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Manatee Deputies, K-9 Unit
Snare a Burglar in the Act
with Great Detective Work

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies and a K-9 Unit have managed to snare a lying burglar in the act of stealing a gas can and a Husky power tool kit from Forristal Enterprises, 3404 17th Street East, in Palmetto, Florida.

Kenneth Stanley Mixon

According to an arrest report from the sheriff's office, on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at about 1:12 a.m., Deputy Charles Wolfinger was on routine patrol when he heard Deputy Terry Blake call out a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the roadway at the above address.

Dep. Wolfinger responded to the location to assist Dep. Blake, if necessary.

As Dep. Blake had dispatch try and contact the registered owner of the vehicle, Dep. Wolfinger observed a Black male, later identified as Mixon, walking south towards 17th Street East from an open field in the 3500 block of 17th Street East. Dep. Wolfinger observed that Mixon was sweating profusely and out of breath, despite the temperatures being in the low 50s at the time.

Mixon was asked if the vehicle, a red Ford Taurus, was his and Mixon replied that it was. Mixon said he had run out of gas while driving.

Dep. Wolfinger observed that a gas can was lying about 10 feet from the gate for Forristal Enterprises, empty. He then saw the gate's lock and chain were hooked so that it appeared to be closed, but it wasn't locked.

When Mixon was asked if the gas can was his, Mixon said it wasn't and gave the deputy a false story about why he was in the field.

Dep. Wolfinger suspected Mixon was lying and called for a K-9 Unit.

Above, Sheriff's Deputy K-9 "Rosco"

Dep. David Brady and Dep. K-9 "Rosco" arrived.

Dep. Brady and "Rosco" tracked from where Mixon was seen in the field all the way around the back of the enclosed business and through a hole that had been cut in the fence. Dep. Brady and "Rosco" then continued the track through the fence and between several vehicles that belonged to the company. They then tracked to the gas can and tools that Dep. Wolfinger had seen.

The owner of Forristal showed up and said the business' gate had been locked at 7 p.m. the night before and the gas can and tool kit had been inside the back of a truck belonging to the business. He also told deputies he didn't know Mixon and that Mixon had no right being on the property.

Mixon tried to deny the burglary, but he was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure.

Manatee Detective Arrests
Man, 20, for Sex Acts
with Girl, 15

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Brett Getman, with the Crimes Against Children Unit, has arrested Ariel Fernando Jimenez, 20, of the 5100 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Ariel Fernando Jimenez

According to the arrest report, sometime during the first two weeks of September, an unnamed 15-year-old girl flagged down Jimenez in the DeSoto Square Mall parking lot and asked him for a ride.

The pair began talking and Jimenez took her into his vehicle, a blue/green Honda 4-door.

The girl sat in the passenger seat and Jimenez started feeling her breast and vagina on the outside of her clothing. Then, the girl told Det. Getman, Jimenez pulled her shorts off and had sexual intercourse with her. The girl didn't resist because she was afraid of what might happen, she said.

He then drove the girl and her friends to his home, where they consumed alcohol and Jimenez had sex with the girl again that night, she said.

The next morning, Jimenez drove the girl to the YMCA shelter in Sarasota, she told Det. Getman.

The girl said she told Jimenez she was 15 years old.

Det. Getman located Jimenez on October 29th and he agreed to go to detectives' offices where he was interviewed.

He said he did consume alcohol and had sex with the girl, who told him she was 15, but it only happened once, at his home, he said. He said when he woke the next morning he knew it was wrong. That's when he drove the girl to the Sarasota YMCA shelter.

Jimenez was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery.

Man Breaks Shutter with Brick,
Threatens Homeowner with
Large Butcher Knife

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- James Joseph Reilly, 22, of the 1400 block of 39th Street West, Bradenton, has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

James Joseph Reilly

The arrest report said on Sunday, October 26, 2008, at about 11:30 p.m., Reilly went to the home of David English in the 4000 block of 36th Street West, Bradenton, to confront English because English "had filed another police report" against Reilly.

When he arrived at English's house, Reilly threw a large brick at the house, which hit a window shutter, causing $500 dollars in damage to the shutter.

When English rushed outside to see what was happening, Reilly produced a large kitchen knife and threatened to kill English, the report said.

This put English in fear for his life, so he called law enforcement.

Reilly fled to Sarasota, and refused to return to the scene to be interviewed.

However, he was interviewed at detectives' offices on Monday, October 29, 2008, at about 9 p.m., and arrested.

Reilly was charged with Aggravated Assault, Criminal Mischief and Retail Theft.

The report didn't say why Reilly was charged with Retail Theft.

Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to
Arrest of Cemetery Vase
Thief Suspect

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detective James Sims has arrested a cemetery vase thief, due to a Crime Stoppers tip.

Jackie E. Clark

A crime stopper tip that was received through the Manatee County tip line stated that the flower vases that were reported stolen on October 3rd, 2008, from Skyway Memorial Gardens cemetery, located at 5200 U.S. Highway 19, in Palmetto, might be at Suncoast Metal Recycling in Sarasota.

On October 29, detectives responded to the recycling location and met with the plant Manager of Suncoast Metal Recycling.

After speaking with the manager, he showed Det. Sims some yellow brass vases that were brought there on October 04, 2008.

The vases were identified as the vases stolen from Skyway Memorial Gardens in between the hours of 5:00 p.m. on October 3 and 7:30 a.m. on October 4.

Seventy-two vases were recovered and returned, out of the seventy-five reported stolen.

The subject identified as bringing the vases into the metal recycling plant was Jackie E. Clark, 44, who was located at 315 61st Ave East. Bradenton.

Due to the date of theft being so close to the date the vases were sold, Clarke was arrested for Grand Theft.

Clarke had given his driver license when he sold the vases to Suncoast.

The 75 stolen vases, each valued at $375 dollars, were worth a total of $28,125 dollars.

Homeless Man Arrested for
Theft of Tools from Local
Restaurant

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Wayne Robert Rafter, 48, a homeless man, after Rafter was seen on surveillance video stealing tools from Demetrios' Pizza House restaurant, 1720 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

Wayne Robert Rafter

On October 24, 2008, at about 11:20 p.m., Rafter entered the area behind the restaurant and opened the 5-foot PVC fence gate and entered.

Once inside, he walked along the back of the business inside the fenced area to an area that is covered by an 8-foot awning attached to the business.

Rafter selected some tools that were on the bottom shelf of a table in a container and placed them onto a cart, then rifled through a storage shed against the building.

Rafter then exited the rear of the business and left with the tools.

The entire incident was recorded on surveillance cameras.

On October 29, 2008, the owner of Demetrios' saw Rafter walking down 18th Street alongside the restaurant and recognized Rafter as the man in the video.

The sheriff's office was called and Rafter was stopped in the 1400 block of 38th Avenue West for questioning in reference to the burglary.

Rafter said he did indeed go inside the fenced area, but said it was to "wash his hair with the water hose."

