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Local/State News for week ending 4/11/2008
Mother
Reports Teen Missing,
Teen Runs Up, Claims Robbery,
Later Arrested for Stealing Vehicle
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A bizarre series of events happened in West Manatee County involving a 14-year-old boy.
Eric Elder
On Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at about 9:30 p.m., Eric Elder's mother called the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to come to her apartment at Braden Lakes Apartments, located in the 2700 block of 50th Avenue West. She was going to report him missing.
Deputies arrived at the apartment a short time later.
Shortly afterward, Eric came running up without shoes on.
He told deputies he was riding his bike out of the entrance of Braden Lake Apartments when he was approached by a White male and a Black male.
The two alleged bad guys pushed Eric off his bike and then punched him in the back of the head, he said. Then the two men removed his gray D/C tennis shoes and took his bike, Eric told deputies. The two bad guys fled in an unknown direction, Eric said. There was no further description of the two alleged bad guys.
Deputies said there were no visible injuries on Eric and Eric reported no weapons were used. The area was canvassed by deputies, with negative results.
Then, early Thursday morning, April 10, 2008, at about 45 minutes past midnight, K-9 Deputy David Brady observed a stolen Cadillac turn south on Hopkins Drive in the Bayshore Gardens subdivision in South Manatee County. Deputy Brady attempted to pull the vehicle over, but it fled.
The vehicle made several turns trying to evade Deputy Brady, when it finally struck two vehicles in a carport off of Coral way, then hit a palm tree about 200 feet north of that. The air bags deployed, and the driver fled from the vehicle.
K-9 Deputy Brady and his K-9 partner "Rosco" gave chase. "Rosco" apprehended the fleeing driver of the stolen car at the 2000 block of Clark Ave.
The captured and now bitten driver was identified as -- guess who -- Eric Elder.
Other deputies responded to assist Deputy Brady; they secured Eric.
EMS responded and transported Eric to Manatee Memorial Hospital for the dog bite to his left thigh area.
After his release, Eric was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center for processing.
Eric was charged with No Valid Driver's License, Grand Theft Auto, Aggravated Fleeing to Elude, Resisting Arrest without Violence, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage -- mostly all felonies.
[Ed. Note: Kids...! What's a mother to do...?!!]
Bradenton Police Arrest
Man, 37, for Molesting
Girl, 10
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Robert Young, 37, of the 300 block of 15th Street East, Bradenton, after Young allegedly molested a 10-year-old girl.
Robert Young
According to a Bradenton Police Department arrest report, on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at about 9:00 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the residence on a report of an attempted rape.
When the officer arrived, he was met by the reporting party, who said the little girl had come out of the house and had told her that Robert Young just touched in her private area.
The officer went inside and found young sitting on the bed. Young was detained until a detective could arrive. While searching Young, the officer found two Magnum condoms in his right front pocket.
The detective arrived and interviewed the little girl. She told the detective Young had called her into the bedroom where he was and had started rubbing her lower back.
The 10-year-old girl got up and left the bedroom. Young called her back in.
At that time, the girl told detectives, Young asked her if she let boys touch her, then proceed to rub his hand on her private area, outside of her shorts.
The little girl then ran out of the house and reported the incident.
Young was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Act on a Child Under 12, Victim Over 18.
Teenager with Knife Arrested
for Threatening Other Driver
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested David Alan Camejo, 18, for threatening another driver with a knife.
David Alan Camejo
An arrest report said on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at about 12:15 p.m., Michael Labbe and a female passenger were stopped for a traffic light in the 4400 block of 34th Street West.
David Camejo passed them northbound in the center turn lane while they were in the left lane, the report said.
Labbe said he approached Camejo's vehicle and knocked on Camejo's window to talk to him about his driving, at which time, Camejo rolled down his window and showed a knife, saying he was going to stab Labbe.
Labbe stepped back from the vehicle and tried to talk to Camejo, but Camejo said he would kill Labbe if Labbe didn't go away.
Labbe started walking back to his vehicle, but before he got there, Camejo made a comment and Labbe slapped Camejo's vehicle.
Camejo then "charged out of the truck with knife in hand," the report said.
Labbe went to his car to find a phone, at which time, Camejo stood outside Labbe's vehicle, threatening Labbe with the knife.
Labbe's female passenger told deputies Camejo said, "I'm going to kill you, white trash. I'm going to slit your throats."
Camejo was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault.
FPL Worker Threatened
by Man with Gun
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Jeremy D. Maxwell, 26, of 1906 46th Avenue Drive West, was arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office after a Florida Power and Light worker said Maxwell threatened him with a gun.
Jeremy D. Maxwell
Maxwell's arrest report said the FPL worker was sent to Maxwell's home to shut off the power.
Maxwell became agitated, the report said, and threatened the FPL worker with a gun.
The worker said he was in fear for his safety.
The gun was recovered and it turned out to be a BB gun that resembled a semi-automatic pistol.
Maxwell was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at about 3:00 p.m.
Bradenton Beach Police
Arrest Man for Attempted
Burglary of Two Vehicles
BRADENTON BEACH, Florida [NMT} -- Bradenton Beach Police say Ricky S. McKinnon, 39, who allegedly lives in a boat 100 feet off shore in Sarasota Bay, tried to get inside two vehicles on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at about 11:30 p.m., "to "sleep."
Ricky S. McKinnon
According to BBPD, officers were called to the Circle K convenience store at 1100 Gulf Drive North, in Bradenton Beach. A clerk there said a man was inside the store and that he had been prowling and trying doors on two vehicles parked nearby, in the 200 block of 2nd Street North.
When officers arrived, they questioned McKinnon, who denied any involvement.
However, a man had called dispatch advising a White male had attempted to enter his vehicle, causing his car alarm to go off. The White male had gone through some yards to get away, the report said the caller reported.
The victim who called and a witness went to Circle K to do a show-up to see if they could identify McKinnon as the man who had tried to enter their vehicles. They positively identified McKinnon as that man.
McKinnon then told the officer he had tried to enter both vehicles, because he was "trying to find a place to sleep."
McKinnon was arrested and charged with Attempted Burglary of a Conveyance.
He was transported to the Manatee County Jail, where he was given a place to sleep.
Manatee Group Announces
April Events for National
Child Abuse Awareness
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The following events are scheduled by the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition of Manatee County (CapcoManatee).
1) Friday, April 11, 2008 a Luau style Recognition Luncheon to recognize the separate agencies and volunteers who work together in order to create and coordinate the various parent/child programs in Manatee County.
2) Saturday, April 12, 2008 come out and join CapcoManatee during the Healthy Kids Day at the 59th St. YMCA in Bradenton or The Parents University at Braden River H.S., both events will be providing resources and helpful information on a variety of parent/child topics.
3) Saturday, April 19, 2008 CapcoManatee will be at Bradenton’s Coquina Beach from 11-1pm spreading information to help prevent child abuse. Join the Awareness cookout and get your CapcoManatee water “Coolies”, it should be great fun.
4) Saturday, April 26, 2008, CapcoManatee will be participating in the Hernando Desoto, Grand Parade which begins at 6:30pm proceeding East on Manatee Avenue through the downtown Bradenton area.
