Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 11/8/2008

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Local/State News for week ending 11/8/2008

Manatee Deputies Arrest Man
for Attempted Strangulation
of Live-in Girlfriend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Demetrios Dean Craddock, 28, of 6008 3rd Street East, Bradenton.

Demetrios Dean Craddock

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at about 5:15 p.m., Craddock and his unnamed girlfriend got into an argument.

The verbal altercation was about photos on a MySpace page and phone calls on the victim's cell phone.

Both parties believed one was cheating on the other and vice versa.

The altercation turned physical when Demetrios grabbed his girlfriend by the throat and strangled her until she almost passed out, the report said.

The incident occurred in front of the woman's 9-year-old son.

Demetrios allegedly admitted to deputies that he committed the act.

Craddock was charged with Felony Battery by Strangulation (Domestic).

He remains in the Manatee County Jail, according to jail records.

Crash at U.S. 41 and Cortez,
Woman Ejected, No Injuries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- NewsManatee U-reporter Charlie Mills was on hand Thursday morning to photograph a 2-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Cortez Road West at about 7:15 a.m.

Above, the Ford Explorer, the unnamed woman
and Manatee County Sheriff's Sgt. Mike Kenyan
(Photo by NewsManatee U-Reporter Charlie Mills)

Mills reported the crash occurred between a Ford Explorer SUV and a Ford F-150 pickup truck.

The occupant of the SUV, an unnamed woman, was ejected when the van reportedly rolled over, but suffered no injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt, Mills reported

The SUV is owned by MariAnna's Cafe, 3232 17th Street, Sarasota.

A man in the pickup truck sustained no injuries, and only damaged his right rear quarter panel when the SUV struck it.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit Sgt. Mike Kenyan responded to the accident.

Deputies Search for Woman, 49,
Missing Since Wednesday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A missing person report was taken on Thursday for Sabine Musil-Buehler, 49 years old, a press release from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

Sabine Musil-Buehler

Musil-Buehler was last seen Wednesday night in the area of 14th Street West and 26th Avenue, in Bradenton.

Her car was recovered early this morning in the area of 12th Street Court West, and 26th Avenue.

Musil-Buehler is co-owner of Haley’s Motel, in Holmes Beach.

At this time, detectives don’t suspect foul play but need to verify her well-being.

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

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

Man Shot, Wounded During
Armed Home Invasion

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a 43-year-old man was shot and wounded during an armed home invasion robbery on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at a few minutes before midnight.

On that date and time, two unknown Black males wearing black clothing and ski masks, kicked in the front door of the victim's residence in the 2600 block of 6th Avenue East, Palmetto, and went directly to the victim's locked bedroom door.

Anthony King and his girlfriend were in the room in bed and he ran to the bedroom door after hearing the front door being broken down.

King held the bedroom door closed as the suspects attempted to gain entry.

King's girlfriend locked herself in the bathroom and called 911.

The invaders gained entry into the bedroom and fired two shots, one of which hit King in the left thigh.

The invaders then fled through the front door.

King said that the suspects did not make any demands while in the home and did not take any items.

Present in the home during the robbery were King, his girlfriend, her two children, 9 years old and 5 years old, and her mother.

King was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries, which were not life-threatening.

The invaders 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.

Juvenile Beaten, Robbed by
Alleged "Third Shift" Gang
Members; MP3 Stolen

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an unnamed juvenile was beaten and robbed on Wednesday, at about 2:40 p.m. on his way home from school by four other juveniles; two were White males and two were Black males.

The report said while walking home from school in the 5900 block of 9th Street East, the juvenile victim was stopped by one of the Black male juvenile suspects and one of the White male juvenile suspects.

The other White male juvenile suspect walked up behind the victim and punched him in the back of his head.

The victim attempted to run away but was shoved to the ground by both Black male juvenile suspects. The juvenile suspects then began punching and kicking the victim while he was on the ground. The juvenile suspects also went through the victim's pockets, taking an MP3 player.

The juveniles then fled, shouting "3rd Shift" as they ran away.

