Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 8/9/2008

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Local/State News for week ending 8/9/2008

Two Men Sought for Questioning in
Manatee County's 8th 2008 Murder;
Crime Stoppers Reward Offered for
Information Leading to an Arrest

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two men who Bradenton Police say are "persons of interest" in the murder of Byron Lazier at Club RJ's in Bradenton on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, are wanted for questioning.

Above, L to R, Theodore Simmons and Star Stewart

According to the Bradenton Police Department, Officers responded to a shooting at RJ’s bar, located at 720 Martin Luther King Blvd. West at 10:30 p.m.

Officers found Lazier, 25, a Black male, lying in the street nearby on Martin Luther King Blvd.

EMS responded and transported the man to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where he later died at 2:17 a.m. from a single gunshot wound.

According to a NewsManatee source, the shooting incident was allegedly over a spilled drink.

Police want to talk to Theodore Simmons, 23, whose last known address was 1101 10th Avenue West, Bradenton, and Star Eugene Lee Stewart, 22, whose last known address is 3506 14th street West, Bradenton.

There is no warrant for Simmons' arrest, but Stewart is wanted by Sarasota Police, who have active arrest warrants for him for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling, according to Violent Crimes Task Force Detective Bill Waldron.

Lazier's murder is the City of Bradenton's 2nd homicide of 2008; the 8th overall in Manatee County.

Previously, there were 5 homicides in Manatee County in 2008, plus 1 in Bradenton and 1 in Palmetto.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Greg Price at 932-9300 ext. 355, 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.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 dollars for information leading to an arrest in Lazier's murder.

Manatee Detective Arrests Man
for Molesting, Videotaping
Juvenile Girls

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, August 7, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Todd Sellitto, of the Child Protection Investigation Division, arrested Reyes Charles, 39, of 317 Beacon Harbour Loop, in Bradenton.

Reyes Charles

On Thursday, the complainant, Glenn Crowl, who is the victim's father, contacted Law Enforcement.

Recently, his sister died who was married to Reyes Charles until about one year ago, when they were divorced. After she died, her belongings were turned over to the family.

A friend was reviewing videotapes and discovered the following video: Reyes Charles was seen videotaping two young girls in the shower, focusing on the victim's genitals, and a tape of himself touching the victim under her pants, and digitally rubbing the victim's vagina while she was sleeping.

Based on the age of his daughter, the complainant estimates this occurred between 2003 and 2004.

Reyes was arrested at his home at the above location and transported to the Manatee County Jail after admitting that it was him in the video with the girl.

Charles was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, Manufacturing Child Pornography and Video Voyeurism.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Maintenance Man Defrauded
Mobile Home Park out of
$8,000 Dollars

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective has arrested Maurice Rondeau, 39, who lived at and worked for Pescara Lakes Mobile Home Park, 570 57th Avenue West, in Bradenton.

Maurice Rondeau

Detective Jerry Crotty wrote in Rondeau's arrest report that Rondeau was an employee for Pescara Lakes in the capacity of a maintenance man.

Between the dates of April 22, 2008, until he was fired on July 9, 2008, Rondeau charged $4,173 dollars worth of tools on the company's Lowes credit card.

When Pescara Lakes Manager Leonard Schwalbach confronted Rondeau about the charges, Rondeau admitted he was charging the items. Rondeau was then fired.

On July 14, 2008, a criminal investigation was begun and it was determined that Rondeau was unlawfully pawning property owned by Pescara Lakes for his own benefit. The value of the property was determined to be $3,900 dollars.

It was also learned that the property that had been charged by Rondeau on the Pescara Lakes Lowes credit card was also pawned; some on the same day as the purchase.

On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, Detective Crotty arrested Rondeau. Rondeau confessed to the crimes, Det. Crotty wrote.

Rondeau said he did it because he owed $40,000 worth of back child support and also needed money to pay some bills.

Rondeau was charged with Scheme to Defraud.

Woman Stabbed By Other
Woman Early Thursday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, August 7, 2008, at about 7:30 a.m., a woman was stabbed by another woman, who was arrested.

Precious Tunstall

A report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to a stabbing at a residence located in the 700 block of 57th Ave. W., Bradenton.

When deputies arrived, they learned that Tahnir Davis, 29, of the above address, had been stabbed in the back.

Davis and another woman, Precious Tunstall, 22, of Tampa, got into a confrontation which led to Tunstall stabbing Davis.

Bayflight medical chopper was contacted by Manatee County EMS, which landed in the parking lot of the Red Lobster restaurant at 57th Avenue and U.S. 41, Bradenton, according to a NewsManatee reader.

Davis was transported to Bayfront Medical Center with injuries that are notl life-threatening.

Tunstall was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery.

Woman Robbed in Her Car
By Four Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a a woman was robbed in her car by four Black males on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at about 11:00 p.m.

The sheriff's report said the victim, Alzenir Rocha, 54, of the 100 block of 42nd Avenue East, Bradenton, and her daughter, were driving home from Walgreens at 60th Avenue and U.S. 41.

The windows in the car were down and when they reached 5900 5th Street East, they saw four Black males in the road. One of them approached the driver's side and another one approached the passenger side.

The Black male wearing a black shirt and red shorts reached into the passenger side and grabbed a purse off the passenger's lap. He then ran westbound and the other three black males walked away from the area.

Ms. Rocha then drove to the Sheriff's Office District Two substation for a report.

The purse contained cash, a bank card, medication and an ID card.

The victims were in fear, but were not injured.

The area was searched, but no one matching the suspect description was located.

The vehicle was processed for fingerprints.

The Black males were described as being in their 20s, and approximately 6 feet tall.

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.

Sarasota County Officials Make
Attempted Murder Arrest

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Michael L. Green, 17, on two counts of Attempted Murder, one count of Fleeing to Elude, one count of Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge and one count of Resisting Arrest Without Violence.

Michael L. Green

These charges are in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on July 14th, 2008, in the 2900 block of Leonard Reid Avenue in Sarasota. The victim, Eric Duvon Brooks, 44, of Sarasota, was transported at that time to Bayfront Medical Center.

Green called 911 on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, from 1660 Ridley Lane, in North Port, stating that he wished to turn himself in to authorities in reference the July 14th incident.

North Port Police Officers responded to the residence and arrested Green.

Featured on "America's Most Wanted,"
Man, 62, Arrested By CCSO for Sex
with Two Children Last Summer

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit and Fugitive Apprehension Unit developed information that led to the arrest of a convicted sex offender wanted for molesting two girls in Port Charlotte last summer. He was arrested in Jacksonville, Florida, on Tuesday night, August 5, 2008. Albert Dwayne Nichols, 62, of Orlando, had been featured on the Fox Network's "America's Most Wanted" TV show.

