Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 6/7/2008

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Local/State News for week ending 6/7/2008

Manatee County Sheriff:
East Manatee County RBC
Bank Robber Still at Large

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who robbed the RBC Centura Bank on Wednesday in the Creekwood subdivision of East Manatee County is still at large, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, who spoke to NewsManatee on Thursday.

At approximately 3:25 Wednesday afternoon, June 4, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a robbery at RBC Centura Bank located at 7366 52nd Place East, Bradenton.

According to witnesses, the suspect entered the bank and handed a note to the teller demanding money. No weapon was seen.

The man asked for $100 dollar bills only. When the teller tried to give him $20s, he again asked for $100 dollar bills. The teller attempted to take the note she had been handed, but the man pulled it away from the teller.

The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a White male, approximately 30 years old, with sandy brown, curly hair, 5”10” tall, last seen wearing an orange shirt and tan shorts.

In the photos above, it also appears he is wearing a mustached and goatee.

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, click here.

https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=348

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.

Local Red Cross Responded
to Gas Tanker Explosion

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Dozens of law enforcement officers were on scene of a gasoline tanker crash at I-75 and U.S. 301 this week for several hours, needing nourishment.

Above, photo of the gas tanker fire in progress at I-75 and U.S. 301
(Photo courtesy Ginny Peppin via Dianna Mierendorf)

As usual, the American Red Cross didn't hestitate to help.

At the request of the Florida Highway Patrol, the American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter sent a team Wednesday afternoon, June 4, 2008, to Ellenton to feed and hydrate the FHP, Manatee County Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement.

The Red Cross served 130 members of law enforcement until 1am from a mobile response vehicle.

The FHP requested the Manatee County Chapter again on Thursday, to feed and hydrate approximately 50 law enforcement personnel.

Young Man Found Passed Out
Holding Needle in His Hand;
Arrested for Multiple Drugs

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County EMS personnel found a young man passed out in his vehicle at 5406 26th Street West on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at about 9:15 p.m. with a hypodermic needle in his hand. Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies wound up arresting him on multiple counts of drug possession.

Tyler Wade Ingram

A sheriff's report said EMS workers found Tyler Wade Ingram, 19, of 607 129th Street Northeast, in his vehicle unconscious, holding a needle in his right hand.

When deputies arrived, they found a metal spoon with burn marks on the bottom and an unknown residue in it lying on the passenger seat next to him.

After being awakened by EMS personnel and deputies, Tyler was asked to step out of the car. He kept attempting to get something from the center console. He was seen taking a black pouch out of the console, which he put in his right rear pocket.

A deputy advised Tyler he was going to be searched for officer safety.

The pouch contained 109 pills of Xanax, 14 pills of Hydromorphone and 6 pills of Soma.

The spoon residue was from heroin use, Tyler told deputies, and he said he didn't have a prescription for any of the drugs.

Tyler was arrested and charged with 4 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Two Young Men Caught
with Cooler of Beer Stolen
from Pickup, Drugs Found

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Alert deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office spotted two men pulling a cooler in the 2700 block of 27th Avenue Drive West and stopped them. Bradenton Police arrested both men after it was learned the cooler was stolen from the bed of a pickup truck. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at about 5 a.m.

Above, L to R, Christopher Fremont and Christopher Stokes

According to an arrest report from BPD, after the deputies stopped Christopher Fremont, 19, of 2827 22nd Street West, and Christopher Stokes, 19, of 2917 16th Street West, they began checking the area for a possible location from where the cooler may have come.

Also in possession of the young men was a plastic bag containing numerous unopened packs of cigarettes, two CDs, a rubber glove and a particle mask.

They discovered the location was in the 3200 block of Cambridge Drive West.

Bradenton Police arrived at the location and the unnamed victim said the cooler and its contents belonged to her. The items had been taken from the bed of her pickup truck.

Fremont admitted he had been in the area to steal items from multiple vehicles and said he "found the cooler full of beer in the bed of a truck up the street."

Stokes denied stealing anything and said he bought the beer from a friend and found the cigarettes.

Both men were arrested and charged with Burglary.

Incident to his arrest, police also found a bottle containing 14 dextroamphetamine tablets on Fremont. He was additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Cops Arrest Man for Burglary,
Domestic Assault

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Rayfield Byrd, 42, of 2710 38th Avenue West, after Byrd allegedly broke into his former girlfriend's residence on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at about 2:45 a.m.

Rayfield Byrd

Byrd's arrest report said he and his unnamed former girlfriend lived together at 2810 38th Avenue West as a family several months ago, but he has not lived there for several months.

Byrd broke a front window on the house, then went around to the back door and broke a window pane out of the door and opened it by reaching in.

He continued to come into the house and move aggressively towards the unnamed woman, making statements that he came to get his stuff and would not leave until he got it, the report said.

The woman was scared and believed he would hurt her. She told him she was calling the cops.

Byrd fled the scene, only to return a short time later after deputies arrived.

Byrd told deputies he still lived there, but didn't have a key.

Byrd was arrested and charged with Burglary and Domestic Assault.

Lone Hispanic Male Ambushed
By Nine Hispanics and Blacks,
Some Armed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Alexander Perez, 19, was ambushed and attacked by nine Hispanic and Black men and women and robbed of his pants containing cash and keys on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at about 3:30 p.m.

A Manatee County Sheriff's Office report said Alexander Perez was walking in the 1000 block of 32nd Avenue East when he was approached by the 9 suspects.

All the suspects began punching and kicking Alexander several times, causing some swelling to his jaw.

Alexander told deputies he knew of some of the suspects but not all of their information.

One of the suspects who goes by the name of Mario had a black handgun, described as a 9mm, and pointed it to Alexander's face and demanded his pants.
His pants contained $30.00 and his house keys.

As the suspects got into cars to leave, Alexander ran up to one of the cars and saw a suspect that he knows as "Chico" sitting in the back seat with what appeared as an AK-47 assault rifle in his lap.

Alexander walked home from the scene, which took him at least 20 minutes before he called police.

Alexander did not require medical attention.

The robbers were described as: 1- Hispanic male named "Mario" in his 20s, 5'5" tall, 170 pounds, Bro/Bro, with tattoos; 2 - Black male, nicknamed "D", in his late teens, 5'7" tall, 150 pounds, Bro/Bro; 3 - Black female named Whitney Cassidy, 19, 5'0" tall, 140 pounds, Bro/Bro; 4 - Black male named Nathaniel Baker, 19, 5'7" tall, 150 pounds, Bro/Bro; 5 - Hispanic male named "Chico," in his mid-20s, 5'0" tall, 140 pounds, Bro/Bro; and four other Hispanic males with no description.

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 Jabbed with Pool Cue
at Cheers Bar

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a fracas between two men on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at Cheers Bar, 3601 14th Street West.

The report said Jason Evens, 25, was at the Cheers Bar and Lounge at about 11:30 p.m. when he was approached by Brian Fogarty, 25, and punched in the face.

Jason fell to the ground and then was jabbed in the face with a pool stick which cut his upper lip open to the bone.

Jason knows Brian from the past through a mutual friend. Jason used to be in the East Side Crips but says he is not affiliated anymore. Brian is currently in the East Side Crips gang, Jason told deputies.

