Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 3/28/2008

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Local/State News for week ending 3/28/2008

Wanted Suspect in Armed
Home Invasion Last Friday,
"Forty," Identified, Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who was wanted in connection with an armed home invasion last Friday that broke up a card game being played by seven men has been identified and arrested. Two other men involved in the armed robbery were arrested earlier. The incident occurred in the 3800 block of 10th Street Court East.

Above, L to R, Edward C. Francis, aka "Forty," Michael D. Johnson and Joshua T. Hunter

On Wednesday, March 26, 2008, Detectives identified the suspect known as "Forty" from the armed home invasion that occurred on March 21st, 2008, as Edward C. Francis, 25.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Francis, charging him with the armed home invasion.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, COPS Central and K-9 deputies located Francis at his home in the 3300 block of 5th Street East and arrested him. The arrest was made with out incident.

Already under arrest and charged with several counts of Armed Robbery were Michael D. Johnson, 27, and Joshua T. Hunter, 23. At the time, Hunter was also charged with Attempted Murder for firing at a bystander in an escape attempt from the house that was being robbed.

[Ed. Note: For the complete story of the home invasion incident, see Monday's Local/State News, Top Story.]

Asolo Theater Victim of
Dismantled Air Conditioners

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Asolo Theater, 7990 15th Street East, was the victim of a man illegally dismantling air conditioners on Wednesday, at about 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The perpetrator was caught in the act.

Harley Driggers

The report said an employee observed a white truck parked at the theater and a White male, later identified as Harley Randall Driggers, 47, of the 5700 block of 4th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, cutting up the outside air conditioners and placing the metal pieces into the truck bed.

The employee called the office and was advised that no one should be doing any work on the building. He then called the superintendent, Victor Meyrich, who notified the sheriff's office.

As a deputy arrived, Driggers was still sawing copper tubing and the truck bed was loaded with air conditioner pieces.

Driggers told the deputy that he was given permission last week from someone to remove the air conditioner, which was refuted by Meyrich.

The way the truck was parked also showed some concealment between the brick surrounding the A/C units and the main building.

Driggers was arrested and charged with Burglary and Theft of Scrap Metal.

Woman Tries to Run Man
Down Over Breakup

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Lindsay M. Ingram, 19, after they say Ingram tried to run over a man when he tried to end their relationship.

Lindsay M. Ingram

The arrest report said on Wednesday, shortly before 7:00 p.m., Ingram and Jamie Wombold had an argument in which Wombold terminated their relationship.

Then Ingram allegedly hit Wombold with her car.

Wombold suffered a bruised left leg and was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital by EMS to be treated.

Ingram fled in an unknown direction, but was arrested at her home in the 400 block of 72nd Street Northwest, Bradenton, shortly after 11:00 p.m.

She was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (her car).

Mother, Daughter Nearly
Mugged Watching Airplanes

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A mother and daughter were watching planes on the east side of the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at about 1:10 p.m., when a man snuck up and tried to snatch the daughter's purse, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The two victims, Sylvia Ibarra, 34 and Ashley Bernal, 16, both of Sarasota, were observing the planes from the side of the roadway on 15 Street East. Both were sitting on the hood of their vehicle. The daughter was on the right side of her mother and had a purse over her left shoulder.

They did not see the suspect until he grabbed the neck of the mother while he was pulling on the purse held by the daughter.

After a short struggle, the suspect ran across the street into the SRQ Aviation Park of Commerce.

The victims were not injured and nothing was taken.

A search was conducted by deputies, but the suspect could not be located.

The would-be thief was described as a White male, approximately 30 years old, 5'5" tall, skinny, with brown shoulder length hair. He was unshaven and was last seen wearing a red shirt, jeans, and he was "homeless looking," 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 Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Fire Destroys Mobile Home;
Arson Investigators, Arson
K-9 Unit Brought In

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A mobile home located at lot 61 of the Orange Grove Mobile Home Park, 2615 Cortez Road West was destroyed by fire Wednesday night at about 10:00 p.m., according to a press release from Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Mike DeChelbor.

Upon arrival, the first fire trucks found the mobile home fully engulfed in fire.

The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes. Ad adjacent mobile home received minor exterior damage due to radiant heat.

The home was a total loss, with damages of the home and contents estimated at $20,000 dollars, DeChelbor said.

Cedar Hammock investigators, along with the State Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal Kurt Lathrop and his arson K-9, Lucky, investigated the fire.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

There was no electricity hooked up to the home at the time of the fire.

Cedar Hammock responded with a total of 3 fire engines and a Battalion Chief with a total of 15 personnel.

Nobody was injured in the blaze.

The two adults who had occupied the home escaped before arrival of firefighters, DeChelbor told NewsManatee.

Drive-by Shooting Reported;
Nothing Struck, No Injuries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies reported a drive-by shooting at about 11:30 p.m. in the 500 block of 57th Avenue Terrace West Wednesday night, March 26, 2008.

Unknown person(s) shot a gun from a vehicle described as a 4-door Dodge Neon or Chevy Cavalier into the air.

Nothing was struck by the rounds and no one was injured.

The Violent Crimes Task Force is already investigating similar type shootings in the area.

Three 7.6 2x30 round casings were collected from the scene and entered into property for possible latent prints and DNA evidence.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

National Solid Fuel Rocket
Contest Announced

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- A national rocket contest is being launched to promote the Helping Kids Reach for the Stars program and to get kids interested in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

The program is an Educational Outreach of the Christa McAuliffe Challenger Center.

National winners get to celebrate with an astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center - Astronaut Hall of Fame or with author Homer Hickam and the “Rocket Boys” at the October Sky Festival.

The contest is open until August 30th, 2008, for everyone age 10 to adult. Contest hosts and sponsors are being sought at local and national levels.

The contest is designed to be hosted locally by schools, museums, scouts, youth groups and organizations of all descriptions.

The Pause-for-Science© Rocket Construction video makes it easy - even for people who have never built a rocket. Step-by-step instructions guide contestants from construction through launch.

Details are on-line at www.TheRocketman.net.

Palmetto Police Arrest
Woman for Child Neglect

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Lucia Carlos, 29, of the 500 block of 14th Street West, in Palmetto.

Lucia Carlos

Investigators from the Palmetto Police department say it was school officials of Lucia's 9-year-old son who noticed that the boy's ear was bleeding.

School officials took the boy to get medical attention. Investigators were later told the boy had an ear infection.

When investigators asked Lucia why she did not take the child to get medical attention, she said she was afraid her child would be taken from her.

Lucia was arrested and charged with Child Neglect.

The report did not say what happened to the custody of the boy.

5 Teens Arrested in Area
Car Hopping Thefts

ENGLEWOOD, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives have now arrested five teen boys in connection with several "car hopping" incidents that occurred last summer in the Englewood-Cape Haze area to unlocked vehicles.

Justin Ray Owens, was arrested March 2 on unrelated charges and admitted that he and other juvenile boys were involved in numerous vehicle burglaries to unlocked vehicles from June to August 2007. Owens was arrested again March 6 for Grand Theft and Burglary to a Conveyance. Owens identified Colton J. Devoe, 16, 7 Sportsman Circle, Rotonda West and Travis Shane Neff, 16, 8419 Roosevelt St., Grove City. Devoe was arrested March 13 and Neff on March 18.

