driving a white Dodge commercial-type van. Anyone with information relating to these robberies is asked to contact the SPD Criminal Investigations Division, (941) 954-7070.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives arrested three teens attempting to burglarize a business at Tropical Gulf Acres south of Punta Gorda early Thursday morning, July 29, 2010, thanks to special surveillance equipment.
The Morales Mini-Mart, 12459 Tamiami Tr., has been hit by burglars three times recently and CCSO detectives set up special equipment around the building that notified Communications at 1:13 a.m. of activity. A deputy responded and saw three juveniles run into a wooded area. He maneuvered around them and caught them at 1:23 a.m. and then took them to the District-3 office for questioning. Detectives said the surveillance system showed them attempting to remove window panes from the business. Arrested were Tyson Andrew Matzen, 15, 500 Sunset Blvd. (Tee & Green Estates); Keith Eric Croteau, 15, 28380 Doe St. (Tropical Gulf Acres); and Courtney James Spurlock, 16, 521 Drury Lane, Punta Gorda. All three were charged with felony Burglary and misdemeanor Loitering and Prowling. They were transported to the Charlotte County Jail then released to their parents.
PALM BAY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a 14-year-old faces a hate-crime enhancement charge on allegations of carrying out a racially motivated attack on a 22-year-old man for listening to rap music, Palm Bay police said. The teen was taken into custody late Monday and charged with battery after Palm Bay police were called to investigate a disturbance near the intersection of Port Malabar Boulevard and India Lane in the northeast section of the city. Hate-crime enhancement means the first-degree misdemeanor battery charge could be elevated to a third-degree felony because the youth showed “extreme prejudice against the victim because of his race,” said Yvonne Martinez, spokeswoman for the Palm Bay Police Department. “The victim, who is White, was walking along Port Malabar listening to rap music when he saw the suspect and a group of other youth,” Martinez said. The 14-year-old, who police say may have known the man, told the man to stop listening to the rap music, “because he was White,” and that, “White people shouldn’t listen to rap music,” Martinez said. “(The victim) then told them that he could listen to any kind of music he liked,” Martinez said. The teen struck the victim in the face as another youth encouraged the attack, police said. The beaten man escaped and contacted police. He later identified the teen, Martinez said. The teen was then booked into the Juvenile Detention Center. The state attorney’s office will review the charges, WKMG said.
~ Thursday's Local/State News ~ Undercover
Surveillance Team, MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Justin Lizardi, 20, of 9059 Willow Brook Circle, in the Heritage Harbor subdivision, in North Manatee County.
A sheriff's report said on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, COPS North deputies began daytime surveillance on two known burglary suspects in the North 70 area of the county. Justin Lizardi was one of those suspected burglars. At approximately 2:40 p.m., Lizardi was observed leaving his residence. Lizardi was riding a bicycle and carried a back pack. The surveillance team began following Lizardi and observed him casing houses. Lizardi went to 9109 Brookfield Terrace and began to walk around the house. A pool cleaning company also arrived at that location. Lizardi quickly left and went across the street to 9114 Brookfield Terrace. Lizardi was observed walking around the rear of the residence, picking up a brick paver, and entering the pool cage. Lizardi then made several attempts to break the window in the back door and could not gain access. Lizardi then attempted to break out the rear slider and again was unsuccessful. Lizardi then went to 9115 Kingsbury Place, walked around to the rear of the residence, opened an unlocked rear slider, and went inside. After a few minutes Lizardi left the residence and started to ride away on his bike. Dep. Sutton, Dep. Petta, Dep. Wilder, and Dep. Pearson attempted to apprehend Lizardi as he rode down Golden Harbor Trail. Lizardi fled on foot after he was ordered to stop by Dep. Sutton. Dep. Sutton released K-9 Rosco and Lizardi was bitten on his buttock, which resulted in him surrendering. A search of his backpack revealed several jewelry boxes and a bottle of prescription medication. Contact was made with the victim from 9115 Kingsbury Place, who identified all of the property recovered from Lizardi as theirs. Contact was also made with the victim from 9114 Brookfield Terrace. Both victims stated that Lizardi did not have permission to be at their houses. Lizardi was interviewed post Miranda and admitted to a total of 11 residential burglaries, to include one in River Club where $36,000 worth of jewelry was taken. Lizardi was arrested and charged with 7 counts of Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest without Violence, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Loitering and Prowling. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $70,620.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives are looking for the man who robbed American Mattress, 2115 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, on July 19, 2010.