Pictures were taken of the injuries. Jason received medical attention at Blake Medical Center emergency room.

Fogarty fled before the arrival of deputies and was not located.

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.

Open House Announced for
Bradenton Police Department
Explorer Program Candidates

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department will host an Open House for students interested in joining the department’s Explorer Post #1004, a program for young adults considering a career in law enforcement.

The Open House is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, at the Bradenton Police Department, 100 10th St. W. Prospective Explorers and their parents are invited to attend.

Light refreshments will be served.

“Exploring” is a worksite-based program through the Boy Scouts of America. To qualify for the Explorer program, a student (boy or girl) must maintain at least a C average while in school, be at least 14-20 years of age and have completed the eighth grade.

Explorers engage in a variety of activities centered on career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character development, and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person. The youth learn about law enforcement through training, competitions and practical experience in community service.

Some of the travel involved includes camping trips, a weekend boot camp, and an annual winter competition in Gatlinburg , Tenn.

New Explorers will have the opportunity to attend the 40-hour Explorer Academy this summer. The date of the week-long academy will be announced at a later date.

Space is limited. To register or for more information, RSVP/contact Sgt. LJ Millard at (941) 932-9300 ext. 351 or Lt. Ed Kish at (941) 932-9300 ext. 306.

Mail Stolen from Mailboxes
with Flags Up

ENGLEWOOD, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies in the Englewood District Office reported a rash of mail thefts Thursday, June 5, 2008, stolen from mailboxes on Wilmington Blvd. and many of its side streets in East Englewood.

Corporal Richard Russell said thieves helped themselves to mailboxes with the flag in the upright position up after residents put in mail for the mailman to pick up.

Cpl. Russell said at least eight residents so far have reported thefts to the CCSO and many more are expected to be reported. Cpl. Russell is asking for help from anyone who might have seen a suspicious vehicle in that area, to please contact the CCSO with any information they might have. One resident reported a suspicious vehicle which was maroon in color.

Residents are advised to take their outgoing mail to an area mail box or postal facility when possible as mail thefts of this type are easy prey for thieves who are looking for outgoing checks or any personal information to be used in fraud or identity theft.

Woman Robbed Unloading
Groceries from Car

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported Police in Daytona Beach are searching for a man who stole a woman's purse while she was unloading groceries from the trunk of her car at her home and a woman who used the victim's credit card at an automated teller machine the next day.

According to police, a woman returned to her home, located on Bill France Boulevard, after shopping on May 26 at about 9 p.m. and was taking groceries out of her trunk when a man approached her from behind, snatched her purse off her shoulder and fled.

The woman chased the thief but fell down and lost sight of him, Daytona Beach police said.

The victim said she had never seen the man before, WKMG reported.

The victim's credit card was unsucessfully used twice by a woman at an ATM, located at 299 Bill France Blvd., in an attempt to get cash, police said.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Gasoline Tanker Truck Overturns,
Falls from I-75 Onto U.S. 301;
Driver Critically Burned

ELLENTON, Florida [NMT] - A southbound gasoline tanker truck flipped over the side of an Interstate 75 bridge Wednesday afternoon, at about 4 p.m., and exloded and burned, closing the interstate to traffic in both directions, and creating a plume of smoke that could be seen for miles.

Above, photo shows decimated wreckage of gas tanker in background,
pieces of I-75 bridge from above in foreground.
(Photo by U-reporter Jeff Norris)

The tanker truck overturned and fell between the bridges of the northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 onto U.S. 301, said Captain Larry Leinhauser with the Manatee County Emergency Operation Center.

A damaged pickup could be seen near the scene. The drivers of two vehicles the tanker collided with were not injured. Three other vehicles were also involved, FHP said.

Manatee County officials said the bridge is structurally compromised. Florida Department of Transportation officials are assessing the damage; they don't know how long that will take.

Thick, black smoke could be seen for miles coming from the accident before fire crews from North River Fire Rescue and other agencies sprayed foam all over it.

All north and southbound lanes of the Interstate are closed.

Officials said the southbound bridge will be closed indefinitely.

The driver of the tanker truck was taken to Tampa General Hospital by Bayflight medical chopper with severe burns.

The Florida Highway Patrol identified the tanker driver as Raymond Neumann, 54, of Brooksville, Florida.

Charges in the incident, which involved 5 vehicles overall, are pending.

The Florida Highway Patrol is asking motorists to avoid the area.

Northbound traffic on I-75 was reopened at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

Lt. John Tower, of the Florida Highway Patrol, said late Wednesday night a new route has been issued for southbound traffic on I-75.

All southbound trafic will be diverted westbound on U.S. 301 at the 224 mile marker to U.S 41 southbound, then drivers will travel to State Road 64 Eastbound back to I-75.

[Ed. Note: Television station WTVT, Fox 13, in Tampa, contributed to this report.]

Manatee County Deputies Bust Man,
Woman for Attempted Burglary,
Possession of Multiple Drugs

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Jeff D. Harris, 23, and Ashleigh Faucher, 19, both of 4701 20th Street West for attempted burglary and possession of multiple drugs.

Above, L to R, Jeff D. Harris and Ashleigh Faucher

According to the arrest reports of both, on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at about 8:15 p.m., Jeff Harris went to a friend's home to borrow tools, allegedly to fix a tire on his car.

After borrowing the tools, both Jeff and Ashleigh were observed by witnesses at Cortez Plaza apartments, 4507 9th Street West.

Ashleigh was acting as a lookout, while Jeff was attempted to pry open an apartment door, witnesses said.

When they were confronted by the witnesses and told the resident was not at home, they were escorted off the property.

When the resident of the apartment they were attempting to burglarize was contacted, he provided the name of a person he believed to be involved.

Deputies went to 606 49th Avenue West where they located a vehicle Jeff and Ashleigh had fled in. Jeff was in the driver's seat and Ashleigh was in the passenger seat.

The witnesses to the attempted burglary identified them both and they were taken into custody for Attempted Burglary.

In a search incident to arrest, a CD case was found in the vehicle, along with burglary tools.

Inside the CD case were 3.9 grams of marijuana, 85 Zanax tablets, and 31 Motrin pills.

Harris and Faucher were additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana, two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Drunk Man Gets Rowdy at Bar,
Later Struggles with Cops,
Hospitalized, Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, June 1, 2008, Paul Rega, 53, of 1206 65th Avenue West, got drunk and rowdy at Chaps Bar, 5627 14th Street West, left in a vehicle and was arrested shortly afterward.

Paul Rega

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies reported Paul was drinking beer at Chaps Bar and was accidentally shorted .50 cents on a beer by the female bartender. The money was returned and Paul drank three more beers.

Paul's girlfriend arrived to pick him up and Paul started to complain about the .50 cents, became belligerent and called the bartender a whore.

Paul was then asked to leave by the bartender. Customers attempted to calm Paul down when Paul pulled out a knife and waved it towards customers. He put it away when the bartender called police.

Then he picked up a full beer bottle and threw it at the bartender. She ducked.

Paul then let with his girlfriend.

Arriving deputies spotted the vehicle and pulled it over in the Shell gas station at 5304 14th Street West.