For more specific information on upcoming events, contributions and volunteer opportunities please contact CapcoManatee via email (capcomanatee@aol.com) or contact Carren Burnell at (941) 345-1215 ext. 123.
Sarasota Sheriff Balkwill’s
Youth Ranch Fishing Event
Planned for Saturday
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is organizing their annual Youth Ranch Fishing Trip. The event will occur on Saturday, April 12, 2008, and will start at 7:00 a.m. at the Venice Yacht Club, 1330 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice.
Boats will leave from the Venice Yacht Club at 8:00 a.m. for a half day of fishing followed by a cookout, awards ceremony, jet-ski rides, and swimming at the Venice Yacht Club.
Trophies will be awarded for categories such as longest fish, heaviest fish, biggest overall fish, smallest fish, ugliest fish, as well as awards for the winning boat captains. Each youth participant will receive a medal.
For the past 8 years, Sheriff Balkwill’s Youth Ranch Fishing Event has been a fun and friendly competition. The event encourages interest in the sport of fishing, allows law enforcement officers to interact with the ranchers, and shows them that law enforcement is “kid friendly.”
Two Arrested at Port Charlotte
Residence on Drug Charges
PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- Early Wednesday morning, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, assisted by the Warrant Squad, Traffic and K-9, executed a search warrant early this morning at 22146 Belinda Ave., Port Charlotte. Arrested was 52 year old Boyd Leavitt Mason.
Above, L to R, Boyd Mason and Kristine Boblits-Cadenas
Once the home was secured, Narcotics detectives found several drug paraphernalia items including crack pipes, push rods, plastic baggies, a ceramic container, and a cigar tube which all tested positive for either cocaine or marijuana.
On Tuesday afternoon, Warrant Squad detectives went to the same home and arrested Kristine Boblits-Cadenas, 35, on three outstanding warrants for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Appear. She was booked into the Charlotte County Jail on no bond; Mason is also being held without bond.
Mason has been booked into the County Jail seven times with 23 records; Boblits-Cadenas also has seven bookings with 13 records.
Anyone having narcotics information can call the Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157.
Cops: 300 Child Porn Images
on Firefighter's Computer
LAKE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Central Florida firefighter was charged with 300 counts of possessing child pornography, Orlando television station WKMG reported.
Lake County firefighter Ian Dunfee was arrested by detectives after a search warrant was ued to seize his computer, hard drives and compact discs from his Eustis home.
Deputies said Dunfee also told them that he distributed the child pornography.
He is being held on a $1 million bond, WKMG reported.
Bradenton Area Trooper
Honored for DUI Arrests
TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- Thirteen Florida Highway Patrol troopers are among the 175 Florida law enforcement officers honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their efforts in DUI enforcement. One of those was Trooper Sean M. McCormick, of Bradenton's Troop F. Trooper McCormick made 103 DUI arrests.
FHP also announced the recipient of a special award that is given by the agency to the trooper who arrests more impaired drivers than any other member of the Florida Highway Patrol during the previous year. The Hurd-Smith Award was created in 1998 to honor the memory of Trooper Kimberly Hurd and Trooper Robbie Smith. Drunk drivers killed both of these troopers. The recipient of the 2007 Hurd-Smith award is Trooper Terry Goswick from Troop C, Tampa - with 190 DUI arrests.
“We are proud of these dedicated troopers as much as we are inspired by them. By removing impaired drivers from Florida’s roadways, we are making our communities safer for everyone,” said the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol Col. John Czernis. “These troopers have the valuable ability to recognize impaired drivers, which is the first difficult step to getting them off our roads.”
One of the most dangerous hazards on Florida’s roadways is a driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. Law enforcement officers and troopers play a vital role in our communities by identifying impaired drivers and removing them from our roadways before they injure or kill innocent citizens.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles congratulated the troopers who truly exemplify what it means to be a member of the Florida Highway Patrol.
~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~
Anonymous
Tip, Manatee Sheriff's "Posse"
Lead to Capture of Monday Carjacker,
Heroin Addict About to Leave Town
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "posse" as a group of people summoned by a sheriff to aid in law enforcement. That's just about what happened on Tuesday when an anonymous tipster led to the formation of a group of law enforcement officers who acted in unison to bring about the capture of a man wanted in connection with a carjacking on Monday.
Robert West
On Tuesday, NewsManatee reported a woman was carjacked on Monday, March 7, 2008, at about 12:30 p.m. at the Beall's Outlet Store parking lot, 5838 14th Street West, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The report said a White male approached Barbara Malseed, 77, of the 500 block of 57th Avenue West, while she was at her vehicle in the Beall's parking lot.
The man told Barbara that he was taking her vehicle. Barbara tried to defend herself with her walking cane, but the man knocked Barbara to the ground and took the keys from her. The man then fled the parking lot with Barbara's van and was last seen southbound in the 6300 block of 9th Street East.
Barbara was not injured.
The carjacker was described as a White male, 6'2" tall, with black hair. He was last seen wearing a tan ball cap, a tan shirt and blue shorts.
On Tuesday, March 8, 2008, at about 6:30 p.m., an anonymous tip came in to the Sheriff’s Office in which the caller advised a subject was at his sister’s house claiming he had stolen a van from an elderly lady outside of Beall’s. The house was located in the 1000 block of 57th Avenue Place East.
When sheriff's deputies did a drive-by of the location given, a vehicle matching the description of the one stolen on Monday was in fact located there. However, the vehicle stolen had a tag from Ontario, Canada on it, and the one at this location had an Ohio tag.
The sheriff's office mounted a "posse," in effect, of law enforcement officers and a plan was devised to capture the culprit.
With the assistance of Manatee County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputies, the Aviation unit, a K-9 unit, Special Investigations Division detectives, and the Violent Crimes Task Force, the plan was to sit just outside of the target area with units in unmarked cars keeping constant surveillance on the vehicle. If anyone was to get into the suspected stolen vehicle, it would immediately be closed in upon and not allowed to move and endanger anyone.
At approximately 10:33 p.m., Manatee County Sheriff's Detective P. Thames advised that a White male subject was entering the vehicle. At that time, sheriff's dispatchers cleared the area's radio frequency of all traffic and units were instructed to move in.
As these units converged upon the vehicle, the suspect, who was identified as Robert West, 41, of 5328 24th Street Circle West was taken into custody without incident. An immediate check of the van’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) confirmed the suspicions of the sheriff's office -- it was, in fact, Barbara Malseed's stolen van.
Robert West was taken to detective offices, where he was interviewed by Detective Bill Waldron.
West gave a full confession to the crimes of Strong Arm Robbery as well as Grand Theft Auto. During his statement, he claimed he stole the van because he was packing his things and going back to Ohio. The vehicle was packed with the suspect’s belongings.
West also admitted to being a heroin addict who "shot up" at least twice a day.
And so, as Detective Bill Waldron wrote in his arrest report, "Another collective effort amongst several facets of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office came to fruition and [there was] a positive outcome in which an elderly woman’s vehicle was recovered and returned undamaged."
In other words, the sheriff's "posse" captured the bad guy.