However, the owner of Demetrios' brought the video on his laptop to where Rafter had been stopped and showed it to deputies.

Rafter refused to cooperate.

He was arrested and charged with Burglary and Grand Theft.

The tools were valued at $400 dollars, the report said.

Nine Arrested During October
Undercover Drug Operations

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- During the month of October, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office S.I.D. Tactical Units conducted several undercover operations, focusing on street level dealers selling illegal narcotics throughout Manatee County.

This was a culmination of a month-long investigation.

This operation resulted in the arrest of nine suspects with a total of twenty-two charges.

Listed below is the name of each adult arrestee, with their respective charges. Two of the suspects arrested were juveniles, and their names are being withheld.

Dale Barton, 53, Sale of Rock Cocaine x 2, Sale of Marijuana x 2, Sale of a controlled substance x 2

Apache Hunt, 31, Sale of Rock Cocaine

Shane Apple, 20, Sale of controlled substance x 3, Trafficking in a cont. substance x 3

Linda McCulligh, 38, Sale of a controlled substance, Trafficking in a cont. substance x 2

Maurice Thomas, 27, Sale of rock cocaine

Ryan Sherman, 19, Sale of rock cocaine x 2

Rashawn Scott, 23, Sale of rock cocaine

Manatee Habitat for Humanity
Grand Opening Celebration
of ReStore Retail Outlet

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee's Habitat for Humanity has announced the Grand Opening Celebration of ReStore.

A retail outlet, ReStore sells furniture, appliances and construction material at economical prices. The proceeds of ReStore’s sales go directly to building more homes for families in Manatee County. In addition, ReStore has a ‘green’ aspect of its business operation in that it keeps hundreds of tons of usable goods out of our local landfill.

The grand opening is set for Friday, October 31, 2008, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

ReStore’s Retail Warehouse is located at 1227 Hardin Ave., in the Tallevast area of southern Manatee County.

Grand opening celebration speeches will begin promptly at 12:00 noon. This event will happen rain or shine, a representative from ReStore said.

On Friday at 12:00, the following people will be speaking: Vicky Followell, Manatee Habitat Board Treasurer; Larry Stephens, ReStore General Manager; Carol Whitmore, At-Large Commissioner, Manatee County Board of County Commissioners. In addition, there will be a ribbon-cutting by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

The celebration continues on Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with face-painting for kids, a cookout, special guests throughout the day, homeowner information and drawings to win ReStore gift certificates and other prizes.

Charlotte County Sheriff Seeks
ID of Counterfeit $20 Passer

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Economic Crimes Unit detectives are asking the public to help identify a man who attempted to pass two counterfeit $20 bills on Oct. 8 at a Circle-K, 2646 Tamiami Tr. in Port Charlotte.

CCSO deputies responded to the store at 12:30 a.m. after a White male in his early 20s, 150 pounds, blonde hair, goatee, light colored tank top and black cut-off pants, selected two cases of beer and cigarettes.

He handed the clerk the bogus bills that tested to be counterfeit.

The clerk told the man the bills were not real and asked him to stay in the store while she contacted the CCSO.

The man ran out of the store and a customer said he drove off in a red Toyota Corolla.

The store surveillance camera recorded photos of the male suspect (see above).

Anyone with information about this case, please call ECU detective A.J. Ursomanno at 941-575-5395, the CCSO at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Wal-Mart Employee Carrying
$10,000 Tackled by Robber
in Botched Robbery Attempt

DELAND, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported two men were arrested Tuesday night after a DeLand Wal-Mart employee carrying $10,000 was tackled by one of them inside the store in a robbery attempt, police said.

Justin Lee Braddock, 28, of DeLand, and Daryl Stewart Bird, 34, were arrested after the incident, which was caught on surveillance video.

According to DeLand police, Braddock tackled the woman, who was taking the money to the customer service counter.

Braddock was caught by customers and other employees, who held him until police arrived.

Bird was arrested after being found in the getaway car, police said.

The men are each being held on $25,000 bond.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Alleged Sarasota Killer
Arrested in Bradenton by
Multi-Agency Task Force

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at about 10:00 p.m., a multi-agency task force comprised of the Sarasota Police Department, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Bradenton Police Department's Street Crimes Unit, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Task Force, SWAT and the Sarasota Police Department's Uniformed Services Division surrounded a house in the City of Bradenton and arrested the alleged killer of a U.S. Marine Reservist.

Deandre Tunstall

The location of the arrest was the 800 block of 18th Street East, in Bradenton.

Deandre Tunstall, 18, was taken into custody, along with two other adults and a juvenile, who were not named. A search warrant had been obtained for the house and a handgun was found and taken into evidence.

Tunstall is charged with the shooting murder of Delvis Fernandez, 21, of 402 N. Brink Avenue, in Sarasota, on Friday, October 24, 2008.

According to Captain Stan Duncan, of SPD, at about 3:10 p.m. on Friday, SPD officers responded to 2950 North U.S. 301, in Sarasota, the location of the Star Mini-Mart, regarding a shooting. The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the store.

One male victim, Fernandez, was found shot multiple times and was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died from his gunshot wounds.

Robbery was the likely motive for the shooting, Sarasota Police say.

Tunstall's mother, Rose Mary Salem, 41, was arrested in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 25, 2008, for assisting her son in the commission of the homicide of Fernandez.

The investigation is continuing by SPD.

Man Shot in Face and Neck
Dropped Off at Fire Station;
Suspects Fled in Ford SUV

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who had been shot in the face and neck was dropped off at Southern Manatee Fire Department Station 2 on Tuesday night, October 28, 2008, at about 9:10 p.m.

Above, Southern Manatee Fire Department Station 2
(Photo courtesy Southern Manatee Fire District)

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, two White males, driving a white Ford SUV dropped the victim off at the Southern Manatee Fire Dept. Station 2, located at 1911 30th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The two men then fled east on 30th Avenue in the SUV.

The incident was witnessed by firemen at the station, who contacted the sheriff's office.

The victim, Carl J. Hawkins, 26, whose last known address was 1636 Suponic Avenue, in Sarasota, was sedated and flown to Bayfront Medical Center by Bayflight medical chopper.

He appeared to have a gunshot type injury to his right neck and left cheek.

Hawkins' condition is unknown at this time.

The firemen were able to provide a fairly detailed suspect description, including a partial suspect license tag. These leads are still being investigated as of this report.

The two men in the SUV were described as:

1) A heavy set White male, 6' tall, and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and jeans; and

2) A White male, 5'8" tall, last seen wearing a dark T-shirt and shorts.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Bradenton Police Arrest
Man, 37, for Lewd and
Lascivious Act on Girl, 7

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- A Bradenton Police Detective has arrested Joaquin Urietz-Ruiz, 37, of 1010 8th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Joaquin Urietz-Ruiz

According to an arrest report from BPD, on October 16, 2008, the unnamed victim, a female, 7 years old, was staying with Urietz-Ruiz, who is her uncle.