Paul was angry and intoxicated, the report said.

He struggled with deputies and called them names. At one point, he offered to "kick their ass" if they would removed the handcuffs.

Eventually, he was placed in a cruiser.

Paul then complained of heart and breathing problems, so EMS took him to Manatee Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Doctors kept him overnight for precautionary tests.

Paul was arrested on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, and charged with Aggravated Assault and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

"John Doe" Identified; Stole Jewelry,
Gun from Elderly Couple; Climbed
Into Bed with Woman, 80, Then
Stole Car, Fled, But Returned

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On June 3, 2008, NewsManatee reported a story about a man who Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies called "John Doe." He has now been identified as Richard Varner, 41. He was identified through fingerprints.

Richard R. Varner

The original NewsManatee report said a man who was initially identified only as "John Doe" walked into a residence, took jewelry, a gun and then climbed into bed with an elderly woman, before taking off in the car belonging to the couple in whose home he had invaded. He was later arrested when he returned to the scene of the crime.

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Varner entered the residence of Walter, Rose and Sandy Yesnick in the 1200 block of 51st Avenue East. Walter is 86; Rose is 80 and their daughter, Sandy, is 48.

Varner took miscellaneous jewelry, a semi-automatic pistol and the keys to the green Ford Escort in the driveway.

Prior to leaving, he took off his shoes and shirt and got into bed with Rose Yesnick. She asked him if he was her husband, and he stated no, he's David.

Varner then fled, taking the Ford Escort.

While deputies were investigating the incident, Varner returned to the area. The alert third shift deputies saw the vehicle that matched the description, and approached Varner. Dispatch confirmed the vehicle belonged to the victim, Walter Yesnick, at which point Varner turned and attempted to quickly walk away from deputies.

Varner was taken to the ground and arrested. A post arrest search yielded the victim's gun and jewelry. The victim positively identified the property as theirs.

Varner was very uncooperative and refused to give his name. He was initially booked in as John Doe and charged with Armed Occupied Burglary and Grand Theft Auto.

Varner has multiple felony arrests on his record from the mid-1980s, according to Manatee County court records.

Man Threatens to Kill Girlfriend;
Fires Weapon, No Injuries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who fired a handgun and threatened to kill his girlfriend early Wednesday, May 4. 2008, at about 3:30 a.m., is still being sought, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

George A. Thomas

The report said Autumn McDuffie, 25, and George A. Thomas, 27, of 1729 12th Street West, Palmetto, got into a verbal altercation at her mother's residence in the 600 block of 20th Street West, in Palmetto.

George pulled Autumn out of the residence by her shirt and pointed a firearm at her and her mother, threatening to kill them both if she did not return to their shared residence.

Autumn initially refused to go and George proceeded to hit Autumn in the face.

Autumn then agreed and got into her car, followed by George in another vehicle.

At this point the firearm was discharged, but it was not pointed at anybody, or structures, or vehicles.

Autumn lost George en route and returned to her mother's residence.

There were no injuries to any of the victims.

A capias request was issued for George on charges of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery and Reckless Discharge of a Firearm.

Mother, 32, Arrested for
Striking Face of Boy, 6

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Candi L. Estrada, 32, of 405 Cornelius Circle, and charged her with Child Abuse.

Candi L. Estrada

The arrest report said on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at about 1:30 p.m., Estrada hit her son in the face 4 to 5 times with a closed fist.

She hit the boy in the shoulder and head, according to a witness, the report said.

The boy told a deputy, "My mommy hit me in the nose."

The deputy observed "a lot of bleeding coming from the child's nose."

Estrada denied hitting the boy with a closed fist.

Migrant Camp Worker Charged
with Threatening to Kill
Other Worker

MYAKKA CITY, Florida [NMT] -- A worker at a migrant camp at Faulkner Farms, 35100 State Road 64 East, in Myakka City was arrested after he pulled out a large knife and threatened to kill another worker.

Daniel Acevedo

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Daniel Acevedo, 61, on Thursday, May 29, 2008.

The report of the arrest said Daniel went into the field where Luis Alvaro was working. Daniel was mad at Luis and told Luis that he wanted to fight.

Luis told him no, because Daniel was much older.

Daniel then pulled out a large knife and pointed it at Luis and told Luis he was going to kill him.

Luis fled to the office and told his boss what had happened. The boss called Daniel to the office and told him that he was fired and needed to leave.

Daniel told Luis that he would return and kill Luis. He did this three times, the report said.

Deputies were called and upon arrival, looked into Daniel's truck and saw a large kitchen type knife lying on the front seat.

Luis identified the knife as the one that he had been threatened with.

Daniel was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault.

Hispanic Man "Accidentally"
Shoots, Kills Himself

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Hector E. Canto, 35, accidentally shot himself while playing with a handgun on Wednesday, May 4, 2008, shortly after noon.

Deputies responded to 6032 11th Street East in reference to a Hispanic male with a gunshot wound to the head. He was dead on arrival.

According to witnesses, the victim was playing with the firearm that allegedly belonged to him.

The semi-automatic handgun had a laser attached and Canto was pointing the handgun at his friends.

Canto then placed the firearm up to his temple and the firearm went off, striking him in the head.

The victim and witnesses are all from West Palm Beach; they are in Manatee County doing construction work, the sheriff's office reported.

Manatee Releases Results
of Friday DUI Checkpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, May 30, 2008, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, along with the Bradenton Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Bradenton Beach P.D. and Holmes Beach P.D., hosted a DUI Sobriety Checkpoint at Cortez Road West and U.S. 41.

The operation started on Friday at 11 p.m. and was completed on Saturday at 3:07 a.m.

The unit made 4 DUI arrests and made 16 additional arrests for No Valid Driver's License, Driving While License Suspended and warrant arrests.

A total of 78 citations were written, 40 of those for driver's license violations.

High School Preparation Software,
Used in Manatee County Schools,
Wins 2008 "Best Software" Award

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The same company that has helped Manatee County Public Schools increase graduation rates has recently been recognized nationally. EdOptions™, an educational software provider, announced that Stars Suite™, its Web-based suite of learning and assessment tools, was awarded a 2008 Best Educational Software Award (BESSIE).

"This is not only an honor for EdOptions, but it’s another validator for clients such as Manatee County who continue to see a tremendous success as a result of using our software," said EdOptions’ Chief Operating Officer Jim Hagedorn.

Manatee County Public Schools have used the Web-based program since 1999 to help "make a dent in lowering the dropout rate and increasing the graduation rate," said Mike McCann, supervisor of dropout prevention, alternative education, and truancy programs for the district.

Within eight years of using the program, dropout rates fell in the county by more than 60 percent, and graduation rates climbed from 56 percent to nearly 79 percent.

The BESSIE Awards, hosted by ComputED Learning Center, target innovative and content-rich programs and Web sites that provide parents and teachers with technology to foster educational excellence. Winners are selected from titles submitted by software publishers around the world.

Stars Suite won for its innovative and user-friendly multi-subject Web site, novelstars.com, which provides institutions nationwide with rigorous curricula and learning programs – all with the flexibility and convenience of Internet accessibility. The site’s tools help sixth- through 12th-graders and adult learners recover credit, prepare for high school or the GED, or study for high school exit exams.