The victim then walked home and told his mother what had occurred. The victim received minor bruising to his face during the incident. The victim stated he did not know the suspects but could identify them.

The culprits were identified as follows:

1. Black male, 13 years old, 5'7" tall, 130 pounds, black hair and brown eyes, and was wearing a blue shirt and black pants.

2. White male, 12 years old, 5'1" tall, 105 pounds, black hair, unknown color eyes, and was wearing a white shirt and black pants.

3. White male, 14 years old, 5'8" tall, 120 pounds, blonde hair, unknown color eyes, and was wearing a south pole white shirt and black shorts.

4. Black male, 13 years old, 5'7" tall, 120 pounds, Black hair, unknown color eyes, and was wearing white 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.

Man Punched By Two Black Males
Who Attempted to Steal His Bike

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at about 10 p.m., two Black males attempted to steal a man's bicycle, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, Martin Tipton, 45, was riding his bicycle home and was in the 5500 block of 15th Street East, Bradenton, when two Black males rode their bicycles up behind Tipton and punched him in the head, knocking him off his bicycle.

Tipton had three packs of cigarettes come out of his pocket when he fell to the ground.

Tipton victim immediately got up and ran approximately 70 yards to get away from the would-be robbers.

They exchanged words and the thugs took his cigarettes and attempted to steal his bicycle, but the rear wheel locked up.

The thugs then fled South on 15th Street East.

Tipton retrieved his bicycle and went home, where he called law enforcement for assistance.

The area was canvassed by West COPS units and assisting Patrol units, to no avail.

Tipton suffered a small laceration to his right knee that did not require medical attention.

The Black males were only further described as wearing white T-shirts and black 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.

Sarasota Deputies Arrest
Alleged Bank Robber

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, November 6, 2008, at about 3 p.m., the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested Marek Ilczuk, 49.

Marek Ilczuk

According to a press release from SSO, detectives received a tip based on Ilczuk's picture published in a local media outlet.

Ilczuk allegedly robbed the Synovus Bank, 101 Center Road, Venice, on Monday, November 3, 2008 (See Monday's Local News, below on this page).

Ilczuk was charged with Robbery.

He remains in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

Sarasota Police Investigating
Fatal Crash Early Thursday

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department is investigating a fatal single car crash that occurred at 1:32 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2008.

SPD Officer Matt Kimball was northbound in the 600 block of U.S. 41 when he heard an impact and saw a car out of control go southbound on U.S. 41 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle rolled at least once ejecting one occupant who landed about 80 feet from the vehicle.

The female occupant, Tiffinne Sawyer, 24, of Sarasota, was dead at the scene. The male occupant, Randy Crosby, 23, also of Sarasota, was found next to the vehicle and was Bayflited with what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries.

The SPD Traffic Unit is investigating the crash and the SPD Criminalistics Unit processed the crash scene.

Crosby has been released from the Bayfront Medical Center.

Charlotte Detectives Arrest Man
for October Shooting Incident

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Warrant Squad detectives located and arrested Eddie Lee “Lucky” Smith III Wednesday night, November 5, 2008. Smith was wanted for an Oct. 14 shooting incident on Orchid Dr., South Punta Gorda Heights.

Eddie Lee "Lucky" Smith III

At 10:16 p.m. that night, the CCSO received a call of shots fired on Orchid Drive.

When road deputies arrived, a 45-year-old man who lives on that street said he was with walking with his 10-year-old son.

There was an argument from comments made earlier, and then Smith approached them and started arguing again.

The man said Smith pulled out a handgun, pointed it at him and pulled the trigger.

The man said he saw a flash of light from the gun but did not feel anything hit him.

Smith ran, got into a SUV parked nearby and fled the area.

Once Smith’s name was obtained, a BOLO was issued.

Deputies, detectives and K-9 units arrived, searched the area but could not locate Smith.

A warrant was issued and the Warrant Squad learned that Smith was in a Port Charlotte home at 1082 Yarmouth St.

He was arrested and taken to the Charlotte County Jail; bond was set at $5,000.

Smith is charged with Aggravate Assault with a Firearm.