Albert Dwayne Nichols

On Sep. 4, 2007, Michigan State Police notified the CCSO that Albert Dwayne Nichols, 62, of Orlando, had molested the sisters ages 8 and 10 who had been visiting their mother from June 15 to Aug. 1 last year. While at the home, Nichols, a friend of their mothers and known as "Uncle Al" to the girls, there were numerous incidents of molesting the girls that occurred while their mother was away. The incidents also occurred at an aunt's home and in Nichols truck.

The mother said she had known Nichols for a couple years while visiting friends who live in Orlando. She said she did not know Nichols was a registered sex offender. Nichols had come to Port Charlotte on several occasions to see her and took advantage of and sexually abused the girls. Last October, CCSO detectives contacted Nichols to come in to talk about the allegations but he refused to give a statement and said he was seeking an attorney. He was advised that a warrant for his arrest would be submitted to the State Attorney's Office for his arrest on three counts of Sexual Battery and two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation.

CCSO Fugitive Apprehension detectives received a good lead this week on where Nichols might be located and notified the Jacksonville Fugitive Apprehension Unit who also serve as U.S. Marshal's. On Tuesday night, they apprehended Nichols without incident. Nichols is expected to be extradited back to Charlotte County at a later date.

Charlotte County Firefighter Busted
for Possession of Child Porn

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Computer Crimes detective arrested a veteran CCFD firefighter Wednesday afternoon, August 6, 2008, and charged him with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

On July 29, detectives were alerted by Tri County Computers that George Brenk Menz, 53, of Punta Gorda, delivered a laptop computer to them for repairs. Technicians said they found child pornography images.

Using a CCSO forensic computer, the laptop belonging to Menz revealed seven images of a prepubescent naked female posed in a sexual position exposing her genital area.

A search warrant was obtained for Menz’s home to look for further child porn on other computers.

Menz said he saved the images to his "My Documents" folder on the laptop.

He was placed under arrest and booked into the Charlotte County Jail based on the laptop images.

Police: Former Teacher
Had Child Porn

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a former special education teacher was arrested in Orlando Wednesday on suspicion of having child porn images on his computer, according to authorities.

Michael Mance II, 50, was booked into the Orange County Jail and faces charges of possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony that carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. Additional charges could also be added at a later date.

Mance, who formerly worked as a special education teacher at Riverside Elementary in Orange County, was arrested after investigators discovered the child pornography during an undercover Internet investigation, WKMG reported.

A search warrant was executed at Mance's Orlando home and his computer was seized, along with additional computer equipment, investigators said.

Mance admitted to knowingly possessing the images identified during the undercover investigation, many of whom appeared to be of children as young as 9 years of age, according to investigators.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Man, 28, Busted for Sex
with Girl Under 18;
Child Resulted

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Pedro Morales Solano, 28, after police determined that Pedro had sex with a girl who was under the age of 18 that resulted in a child.

Pedro Morales Solano

On Monday, August 4, 2008, police received a report from the Florida Dept. of Revenue that had been filled out by a Hispanic female.

The report listed a child of about 2 years of age that listed the woman as being the mother.

Police determined that the woman would have been between the ages of 12 and 18 when she became pregnant.

The father was listed as Pedro Morales Solano who would have been 26 at the time of conception.

The address for both was listed as the same address in the 2900 block of 11th Avenue East.

Police interviewed the mother and saw the child. The woman told police that Pedro Morales Solano was the father.

Then police interviewed Pedro, who told them that he knew it was the wrong thing to have done and that he made a mistake. He admitted to being the father of the infant.

Pedro Morales Solano was arrested on Monday and charged with Capital Sexual Battery on a minor between the ages of 12 and 18.

He was taken to the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $10,000, which he has posted; he has been released pending court proceedings.

Man Arrested for Burglary,
Fleeing, Possession of Crack

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Eugene Lynn Marshall II, 20, of 5830 12th Street East, in Bradenton.

Eugene Lynn Marshall II

Deputies say n Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m., Marshall burglarized a residence in the 1000 block of 59th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

When deputies were dispatched to the location, they saw Marshall walking from the house. He was stopped and questioned as to his involvement.

While interviewing Marshall, deputies noted that he became nervous and kept touching his pockets. When asked why he was on that street, he said he had been visiting his girlfriend on the next street over.

When a deputy attempted to pat Marshall down for a weapon, the deputy found a bottle of bacon pieces with an unknown substance in it that later turned out to be crack cocaine.

At that point, Marshall took off running and a foot pursuit ensued. Deputies lost him for a short time, but a K-9 unit tracked Marshall to his residence.

Marshall was ordered to come out of the residence, but he didn't.

In an attempt to evade deputies, Marshall hid in the attic of the residence and crawled from one side to the other. He then fell through the roof of the adjoining duplex, causing $1000 dollars worth of damage.

Marshall was arrested and charged with Burglary, Possession of Rock Cocaine, Criminal Mischief, Loitering and Prowling and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Deputies Arrest Man for
Punching Man, Denting Car

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Nathaniel Knight III, 20, of 11746 Shirburn Circle, in Parrish.

Nathaniel Knight III

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at about 8:45 p.m., Knight was at the 7-11 convenience store located at 8705 U.S. Highway 301 North, in Parrish when he confronted some men for no apparent reason and became violent with them.

He allegedly punched Joshua Heiser in the face and then kicked a dent in the left front bumper of Deborah Heiser's Toyota.

Joshua had to be taken to the Manatee Memorial Hospital emergency room, due to injuries to his left eye.

Knight denied punching Joshua and kicking the car, but did say he was face to face with Joshua because he did not like the way Joshua looked at him.

Knight was located at about 11:30 p.m. at his house.

He was charged with Battery and Criminal Mischief and transported to the Manatee County Jail. He posted bond and was released.

Woman Robbed Outside Cortez
Plaza Dollar Tree Store

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was robbed on Tuesday, at about 3:30 p.m., outside the Dollar Tree store located at 705 Cortez Road West, in Bradenton.

Amber Evans
(Prior mug shot)

The report said the victim, Mong Nguyen, 36, was walking into the Dollar Tree store in Cortez Plaza.

As Mong started to open the door, a woman grabbed her and attempted to take her wallet. The woman grabbed Mong from behind and attempted to choke her, causing her to drop her wallet.

The female robber then reached down and took some cash out of her wallet, taking about $12.

Mong was not injured from the incident.

Mong observed the woman get into an older model blue Camaro and drive in an unknown direction on 5th Street West.

A witness who observed the incident obtained a tag number.

Deputies say Amber Evans, 24, was the robber.

Amber Evans had not yet been arrested as of the writing of this report, but when she is she will be charged with Strong Arm Robbery.

Woman Has Purse Snatched
on 1st Street, in Bradenton

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman had her purse snatched by a lone Black male on a bicycle. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at about 7:15 p.m.

The victim, Maria Pestana, was walking north through the parking lot at 3541 1st Street, Bradenton, when she was approached from behind by the Black male.

He grabbed her purse and a Marshalls bag from her. He dropped the Marshal's bag and absconded on his bicycle.

There was only $10 in the purse as well as some personal items.