EdOptions™ is an award-winning education technology firm located in Arlington, Virginia. The company’s premier product, Stars Suite™, currently serves about 200,000 students nationwide and features 39 middle and high school courses, and Web-based solutions for state test preparation, high school preparation, and GED study.

The software company is based in Arlington, Virginia and has offices in Tempe, Arizona.

Teen Shot After Refusing to
Give Phone Her Number to
Two Men

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Central Florida teen who was shot after refusing to give two men her phone number died Tuesday night, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Investigators said Mildred Beaubrun, 18, was at a red light on John Young Parkway and Princeton when she was shot by someone in a nearby car.

Detectives said they believe Beaubrun and her friends may have been followed after leaving the Firestone Club in Orlando by the men she rejected, WKMG said.

Two men are wanted for questioning.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Sheriff's Office Detectives
Charge Three Teens in Connection
with Multiple Vehicle Burglaries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, May 29, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives charged three teenagers in connection with multiple vehicles in the Mirror Lake apartment complex, in the 5600 block of Fountain Lake Circle, and two other locations.

Above, L to R, Daniel Holdren, Cody Mayer and Mitchell Robinson

On May 18, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies pulled over three teens for being in possession of a stolen vehicle. Inside the vehicle were Daniel Holdren, 17, Cody Mayer, 15, and Mitchell Robinson, 15.

The three teenagers were interviewed by detectives and admitted they had entered several vehicles in the apartment complex and had stolen several items, including watches, phones and cigarettes.

Holdren admitted that he had entered several cars at the Mirror Lake apartment complex, as well as at other locations, including Center Court apartments at 4210 52nd Place West and Bayshore Condominiums at 3680 59th Avenue West.

Daniel confessed to driving the stolen vehicle from Fountain Lake to the other apartment complexes in order to commit other vehicle burglaries. Daniel said he, Cody and Mitchell took a computer tower and other stolen property over to his (Daniel's) house.

Cody Mayer and Mitchell Robinson also admitted to entering several vehicles at the three complexes.

Detectives went to Daniel's house, where they located the stolen computer tower, valued at $600 dollars, and other stolen property.

Daniel Holdren was charged with Grand Theft Auto, three counts of Vehicle Burglary and Grand Theft (for the computer theft).

Mayer and Robinson were charged with three counts of Vehicle Burglary.

Holdren was taken to the Manatee County Jail. Mayer and Robinson were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Young Man Arrested for
Attempted Vehicle Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Rouke A. Strittmatter, 20, of 5411 8th Street Court West, has been arrested in connection with a vehicle burglary.

Rouke A. Strittmatter

An arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at about 10:45 p.m., Strittmatter jumped the fence from 53rd Avenue West into the Garden Walk apartment complex at 5310 26th Street West.

A woman told deputies that he walked up to a man at the bottom of the stairway to Building 21.

The woman said the man then walked inside his apartment and Strittmatter started to punch, kick and try to open car doors by pulling on the door handles.

The woman said he tried to open her car door and broke the passenger side door handle off her car.

That's when she called 911.

Deputies arrived and took Strittmatter into custody without incident.

He was charged with Attempted Burglary to a Conveyance.

Man Pulls Knife on Wife
During Domestic Dispute

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Christopher R. Palmer, 37, of 105 57th Avenue East.

Christopher R. Palmer

The arrest report said Christopher and Brenda are husband and wife and live together.

On Monday, June 2, 2008, at about 2:30 a.m., they got into an argument over the car keys and his credit cards.

Chris then allegedly pulled a knife and pointed the blade at Brenda. Brenda told deputies Chris said, "If you don't give the keys back to me, I'll cut out your guts."

Chris was about two feet from her when the incident occurred, according to the report.

Brenda was very upset and crying when deputies arrived, the report said.

Chris was arrested and charged with Domestic Assault.

Parrish Man Taken to Manatee Glens
for Mental Evaluation Following
Domestic Incident with Gun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Roy Williford, 64, of 11821 71st Street East, in Parrish, was taken to Manatee Glens Hospital for mental evaluation following a domestic incident, during which Williford had a gun in his possession and appeared to be very upset. The incident occurred on Monday, June 2, at about 9:30 p.m.

The report said deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at the above address in which Williford made threats to shoot himself with a .38 cal firearm and had battered his daughter.

Williford had fled the scene prior to arrival of deputies and had gone into the woods.

Deputies then had several phone conversations with Williford in which he was extremely distraught and refused to talk to deputies.

Deputies learned Williford's wife had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer two weeks ago and since then Williford has been acting erratically.

While deputies were still on scene, Williford returned to the residence and pulled into the car port quickly as we were outside talking with the victim, Williford's daughter.

Williford exited his vehicle and had a firearm in his hand down by his side. He began to yell at deputies “Come and get me."

Deputies gave him numerous commands to put the weapon down and he simply stood there enticing them more.

Williford then turned and began to briskly walk towards the house where the victim was inside. He then threw the gun up into the air.

Not knowing if he had any more weapons in the house or what his intentions were, deputies approached Williford to take him into custody.

As Williford was opening the side door to the residence he refused to surrender to commands.

One deputy deployed his Taser, which struck Williford in the lower back and upper thigh.

He was immediately subdued by the Taser and was taken into custody.

Williford was taken to Manatee Glens under the Baker Act for mental evaluation.

Two Women in Car Rip Gold Chains
Off Hispanic Man on Scooter

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, May 2, 2008, at about 6:30 p.m., two women in a car ripped gold chains from the neck of a Hispanic man, Reinaldo Enchautegui, 54, who was on a motor scooter, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said two unknown White females driving a white vehicle, possibly an Oldsmobile, flagged down the victim who was riding his motor scooter on 60th Avenue West in the 700 block.

The women asked the victim about his sunglasses and asked to see them. As the driver of the vehicle was handing the victim back his glasses, she grabbed three of the victim's necklaces and was attempting to rip them off his neck.

The victim punched the female driver in the face and she accelerated the vehicle while still holding on to the victim's necklaces.

The victim was dragged approximately ten feet on his scooter by the vehicle.

The victim sustained minor scratches which did not require medical attention.

The women fled the area with the victim's three gold necklaces and charms.

The victim's motor scooter sustained minor damage, due to being dragged.

The women were not further described.

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.

Bradenton Crime Survey
Results Released by BPD

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The results of recent crime surveys mailed to Bradenton residents show they want aggressive, proactive police.

About 70 percent of the Bradenton residents who responded to a survey about violent crimes said they would like to see more aggressive and proactive law enforcement by the Bradenton Police Department.

Of the 470 returned surveys, 130 residents suggested more police presence while 56 respondents said they were very satisfied with the police department. Others asked for more community participation and increased undercover patrols to drive out gangs and drug activity.

The police sent out 14,900 random surveys in March in an effort to determine the opinions of residents. This project was supported by a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

"Although we would have appreciated a better return of the surveys, we want to thank the citizens who took the time to participate," Maj. William Tokajer said. "At the Bradenton Police Department, we will continue to serve the public and keep with our mission statement."