He is described as a Black male in his 20's 5'-08" 140 lbs. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a tan rag on his head, white shirt and a bright yellow reflective vest and black jeans. Victims say he walked into the store around 2:15 p.m., lied down on a few mattresses, and then approached the victim who was behind the cashier's counter. Holding a hand gun, the suspect said, "Give me the money" and the victim said, "Get it yourself." The suspect went behind the counter and opened the cashiers drawer. The victim shut the drawer while the suspect’s hands were inside. The suspect then pulled the drawer out, threw it on top of a mattress, and removed an undisclosed amount of cash. The surveillance photo above was taken at First Bank (Formally Coast Bank/Cortez Road) approximately 2 hours prior to the robbery of American Mattress. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a robbery by sudden snatching on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at about 7 p.m., outside the Walgreens store located at 6000 14th Street West, Bradenton.
A sheriff's report said the victim, Greg Townsend, 26, was "hanging out" with a man who he knows, but could not provide a name. Greg had $70 in his hand and the would-be friend grabbed the money and fled on a bike. The area was saturated without locating the robber. The reporting deputy was following up on a few leads to obtain the name of the robber. Eventually, the deputy identified and caught up with Elmer E. Robinson, 26, of 6020 1st Street, Bradenton Robinson was arrested and charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching. As of Wednesday afernoon, Robinson remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond. There were no injuries or weapons in this incident, the report said.
HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT/Islander] -- To say the Holmes Beach police chief is miffed, would be an understatement, in the wake of the theft of the Holmes Beach skate park sign. The sign depicts a portrait of former HBPD officer Pete Lannon, and honored his service to the city as its community officer and liaison to the Anna Maria Elementary School, prior to his death in 2007. The city learned of the sign theft July 27 when crews from public works prepared to mow grass around the skate park. Surveillance video was reviewed, and police determined the theft occurred on the night of July 11. “The individuals walked up to the sign and pulled it out of the ground and walked away with it” sometime between 2:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., Chief Jay Romine said. Romine indicated the department is in the process of further enhancing its video for identification, and that Mayor Rich Bohnenberger announced the city will offer a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves. “We hope someone needs the money and turns them in first,” before police get the enhancement, he said. “We also hope to recover the sign.” The cost of the sign in 2008 was $1,200, although a replacement cost is not yet known. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Holmes Beach Police Department at (941) 708-5807, or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. [Ed. Note: The above article was written by the staff of The Anna Maria Islander. The Islander is a news partner of NewsManatee's and we frequently share reports.]
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested four teenagers in a string of burglaries around the Venice East neighborhood over the past few weeks.
Deputies responded to a home on Paddington Road last night after a victim called to say he located a cooler that had been stolen the night before. An investigation began, leading detectives to 18-year-old Todd Hofmeister, 15-year-olds Roland Risse and Tyler Rasmussen, and 16-year-old Rodd Pickering. Follow-up investigation by detectives connected the four teens to more than a dozen burglaries that occurred last night and up to 30 more in previous weeks. The group stole GPS systems, cell phones and cash from unlocked vehicles and sold many items to purchase marijuana and beer. A number of items have been recovered. All four teens are facing felony burglary charges. The investigation into these crimes is continuing.
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A dozen convenience store clerks have been cited for selling alcohol to a minor during an undercover operation conducted by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Alcohol Task Force between July 12 and July 14, 2010. The following businesses were found to be in violation and the clerks that sold the alcohol to the undercover confidential informant were given a Notice to Appear: 1. Sunoco,
5808 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Another 56 businesses that were visited as part of this operation were found to be in compliance. A letter was sent to each location to commend and thank owners and employees for assisting with the reduction of alcohol sales to minors.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 10:36 a.m. Wednesday morning, July 28, 2010, after a two year old boy was found in the family swimming pool in the 1200 block of Marlow St., Port Charlotte. CCSO Deputies and EMS were dispatched to the home and the child was transported by EMS to Peace River Regional Medical Center. Then the boy was transported by helicopter to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg for further medical attention. His condition is not known at this time. CCSO Major Crimes Unit detectives were at the home investigating the incident.
ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A brazen thief robbed an Orlando pawn shop in broad daylight Tuesday, pointing a gun at a woman's chest and the back of a man's head, Orlando television station WKMG reported. The robbery occurred around noon at the Cash America Pawn Shop on South Semoran Boulevard in Orlando. Police released photos showing the masked gunman pointing a gun at what appears to be a customer and an employee. Orlando police did not say how much money was stolen, but the thief's getaway car was found abandoned near the pawn shop, WKMG said.
~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~ Woman,
24, Arrested for MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Joan C. Frelinghuysen, 24, a homeless woman, in connection with the stabbing of her mother, Hortensia Frelinghuysen, 52, on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at about 8 a.m.
A sheriff's report said Hortensia Frelinghuysen alleged that her daughter, Joan C. Frelinghuysen, came to Hortensia's residence in the 7000 block of Madonna Place in south Manatee County on Tuesday morning, asking for help keeping her off the streets. They began to argue about Joan Frelinghuysen's lifestyle. There was a lull in the argument, then Hortensia was drawn to the odor of something burning. She observed Joan using a candle, attempting to set a piece of furniture on fire. Hortensia knocked the candle out of Joan's hand. Joan produced a knife, stabbing Hortensia in the neck once. Hortensia retreated and called 911. Joan fled the residence. Patrol, K-9 and a sheriff's helicopter began a search for Joan, who was subsequently located a block away. Joan was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder. Hortensia was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where she was being treated for a stab wound to her neck, which was not life-threatening. Detective Sanders, crime scene and victim's advocate all assisted with the investigation. As of Tuesday afternoon, Joan remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested David Lee Lawson, 52, of 2604 Moccassin Wallow Road, in Palmetto.
The arrest report from BPD said on Friday, July 23, 2010, at about 5 p.m., two officers were patrolling the area of 26th Avenue West and 9th Street West. As their vehicle pulled into the rear parking lot of K&S Discount Beverages, 2615 9th Street West, Bradenton, they noticed Lawson looking around the corner of the building and acting "very suspicious." Lawson then brought something to his mouth and inhaled and then blew out smoke. It appeared to the officers to be a marijuana joint in his right hand. They smelled the distinct odor of marijuana. The officers took the joint from Lawson. In a search of Lawson, they also discovered Lortab pills, for which Lawson had no prescription. Lawson was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana.
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Michael Howard Chandler, 20, of 2403 15th Avenue West, Bradenton.
According to the arrest report, sometime between July 5 and July 10, 2010, Chandler was visiting a girl at her residence in the 1800 block of 32nd Street West, Bradenton. During that time, he took a necklace belonging to the girl and several other items, all valued between $300 and $5,000. The sheriff's office was subsequently called regarding a burglary of the residence. The victim said that she had discovered that a necklace had gone missing from her daughter's bedroom dresser. The victim thought she knew who the burglar was and provided deputies with a name. On July 21, 2010, a check of the items taken during the burglary and a check of the alleged burglar was run through a computer program, Pawn Finder. In doing so, a return showed that Chandler had pawned a necklace similar to the one stolen at America's Super Pawn, 5137 14th Street West, Bradenton. On July 22, 2010, the victim met a detective at the pawn shop to identify the necklace, which she did. Chandler was located at his residence and arrested on that day. He was charged with Burglary, Grand Theft and Dealing in Stolen Property. His bond on other previous charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia was revoked. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,740.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a 35-year-old unidentified Bradenton man died on Monday, July 26, 2010, at about 10:30 p.m., when a vehicle she was driving struck a power pole in the 4600 block of 69th Street East, Palmetto. The FHP report said a Lexus being driven by the woman and another vehicle were traveling westbound on 69th St. E. The driver of the Lexus applied his brakes as the other vehicle was approaching at a higher rate of speed. V-2’s front struck the rear of the Lexus, causing the driver of the Lexus to lose control of his vehicle. The Lexus left the roadway onto the south shoulder of 69th Street East and struck a power pole with the right side of the Lexus. The driver of the Lexus died at the scene. A passenger in the Lexus, Shaunna Jacobs, 25, of Sarasota, was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg in serious condition. The driver and the passenger in the other vehicle did not sustain any injuries. Charges in the crash are pending. The driver of the Lexus has not been identified as next of kin has not yet been notified, the FHP report said. UPDATE: The driver of the Lexus has been identified as Charles Robbins, 35, of Bradenton.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a lawn maintenance worker found two bones while working in a yard on Monday, July 26, 2010, at about 7:45 a.m. According to a sheriff's report, while mowing the yard at West Coast Podiatry, 1611 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton, the lawn care worker found two large bones on the east side of the property, between the building and a wooden privacy fence. Nobody from the Medical Examiner's Office was available to respond, so the bones were collected by a deputy for further analysis. On Tuesday, July 27, 2010, word came down from the sheriff's office that the bones were those of an animal; the type of animal was not given.