On Wednesday, detectives of the West County Sheriff’s Office re-arrested Justin Owens, 18, 9300 Galaxie Circle, Village of Holiday Lakes on more charges. Also arrested yesterday were Brandon D. Krueger, 17, 14283 Artesia Ave., Village of Holiday Lakes, and Caleb Matthew Cote, 17, of 3863 Atwater Dr., North Port.

The arrests stem from incidents last summer to unlocked vehicles on Spyglass Alley, N. Green Dolphin Dr., and Starflower Ave. in the Englewood-Cape Haze area. Items stolen were a Garman GPS unit, guitar, Xbox, cash, laptop, DVD player, a power inverter and 200 DVD’s. Some of the stolen items were sold at Lemon Bay High School to various students where four of the boys attended. Many of the items have been recovered. The owner of the GPS unit was located by detectives who turned it on and located the Starflower Ave. address, thanks to the owner registering the unit with the manufacturer.

Owens has now been charged with three counts each of Grand Theft and Burglary to a Conveyance; Cote was charged with two counts each of Burglary to a Conveyance and Grand Theft; while Devoe and Neff were both charged with one count each of Burglary to a Conveyance and Grand Theft. Krueger received two counts of Dealing in Stolen Property.

Detectives say the investigation is still ongoing and more charges may be filed.

Minister Who Wanted to
"Play Doctor" with Girl
He Thought Was 15,
Fired After Arrest

WINTER PARK, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Winter Park minister accused of wanting to "play doctor" and have sex with what he thought was a 15-year-old girl has been fired, according to Orlando television station WKMG.

Jack Aldrich
(Mug shot courtesy WKMG)

Investigators said music minister Jack Aldrich from First United Methodist Church in Winter Park made contact with an undercover officer posing as an underage girl.

Information from the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office showed Aldrich allegedly had cybersex with the officer posing as the girl.

Wednesday night, church officials decided to fire him in an emergency meeting.

An arrest warrant also showed that the church minister began chatting with the undercover detective on March 10.

For the next two weeks, there were several conversations, the report said. Some of their talks were graphic, WKMG said.

Detectives said the conversations became more intense and at one point, Aldrich used a webcam during some of the chat sessions.

Aldrich oversaw at least eight different vocal groups, including a youth choir and children's choir at the church, WKMG reported.

FDLE Launches Sex
Offender Alert System

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey unveiled a new and innovative feature on Florida’s Sexual Offender/Predator Registry Web site. Citizens can now sign up to receive e-mail alert notifications when a registered sexual offender or predator moves into their neighborhood, or within a radius of any other designated location. Citizens can also opt to track address changes reported by selected registered offenders or predators. The service is offered statewide and at no charge.

FDLE developed the notification service at the direction of the Florida Legislature as part of the state’s compliance with the federal Adam Walsh Act. Citizens may select an unlimited number of addresses and/or offenders and predators to track, and can update their selections at any time. The alert system will send e-mail notifications within 24 to 48 hours of an address change to the state’s registry.

The FDLE Sex Offender/Predator Registry currently houses data on more than 47,000 registered sex offenders and predators and the Web site averages more than 500,000 searches per month. Citizens can register for the alerts by visiting their local law enforcement agency’s Web site or by visiting www.flsexoffender.net or www.fdle.state.fl.us .

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy
Arrests Four Men for Possession
of Two Sawed-Off Shotguns,
Armed Trespass of Dairy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, at about 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon, a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy heard what sounded to him like a shotgun blast in the vicinity of the 14000 block of County Road 675 (Rutland Road), in North Manatee County. Upon investigation, he found four men, two Black and two White, in possession of two sawed-off shotguns, trespassing on posted land belonging to Dakin Dairy.

Above, L to R, Lance Polson, Zachary Alexander,
Tramelle Ray and Stanley Yarn

The arrest report said the deputy heard "a loud shot" while traveling in his vehicle. The shot came from the Northeast side of CR 675.

The deputy then saw an unoccupied red Chevy truck parked on the Southwest side of CR 675. He stopped behind the vehicle and heard another loud shot which sounded like a large barrel shotgun, he said in his report.

Then the deputy entered the woods on the northeast side of CR 675 in the direction of the shot. He saw a fence leading to a pasture that was posted.

The deputy crossed the fence line and saw four people and smelled gunpowder. Two of them were White males and two were Black males. Then he saw them drop two shotguns.

One of the shotguns was sawed off to 8 inches and the other was sawed off to 11 inches. Both were loaded. The deputy also located .410 gauge and 12 gauge empty shotgun shells on the ground.

Placed under arrest and charged with Possession of a Short-Barreled Shotgun and Armed Trespassing were:

Lance Polson, 18
Zachary Alexander, 17
Tramelle Ray, 20
Stanley Yarn, 20

All four were transported to the Manatee County Jail.

Unidentified Teen Busted
for Possession of Heroin,
Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An unidentified teenager, 18, of 1623 Suponic Avenue, in Sarasota, called "John Doe," aka Dennis Larrison, by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, has been arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin and Burglary.

"John Doe" -- aka Dennis Larrison

According to an arrest report, on Tuesday, at about 8:45 p.m., the victim, Manfred H. Bohn, spotted "John Doe" in his garage at 1211 Angela Maria Road, in South Manatee County, looking in a refrigerator in the garage.

The "John Doe" person turned around and walked backwards out of the garage, saying, "He told me to do it." Then "John Doe" turned around and ran.

The sheriff's office was called and a short time later a deputy and a K-9 unit apprehended "John Doe."

Incident to the capture, deputies located a small bag in "John Doe's" change pocket that contained .7 grams of a pink powdery substance that tested positive for Heroin.

"John Doe," aka Dennis Larrison, was arrested and charged with Burglary and Possession of Heroin.

Search Warrant Served;
Man Arrested for Sale,
Possession of Marijuana

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, March 25, 2008, Manatee County detectives served a search warrant at 218 58th Avenue East.

Trione Dubois

Detectives say they had purchased marijuana at the residence which led them to obtain a search warrant.

Inside, they found Trione Dubois in possession of 28.6 grams of Marijuana. Dubois told detectives he had only recently begun to sell the drug.

Dubois was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Sale of Marijuana.

Another person in the residence, a female, was not charged.

Man Whose Car Was Involved
in Traffic Crash Alleges He Was
Victim of Robbery, Carjacking
Earlier That Same Night

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported circumstances that seem suspicious to the trained eye.

Marcin Plominski, 21, of the 9600 block of Oak Run Drive, alleged that on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at about 2:30-3:00 a.m., several unknown subjects hit him from behind, knocking him down as he was attempting to enter his vehicle at 5108 14th Street West.

The subjects punched and kicked the victim, Plominski claimed, then removed $100 and a driver's license from his wallet.

However, Plominski did not contact law enforcement or seek medical treatment for his injuries and waited until Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at 10:50 p.m. to make a report.

Plominski alleged he was carjacked.

But deputies reported Plominski's vehicle was involved in a traffic crash at 6000 14th Street West on March 22, 2008, at 3:50 a.m., but the driver fled the scene before law enforcement's arrival.

FHP is investigating the traffic crash.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Manatee DUI Checkpoint
Results Announced

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday night, March 21, 2008, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office hosted a DUI checkpoint at 8th Avenue West and Riverside Drive, in Palmetto, (north end of the Green Bridge)

Agencies participating with the Sheriff’s Office were Florida Highway Patrol, Bradenton Police Dept., Palmetto Police Dept. Holmes Beach Police Dept. Bradenton Beach Police Dept. and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit.

