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~ LOCAL NEWS ~ 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 January 30, 2012 - February 5, 2012 ~ Friday's Local/State News ~ 16-Year-Old
Boy Arrested for MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested David Laycock, 16, of Bradenton.
A sheriff's report said on Monday, January 30, 2012, a State Probation Officer reported that unknown person entered his house via a sliding glass door. The P.O.'s name and address were not made public. Once inside, the burglar took his duty pistol, a ballistic vest and other property valued at $3,100. The suspect(s) fled in an unknown direction. Then, on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, Bradenton Police Department Officers responded to a 911 call of someone shooting a gun at 2316 9th Ave. W., Bradenton, at about 7:40 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Laycock in his front yard. During the course of their investigation, the juvenile surrendered the stolen firearm to them. The suspect was arrested by BPD. They then notified MSO Detective Sellitto of the arrest. Det. Sellitto responded to BPDs main station to interview Laycock. Laycock confessed to his involvement in the burglary. He told Det. Sellitto he would find the ballistic vest in his bedroom. A search warrant was executed and a thorough search was conducted of the residence. The ballistic vest was found where Layock said it would be found and other items were recovered belonging to the victim. Laycock was charged with Armed Burglary by MSO and other charges by BPD.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Emmanuel Carrizales, 30, of 5621 4th Street West, Bradenton.
According to the arrest report, Carrizales was a Walmart employee at their store located at 8320 Lockwood Ridge Road where he stole an unnamed victim's wallet and used the victim's credit card four times. The report did not say whether the victim was an employee or a customer. The report said the credit card was used at: Walmart
store, Palmetto Carrizales was arrested on Monday, January 30, 2012, on the wallet theft and the Palmetto Walmart store credit card use, and additionally was charged on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, on the other three credit card uses. He later posted a bail bond of $11,500 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Office K-9 Deputy Thomas Franklin and his K-9 partner, Ranger, are credited with the arrest of Thomas Logan Florea, 21, of 510 58th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.
The arrest report said on Thursday, February 2, 2012, at about 12:45 a.m., Dep. Franklin observed Florea attempting to conceal himself near a closed business at 1115 57th Avenue West, Bradenton. Dep. Franklin turned into the parking lot and instructed Florea to come to him. But Florea just looked at Dep. Franklin and took off running. Dep. Franklin yelled at Florea to stop or he would release his K-9. Dep. Franklin did this three times, but Florea just looked at him and continued running, jumping a 6-foot tall privacy fence and escaping into the woods nearby. Dep. Franklin released his K-9, Ranger, who immediately became frantic, searching for Florea along the fence line and wood line adjacent to a pond. After a few minutes of frantic searching by Ranger, he went back into the woods and pond and engaged Florea, who was hiding in the pond along the bank, concealing himself in tall grass and water. Florea complied with an order to give himself up and Ranger was removed from him, while Dep. Crawford secured Florea. EMS was summoned to the scene, who treated Florea for the dog bite, after which Florea was taken to the Manatee County Jail. He was charged with Loitering and Prowling and Resisting Arrest without violence. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $870.
HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- The Holmes Beach Police Department has arrested Jeanna Mehrhoff, 29, of 7504 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Florida.
The arrest report from HBPD said between December of 2011 and February of 2012, Jeanna stole $2,223 worth of lottery tickets from her employer, Time Saver Food Store, located at 5353 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The report said the thefts occurred during the times she was working alone at the store. She admitted she cashed in winning tickets at the same store, the HBPD report said. Jeanna was arrested on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, and charged with Grand Theft by Embezzlement. She remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $1,000.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Sarasota Sheriff's Office teamed up on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at about 7 p.m. to located a missing hiker in Myakka State Park. A sheriff's report said Nicholas Ourusoff, of New Hampshire, was hiking in the park and was unable to get back to his vehicle before the sun went down. When it got dark, he was unable to locate the proper trail and got turned around. He had his cell phone on him and called 911 at approximately 7:10 p.m. Deputies responded to the park and located Nicholas' vehicle. Knowing the location of his vehicle, and how long he had been walking, deputies were able to get a general idea of where Nicholas might be. Sarasota deputies responded as well, since it was not clear if Nicholas was on the Manatee or Sarasota side of the park. Sarasota's Watch Unit arrived on scene and was able to locate Nicholas in less than 15 minutes. Deputies and park rangers quickly retrieved him. He was uninjured and in good health, the sheriff's report said.