Hit-and-Run Crash Leaves One
Woman Critical, One Woman
Serious; H&R Driver Arrested
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a hit-and-run vehicle accident in South Manatee County on Tuesday afternoon at about 2:40 p.m. on 9th Street East, just south of 51st Avenue East, left one woman in critical condition and another woman in serious condition.
James A. Murray
FHP said a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck, being driven by James A. Murray, 25, of 3214 9th Avenue West, in Bradenton was southbound in the left lane of 9th Street East towing a utility trailer loaded with the body and frame of an old vehicle.
A 2003 Mitsubishi Gallant, being driven by Clovia D. Harvey, 25, of 5023 16th Street Court East, in Bradenton, was northbound in the right lane of 9th Street East from 53rd Avenue East, approaching Murray's location.
Murray's trailer became detached from his pickup truck. The trailer struck and crossed the raised median of 9th Street East and entered the northbound lanes, traveling southeast. The trailer tongue and left side struck the left front and all of the left side of Harvey's vehicle, stripping off the front fender and both driver's side doors.
The impact caused Harvey's vehicle to rotate counter clockwise and jump the curb on the east side of the roadway. The Mitsubishi came to rest facing south on the east shoulder of 9th Street East just north of the point of impact with the trailer. The body and frame of the trailer were thrown free on impact with the Mitsubishi and came to final rest facing southwest straddling the right northbound lane and the east shoulder of the roadway. The trailer rotated counter clockwise from the impact after losing the load and came to final rest facing southwest straddling the right northbound lane and east shoulder of the roadway. The trailer's right side was against the body and frame it was hauling at final rest.
Murray fled the scene southbound to 9th Street East and was last scene turning west on 53rd Avenue.
Ms. Harvey was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in critical condition and her passenger, Miriam Hart, 27, of 5023 16th Street Court East, in Manatee County, was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital, in serious condition.
Murray and his vehicle were found through review of the trailer registration information and the owner's other vehicles. Murray was found when he attempted to report the trailer stolen.
Murray was arrested and charged with Leaving Scene of Crash with Serious Injury, DWLS with Knowledge Causing Serious Injury, DWLS with Knowledge, Fleeing the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage and Loss of Vehicle Load Resulting in Serious Injury.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information regarding the crash is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol Station at (941) 751-7647 ext 131.
Cell Phone Stolen from Victim
After Fight with Four Men;
One Man Later Arrested
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on Tuesday, at about 2:40 p.m., a man's cell phone was stolen after a fight in the 2800 block of 7th Street East.
Albert Frank Hill
The report said the victim, Brett Shean, of the 2600 block of 5th Street East and a girl were walking in the 2800 block of 7th Street East.
Four men, one White and three Hispanics, rode up on bicycles.
Shean recognized one of the suspects as having had an altercation with him a month prior at the mall.
A fight ensued between the victim and this suspect. The other three suspects entered into the fight, during which the victim's cell phone was taken.
After the fight came to its predicted conclusion, the suspects fled west on 30th Avenue on their bikes.
One suspect, Albert Hill, 19, of 2515 30th Avenue Drive East, was apprehended in the 1800 block of 36th Avenue East.
Hill was initially charged with Strong Arm Robbery. However, after he was transported to a sheriff's district office, the transporting cruiser was searched and 3.3 grams of marijuana was found in the back seat. Hill was additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana.
Site Gas Station Customer
Reported Robbery
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A customer of the Site gas station, located at 2011 Cortez Road West, told Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies he was robbed on Tuesday evening at about 8:50 p.m.
The victim, James Thorne, 26, claimed he was putting air in his car tire at the Site station on Cortez Road when he was approached by 3 men who just started hitting and kicking him.
As he balled up to protect himself, one of the suspects took a $20 bill and his pack of cigarettes from the waistband of his pants and all three then fled across Cortez Rd.
Thorne went home before calling the incident in and could only provide a very sketchy description of the suspects.
Thorne had a small knot on his cheek, but no other injuries, a sheriff's report of the incident said.
The robbers were only described as 3 unidentified males. One was wearing dark clothing; the other two were wearing light shirts and dark pants.
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.
Necklace, Headphones Snatched
From Teenager, 16
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a necklace and headphones were snatched from Allan Stine, 16, of the 5000 block of 13th Street East Wednesday morning at about 1:30 a.m.
Stine told deputies he was approached by a White male subject while in the street in front of his home.
The suspect asked Stine for a cigarette and when the victim replied that he didn't smoke, the suspect pushed him down and snatched his headphones and a silver necklace with a combined value of $310.
Stine could only describe the suspect as a White male, approximately 5'6" tall, short, last seen wearing a brown jacket and blue jeans.
The Stine boy was not injured, 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.
127th Street West Humpback Bridge
Closure Delayed
CORTEZ, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that due to unforeseen circumstances, the contractor has had to delay bridge construction of the humpback bridge on 127th Street West, in West Manatee County, just north of Cortez Road.
Above, the humpback bridge on 127th Street West, Village of Cortez
(Photo by Rick Catlin, The Islander)
The road will not be closed on April 9th as previously scheduled.
As soon as a new construction schedule has been established, everyone will be notified with specific times and dates for the road closure, MCDOT reported.
"We do not anticipate any changes to the advertised detours, only the timing of the work," Craig England, Right-of-way Supervisor for MCDOT, said.
England apologized for any inconvenience this may have caused and said, "We are making every attempt to expedite construction."
The project is not being done by the Florida Department of Transportation, but the currently under-construction Bradenton Boat Club on Cortez Road.
Convenience Store Robbery
Reported by Sarasota Sheriff
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a robbery that occurred Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at approximately 12:50 a.m. at the Mobil on the Run convenience store located at 1678 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice.
The suspect, who was told by the clerk the store was closed, smashed the glass out of the front door with a propane tank and entered the store. He then jumped over the counter and began to beat the clerk. Upon exiting the store the suspect took two packs of cigarettes.
The victim Jan Buckmaster, 69, was severely battered and incapacitated for a short time before being able to call for help. Buckmaster, who is now doing well, was transported to the Venice Regional Hospital where she is being held for observation.
The suspect is described as a White male, approximately 16-19 years old, between 5’5” and 5’7” tall, slender in build with brown hair and sideburns. He was last seen wearing a dark long sleeved shirt, and light colored pants.
Anyone with any information regarding this case should contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District III Criminal Investigations Bureau Detective at (941) 861-1719 or Detective Jim Klay at (941) 861-1707; reference case #08-28551. They may also leave anonymous information on the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (941) 366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.
Sarasota Sheriff Plans
DUI Checkpoint
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI/Safety Checkpoint on Friday, April 11, 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, 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 will be made from outside the vehicle for proper seatbelt usage, and for identifying persons who are operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment. Law enforcement personnel will also be checking for individuals who are operating a motor vehicle without proper insurance, tags, or driver’s licenses. 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.
Second Murder Suspect Turns
Himself In to Sheriff
PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit report that the second suspect involved in the Café Millennium murder last Saturday turned him self in Tuesday around 8:00 p.m. at the County Jail.
Above, L to R, Reginald Bernard Carr and Milton Sharrod
Harris
Reginald Bernard Carr, 25, 323 Hargreaves Ave., Punta Gorda, was charged with Second Degree Murder on a warrant, and bond was set at $250,000. This is Carr’s 19th arrest on 31 charges in Charlotte County.