The results of the checkpoint are as follows:

609 cars passed through the checkpoint; of those, 92 were detained for traffic violations to include 25 motorists who were detained for suspicion of driving while impaired; of those, 15 were arrested for the offense of DUI.

Another 8 arrests were made for Driving While License Suspended and 2 arrests were for Possession of Narcotics; 38 citations were written for other drivers license violations.

A total of 76 citations were written at the checkpoint.

The checkpoint started at 10:35 p.m. on Friday and concluded at 3:13 a.m. on Saturday.

Sarasota Sheriff Plans
DUI Checkpoint

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI/Safety Checkpoint on Friday, March 28, 2008. The location of the DUI Checkpoint will not be released.

Nationally, it is known that the proportion of fatal / alcohol related accidents are three times more likely to occur at night, than during daylight hours.

Motorists will recognize a checkpoint operation by the staging of appropriate signs and warning devices and the presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel. The operator of each vehicle will be asked to display a driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. A visual safety check from outside the vehicle will be made for proper seatbelt usage, identifying persons who are operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment, without proper insurance, tag or driver’s license. During this time, the operator will also be observed for any signs of impairment and/or open containers of alcohol in plain view.

If the driver can show all appropriate documentation, occupants are utilizing seatbelts, there are no open containers of alcohol or other contraband in plain view, and no signs of impairment by alcohol or drugs, the vehicle will be allowed to leave. In cases where it appears the driver is under the influence or has committed some violation, they will be directed to a safe location off the immediate roadway for further investigation.

Owner Finds Stolen GPS on E-Bay;
Two Arrested, So Far

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives got the break they needed when the owner found his stolen GPS for sale on E-Bay. Detectives have so far recovered 18 items stolen off boats from Punta Gorda to Venice.

Stephen Helgemo of 24060 Radiance Lane, Punta Gorda, called the CCSO Jan. 12 and reported that someone stole about $2,000 worth of fishing rods, reels, a depth finder, and a Garman GPS 2010C Chart Plotter from his boat. On Feb. 28, Helgemo was looking on E-Bay to replace the missing items and found a GPS 2010C Chart Plotter for sale that could be his and called the detectives who traced the seller’s e-mail back to David M. McCarren, 19, 447 Ravenswood Blvd., Port Charlotte.

Detectives met with McCarren who said someone paid him to go online and sell the items on E-Bay but only knew the man by his first name. After further investigation detectives said McCarren took them to a Punta Gorda restaurant where 18 marine electronics items were located in vehicle. Eight of the 18 items have been identified as stolen in Charlotte County, the City of Punta Gorda and Venice. McCarren was arrested Monday and charged with three counts of Dealing in Stolen Property.

As the investigation progressed, on Wednesday afternoon detectives arrested a second person. Also charged with three counts of Dealing in Stolen Property was Jason L. Adamo, 19, of Port Charlotte. Detectives said other unnamed suspects were reportedly traveling around different boat docks from Punta Gorda to Venice stealing GPS’s, fish finders, radios and expensive fishing polls and reels from boats. Some of the stolen items were kept by others, and McCarren and Adamo would sell the GPS radios and fish finders on E-Bay. Jason told detectives he went to McCarren’s house and loaded all 18 units into a friend’s vehicle to hide them from the Sheriff’s Office. Jason said he was to split the money from the sales on E-Bay with McCarren.

On March 14, the CCSO sent out a news release to media concerning theft of GPS and electronics equipment from boats and vehicles. Detectives asked owners of such equipment to always register them online or by mail when purchased. Thieves usually take off the serial numbers, but, when GPS and such equipment is recovered, detectives hook up the equipment and can recover the information from the equipment then check with the manufacturer to see who it belongs to and return the property to the owner.

So far, detectives have recovered the items stolen from the Radiance Lane home in Punta Gorda, and homes on Wynkopp Circle that were stolen Feb. 23, and Meager Circle, stolen Feb. 25.

The investigation continues and more arrests are expected to be made.

Stupid Criminal of the Week:
Man Steals Car at Jail
Minutes After Release

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Frank Singleton turned a misdemeanor into a felony, without even leaving the jail parking lot, according to Orlando television station WKMG.

Just minutes from being released from jail Tuesday, Singleton tried to hijack a car in the parking lot of a West Palm Beach jail.

Authorities said Singleton was so anxious to leave after he was arrested on a misdemeanor trespassing charge, he tried to steal a car.

The victim was still inside when Singleton ran to her and said, "I want your car."

He pushed her out of the way, grabbed the keys and tried to start the car, which had a manual transmission that Singleton couldn't operate it.

Authorities heard the commotion and arrested Singleton on a carjacking charge, WKMG reported.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bradenton Police Arrest Man for
Kidnapping, More After
High-Speed Chase

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- A woman in critical condition at Bayfront Medical Center said she was kidnapped by Cornelius Shannon, 27, at Club RJ's, in the 700 block of Ninth Avenue West, Bradenton, early Monday morning, March 24, 2008. The man then led Bradenton Police on a high speed chase before he lost control of his Nissan Frontier pickup and severely damaged several vehicles at Martin Boggs Truck Sales, in the 5400 block of 15th Street East.

Above, a 1979 Ford F-150, in 'mint' condition
before the crash, damaged in the crash
(Photo by Tyler Boggs)

Bradenton Police received a call shortly before 3 a.m. on Monday from a frantic woman screaming that her friend had been kidnapped by Shannon, whom they had met at Club RJ's.

Cornelius Shannon

The caller said Cierra Jones, 22, had been dragged by her hair into Shannon's truck. He had asked her to leave the club with him and she had refused, a police report said. Then Shannon became angry, punched Jones and took her to the truck against her will.

The woman caller and her friends were following Shannon and calling in its location to police dispatchers.

Police located the vehicle involved and began pursuing it.

Shannon stopped momentarily at 15th Street East and Martin Luther King Blvd. Police asked him who was inside. Shannon said a woman, and then sped off again, with Police in hot pursuit.

Moments later, Police located Shannon's truck crashed and upside down at the car lot belonging to Martin Boggs. Three vehicles had been destroyed in the crash, the Florida Highway Patrol later reported.

A chain link fence had also been taken out. Boggs later said it looked like a tornado had hit his lot. The damages were estimated at $10,000 dollars.

Cierra Jones had been thrown clear of Shannon's truck. She was Bayflighted to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg in critical condition.

Shannon was taken by ambulance to Bayfront Medical Center.

Shannon was arrested and charged with Kidnapping, Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement, Battery and Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement.

One Arrested in Manatee
Buy-Bust Drug Operation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A street level drug dealer was arrested on Monday afternoon after Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives bought drugs from him, according to a report from the sheriff's office.

Courtney Benton
(Prior mug shot courtesy SSO)

The report said on March 24, 2008, narcotics detectives called a street level dealer, later identified as Courtney Benton, 22, and ordered two ecstasy pills from him.

The deal was set to take place in front of Benton’s residence, located at 4505 67th St. West.

At 2:10 a.m., detectives purchased the two pills in the parking lot in front of Benton’s residence.

The takedown team moved in and Benton was taken into custody without incident.

During a search incident to arrest, Benton was found to be in possession of 3 grams of marijuana and 9 additional ecstasy pills.