The victim sustained no injuries.

The robber was only further described as wearing a T-shirt and black pants.

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

Thieves Steal $9,000 Dollars
Worth of Diesel Fuel

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported thieves stole 1900 gallons of diesel fuel sometime overnight between Tuesday, August 5, 2008, and Wednesday, August 6, 2008. The location of the theft was at 42800 State Road 62, in Duette, Florida.

A sheriff's office report said some time between 8:00 p.m. on 08/05/08 and 8:00 a.m. on 08/06/08, unknown person(s) cut the lock that secured the west gate leading into the Venus II grove, operated by Florida Land Management.

Once gaining entry, the person(s) then drove a dual-wheeled vehicle into the grove to a 1,000 gallon fuel tank that contained approximately 1,000 gallons of red off-road diesel fuel. The person(s) siphoned approximately 975 gallons of fuel from the tank into an unknown type of container or containers.

They then drove to two other fuel tanks within the grove and repeated the process, taking approximately another 925 gallons of off-road diesel fuel, for a total of approximately 1900 gallons.

The stolen diesel fuel was valued at approximately $9,000.00 dollars.

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.

Deputy Kevin Vreeland Named
Deputy of the Month for July

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Vreeland has been named Deputy of the Month for July 2008.

Recently, the Heather Hills community was experiencing a trend of occupied burglaries with the suspect targeting elderly residents as they slept.

The suspect had been able to break into the homes undetected, without leaving any physical evidence.

During the early morning hours on a recent day, the suspect struck again and Deputy Kevin Vreeland responded to the scene.

Vreeland was able to locate and process the first AFIS-quality prints in this trend of burglaries, and the Fingerprint Unit was able to get a positive identification of the suspect.

Within a couple of hours, a warrant was obtained and the suspect was arrested by the end of the day.

Deputy Vreeland realized the importance of apprehending this criminal before someone got hurt and he showed determination to get the job done, for which he is awarded Deputy of the Month for July 2008.

Sheriff Brad Steube extended his congratulations to Deputy Vreeland.

Woman Struck, Killed By Vehicle
Under Dark, Rainy Conditions

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred Tuesday night, August 5, 2008, at 9:50 p.m. near the intersection of Bahia Vista Street and Charlotte Avenue.

A VW convertible was traveling east on Bahia Vista St. operated by Michelle Ambrosio, 58, of Sarasota. The pedestrian, Lynn Thibodeau, 32, of Sarasota, was attempting to cross Bahia Vista St. mid-block.

Due to rain and darkness Ambrosio did not see the pedestrian and struck her in the street.

Thibodeau could not be Bayflighted due to bad weather so she was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead Wednesday morning.

Ambrosio was not injured.

No charges have been filed at this time.

The SPD Traffic Unit and the Medical Examiner’s Office are continuing the investigation.

Police: Teen Stabs Dad
Over Haircut

DELTONA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A teenager is accused of stabbing his father with a miniature sword because he was upset his father wanted to give him a haircut, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

According to a sheriff's office report, the 15-year-old Deltona boy told deputies he gave his father more than one warning to stay away Monday afternoon.

The teen was charged with aggravated battery causing bodily harm. He was taken to a juvenile detention center.

Meanwhile, the father was taken to a hospital where he was treated for the wound on his hand.

Deputies said the teen had said he was afraid his father was going to hit him and threw a bag of seashells at him before stabbing him, WKMG said.

Gov. Crist, State Officials Hold
Homeland Security Exercise

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, Governor Charlie Crist Florida’s Cabinet officers, state agency heads, law enforcement and emergency management officials to conduct the sixth annual homeland security "tabletop" exercise at the State Emergency Operations Center. The exercise is an annual drill where the Governor and top state officials respond to mock domestic security threats.

"The time spent together with our team will be invaluable to Floridians should a terrorist, or pandemic event occur," said Governor Crist. "Our 'all-hazards' approach to emergency planning and training helps to ensure that the State Team is ready to respond to all potential threats, from natural events to man-made."

The scenario of the 2008 training exercise involved a pandemic influenza event that was focused largely on the issues of Continuity of Government and Operations. The primary objective of the exercise is to give the state’s top executives and staff an opportunity to engage in policy-level discussions with federal and local officials to test information sharing and to learn the best way to coordinate their response plans and recovery roles with partner agencies.

Representatives from the Centers of Disease Control, Florida National Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency also participated in the half-day drill. Division of Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate noted the importance of the day’s training, and the responsibility for individual preparedness by all Floridians.

"Florida’s leadership has come together in training to learn how to best meet the needs of our residents," said Fugate. "It is equally important that all Floridians take the time now, before disaster strikes, to get a plan."

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Jail Inmate Who Committed
Suicide Previously Arrested
for Incest with Daughter;
Two Children Created

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, August 5, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives investigated an apparent suicide at the Manatee County Jail.

Michael Mills, deceased

The man was identified as Michael Mills, 46.

Corrections deputies discovered the inmate hanging from an air conditioning vent Monday night at approximately 10:50 p.m.

Mills was alive in his cell when a head count was conducted at 10:15 p.m., a sheriff's office media release said.

According to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, Mills created a makeshift rope by using a sheet and socks.

Mills was arrested earlier this year and charged with 14 counts of Incest.

The original arrest report said in 2006 Mills knowingly had sexual intercourse with his daughter. As of February 14, 2008, when Mills was arrested, they had been living together as husband and wife for the past six years.

The sexual activity produced two female children, ages 2 and 6.

The unnamed victim daughter told detectives she began living with her father when she was 16 years old and began having sex when she was 17 years old.

The arrest report said Mills had admitted to having sexual intercourse with her daughter, which produced the two children.

The pair had been living in the 600 block of 67th Street Circle East at the time of Mills' arrest in February.

The children are in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Bradenton Beach Police Dept.:
Man Shoots Himself to Death
at Coquina Beach Tuesday

BRADENTON BEACH, Florida [NMT/The Islander] -- A Sarasota man apparently committed suicide at Coquina Beach around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5th, moments after stepping off the trolley from Longboat Key.

Above, the man lies dead under a sheet
(Photo courtesy The Islander)

The man's name was Bridewell F. Tobin. He was 79 years old. "He had previous medical issues," Bradenton Beach Police Sgt. Leonard Diaz told NewsManatee on Tuesday. It is not known with certainty if the medical issues were the cause of the suicide, Sgt. Diaz said.

Sgt. Diaz also said Tobin had suicide notes with him for family members and law enforcement.

A witness to the incident said the man apparently shot himself with a small caliber handgun.

Nearby lifeguards on duty at the beach immediately began life-saving measures on the man and emergency medical staff arrived moments later to assist in the effort, but to no avail.

A man working nearby on the beach picking up lawn chairs said moments after the trolley had dropped off passengers that morning he heard a single shot.

"I looked over and saw the man on the ground and lifeguards running to him. I didn’t see anyone running away," the man said.