Two Teenagers Discover Skull,
Adult Human Remains

DELTONA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG is reporting two teenagers discovered a skull and other human remains Thursday morning while walking in a wooded area in Deltona, sheriff's deputies said.

The remains were found about 150 yards into the woods off Alex Lane around 11:30 a.m., according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

The remains appear to be those of an adult, deputies said.

Sheriff's investigators are gathering up the bones and searching for clothing, personal items or anything else that might provide clues to the identity of the victim and the cause of death.

The remains will be turned over to the Volusia County Medical Examiner's Office, which will assist in the investigation, WKMG said.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

VCTF Detective, Other Deputies
Arrest Man, 51, for Chasing
3 Juveniles, both in Cars,
Threats to Kids with Gun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at about 4:15 p.m., several deputies and a Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) Detective with the sheriff's office were dispatched to the area of 17th Street NW, in Bradenton, on a report of two vehicles driving erratically through the area. A yellow Corvette convertible was chasing a gray 4-door car occupied by three juvenile males, dispatch told deputies.

Paul Joseph Mahoney

According to an arrest report of Paul Joseph Mahoney, 51, of 5220 Riverview Blvd., Bradenton, a short time later Deputy Frank Butler, the School Resource Officer for King Middle School, located at 600 75th Street NW, notified sheriff's office dispatch that he was out with a disturbance between a man in a yellow Corvette convertible, later identified as Mahoney, and 3 juveniles in a gray 4-door vehicle. Deputy Butler requested additional back-up units and advised dispatch that the man linked to the Corvette was armed with a handgun.

VCTF Det. Bill Waldron, Deputy Anna Kvin and Traffic Deputy Mark Franczyk arrived on scene to assist Dep. Butler.

It was learned that Mahoney had a leather holster on his right hip and had pulled out a black Walther 9mm semi-automatic handgun from his vehicle on King Middle School property as Deputy Butler approached him. Deputy Butler seized the handgun and asked Mahoney for identification. Mahoney had no identification, was visibly angry and was yelling in a loud voice, the report said.

The arrest report noted that the middle school had just let out for the day and there was very heavy traffic on 75th Street NW and numerous students were exiting the school at the time of the incident.

Detective Waldron interviewed the 3 juvenile victims, listed in the report as "A.T.," "W.D.", and "N.M.," who were all 17 years old.

The three boys said they had just left a convenience store in the area of 71st Street NW and Riverview Blvd. when the yellow Corvette, driven by Mahoney, began following them and driving erratically and very close to their car.

The boys began driving to "A.T.'s" residence inside a gated community in Northwest Bradenton. As they were entering the gated community, the boys told Det. Waldron, Mahoney yelled at them, told them to stop and said, "Boys, you don't want to do this."

The boys became scared, turned around and headed to King Middle School, because they knew a deputy would be there. As they were approaching King Middle School, the boys said Mahoney, still chasing them in his car, pointed a black handgun at them. The boys ran inside the school to the front office for safety.

Dep. Butler reported that when he initially encountered Mahoney, Mahoney was running across the parking lot from his vehicle towards the front of the school. That's when Mahoney returned to his vehicle, reached inside and pulled out the Walter 9mm handgun. A subsequent search of Mahoney's vehicle produced a 2-shot .38 caliber derringer style handgun concealed inside the vehicle.

Meanwhile, Mahoney's girlfriend, Cheryl Atkinson, had arrived and had given Mahoney a black zippered satchel, which contained three marijuana joints.

The guns were seized as evidence and the marijuana was seized as found property, the report said.

Mahoney's attorney Mark Lipinski arrived on scene, spoke to Mahoney and thereupon Mahoney refused to make statements to deputies.

As a result, the report did not clarify why Mahoney was chasing the teenagers in his car.

Mahoney was charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and one count of Trespass on a School Property with a Firearm.

Mahoney has posted his bail of $4,000 dollars.

Two Men Arrested for
Shooting At Woman,
House from Car

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective has arrested Dennis A. Wilson, 20, of 3620 19th Street Court East, Bradenton, and Justin M. Garrett, 20, of 7009 13th Street East, Sarasota.