Maj. Tokajer said the department’s mission statement is to eliminate crime and the fear of crime, to enhance the quality of life for our stakeholders, and to hold police to the highest professional standards of performance and ethics.

The Bradenton Police Department is a professionally-driven organization that will partner with the community to make the City of Bradenton a better place to live, work, visit or conduct business, a press release stated.

SAR Awards Lakewood Ranch
High School JROTC Student

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sons of the American Revolution has awarded a bronze medal to a Lakewood Ranch JROTC High School student.

Above, L to R, Harold Crapo, Jr., SAR, and Cadet John Bogusz
(Photo by Elaine Crapo)

Junior ROTC Cadet Sgt John L Bogusz earned and was presented with a certificate and a bronze ROTC Medal by the Sons of the American Revolution on May 16th, 2008.

The award recognized John for his "superior leadership abilities and accomplishments, military bearing and overall academic excellence."

John is in the 9th grade at Lakewood Ranch High School where his favorite sport is football. He considers mathematics and science as his favorite subjects.

During his spare time, after community service, sports and academics, John relaxes with his model collection of military vehicles.

Cadet Bogusz has indeed proven himself to be a superior student and one of our future leaders in these United States of America.

SAR congratulates Cadet John Bogusz.

Sarasota Sheriff's Detectives
Arrest Woman for Trafficking
in Morphine, Hydrocodone

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- A 50-year-old nursing assistant has been arrested by Sarasota Sheriff's Detectives for selling morphine and hydrocodone.

Roxana Forsyth

On June 3rd, 2008, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau Detectives arrested Roxana Forsyth, 50, of 124 Happy Haven Drive, #44, Osprey, Florida on one count of Trafficking in Morphine over 28 grams and one count of Trafficking in Hydrocodone over 14 grams.

Forsythe, a Certified Nurse Assistant, was arrested by Detectives after she attempted to sell 258 morphine pills and 24 Vicodin pills to an undercover Detective.

She is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

Man Arrested for Business Burglary
Based on DNA Match

PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, June 3, 2008, Charlotte County Sheriff’s road patrol deputies arrested Michael Anthony Thomas, 30, of 127 Sunnybrook Rd., Harbour Heights, after a BOLO was issued on two outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Michael Anthony Thomas

The warrants were for a July 24, 2007, burglary to Basia’s Food Mart, 1334 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte. Thomas’ identity was learned by a DNA confirmation from the FDLE lab which matched blood found at the crime scene and compared to Thomas’ convicted offender prison data. Video surveillance tapes showed a White male throw a cement block through the front window, grab a cash register drawer, then flee. No money was in the drawer; however, the drawer replacement was set at $500.

A road deputy spotted Thomas in a vehicle around 12:20 a.m. at a BP gas station, in the El Jobean area. Thomas drove off and the deputy followed. A traffic stop was made and, as the deputy approached the vehicle, Thomas took off at a high rate of speed heading toward Port Charlotte. The deputy broke off following Thomas but estimated he was traveling at about 100 mph.

Around 2:25 a.m., another deputy located Thomas near his vehicle at Stratford Dr. and Franklin Ave., just off U.S. 41 in Port Charlotte. Thomas fled, however a K-9 unit was called to the scene and quickly located Thomas in a wooded area.

Thomas was charged with Burglary and Grand Theft for the business burglary. He also was charged with Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement Officers and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked as Habitual with 17 suspensions or revocations on his license. Thomas remains in the Charlotte County Jail.

CCSO detectives are also investigating possible further charges.

Bank Robber Holds Gun
Backward During Crime

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Surveillance video of a bank robbery surprised detectives when it showed the bandit holding a gun in a strange manner, even backward during the holdup, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Investigators said the bandit was wearing a new Cleveland Indians baseball cap when he walked into the Fifth-Third bank on the corner of University Boulevard and Goldenrod Road.

The man then handed a bank teller a piece of paper before showing a weapon.

During the robbery, surveillance video showed the bandit holding the weapon in an unusual manner and then apparently pointing it at himself before walking out of the bank.

Detectives said the man appears to be familiar with the area and may be from the University of Central Florida area.

Police also said the man had a T-shirt wrapped around his neck, possibly to cover up a tattoo, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

"John Doe" Steals Jewelry, Gun
from Elderly Couple; Climbs Into
Bed with Woman, 80, Then
Steals Car, Flees, Returns

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- In a very strange case, a man who has been identified only as "John Doe" walked into a residence, took jewelry, a gun and then climbed into bed with an elderly woman, before taking off in the car belonging to the couple in whose home he had invaded. He was later arrested when he returned to the scene of the crime.

"John Doe"

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at approximately 4:00 a.m., a White male entered the residence of Walter, Rose and Sandy Yesnick in the 1200 block of 51st Avenue East. Walter is 86; Rose is 80 and their daughter, Sandy, is 48.

The suspect took miscellaneous jewelry, a semi-automatic pistol and the keys to the green Ford Escort in the driveway.

Prior to him leaving, he took off his shoes and shirt and got into bed with Rose Yesnick. She asked him if he was her husband, and he stated no, he's David.

The suspect then fled, taking the Ford Escort.

While deputies were investigating the incident, the suspect returned to the area.

The alert third shift deputies saw the vehicle that matched the description, and approached the White male driver. Dispatch confirmed the vehicle belonged to the victim, Walter Yesnick, at which point the White male turned and attempted to quickly walk away from deputies.

The White male was taken to the ground and arrested. A post arrest search yielded the victim's gun and jewelry. The victim positively identified the property as theirs.

The suspect was very uncooperative and refused to give his name.

He was booked in as "John Doe" and charged with Armed Occupied Burglary and Grand Theft Auto.

Anyone who knows the identity of the man pictured above 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.

Two Young Men With 3 Guns
Commit Armed Home Invasion

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, two young men armed with 3 guns robbed a couple in the 4000 block of 24th Street West on Friday afternoon, May 30, 2008, at about 3:00 p.m.

Above, L to R, Christopher Jacobs and Christopher Rabinette

The report said Christopher Jacobs, 26, and Christopher Rabinette, 22, entered the residence of Devin Burke and his girlfriend, who were laying on their bed.

Burke and his girlfriend were ordered to say down and give the two invaders "all their stuff," the report said.

Devin was then ordered by Jacobs, who was holding two pistols, to put his Dell desktop computer into a green cooler and to give up his gold necklace.

The pair then began rummaging through the rest of he rooms in the house, dumping out dresser drawers and ripping the phones off the wall.

Rabinette was holding what appeared to be a shotgun, the victims said.

Then the pair fled the scene in a black SUV.

A deputy was conducting a neighborhood canvass and found a vehicle matching the one used in the crime at 2001 46th Avenue Drive West.

After another deputy arrived, Christopher Jacobs was found inside the residence. After he was placed in a patrol car, the house was searched again and Christopher Rabinette was found hiding inside.

The amount of property stolen was estimated at $5,310 dollars.

Both robbers said they wanted a lawyer, so questioning was stopped.

Both were charged with two counts of Home Invasion Robbery with a Firearm.

Teen, 15, Caught Driving
Stolen Auto After Pursuit

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Jakourtney Johnson, 15, was caught by a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy driving a stolen auto on Saturday, May 31, 2008, a sheriff's report said.