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Stephanie Ward, also known as Stephanie Dickerson, 23, of 1806 7th Avenue West, Bradenton, for Trafficking in Oxycodone and Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud after using a forged prescription to purchase 600 Oxycodone pills from several area pharmacies in 21 days.
Investigators found that Ward was using fraudulent prescriptions from the Sarasota County Health Department with the name a prescribing physician who no longer worked there. She presented prescriptions in her name and that of her husband at CVS, Walgreens, Publix Pharmacy and Barclay Pharmacy locations in Venice and Sarasota, and every time “Roxycodone,” the generic version of Oxycodone, was misspelled. “This is a textbook example of the pharmaceutical drug problem and one very effective solution being implemented in Sarasota County,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “Because of the relationships that have been established, a pharmacy contacted the Sarasota County Health Department, who worked with our Pharmaceutical Diversion Investigative Unit, which issued an alert regarding Ward to area pharmacies, resulting in these significant charges being filed.” Ward is being held in the Sarasota County Jail on more than $500,000 bond.
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- One of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office top ten most wanted fugitives has been captured thanks to a joint investigation that tracked him to California.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit has been searching for Richard Clement, 25, for a shooting during a drug deal gone bad that occurred at the Heron’s Run Apartments in July 2009. Deputies developed information leading them to San Bernardino, California, and that lead was shared with the US Marshal Fugitive Task Force. When California task force members tried to make contact with Clement yesterday at his apartment, he jumped out a window in an attempt to flee but was captured nearby. Clement will be extradited back to Sarasota County to face charges of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Robbery with a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm while having an injunction.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, July 27, 2010, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Economic Crimes Unit detectives arrested a former North Port Chamber of Commerce employee on felony Grand Theft and Scheme to Defraud charges.
Lisa Lee Rowe, 37, 1321 Dockside Place, Siesta Key, was employed by the NPCC from June 15, 2007 through January 2010. ECU detectives said Rowe wrote 29 payroll checks to herself and deposited a total of $22,860 into her personal Charlotte State Bank checking account. The Chamber provided copies of canceled checks written on the BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) account of the North Port Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber received information from an independent auditor of possible discrepancies involving unauthorized payrolls checks made payable to Rowe. ECU detectives worked with North Port Police Department detectives in obtaining information for the investigation. Detectives subpoenaed Rowe’s bank records that included her payroll deposit slips. Rowe was administrative assistant, office coordinator and bookkeeper; she was responsible for creating, issuing and dispersing payroll checks but not authorized to sign checks. A former NPCC manager told detectives Rowe created payroll checks through QuickBooks; the manager would sign and authorize all checks. The manager did not sign or authorized the illegal payroll checks signed by Rowe. Rowe turned herself in to ECU detectives Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m., was arrested, then taken to the Charlotte County Jail; bond was set at $7,500.
Deputies said the 24-year-old woman was getting off work around 10:50 p.m., walked to her SUV and found a man inside. She said the man got out with her purse and other items, dropped them, and ran east behind Blockbuster in the shopping center. A perimeter was set up and a K-9 unit responded and following the suspects track into a wooded area by the 5/3 Bank. The K-9 officer made four announcements on his cruiser PA system for the suspect to come out or K-9 Vader would be released. There was no response, and Vader was released. The K-9 officer found Vader on top of the male suspect and was pulling the man out of the brush. Vader was ordered to release his bite and the suspect was handcuffed. The man was then identified as Keith Robert Reynolds, 20, 1156 Highlands Rd., Deep Creek. The woman whose SUV was entered told deputies she had seen the man earlier in a Hyundai parked in the lot and there was a juvenile girl sleeping in the car. Deputies woke the girl and asked who the man was that had been with her in the car and she said it was her boyfriend Reynolds. The 16-year-old girl was found to be on juvenile probation and a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. She was arrested for SHOCAP Violation and released on 5-days home detention. She was not charged in connection with the carhopping incident. Items stolen from the unlocked SUV were credit cards, checks, 23 CD’s, a ring and two prescription pill bottles. All items were recovered; value was set at $675. EMS was called and transported Reynolds to Peace River Regional Medical Center for bite wounds to his neck and left tricep. He was treated and released, then taken to the Charlotte County Jail. Reynolds is charged with Burglary and Grand Theft; he is being held on $5,000 bond.