Above, L to R, Dennis A. Wilson and Justin M. Garrett

The arrest report said Wilson fired a weapon at a woman and a house from a vehicle driven by Garrett.

On November 4, 2008, at about 8:30 p.m., Jennifer Distelhurst was outside in front of a residence in the 3600 block of 21st Street East, Bradenton, smoking a cigarette, the report said.

Jennifer saw a green Nissan Altima pull up in front of the residence with the passenger window rolled down and the dome light on.

At that point, Gary Swan exited the house through the front door and saw the passenger, Dennis Wilson, stick his arm out of the passenger window. Wilson was holding an unknown type handgun.

Wilson pointed the handgun in the direction of Jennifer and her home, then fired one shot, the report said.

The driver then shouted, "We're hauling ass" and drove south on 21st Street East.

Jennifer told deputies she saw the gun and heard the shot and became scared for her life and thought she was going to be shot.

Deputies learned Garrett and Wilson are known to Jennifer and Gary. The descriptions Jennifer and Gary gave of Wilson and Garrett matched photos of Wilson and Garrett from previous arrests and their driver license photos. The vehicle was known to Jennifer to be Garrett's girlfriend's car.

Garrett and Wilson were located and taken to Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives' offices where they were eventually arrested.

Wilson was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle.

Garrett was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.

Deputies Arrest Young Man for
Driving Toward Store Clerk
with His Vehicle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Ryan C. Lawler, 18, of 6318 99th Street East, Bradenton.

Ryan C. Lawler

The arrest report said on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at about 9:50 p.m., deputies were called to the Hess gas station and convenience store located at 8700 State Road 70 East, Bradenton.

A store clerk, Jesse Shustack told deputies Lawler had entered the store requesting gas. Lawler was told to leave because he allegedly was seen stealing items in the past from the store and told not to return.

Lawler refused to leave and an argument took place in the store. During that time, Shustack picked up and phone and said he was calling the police.

Another store employee then got involved outside the front door, telling Lawler to leave because he was still engaging in an argument and not leaving.

Lawler eventually did walk away and got into his vehicle.

At that point, Shustack ran out to get the tag number of Lawler's vehicle.

As Shustack crossed in front of Lawler's vehicle, a Jeep, Lawler turned the wheels towards Shustack and drove towards Shustack, spinning his wheels. Shustack had to jump out of the way to not get hit, the report said.

While one deputy was talking to Lawler, another deputy was reviewing a surveillance tape and told the deputy talking to Lawler to arrest Lawler because the tape confirmed Shustack's story of the incident.

Lawler was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle.

Intoxicated Man, Fighting
with Another, Tasered
to Obtain Compliance

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy were forced to use a Taser on Christopher Lamp, 21, of 1908 28th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, in order to obtain compliance with his orders to stop fighting, an arrest report said.

Christopher Lamp

On Wednesday, at about 1 a.m., a deputy was dispatched to 2806 18th Street West, Bradenton, regarding a juvenile problem.

Upon arrival, he observed Lamp, who was highly intoxicated, the report said, fighting with a second subject.

When the Deputy attempted to stop the fight, the second subject backed off and stopped fighting, but Lamp continued to go after him.

The deputy warned Lamp that if he continued he would be "tased," and in response to a third warning, Lamp charged at the deputy.

The Taser was deployed, with the probes striking Lamp in the chest and upper abdomen, resulting in immediate compliance.

Photos were taken of the probes and the signature marks after removal.

Lamp was examined at the scene by EMS and released, then transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital pertaining to his state of intoxication, then transported to the Manatee County Jail.

Lamp was charged with Disorderly Intoxication.

Young Woman Forced Into Car,
Diamond Ring Stolen, She Said

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Alyssa Stortz, 18, of the 500 block of 59th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, told deputies she was forced into a car and her diamond ring was stolen.

Stortz claimed she was out walking on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at about 3:10 a.m., after an argument with her father. She phoned her boyfriend, who advised her to meet him at Target on 14th Street West.