Jakourtney Johnson

While patrolling La Mirada Apartments, at 1600 55th Avenue Circle East, Deputy Chenard spotted an occupied stolen vehicle. The vehicle had been stolen from Thomas Toegeman, of 9500 Colonial Drive.

When back-up units arrived to assist Dep. Chenard, at 5300 9th Street East, a traffic stop was initiated.

The vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle went north on 9th Street East before making his way to Treesdale Apartments (Old Avondale), at 1700 9th Avenue East where the occupants bailed from the vehicle and ran on foot.

As they bailed from the vehicle, it crashed into an unoccupied parked vehicle.

Deputy Chenard was able to keep an eye on the driver of the vehicle and was able to apprehend him after a short foot pursuit.

Deputy Franklin used his K-9 to try to locate the passenger but was unable.

There were no injuries during the pursuit.

The owner of the vehicle responded and took possession of his vehicle and the owner of the vehicle that was hit was present at the scene.

Arrested and charged with Grand Theft Auto was Jakourtney Johnson. He was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Man Threatens Three People
with Rifle, Says "I'll Kill You"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Tracy W. Schadewaldt, 43, of 4513 87th Street Court West, after Schadewaldt allegedly pulled rifle on three people and threatened to kill them.

Tracy W. Schadewaldt

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, June 1, 2008, at about 8:00 p.m., following a neighborhood fight that had been escalating for several hours, Schadewaldt said to the three victims who were three doors down from his, "This isn't over, you don't know me, I've got something for all of you."

Then Schadewaldt walked into his home and walked back out with a large rifle and said, "I'll kill you."

The rifle turned out to be a BB gun, but it looked exactly like a large hunting rifle, deputies said.

Schadewaldt was arrested and charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault.

Arson Charged in Residential
Fire Started by Ex-Boyfriend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charles Ronald Howes, 51, is under arrest, charged with Arson to an Occupied Dwelling, after he started a fire in his ex-girlfriend's mobile home at 3113 Cortez Road West, Kozy Mobile Home Park, on Sunday, June 1, 2008, at about 5:30 p.m.

Charles Ronald Howes

According to the arrest report, Howes walked into the kitchen, poured gasoline on the floor and lit it. Then he went outside and did the same thing to the front porch.

The victim, Sandra Nelson, exited the mobile home through a rear sliding door and re-entered with a hose to extinguish the fire in the kitchen.

Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue was called; they responded and assisted in extinguishing both blazes.

Nelson was later found at 6515 15th Street East in his mobile home and arrested.

His explanation to deputies was that he had done extensive remodeling work in the mobile home for his ex-girlfriend. She had a contract to sell it for $11,000 dollars and wasn't going to give him any of the money. Charles told her, "If I don't get any of the money, neither will you." That's when he poured the gas on the kitchen floor, the report said.

Group Playing Checkers
Robbed at Gunpoint By
Four Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, at about 11:45 p.m., three people were sitting in the carport of a residence in the 5600 block of 24th Street West, playing checkers, when four Black males approached them and robbed them at gunpoint, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said two of the Black males were holding pistols. The group was told to get on the ground and one of the robbers asked, "Where's the money at?"

While on the ground, the suspects patted the checkers players, two men and a woman, down.

One of the robbers took cash out of a man's pocket. Then the robbers told the three to go into the house.

Once inside, the robbers began searching two of the rooms, but didn't take anything from those rooms.

The robbers started to leave, but prior to leaving took a Play Station 2 from the entertainment center in the living room, the report said.

After they took the Play Station, they told one of the victims, "Thank you and have a nice day."

The robbers were last seen running north on 24th Street West and getting into a green Buick w/ chrome rims.

There were no injuries or shots fired.

The robbers were described as 4 Black males; 3 of them were wearing all black clothing and one was wearing a blue shirt. One of the black males was carrying a black semi-automatic pistol and another was carrying a silver semi-automatic pistol.

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 Robbed at Gunpoint
at Howard Johnson Motel

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was robbed by a man with a gun Sunday night at about 11:15 p.m. at the Howard Johnson Motel, located at 6511 14th Street East.

The victim, Karen Edwards, 39, of Sarasota, went to the front office of the Howard Johnson Motel to pay for a second night of lodging.

As she was on her way back to her room on the south side of the motel, she was confronted by the suspect.

He pointed a gun at her and took her purse, then ran south towards the strip mall to the south.

Patrol units responded and checked the shopping mall area and all of the trash cans south to 66th Avenue East for evidence.

The victim was not injured and the suspect's firearm was not fired.

The robber was described as a White male of unknown age, 5'11" tall, medium build, with blonde hair, and was last seen wearing a white 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.

Young Man Struck and Killed
In South Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a man who had been staying at the Howard Johnson Motel on U.S. 41, just north of 66th Street West, was struck and killed by a man driving a 2003 Lincoln SUV on Saturday evening, May 31, 2008, at about 11:20 p.m.

The man driving the SUV, Jeremy Colston, 22, of 974 75th Street West, was traveling northbound in the outside lane of U.S. 41, approaching its intersection with 66th Street West.

Ruben Tapia, 22, a pedestrian, was crossing U.S. 41 from the west to the east and traveled into the path of the SUV.

The front of the SUV struck Tapia and came to a controlled stop.

Tapia came to rest in the center lane of U.S. 41.

No skid marks were observed at the scene.

Tapia was flown by Bayflight Medical chopper to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, where he later died.

No charges were filed in the accident.

Jr. ROTC Instructor Charged
with Lewd and Lascivious
Acts on Boy, 15

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police Department detectives have arrested a Jr. ROTC instructor for Sarasota High School on two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a Child and one count of Showing Obscene Material to a Minor. There is no bond on the charges.

Demetrius Busby

Arrested was Demetrius Busby, 45, who was located by detectives at the Sleep Inn on University Parkway.

The victim was a 15-year-old male student. One crime occurred at Busby's house (2330 Tamisola St.) and two of the crimes occurred at the school.

SPD detectives obtained a search warrant for Busby's residence. Busby's computer was also seized and a search warrant was obtained for it.

The Sarasota County School Board Police are assisting in the investigation.

Any persons who may have also been a victim or have information about the case are asked to call the SPD Criminal Investigations Division at 954-7070. Any person who may have been a victim but does not want to talk to a detective is encouraged to call the SPD Victim Advocate at 954-7021 for counseling or other assistance.

100 Cars Sink in Daytona
Beach Sand

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Nearly 100 cars sank and became stuck in unusually soft sand on Daytona Beach, forcing beach patrol officers to close parts of the beach to all vehicles, Orlando television station WKMG said.

Beach patrol officers made more rescues on the sand than in the water on Sunday when groups of vehicles became stuck.

Beach patrol officers said they expect more problems Monday because of the soft sand along the coastline, WKMG reported.

Attorney General Launches
"Most Wanted" Fugitive
Website

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, June 2, 2008, Attorney General Bill McCollum launched a new website featuring most wanted fugitives being pursued by the Attorney General’s law enforcement officers. The website will highlight dangerous criminals on a nationwide level and will have information provided by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Control Fraud Unit, Office of Statewide Prosecution and CyberCrime Unit.