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is searching for the man who tried to lure an 11-year-old boy into his vehicle as the child walked home from Phillippi Shores Elementary School in Sarasota Wednesday afternoon, February 1, 2012. The suspect was headed northbound on Riverwood Avenue when he stopped to ask the child if he would help him find his missing bunny rabbit. The student did not answer but showed the man his cell phone, which apparently made the man drive away. The suspect is described as a White male with a light complexion, approximately 20-30 years old, dark hair with a thin, squared face and a thin beard. He was wearing a blue and black plaid collared short-sleeve shirt and dark sunglasses. The vehicle is a white mid-size SUV that is missing the passenger side mirror; the rear passenger tail light did not work and there was damage to the driver side rear quarter panel; hub caps were missing from the driver side and passenger rear tires; and the vehicle had a dark colored license tag and a brown bumper sticker with Texas written in white. Anyone with information on this suspect or the vehicle described above is asked to call 9-1-1 or the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number 941.316.1201.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Bill Cameron announced Thursday, February 2, 2012, that, Three teens arrested by our detectives may be responsible for 24 burglaries to churches, homes, vehicles and businesses. The trio was involved in a two week crime spree in January, in an area east of Punta Gorda. All three have extensive criminal records and are now in custody. Detectives are still looking to file more charges as their investigation continues. Those arrested are all from Punta Gorda, they are Jeremy Cole Jackson, 18, 4615 LaGroce Drive; Nathanial Davis Kruger, 19, 4325 Knollwood Drive; and Julian Daniel Eckard, 17, 4415 Alta Vista Drive. Jackson remains in the Charlotte County Jail on $57,000 bond; Kruger is also being held on $31,500 bond; Eckard is in the Department of Juvenile Justice center in Ft. Myers for 21 days. Eckard has been booked into the County Jail 21 times, Jackson 19 times, and Kruger 16 times. Detectives have not completed a total dollar figure on the two dozen burglaries, but say it would amount into the tens of thousands of dollars. The cases involve stolen vehicles, weapons, electronics, cash, and extensive damages in some cases. Sheriff Cameron said, We believe the burglaries are mostly drug related for money. There could be more charges on other suspects, depending on where the stolen property ends up. (more) Charlotte County Sheriff's detectives continue their lengthy and detailed investigation into a burglary crime spree east of Punta Gorda. More charges have been filed on Jeremy Cole Jackson, 18, 4615 LaGroce Drive, Punta Gorda; he is now charged with three church burglaries, a business and a home. Latest charges against Jackson include burglary and theft to Eastside Baptist Church, 6220 Golf Course Blvd. ($4,100), Independent Pentacostal Church, 4827 Fairway Dr. ($9,425), and New Life Family Worship Church, 28330 Bermont Road ($1,220). He was also charged with burglary to a home at 6064 Golf Course Blvd. ($15,000 theft and $20,000 in damages), and MSB Used Auto Parts, 5029 Dalewood Street ($1,000). Nathanial Davis Kruger, 19, 4325 Knollwood Drive was also charged with the East Side Baptist Church and the MSB business burglary. Julian Daniel Eckard, 17, 4415 Alta Vista Drive, was charged in connection with a vehicle burglary with theft of a wallet and using a stolen credit card. Jackson remains in the Charlotte County Jail on $57,000 bond; Kruger also remains in jail on $31,500 bond; Eckard continues serving 21 days in the Department of Juvenile Justice in Ft. Myers.
MARION COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Marion County corrections officer is accused of watching two children undress via a webcam. The Marion County Sheriff's Office said Harvey Lavigne, 37, was arrested on charges of video voyeurism and unlawful use of a computer, as a result of watching two children, who are younger than 12. Investigators believe Lavigne had help finding his victims from Karen Art, a 40-year-old nurse from the Marion County jail's medical pod, whom Lavigne met through work. Art was arrested on a video voyeurism charge as well.
~ Thursday's Local/State News ~ Man
Fires 3x at Fleeing Vehicle MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT} -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Danny Rios, 20, of 1827 18th Street East, Palmetto.
According to the arrest report, on Thursday, January 26, 2012, Danny had been partying and drinking with Cody Ashley, Kennesha Belvin and Alonya Vollmer at Danny's residence. The group decided to go to Alonya's residence, near Bobby Jones Court and Raes Creek Court, in Palmetto, to continue partying. When the group arrived, they discovered Kevin Noonan (the eventual victim in this case) was inside the residence. Kevin became upset with Alonya and the group about it being late and running up his credit cards. A verbal altercation ensued and Kevin attempted to leave the residence. The argument continued into the front yard and Kevin got into his vehicle to leave. Cody jumped onto the side of Kevin's vehicle and stood on the running board, holding the driver's side mirror, in an attempt to get Kevin to stay. As Kevin rounded the corner in his vehicle, Cody fell off, striking his head on the concrete at the intersection. At that point, Danny chased after the vehicle, firing at least three times at it, because Danny thought his friend Cody was dead, but it turned out he wasn't. Cody got up off the pavement and he and Danny and Kennesha fled the scene. None of the bullets managed to strike the vehicle. Several .380 caliber shell casings were discovered on scene in the roadway, by deputies. An investigation was begun into the shooting incident. A witness positively identified Danny as the shooter. Post-Miranda, Danny told detectives after he fled the scene he threw the handgun over the DeSoto Bridge and into the Manatee River because he was scared. Danny was arrested on Monday, January 30, 2012, and charged with Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. Danny Rios remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $200,000.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery that occurred on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at about 12:45 a.m., in the 4200 block of 53rd Avenue West.