While she was asleep, she was awakened by Urietz-Ruiz.

Urietz-Ruiz allegedly placed a hand under her clothes and on top of her vagina.

The little girl started to cry and Urietz-Ruiz removed his hand and left the room.

The child later told a Child Protective Team during an interview that Urietz-Ruiz had done the same thing when she was five years old.

Urietz-Ruiz was arrested on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Act on a Child Under 12, Offender Over 18.

He bonded out of jail the next day on a $10,000 dollar bond.

Deputies Report Armed Home
Invasion Robbery, Woman
Pistol-Whipped

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies reported an armed home invasion robbery that occurred on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at about 12:30 a.m., at an apartment in the 5000 block of 26th Street East, in Bradenton.

The report said the suspects, 3 Black males, beat through the front door of the locked apartment. They were armed with a rifle and pistol.

The suspects demanded money from the adult victims, 27 and 40 years old. There were also two children in the apartment, aged 3 and 6 years.

One victim, a 40-year-old woman tried to fight with the suspects, and was pistol-whipped on her right eye, causing a non-serious welt type injury.

Following a brief search, the suspects didn't seem interested in taking anything from the residence.

They were seen by a neighbor fleeing in a white Ford truck.

K-9 tracked without success.

Deputies were unable to locate the suspects.

The invaders were only described as 3 Black males who were wearing gloves and masks.

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.

Firefighters Execute 1st Day
of Training Operation
at "Pink Palace"

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The City of Bradenton Fire Department, along with fire districts from across Manatee County, participated in a major training operation this week in downtown Bradenton.

Above, Top to Bottom, a firefighter rescues "a victim" from an upper floor of the "Pink Palace"
and a closeup view of "the victim," in reality a dummy used for the exercise
(Photos by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

On Tuesday, firefighters simulated a multi-jurisdictional effort to rescue victims trapped in the Riverpark Grande, the building also known as the “Pink Palace.”

At least on one day, actors will portray “real life” victims.

Training operations were scheduled to take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

The City planned to close off 10th Street West and portions of Third and Fourth Avenues west during those hours.

“This is us getting together and planning for the real event,” said Capt. Tom Woods of the Bradenton Fire Department. “If a big event happens, we’ll need to have everyone’s cooperation.”

The building is currently unoccupied and without electricity, except for the first floor.

There are holes in some of the floors, including open elevator shafts, Tim McCann, Public Information Officer for the City of Bradenton reported.

Missing Elderly Woman Found,
Silver Alert Canceled

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has canceled a Silver Alert for a missing 80-year-old woman with dementia.

Above, Celia Bercaw

Celia M. Bercaw, of 503 Old Venice Road, in Osprey, who went missing on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, has been found in good health in Deltona, Florida, by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

Bercaw had been missing from her residence since approximately 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

She was driving a brown 2002 Chevrolet 4 door vehicle with New Jersey tag MFB69G which was spotted by Seminole County Deputies at the Seminole County/Volusia County line late Tuesday.

Ms. Bercaw was possibly heading to Belleville, New Jersey, from her residence in Osprey, the sheriff's office said.

SPD Front Desk Closing
Overnight, Due to
Budget Cuts

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The front desk at the Sarasota Police Department will be closed between Midnight and 6:00 a.m. every night starting tonight.

The closure the result of budget reductions and recommendations by the International Association of Chiefs of Police study of the SPD. This six hour time frame is typically very low in activity for the SPD front desk.

Any citizen who comes to the front door of SPD during those hours will be able to use a call box that goes directly to a call taker in the 911 communications center.

It is anticipated that as the budget conditions improve in the future the front desk will return to being staffed around the clock.

Halloween Safety Tips
from Sarasota County
Sheriff's Office

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- With Halloween only a short time away, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind trick-or-treaters of a few safety tips:

. Wear reflective clothing that is fire resistant and non-binding.

. Be sure costumes are cut so that children don’t trip and fall.

. Trick-or-treat in familiar areas.

. Trick-or-treat in groups.

. Adults should accompany children.

. Carry flashlights after dark and attempt to stay in well lit areas.

. Parents/guardians should ALWAYS check candy before it is eaten.

. Follow traffic rules, especially when crossing the street at night.

. Masks should not distort vision. When selecting a mask to wear, check to make sure the eye holes are large enough to see out of.

$23,320 Taken from Walgreens
ATM in Englewood

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Englewood detectives from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office are investigating an early morning burglary of Walgreens in Englewood at 2940 S. McCall Rd. Thieves broke open an ATM machine inside and got away with $23,320 in cash.

The call was received at 3:30 a.m. from a Charlotte Sun newspaper delivery man who reported the front door broken into. When road deputies arrived, they noticed the ATM just inside the store was forced open and detectives, K-9 and Forensics were called to the scene.

Detectives say it appeared that the burglars broke in and tried to pull out the ATM machine with a vehicle but were unsuccessful. They then pried open the machine and fled the area with the money. Nothing else was reported missing. The investigation continues.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case, to please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

WARNING: Halloween Pranks
Can Be Very Dangerous, as in
One Charlotte County Incident

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to be careful and mindful of Halloween pranks they might be doing the next couple days that could possibly go horribly wrong. This warning was issued after an incident Tuesday in Port Charlotte when the CCSO received a call at 6:29 p.m. about a man in brown clothing, wearing a white mask, and possibly armed with a shotgun at 19743 Midway Blvd.

As the road deputy responded to the area, he was flagged down by Rocio Hanley, 37, of Port Charlotte, who said she was a retired New York Police Department officer and called in the report. She was advised to stay away as the deputy continued to the home. He saw a subject dressed in a brown jumpsuit wearing a white mask and sitting on the tailgate of a pickup in the yard. The deputy approached with his service weapon drawn and pointed at the subject. The man was ordered to remove his mask, get on the ground, which he complied.

At that time, Hanley approached, pulled out a revolver and pointed it at the subject on the ground. The officer immediately ordered Hanley to holster her weapon and return to her vehicle. Hanley again identified herself as a retired NYPD officer. She got out of her car again, was ordered back into the car, which she did. The deputy with gun drawn on the subject saw a machete on the ground by the subject’s feet. As the deputy was handcuffing the man, he observed Hanley at the end of the driveway with her gun drawn and pointed at the subject in custody. She was again ordered to put her weapon away and when backup deputies arrived they took custody of Haney’s weapon and unloaded it, making it safe.

During the investigation it was learned that James Allen Sprinkles Jr., 19, who lives at that home said he was attempting to scare his little brother. The deputy reported, “Since there was no evidence of any crime, Sprinkles was released from custody without further incident.” CCSO dispatch did confirm that Hanley was a retired NYPD and did have a valid concealed weapons permit.

Trial Date Set for Mother
of Missing Caylee Anthony

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a trial date has been set for Casey Anthony, the mother of missing Caylee Anthony, who was 2 years old when she disappeared in mid-June of 2008.