As Stortz was walking through the shopping center parking lot, an early 90s model tan 4-door Cadillac pulled up next to her and a passenger asked if she needed a ride. She refused and continued to walk. The suspects continued to try and talk her into the car, so she phoned her boyfriend again and was talking to him when a back seat passenger got out, grabbed her, and pulled her into the car.

According to Stortz, the man who pulled her into the car rifled through her pockets, taking $3 and her diamond ring, valued at $400 dollars.

As they came to a stop sign, Stortz said she managed to break free and jump out of the car.

The suspects then drove away.

Stortz then called her boyfriend again and after he located her, they called the sheriff's office.

Stortz complained of a sore arm, but refused EMS.

Deputies wrote she also had some visible bruising on her face and arms, but they appeared to be old.

The alleged culprits were described as four unidentified Black males, with no further description.

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

Four Bullets Shot Into House
While Occupants Slept

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported four shots were fired into a Palmetto home while the occupants slept. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 2, 2008, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The report said Lee and Dianna Cross, ages 48 and 49 respectively, were sleeping in their residence in the 300 block of 48th Street Court East, in Palmetto.

Lee heard four loud banging noises and thought someone was banging on the window. He did not investigate further.

On Tuesday, Lee was outside his residence when he saw four bullet holes in the wall in the front of the house.

None of the rounds penetrated the exterior wall.

No one was injured.

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 Officials Warn
Residents of Water Scam

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Some recent mailings sent to a number of Bradenton residents warning them of contaminated water are misleading, according to the Bradenton Public Works and Utilities Department.

The notices have prompted some residents to contact the City out of fear people are drinking unsafe water. But the notices are merely a sales technique trying to get residents to buy expensive water conditioning systems, and City officials believe the notices are targeting the elderly.

The phony notices claim the water in the area has tested positive for contaminants like dissolved rock, acid or other sediments. Water customers are offered a free water test, and a sales pitch usually follows.

A similar warning of these fraudulent claims has been posted on the Website of the Office of the Attorney General of Florida.

To clear up the misleading information, the Bradenton Public Works Department has issued the following notice:

1) The only “dissolved rock” in the City’s water is calcium carbonate from limerock which gives water a natural mineral quality called “hardness.” This is natural in Florida and more prevalent in well water. The City’s water comes from a surface reservoir and the Braden River and has very low hardness levels – well below what many would consider “hard” water.

2) There is no “acid” in the City’s drinking water. The pH of the City’s water is about 7.2, which indicates it is slightly basic, not acidic. The City maintains that pH to prevent pipe and plumbing corrosion.

3) The City’s water treatment plant removes “sediments.” Some particulate matter is frequently present in older pipes and may appear in home water supplies after water mains are flushed. Quantities are normally very small and cause no problems.

For more information, please call the City’s water treatment plant at (941) 727-6360 or the public works main line at (941) 708-6300.

UPDATE: Manatee Avenue Bridge
to Anna Maria Island to open
at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6

ANNA MARIA, Florida [NMT/Islander] -- The Florida Department of Transportation notified elected officials in Manatee County that the Anna Maria Island Bridge will reopen to motorists at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6.

The contractor will receive $550,000 for finishing the construction on time and an additional $25,000 dollars for every day the contractor finishes early. The project was scheduled for completion on November 13th.

The project contract was for $10.2 million dollars.

The man in charge of the project said, "We're very happy," the Anna Maria Islander told NewsManatee.

[Ed. Note: The new information is just in from the Anna Maria Islander, a NewsManatee news partner.]

UPDATE: Bus Driver Who
Threatened Kids Suspended

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG said a school bus driver was suspended 20 days without pay after telling students she'd stop on railroad tracks and leave them there if they didn't shape up, according to a school investigative report.

Students complained about 39-year-old Genorris Davis-Summers a month ago. A Volusia County Schools investigative summary released Monday said she threatened students who were "talkative" and "making noises."

She allegedly told the middle school riders she would get off the bus if a train was coming, but leave them there.

Davis-Summers denied threatening the students, though the event was captured on video.