Benton also had 5 felony narcotics related warrants out of Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas Counties.

Salt and Pepper Team Robs
Gas Station Customer in
South Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, at about 11:38 a.m., a Black male and a White female robbed a customer of the BP station, 6812 14th Street West, in South Manatee County.

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Melonie S. Goodall, 50, was inside the BP station talking to her husband on a cell phone. The husband was out-of-state. She was discussing wiring money to him.

The two would-be robbers were also inside the store when Melonie was on the phone.

Melonie left the store and went to her car where she was approached by the two robbers.

The White female reached inside Melonie's vehicle through the open window and unlocked the driver's door.

Then both the man and the woman opened the driver's door and the Black male proceeded to punch Melonie in the face and took her purse containing her wallet and the money that she was preparing to wire to her husband.

The thieving pair then fled southbound in a newer black Mercedes.

Melonie was transported to Blake Medical Center for treatment.

The robbers were described as a Black male with a medium build, last seen wearing a white shirt, black jeans and a dark ball cap; and a White female, about 5' 6" tall, skinny, with dirty blond hair in a pony tail, last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Woman, 88, Mugged, Purse
Snatched at Cortez Plaza
By Black Male, Female

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday afternoon, at about 2:20 p.m., an 88-year-old woman was mugged and her purse was snatched at Cortez Plaza Shopping Center by a pair of thugs, male and female.

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Vinifred Boon, 88, of the 5600 block of 12th Avenue West, Bradenton, was walking from Burlington Coat Factory, located at 1205 Cortez Road West, towards her car when she was knocked to the ground by the two robbers.

The robbers took Vinifred's purse containing $50, her credit cards and ID.

The thieves then fled towards Cortez Road on two bikes.

Vinifred was not injured.

The area was checked for the suspects with negative results.

The robbers were described as a Black male with dreadlocks, 6' tall, 185 pounds; and a Black female, 5' 7" tall, 170 pounds, last seen wearing a dark shirt and black pants.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Man Ambushed Coming Home,
$200 Cash Stolen "at Gunpoint"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man returning home from bowling on Monday evening shortly before 11 p.m. was ambushed by a man and $200 dollars in cash was stolen from him, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Donn Lasswell, 53, of the 4500 block of 71st Street West, in the Harbor Point apartments, was coming home from bowling.

As he rounded the corner of his building and got to the stairs, he felt a blunt object poking him in the back that Lasswell said felt like a gun.

The unknown suspect told Lasswell, "Give me your wallet."

Lasswell told the man, "Don't take my wallet; I have no money in it." Then Lasswell gave the man $200 dollars he had in another pocket.

The man then fled in an unknown direction.

Lasswell never saw the suspect, but said the man "sounded like a Black male," the report said.

Lasswell told deputies the building in which he lives has no working exterior lighting.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

House Fire Displaces
Family of Four, Kills
Two Family Pets

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue reported a structure fire at 508 59th Avenue Terrace West Tuesday morning shortly after 3:00 a.m.

Cedar Hammock said they received the call at 3:08 a.m. and arrived at 3:13 a.m. They found a single family wood frame home with 50% involvement in fire.

Four engines with a total of 18 firefighters and staff personnel responded to the scene.

One child with asthma was treated by EMS who was having breathing difficulties.

Two family dogs were lost in the fire that caused $150,000 dollars in damages; the home is a total loss.

Red Cross assisted the displace family of four adults and three children.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Sam Collier.

Out-of-state Internet Surveillance
By Owner of Car Wash Leads to
Two Arrests

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two men were arrested early Monday morning after the owner of a Manatee County self service car wash spotted them breaking into vending machines; he was in Colorado and watching them on the Internet.

Above, L to R, Scott Ramsey and Timothy Kaiser

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office got a call from the owner of the Tusker Car Wash, 6610 State Road 64 East, Humberto Noronha, 38, at about 3:05 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2008. He was staying in a motel in Colorado and he was viewing the security cameras at the car wash via an Internet connection. He told dispatch that two men were breaking into the vending machines.

Dispatched units were given updates as they responded. Dep. Davis arrived and observed a White male prying one of the vending machines. He then saw that White male run into the woods at the east side of the car wash.

K-9 arrived about two minutes later and started a track. A perimeter was set up quickly.

K-9 tracked the two suspects south to 1020 65th Court East. The track took about 20 minutes.

The suspects gave up and they were placed under arrest.

Arrested were Scott Ramsey, 29, and Timothy Kaiser, 22.

The arrest charges included: Molesting a Vending Machine, Possession of Burglary Tools and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Ramsey and Kaiser are suspects in other recent vending machine thefts.

REMINDER: Texas Hold 'Em
Tournament, Silent Auction
Benefit This Saturday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A member of Angels Among Us, a team participating in the American Cancer Society's signature fund raiser, "Relay for Life" has announced an event to raise our community's awareness of how much the ACS does for families fighting cancer. It is also a night to celebrate with those who have beat cancer and remember those who have lost their battle.

Their team is holding it's first annual Texas Hold 'em Tournament & Silent Auction, Saturday evening, March 29th, at The Dog House on U.S. 41 (14th Street West), in Bradenton.

If you or any friends or family would be interested in a great night of fun supporting them in their fight to help cure cancer, come out and join them.

"The Dog house has lots of great food and drink and plenty of room for our event," Cande Brugger told to NewsManatee.

All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, are tax deductible and most importantly, approximately 90% of these dollars stay here in Manatee County, Brugger said.

Finally, if you would like to support their team and/or promote your business by donating an item, product or service to their silent auction or door prize pool, just let them know and Cande can make arrangements for pick up or delivery. Donations are tax deductible (Fed ID 59-0657320).

Your support can help the event be a huge success.

Contact Sharon, at Angelsforacure@hotmail.com to donate an item for the silent auction or door prize pool and to arrange pickup.

Sarasota Sheriff Arrests
Bradenton Man for Punching,
Putting 2 Boys in Fear w/Gun

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Theodore C. Wolff, Jr., 45, of 3410 46th Terrace East, in Bradenton, and charged him with two counts of Aggravated Assault.

Theodore C. Wolff, Jr.

The arrest report from SSO said on Friday, March 21, 2008, at about 7:00 p.m., Wolff was driving with two boys in his vehicle. It is unknown whether the boys are related to Wolff or what their ages were.

Deputies were dispatched to 5678 Fruitville Road, where they met with the two boys. The boys said their mother had dropped; them off at Target to meet with Wolff for some reason not stated in the report.

When the boys met with Wolff, he began calling them names and swearing at them because they did not want to talk with him.

After they got into Wolff's vehicle, he got angry and told them to get out of his vehicle. He then tried to get them to hit him. When they would not, he called them names.

Then, at one point, Wolff allegedly stopped the vehicle, got out, went into the back seat and pulled a gun out of a briefcase. He then got back in the vehicle and put the gun on his front seat next to him.

The boys then got out of the vehicle, in fear they would be hurt.

Wolff drove off and called his wife.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the wife, who called Wolff back and told him the deputies wanted him to return to the scene; he did.

Wolff was then arrested.

Deputies could not find the alleged weapon.