Above, Caylee Anthony

Casey Anthony reaffirmed her not guilty plea at an arraignment on Tuesday and will stand trial, which is scheduled to start Jan. 5.

Casey Anthony was not present at the arraignment on Tuesday. The 22-year-old had entered a written not guilty plea on Oct. 17 to a charge of first-degree murder.

Casey Anthony said she left Caylee with a baby sitter. The girl has not been found.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Boy, 2, Beaten By Caregiver
Because the Boy Soiled
Himself; Man Charged
with Murder: Boy Died

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- As of Tuesday morning, October 28, 2008, two people, a man and a woman, were charged with Aggravated Child Abuse because the man beat the child with a belt and a fly swatter after the boy soiled himself and the woman did not get the boy help. A report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said the child was not expected to make it through the night. Now the man is charged with murder...the boy died late Tuesday afternoon.

Above, L to R, Dwight A. Baldwin and Audrey L. Lawrence

According to the arrest reports, Dwight A. Baldwin, 21, and Audrey L. Lawrence, 25, both of 3211 8th Street East, Bradenton, had been taking care of Tez’arrion Armour, 2, for several months for the boy's mother, who is known to Baldwin and Lawrence. They told detectives the boy's mother is a drug addict and could not take care of the boy.

On Monday, October 27, 2008, the 2-year-old boy was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital and then to All Children's Hospital, in Tampa, with "severe bruising about most of his body." Further examination of the boy while at the hospital revealed that the boy had "suffered a massive head injury."

The report said as of 11:30 p.m. Monday the boy had not regained consciousness and "was not expected to live through the night."

Baldwin initially told detectives he was wakened by Lawrence's 11-year-old son who told Baldwin the 2-year-old had soiled himself and asked Baldwin to take care of it. Baldwin said he cleaned the boy up before sitting him back down on his training toilet, then returned him to his bed where the boy fell asleep. Baldwin told detectives that several hours later he noticed the boy was wheezing and summoned his girlfriend to see what was wrong. They thought he was having an asthma attack, Baldwin told detectives, and called Baldwin's mother to see if she had her asthma medicine. They took the boy to Baldwin's mother's house, Baldwin said, and gave him a "breathing treatment." However, Baldwin said, the boy became unresponsive and they called 911. EMS transported the boy to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Later, at detectives' offices, Baldwin admitted he had lied.

This time Baldwin said his girlfriend (Lawrence) had wakened him at about 8 a.m. and asked him to clean up the boy. He was upset, but cleaned the boy up and spanked the boy with a fly swatter about 10 times. He then sat the boy on his training toilet in front of his own bed so he could lay down and rest. Over the course of the next few hours Baldwin admitted to hitting the boy 6-7 more times with a belt and the fly swatter because the boy was falling asleep while sitting on the toilet. Shortly before noon, Baldwin told detectives, he hit the boy several more times. It was shortly after that the boy became unresponsive, Baldwin said. He denied hitting the boy on the head.

When Lawrence was interviewed by detectives, she, too, initially lied, but then told them when Baldwin continued to hit the boy she began yelling at Baldwin because she thought what he was doing was wrong. She told detectives this wasn't the first time that had happened.

Detectives wrote that Lawrence had ample time to get help for the boy, but she didn't. Lawrence also lied to detectives for about eight hours before telling them the truth, the report said.

Late Tuesday afternoon, at 4:35 p.m., the boy died at All Children's Hospital, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

Baldwin is now charged with Murder. Lawrence is still charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.

Both Baldwin and Lawrence are being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

The boy's murder is the 12th in Manatee County this year, overall. There have now been 9 murders in the county, 2 in the City of Bradenton and 1 in the City of Palmetto.

Man's Body Found in Field,
11th Murder of 2008, Identified
by Manatee County Detectives

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detective haves identified the body found in Palmetto on Monday, October 27, 2008, as Emerson Martin III, 27, of 1005 2nd Street West, in Bradenton (address as of March 2008).

Emerson Martin III, deceased

An autopsy performed on Tuesday showed that Martin died as a result of blunt force trauma.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. on Monday Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a body found in a palm tree farm in the 2800 block of 10th Street West, in Palmetto.

A farm worker, Marshall Peabody, discovered the then unidentified victim in two large trash bags covering each end of the body about 400 feet south of 10th Street.

Detectives responded and were treating the case as a homicide.

Detectives believe Martin was killed sometime in the 24 to 36 hours prior to the finding of his body.

According to Manatee County court records, Martin had several felony arrests and a few misdemeanor arrests over the past number of years. The latest arrest was for Grand Theft Auto in March of 2008 by the Bradenton Police Department. However, that charge was never filed upon by the State Attorney's Office and the case was dropped. The previous arrests were for Assault with a Firearm, Possession of Cocaine and Domestic Battery, to name a few.

Martin's murder is the 11th in Manatee County in 2008, overall. There have been 8 murders in the county, 2 in the City of Bradenton and 1 in the City of Palmetto (the count is now 12 -- see report of 2-year-old's murder above).

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.

Deputy Arrests Man for
Burglary with Battery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Mark Edward Hollobaugh, 50, of 4221 60th Street Court West, Bradenton.

Mark Edward Hollobaugh

Hollobaugh's arrest report said on Monday, October 27, 2008, at about 8:10 p.m., Hollobaugh became angry about a civil matter.

He entered the unnamed victim's apartment next door.

While the victim was sitting on his couch, Hollobaugh reached over the couch, grabbing the victim by his arm and yelling threats, the report said.

The victim had redness to his right bicep, but refused medical treatment.

Hollobaugh was arrested and charged with Burglary with Battery.

Homeless Man Arrested for
Theft of Copper Wire

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A homeless man, Michael Roger Reichner, 51, who makes his camp in the woods at 301 Blvd. and 9th Street East, in Bradenton, has been arrested for theft of a large amount of copper wiring, according to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Michael Roger Reichner

On Saturday, October 25, 2008, at about 12:30 p.m., a Manatee County Sheriff's detective received information that Reichner had been released from jail and was back at his camp in the woods.

As the detective approached the campsite, he observed Reichner put a bundle of thick copper wire down against a tree next to another bundle of copper wire.

When Reichner was asked where the wire came from, he replied that he found it, "Back there in the woods."

When asked what he was going to do with it, he said he stripped it to scrap it.

Each bundle of copper wire was approximately 1 inch in diameter and each bundle weighed about 50 pounds and was about 50 feet in length. The value of the wire was estimated to be $300 dollars, the detective wrote.

The detective advised Reichner that Florida statute 812.014 reads that anyone who finds lost or abandoned property shall report it to law enforcement and that anyone who appropriates such lost or abandoned property for their own use is guilty of theft.

Reichner was arrested and charged with Grand Theft.

Armed Home Invasion Reported
in West Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An armed home invasion was reported on Monday, October 27, 2008, at about 9:35 p.m., in the 2900 block of 52nd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Victoria Clemente, 22, called 911 but didn’t state what was occurring. Deputies responded and discovered that an armed home invasion had occurred.