Rescue workers spent about 15 minutes with the man and applied a defibrillator in an effort to restart his heart and breathing, but without success.

"They really tried to save him," the beach worker said.

[Ed. Note: The article above was written by Rick Catlin, reporter for the Anna Maria Islander newspaper, and NewsManatee. The Islander is a news partner of NewsManatee's and we frequently share report.]

Manatee Detective Arrests
Man, 28, for Sex Acts with
Girlfriend's Daughter, 9

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Office Detective Jeffrey Bliss has arrested Travis S. Bresnahan, 28, of the 200 block of 52nd Avenue Place East, Bradenton, and charged him with three counts of Capital Sexual Battery.

Travis S. Bresnahan

Bresnahan's arrest report said he is the boyfriend of the unnamed victim's unnamed mother.

The little girl told a friend that Bresnahan had touched her private part in an inappropriate manner and made her give him oral sex.

Law enforcement was contacted.

The little girl told a detective that Bresnahan had touched her inside her underwear on the couch while they were watching TV.

On Monday, August 4, 2008, Bresnahan went to detectives' offices at the sheriff's office voluntarily and said he wanted to clear his name.

Initially, he told Detective Bliss that he hadn't touched the girl and "that was sick."

But, as the interview continued, Bresnahan confessed that he did touch the victim's vagina over her clothes 2-3 times and that he made her give him oral sex on three separate occasions. He said the incidents started a few months ago.

At that point, Bresnahan was arrested and charged with the three counts of Capital Sexual Battery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on $75,000 bond; $25,000 for each count.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Stabbing Another Man
with a Broken Beer Bottle

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Ruben Castro-Perez, 22, of 1715 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Ruben Castro-Perez

The arrest report said on Saturday, August 2, 2008, at about 6:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the above address in reference to a disturbance.

Upon arrival, he made contact with the unnamed victim, who said he was involved in a physical altercation with Castro-Perez and during the altercation Castro-Perez stabbed the victim with a broken beer bottle.

The officer observed a fresh laceration on the victim's stomach where said he was stabbed.

The officer spoke with Castro-Perez, via a translator. Castro-Perez admitted to being in an altercation with the victim, but said he didn't stab him.

Castro-Perez was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery.

Man Attacked While Walking Dog;
Gold Jewelry Stolen

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a 22-year-old man was attacked and beaten by 3 or 4 men while he was walking his dog. The men stole gold jewelry the man was wearing.

A sheriff's office report said on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at approximately 1:45 a.m., Jermaine Lyle was walking his dog east on 59th Avenue Terrace West in about the 200 block.

Lyle was attacked by 3 or 4 unknown males, who struck him in the back of the head and didn't say anything to him.

Lyle was knocked to the ground and the robbers continued to beat him about the head and face, with what Lyle thinks were fists.

The robbers took Lyle's gold earrings, gold chain and a gold bracelet, then fled in an unknown direction on foot.

Lyle went to Manatee Memorial Hospital where the Bradenton Police Dept. contacted the Manatee County Sheriff's Office for the report.

Lyle suffered a swollen right eye and a cut just beside it. He was treated and released.

A BOLO was put out for the robbers, but they were not located.

The robbers 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.

Pedestrian Struck, Robbed
By Three Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was struck and injured, then robbed as he was walking along a Manatee County roadway.

On Monday, August 4, 2008, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Michael R. Torres, 33, of the 1200 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton, was walking west on 27th Avenue West when he was approached by 3 unknown Black males at the 1100 block.

One of the men asked for his money. Torres stated he didn't have any, so one of the Black males swung an unknown type weapon at him. Torres put his hands up to block it and was cut by whatever the object was. The strike caused approximately an 8-inch long gash in his left forearm and about 3 inches wide.

Torres gave up his wallet which contained only his ID and Social Security card, but no money.

The suspects fled east from the location.

Torres then walked to the Dolphin lounge and called 911.

Upon arrival of deputies, a BOLO was put out for the suspects.

EMS responded and transported Torres to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was treated with an unknown number of stitches and was expected to be released.

One of the Black males was described as 5'10" tall, about 140 pounds, with big ears and bald. The second Black male was 5'00" tall, about 140 pounds. No clothing description was available. Torres said he didn't get a good look at the 3rd Black male.

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.

Sarasota Police Department:
Missing Endangered Woman
Found; Man With Her Arrested

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department has located a woman who had gone missing from Renaissance Manor, in Sarasota, a hospice that offers housing programs specializing In substance abuse & mental health issues. With her was a man who had taken her out of state; he was arrested.

Michael Lee Strief

A press release from SPD said on July 15, 2008, Tiara Rose Rumer, age not given, was reported missing from Renaissance Manor in the City of Sarasota. Miss Rumer is a ward of the State of Florida and fell under the guidelines as a Missing Endangered Adult. It was learned that Rumer had left the residential facility in the company of her ex-husband, Michael Lee Strief, 46. Rumer and Strief had been briefly married before the State of Florida dissolved their marriage; Strief was banned from being on the property of the Renaissance Manor.

Patrol Officer responded to the initial call for service and searched the area but were unable to locate the couple. Patrol Officers notified dispatch and an attempt to locate BOLO was put out for the couple. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division were assigned to follow up on the case.

The pair was tracked from the City of Sarasota to the area of Atlanta, Georgia. It was learned from family members that the couple was planning on fleeing to Tennessee to avoid detection and attempt to start a life in that area away from Florida.

Then, on August 4, 2008, it was learned that the couple had run out of money and had returned to Sarasota to withdraw funds from Srief's bank to finance their departure from the area.

Acting on information received from concerned citizens who knew both Strief and Rumer, detectives with the Sarasota Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division located and arrested Michael Strief in the parking lot of McDonald's, located at 3511 Fruitville Rd., at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Strief was wanted for warrants issued when he failure to appear for court stemming from his arrest on multiple felony charges during a previous encounter with law enforcement.

Upon his arrest, Strief disclosed that Rumer was hiding at a bus stop on the east side of the K-Mart at 501 N. Beneva. Miss Rumer was located and returned to her residence.

Both Rumer and Strief were found to be in good health and were taken into custody without incident.

Sarasota Residents Warned:
Fraudulent Water Testing Calls

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Someone is trying to convince Sarasota County Utilities customers that they are required to test their drinking water twice a year, and for $50 each time, they’ll be happy to perform the service. The problem: it isn’t true, and the phone calls are fraudulent.

According to Sarasota County Utilities’ Mike Misoff, residents began reporting calls last Friday, Aug. 1. A caller portraying herself as working for Sarasota County contacted at least one woman asking to come to her home to test the water. The caller even offered to send a female technician.

"Sarasota County does not require testing of individual homes, nor do we ask to come in to your home," said Misoff, who added that some residents are being approached with door-to-door visits. "Sarasota County does not charge customers to test their water. It is tested daily at the water plants and throughout the water distribution system."