A sheriff's report said two Black male suspects pulled up to the victims, three teenagers, and asked directions. While the driver distracted the victims, a second Black male jumped out of the vehicle armed with a firearm and told the victims to lay down on the pavement. The victims had their cell phone, cash, keys, and a credit card taken. The suspects fled in a newer model white vehicle. Sarasota Police Department was notified of the Armed Robbery and located a vehicle matching the description traveling south on Lockwood Ridge Road near 17th Street. A traffic stop was attempted, but the vehicle fled. The vehicle ran up the curb and came to rest on Lockwood Ridge Road just south of Fruitville. The driver of the vehicle fled, but was apprehended by the SPD K-9 Unit. The passenger of the vehicle was taken into custody without incident. Both suspects were identified as the suspects in the robbery and were arrested. They are Curtis Pace, 44, and Darrien Williams, 17 years old. They are currently being held in Sarasota County and will be charged with Armed Robbery in Manatee County and extradited here eventually. This investigation was successful due to the combined efforts of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Wilbert Jenkins, 72, of 1939 7th Avenue East, Bradenton.
The arrest report from BPD said on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at a couple of minutes before midnight, BPD Officer Clark saw Jenkins behind a home in the 700 block of 20th Street East with a tool in his hand, taking apart copper wiring from an electric/utility service box attached to the house. "Concerned for the safety of the resident's property," Officer Clark made contact with Jenkins. Officer Clark observed the utility service cover removed and metal items lying on the ground next to Jenkins. "Jenkins also had a bucket next to him with tools inside the bucket," Officer Clark wrote. Jenkins was arrested. Post-Miranda, Jenkins said he was back behind the house to take copper and he had no business being back there, according to the report. Jenkins said he was bored that day and had nothing better to do, so he brought the bucket and tools over to the house to remove copper. Jenkins was charged with Theft of Copper and Loitering and Prowling. He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at about 6:10 p.m., in the 200 block of 75th Street West, Bradenton. A sheriff's report said the victim, Keith Medvetz, 51, claims he had $40,000 dollars in collector coins stolen from a locked shed. There was no forced entry and the victim couldnt explain why he recently removed them from a safety deposit box and stored them in his shed in an unlocked file cabinet. He has no photos or receipts from the coins. He claims they were inherited from his late father. Detectives were notified and the crime scene was processed by the reporting deputy. This allegedly
occurred between the 27th and the 31st of January. 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 is investigating the death of Lisa Foreman, no age given, in the 700 block of 64th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton. A sheriff's report said Foreman was found by her roommate in her room on the bed slumped over. EMS confirmed Foreman deceased at about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. In Foreman's purse, several nearly empty prescription bottles were found that had been recently filled. There was no further information in the report. 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] -- Manatee County officials are asking local drivers to use extra caution on major thoroughfares in coming months as traffic signals at large intersections are adjusted and retimed as the first major implementation of the Advanced Traffic Management System. Traffic Engineering Division Manager Sage Kamiya said the Florida Department of Transportation-funded project will allow more than 230 traffic signals in Manatee County to be better coordinated with each other but it will not mean a continuous chain of green lights around town during rush hours. Basically, the idea is, this project is going to decrease travel times by increasing the efficiency of the signals, Kamiya said. Youll be able to travel from Point A to Point B more efficiently along major routes. Most drivers probably will not notice new timing periods at traffic signals but Kamiya cautioned that during the signal retiming period, drivers may see different signals than theyre accustomed to. Drivers who are familiar with certain left turn signals on their routes may notice that the lights dont turn green when they expect them to. Thats why Kamiya and Manatee safety officials urge drivers to use extra caution, especially on major thoroughfares in coming months. The first retiming project should be complete by the end of March. A second retiming project is scheduled to begin in 2013. The retiming project is the third of four major projects which include upgrading traffic signals and adding vehicle detection devices in order to increase traffic efficiency and reduce delays on major roads throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at about 5:30 p.m., deputies with the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office responded to a residence on Big Oak Lane, in Sarasota, in reference to a home invasion. A White male broke in, confronted the elderly female victim and made threats. The victim advised that the suspect pulled down his sleeve to cover a tattoo on his right forearm. The suspect fled after taking a cell phone. There were no injuries. The invader was described as a White male, 30-40 years of age, 5'9" tall, thin, with a tattoo on his right forearm. He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt. Anyone with information on this case should call the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Section at 861-4900 or Crime Stoppers at 366-TIPS(8477)
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Punta Gorda man who produced a shotgun and threatened to kill an employee at a Town Center Mall restaurant at 2 a.m. this morning.
Deputies responded Ali-Gators, 1441 Tamiami Trail, after Daniel Charles Kirk, 28, 431 Velleta Court, was told to drink up as they were closing and he refused to leave. Kirk became confrontational and flicked a cigarette into an employees face. Kirk told the employee he was going to die tonight; the manager got between them and told the employee to go back inside. Kirk went to his truck, and then drove back to the front of Ali-Gators where he got out and retrieved a shotgun from the back seat. The manager ran across the parking lot and contacted a deputy who was on patrol on S.R. 776. Kirk got back into his red Chevrolet truck and left the mall. A woman later said she was at the bar with Kirk and he was intoxicated. She also said she heard the sound a shotgun makes when a round is racked into the chamber. Another deputy heard the call and observed the truck going at a high rate of speed on S.R. 776; it turned down Collingswood Boulevard but the deputy lost sight of the truck. Deputies were notified and eventually stopped Kirk on Edgewater Drive at Bayshore Drive. Kirk was not cooperative and a CCSO K-9 bit him; he was transported to Fawcett Memorial Hospital, treated and released and taken to the Charlotte County Jail. Kirk denied ever owning a shotgun; however, a deputy did locate the Winchester 12 gauge shotgun on Rickardway Avenue off Collingswood Blvd. Deputies also located shotgun shells inside his truck. Kirk was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Fleeing to Elude, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Resisting Arrest, Battery and Using a Firearm While Under the Influence. This is Kirks 13th booking into the Charlotte County Jail. He remains in jail on a $31,500 bond.