Single Engine Airplane Crashes
into Gulf of Mexico Near Venice;
Coast Guard Locates Plane,
Divers Recover Body

VENICE, Florida [NMT] -- NewsManatee Sarasota Bureau reporter Doug Reynolds said a small airplane was reported to have crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, about half of a mile off the Venice fishing pier at Sharkey's restaurant around 8:30 p.m. Monday evening, March 24, 2008. The aircraft is reported to be a 1977 Piper single engine plane.

Above, a lookalike 1977 Piper aircraft

Several (8-10) eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying north over the Gulf, when "the single engine plane pitched over and rolled; it entered the water at a 70 degree angle," Robert Stewart of South Venice stated.

Another eyewitness, Angel Neketis, reported seeing the red and green lights go into the water.

Rescue efforts were hampered by high winds and rolling surf.

A Sarasota Sheriff's helicopter was on scene about 20 to 30 minutes from the first 911 call. They searched for 2 hours and did not find the airplane or any debris of such accident. They refueled their helicopter and continued searching, only calling off the search with the US Coast Guard at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The US Coast Guard sent a helicopter and a 41-foot boat for the search. The Coast Guard also called off the search at 12:30 a.m., due to low fuel for the helicopter and the high surf and winds for the boat.

The search continued at first light Tuesday morning. On Tuesday afternoon, Coast Guard and Venice Police Department rescue crews were looking for a 64-year-old man reported to be aboard the fixed-wing aircraft. His name has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.

NewsManatee Bureau reporter Doug Reynolds said on Tuesday evening, at about 5:30 p.m., the Coast Guard located the wreckage of the plane about 1/2 mile northwest of the Venice pier. Divers went down to the plane and recovered the pilot's body.

The pilot has been identified as Harry K. Lawrence, 64, from the Venice area.

Since darkness was rapidly falling, recovery personnel marked the location and will return in the morning with a barge to recover the wreckage.

Detectives from the Venice Police department, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), And the FAA will be conducting the investigation of what caused this single engine, four seat plane to crash not long after it took off from the Venice Regional Airport, NewsManatee's Reynolds reported.

It was confirmed from Deputy Fire Chief, Steve Kona of the Venice Fire Department that a plane from a local flight school was supposed to return around 9 p.m.; that plane was missing and believed to be the one that crashed into the water. The missing plane only had 1 person on board -- the pilot.

Local law enforcement would not give out any information on which flight school reported the plane missing.

The Venice Fire Dept was assisted by Englewood Fire Dept in searching the coast line with ATV vehicles for any debris that might have come ashore.

Man Arrested After Selling
Stolen Tire Rims
Back to Owner

NORTH PORT, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s detective arrested a Port Charlotte man after he unknowingly sold stolen goods back to the owner for scrap.

Brett Michael Stershic

On Feb. 28, 2008, Denver C. Gardner was working at Don’s Recycling at 5054 Trott Circle, North Port, when Brett Michael Stershic, 20, 438 Celeste St., along with two others, came in and sold two aluminum tire rims for scrap.

After the sale, Gardner said he thought the two rims looked familiar and might be his so he contacted a friend to go to his Chamberlain Blvd. home to see if his three tire rims were still in the rear of his truck. She reported back that all three were missing and Gardner filed a theft report with the CCSO.

On March 18, 2008, Detectives obtained the identity of the three who went to the recycling business and sold two of the three rims for scrap.

All three were questioned and one of the men was released, as he did not know the rims were stolen. A 17--year-old juvenile boy said he and Stershic stole the tire rims and took them to Stershic’s home.

Stershic was arrested for felony Grand Theft.

The juvenile will be arrested after he is released from the Department of Juvenile Justice center where he is currently serving 15 days for an unrelated crime.

The third tire rim has not been located, according to detectives.

Man Shoots at Own Shadow;
Prompts Condo Evacuations

WINTER GARDEN, Florida [NMT/WKMG[ -- A condominium complex was evacuated Monday, March 24, 2008, after a man opened fire on his own shadow, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Orange County deputies forced people to leave the Village Grove condos near West Colonial Drive and Park Avenue after reports of gunfire at a home.

When officers arrived, a woman told them her boyfriend was inside and at least two people had shot at them.

Police said it now appears the two were hallucinating from drug use.

No one was injured in the shooting, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Red Barn Gun Shop Burgled
2nd Time in Two Weeks;
Rifles Stolen in Both

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a 2nd burglary in two weeks of the Red Barn Gun Shop, located at 5233 14th Street West.

Above, Red Barn Gun Shop, 5233 14th Street West
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

In this latest incident, at about 8:55 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2008, a Red Barn employee was called by their alarm company and told the alarm was going off. They received the alarm at about 8:49 p.m., they said. The employee arrived at 9:12 p.m. to find that the business had been broken into.

The suspects gained entry in the same manner as another burglar did on March 9th.

In that earlier incident, burglars cut a hole in a soffett behind the gun shop and crawled through the ceiling. Then they dropped into his store.

During that robbery, NewsManatee reported two AR-15 assault rifles were stolen.

In Saturday's burglary, surveillance video shows two men with their faces covered; they were wearing long shirts or jackets. The video also showed they were carrying rifles under their arms.

The store's owner couldn't determine exactly what was taken until he completed a store inventory.

K-9 Deputy David Brady and his K-9 Rosco responded, but the track ended abruptly, indicating a waiting vehicle.

Crime Scene Technicians also responded and found fingerprints and a shoe print.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

[Ed. Note: The Red Barn Gun Shop is not affiliated with the Red Barn Flea Market.]

Manatee Deputies Arrest
Teen for Fighting Another

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Deputies have arrested Robert S. Flanary, 18, of 4405 5th Avenue West, Palmetto, for fighting with another person on Friday afternoon, March 21, 2008, at about 2:00 p.m.

Robert S. Flanary

Deputies say Flanary was at 320 52nd Street West, Palmetto, when he "took off his shirt and uttered fighting words" at a young man by the name of Turley.

Then Flanary climbed a flight of stairs to access the rear attached covered porch at the location and pushed Turley several times, almost sending him over the second floor railing.

He then head-butted Turley's head several times, the report said.

Flanary allegedly admitted to everything but hitting Turley.

Four witnesses and Turley signed affidavits.

Flanary was charged with Burglary with Battery.

Man Robbed, Pants Ripped Off
By Three Black Males
Impersonating Cops

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, March 22, 2008, at about 2:40 a.m., three Black males allegedly robbed a man by pulling him over using flashing headlights and a blue light, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said the victim, Lafayette Beare, 43, was intoxicated and did not report the incident until 8:45 a.m. Saturday morning.

Beare said he was driving around and allegedly stopped by what appeared to be an unmarked police vehicle. As he reached for his vehicle registration in the glove box, one of the would-be police officers struck him in the head and demanded money.

The two other would-be police officers then pulled him from the vehicle and restrained him. The three men pulled off his pants and robbed Beare of $120 dollars.

After vandalizing his car's gear shift, one of the men started to drive away, but Beare implored him not to. The man threw Beare's keys at him and they all left the scene.

Deputies said Beare had swollen arms and hands where the suspects stood on them and a laceration to the head.

Palmetto Police Arrest Man
for Cutting Another w/Knife

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Alfonso Delacruz, 34, of 513 13th Street West, Palmetto.

According to the arrest report, Delacruz and another man got into a fight on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at about 5:00 p.m.

Delacruz hit the victim several times, then cut the victim in the chin with a knife, the victim told Police.

Delacruz allegedly admitted to the offense.

He was charged with Aggravated Battery.