MELBOURNE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a woman's arm was severed when she was hit by a train in Melbourne early Tuesday morning, and an officer may have saved her life by fashioning a tourniquet above the wound, police said. The woman, who has not been identified, was taken to Holmes Regional Hospital in critical condition after being struck just after midnight near New Haven Avenue and Depot Drive in Melbourne. According to Melbourne police, the woman was walking near the railroad tracks with a man believed to be her boyfriend when they got into an argument. The woman then jumped onto the tracks as a train was approaching, and she tried to leap off but was hit by the train, police said. The woman's arm was severed, and the officer assisted her before she was taken to the hospital, WKMG said.
~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~ Young
Lady Arrested for MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Shay Chylinski, 18, of 2405 Georgetown Road, Bradenton.
According to the arrest report, on Saturday, July 24, 2010, at about 2 a.m., a deputy was dispatched to Club Cuernavaca, a bar and grill restaurant located at 830 301 Blvd. East, Bradenton, regarding a disturbance where a man threatened the security guard by telling the guard he was going to his vehicle to get his AK-47 and shoot the guard. Upon arrival, the deputy was immediately informed by the guard that the vehicle, a gray Nissan Altima that the male left in was parked at the Shell gas station next door and pointed the vehicle out to the deputy. The deputy then conducted a felony traffic stop on the vehicle, having the driver, later identified as Chylinski, and front and rear passenger place their hands outside of the vehicle until backup arrived. Once all three parties were removed from the vehicle for officer safety, the vehicle was searched. During the search, no weapons were located. However, when the trunk of the vehicle was opened, in plain view was a black leather bag that was opened and deputies found small plastic bags that appeared to contain marijuana. Chylinski identified the bag and marijuana as belonging to her. She said the marijuana was for personal use. But the total weight of the marijuana in the multiple baggies was 38.4 grams (1.4 ounces). Chylinski later told deputies that it was, "Great B grade -- good stuff." She was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She posted a $2,620 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested James W. Armstrong, 49, of 2912 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida.
According to the arrest report, on Saturday, July 24, 2010, at about 5:30 a.m., Armstrong went to the sheriff's Operations Center, located at 600 301 Blvd. West, Bradenton, asking for medical treatment due to "abdominal pain." Deputy Smith began assisting Armstrong with getting medical assistance, when Armstrong suddenly charged Deputy Smith. Armstrong used both hands to push Dep. Smith out the front doors of the sheriff's office. They then began wrestling around in the front area until other deputies arrived on scene. Armstrong was finally taken into custody and transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment. Dep. Smith was also transported to the hospital. He suffered a dislocated shoulder and a large abrasion on his forehead. Armstrong was arrested and charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest with Violence. He posted a $2,500 cash bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Reginald Renard Mabry, 19, of 1632 27th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.
The arrest report from BPD said on Friday, July 23, 2010, at about 11:30 p.m., a Bradenton Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 100 block of 12th Avenue East, Bradenton. When the unnamed driver rolled down her window, smoke that smelled like marijuana came pouring from the vehicle, the report said. The driver admitted smoking marijuana earlier in the night. The occupants of the vehicle were removed from the vehicle and the vehicle was searched. Under the front passenger seat, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun, within reach of the passenger. A back seat passenger said she saw Mabry making furtive movements when the officer pulled them over. Everyone denied ownership of the handgun. Mabry was arrested and charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm. He posted a $2,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.
MNATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's spokesman, Randy Warren, issued a press release regarding the arrest of a man involved in an armed home invasion robbery on July 4, 2010.
Detectives have arrested James L. Davis, 31, (DOB: 11/21/78) after he was identified as the shooter in a Home Invasion Robbery at 1322 59th Avenue East, Bradenton around 11:20 p.m. on July 4th, 2010. The victims of this robbery identified Davis as being one of the subjects that robbed them and shot their dogs. The female victim told investigators that she was walking her dog near the front of the residence when the suspects stormed the house, ordering them to lie on the floor. The suspects then shot two dogs, killing one and injuring the other. The victims were not injured. Davis was arrested on Thursday, July 22, 2010. He is charged with Home Invasion with a Deadly Weapon, Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling, and Aggravated Assault and Torture to an Animal. Detectives continue to investigate, Warren said. Davis remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $206,000 bail bond.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Donald T. Lawson, 29, of the 2600 block of 26th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.