The five victims, ranging in age between 18 and 26, said that they heard a knock at the door.

Victoria looked through the peep hole and saw a Black male with dreadlock style hair who she did not recognize.

Victoria did not answer the door but another male inside the residence opened the door.

Four Black males then barged in, armed with a shotgun and possibly a handgun.

The invaders ordered the victims to the ground and began demanding money and drugs.

When the would-be robbers did not find what they were looking for, they struck several of the victims, causing minor bruising.

The robbers obtained property not listed in the report before fleeing in a dark colored vehicle.

The robbers were only described as four Black males wearing black clothing.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Crime Stoppers Presents
6th Annual Halloween
Safe Kids Night

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Crime Stoppers of Manatee County will be holding their 6th Annual Halloween Safe Kids Night, Manatee County Crime Stoppers President Frank Brunner announced.

The event will be held at the Bradenton City Center, 101 Old Main Street, in Bradenton, on Friday, October 31st, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

There will be "plenty of fun, games and candy for the whole family," Brunner said.

Manatee County Deputy Choate
Named Deputy of the Month
for October 2008

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy James Choate has been named Deputy of the Month for October 2008 by Sheriff Brad Steube.

On the morning of September 22, 2008, deputies were dispatched to a vehicle fire with the driver trapped in the vehicle.

Deputy James Choate realized that he was the closest unit to the location and responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, he observed the driver in a wheel chair inside the vehicle and the vehicle filling with smoke.

With the help of an unknown citizen, Deputy Choate forced down the vehicle’s wheel chair ramp and dragged the man from the vehicle just prior to an engulfing flame.

The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was a total loss.

If not for his quick actions, the man may not have survived the incident.

"Deputy Choate represented the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in an outstanding manner, for which he is awarded Deputy of the Month for October 2008," Sheriff Brad Steube said.

The sheriff extended congratulations to Deputy Choate.

Valuable George Washington
Painting Stolen in Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are investigating the theft of a valuable painting of George Washington.

On September 12, 2008, the unnamed victim reported that the painting shown above of George Washington was stolen from the victim’s residence in Sarasota.

The victim believes the painting was stolen during the first part of September, 2008.

The painting is believed to be an original work by the artist James Sharples.

The actual value of the painting is undetermined at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District I Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-4900, or Detective Kim McGath on (941) 861-4928. They may also leave anonymous information on the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (941) 366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or text “TIP109” and a message to CRIMES (274637).

37 Pounds of Pot, $4K Found
in Lake County Home

MOUNT DORA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A tip leads authorities in Lake County to a home that contained 37 pounds of marijuana, several "Xanax" pills, scales and about $4,000, deputies said.

Joseph Lloyd Main
(Mug shot courtesy Lake County Sheriff's Office)

Orlando television station WKMG reported Joseph Lloyd Main, 27, faces charges of trafficking in marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a schedule II drug without a prescription.

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, detectives on Monday staked out a home on Triangle Drive in Mount Dora after receiving a tip saying that drugs were being stored in the house

Main was pulled over after leaving the house, and a K-9 alerted to drugs in his vehicle, which contained about three pounds of marijuana, deputies said. A search of the home uncovered the other drugs and money, deputies said.

Main was booked into the Lake County Jail, WKMG said.

Detectives estimated the street value of the seized marijuana to be $40,000.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Palmetto Worker Discovers
Body in Field; Detectives
Treating it as a Homicide

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 27, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a body found in a palm tree farm in the 2800 block of 10th Street West, in Palmetto.

A farm worker, Marshall Peabody, discovered the unidentified victim in two large trash bags covering each end of the body about 400 feet south of 10th Street.

Detectives responded and are treating the case as a homicide.

Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, said Monday, "Foul play is suspected."

The body had signs of trauma, however, the cause of death will be determined after an autopsy is performed.

The victim is a Black male possibly in his 20s or 30s.

Detectives believe the victim was killed sometime in the last 24 to 36 hours.

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.

Bradenton Police Release Photos
of Orion Bank Robbery Suspect,
Person of Interest

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have released photos of the masked robber and a person of interest in the Orion Bank robbery on Friday.

Above, L to R, Orion Bank robbery suspect and person of interest

Bradenton Police Department's Deputy Chief J.J. Lewis said on Friday, October 24, 2008, at 6:01 p.m. Bradenton Police Officers responded to a robbery that occurred at Orion Bank, 5310 S.R. 64 East.

Investigation revealed that a male suspect entered the bank and demanded money. The suspect, as seen in the photograph above, was wearing a mask and possessed a firearm during the crime. After committing the robbery, the suspect fled south on foot from the bank.

Officers searched the area for the suspect to no avail. The robbery suspect is described as being approximately 5’8’’ in height and spoke with an accent, possibly Haitian.

Detectives are also trying to identify and locate a person of interest regarding this case.

That person of interest, as seen in the photograph above, was wearing a red hat and visited the bank earlier in the day.

Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may be able to identify the suspect or the person of interest.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 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.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Hit-and-Run Crash

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Clinton James Foster, 25, of 4525 71st Street West, Bradenton.

Clinton James Foster

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Friday, October 24, at about 11:30 p.m., Foster was involved in a hit-and-run accident in the 4500 block of 47th Street West.

An officer was dispatched to the scene and found Ronald Burns, Jr., who said he pulled out of a location there and made a left hand turn. while pulling out into the northbound lane, his vehicle was struck on the passenger side door.

Burns pulled over into the Holiday Inn parking lot to come back to the vehicle that hit him. He found the vehicle empty.

A witness told the officer he heard the crash and went outside to see a man running away from the vehicle southbound on 47th Street West.

The officer located an address for the registered owner, who was Clinton Foster. There were no keys left in the vehicle.

The officer went to Foster's address and located Foster, who told the officer he had been sleeping and did not have the keys to his truck.

The keys were found hidden behind a picture frame in Foster's room.

Foster then told the officer that he had a girl over who stole his truck, then she came back to the apartment, hid the keys and left the residence.

However, Foster's roommate told the officer that Foster had been drinking, had run out of the apartment and flew out of the parking lot in his truck. A short time later, the roommate said, Foster came back sweating and said something had happened to his truck.

Foster, who had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, the officer wrote, was arrested and charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident with More Than $50 Dollars in Damages.

Manatee Deputies Arrest Two
for Burglary to a Residence

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have located and arrested two men believed to have been responsible for the burglary of a residence in the 3200 block of 8th Street East, Bradenton, on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at about 8 p.m.

Above, L to R, Barris Harrell, Jr., and David Pearson

The arrest report said the residents later told deputies they had left the house at about 7 p.m. and the house was locked. When they came home, they found their house had been broken into and jewelry was missing.

A witness saw Barris Harrell in the back yard facing the back door and it appeared is if he was talking to someone in the house. When the female homeowner came out of her house, Harrell appeared to get startled and jumped.

The woman went back into the house to get her boyfriend. They told Harrell to get out of their yard and that they were calling the police.