Monday night, Milton Sharrod Harris, 26, 432 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda, also turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest for Second Degree Murder.
Derrick La Shay Turner, 26, of Arcadia, was fatally shot and three others injured by a spray of bullets into the parking lot shortly after the night club was closing.
Major Crimes Unit detectives say more arrests are expected but are not releasing any further details at this time.
Anyone having information about the shootings is asked to please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101; or Crime Stoppers of Charlotte County at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Orlando Area Child Pornographer
Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison
ORLANDO, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, April 9, 2008, U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway sentenced Andrew Neston, 22, of Ovieda, Florida, to 20 years' imprisonment to be followed by lifetime supervised release for distribution of child pornography.
Neston pleaded guilty on January 18, 2008.
According to court documents, Neston traded images by computer of young girls engaged in sexual acts, including with adult males. Neston was identified when he traded child pornography on his computer with another individual, who has also pled guilty in federal court, Tony Guerra. At the time of his arrest, Neston was found in possession of over 6,500 images of child pornography, including pictures of bondage and sadomasochism of girls between the ages of seven and fourteen.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia A. Hawkins.
Police: Bloody, Rusted
Instruments Found in
Fake Dentist's Car
ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a man believed to have practiced dentistry in Florida without a license was found driving around with bloody dental instruments in his car, according to sheriff's deputies.
Officers said Luis Sanchez ran a red light and was stopped in Palm Beach.
When deputies checked the car they found the rusted and bloody dental instruments.
After questioning Sanchez, deputies discovered Sanchez was practicing without a license, deputies said.
His home was later searched and more equipment was found, investigators said.
Sanchez said he was doing dental procedures on his friends as a way to make extra money, WKMG reported.
~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~
Man Jailed
for Sex with Girl, 15,
Arrested for Lewd Act with
Girl, 14; Authorities Seek
More Possible Victims
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Robert Chippendale, 24, of Manatee Woods Apartments, 252 34th Avenue Drive East, currently in the Manatee County Jail charged with 3 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery on an unnamed 15-year-old girl, has been additionally charged with a lewd act on an unnamed 14-year-old girl.
Robert Chippendale
According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on February 22, 2008, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., the 14-year-old victim skipped school with her friend and were picked up by Chippendale in Sarasota County after the girl called him to pick them up.
After being picked up, the three went back to Chippendale's apartment and engaged in sexual activity while in the shower in Chippendale's bathroom.
The victim told detectives that all three undressed and went into the shower. Then she and Chippendale began "making out" behind her friend's back and that Chippendale inserted his fingers in her private area.
Then they finished showering and got dressed. She had missed her bus, so Chippendale drove the two juveniles to the area of their home. While en route, she told detectives Chippendale propositioned her for sex, but she refused. At one point, Chippendale rubbed her breasts, both outside of and under her clothing.
Chippendale was arrested on April 4th at the Manatee County Jail for this latest incident. He was charged with Lewd or Lascivious Battery on a 14-year-old Girl.
NewsManatee reported Chippendale was previously arrested on Thursday, March 20, 2008, and charged with 3 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a 15-year-old girl.
A sheriff's office report said on that Thursday, the unnamed victim and her father went to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to report that the victim 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.
Manatee County Detective Todd Sellitto told NewsManatee that even more charges are expected against Chippendale soon.
Det. Sellitto has asked that anyone who has any knowledge of juvenile contact with Chippendale should call him at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, (941) 747-3011, ext. 1909.
In the alternative, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call 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.
Authorities Still Searching
for Kidnapper of Dead Boy
Stacy Williams' Mom
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for Stacy Williams, 36, of 1100 33rd Avenue West, the father of the 9-year-old boy who was shot and killed last year accidentally in a gang-related incident. The sheriff's office said Williams kidnapped Barbara Siler, Stacy's mother, on Sunday, then let her go. He had not been located as of late Tuesday.
Stacy Williams
(Prior mug shot from 2005)
Barbara Siler, 30, the mother of the deceased Stacey Williams III, the juvenile victim of the well-publicized drive-by shooting, has an injunction for protection from domestic violence against her ex-husband, Stacy Williams.
Young Stacy Williams was accidentally shot and killed in a gang-related shooting on May 21st of last year. Three people have been arrested in connection with the killing.
At about 9 p.m. on Sunday April 6, 2008, Stacy Williams followed his ex-wife, Barbara Siler, home from a friend's house.
When Barbara exited her vehicle, Stacy grabbed her, forced her into his car and sped away.
As he was driving, he threatened to wreck the car and kill both of them.
She told him to let her go and he refused, the sheriff's office said.
Barbara convinced Stacy to take her back home; she told him her friends would call police if she didn't come home.
She was returned unharmed.
Stacy Williams has not been located as of this report.
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.
Man Arrested After Pointing
Gun At Another Man
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Angell Bello, 37, of 5464 36th Court East, in Ellenton, for Aggravated Assault after Bello allegedly pointed a gun at another man. The incident occurred on Monday, April 7, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m.
Angell Bello
The arrest report for Bello said Bello's daughter, Lorena, and his son, Froylan, were involved in a verbal argument, which turned physical.
Lorena's boyfriend, Xavier Otero, was present and apparently tried to interfere.
Froylan, Bello's son, left the room and got a gun, returned and gave it to his father, Angel.
Angel then pointed it at Xavier, who told deputies he was in fear for his life.
The gun was not located by deputies.
[Ed. Note: NewsManatee checked Angell's name spelling with the sheriff's office and he apparently spells it with two "L"s.]
Latent Fingerprints Identify
Woman in February Burglary
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Karice Ann Moyer, 23, currently in the Manatee County Jail on unrelated charges, and charged her with a Burglary that occurred on February 10, 2008.
Karice Ann Moyer
The arrest report said Moyer was positively identified from latent fingerprints left on a window of a residence in the 6000 block of 2nd Street West.
In that burglary, tire rims were stolen.
The residence owner told deputies that he knew Moyer, but she did not have permission to be inside his residence.
Moyer was charged with Burglary.
Hispanic Male Robbed at
Gunpoint By Black Male,
Car Stolen in Duplex City
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, at about 11:40 p.m., a Hispanic man was robbed at gunpoint by a Black male in the 1000 block of 61st Avenue Terrace East, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The report said Jesus Resendiz, 18, was sitting in front of the location when the suspect came from the dark between the houses.
The suspect pointed a pistol at Resendiz’s head ordered Resendiz to the ground and demanded money. Resendiz gave the suspect money and hid the keys for a Cadillac that was parked in front of the house. The suspect demanded the keys to the Cadillac but Resendiz told the suspect that the keys were inside and told the suspect that he would go get them.
The suspect struck Resendiz in the head and shoved him, moving Resendiz and revealing the keys that Resendiz had hid under a piece of card board.
The suspect then took the keys and fled in the Cadillac. The Cadillac belonged to another man, Ruben Villegas-Solis, 31.
Resendiz suffered a small laceration to the head and two other small punctures that are consistent with the sights of a pistol.
The stolen vehicle was described as a Cadillac Escalade, Black, SUV style, Florida Tag 306HBA.