The driver said she didn't stop on the tracks, and that the kids who alleged she did should be punished, WKMG reported.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Employee Shot, Guns Stolen
from Palmetto Gun Range,
Palmetto Police Say

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- A Palmetto gun range was robbed late this afternoon by two Black males who stole 10 weapons and shot the employee on duty, according to the Palmetto Police Department.

Above, Bayflite medical chopper taking off for Bayfront Medical Center
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

On Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Bull’s Eye Pistol Range, located at 1012 10th Street East, was robbed.

Two Black males entered the store, shut the lights off, and confronted the employee who was working at the counter with a handgun.

The employee complied with the robber’s demands and the robbers took 10 handguns from a display case.

As the robbers were leaving, one turned around and shot the employee, according to Lieutenant Scott Tyler, spokesman for the Palmetto Police Department.

The employee, Rocco Vontinelli, 70, of Palmetto, was wounded in the neck. He was transported to Bayfront Medical Center, where his condition is reported as stable.

The robbers are described as two Black males in their early 20’s. They are approximately 5' 07" and weigh around 170 pounds. They wore black or dark-colored clothing and may have had black or dark-colored bandanas on their faces and heads. They were last seen running from the front of the business and may have been carrying a dark-colored duffle bag.

Persons with any information about this violent crime are asked to contact the Palmetto Police Department at (941) 723-4587 x103 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.

Violent Crimes Task Force
Arrests Armed Robbery Suspect
Within Ten Hours of the Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) located and arrested the man suspected of robbing the Petrol Mart on 14th Street West in Bradenton on Monday; the robbery was committed at 6:15 p.m. and deputies arrested Justin Wade Addison, 24, at 4:12 Tuesday morning, a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

Justin Wade Addison

On Tuesday, NewsManatee reported a young man with a lit flare robbed the Petrol Mart, located at 6513 14th Street West, in Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, Shilpa Baxi, 36, was working at the Petrol Mart as the cashier when a young White male entered the store asking for a pack of Newport cigarettes.

Baxi asked him for his identification and the young man stated that he had to go to his car to get it.

When the young man returned, he had a lit road flare in his hand and held it up to Baxi. He demanded the money out of the register or, he said, he would burn her.

Baxi complied and gave him $191 dollars in U.S. currency.

The robber then fled the scene in a 90s Jeep, possibly a Grand Cherokee model.

The robber was described as an unknown White male in his late teens to early 20s, with short dirty blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a blue dress shirt and blue jeans.

With the vehicle description of a red Jeep Cherokee used in the robbery of the Petrol Mart, members of VCTF were able to find one parked within Aloha Estates Mobile Home Park, 5310 14th Street West.

VCTF Detective Hemmer did some investigating and found it was registered to a female out of Lakeland.

Upon making contact with the woman, she advised her son, Justin Addison, lives in Bradenton and drives the vehicle. She further advised her son has a narcotic problem.

More in-depth investigation revealed the trailer the suspect might be staying in.

After instituting the assistance of Patrol and a K-9 unit, an attempt was made to contact Addison within the trailer. Several minutes later, Addison emerged and was taken into custody.

Addison was transported to C.I.D. at the Operations Center for an interview. Detective Hemmer conducted this interview and was able to get a full confession to the armed robbery.

Addison denied involvement in any other robberies.

Justin Addison was charged with Armed Robbery. He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Manatee Detectives Arrest Man
for Shooting from a Vehicle,
Causing Teen to Lose
Partial Use of Arm

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Luis Ortiz, 18, Bradenton. Detectives say Ortiz was one of five people in a van who shot a gun from the van at about 3:30 p.m. on November 2, 2008.

Luis Ortiz

According to the arrest report, on the above date and time, a drive-by shooting occurred in the 5600 block of 12th Street East, Bradenton.

Witnesses to the shooting described the suspect vehicle as a green mini-van with a "bubble" on top.

The vehicle was seen on 53rd Avenue going eastbound, when the rear doors opened and one of the three Hispanic men in the back of the van shot into a group of people, hitting Rodolfo Junior Banda, 16, in the right arm.