Harrell jumped the fence next door and came out in front of that property and walked south on 8th Street East. Pearson jumped the back fence of the residence that had been burglarized.

Both Harrell and Pearson met up on 8th Street East and walked south.

The witness provided first names and a description of the burglars and possible suspects were developed. When the witnesses were shown a photographic lineup, they positively identified Harrell and Pearson.

The following day, Sunday, October 26, 2008, Harrell and Pearson were arrested at their residence at 607 33rd Avenue Drive East.

They were both charged with Burglary.

Palmetto Cops Arrest Man
for Trying to Stab Another
with a Broken Beer Bottle

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Ruben Castro-Perez, 20, of 1911 8th Avenue West, Palmetto, has been arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault

Ruben Castro-Perez

According to the PPD arrest report, on Friday, October 24, 2008, at about 9 p.m., Castro-Perez "intentionally and unlawfully threatened to do violence to Jose Lopez with a broken beer bottle."

The report goes on to say that Castro-Lopez broke a beer bottle and tried to stab Jose with it. Castro-Lopez was within arms reach of Jose.

Jose was in fear that Castro-Lopez would carry out the threat, he told police.

The report did not say what the incident was all about.

Condo Fire Reported in
West Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue responded to a four unit, single story condominium fire on Monday, October 27, 2008, at 12:01 p.m.

According to a press release from Al Lobeto, Battlion Chief for Cedar Hammock, emergency units arrived three minutes after dispatch and found heavy smoke and flames venting from the front door and window of the end unit.

Fire attack and search and rescue operations were conducted and the fire was brought under control at 12:19 p.m., Lobeto said.

Nobody was found inside the residence.

Damage to the structure and contents were estimated at $60,000 dollars and were contained to the condo that was on fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The occupants of the structure were out of town, according to Lobeto.

No firefighters or civilians were injured.

7-Month-Old Boy Nearly Drowns
in Palmetto Bathtub

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- When a 7-month-old boy was left alone with his 2-year-old sister in a bathtub, the tub filled with water and the boy nearly drowned, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said on Sunday, October 26, 2008, at approximately 6:49 p.m., Ernest McPheron, of 2414 61st Avenue East, in Palmetto, was giving his 7-month-old son and 2-year-old daughter a bath.

He later told deputies he had left the water running and the drain plug open because his daughter likes to play with the running water.

While he was bathing the children, the phone rang and he went into the next room to answer it, leaving the children unattended. The children were not in any type of safety seat.

McPheron said he was out of the room for about 5 minutes, but no longer than that.

While he was out of the room, one of the children had bumped the drain stopper and the tub had filled up.

When McPheron returned, he found the 7-month-old face down in the water. He immediately pulled the baby from the tub and determined he was not breathing.

McPheron began administering CPR, the report said. McPheron had just taken a CPR class two weeks earlier, according to the report

McPheron revived the child before EMS arrived on scene.

EMS transported the child to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

There is no update on the baby's condition.

Man Shot in Butt After Motor
Boat Swamps Canoe
in Parrish

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office was called to the Fort Hamer boat ramp in the Waterlefe subdivision in Parrish on Sunday, October 26, 2008, at about 5:15 p.m. after a motor boat swamped a canoe and a man was shot in the butt.

A sheriff's report said the victim, David Mays, 20, was with a group of friends on the peninsula directly south of the Ft. Hamer boat ramp, which is property owned by Waterlefe subdivision.

There was a second group of people on the same peninsula who set up a camp approximately 100 yards to the east of the victim group.

Both groups had a couple of people on the water.

The victim group was using a motor boat and the suspect group was using a canoe.

Apparently, the victim group drove by the canoe and caused a large enough wake to turn the canoe over. No one was injured and it was unknown whether this was an intentional act.

The suspect group took offense to this and someone from the suspect group fired one to two shots at the victim group a few minutes after the boating incident.

David Mays was struck in the buttocks by one round. EMS was already at the boat ramp for an unrelated medical call when Mays was brought over to them and EMS drove Mays to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment of his gunshot wound.

The actual shooter could not be identified.

K-9 was on scene and conducted an area search of the beach and woods and could not locate any guns.

Mays’ injury was not life threatening and at the time of the sheriff's report he was having further tests done to see what kind of projectile was lodged in his buttocks.

The possible suspects in the shooting are Curt I. Richardson, 22, Thomas K. Wells, 38, and Frank Spike Lawson, 21, the sheriff's report said.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Firefighters Plan Training
Operation at "Pink Palace"

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The City of Bradenton Fire Department, along with fire districts from across Manatee County, will participate in a major training operation this week in downtown Bradenton.

Above, the site of the operation, the "Pink Palace"

Firefighters will simulate a multi-jurisdictional effort to rescue victims trapped in the Riverpark Grande, the building also known as the “Pink Palace.” At least on one day, actors will portray “real life” victims.

Training operations will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

The City plans to close off 10th Street West and portions of Third and Fourth Avenues west during those hours.

“This is us getting together and planning for the real event,” said Capt. Tom Woods of the Bradenton Fire Department. “If a big event happens, we’ll need to have everyone’s cooperation.”

The building is currently unoccupied and without electricity, except for the first floor.

There are holes in some of the floors, including open elevator shafts.

Sarasota County Sheriff Says
Man Arrested for Murder

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have arrested Sergio Lopez, 34, of 1466 Georgetowne Drive, in Sarasota, for the murder of Jimy Pedroza, 31, also of 1466 Georgetowne Drive, in Sarasota.

Sergio Lopez

Pedroza’s body was located on September 29th, 2008, in the 2200 block of Hammock Place, in Sarasota, by Florida Power and Light workers.

The Medical Examiner’s Office determined that stabbing was Pedroza’s cause of death.

Lopez was arrested by the US Marshal Service in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, and is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail in North Carolina.

Jar of Blood, Beheading Part
of Demented Murder Plot,
Police Say

LAKE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A man is accused of offering $1,000 to have an apparent rival beheaded and his blood drained into a jar and delivered to him in an alleged murder plot described as "demented," according to Orlando television station WKMG.

Antonio Orsillo
(Mug shot courtesy Lake County Sheriff's Office

Detectives arrested Antonio Orsillo, 49, over the weekend after a two-week investigation into the alleged murder-for-hire plot.

"(Orsillo) wanted them to behead the intended target and bring his blood on the machete back to him," Lake County Sheriff's Sgt. John Harrell said. "And he also wanted a jar of the victim's blood (brought) back to him. It's just really weird stuff."

Orsillo, who is the owner of the Big Oak Italian restaurant located on county Road 42 in Paisley, made a payment to kill one of his former employees, police said.

The beheading was scheduled to happen Saturday, according to investigators.

"Right when you think you've seen it all, something like this comes up," Harrell said.

Deputies said Orsillo offered to pay a total of $3,000 for the act that may have been motivated over a woman.