The robber was described as a Black male, 6' tall, 150 pounds, in his early 20s, last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, armed with a pistol.
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.
Possible Attempted Child Abduction
Described as "Suspicious Incident"
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday morning, at about 10 a.m., a 13-year-old girl was approached by a middle-aged man in a vehicle who asked her if she needed a ride, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The report said while the girl, named in the report only as "Courtney," was walking along the 6100-6300 block of 9th Street East, the man kept driving past Courtney.
The driver asked her if she knew another little girl and said a name. Courtney later told deputies she couldn't remember the name he asked. She answered the man, saying, "No," and continued walking.
The man drove past Courtney again and asked if she needed a ride and she again said, "No," and walked on.
The vehicle drove away and was not located in the area by deputies.
The man and his vehicle were described as an unknown White male in his late 50s or early 60s, with gray hair, a white or striped shirt, driving an unknown make or model beige four door car.
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.
Man Mugged, Pills Stolen;
Wallet, Cash Not Taken
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- In a strange report of a mugging and robbery, a man's pills were stolen from him on Saturday, at about 9:00 a.m., but his wallet and cash remained intact.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Charles Nelson, Jr., 58, told deputies that he was walking to the Shell station located at 9th Street East and 301 Blvd. East.
While he was walking to the store, an unknown red vehicle stopped in front of him and two Black males got out of the vehicle. Nelson said that the two men started punching and kicking him several times and they then took twenty sleeping pills out of his pocket.
The two men then got back into the vehicle and fled the area in an unknown direction.
Nelson was treated by EMS for cuts and bruises and pictures were taken of his injuries.
Nelson did not call 911 until two hours after the incident.
Mr. Nelson also had cash in his wallet but it was not taken during the incident, the report said.
The alleged robbers were described as a Black male in his mid-20s, 6' tall, unknown weight, with gold teeth, wearing unknown clothing, and a Black male in his mid-20s, 5'6" tall, heavy set, wearing unknown clothing.
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.
County Clerk Receives Awards
for Outstanding Achievements
in County’s Financial Reporting
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, R.B. "Chips" Shore, has been presented with Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for two of the County’s financial reports.
The County’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR), for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, has received this certificate for the 28th consecutive year and the Manatee County Popular Report has received this certificate for the 9th consecutive year. These Certificates of Achievement are the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and their attainment represents a significant accomplishment by government and its management.
The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. The Popular Annual Financial Report tells the financial story of a local government and it is written for the non-financial reader who has strong interest in the government’s financial stability.
“Each year, I am so pleased to receive these awards. Countless hours go in to preparing these reports and it shows. The reports are tremendously useful and so easy to read,” says R.B. “Chips” Shore. “Delivering comprehensive financial information in an easily understood format goes beyond the important task of facilitating access for local citizens. It also creates a comfort level with rating agencies and insurers of the County's debt resulting in savings for the taxpayers of Manatee County,” Mr. Shore added.
One Murder Suspect Turns Self In;
One Other Still at Large
PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s
Major Crimes Unit report that one of the suspects involved in the Café
Millennium murder turned himself in around 8:00 p.m. Monday night at
the County Jail.
Above, L to R, Milton Sharrod Harris and Reginald Bernard
Carr
Milton Sharrod Harris, 26, 432 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda, was charged with Second Degree Murder and bond was set at $250,000.
A warrant was also issued for Reginald Bernard Carr, 25, and MCU detectives continue looking for him in connection with the fatal shooting early Saturday morning in Port Charlotte and injuring three others. CCSO was dispatched at 2:01 a.m. to the nightclub parking lot.
Derrick La Shay Turner, 20, of Arcadia, was one of four shot; he was flown to Lee Memorial Trauma Center where he later died of a gunshot wound to the head. Delroy Saunders Jr., 23 of Arcadia, was shot in the left arm and Dwayne Sherard Blanden, 25, also of Arcadia was shot in the left leg. James Lee Brady, 23, of Port Charlotte was shot in his left chest area. All three received medical treatment and were released from area hospitals.
The investigation continues and more arrests are expected. MCU detectives are not releasing any further details about the shooting as their investigation continues.
MCU detectives said Carr, who remains at large, should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone having information about the shootings and can help locate Carr, are asked to please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101; or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).
Deputies To Ticket Auto
Theft Victims
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Deputies in Volusia County plan to ticket car theft victims and potential victims in a new crackdown on people who leave themselves open to crime, according to Orlando television station WKMG.
Officers said they are targeting drivers who illegally leave their vehicles unattended, unlocked and with the motor running.
The sheriff's office said leaving a car running is like an invitation to a thief.
If a motorist is caught, they can expect a $78 fine.
And, officers can give motorists a ticket if their car gets stolen if their keys were left in the ignition.
Deputies are going to be looking for violators at convenience store parking lots and gas stations. Officers said thieves are most likely to run off with the motorist's car running in those locations, WKMG reported.
~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~
Manatee
Detectives Arrest Man
for Lewd and Lascivious Conduct;
Search On for More Possible Victims
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Kristopher Foster, 24, of 3506 14th Street West and charged him with Lewd and Lascivious Conduct after he made his intentions with a 15-year-old girl known. Detectives are asking parents to determine if their child was approached by Foster and, if so, to call the sheriff's office.
Kristopher Foster
According to an arrest report from the sheriff's office, on or about March 15, 2008, the unnamed fifteen-year-old victim was shopping in the shoe department of Burlington Coat Factory, 1204 Cortez Road West with her father's girlfriend.
According to the victim’s sworn statement, Kristopher Foster, who is a store employee and is twenty-four years of age, was helping her find shoes when he stated that he just moved here from New York and he wanted to meet people. The victim stated that the defendant casually gave her his telephone number.
The victim stated that she told the defendant that she was only 15 and he stated he was 19, the report said.
On March 23, 2008, a detective was notified of the suspicious incident after the father of the victim discovered what had happened. The detective initiated an investigation.
A series of controlled telephone calls were conducted to determine the intent of the suspect. During these controlled telephone calls, the suspect made incriminating statements and expressed his intent on having sex with the victim.
On Friday, April 4, 2008, Foster was arrested at his place of employment without incident. Foster made statements that he has dated other girls that are under the age of 18.
If you are a parent and you feel your minor child may have been involved with this person please contact Detective Bliss at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, (941) 747-3011, Ext. 1908.
Traffic Stop Nets 1.7 Pounds
of Cocaine, $29 Grand; Two
Hispanic Men Arrested
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A traffic stop on Saturday, at about 9:45 p.m. by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office netted deputies several bricks of powder cocaine and crack cocaine weighing almost 27 ounces, and more than $29,000 dollars. Two Hispanic men were charged with Trafficking in Cocaine.
Above, L to R, Carlos Santana and Jose Ramirez
According to the report from the sheriff's office, a deputy traveling northbound on I-75 saw a vehicle traveling southbound make a U-turn under an overpass, almost striking another vehicle.
The deputy pulled the vehicle over in a parking lot in the 7200 block of U.S. 41 North, in Palmetto, and called for backup.
Several witnesses had pointed out to deputies that before the two men in the vehicle were removed from the vehicle, they were "fidgeting" around inside the vehicle.