Sarasota County Utilities also conducts required monthly bacteriological sampling at more than 120 sites throughout the water distribution system

Misoff said that residents who receive a call from anyone identifying themselves as Sarasota County Utilities employees should contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 to verify the caller’s identity.

Mom Arrested on Drug Charges;
Had Two Toddlers Near Drugs

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives, assisted by K-9 and Traffic units, served a search warrant at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2008, and arrested the mother of two toddlers on Methamphetamine drug charges and for having the drugs within easy access to the children.

Corie Leigh Ottinger

When detectives arrived they found Corie Leigh Ottinger, 30, boyfriend Patrick C. Burke, 29, and two children ages 3 and 22 months old inside the home at 2321 Ednor St., Port Charlotte.

A search of the home found 10 plastic baggies, remnants of a marijuana cigarette, a plastic container with marijuana, rolling papers, a digital scale, glass pipe, two spoons, and two ball-point pens with insides removed, and a blue tube. Most of the items tested positive for Methamphetamine residue.

Narcotics detectives said the two small children were large enough to have found the methamphetamine packages and any of the drug paraphernalia where they were located and gave easy access for the toddlers to get to.

Ottinger was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance in Presence of Minors. She was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and booked on these charges.

The children were turned over to her boyfriend Burke and DCF was notified. This is Ottinger’s fifth arrest with 14 records including previous drug charges and thefts.

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

Man Shot, Tied Up During
Armed Home Invasion

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A homeowner was shot and tied up by invaders who forced their way inside his residence during an early morning robbery, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Police said officers responded to 2433 Barley Club Drive in the Hawthorne Village apartments at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and found the victim injured.

The man said two Black males with Haitian accents forced their way inside his home and a fight ensued.

The victim told police that he may have stabbed one of the home invaders during the fight inside the apartment.

He said he heard six gunshots outside of his home after the men fled on foot.

Witnesses said both men had black sweatshirts and one was armed with a semi-automatic handgun

A search continues for the men, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bradenton Police Officer
Fatally Shoots Man, 24;
Man Charged with Knife

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to Deputy Police Chief J.J. Lewis, the Bradenton Police Department, in conjunction with the State Attorney’s Office of the 12th Judicial Circuit, is conducting an investigation of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, August 4, 2008, at 1:41 p.m.

Officers responded to a call at 1711 12th Avenue West Bradenton, Florida.

As officers approached the rear apartment they were confronted by the resident, Matthew B. Schoenwald, age 24, who was wielding a large knife and charged the Officers.

As a result, Master Patrol Officer Leo Donnelly shot Mr. Schoenwald who later died at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Master Patrol Officer Donnelly was not injured.

According to a NewsManatee source, the residents of the home in front of the address had called police because Shoenwald, who was in a house in the rear of the main building, had allegedly threatened them with a knife.

Schoenwald reportedly had a history of mental illness; it is unknown if he was taking medications.

Master Patrol Officer Donnelly has been employed with the Bradenton Police Department since 1995. This is his first officer-involved shooting incident. His current responsibilities are that of a Field Training Officer and Patrol Officer while assigned to Patrol Operations District II.

Master Patrol Officer Donnelly is currently on routine administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and details will be made public at the conclusion of the investigation.

Lowe's Employee Arrested
for Theft of Over $4 Grand
from Employer

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, an employee of a Lowe's Home Improvement store, located at 4012 14th Street West, in Bradenton, stole more than $4,000 dollars from the store.

Eileen C. Reed

The report said Eileen C. Reed, 36, of 3516 39th Street East, in Bradenton, worked at the Customer Service desk at the store.

She and a friend concocted a plan wherein Eileen would check through transactions on the computer and pick one and note the information.

Then she would give the information to the friend and instruct the friend to come into the store and go to the Customer Service desk, at which time Eileen would complete a refund for the friend and give the friend cash.

They would later split the proceeds.

The thefts occurred between April 1, 2008 and August 1, 2008, the report said.

Eileen admitted she knew it was illegal, but needed the money for medical bills, she told deputies.

A Loss Prevention person at Lowe's said the total amount of cash that was stolen was $4,225 dollars. However, he said he would continue his investigation and notify the sheriff's office if he discovers any further illegal transactions.

Eileen was arrested and charged with Grand Theft.

Hispanic Man Arrested
for Child Abuse, Domestic
Battery, No Driver's License

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Hilario Rubio, 30, of the 300 block of 60th Avenue Terrace West, in Bradenton, after Rubio, while drunk, allegedly spanked a female toddler, 9 months old.

Hilario Rubio

The arrest report said Rubio and a woman are live-in girlfriend and boyfriend. The child also lives with them; she is the girlfriend's child.

On Saturday, August 2, 2008, shortly before 6:00 p.m., Rubio returned to the house drunk.

He grabbed the little girl's forearm, pulling on her. He started yelling at her and was about to hit her when the little girl ran to the back yard.

Rubio followed her, picked her up and took her to the bathroom, locking himself inside.

He then began spanking the little girl on her buttocks and back. He would not let his girlfriend in the bathroom to get the little girl out of it.

Rubio continued to spank the little girl as the girlfriend called 911. Then Rubio fled the scene in an older Dodge van.

A deputy arrived on scene and observed Rubio driving the van in which he had fled and the deputy stopped the van.

The deputy and a sheriff's sergeant observed red marks on the little girl's buttocks, back and the top of the back of her legs. They appeared to be hand prints and were red in color.

Rubio denied being at the location and denied seeing or touching the little girl.

Rubio was arrested and charged with Child Abuse and Domestic Battery. He was also charged with Having No Driver's License; none was ever issued, the report said.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Armed Robbery; Slightly
Injured Man

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Antonio Amador, 40, of 1216 12th Street West, Bradenton, for robbing a woman of cash at knifepoint.

Antonio Amador

The arrest report said on Sunday, August 3, 2008, at about 4:45 p.m., Amador took cash from Carol Berger, at the above address, while threatening Ms. Berger with a knife.

A bystander, Rafael Tamayo, attempted to disarm Amador, but Amador twisted loose of Tamayo's grasp and began threatening Tamayo with the knife.

Tamayo then ran outside with Amador chasing him for a short distance.

Amador then went back inside and cornered Ms. Berger, holding the knife to her throat.

A Bradenton Police Officer responded to the location and positioned himself out of sight at the front door. When Amador walked outside, the officer took Amador into custody and handcuffed him.

Tamayo was lightly struck by the knife and received minor lacerations to his left hand.

Amador was charged with Armed Robbery with a Deadly Weapon and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

Deputy Catches Man in
Act of Stealing Copper

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy caught James Kevin Nipper in the act of stealing copper tubing on Saturday, August 2, 2008, at about 11:45 p.m.

James Kevin Nipper

A sheriff's office arrest report said the deputy was dispatched to 314 44th Avenue East reference an alarm that was activated in the reporting party's yard that houses A/C units and refrigerators. The deputy wrote that the business had been burglarized before.