"Detectives have some information that it could be over a female that the two have known and are familiar with, but right how that still is under investigation," Harrell said.

Orsillo has faced theft and drug charges in Miami, WKMG reported.

He is currently under arrest and charged with Solicitation to Commit Murder, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

An investigation into the incident continues.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Armed Robbery Suspect in
Manatee, Sarasota Counties
Captured by Sarasota Police

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- NewsManatee Sarasota Bureau reporter Doug Reynolds was Johnny-on-the-Spot on Sunday, October 26, 2008, when Sarasota Police captured a man wanted for multiple armed robberies in at least two area counties.

Above, Sarasota Police capture Edward Ruiz Murguia,
seen on the ground in front of the Super 8 Motel
(Photo by Doug Reynolds, NewsManatee)

According to Reynolds, Sarasota Police got a tip about a suspect in several armed robberies in Sarasota and Manatee Counties who was in the area and staying at a local motel.

"Upon receiving that tip, Sarasota Police began checking all the possible places where he could be staying," Lt. Stan Beishline of the Sarasota Police Department told Reynolds on Sunday.

The suspect was located at the Super 8 Motel, at 4309 North Tamiami Trail.

At about 11:10 a.m. Sunday morning, the suspect left the room, believed to be on his way to check out. He was met by Sarasota Police, a Manatee County Sheriff's Office K-9 unit, and Sarasota County Sheriff's Deputies.

He was taken into custody without incident, along with an unidentified Black male.

Sarasota Police identified the man as Edward Ruiz Murguia, 23.

Lt. Beishline told our reporter "Edward has a warrant in Manatee County for robbery and several pending warrants in Sarasota County. He is also a suspect in other robberies in several other counties."

Murguia is being held in the Sarasota County Jail, pending transfer to the Manatee County Jail.

Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives
Located Two Missing Girls, 5 and 6,
Plus Their Mother, Involved in
Possible Child Abuse

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, October 24, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives were searching for a 66-year-old man who may have had two children with him, both girls, ages 5 and 6, who are alleged to have been abused. Detectives were also searching for their 26-year-old mother who was last seen with the man and the girls. The children were located Saturday night in good health. Their mother, Barbara Stock, was arrested for Possession of Prescription Narcotics.

Above, L to R, Barbara Stock and Arthur Kinsman
(Prior mug shots from the sheriff's office)

According to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, detectives are investigating an alleged child abuse case involving two sisters, ages five and six.

Because of the allegations, investigators were concerned about the welfare of the children.

Detectives and Child Protection Investigators were looking for the children and their mother, Barbara Stock, 26.

Stock and the children were last seen Friday afternoon, October 24, 2008, at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of 26th St. W., Bradenton.

The girls and their mother were in a 2000 white Buick Lesabre with Florida tag 683 LIN, driven by Arthur Kinsman, 66.

When the girls and their mother were found, Kinsman was not with them.

The type of abuse alleged was not reported by Bristow.

The investigation is ongoing.

Woman, 25, Victim of Attempted
Armed Robbery By Five
Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a 25-year-old woman was assaulted on Thursday, October 23, 2008, at about 4:30 p.m. in the 6100 block of 9th Street East, Bradenton, by five Black males. They attempted to rob her at gunpoint. One person, a juvenile, has been arrested.

Bruce Robbins

The victim, Scarlett Walker, told deputies she was walking in the area of 6100 9th Street East when 5 Black males surrounded her and began calling her names.

One of the attackers punched Scarlett in the back of the head and knocked her to the ground. He then pulled a handgun and attempted to take her purse.

The five men then fled the area running towards 5th Street East.

Scarlett came upon Lt. Christine Thomason and told her what had occurred.

Lt. Thomason located the subjects and detained two suspects while the rest fled.

One of the suspects, Bruce Robbins, 16, was arrested after it was determined he was one of the offenders; the other was released after determining he was not involved.

The other suspects were not located.

Scarlett received no injuries during the incident.

Robbins was charged with Armed Robbery.

Man Arrested for Cutting
Other Man with Sword

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An argument over money led Richard Parisi, 24, of 1518 52nd Avenue East, to cut a man with a sword on Thursday, October 23, 2008, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Richard Steve Parisi

According to the arrest report, at about 7:30 on Thursday, Dale Woodard, the victim, approached Parisi to collect $50 dollars.

Apparently Parisi had sold a van to Woodard for $400 dollars and Woodard gave Parisi a deposit of $50 dollars, but never made any payments. Woodard wanted his $50 dollars returned.

Parisi told Woodard he didn't have it, whereupon Woodard allegedly threatened Parisi and said he would have sex with Parisi's fiance.

Parisi told Woodard to leave the property and went inside his residence and got a 24" sword.

Woodard started to walk away.

Parisi approached Woodard from behind and struck Woodard in the arm with the sword, causing a 1" to 2" cut that bled profusely, the report said.

Parisi then allegedly turned the sword over and struck Woodard with the blunt side of the sword in the shoulder.

Woodard then immediately walked back home.

EMS was called and transported Woodard to Manatee Memorial Hospital. The injury required multiple stitches.

Parisi allegedly admitted striking Woodard with the sword.

Parisi was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery.

Man Mugged, Cash Stolen
By Unknown Black Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, October 26, 2008, at about 5 a.m., a man was mugged in the 2900 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton, according to a report by Manatee County Sheriff's Sgt. John Scowfoe.

The report said the victim, James Thweatt, 48, was approached by a Black male who walked up and punched Thweatt in the chin, knocking him to the ground.

The attacker then reached into Thweatt's front pocket and removed $42 dollars. The robber then fled southbound on 14th St.

A search of the area failed to locate the robber.

Thweatt received a small scrape on the chin.

The robber was described as an unidentified Black male, 5'7" tall, 205 pounds, with a close shaved head. He was last seen wearing a denim jacket and jeans.

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.

BPD: Armed Bank Robbery
at Orion Bank Friday

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to the Bradenton Police Department, the Orion Bank, located at 5310 State Road 64 East, Bradenton, was robbed on Friday, October 24, 2008, at about 5:50 p.m. by a lone armed robber.

Police said a man wearing a mask and gloves and carrying a black handgun entered the bank about 10 minutes before closing time.

He walked up to a teller and demanded money. He obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the bank.

He ran south toward Woodbury Apartments nearby.

Witnesses say the man possibly entered a white pickup truck and got away.

Nobody was injured during the robbery -- the 25th this year in Manatee County overall.

Anyone with information on the case can call Bradenton Police Detective Craddock at (941) 932-9310 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.

Five People Victims of Armed
Home Invasion Robbery
by 2-4 Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery in the Fountain Lakes complex, 5580 Fountain Lakes Circle, Bradenton.

The suspects, numbering 2-4 Black males, knocked on the door then burst in to an apartment brandishing handguns.

The apartment's occupants, five people varying in age between 16 and 28, were ordered to the floor.

The apartment was then ransacked.

Electronics, wallets, keys and purses were taken.