During the investigation of the two men in the vehicle, it was discovered that several bricks of powder cocaine and crack cocaine, which weighed out to 752 grams, along with a large sum of money amounting to $29,270 dollars was found inside the vehicle.
Deputies also discovered that one of the men, the driver, had a suspended driver's license.
Under arrest and charged with Trafficking in Cocaine were Carlos Santana, 22, of 900 14th Street West, Bradenton, and Jose Ramirez, 23, of 6113 5th Street East, in Manatee County.
Ramirez was additionally charged with DWLS with Knowledge.
Mother, 30, Daughter, 11, Arrested
After Mother Eggs Daughter On
in Fight with Other Girl
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Connie White, 30, of 6110 36th Court East, in Ellenton, and her 11-year-old daughter were arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery after White allegedly "egged" her daughter on in a fight with another girl.
Connie White
The report said on Friday, shortly before 9:00 p.m., White's 11-year-old daughter struck the other girl with a 4-foot wooden stick in the left arm and White was verbally "egging" her daughter on as the fight was occurring.
The juvenile victim and White's daughter are neighbors.
The victim's mom has warned her several times not to play with White's children. But on Friday, a verbal argument ensued.
The argument turned physical when White's daughter began hitting the victim with a stick.
White pulled up in her black SUV, the report said, and began yelling obscenities at the juvenile victim, started circling the girls and telling her daughter to keep hitting the victim with the stick.
White admitted to a deputy the she told the two girls to fight and not call the cops.
White was arrested and charged with Principal to Aggravated Battery. The daughter was charged with Aggravated Battery and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Young Man Arrested for
Kicking Dog's Jaw,
Causing Dog to Bleed
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Joshua Robert Moore, 19, of 104 18th Street Northeast, in Bradenton, after Moore allegedly kicked a dog in the jaw, causing the dog to bleed.
Joshua Robert Moore
The arrest report from BPD said on Friday, March 5, 2008, shortly before 7:30 p.m., During a disturbance with his father, Moore kicked the family dog in the face with his foot. The dog suffered a lage laceration under the mouth.
The dog was bleeding from the mouth when Police arrived. Cops said the dog needed a veterinarian for possible stitches.
The parents told Police they wanted to press charges for abuse to the animal.
Moore told police he was angry with his parents so he kicked the dog. He said he was not trying to kill the dog.
Moore was arrested and charged with Animal Abuse.
Two Armed Robberies Reported,
Possibly By Same Men, Cops Say
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two armed robberies were reported in the 6-hour period from Sunday evening, March 6, 2008, at 11:30 p.m. until Monday morning, March 7, 2008, at 5:30 a.m. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said they both were possibly committed by the same two men.
On Sunday, April 6, 2008, at approximately 11:37 p.m., 2 White males entered the Site gas station at 2011 Cortez Road West. One of the subjects asked Frederick Pider, 29, the clerk, where the "Old English" beer was located. When Pider began to advise him, one of the males pulled out a large chrome revolver and told Pider to give him all the money in the register.
Pider opened the register and removed the money pan. The man with the gun pulled out a white bag. Pider put the money pan down thinking the robber was going to put the money in the bag. The man said, "No, you put it in the bag."
Pider complied, emptying the contents of the money pan into the white bag. The two took the money and fled eastbound down Cortez Rd. on foot.
When deputies arrived, a perimeter was set up, K-9 responded, tracked a short distance and then lost the scent.
There were no injuries and no shots fired.
In that first incident, the robbers were described as 2 unknown White males, 5'11" to 6'00" tall, both with black pants and black hooded sweatshirts, carrying a large chrome revolver with a brown handle.
Then, on Monday, April 7, at about 5:25 a.m., two White males matching the description of the Site Gas Station Robbery, entered the Circle K at 5104 Manatee Ave. W.
One of the men, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, walked up the counter and took a white bag, threw it on the counter and laid the gun on top of it.
He told the Clerk, Emily Coley, 48, to give him the money. Coley took the money out of the register and handed it to the man. The other man was standing by the front door watching the outside. Once the man got the money, the two fled out the front door and headed west on foot down Manatee Ave.
A perimeter was set up, and K-9 responded and attempted to track, but lost the track behind the Jiffy Lube, west of the Circle K.
No shots were fired and there were no injuries.
In that second incident, the robbers were also described as 2 unknown White males, 5'11" to 6'00" tall, both with black pants and black hooded sweatshirts, carrying a large chrome revolver with a brown handle.
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.
Man Shot While Fishing
at SR 64 Bridge
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Francisco Alvarez was shot in the arm while he was fishing at the bottom of the bridge located at 3300 State Road 64 East, on Saturday, at about 2:00 p.m.
The report said Alvarez arrived at Manatee Memorial Hospital Emergency Room with a bullet wound to his left forearm; the hospital contacted sheriff's office at 2:47 p.m.
The victim gave the account that he had driven with two friends to the bottom of the bridge to go fishing. He could only provide their first names, Marcos and Alberto, and stated he did not know their last names, addresses or phone numbers. Alvararez stated that Marcos picked him up from his residence at Zipper Road in a red car, but could not give any further description.
When they got ready to get their fishing equipment out of the trunk, several shots suddenly rang out and he started running under the bridge and jumped in the water. When he got back out he noticed that his arm was shot and he flagged a motorist down to get a ride to the Emergency room because his friends had fled the scene.
Alvarez became very uncooperative when he was asked several clarifying questions and then stated he did not request a report anyway.
The shooting incident was actually witnessed by a person on a jet ski near the bridge who had called 911 and a call of random shooting was given out but everyone, including the witness, was gone upon a check of the area.
The witness was later contacted and responded back to the incident scene where he gave his full account. He had actually seen a total of three vehicles, a maroon vehicle, possibly a Corolla, a silver sedan and a black pickup truck. He heard approximately three shots and observed the shooter get into the maroon car and flee the area. The person he had seen jump into the water got out and left in the gray sedan. He then observed two other males, whom he had not seen previously, run out of the mangroves on the south side of the bridge, jump into the bed of the black truck and flee the area.
By the time the sheriff's office learned this information, the victim, Alvarez, had already left the hospital.
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.
Woman Carjacked Monday
at Bealls in South Manatee
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A woman was carjacked on Monday at about 12:30 p.m. at the Beall's Outlet Store parking lot, 5838 14th Street West, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The report said a White male approached Barbara Malseed while she was at her vehicle in the Beall's parking lot.
The man told Barbara that he was taking her vehicle, then he knocked Barbara to the ground and took the keys from her.
The man fled the parking lot with Barbara's van and was last seen southbound in the 6300 block of 9th Street East.
Barbara was not injured.
The carjacker was described as a White male, 6'2" tall, with black hair. He was last seen wearing a tan ball cap, a tan shirt and blue shorts.
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.
Armed Robbery of Teen
Reported on Sunday
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Michael Southwick, 19, of the 100 block of 14th Street East, Bradenton, reported he was robbed on Sunday at about 7:45 p.m., according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office report said on Sunday, April 6, 2008, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Michael Southwick was walking through the field at the 3100 block of 9th St. E.
Southwick observed what he described as a drug deal gone bad by 2 Black males and 1 Hispanic male. The 3 called Southwick to them.