Banda was treated and released from the hospital, but as a result of the shooting, Banda has lost partial use of his arm, the report said.

The vehicle was subsequently located at 604 33rd Avenue Drive East. It was occupied by two women and three men.

Luis Ortiz was identified as the shooter. He was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle and Display of a Weapon During Commission of a Felony.

Ortiz remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail of $80,000 dollars.

The three men in the van, including Ortiz, have been identified as members of the SUR-13 gang here in Manatee County.

Man Wanted for Violation of
Probation Captured

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man wanted for Violation of Probation has been captured by Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies.

Daniel Paul Kersey II

Deputies said Daniel Paul Kersey II, 21, has been wanted by them for some time.

Recently, Kersey was in a vehicle that was stopped by deputies, but Kersey gave a false name, deputies learned. When deputies tried to handcuff Kersey, he bolted and escaped.

Then deputies received a tip that Kersey was staying at someone's house in Manatee County.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2008, they went to the house and found Kersey sleeping.

Kersey was taken into custody without incident and charged with two counts of Violation of Probation for two earlier Burglary convictions.

Man Arrested for Stealing
Miami Dolphins Jersey
from Clothes Line

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Larry D. Brown, 51, of 1005 10th Street East, Bradenton.

Larry D. Brown

The arrest report said on Friday, October 31, 2008, at about 11:45 p.m., Brown entered a fenced-in yard in the 5700 block of 10th Street East, went around to the back of the home and removed a Miami Dolphins football jersey from the clothes line.

Brown was confronted by the tenant and owner of the shirt.

When the tenant asked Brown what he was doing, Brown attempted to punch the tenant and then ran from the yard with the shirt.

The tenant chased Brown and caught up to him a short distance away. Brown again tried to punch the owner of the shirt, then ran, dropping the shirt.

The tenant spotted two deputies in the area and informed them of the incident.

The deputies, two K-9 units and the sheriff's helicopter responded to the scene and the chopper notified the deputies where Brown was hiding several yards away.

Brown was captured and arrested.

He was charged with Burglary.

Brown told deputies he just wanted to wear the shirt.

Anna Maria Privateers to Hold
Annual Thieves Market

ANNA MARIA, Florida [NMT] -- Polly Wilson, an Anna Maria Privateer nicknamed "Cracker," has announced the one of the annual Thieves Market, to be held on November 8, 2008, on Coquina Beach.

The Anna Maria Privateers

The event is to be held on Saturday, from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Polly tells us there are many vendors signed up for the event.

The Privateers are a non-profit organization and the money raised at the Thieves Market goes to scholarships for local students.

Florida Railroad Museum Volunteers,
Others, to Reenact German Battle
with Allies

PARRISH, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday and Sunday, November 8th and 9th, volunteers with the Florida Railroad Museum and others from all over the United States will be reenacting the battle of Von Kessinger's Express between the German Army and U.S. Allies in 1944, during World War II.

The volunteers of the Florida Railroad Museum will be assisting in defending our Allies as the Germans attempt to take over a French train and the people aboard.

Come walk through the German encampment as the smoke from the fires blended with the smell of gun powder in the air mixes with the noises of battle to create a realistic enactment.

Prior to boarding the train, the citizens are required to obtain a work permit. Papers will be inspected as the train travels through the country side. There are more battle experiences along the way.

The reenactment members travel from all over the United States. Vehicles and uniforms of the period are used to create a realistic reenactment.

Please arrive at least an hour before the event to allow time to obtain your tickets and prepare for boarding.

"Come help us defend our land," Florida Railroad Museum members said.

The Florida Railroad Museum is a non-profit organization. Workers are trained volunteers.

The event will take place at the Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd Street East, in Parrish, Florida.

On Saturday, the train will leave at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. On Sunday, the train will leave at 12:00 p.m.

Manatee Avenue Island Bridge
Set to Open on Nov. 13th

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/Islander] -- With eight days left before the Anna Maria Island Bridge is slated to reopen to motorists, the Florida Department of Transportation has given no indication of a delay.