FRUITLAND PARK, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Lake County deputies have arrested a 58-year-old woman on charges of stalking her neighbor's 4-year-old daugther, Orlando television station WKMG reported.
According to a report in The Daily Commercial, Deborah Moore Hall, of Fruitland Park, was arrested Jan. 27 and charged with attempted burglary and three counts of aggravated stalking. The Daily Commercial reports Hall had previously threatened to kidnap the girl and hide her in the woods because she believed the parents were trying to sell her on the Internet for sex. Police were forced to break into Hall's home to arrest her, records show. Hall is being held at Lake County Jail on $40,000 bond, WKMG said. Fruitland Park is just above Leesburg, in the center of the state.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT/DHSMV) -- On Wednesday, February 2, 2012, Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said a new service they provide will cut costs, deliver convenience and help improve traffic safety. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) launched the new service, and says it will lead to more timely and accurate filing of crash reports, while at the same time providing easy online access to those reports for involved parties. Given the fast pace of information exchange today many people would rather go online to get a copy of their crash report. By going to BuyCrash.com, involved parties can purchase and download a copy of the report and eliminate the time, gas and inconvenience of driving to the local police agency and standing in line for a copy of their report. BuyCrash.com is one component of Floridas Integrated Report Exchange System (FIRES), which includes free software tools and services for local law enforcement agencies that will help them collect, file, retrieve and analyze crash records. Many agencies currently rely on paper-based processes or costly software solutions. Through a public-private partnership with Appriss Inc., FIRES software and support is provided to the agencies at no cost. Savings across the state could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in processing, postage, storage and retrieval costs. Funding for the project is derived primarily from the online sale of crash reports at BuyCrash.com to insurance companies and involved parties.
~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~ May
2011 Armed Robbery MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Terrence L. Jackson, 36, of 302 26th Avenue East, Bradenton.
The arrest report said on May 6, 2011, at about 3 a.m., Kathi Anderson entered the 7-11 store located at 5640 14th Street West, in Bradenton. Shortly after she entered the store, a Black male, now known to be Jackson, entered with a white towel laying on top of his head. Kathi approached the counter and had her purse on her shoulder. Jackson reached out and took hold of the purse, but Kathi was still holding on to it. Jackson continued to pull on the purse and Kathi fell. He dragged her across the floor, still trying to get the purse, toward the door. Kathi was able to release her arm from the purse just before reaching the door. As Jackson exited the door, the towel fell off his head and remained on scene. Kathi's son, Michael Shipley, followed Jackson out the door and attempted to wrestle the purse away from Jackson, but Jackson pulled a handgun and displayed it to Michael, at which time, Michael immediately released his hold on the purse and Jackson fled the area. However, deputies who arrived on scene recovered the towel that fell from Jackson's head, along with the video that recorded the robbery. The towel was sent to DNA labs for analysis and subsequent entry into CODIS, a DNA database. The CODIS return showed that the person in contact with the towel was Jackson. Jackson was located and Det. Dickerman obtained swabs from Jackson for comparison. Those swabs confirmed that Jackson was the man who committed the robbery. He was arrested on Monday, January 30, 2012, and charged with Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Jackson remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond at this time.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dustin S. Hartman, 23, of 2082 5th Street, Sarasota.
The arrest report said on Friday, January 27, 2012, at about 6 p.m., Walmart loss prevention observed one of Walmart's employees, Hartman, take a bicycle, walk through the store and proceed past the last point of sale without attempting to pay for it. Several days later, on Monday, January 30, 2012, when Hartman returned to work riding the stolen bicycle, he was apprehended by loss prevention. Post-Miranda, Hartman said he took the bicycle because "he didn't feel like walking home." He said he knew what he did was wrong and that "as soon as [he] got his paycheck [he] was going to pay for it." Hartman was arrested and charged with Retail Theft. He later posted a cash bond of $120 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Joseph Williams, 55, and Cleo Livingston, 56, both of Sarasota.