According to the arrest report, on Friday, July 23, 2010, at about 8 p.m., Lawson and an unnamed 15-year-old girl were standing under Lawson's carport. Both Lawson and the girl said they were talking for a while. After about an hour of conversation, both parties started kissing each other on the lips. It was when the mother and mother's friend, who had walked to Lawson's residence, saw them kissing and yelled out the 15-year-old's name, that the kissing stopped. During the investigation, Lawson said he always sees the girl walking down the street and she came up his driveway to talk to him. After Lawson was arrested for Lewd or Lascivious Conduct with a Minor, a note was found in his rear left pocket that he received from the girl that said, "I know we just met, but I think you are sweet, cute and fun to be around. Would you go out with me? If you say no, can we be friends?" Lawson was released from the Manatee County Jail on his own recognizance.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Sunday, July 25, 2010, at about 10:20 p.m., at Avalon Square Apartments, 3506 14th Street West, Bradenton. A sheriff's report said the victims, David Seltiono, 33, and Yenni Irawatie, 35, were walking up the stairs when they were approached by two unknown Black males wearing all black clothing. One of the robbers pointed a black handgun at the male victim and the other robber ran up the stairs. That robber grabbed the female victim from behind and covered her mouth with his hand. They took the victim's backpack with both victims' property and $500 and tossed the victim's keys into a grassy area on the other side of the parking lot. The robbers fled the scene eastbound through the parking lot on foot. The victims were not injured. V.C.T.F. responded and assisted with the investigation. The robbers were described as both being about 5'8" tall, weighing 150 pounds, last seen wearing all black clothing with gloves and masks, and armed with a small black handgun. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Sunday, July 25, 2010, at about 11 p.m., in the 100 block of 61st Avenue East, Bradenton. A sheriff's report said the victim, Sonia Miranda, walked onto her carport to go to her laundry room prior to going to work. A Black male approached her from behind and placed a gun to her head. He demanded money and she complied, giving him $80 dollars. The robber fled east on 61st Ave. K-9 was unable to start a track due to the large amount of foot traffic in the area. The victim was not injured. The Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) responded and assisted with the investigation. The robber was only described as a Back male, 5'9" tall, weighing 200 pounds and wearing a mask. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- In response to neighborhood concerns, the Sarasota Police Department conducted a series of undercover prostitution investigations. On July 24th and July 25th, a total of 15 individuals were arrested on a total of 17 criminal charges, including 14 charges of Prostitution (5 felony Prostitution charges / 9 misdemeanor charges), 2 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charges, and 1 Trespass after Warning. Prostitution is a Felony for a third or subsequent violation or knowingly committing the criminal transmission of HIV. The investigations were conducted under the supervision of Sergeant Robert Korich and involved the Street Crimes Unit with assistance from Officer James Glover. The arrests occurred in north Sarasota, primarily along the North Tamiami Trail. Investigations will continue based on community concerns; future investigations will include prostitutes, their customers (Johns) and any business that participates in prostitution. The following individuals were arrested: Regina Strickland
(11-8-72) Prostitution (Felony)
GROVELAND, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- The body of a teen who disappeared after jumping into a Central Florida lake was discovered Monday morning by divers, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The body of 18-year-old Andrew Ford was found in in Lake Lucy, which is located in Groveland, just west of Brown's Ford Park near Highway 19, deputies announced around 9:45 a.m. Monday. According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Ford was on a Jon boat with another man and woman when he dove into the lake around 5:45 p.m. Sunday and never resurfaced. Deputies said the other boaters tried to find Ford and immediately called for help, WKMG said
~ Monday's Local/State News ~ Two Houses
Burn in MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, July 24, 2010, at about 11 p.m., Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue was called to a structure fire at 6609 Columbia Drive.