Southwick walked over to them, and one of the Black males pulled out a gun and struck Southwick in the back of his head and then kicked him.
The 3 went through his pockets and took Southwick's cell phone, wallet and ID. The wallet contained an undisclosed amount of cash.
Southwick then told deputies he fled over to a friend's house.
There were no shots fired, and there were no visible injuries on Southwick.
The robbers were described as 2 Black males named "Mookey" and Dredd," and a Hispanic male named "Marcos."
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.
Jewelry, Computers Stolen
in Burglary; Value Over
$22,000 Dollars
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A residence in the 5000 block of 64th Drive West was burglarized on Saturday, at about 9:30 a.m., according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The victim, Paul Sarascino, is 86 years old, the report said.
The report said unknown suspect(s) entered the residence by lifting the locked back sliding glass door off the track.
Once inside, the suspect(s) went upstairs into the master bedroom and took two credit cards and jewelry out of a jewelry chest. The jewelry was worth over $20,000, the report said.
The suspect(s) then took two laptop computers out of the spare bedroom worth $2,000 and fled out the back sliding glass door in an unknown direction.
A deputy canvassed the neighborhood and the residence was processed by Crime Scene Technicians.
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.
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
Searches for Two Men Wanted
in Fatal Shooting
PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit continued Monday following up leads on the whereabouts of two men wanted in connection with the fatal shooting early Saturday morning, March 5, 2008, at Club Millennium in Port Charlotte that also injured three others.
Above, L to R, Milton Harris and Reginald Carr
CCSO was dispatched at 2:01 a.m. to the night club parking lot. Derrick La Shay Turner, 20, of Arcadia, was one of four shot; he was flown to Lee Memorial Trauma Center where he later died. Two of the men were taken to local hospital and have since been released. One other man shot was treated at the scene.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Milton Sharrod Harris, 26, and Reginald Bernard Carr, 25, of the Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte areas.
Major Crimes Unit detectives said both men should be considered armed and dangerous.
Harris has been booked in Charlotte County 11 times with 20 records; Carr, 18 times with 30 records.
Anyone having information about the shootings and can help locate Harris and Carr, are asked to please call the CCSO at (941) 639-2101; or Crime Stoppers of Charlotte County at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Internet Sex Sting Nets
11 Wanting Child Sex
POLK COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Eleven men are accused of traveling to Central Florida with items such as condoms and drugs to have sex with who they thought were young children, according to Orlando television station WKMG.
Investigators said the men showed up at a house in Polk County to have sex with the minor during a two-week undercover sting called Operation Paladin.
Most of the men sent pornographic images online to undercover detectives who were posing as children before traveling to meet them.
The individuals were taken into custody when they arrived at the Polk County house. Some had condoms and drugs in their possession, the report said.
The men arrested in the operation range in age from 19 to 50 and some are from Orlando, Apopka and Kissimmee, WKMG reported.
They were charged with soliciting sex from a child via the Internet, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~
Florida
Dept. of Law Enforcement
Releases 2007 Annual Uniform
Crime Report
TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT]
-- On Thursday, April 3, 2008, Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Commissioner Gerald Bailey released the 2007 Annual Uniform Crime Report.
The report shows long-range comparisons that reflect the index crime
rate is down approximately 35.7 percent since 1997.
The report indicates an increase of 1.4 percent for the state overall in the index crime rate in 2007 when compared to the rate for 2006. Florida’s population increased by 1.8 percent, or about 331,000 new residents from 2006 to 2007. Index crimes include murder, forcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.
"Florida law enforcement is fully focused on fighting crime in our state," said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. "There are proactive and targeted efforts underway in each city and county. We will continue to work aggressively and collaboratively to safeguard our citizens."
The 2007 Annual Uniform Crime Report includes crimes reported during 2007 and data submitted by 410 of the 417 local, county and state law enforcement agencies. These agencies serve approximately 99.9 percent of the state’s population.
According to the report, crime in Manatee County, including municipalities, decreased overall by 6.1 percent in 2007.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office recorded a 7.7 percent decrease in crime.
Bradenton Police reduced crime by 0.5 percent; Bradenton Beach was down by 4.7 percent; Longboat Key Police reported a decline of 4.5 percent; and Palmetto Police decreased by 6.4 percent. The only municipality that reported an increase was Holmes Beach Police who said crime increased by 15.4 percent.
Sarasota County saw an overall increase, including municipalities, of 7.5 percent.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported an increase of 10.9 percent.
The City of Sarasota Police Department decreased by 1.6 percent.
Charlotte County reported an overall decrease of 15.2 percent.
The complete report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found of FDLE’s Web site http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/fsac/ucr/.
Manatee Sheriff's Office:
Jailed Teen Punches Inmate
for Spitting in Garbage Can
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a jailed teenager was arrested on Thursday, April 3, 2008, for punching another inmate, causing serious injuries to the other inmate.
Nathaniel Harris
According to the arrest report, at about 11:45 on Thursday night a deputy walked into the Manatee County Jail's T-Pod West and was told by an inmate there was something going on in Cell One.
When the deputy approached the cell, Nathaniel Harris, 16, came running out of it.
The deputy stopped Harris and looked inside the cell and saw an inmate by the name of Furlan lying on the floor in a fetal position, shaking and bleeding from his forehead.
The deputy noticed blood on Harris' hand as Harris was being handcuffed.
Investigation revealed Furlan fell and hit his head after being punched.
The gash on Furlan's forehead required 8 stitches from hitting his head on the bed after being punched.
Harris admitted to hitting Furlan because Furlan had spit in the garbage can.
Nathaniel Harris was charged with Battery.
It is not known why Harris or Furlan are in jail; they are both juveniles and their records are not available.
Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Attempting to Climb Into
Woman's Apartment
BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Dorington Brown, 47, of 1205 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, after Brown allegedly tried to climb into a woman's apartment.
Dorington Brown
Brown's arrest report said on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m., Brown went to a woman's house in the 1700 block of 14th Street West and began to bang on the front door with his hands, demanding to be let in.
After the unnamed woman refused to let Brown in, he began to bang on the side windows.
Brown then went to the back of the apartment and smashed out a window with his hands, the report said.
Then Brown began to climb through the broken window.
When Brown was halfway through the window, the woman screamed and pushed Brown back out.
Brown was then seen running eastbound from the apartment.
Police said there were several spots of blood on the window and broken glass.
Brown was located by police at his residence and arrested.
He was charged with Burglary to an Occupied Structure.
Man Attempts Robbery with Knife;
Victim Punches Would-Be Robber
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who attempted to rob another man with a knife on Friday, April 4, 2008, shortly before 11:00 p.m. was punched in the mouth by the victim, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The report said Robert M. Zeigler, 36, went outside of his apartment in the 5400 block of 26th Street West and was standing in the grass on the rear side of the building.
An unknown Black male wearing blue jeans and a black shirt snuck up behind Ziegler and told Ziegler to give him all his money.
Zeigler told the man he didn’t have any; he was broke.
The male told Ziegler he didn't believe him and lunged at him with the knife he was holding in his hand.
Zeigler dodged the knife and struck the man in the mouth with all his might. The man let out a gasp and fell to the ground.