The website will feature suspects and convicted criminals who are wanted on serious charges including drug trafficking, cybercrime, organized criminal activity, racketeering, and failing to appear for sentencing after conviction or plea agreement. Each fugitive listing will include an informational summary of the individual’s charges and potential threat as well as an option to access a full-page profile with additional details such as the fugitive’s last known whereabouts or any known aliases.

“Sometimes the most valuable information provided to our law enforcement comes from concerned citizens within our communities,” said Attorney General McCollum. “With the help of this website and its viewers, dangerous criminals with serious charges can be located and brought to justice quickly.”

Information on reporting tips to local law enforcement and local Crime Stoppers organizations will be available on the website. Viewers can also access the tip line contact information by clicking on the ‘View all’ link on the Crime Stoppers Tip Line page. Citizens are advised to refrain from taking any action to apprehend the individuals and to report all information about potential whereabouts to law enforcement. More information is available at the website, located at:

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

[Ed. Note: While NewsManatee Was On Technical
Hiatus Last Week, The Reports Below Were the
Most Significant Incidents.]

Comprehensive Report on 3rd 2008 Murder:
Detectives Have Charged Two Men
with Murder of Janice Fore, 74,
Burglary of Her Residence

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested two men in connection with the death of Janice Fore, 74, a White female and former nurse, whose body was discovered Wednesday evening, May 21, 2008, in her residence located at 1208 67th St. N.W., Bradenton.

Above, 1208 67th Street Northwest, Bradenton
(Photo by Carole Law Atkins, NewsManatee)

Ms. Fore was last seen by neighbors on Tuesday night, Ms. Fore's birthday.

On Wednesday, a person found some of Fore's belongings in an area near the 6900 block of Manatee Avenue West, sheriff's spokesman Dave Bristow said.

That person contacted the sheriff's office after being unable to reach Ms. Fore to notify her of finding her belongings.

At approximately 5:40 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Ms. Fore's house, "due to suspicious circumstances," the sheriff's office reported. After failing to make contact with the occupant of the residence, deputies entered the house and discovered Ms. Fore's body.

Above, Janice Fore, murdered woman
(Photo courtesy WTVT, Fox 13)

According to a report from the sheriff's office, Ms. Fore was found with her legs bound with duct tape, her hands were bound behind her back with duct tape and her head was wrapped with duct tape, covering her mouth area. Ms. Fore was then laid on her bed, where she was found by deputies at 5:40 p.m., deceased.

Fore's Volkswagen was last seen by a neighbor being driven out of her driveway and down the street at a high rate of speed on Wednesday morning at about 6:30 a.m.

Fore’s Volkswagen convertible was located Wednesday night abandoned in a strip mall in the 2400 block of St. Road 64 East, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Marcos Herrera and Otis Mack

Following an investigation, detectives arrested Marcos Herrera, 20, of Bradenton, and Otis Mack, 20, of Bradenton, late Saturday night on warrants for Burglary to Ms. Fore’s residence.

Physical evidence found at the scene and in and around Ms. Fore's Volkswagen led detectives to Herrera and Mack.

Ms. Fore's computer had been stolen from the residence. Herrera's fingerprints were recovered from the printer, which was left at the scene. Mack's fingerprints were found on duct tape at the scene. In addition, Herrera's fingerprints were recovered from the vehicle. A surveillance video inside a business where the vehicle was parked showed a White male exiting the driver's side and a Black male exiting the passenger side of the vehicle. Those two men were later identified as Herrera and Mack.

Herrera recently lived in the victim’s neighborhood and knew the victim, a sheriff's report said.

Then, on Monday, May 26, 2008, Herrera and Mack were charged with the Murder of Janice Fore. Herrera and Mack were in a Manatee County courtroom Monday morning to be arraigned on Burglary and Murder charges and were denied bond.

According to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office Detective, Ms. Fore "was a smoker and suffered from asthma. Those conditions, plus being taped at the mouth, contributed to her death," the detective wrote in his arrest report charging Herrera and Mack with Murder.

The Medical Examiner said Janice Fore died of "asphyxiation" (suffocation), according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

According to NewsManatee archives, Janice Fore's murder was the 3rd in Manatee County in 2008.

Man Shoots, Kills Ex-Girlfriend,
Takes Own Life By Gunshot

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to information, a woman was shot and killed and a man attempted to take his own life on Saturday, at about 10:30 a.m.

Crime scene at Peaches restaurant
(Photo by Doug Reynolds, NewsManatee)

Doug Reynolds, NewsManatee Sarasota Bureau reporter, who happened to be in Bradenton at the time, said a woman was shot and killed at Peaches Restaurant, 5710 Cortez Road West.

The man entered the restaurant and forcibly removed the woman to the parking lot. After a short time, he shot and killed her. The woman was a waitress/manager of the Peaches restaurant at that location.

Matthew White, deceased

The man who apparently killed her then was chased in his blue Jeep Grand Cherokee by Bradenton Police.

They lost him for a short time and when Police caught up to the vehicle in the 3100 block of 36th Avenue West, there was glass in the roadway.

Police approached the vehicle and found the man had shot himself in the right temple. The shot went through his head and exited through the left temple. However, he was not yet dead. The gun, a 9mm handgun, was still in his hand.

The man was Bayflighted to Bayfront Medical Center in critical condition, where he later died.

Reynolds said Lt. Darrell Akemon told him the incident appeared to be related to a "domestic disturbance." White and Lerose were girlfriend and boyfriend, but had been separated for about two months. According to a local report, White had been stalking Lerose since then.

The female victim's name is Pamela Lerose, 39. The man's name was Matthew White, 27.

White was arrested in 2008 and 2007 for Burglary, according to Manatee County court records.

The woman had three children. Police went to her home and took the children into protective custody.

This is the first murder in the City of Bradenton in 2008; there has been one murder in the City of Palmetto (see report below) and there have been 3 murders in Manatee County so far in 2008, for a total of 5 overall.

Illegal Alien Charged with Lewd
and Lascivious Molestation of
3-year-old Girl; Brother Charged
with Tampering with Evidence

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Israel Lugo-Roso, 25, of 2120 37th Avenue East for molesting a 3-year-old girl.

Israel Lugo-Roso

The unnamed victim, who is three years of age, was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital on Saturday, May 25, 2008, complaining of vaginal pain.

The little girl was observed by her mother grabbing at her vaginal area. When her mother asked the little girl if someone had touched her, she replied yes, and that it was Lugo-Roso.

A medical exam was conducted at the hospital. The 3-year-old was found to have a red and enlarged vaginal entrance and suffice it to say that the child is not a virgin any more, anatomically speaking.

Law Enforcement was contacted and a criminal investigation was initiated.

During the investigation, probable cause was developed to charge Lugo-Roso with one count of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation. He was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, 2008.

Jesus Lugo

The brother of Lugo-Roso, Jesus Lugo, 28, was arrested on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, on a charge of Tampering with Evidence.

Sheriff's detectives say Lugo called his brother to warn him detectives were about to question him about the molestation. Detectives also say Lugo hid a condom that appeared to be used.

Detectives also discovered that Lugo-Roso and his brother, Lugo, are in the country illegally from Mexico.