Man Burglarizes Apartment
He Had Been Evicted From

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested a man who had been evicted from his apartment for burglarizing it on Friday, March 21, 2008, shortly before 6:00 p.m.

Isaac Jean

Police said Isaac Jean, 36, of a current unknown address, entered an apartment at 816 6th Avenue West, Palmetto, by prying open the door.

Jean had previously been evicted from the place.

The owner had locked the apartment door and trespassed Jean.

Jean told Police he had entered the apartment and put some of his belongings in it, the report said.

Jean was charged with Burglary.

Sheriff Cancels Inspection
of Ice Cream Vendor Trucks

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, March 24, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., the Manatee County Sheriff's Office was to begin inspecting ice cream vendor trucks for safety requirements, but it was canceled for some reason and will be rescheduled.

A newly passed county ordinance made the inspection mandatory. The ordinance was modeled after guidelines from the International Association of Ice Cream Vendors and requires permits for each truck. It also requires the trucks to display prominent "caution" signs, flashing amber lights and mirrors which allow the driver to see all angles of the truck's exterior.

In addition, in order to obtain a permit, drivers must undergo background checks and maintain yearly certification to ensure safety and cleanliness.

The first such inspection was to be held at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Operations Center, located at 600 U.S. 301 Blvd. West.

The permitting and safety requirements follow the death of two toddlers in Manatee County.

In February, 2006, Raymundo Aguirre, 15 months old at the time, was dragged behind an ice cream truck in the Wayside Glen Mobile Home Park, located at 5120 14th Street West. The driver of the ice cream truck in that incident was not charged.

Then, in December, 2006, Envy Jackson, who was just 1 year old, died when struck by an ice cream truck driven by a Tampa man. He received only a citation.

NewsManatee will stay abreast of this inspection issue and report it when it actually happens.

Sarasota Restaurant Robbed
by Two Black Males

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Flash Report from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office over the weekend said Wings-N-Weenies, 5733 Clark Road, Sarasota, was robbed shortly before 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2008, by two Black males.

The report said deputies responded to the incident location and discovered two Black males had entered the business and demanded money. They left with an undetermined amount of money, the report said.

There were no injuries, and no weapon was displayed.

The two robbers were last seen getting into a green vehicle, possibly a Mercury Sable or Ford Taurus, and fleeing the area.

The robbers were described as both being in their 30s, both short with stocky builds. One was wearing a black hospital type mask and a green shirt, the other was wearing a black sweatshirt.

Anyone with information about this case should contact the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 861-4900 or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota at (941) 366-TIPS (8477).

Sunday Bust Nets Multiple
Drugs, Gun, $6,500 in Cash

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputy doing routine traffic enforcement Sunday, March 23, 2008, at 7:35 p.m., ended up arresting a Rotonda West man on 11 charges including multiple drugs, a loaded gun, and over $6,500 in cash seized.

Luke Richard Fisher

The deputy said he knew the owner of the white Acura, but the driver was not the owner. The car was traveling on Rotonda Circle and the deputy followed. The driver accelerated at a high rate of speed, ran several stop signs, and then pulled into a driveway at 7466 Clayton St. The driver got out, and then jumped over a fence into the backyard.

The deputy observed the driver walking away from a grill on the back patio; the man then sat down on a chair. Backup units arrived, entered the backyard, and arrested Luke Richard Fisher, 27, 116 Caddy Rd., Englewood. A search of Fisher located $6,538 in cash in the pockets of his shorts. Deputies then searched the Acura and found Fisher’s Florida ID card on the driver’s seat and a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol in the center console of the car.

Deputies checked the grill he was seen near and found a bag containing 59 grams of Cocaine, 9 grams of Methamphetamine, four Ecstasy pills, a box of liquid Oxycodone, several small plastic baggies, a digital scale and a metal soda can modified for inhaling narcotics.

Fisher was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamines, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of MDMA/Ecstasy, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Prescription Medicine without a Prescription, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement Officers, and Driving While License Suspended as an Habitual Offender. Bond was set a $36,500, which was posted. and Fisher was released Monday morning.

Anyone having narcotics information can call the Charlotte County Narcotics Unit at 941/575-2157.

Deputy Ambushed, Beaten
Badly By 12 Men

LAKE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a sheriff's deputy in Lake County checking a noise complaint was ambushed by 12 men and beaten so bad that he was unable to radio for help, according to investigators.

Detectives said Deputy Cliff McMennamy was investigating a disturbance call Sunday near Long Acres Road and Briarcliff in Sorrento when he was attacked.

McMennamy was exiting his patrol vehicle and someone threw a beer bottle at the car, officers said.

As the deputy tried to take a man into custody, he was overwhelmed by a group of men.

"He was in the process of securing the first subject that the rest of the people connected to this residence ambushed him and started beating him," Lake County sheriff's Sgt. John Harrell said.

The officer held on to his gun as the group stripped him.

"The subjects continued to kick him and strike him," Harrell said. "They actually stripped his duty belt of all of his gear -- his magazines and radio was taken."

Officers arrested one man and two others were in custody early Monday.

McMennamy was expected to survive his injuries, WKMG reported.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Armed Home Invasion by Three Black Males
Disrupts Seven-Man Card Game; Escape
Attempt Results in Shots Fired,
Attempted Murder Charge;
One Man Still At Large

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, March 21, 2008, at about 10:45 p.m., three Black males burst into a residence in the 3800 block of 10th Street Court East with guns and held up seven men playing cards. Another person not in the card game and in a back room called 911. When deputies began to arrive, the intruders tried to escape, at one point firing guns at a bystander outside the residence. Two of the three intruders were captured; one escaped.

A report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to 3800 10th Street Court East for an apparent armed home invasion.

According to the victims, seven men, ranging in age from 22 to 38 years, were sitting inside the residence playing cards when 3 Black males wearing all black clothing entered through the open front door. The suspects were armed with handguns and a shotgun.

The three invaders ordered the victims to the ground and told them to empty their pockets.

Another man was sleeping in a back room, heard the incident and called 911.

Deputy Chenard arrived on scene and observed two of the invaders exit the residence and run east behind the residence. Both men were wearing black clothing and black masks. One of the men, Michael Johnson, 27, pulled his mask off in front of Dep. Chenard.

A nearby resident, Tony Davis, 33, heard the noise and was walking to see what was going on when he was approached by the invaders as they were fleeing. The suspects fired at Davis and continued running.

COPS Central, COPS West and Patrol units quickly arrived and set up a perimeter.

Sheriff's K-9 Deputy David Brady and K-9 Rosco began tracking the suspects to the east and located Joshua Hunter, 23, hiding inside a dumpster located at the Manatee Adolescence Treatment Center. Rosco engaged Hunter inside the dumpster and bit him.

A citizen informed deputies that one of the suspects was inside the treatment center using the phone. Deputies located Michael Johnson and took him into custody.

The third suspect, known only as "Forty," fled the scene in a newer model tan-colored van.

Deputies recovered all of the victims' property that was stolen including the mask, gloves, 2 handguns and shotgun that was used by the suspects.

Detectives obtained a confession from the two captured men and also located items belonging to the victims in their possession.

They were both charged with seven counts of Armed Robbery. One of them was charged with Attempted Murder. Their mug shots and other specifics were not available as of Sunday.

The Sheriff's Office is still looking for "Forty." The report of the incident gave no description of "Forty."