A sheriff's report said on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at about 2:45 a.m., a neighbor of the victims observed two male subjects removing property from his neighbor's shed under his attached carport. Deputies converged on the scene and were able to apprehend both subjects without incident. Deputies investigated and discovered that 105 and 107 49th Avenue West had been broken into. All of the victims' property was located in the bed of the pickup truck, which totaled $2000. The property was released to the victims. Both men were charged with two counts of Burglary, two counts of Theft and two counts of Criminal Mischief. Williams was additionally charged with Violation of Probation for an earlier Sale of Cocaine charge out of Sarasota. Williams remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond. Livingston remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $22,240.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at about 1 a.m., at a residence in the 6700 block of Washington Place, Bradenton. The sheriff's report said the victim, Adam Davis, 41, reported that he was almost asleep when he heard noises outside. He looked outside his peephole and observed two Black males outside his door; one was holding a crow bar and the other was holding a rifle. Davis opened the door to find out who they were and thats when they entered the area Davis was in. Davis attempted to take the crow bar away when he was struck in the head with the rifle, causing a laceration to the back of his head. The suspects stole a laptop, a desktop monitor, some change and his cellphone. Davis refused EMS treatment. The invaders were described as follows: One was a Black male, 5'6 tall, 130 pounds, with dreadlock style hair, and was last seen wearing all dark clothing; he was armed with a crow bar. The other was a Black male, 5'7" tall, 140 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black hoodie; he was armed with a long rifle. 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 Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at about 4 a.m., of the Pilot gas station located at 5215 17th Street East, Palmetto. A sheriff's report said four armed males wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks entered the business. They forced the cashier on duty to open the register and stole an undetermined amount of money. The suspects fled out of the building and entered a waiting vehicle behind the store. The getaway vehicle was recovered a short time later set on fire a short distance from the robbery scene. The suspects entered another vehicle and that vehicle was recovered as well. Evidence was recovered, as well as the stolen money and investigators are currently following up on all leads. The armed men were not described in the sheriff's report. 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] -- Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube is warning citizens to be alert in the wake of a recent theft crime trend regarding air conditioning units. A sheriff's report said between approximately January 30, 2012, at 9 p.m., and January 31, 2012, at 7:30 a.m., 2 A/C units were stolen from the Center for Medicine, 6400 Manatee Avenue West, Suite A; 3 A/C units were stolen from the corporate center at 6404 Manatee Avenue West; and 1 A/C unit was stolen from Faces Salon at 6600 Manatee Plaza, 6600 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. 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 COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Alejandro Leyva Reyes, 21, of 3959 Eton Place, Sarasota, and charged him with one count of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud, one count of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, and one count of Fraudulently Obtaining a Medicinal Drug.
Investigators with the Pharmaceutical Diversion Unit were investigating claims that fraudulent prescriptions were being passed under the name Dr. Jorge A. Laloma-Sanchez, but with the name and address for a fictitious clinic. They found Reyes submitted two of these fraudulent prescriptions to a Venice pharmacy, obtaining 180 Roxicodone pills and 30 pills of Ibuprofen last September. Reyes, who has an extensive criminal history including Home Invasion Robbery with a Firearm, was out on bond for cocaine, marijuana and traffic-related arrests at the time of the crime. When he was arrested Saturday he also had an active warrant for Failure to Appear in Court for Driving with a Suspended License.
SARASOTA
COUNTY, Florida [NMT/H- T.com] -- Prosecutors have filed a homicide
charge against a 52-year-old Sarasota man in connection with the decapitation
of a homeless man. (Full
Story)
PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- Punta Gorda Police Detectives continue investigating the suspicious death of an infant found at a home in the 300 block of Boca Grande Boulevard in Punta Gorda. Police first responded to the home around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, January 29th, for a medical call. At that time, 27-year-old Jessica Smallwood was taken to a local hospital due to bleeding. Information learned from hospital officials on Monday, January 30th, led Police back to the Boca Grande Boulevard home. During the evening of January 30th, Police discovered an infant in a freezer inside the home. The Medical Examiners Office is conducting the autopsy. Detectives returned to the home on Tuesday, January 31st, and continued gathering evidence with the assistance of the Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue. The Punta Gorda Police Department also has been working closely with the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office, State Attorneys Office, Medical Examiners Office, and the Department of Children and Families. Detectives are continuing to actively investigate this case.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives arrested the mother of her two-month old son and charged her with Aggravated Child Abuse.
On March 7, 2011, CCSO was advised by the Department of Children & Families that the child was taken to Peace River Regional Medical Center in Port Charlotte then transported to Tampa General Hospital with multiple skeletal injuries, fluid on the brain, and was having a stroke. The child remains in DCF protective custody. Krishaun Katie Mercado, 18, 21154 Gephart Ave., Port Charlotte, was arrested Monday by MCU detectives following a lengthy detective, DCF, and medical investigation. Tampa General Doctors said the infant had three to five skull fractures and a left arm mid-radial fracture. The survey also revealed the child had different fractures in different stages of healing. Doctors advised detectives the injuries were not caused by Shaken Baby Syndrome but more than likely were caused by some type of blunt force trauma. Mercado posted a $5,000 bond Monday and was released from the Charlotte County Jail.
ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A district fire chief is accused of slamming a man's head into the side of a car and choking him during a fit of road rage in Orlando, Orlando television station WKMG reorted. District Fire Chief Rob Rivenbark, a 26-year veteran of the Orlando Fire Department, was arrested Saturday night on a battery charge in the 3000 block of North John Young Parkway near Silver Star Road in Orlando. Dave Bremer, who was ticketed for following too closely, said he rear-ended Rivenbark, leading to the attack. "He reached in, grabbed me by the throat, grabbed my hair, started beating my head against (the car) and hit it against the bottom of the door," said Bremer, adding that Rivenbark was wearing his uniform. Police said Rivenbark refused to give a statement but witnesses backed up Bremer's story, so Rivenbark was arrested. Bremer, who said doctors told him he suffered a concussion in the attack, said he will file a lawsuit. "I want him fired," Bremer said. The deputy fire chief said Rivenbark has not informed officials of his arrest, adding that he's required to do so when he returns to work Tuesday morning. It's not known if Rivenbark will face any discipline, WKMG said.