During that fire, a second fire was reported just north of that address at 6223 Columbia Drive. Upon arrival, both structures were found about 50 percent involved with fire. A total of four engines, 17 fire fighters and support personnel were used to bring the fires under control. The fires were brought under control in about 20 minutes. Both structures were found vacant and sustained about $30,000 in damage each. Nobody was injured. The cause of the fires is still under investigation. However, NewsManatee's Heather Chadwick learned from the Bayshore Gardens Neighborhood Watch group that they believe they know who started these fires. They believe the person lives in the immediate area of the fires, they told Chadwick. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a high speed pursuit of a burglary suspect, who was eventually bitten by a K-9 and captured on Friday, July 23, 2010. The pursuit began at about 4:15 a.m., according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office.
A sheriff's report said deputies were patrolling in the Kingsfield Subdivision in the Parrish area when they noticed a White male, later identified as Andy D. Wolverton, 29, adjusting some items in a small white vehicle with flashlight in hand. As the deputies got closer, they noticed the vehicle was packed with a laptop, electronics, among other items. They asked Wolverton to stop and Wolverton jumped in the vehicle and fled the area. All available north side units saturated the area looking for the vehicle. Deputy Main reacquired the vehicle on Old Tampa Road headed north towards US 301. He attempted to stop the vehicle and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle turned North on US 301 headed to Parrish. Stop sticks were utilized at Fort Hammer Rd and the vehicle continued to CR 675 and eventually crashing into a light pole at 136 Street East and CR 675. Wolverton fled on foot and a perimeter was quickly established. Both K-9 and Aviation were called out. After a short track, Wolverton was located. The K-9 Unit challenged Wolverton and he was bitten on the left ankle. EMS responded to treat his wounds and he was eventually transported by patrol to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for further treatment. Speeds during the pursuit did not exceed 80 MPH. There was no traffic and the pursuit lasted about 6 minutes. No one was injured due to the pursuit other than the K-9 bite. Wolverton is being charged with several crimes including Burglary and Fleeing to Elude.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Friday, July 23, 2010, at about 1 a.m., in the 3500 block of 7th Avenue West, Bradenton. Robert A. Beehler, 32, of 3708 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, has been arrested for the crime.
A sheriff's report said it was alleged that the victim, Melanie Shoulders, 25, was leaving her home. Beehler, who is known by the victim, struck up a conversation with her out front. He then put a knife to her throat and took her Oxycodone and Xanax prescriptions. He also took her cell phone, $200, and various identification cards. She chased him to the area of 3900 Manatee Avenue West, and lost him. She conducted her own search until she elected to wave down a Bradenton P.D. unit. There were no injuries. Deputies did not have a good location for him, and could not find him in the area. A request for his arrest to the State Attorney's Office was completed and attached to the report in the event he was found prior to CID getting the report. Then, during a squad meeting a sergeant notified his squad of the above listed incident and information. At about 10:30 p.m., Deputy Evers and Deputy Magro responded to a domestic incident at 43rd Street West and 4th Ave. Upon their arrival, Deputy Evers made contact with the male subject and verified that he was Robert A. Beehler. Deputy Evers recalled the information put out at squad meeting and verified that the records section did have a valid probable cause affidavit for his arrest. Beehler was arrested and transported to jail with no further incident. He was charged with Armed Robbery.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Gregory William Cain, 25, of 2653 N. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota.
According to the arrest report, Cain was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over on Friday, July 23, 2010, at about 3:45 a.m., that had an expired tag. It was driving through the Centre Park industrial area which has had several recent thefts of air conditioning units. During a post-Miranda interview, Cain confessed that he and another man had been to the Whitfield area on two occasions and stole coils from air conditioners. He said he would stay in the vehicle and act as a lookout. He took deputies to the locations had stolen the A/C coils. They were the same locations where, on July 27, at about 5:30 a.m., the sheriff's office received three reports of air conditioners, valued at $900 total, in the Whitfield area. Cain was arrested and charged with Grand Theft. It is not known what happened to the driver of the vehicle that was stopped.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Hope Easterly, 34, a homeless woman.
According to the arrest report, on Thursday, July 22, 2010, a deputy was working in an undercover capacity with the sheriff's office Special Investigations Unit in an attempt to solicit prostitutes in the Bradenton area. At about 9 p.m., he observed Hope Easterly standing at the intersection of 26th Avenue West and 14th Street West, Bradenton. He pulled up next to her and began a conversation. During the conversation, Easterly agreed to give the deputy oral sex for $30. She was arrested and charged with Felony Prostitution. She had been arrested for prostitution on April 6, 2006, April 23, 2007, August 23, 2007, February 18, 2009, and June 23, 2010, making this additional arrest for the crime a felony.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Michelle D. Solomon, 31, a homeless woman.