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service has been contacted and will place an INS hold on both Lugo-Roso and Lugo.

Man Just Released from Jail
Robbed Again; Multiple Felony,
Misdemeanor Charges on Record

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- David Ling, 25, of Harbor Pines Apartments, 6033 34th Street West, who was just released from jail, was arrested on robbery charges, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

David Ling

Ling's arrest report said on Sunday, May 25, 2008, at about 8:45 a.m., Ling was crouched, hiding in a carport at in the 200 block of 50th Avenue Terrace West.

When an unnamed victim opened his back gate, Ling went toward him through the gate and pushed the male victim backwards with both hands.

Ling backed the victim into the porch railing and demanded money, saying, "I just got out of jail and I need money," the report said.

Ling then reached into the man's pants pockets and removed $15 dollars.

Ling told the man that if he called the police, he would tell the cops they were sexually involved.

Ling then fled the scene on a bicycle.

On Tuesday, May 27, 2008, Ling was arrested for Shoplifting, so he was in the Manatee County Jail when detectives arrested him on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, on this charge of Robbery.

According to Manatee County court records, Ling has two pages of misdemeanor and felony arrests, including two counts of Battery, for which he is scheduled to go to court on Monday, June 2, 2008.

Our guess is he'll now be able to make that court appearance.

Man May Die After Surgery
to Remove Knife from Head,
Police Say

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police Arrested Alfredo L. Ramirez, 34, of 1113 21st Avenue West, in Bradenton, after Ramirez allegedly plunged a knife into another man's head.

Alfredo L. Ramirez

According to a BPD arrest report, on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at about 2:00 a.m., Ramirez became involved in a verbal argument with Marco Romero, 22, of the same address.

Ramirez struck the man in the face with his fist and then grabbed a 5-6 inch fixed blade knife and stabbed the man in the head.

When police officers arrived, they found the man outside, slumped over, with the knife imbedded up to the hilt in the man's head.

The man was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where he underwent immediate surgery to remove the knife.

As of 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening, the man was in the Intensive Care Unit on a ventilator. He had no function on his own, police said.

The police report speculated the man may die.

However, on Thursday, May 29, 2008, Major Bill Tokajer, of the Bradenton Police Department, said Ramirez had been taken off "some" of the life support systems and may not die after all.

Two Women Fight; One Stabbed
in Face, Other Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A 43-year-old woman was arrested after she stabbed a 20-year-old woman in the face following an altercation, according to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Tereasa Phillips

The report said on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, both the victim, Jaye Davis, 20, and the suspect, Tereasa Phillips, 43, were involved in a verbal argument at a residence located in the vicinity of 57th Avenue East and 14th Street East.

The resident at the house told Phillips to leave several times, but she would not.

Phillips then became physical and started to swing on Davis.

Phillips grabbed her pocket knife and began stabbing Davis in the face, causing three lacerations; none were life-threatening, the arrest report indicated. One was 2 inches long; another was 1/2 inch long. She also sustained a 1/2 inch laceration on one of her wrists.

Phillips then ran away from the scene.

But, as deputies were arriving, a witness pointed out Phillips and she was taken into custody without incident.

Davis was treated on scene and refused to go to the emergency room for further evaluation.

Phillips, of 1315 56th Avenue Drive East, was charged with Aggravated Battery.

Black Male Arrested for Armed
Robbery of Hispanic Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Montique King, 41, a homeless man, after King allegedly robbed Juan Lopez Pasqual, 45, on Thursday, May 22, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m., in the 900 block of 33rd Avenue West.

Montique King

A sheriff's office arrest report said King approached Pasqual, grabbed him by the throat, put a black gun to his head and demanded money and cocaine.

Pasqual told King he did not have any money or drugs.

King then took the Pasqual's cell phone and told Pasqual to open the trunk of his vehicle. King tried to tear the radio out of the dashboard.

King was not able to remove the radio and fled on a silver bike.

A detective was in the area and spotted King walking behind the Michiana Motel on 14th Street West. When the detective turned around to locate King again, he observed King on the silver bike riding toward Circle K in the 3000 block of 14th Street West.

King was stopped at Circle K and Pasqual positively identified him.

Pasqual's cell phone was located near the crime scene by his daughter.

King was arrested and transported to the jail. He was charged with Armed Robbery and Armed Burglary to a Conveyance.

Detectives Arrest Man, 44, for
Performing Oral Sex on
Little Girl, 8 Years Old

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Investigators have arrested Angel Santana, 44, of 580 6th Avenue West, in Bradenton and charged him with Capital Sexual Battery.

Angel Santana

The arrest report said, according to the now 12-year-old victim, named only as "S. D." Santana intentionally and unlawfully performed oral sex on the victim at the age of 8.

Santana allegedly pushed the victim's panties aside and licked her private part and simulated sex by rubbing his private part on her private part.

The victim told detectives she also performed oral sex on Santana.

Post-Miranda warning, Santana allegedly confessed.

Santana was arrested on Thursday, May 29, 2008, and transported to the county jail for Capital Sexual Battery.

Woman Takes Her Own Life
Following Domestic Dispute

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A woman has taken her own life after arguing with her husband, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at about 4:10 p.m.

Mr. Peter Arvin and his wife Inga Arvin, 31, were having marriage problems and were arguing over that, along with their money problems.

During the argument Mr. Arvin told Mrs. Arvin that he felt they should separate.

At some point, Mrs. Arvin got her husband's handgun and went into the bathroom of their home in the 5000 block of Water Oak Drive, without his knowledge.

Mr. Arvin heard a loud bang and thought she was still mad and slamming doors.

He went into the bathroom to talk to her and found that she had shot herself.

Upon the arrival of deputies, they found that she was deceased.

A NewsManatee source said Mr. Arvin is a probation officer, but we have been unable to confirm that item.

McDonald's Restaurant Robbed
By Female Pedestrian
At Drive-Up Window

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A woman walked up to a drive-up window at the McDonald's restaurant located at 4711 14th Street West and robbed the fast food place, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at about 11:55 p.m., a woman walked up to the drive-through window and demanded money.

The cashier tried to close the window but the woman forced it open, reached into the cash drawer, and removed $153 dollars.

She then fled to a waiting vehicle, possibly a dark blue Pathfinder or a Buick crossover type vehicle.

She was last seen turning westbound on Cortez Road West.

The cashier was not injured.

The lady robber was described as a Black female, in her 30s, 5'07" tall, 230 pounds, and was last seen wearing a dark blue sweatshirt, a red/brown curly wig, a black sun visor and latex gloves.

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.

$32,000, Jewelry, Cameras
Taken in Residential Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary to a residence in the 1700 block of 31st Avenue East on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at about 2:10 a.m.

On that date and time, the victims, Larry Parsons, 38, and Michael Smith, 40, returned home from work and found the front door pried open and someone still inside.

The burglars heard the victims arrive and fled out the back door.

The victims chased the burglars for a short distance before losing sight of them.

When the victims returned to their home they found the safe had been forced open and $32,000 in cash taken. Jewelry, a camcorder, and two cameras were also missing from the home.

The burglars were only described as 3 unknown Hispanic males.

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 1-866-6