Zeigler then fled back to his apartment and called 911. Meanwhile, the suspect fled possibly to the east from that location.
Upon arrival of deputies, a perimeter was set up and K-9 handler Deputy Petta responded with his K-9 "Vito" and tried to find a track for the suspect. Dep. Petta was not able to find a viable track, possibly because the victim was unsure of exactly where he was when he was outside.
There were no injuries caused from the suspect during the robbery, and nothing was taken. The only injury occurred when Zeigler struck the suspect in the mouth, and Ziegler's hand began to swell. Ziegler refused treatment from EMS, and told deputies that he would have his hand checked out at a later time by medical personnel.
The only description of the would-be robber was that he was a Black male wearing blue jeans and a black shirt and was carrying a knife.
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.
Three Teenagers Make Off
with Victim's Wallet
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, three teenagers stole a man's wallet on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at about 8:30 p.m.
The three teenagers came to the victim's apartment in the 6900 block of Manatee Avenue West, because two of them were involved in an altercation with the victim, Michael Culbertson, 38, the other day and the two wanted to apologize.
Culbertson had never seen one of them before.
While the three were talking, one of the boys, named Scott, pointed out that the brake line on Culbertson’s bike looked broken.
Culbertson bent over to look at the line and Scott reached into Culbertson’s pocket and took his wallet.
Scott then took off running.
Two others, named Lease and Stoss, then told Culbertson that they would get his wallet back and the two of them then took off running, never to return.
The three teens were described as follows:
1. "Scott" is a White male, 5'8" tall, about 17-18 years old, with blond hair, earrings and white shorts.
2. "Tyson Lease" is a White male, 5'8" tall, about 170 pounds, last seen wearing a green shirt; he has a tattoo on one of his forearms that resembles Lionel Ritchie.
3. "Stoss" is a White male, 16-17 years of age, 5'9" tall, 170 pounds, with long blond hair. He was last seen wearing a baseball cap and a white T-shirt.
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.
Sexual Predator Arrested for
Residence False Information;
Victims Sought by SPD
SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at 6:46 p.m., the Sarasota Police Department arrested Sexual Predator Matthew Ginsberg for failure to register his address with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and for failure to update his address on his drivers' license with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Both charges are 3rd degree felonies.
Matthew Ginsberg
The Sarasota Police Department Sex Offender Unit was tipped off by the Pinellas County Sheriff Office Sex Offender Unit that Ginsberg was living somewhere in Sarasota. Ginsberg would go to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and register as a Sexual Predator, but he would list his address as "transient," St. Petersburg, Florida.
But Ginsberg was in fact living in Sarasota at the Huntington Place apartments off of 12th Street.
The SPD Sex Offender Unit conducted 6 days of surveillance on the residence that Ginsberg was residing at until they had enough probable cause to meet the requirements for an arrest.
Ginsberg later confessed to living at the Huntington Place address for 6 months.
Since Ginsberg is a Sexual Predator who was convicted of Sexual Battery in 1996, the Sarasota Police Department wants to ensure that Ginsberg did not have any unlawful contact with potential victims while he was residing in Sarasota.
If anyone has had contact with Ginsberg that they feel was inappropriate, please contact Ofc. Stimpert of the Sarasota Police Department at (941) 364-7334.
Child Cancer Donation Jar
Stolen in Sarasota
SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported a donation jar for childhood cancer victims was stolen from a Radiant Food Store, 5761 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at about 3:45 a.m.
According to the sheriff's office, a young White male stole the donation jar of the Childhood Cancer Campaign, Optimists Club of NW Tampa. The jar contained at least $50.00 in cash and coin.
The suspect was described as a White male, 17-19 years of age, 6' tall, about 150 pounds, with blonde or brown hair and a wrap-around tattoo below the right elbow. He was last seen wearing khaki shorts with a black T-shirt and black cap with unknown writing on the front. The suspect left the store in a maroon Chevrolet Camaro or similar vehicle, possibly a late 90’s model.
If anyone has any information that can assist in locating this suspect, please call the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Front Desk at (941) 861-4260 or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota at (941) 366-TIPS.
One Dead, Three Injured at
Port Charlotte Night Club
PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of gunshots in the area of the Club Millennium located at 3492 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Deputies arrived on the scene at approximately 2:05 a.m. and found 4 patrons of the establishment had been shot while in the parking lot as the establishment was closing.
Two of the victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds; the third subject's wounds were minor and were treated on the scene.
The fourth victim was flown to Lee Memorial Trauma Center with critical injuries however he later died of the wounds suffered in the incident.
The incident is currently under active investigation by detectives of the Major Crimes Unit who are interviewing witnesses and the Forensic Unit who are currently processing the scene.
The dead man was identified as Derrick La Shay Turner, 20, of Arcadia.
The identities of the other victims have not been released.
Due to the nature of the incident and the ongoing investigation there is no additional information that can be released at this time. However, updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Charlotte Detectives Raid Pot
Grow House, Bust Two
PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit arrested a husband and wife following a marijuana grow house raid on their Port Charlotte home Friday afternoon, March 4, 2008, at 3:15 p.m. Arrested were Arthur W. Blais, 47, and his 46 year old wife, Laurie Jean Blais.
Above, L to R, Arthur W. Blais and Laurie Jean Blais
The Narcotics Unit, assisted by Traffic, K-9, and the County SWAT team, executed a search warrant after a deputy patrolling county property reported smelling a very strong odor of marijuana coming from building at the rear of a home at 22010 Hernando Ave. The county property is located behind the home that had a privacy fence and several outbuildings on the property.
After the home was cleared, detectives located 65 marijuana plants in one of the outbuildings, grown in a hydroponics manner, high powered lights, irrigation and cooling systems. The marijuana weighed 43.8 pounds. Detectives also found baggies of marijuana in a bedroom weighing 19.5 grams, plus various quantities of pills identified as Darvocet, Serex, Neurontin, Carisoprodal and Prochlorperazine. Arthur Blais admitted to knowledge of the marijuana grow operation and stated that his wife and children were unaware of the operation.
A Glock 9mm handgun with ammunition and a J.C. Higgins 222 caliber rifle were also found in the bedroom. Arthur Blais told detectives he was a convicted felon but the weapons were not registered to him. He said he knew the weapons were in his bedroom and he had access to them. His felony conviction status was verified.
Arthur Blais was charged with Trafficking in Marijuana over 25 pounds, Cultivation of Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Both were charged with two counts of Possession of Controlled Substances Darvocet and Serex; and three counts of Possession of a Prescription with a Prescription for Neurontin, Carisprodal and Prochlorperazine. Laurie Blais was additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana Under 20 Grams. Both were taken to the Charlotte County Jail.
Man, 34, Shot Execution Style
Sanford Police Say
SANFORD, Fla. -- A 34-year-old man was found at a Sanford apartment complex early Friday, March 4, 2008, shot and killed execution style.
Police said the shooting apparently happened at about 3:15 a.m. Friday at the Lake Monroe Terrace apartments located off Olive Avenue.
Officers said the victim, whom they identified as Tony Flagler, was shot in the back of the head.
Police were called to the same apartments for a fight Thursday night.
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