The arrest report said on Thursday, July 22, 2010, a deputy was working in an undercover capacity with the sheriff's office Special Investigations Unit in an attempt to solicit prostitutes in the Palmetto area. At about 6:30 p.m., he made contact with Solomon in the 2500 block of 5th Avenue East, Palmetto. He asked her if she knew where any hard (crack cocaine) was. She said that she did and she got in the undercover vehicle and directed the deputy to the 2400 block of 5th Avenue Drive East. The deputy gave her $20 and she left the vehicle and returned a few moments later with 2 pieces of rock cocaine. They left the area and she went on to agree to give the deputy oral sex for $20. After her arrest, she was searched and a crack pipe, a piece of crack and a small amount of marijuana was found on her person. She was charged with Delivery of Rock Cocaine, Prostitution, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an alleged incident of sexual battery on Thursday, July 22, 2010. A sheriff's report said during the early evening hours the unnamed victim reported that she was picked up by two male acquaintances at her residence and taken to an unknown residence. The victim reported that she believes she was given some type of substance and sexually battered by the two males. The unknown men were only described as being two White Males, about 50 years of age. This is an ongoing criminal investigation. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a shooting incident on Sunday, July 25, 2010, at about 3:30 a.m., in the 1600 block of 1st Avenue East, Palmetto. A sheriff's report said Rashawn Scott, 24, was parked at the listed location awaiting an acquaintance, who was supposed to be meeting him there. A dark-colored, newer model Buick or similar car drove by twice and stopped. Scott thought it was the acquaintance he was supposed to be meeting, so he got out of his vehicle. As he did so, a Black male approached Scott and fired two rounds from a handgun at Scott. Scott fled westbound between the houses and called 911, while the suspect fled northbound towards 17th Street East. Two shell casings were found on the ground and collected as evidence. The area was searched, but no potential suspects were located. There were no injuries during the incident. The shooter was described as an unknown Black male, 5'08" tall, with a medium build, last seen wearing dark clothing and a mask. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary on Friday, July 23, 2010, after about 6:30 a.m., in the 10000 block of Laurel Valley Circle, in East Manatee County. A sheriff's report said between 6:30 a.m. and 5:50 p.m., unknown subject(s) threw a landscape paver through a rear glass door breaking the glass. Once entry was made, the burglar(s) removed jewelry from a vanity in the master bedroom bathroom. The subject(s) fled out the same rear door, taking nothing else. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the near injury of a deputy on Friday, July 23, 2010, at about 1 a.m., in the 3800 block of U.S. 301, Bradenton. A sheriff's report said Deputy Judy and Deputy Gillum were working an off-duty detail assisting with traffic operations. A short time later, Deputy Judy advised over the radio he was almost struck with a motor vehicle after conducting a traffic stop. Judy was in a marked unit and in uniform. Judy instructed the driver to pull over and produce his driver license. The driver did not comply with Judy's lawful command. The driver sped away as Judy was attempting to obtain the drivers ID. Judy had his hand inside the vehicle window and his foot was close to the front of the car. The driver sped off in an aggressive manner and Judy advised he was in fear of being struck. Deputy Judy had to take evasive action to move out of the way of the suspect vehicle. The identity of the driver was not known and the vehicle tag was not obtained. The suspect vehicle fled the area at a high rate of speed. Dep. Judy advised the traffic in the area was light and they never caught up to the vehicle to verify the vehicle tag. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here. Callers to the CrimeStoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
KISSIMMEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported two 2-year-old boys are in critical condition after the mother of one of the toddlers found the children unresponsive Thursday morning in the swimming pool of a Kissimmee home, deputies said. According to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the mother was caring for her son and her friend's son when she walked away from them for about five minutes. She returned around 11:30 a.m. and found both boys unresponsive in the swimming pool, deputies said. Osceola County Fire Rescue was called to the home, and emergency workers administered CPR on the boys, deputies said. One child was taken to Florida Hospital in Kissimmee and the other was taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center. Once at the hospitals, one of the boys was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital and the other was taken to Florida Hospital South. Both boys are in critical condition. A teenager was at the home but did not witness the incident, deputies said. Osceola County sheriff's detectives are investigating, WKMG said.
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