When the deputy arrived, he checked the yard, but found nobody. He continued around the east side of the property, following a fence line and discovered Nipper standing just outside the fence area with black socks covering his hands and several pieces of copper tubing laying on the ground at his fee.

Nipper admitted moving a loose section of fence to one side, walking in and then taking the copper from a storage bin.

Nipper was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Structure.

Possible Attempted Abduction of
Two Youths Reported on Sunday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An incident that was reported by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office as "suspicious circumstances" could possibly be an attempted abduction of two juveniles.

The victims, ages 9 and 12, were walking on 63rd Avenue West in the 1200 block when a pickup truck pulled up and stopped in the roadway.

A man said, "Come here," and the victims replied, "No."

The man then motioned for them to get into the bed of the truck, at which time they ran away.

The pickup truck then drove east on 63rd Avenue.

A deputy responded for the report and checked the area.

A BOLO was given out on the incident with the vehicle description.

The gender of the two youths was not given in the report.

The man was only described as a short Hispanic male. He was driving a newer 4-door white pickup wit brown seats.

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.

Cell Phone Stolen from
Ice Cream Vendor

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, August 3, 2008, at about 4:20 p.m., a cell phone was stolen from an ice cream vendor by two Black male juveniles, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said the victim, Francisco Itzep, 37, of Bradenton, was riding his ice cream cart in the 3400 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton, when the two teenagers approached him yelling ice cream.

Itzep got off of the cart and one of the teens stepped in front of him as the second teen reached into his pocket and took his cell phone.

The teenage robbers then fled east behind Miller's Dutch Kitchen.

The area was searched, but due to a 20-minute delay in reporting the incident no suspects could be located.

The victim did not receive any injuries.

The teenage robbers were described as 2 Black males, 15-17 years old, medium length dreadlock style hair, 5'07"-5'09", skinny, wearing dark clothing, and riding 10-speed type bicycles.

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.

1500 Gallons of Diesel Fuel
Stolen from Construction Site

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the theft of diesel fuel from a construction site being operated by West Construction, of Sarasota.

During the time frame of Friday, August 1, 2008, at 4 p.m., until Monday, August 4, 2008, at about 7 a.m., 1500 gallons of diesel fuel were taken from three 500 gallon tanks at a construction site located in the 7500 block of State Road 70 East.

There are two entrances to the site, with the front locked and chained, but the rear access is not secured.

The pumps at the storage tanks had locks on them but the perpetrator(s) gained access via a drain cap and used their own pump.

The construction site has three surveillance cameras mounted and once the information can be retrieved, the owners will contact the sheriff's office and provide a copy.

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.

Multiple Vehicle Burglaries
in West Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported burglaries to 4 vehicles at Schooner Bend Apartments, in the 2000 block of 46th Avenue West on Sunday, August 3, 2008, between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Deputies responded to Schooner Bend Apartments in reference to (4) vehicle burglaries.

Entry was made by breaking the vehicles' rear vent window.

Multiple items were taken such as a bank card, GPS, cell phone and loose change.

There was no suspect description.

Crime scene technicians responded and obtained multiple prints.

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.

Empty ATM Machine Stolen
from Sarasota Location

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT} -- The Sarasota Police Department reported an ATM machine was stolen from Lox 'n Egg Bread Company, 4065 Tamiami Trail, sometime between 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2008, and 4:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2008.

According to the incident report, the culprit(s) kicked in a window, attached a tow rope to the machine and pulled it out of the facility, then loaded it onto a truck and fled the scene.

The kicker is, the machine has not been used in some time, according to an employee, and did not contain any cash.

The ATM machine is valued at $10,000 dollars. The company hopes to get it back.

Crime scene technicians processed the scene for latent fingerprints and collected shoe mark samples.

Punta Gorda Police
Nab Vehicle Burglars

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- Around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2008, the Punta Gorda Police Department was notified of a burglary in progress at Palm Mitsubishi, 1950 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Witnesses reported two men stealing a radio from a 2007 Dodge Charger located on the car lot. The witnesses provided a description of the vehicle driven by the suspects, a 2002 Kia Sportage.

Above, L to R, Alec M. Geisler and Michael R. Nottingham

Officers located and stopped the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Cooper and Grant Streets. The vehicle was occupied by 18-year-old Alec M. Geisler of 17533 Megra Court, Punta Gorda; 18-year-old Michael R. Nottingham of 25380 Dundee Road, Punta Gorda; and a 17-year-old female.

The suspects initially denied involvement in the vehicle burglary but were subsequently identified by witnesses as being the individuals responsible for the crime. Upon being interviewed by detectives, Mr. Geisler and Mr. Nottingham provided a statement in which they admitted Mr. Geisler entered the vehicle and forcibly removed the dashboard and the radio. He then handed the stolen radio to Mr. Nottingham, at which point they realized they had been seen by the witnesses and became scared. They left the radio in the vehicle and fled the scene and were then stopped by officers.

Coordination with the manager of Palm Mitsubishi determined the damage to the vehicle caused by Mr. Geisler and Mr. Nottingham to be approximately $1,000.00. The stereo was valued at $4,000.00.

Mr. Geisler and Mr. Nottingham were arrested and transported to the Charlotte County Jail where they were charged with Burglary, Grand Theft, and Vandalism.

The 17-year-old female was not arrested as it was determined she had no prior knowledge of the planned burglary and discouraged Mr. Geisler and Mr. Nottingham from committing the crime once she was aware the crime was in progress.

CCSO: Man Found Dead
in Homeless Camp

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives with the Major Crimes Unit are investigating the death Sunday of Roy Garfield Carter, 53, a homeless man, found dead in a homeless camp off Edgewater Dr. and Willow St. in Charlotte Harbor.

Carter, known as “One Eyed Roy” was found dead near his tent by others in the camp and the CCSO received a 9-1-1 call at 1:01 p.m.

His body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s office in Port Charlotte for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Police: Man Found Standing
Over Body

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Central Florida man was taken into custody after police found him standing over the body of a woman believed to be his girlfriend, Orlando television WKMG reported.

Officers responded to shots fired early Monday at Maley Street in Daytona Beach, near the intersection of Nova Road and International Speedway Boulevard.

Craig Flynt was immediately arrested after he was found with a gun still in his hand and standing over the victim, police said

The woman was not identified, but neighbors said they know the victim.

"She was a hard working woman," neighbor Teri Swinson said. "I know she had kids. She was very friendly to everybody. I can't believe she was shot down like that."

A motive for the shooting was not known.

Police said the shooting is the sixth homicide of the year for Daytona Beach, WKMG reported.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Arrests Two on Drug Charges
After Search Warrant; Seize
Over $18K in Cash, Drugs

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, August 1, 2008, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Tactical Unit executed a search warrant at 3513 15th St. East.

Above, L to R, Robert McCulligh and Eugene Betancourt

The SWAT team was utilized to make entry into the residence.