MIAMI, Florida [NMT/DEA] -- While Florida has been viewed as the epicenter of the nations pill mill epidemic, recent evidence demonstrates that the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners have made a significant difference. The states dubious distinction of epicenter was solidified in 2010 when DEAs Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) reported that 90 of the top 100 oxycodone purchasing physicians in the nation were located in Florida. New Florida laws have stripped doctors of their ability to dispense controlled substances, including opioid based pain relievers, at rogue pain clinics. ARCOS currently confirms what DEA anticipated: that oxycodone purchases by doctors in Florida have dropped drastically. In fact, there has been a 97% decrease in 2011 compared to 2010. The combination of law enforcement activity, regulatory actions against doctors licenses, and the new laws are forcing addicts who previously traveled from other states to Florida seeking oxycodone to turn elsewhere. Interestingly, there have been notable increases in doctors purchasing oxycodone in Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky. The number of Florida doctors appearing in the nationwide list of the top 100 oxycodone purchasing physicians dropped from 90 in 2010 to only 13 in 2011. Further, the ARCOS 2011 reports reveals 21 doctors located in Georgia and 11 in Tennessee are now among the top 100. As a result of law enforcement efforts and new state law, the remaining pill mill doctors are turning to writing prescriptions to be filled at pharmacies for drugs they previously dispensed directly to the customer. These prescriptions are then filled at pharmacies. While logically it would seem that one could expect a significant increase in oxycodone purchases by pharmacies to fulfill the demand, recent ARCOS data indicates this is not the case. ARCOS reveals that purchases of oxycodone only increased during the first quarter of 2011, compared to 2010. But on the heels of a large-scale prescription drug investigation called Operation Pill Nation, announced on February 23, 2011, monthly purchases soon decreased compared to 2010. The chart below shows the monthly change in oxycodone purchases between 2010 and 2011.
~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~ Deputy
Arrests Disabled Man MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Joseph S. Coco, 41, of 8215 Indigo Ridge Terrace, in South Manatee County.
The arrest report said both the victim, Kathy Dearmin and Coco are disabled and had a relationship for 5 years but have not been together for 8 months, but still live together in a home through a program in Manatee County. On Saturday, January 28, 2012, at about 12:45 a.m., Dearmin said she and Coco were out by the lanai area and Coco was drinking something. Coco is not allowed to drink alcohol because of his medications, the report said. Dearmin asked to have a sip of his drink and when she did she tasted alcohol, so she made a phone call to the program manager and then went to take the drink away from Coco. Coco then punched Dearmin twice on her right shoulder that she had operated on six weeks prior. While placing Coco under arrest, he became very upset and started kicking and tensing up and would not get out of his bed. Deputies had to take him to the ground to get him under control, the report said. Coco was charged with Battery on a Disabled Adult and Resisting Arrest without Violence. As of Monday afternoon, he remained in the Manatee County Jail without bail.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kelvin J. Oakley, 20, of Bradenton.
A sheriff's press release said at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012, three girls, ages 7, 9 and 10, were playing at Pride Park located at 6100 9th St. E., Bradenton. While they were playing, a man approached them and grabbed the 7-year-old by the arm. The man told the girls he had a secret and that they needed to come with him. The 7-year-old managed to get away from the man and the girls started to run away. The man grabbed the 7-year-old again, but she managed to break away and the girls went to a nearby home to report the incident to an adult. The children were not injured during the incident. Deputies arrived and began the investigation. The suspect was identified as Oakley. On Sunday, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Oakley and he was arrested and charged with Attempted Kidnapping. As of Monday afternoon, Oakley remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $250,000.
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Lee R. Zuccarini, 32, of 4905 U.S. 301 North, Ellenton.
The arrest report said on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at about 10 p.m., Zuccarini was at Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment of an unlisted condition. While being treated, Zuccarini became upset with the staff, including a nurse, Samuel Jurado, and a security guard, Michael Zimmerman, who were performing tasks within the scope of their duties. Zuccarini swung his hands in a punching motion toward the staff members. He then kicked the security guard in the chest. Zuccarini's actions were captured on surveillance video. He was arrested and charged with Battery on a Licensed Security Officer and Battery on a Medical Provider. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $3,000.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the theft of chrome wheels on Saturday, January 28, 2012, sometime between noon and 2:30 p.m. from a thrift store. The sheriff's report said Ted Patt, manager of The Resource Thrift Store located at 4540 14th Street West, contacted the sheriff's office to report the theft. Patt said 4 chrome wheels were outside under an awning on display for sale and an unknown person took them without paying. The cost of the stolen items was reported to be $1,000. 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 collision between a deer and a sheriff's cruiser on Sunday, January 29, 2012, at about 7 p.m. A sheriff's report said while traveling eastbound on University Parkway in the 18000 block at approximately 45 mph a deer ran into the side of the patrol car. The deer caused a significant amount of damage to the front driver's side door, and then continued running. Deputies in the vehicle, who were not named in the report, were not injured. If you happen to spot a deer with a sheriff's emblem emblazoned on its side, please call the sheriff's office.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Saramana Chapter, Florida Society of the Sons of the American Revolution recognized a Manatee County Eagle Scout at its January luncheon on Friday, January 20, 2012.