Anyone with information on this case or the identity or location of "Forty" is asked to contact Detective Alvarado at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011, extension 2513, or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Angry Man Throws, Breaks Items;
Attempts Arson of Woman's Home

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a man who was upset with a woman who tried to get him to leave her house, threw several items and broke them and attempted to torch her house.

Stanley Rhoden

The report said Diane Spees, 30, of 2810 38th Avenue East, met Stanley Rhoden, 24, about a month ago. Stanley spends the night on occasion as he did Wednesday night, March 19, 2008.

At 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2008, Diane told Stanley that he needed to leave the house because she had to leave for work.

Stanley said he wasn't leaving and threw a TV remote at Diane. Diane ran out the front door and flagged down a Waste Management employee to use his cell phone to call 911.

Stanley threatened Diane with a brick as she was calling 911 and then he went back inside the house.

As Diane was talking to 911 on the cell phone and while waiting for sheriff's deputies to arrive, Stanley was inside the house.

Stanley threw and broke items in the living room and hallway. The report said he then went onto the back porch and grabbed a gas can with about 3 gallons of old/varnished gasoline. Stanley then poured the gas over two dressers, a bed and carpeting.

Deputies observed a lighter on the bed, several wooden matches and a match box on the bedroom carpet by the door. Inside the bathroom that is attached to the bedroom, there was a liquid substance that was pooled on top of the vanity. This liquid was not gas and was suspected to be urine.

Stanley left the house and was gone upon the arrival of deputies.

A local fire department responded and assisted with the investigation by bringing in an arson dog and with the collecting of the evidence.

While on scene, Stanley called Diane and made threats towards her saying that she will be sorry for calling the Police and that she had better not stay in the house tonight.

At the time, Stanley had not yet been located.

However, Stanley later returned to the residence and was arrested.

Rhoden was charged with Attempted Arson, Felony Criminal Mischief and Aggravated Assault.

Man, 24, Arrested for Having
Sexual Intercourse with Girl, 15

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, March 20, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives arrested Robert Chippendale, 24, of Manatee Woods Apartments, 252 34th Avenue Drive East, and charged him with 3 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery on an unnamed 15-year-old girl.

Robert T. Chippendale

The report said on Thursday the victim and her Father, James Duffy, went to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to report that the victim, who is a 15-year-old female, had been having sexual intercourse with Robert Chippendale.

According to the victim, she has been getting picked up by Robert while at school and skipping the remainder of the day.

She said on February 25th at 8:30 a.m., Robert picked her up from school where they returned to his residence in Manatee Woods, smoked pot and had sexual intercourse.

She said on Thursday, March 20, at 10:00 a.m., Robert again picked her up from school and they went back to his residence. She and Robert again engaged in sexual intercourse, but did not smoke any pot.

An interview of the victim disclosed multiple occasions where the two had sexual contact.

Through investigative techniques, probable cause was developed and Chippendale was arrested on 3 counts of L&L Battery on a 15-year-old, Contributing to the Delinquency of a minor, and Possession of Marijuana.

In an interview with Chippendale, a full confession was obtained, the report said.

Chippendale was transported to the Manatee County Jail and is being held without bond until he sees a judge.

Young Man, Possibly DUI,
Busted for Leaving Scene
of Accidents with Damage

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Ryan L. Sandoval, 22, and charged him with 2 counts of Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage and Driving While License Suspended after Sandoval, who had been drinking at Clancy's Bar, 6218 Cortez Road West, in Bradenton, struck a vehicle as he was leaving the bar and then struck another down the road and fled the scene.

Ryan L. Sandridge

The arrest report said on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at about 1:00 a.m., Bradenton Police Officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of 71st Street West and 29th Avenue West.

Upon arrival, an Officer noticed a blue Buick had crashed into a parked Ford truck at 6916 29th Avenue West. The Buick was abandoned.

Witnesses on scene told the Officer that they saw a White male running from the scene.

A search of the vehicle located a wallet and Florida ID card belonging to Sandridge.

Then police were notified that another vehicle had been struck by the now abandoned Buick as the Buick left Clancy's Bar.

Security Officers at Clancy's said they witnessed the first accident and said Sandridge had no lights on as he left the bar.

The victim of the first accident identified Sandridge from his Driver's License photo.

Officers went to Sandridge's home located at 616 Fontana, in Bradenton. Sandridge told them they had the wrong guy and that a Black guy was driving the car. Then Sandridge said he'd been drinking and dummied up, refusing to answer any more questions "until my court date."

Man Who Fled Cops After
Allegedly Shooting Man
Busted for Armed Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, March 18, 2008, several men robbed a man in the 1100 block of 60th Avenue Drive East; one of the robbers allegedly shot a man. The robbers fled into North Manatee County, where they were arrested. On Thursday, March 19, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives arrested one of those men, Demetrious Cunningham, 21, and charged him with Armed Robbery in the original incident.

Demetrious Cunningham

According to the arrest report, in the original incident a man was on his cell phone when he was approached by two Black males. As they approached, they ordered him to get on the ground at gunpoint.

Then they took the victim's ring, bracelet and cell phone and removed his I.D. from his pocket.

At one point, one of the Black males shot the victim in the buttocks.

The Black males then got into a vehicle the victim had been sitting on just before the robbery, started it with keys that were in the ignition and fled.

That vehicle was stopped a short time later in North Manatee County. Cunningham was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Auto and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

The next day, detectives showed the victim a photo lineup and the victim positively identified Demetrious Cunningham as one of the Black males who had robbed him. He could not say which of the two Black males shot him, however, as he was lying face down at the time.

Cunningham was charged with Armed Robbery, in addition to the other previous charges.

Shots Fired at Man Accused
of Speeding By Neighbors

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A vigilante-type action by neighbors of a man said to be speeding in the 5200 block of 15th Street Court East resulted in one neighbor being arrested on unrelated charges after he was accused of firing shots in the direction of the speeding man.

Darrell Harley

A report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said on Thursday, March 20, 2008, 11:40 p.m., Ricky Walton, 22, of 6811 6th Street West, was driving south on 15th Street Court East when a woman in front of a residence in the 5200 block yelled at him for speeding.

As Walton apologized, a Black male, later identified as Darrell Harley, 27, of 5221 15th Street Court East, and an unknown White male, walked from around the house and also began yelling at Walton.

Walton drove to his brother’s home nearby and they walked back toward Harley's residence.

As they approached, Harley stepped into the roadway and allegedly fired two rounds into the air.

Walton went back to his truck and drove by Harley's residence again, supposedly to get the address. As Walton drove by again, Harley allegedly fired several more rounds in his direction.

Harley denied having a firearm and gave deputies permission to search his residence.

No firearm was located but several small bags of marijuana were found inside. No shell casings were found in front of the incident location and Walton changed his story throughout the investigation.

A capias request was completed on Harley for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.

Harley was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Violation of Probation.

Home Invasion in Bayshore Gardens;
Snub Nose Revolver Stolen

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said on Friday, at about 3:45 p.m., a home located in the 2000 block of Bayshore Gardens Parkway was the victim of a home invasion. A workman laying tile surprised the intruder. The homeowner reported some jewelry and a snub nose revolver were stolen during the incident.

The report said Aaron Koziak, 27, was laying tile in the bedroom of the residence which belongs to his uncle, Charles McBath, 61.