Six individuals, 3 of whom were juveniles, were located in the backyard of the residence. All 3 adult subjects were secured without incident.

After the search warrant was read, the detectives began their search.

Detectives found a sizable quantity of prescription narcotics (964 total pills) in the trunk of a white Oldsmobile parked in the back yard of the residence. The pills consisted of a combination of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone in various milligram doses. Also found in the vehicle's trunk were 168 grams of marijuana (6 ounces).

Robert McCulligh, 41, was on scene during the service of the search warrant. Detectives retrieved currency in the amount of $8,036 dollars from his pants pockets. In the same pockets, one lone Oxycodone pill and 2.1 grams of marijuana were found.

McCulligh was arrested for 3 outstanding warrants for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 2 warrants for Sale of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana. The currency was seized pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.

A second male, Eugene Betancourt, 47, was arrested after detectives found an Altoids tin that he had discarded as the SWAT team approached the house. Inside the tin were several prescription pills, 1.5 grams of cocaine and 4.2 grams of marijuana.

Eugene Betancourt was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts), Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana

The total of seizures was: US currency in the amount of $8,036.00, schedule 2 prescription narcotics (964 pills) valued at $9,250.00, marijuana (168.7 grams) valued at $900.00, and powder cocaine (1.5 grams) valued at $60.00.

The two men have made bail and were released from the Manatee County Jail.

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy
Arrests Woman, 32, for Battering
a Woman Over 65 Years of Age

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, July 31, 2008, a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Nidia Cruz, 32, of 3207 115th Street Court West, in West Manatee County.

Nidia Cruz

According to the arrest report, on that date, at about 8:40 p.m., Cruz, her live-in boyfriend and the victim, Diana Miller, 65, were sitting outside of 3720 115th Street West drinking beer.

While discussing home health care, Nidia became very upset and engaged in a verbal altercation with Ms. Miller.

The altercation turned physical when Nidia picked up a full can of beer and threw the can at Ms. Miller, causing bodily injury to Ms. Miller's forehead.

The deputy observed a fresh bump on the left side of Ms. Miller's forehead that began to swell.

Nidia, still upset and yelling, tried to approach Ms. Miller, but was pushed back by her boyfriend.

Ms. Miller declined EMS treatment.

Nidia Cruz was arrested and charged with Battery on a Person Over 65.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $2,500 dollars.

According to Manatee County court records, Cruz was arrested in 2007 for Interference with Child Custody and Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement. She pled no contest and was placed on probation for two years.

Woman Stabs Boyfriend in Belly;
Woman Later Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office responded to a stabbing in the 400 block of 20th Street West, in Palmetto, on Friday, August 1, 2008, at about 5:30 p.m.

Diana Pace

According to a report from the sheriff's office, Ronald Jackson, 52, called the Palmetto Police Department from 515 17th Street West and advised them he had been stabbed.

Upon the arrival of PPD Officers, they found Jackson with a stab wound in his upper abdomen and a cut on his hand. EMS responded and a Bayflight medical chopper was called.

Palmetto then responded a unit to the crime scene and discovered it was in Manatee County's jurisdiction and notified the sheriff's office.

The victim told deputies his girlfriend, Diana Pace, 39, had stabbed him in the stomach with a small paring knife.

A phone call was later made to Bayfront Medical Center and it was learned that Jackson's injuries did not appear to be life-threatening and he was in stable condition.

Pace was arrested, charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Aggravated Domestic Battery, and transported to the Manatee County jail.

Police: Man Strikes Other Man
with Gun, Breaks Cell Phone

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Rene Martinez, 35, of 2110 45th Avenue West, in Bradenton, for hitting another man with a gun and breaking the man's cell phone.

Rene Martinez

An arrest report from the Bradenton Police Department said on Thursday, July 31, 2008, Martinez went to the place of work of the unnamed victim, located at 1400 9th Street West, in Bradenton.

Martinez then intentionally threatened the victim by pointing a silver handgun at the victim's head, the report said.

Then Martinez used the butt end of the gun and struck the victim in the head.

The victim attempted to call 911 with his cell phone, but Martinez grabbed the cell phone and broke it.

Martinez was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault and Criminal Mischief.

Sex Offender Re-Arrested for
Failure To Update FL ID Card

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Unit has arrested Noe DeJesus-Lopez, 30, for a second time; he failed to update his Florida ID card twice.

Noe DeJesus-Lopez

Lopez was arrested on July 15, 2008, for Failing to Notify DHSMV within 48 hours of a change of address after he was stopped for a traffic violation in the 300 block of 16th Street East.

The deputy who stopped him learned during the stop that he had been living in Manatee County for at least two months, but he had never updated his Florida ID card to reflect the new address.

Lopez bonded out of jail, but still never updated his Florida ID card.

Dep. Kim Zink, of the Sex Offender Unit, obtained a warrant for Failing to Notify DHSMV within 48 hours and he was re-arrested on Tuesday, July 29, 2008.

Small Dog Chases Burglar
Who Broke Into Sleeping
Woman's Mobile Home

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- It's an alarming crime trend: burglars breaking into unlocked occupied mobile homes at night while the victims sleep.

Such was the case Sunday morning, August 3, 2008, at about 3:15 a.m. when a burglar broke into a mobile home in Ellenton at the Shadow Brook Mobile Home Park, in the 6700 block of 36th Avenue East. The victim was Carole Lawrence, 56 years old.

The burglar entered Ms. Lawrence's home while she was sleeping.

Her small dog began barking and woke her. Ms. Lawrence followed the dog to the door and saw the burglar closing her porch door. She yelled at the burglar, who then fled.

The small dog gave chase, but returned a short time later.

Ms. Lawrence did not call 911 until she discovered her purse missing approximately one hour later.

K-9 responded and searched the area, but was not able to locate anyone.

The burglar was only described as a person in black clothing, approximately 5'07" tall and weighing about 140 pounds. The race and gender of the person could not be determined by Ms. Lawrence.

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

Hispanic Man Lured from Bar
By Two Hispanic Women
Into Ambush By 3-4
Hispanic Men

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office was called to the scene of an armed robbery shortly after midnight on Sunday, August 3, 2008.

The victim, Roberto Vasquez, 20, and a friend were at the Tejano Nights Bar, located in the 6500 block of Spencer Parrish Road, in Parrish, where they met two women.

The women invited the victim and his friend to leave the bar with them for "a good time."

Roberto rode as a passenger with woman #2 in her black, late '90s Honda two-door. Roberto's friend followed in his white Ford Explorer with woman #1 as a passenger.

The black car led them to 65th Street just off Spencer Parrish Road, where they stopped. Woman #2 exited her car and walked back to the Explorer. Woman #1 then put the Explorer in park and took the keys.

Roberto started getting out of the black Honda when he was jumped by three to four unknown Hispanic males, two of whom were armed with bats.

Roberto was beaten by the Hispanic men who took his wallet containing approximately $1800.00.