The Chapter met at the Holiday Inn on Lido Beach at Noon to recognize the winner of the Annual Eagle Scout Award. This year the honor went to Charles (Chuck) Elzer of Manatee County. Chuck is currently attending the University of Florida, where he is studying Material Science Engineering. In his honor, two Scout Executives from the Two Rivers Council and the District Executive for Manatee County and South Florida spoke to Eagle Scout and the state of scouting in America to the audience of 44 members and guests. Mr. Allen Hegener, Chairman of the SAR Eagle Scout Committee gave the award of a Certificate of Appreciation and a check to Mr. Elzer from the Scholarship fund. Anyone interested in learning more about he Sons of the American Revolution or this particular Youth Scholarship Program should contact President Charles Riegle at 941-371-7079 or criegle@verizon.net.
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested 48-year-old Holly Costa, 712 Cypress Avenue, Venice, for Doctor Shopping to obtain some 12,800 Oxycodone pills and similar controlled substances between August 2010 and July 2011.
The investigation began when a pharmacy reported to the Venice Police Department that Costa tried to fill two prescriptions for Oxycodone from two different doctors on two consecutive days. VPD contacted a detective with the Sheriffs Office, who determined that Costa visited at least 15 different practitioners in Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, St. Petersburg and Ft. Myers during that 12-month period. Costa was arrested Friday and booked into the Sarasota County Jail on 15 counts of Withholding Information from a Practitioner in Order to Obtain a Controlled Substance. She posted $22,500 bond and was released.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office is investigating vandalism to the Charlotte Harbor Cemetery, 4410 Church Street in Charlotte Harbor. CCSO responded to the call Friday morning on reports that vandals entered the Trinity United Methodist Church cemetery sometime during the night and damaged 77 three foot tall white wooden crosses. The crosses were removed and replaced upside down. Two metal memorial markers were also damaged beyond repair. Deputies reported the cemetery is fenced in and gated but have been left open and unlocked as a convenience for mourners. Pastor Marion Sortore said she is considering revising this policy. If anyone has information about this cemetery vandalism case, please call CCSO Deputy First Class K. Ayers at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).
TITUSVILLE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Police in Titusville are searching for a man they said robbed a bank Sunday afternoon, Orlando television station WKMG reported.
Officials said a man robbed the TD Bank at 3285 Garden St. at around 12:30 p.m. The robber was described as a Black man, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and between 35 to 40-years-old. He left in a silver or gold SUV with custom wheels, WKMG said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Titusville Police Department 321-264-7800 or Crime Line 1-800-423-TIPS.
~ Monday's Local/State News ~ Holiday Inn
Desk Clerk BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Brett R. Wallis, 31, of 4802 51st Street West, Bradenton.
According to the arrest report, on January 20, 2012, an unnamed female victim was staying at the Holiday Inn located at 4450 47th Street West, Bradenton. She left her room around 8:30 a.m. and returned to her room after noon. Her room key-card was not working and she returned to the front desk to receive a new card. When she went back to her room, she discovered three pieces of jewelry, valued at #2,000, had been stolen and she notified the Bradenton Police Department. Investigators looked at the hotel's computer log and it showed that Wallis was working the day of the theft. The key-card log showed that Wallis created a new key-card that morning for the victim's room during the time of the theft. The log showed that the newly created key-cad accessed the victim's room twice before the victim returned. The General Manager of the hotel said Wallis was working the front desk with him and that Wallis left the desk several times that morning. On Thursday, January 26, 2012, detectives went to Wallis' residence and located him outside his apartment. After identifying themselves as police detectives, they advised Wallis that he was under arrest for the burglary. Wallis then attempted to flee, running toward his apartment. He then began to fight detectives who were attempting to handcuff him. During the struggle, one detective was cut on the left hand. While he was being patted down, Wallis attempted to flee again. He was stopped about 100 yards away and a vehicle in the parking lot was damaged as a result of Wallis resisting arrest. He was charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling and Resisting Arrest with Violence. He later posted a $6,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kenneth A. Gonci, 42, of 5220 31st Street Court East, Bradenton.
The arrest report said on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at about 7:30 p.m., Carol Jeanne Weirich-Gonci, 64, had gone over to Kenneth's house to drop off her grandson. Carol said she confronted Kenneth about not picking up his son and about his drug use, which caused Kenneth to get angry. Kenneth pushed his mother in the chest, throwing her off balance and nearly causing her to fall to the ground. Carol is not in good health and needs to use a cane and a motorized scooter to get around. Kenneth Gonci then fled the scene in his Jeep in an unknown direction. At the time, a deputy canvassed the surrounding area, looking for the vehicle, to no avail. Carol declined EMS treatment. Kenneth Gonci was arrested the next day at the above location. He was charged with Domestic Battery. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 bail bond.
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Terrance C. Lamm, 27, of 2110 16th Avenue East, Bradenton.