Aaron walked out of the bedroom and noticed a White male in the living room that he did not recognize.

Aaron started to set his tools down and as he looked up the White male punched him on and over his left eye, causing swelling.

The intruder then ran out the back door, northbound over the fence and through neighboring yards.

Aaron gave chase to the back yard before giving up. Aaron waited about thirty minutes before calling the sheriff's office because he called his uncle, the homeowner, and waited for him to arrive first.

A sheriff's office K-9 unit responded to the scene and sheriff's deputies saturated the area in hopes of finding a person matching the description of the intruder.

The homeowner, Charles McBath, advised that some miscellaneous jewelry was missing, as well as a silver snub nose .38 special loaded with hollow point bullets.

Sgt. Thomason responded to the scene with a photo pack of potential suspects for Aaron to review. The report did not state if that was successful.

The intruder was described as a White male in his mid-20s with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a dark baggy shirt and olive green cargo pants.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Argument Over Gym Equipment
Leaves Man Cut with Machete

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, shortly before 6 p.m., a man was cut with a machete in an argument over the ownership of gym equipment, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

According to the victim, Glenn Faustin, 36, he was involved in an argument with an unknown male who said the gym equipment in the victim's backyard in the 6400 block of 8th Street Court West, belongs to him.

During this argument, the suspect produced a machete and cut Faustin below his right knee.

The suspect then absconded in an unknown direction by unknown means.

Manatee County EMS responded and transported Faustin to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Faustin's injuries were not life threatening, the report said.

The man with the machete was described as an unknown Hispanic or light-skinned Black male, approximately 27-30 years old, with short dreadlock style hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a green shirt and jean shorts.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Mysterious Liquid Poured On
Woman's Yard, Driveway;
Paintballs Shot at House

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A woman called the Manatee County Sheriff's Office after she found a mysterious liquid that had been poured on her yard and driveway that was emitting a cloud of vapor.

A report from the sheriff's office said on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Mona Crowley, 32, was inside her home in the 3000 block of 45th Way East, when she heard several "popping" noises coming from outside.

When Crowley investigated, she found that someone had shot several paint balls at her garage door and threw a gallon-size container filled with an unknown chemical into her front yard.

When deputies arrived, the container was emitting a white cloud. Some had spilled onto the driveway where it bubbled and coagulated.

A small area of grass in the front yard suffered the only damage from the substance.

Southern Manatee Fire arrived and diluted the substance with water, washing it into the grass.

No suspects or vehicles were seen in the area at the time of the incident.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Hispanic Male Ambushed, Robbed
By 3 Unknown Men Outside Bar

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, at about 2:30 a.m., a Hispanic man walking in the parking lot of Las Primas Bar, 5645 15th Street East, was punched and robbed by three men, a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

The report said as the bar was closing, the victim, Saul Lopez-Hernandez, 37, of Peliau Circle, in Sarasota, walked towards a friend's car in the parking lot.

Three men approached the victim from behind, hit him on his head with a bottle and knocked him to the ground. One of the robbers punched the victim on his cheek.

Two gold necklaces valued at $700.00 were taken from the victim. The victim was able to hang onto his wallet.

The robbers fled in an unknown direction.

The victim suffered minor injuries. His face was slightly swollen and he had a small cut on the back of his head. He refused EMS treatment.

The robbers were not described in the report from the sheriff's office.

Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line and Tipsters who submit e-Tips by computer will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Two Juvies Arrested for
Burglary to MHP Carport

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, two unnamed juveniles were arrested on Sunday, March 23, 2008, for Burglary to carports at the Southern Pines Mobile Home Park, 925 301 Blvd. East, at about 7:30 a.m.

The report said witnesses observed the two 17-year-old boys enter a carport and break the doors on storage cabinets. The boys were observed going through the cabinet.

The boys were also observed prowling around other carports in the park.

The Sheriff's Office was contacted.

A deputy responded and saw two boys matching the description of the burglars. The boys fled from Dep. Kiernan and a BOLO was issued.

Another deputy was in the area and saw the two boys come out from behind the tire shop at 9th Street East and 301 Blvd. He turned around on them and they disappeared.

The deputy started checking the area and spotted them on 301 Blvd. heading east. This time, they were on bicycles.

He attempted to stop them and they fled through the Shell parking lot onto 9th Street East. One of the boys was stopped in about the 4700 block of 9th Street East. The deputy yelled for the other boy to stop, but he continued to ride off.

The deputy detained the one boy until backup units arrived. Other units arrived and located the other boy.

Witnesses positively identified one boy as one of those involved in the burglary.

Both boys denied any involvement in the burglary.

They were both arrested and charged with Burglary and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Fire Displaces Residents
of Two Apartments

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, just before midnight, Sarasota County fire crews were dispatched to a structure fire at 1091 Four Seasons Circle.

Above, 1091 Four Seasons Circle, Sarasota
(Photo by Doug Reynolds, NewsManatee)

Fire crews found heavy smoke coming from a bottom floor apartment of an 8-unit apartment building in a 55+ year old community.

According to NewsManatee Sarasota Bureau reporter Doug Reynolds, the apartment sustained heavy damage and the apartment upstairs had smoke damage.

All residents evacuated the structure before the fire department arrived, Reynolds said.

Fire crews had the fire under control in about 30 minutes.

The fire possibly started in the bedroom. Due to the amount of damage, the State Fire Marshall's office is investigating.

No civilian or fire personnel were injured in the fire.

The Southwest Florida Chapter of the America Red Cross was called to assist the residents of the apartment and the upstairs neighbor with their food clothing and shelter needs.

Undercover Sarasota Cops
Arrest Two Manatee County
People for Purchase of Drugs

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, March 20, 2008, at about 8:00 p.m., undercover Sarasota Police Detectives arrested Michael D. Ohlinger, 24, of 206 55th Avenue Plaza, in Manatee County, and Kim L. Wojculewski, 23, of 3916 Royal Palm Drive, also in Manatee County for purchase of illegal drugs.

Above, L to R, Michael D. Ohlinger and Kim L. Wojculewski

The arrest report said Ohlinger and Wojculewski made contact with the undercover detectives at Robarts Arena on the Sarasota County Fair Grounds located at 3050 Ringling Blvd., in Sarasota.

Both Ohlinger and Wojculewski purchased about 500 Alprazolam pills (Xanax) for $740 dollars.

Both were arrested at the time.

After their arrest, under Ohlinger's driver's seat detectives found two pills, including a Vicoden tablet and a Verapam tablet. Both required a prescription, which Ohlinger did not have.

Both Ohlinger and Wojculewski were charged with Purchase of Xanax. Ohlinger was additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Medicinal Drug (without a prescription).

Charlotte County Detectives Identify
Remains Found October 19, 2007

PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives reported the identification of skeletal remains found by two boys Oct. 19, 2007, as that of David Edward Kasin, a White male born Nov. 7, 1966, in California.

The remains were in a small homeless campsite off U.S. 41 near Dahlgren Ave., north of Port Charlotte.

Various samples from the remains were sent to the FDLE Crime Laboratory for DNA analysis.

Detectives found a Florida driver's license with Kasin’s name at the campsite; it had an Arcadia Post Office Box address.

Detectives located his mother, Sophie Kasin, in Arcadia; the DNA samples taken and sent to FDLE were a positive match identifying her son.

The Charlotte County Medical Examiner ha