Roberto's friend, who was following in the Explorer with the other woman, ran from the scene, leaving Roberto and the vehicle behind.

Roberto managed to get away from the robbers and ran through a nearby orange grove. Roberto and his friend ran back to Tejano Nights Bar where they called the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The Ford Explorer was found back at the scene on Spencer Parrish Road but due to the nearly one hour time lapse in calling the sheriff's office, the robbers were not located.

Roberto and his friend said they did not know the women and have never seen them at the bar before, even though they attend the bar about twice a month.

The Hispanic women and the men who robbed Roberto were described as: Woman #1- A Hispanic female in her 20s, 5'2" tall, blonde, heavy-set, last seen wearing black shorts and a white shirt; woman #2 - a Hispanic female in her 20s, 5'0" tall, thin build, blonde, last seen wearing a tan shirt and tan shorts; the men were Hispanic males in their 20s, last seen wearing black shirts and shorts.

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

Man Shot During Armed Home
Invasion Robbery Saturday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man was shot and wounded during an armed home invasion robbery on Saturday, August 2, 2008, at about 8 a.m., according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Felix Jorge and Audiaz Escobar were sleeping in their shared bedroom when two Black males wearing all black clothing entered and demanded money. One of the suspects brandished a handgun.

Jorge gave them $40 in cash that he had. The suspect with the handgun used the weapon to strike Jorge in the head.

As the robbers were attempting to leave the residence, both Jorge and Escobar went after the two men.

The robbers stopped just short of the front door and again confronted Jorge and Escobar. The man with the handgun pointed it at Jorge. Escobar struck the man's hand forcing it downward. Upon doing so, the man shot and struck Jorge in the right foot.

The robbers then fled out of the residence and North on 5th Street East.

Escobar left the residence and called 911.

Crystal Duncan was asleep in another bedroom and told deputies that after hearing the gunshot she came out and found Jorge bleeding.

Jorge was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital with the gunshot wound, as well as injuries to his head.

A spent round was located by deputies lying on the floor just inside of the front door.

There was no forced entry and the occupants told deputies that the front door was locked but it is easy to pry the door open.

A neighborhood canvass was conducted, resulting in negative leads.

There was a language barrier therefore it was difficult to obtain much information from Jorge and Escobar.

There was no further description of the robbers.

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 Woman Critical
Following Friday Crash

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a Bradenton woman was in critical condition following a single-vehicle crash on Friday, August 1, 2008, at about 10:42 a.m.

An FHP report said a vehicle being driven by Zachary McMinds, 20, of Pinellas Park, Florida, was westbound on Palmview Road near 29th Avenue East in excess of the posted speed limit.

For an unknown reason, McMinds lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle began to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction and entered the south shoulder of the road.

The rear of the vehicle, a 2005 Honda convertible, collided with a utility pole.

The convertible began to overturn, ejecting McMinds and his passenger, Nicole Monahan, 20, of Bradenton.

The vehicle collided with a cluster of trees and came to final rest on its roof.

Monahan was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg by Bayflight medical chopper in critical condition. McMinds was also taken to Bayfront Medical Center in serious condition.

An update on their conditions were not available over the weekend.

$10,000 in Copper Wire Stolen
from Robb & Stuckey Store

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported $10,000 in copper wire was stolen from a Robb & Stuckey store, located at 8350 Lockwood Ridge Road on Friday, August 1, 2008, at about 11:30 p.m.

A sheriff's office report said on August 1, 2008, at 11:30 p.m., the alarm for Robb and Stuckey was activated due to power disruption. The alarm company did not make notification to law enforcement but did notify a key holder.

On August 2, 2008, at 9:42 a.m., Deputy Foy was dispatched to the business in reference to a burglary with a minimum of $10,000 worth of 500cmc insulated copper wire which was taken.

It was discovered that the power to the business appears to have been intentionally cut with the ends taped with duct tape.

Also, a sweaty shirt was discovered on the ground right near the entrance.

Deputy Foy was able to get the tape which had several fingerprints on it and put it into property and evidence, along with the shirt that was discovered near the entrance.

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 Hispanic Men Robbed
By Two Black Men

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two Hispanic men were robbed outside their residence on Friday, August 1, 2008, at about 11:00 p.m. by two Black men, a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

The report said the victims, Roselio Luis-Cerro and Romero Rojas-Perez, of the 1200 block of 34th Avenue East, Bradenton, were approached by two Black men. One was armed with a shotgun or a rifle and the other had a handgun.

One of the robbers took a wallet containing $600.00 cash and a Bank of America debit card from one of the victims. The other robber with a pistol took a blank check and a cell phone from the other victim.

The robbers got into a vehicle and fled northbound on 12th Street East.

The robbers were only further described as having thin builds and wearing all black clothing with masks.

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.

Black Male Robs Man on Bike
Near 14th Street Circle K Store

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, August 1, 2008, at about 5:00 a.m., a man on a bike was robbed by a Black male who threatened to beat him up. The incident occurred in front of the Circle K convenience store located at 14th Street West and 30th Avenue West, in Bradenton.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Grover Barter, 52, was riding his bike southbound on 14th Street West and had just crossed 30th Ave. when a black Chevy Camaro pulled in front of him and stopped.

A Black male got out and said to Barter, "Give me all your money or I will beat your ass."

Barter handed the robber $4.00 and his wallet. The robber went through the wallet, but it was empty; he then threw it on the ground, got back into his car and fled.

Barter was not injured.

The robber was described as a Black male, 5'10" tall, about 200 pounds, last seen wearing a black tank top. He was driving a black Chevy Camaro.

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 Hispanic Males Robbed At
Gunpoint By Three Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Friday, August 1, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m., in the 5800 block of 13th Street Court East, Bradenton.

The two victims, Lorenzo Santos, 39, and Jaciato Okuaterre, 21, were sitting outside their home when three Black males approached from the street.

One of the robbers pulled out an unknown type handgun and demanded money from the victims.

The armed suspect then struck both victims in the head with the gun and took $130, a wallet containing ID cards, and a cell phone from Santos.

All three suspects then fled the scene in a small blue car.

The victims could only describe them as 5'07"-6'00" tall, wearing all black clothing, with some type of mask partially covering their faces.

The victims suffered only bumps on the head and did not require medical treatment.

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 Arrested in Connection With
Sarasota Murder of 18-year-Old

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have arrested two individuals on charges of 2nd Degree Murder for the death of Gregory Kennedy, 18.

Above, L to R, Michael Mendola and Simon Mihailovic

Michael John Mendola, 16, and Simon Mihailovic, 16, were booked into Sarasota County Jail, where they are being held without bond.

Mendola and Mihailovic were identified by witnesses as the assailants in the altercation at 3533 Lalani Blvd. in Sarasota on July 29th, 2008, at approximately 12:25 a.m.

During this altercation, Kennedy was attacked and struck about the head.

Responding deputies found Kennedy to be unresponsive. He was transported to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.