The arrest report said on December 8, 2011, at about 3:30 p.m., Lamm entered the Urban Trust bank located inside Walmart at 5315 Cortez Road West and opened a checking account under his name. He left the bank at a few minutes before 4 p.m. About 15 minutes later, Lamm reentered the same bank and presented a check dated December 5, 2011, and made payable to Lamm in the amount of $1,789. and cashed it. The check appeared to have been drawn from an M&T Bank account. The check cleared the victim's account on December 9, 2011. Investigators later discovered the account holder lives in Maryland. That victim did not give Lamm and check that was cashed, did not authorize Lamm to cash the check and did not even know who Lamm was. Video surveillance from inside Urban Trust Bank was obtained of Lamm opening the account and cashing the check. He was arrested on January 26, 2012, and charged with Uttering a Counterfeit Check. Lamm remains in the Manatee County Jail on that charge and numerous Burglary and False Ownership to Pawn Shop charges, with bail bonds totaling $75,000.
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On January 27, 2012 at 10:29 a.m., the Bradenton Fire Department was dispatched to 223 23rd Street East for a reported structure fire with smoke and flames showing.
The initial responding units from Station 2 were on-scene at 10:33 a.m., confirming heavy smoke showing. Twelve personnel responded to the scene with two engines, two ladder trucks, a command unit, and fire investigation units. The fire, primarily impacting one side of a duplex, was brought under control at 10:54 a.m. There were
no injuries. Residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The cause of fire is under investigation.
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Friday, January 27, 2012, at about 11 p.m., outside a residence in the 2800 block of 51st Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton. A sheriff's report said the victim, Ronald Gayle, Jr., 31, had just come home from a nearby convenience store and he was exiting a car in his driveway. A Black male, possibly who he had just seen in the store, drove up in a car. The robber then ran up on him, pointed a gun at him and stole items from his pockets. The suspect then fled westbound. The area was searched and leads are currently being followed, the report said. The robber was described as a Black male in his 20s, last seen wearing a black hat, a white T-shirt, black pants and white shoes. 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 to a residence in the 6100 block of 9th Avenue Circle NE, Bradenton, on Friday, January 27, 2012, at about noon. A sheriff's report said the victim, Darrin Chrisman, 44, had left his residence for a short while. When he returned he noticed several of his patio doors were unlocked. Later that evening he noticed several of his expensive watches were missing. It was unknown who might have taken Chrisman's jewelry, 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 Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman backed into a deputy's cruiser on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at about 2:30 a.m., in the 1000 block of 9th Avenue East, Palmetto. A sheriff's report said Deputy Bible stopped a vehicle being driven by Alice Overton, 69, of the 900 block of 9th Avenue East, Palmetto, for a headlight out. When he began to approach the vehicle on the driver's side, Overton began to back up. Deputy Bible yelled out for the driver to stop, but the right rear bumper of Overton's vehicle made contact with the right push bumper of Deputy Bible's patrol vehicle. Overton's vehicle sustained minimal damage ($300) to the rear bumper and Deputy Bible's patrol vehicle had no damage. Overton was cited for the broken headlight.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The American Red Cross reported assisting a resident of Port Charlotte who was the victim of a possible tornado. On Friday, January 27, 2012, a possible tornado touched down at approximately at 5:45 a.m. in the vicinity of 2116 Nuremberg Blvd., Port Charlotte. Preliminary damage reports state that one home has been destroyed. A 93-year-old man is being assisted by American Red Cross Disaster volunteers. Red Cross Disaster Assessment teams report that there is minor damage to the surrounding area and possible damage to other areas including several apartment buildings at the Heritage Lake Park Apartments. Charlotte County officials reported that power lines and trees are down in the area. No evacuations, injuries or fatalities were reported.
TITUSVILLE, Florida [NMT] -- A man and woman were arrested in Brevard County on allegations of child sex trafficking and child neglect, Orlando television station WKMG reported. Debra Annmarie Blackmon, 25, of Titusville, was arrested on charges of sex trafficking of a minor by a legal guardian and child neglect causing great bodily harm. Tony Marcel Hammond, 23, of Titusville, was arrested on charges of sex trafficking and procuring a person under 18 years old for prostitution. Titusville police said an investigation was launched Jan. 9 after someone called the Florida Department of Children and Families abuse hotline. The investigation uncovered sex trafficking involving a child. No other details have been released by authorities. Blackmon and Hammond were arrested and taken to the Brevard County Jail, WKMG said.
(CNN) -- After the crashes stopped, Steven Camps said all he could hear was the sound of crying as the air, heavy with smoke, shone red from vehicle fires. The vehicle Camps was riding in was among those involved in a series of overnight accidents in northern Florida, blamed on poor visibility from smoke from a nearby brush fire, authorities said. Ten people were killed in the crashes, which the Florida Highway Patrol said involved at least 12 passenger cars and about seven semi trucks. Most of the collisions were on Interstate 75, said Alachua County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Todd Kelly. Crashes also occurred on U.S. Highway 441. The interstate's northbound and southbound lanes remained closed Sunday afternoon, and would stay closed until the roadways are cleared, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Traffic was being detoured. (Full Story)
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