The invaders were last seen fleeing on foot from the apartment.

Deputies swarmed the area, but the robbers were not located.

There were no shots fired and no injuries were sustained.

The invaders were only described as 2-4 Black males in their 20s.

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.

Check Cashing Store, Insurance
Business Burglarized, Hole Cut
in Safe, $6 Grand Stolen

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Burglars broke into two businesses in the 5800 block of 14th Street West on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at about 3 a.m., according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to an alarm at the Check n' Go store, 5860 14th Street West and discovered the burglaries.

Entry had been made to the rear door of Direct Auto Insurance by prying open the steel door.

Once inside, suspects ransacked the rear storeroom area and disconnected or destroyed some of the security system wiring and equipment.

A hole was cut in the side of the floor safe with a Sawzall type tool and cash envelopes were removed from the safe.

They then broke a hole in the drywall that separates Direct Insurance from Check n' Go, and entered the second business.

In the Check n' Go burglary, security equipment was again disconnected or damaged.

A keyholder was located for Check n' Go and he advised he could find nothing missing, just damage to equipment in an unknown amount.

He also stated that Check n' Go stores statewide have been getting hit in exactly the same manner, including the sawing open of the safes.

At time of this report, no keyholder had been located for Direct Auto Insurance, but judging from the money wrappers left by the safe, it was estimated that at least $6600 had been taken.

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.

Reverse Prostitution Sting
Nets Seven Men

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, October 24, 2008, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Tactical Unit conducted a Prostitution Reverse in the 3800 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton. The operation was conducted from 3 p.m. until 11:15 on Friday evening.

Deputies were able to effectively arrest seven men for Solicitation for Prostitution.

In addition to the prostitution charge, one man was also charged with Possession of Marijuana, and Driving with a Suspended License.

Listed below are the names, ages and race of each man:

1. Robert Walker, Black male, 44
2. Kevin Doyle, White male, 33
3. Giovanny Urbina, Hispanic male, 24
4. James Maxwell, White male, 55
5. Leroy McKnight, Black male, 42
6. Jalal Hajavi, White male, 44
7. Chadrick Hunter, Black male, 29, also charged with Possession of Marijuana and DWLS

Two Cut By Broken Beer Bottle
in Fight with Two Hispanic Men

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NM] -- Two people wound up getting cut by a broken beer bottle in an altercation with two Hispanic men on Saturday, at about 1:30 a.m., the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported.

The two victims, Tracy Valle, 28 and Franklin Velasquez, 25, went to 515 60th Avenue Terrace West to borrow money for cigarettes.

Upon arrival, there were two Hispanic men there, both 26-28 years old, that Tracy apparently knew, but Franklin did not.

At some point, one of the Hispanic men referred to Tracy as a "whore," which angered Franklin.

Franklin got in the man's face and a fight began between Franklin and the two Hispanic men.

A beer bottle got broken and one of the suspects used it to cut Franklin. He suffered a five inch scratch on his chest, a four inch, deep laceration on his left bicep, and a two inch deep laceration on the back of his right arm.

During the fight, Tracy attempted to break them up and she received a two inch laceration on her left shoulder blade.

Tracy refused to identify the Hispanic men or state where she knew them from.

Both Hispanic men were gone upon the arrival of Deputies.

Franklin was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for stitches. Tracy refused treatment.

4 Vehicle Burglaries Reported
in Parrish Subdivision

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Four vehicles were broken into overnight, Friday into Saturday, in the Kingsfield Lakes subdivision in Parrish, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said sometime between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., on Friday, October 24, 2008, and Saturday, October 25, 2008, unknown person(s) broke into four vehicles.

The vehicle burglaries occurred on Durham Street, Oliver Manor Drive and Walden Loop.

Once inside, the person(s) stole electronics from the vehicles.

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 Police Investigating
Shooting Murder of Man, 21

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police are investigating the shooting death of a 21-year-old man that occurred on Friday, October 24, 2008. Detectives are calling the shooting a Murder. They have identified the shooter, who is at large, and wanted on a warrant for his arrest on a Murder charge.

Above, L to R, Deandre Terill Levilte Tunstall and Rose Mary Salem

Robbery is the likely motive, Sarasota Police say.

According to Captain Stan Duncan, of SPD, at about 3:10 p.m. on Friday, SPD officers responded to 2950 North U.S. 301, the Star Mini-Mart, regarding a shooting. The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the store.

One male victim was found shot multiple times and was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Bayflight was not available due to weather conditions.

The victim, Delvis Fernandez, of 402 N. Brink Avenue, died Friday at Sarasota Memorial Hospital from gunshot wounds.

The autopsy was being performed Saturday morning.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit have identified the suspect responsible for the Homicide of Fernandez.

An Arrest Warrant has been issued for the arrest of Deandre Terill Levilte Tunstall, 18, for the Murder of Delvis Fernandez.

Tunstall's mother, Rose Mary Salem, 41, was arrested in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 25, 2008, for assisting her son in the commission of the homicide of Fernandez.

Charlotte Traffic Stop Nets Two;
One Had a Loaded Handgun;
Marijuana, Morphine Found

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s road patrol deputy made a traffic stop for running a stop sign Thursday night that resulted in two arrests and charges of Distribution of Marijuana and Carrying a Concealed Firearm on the driver.

Above, L to R, Benjamin Butler and Lois Ann Prophitt

The stop was made at Crestwood Dr. and Maple Terrace in Port Charlotte at 11:08 p.m. The driver, Benjamin Butler, 22, 21208 Higgs Dr., and his passenger Lois Ann Prophitt, 46, 21098 Glendale Ave., both of Port Charlotte, consented to a search of the car.

Back up deputies found a back pack containing a .22 caliber firearm with six live rounds, one was chambered and ready to fire.

Also in the backpack were baggies with marijuana packaged in a manner consistent with sale and delivery of marijuana totaling 5.2 grams.

Deputies found a baggie of marijuana in Prophitt’s bra and a pill bottle containing Morphine and Aderal pills under her pants. More marijuana was found in Prophitt’s purse for a total weight of 27.6 grams (just short of an ounce).

When deputies asked Butler if he wanted to speak to them further, he replied, “I want a lawyer.”

The vehicle was towed and both were taken to the Charlotte County Jail.

Butler was charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Concealed Firearm; Prophitt was charged with Possession of Controlled Substances (Morphine and Aderal).

Both were additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Butler’s bond was set at $9,500 and Prophitt’s at $8,500.

Anyone with illegal drug information please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Body Dumped on School
Grounds in Orlando

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a body discovered on the campus of an Orange County charter school Friday morning was dumped there, deputies said.

The body was found in a lot behind NorthStar High School, located at 8291 Curry Ford Road in Orlando, according to Orange County sheriff's deputies.

Orange County sheriff's homicide detectives said the body was taken from a different location and left at the school.

The circumstances surrounding the death are not known. The body has not been identified, WKMG said.

A preliminary investigation shows no relation between the incident and the school, deputies said.

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