DOT spokesperson Audrey Clarke said that contractor Quinn Construction Co. of Palmetto is “on schedule” to finish by the Nov. 13 deadline, if not sooner.

Clarke said the DOT met with Quinn on Oct. 30 and the contractor said it is “on schedule and the bridge is expected to reopen by Thursday, Nov. 13.”

The $10.2 million project has seen good weather and all materials have been available to the contractor when needed.

Clarke said she would announce a definite time for the Nov. 13 reopening as soon as Quinn provides one.

[Ed. Note: The article above was excerpted from one written by Rick Catlin, reporter for the Anna Maria Islander newspaper. NewsManatee and the Islander are news partners.]

Dog Killed During Armed Home
Invasion, Body Later Found in
Invaders' Vehicle; 2 Arrested,
2 Sought by Detectives

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit detectives say a Port Charlotte home invasion shooting at 18555 Fort Smith Circle, and a body found in a car by a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper at Prineville St. and Jefferson Ave. in Port Charlotte are related.

On Monday night, November 3, 2008, at 10:00 p.m., CCSO dispatch received a home invasion call, then at 10:10 p.m. an FHP trooper contacted CCSO and advised when he had stopped a vehicle, four men ran and he found a Hispanic male in the back seat, dead from a gunshot wound.

MCU detectives say one of the men shot and killed the man’s dog with a shotgun in the armed home invasion, then grabbed the shotgun by the barrel to hit the man in the head, and the shotgun went off, severely wounding one of the five men. The four other men fled the home with their wounded friend and drove off.

Ten minutes later the FHP Trooper attempted to stop a speeding car on Hillsborough Blvd. and the driver attempted to flee and elude but was located on Prineville St. where the four suspects fled the vehicle, jumped into a canal and swam to the other side on Ravenswood Blvd.

A perimeter was quickly established by CCSO road deputies, Traffic Units, and the CCSO helicopter and K-9 units were dispatched and located two of the suspects.

They have been identified as Robert Joseph Garcia, 22, 23111 Mineral Ave., and Anthony Lucius Johnson, 21, of 548 Wabash Terr., both of Port Charlotte. They were medically cleared at a hospital then taken to the Charlotte County Jail. Both are charged with Second Degree Murder and Armed Home Invasion at this time.

MCU detectives now have the identity of the two men who escaped. Detectives are looking for Christopher Shanks, Jr., 25, of a last known address of 2154 Bardon St., Ft. Myers, and Phillip Perkins, 21, of 21040 Gertrude Ave., Port Charlotte.

Detectives say Shanks and Perkins may be armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about where they can be located is asked to please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

The name of the man whose home was invaded is Kody Michael Foehner, 25; the deceased man's name is Arien J. Mayo, 19 years old.

Body Found in Ocala Forest;
Foul Play Suspected

MARION COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported foul play is suspected in the death of a male whose body was found in the Ocala National Forest on Monday, sheriff's deputies said.

The body of a white male was discovered near Highway 316 and National Forest Road 97, Marion County sheriff's deputies said.

No other information was released, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Deputies Arrest Man
for Attempted Burglary to One
Store, Burglary to Another

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Michael Andrew Jenkins, 29, of 2910 12th Street Court East, Bradenton, after Jenkins went in search of beer on Halloween night.

Michael Andrew Jenkins

According to the arrest reports for Jenkins, on Friday, October 31, 2008, at about 9:45 p.m., Jenkins, who was riding a bicycle at the time, threw a cement block at the window of Dan's Food Market, 3011 15th Street East, Bradenton. The window didn't break, so he rode on.

Then, at about 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2008, he came upon Noreen's Deli, located at 616 30th Avenue East, Bradenton. Jenkins threw a large brick at a window. This time it broke and he entered the deli and took a couple of packs of cigarettes and two 12-packs of Bud Light beer.

That last incident was caught on surveillance camera.

On Sunday, November 2, 2008, at about 8:15 p.m., Jenkins was stopped by a sheriff's sergeant, who recognized Jenkins from the surveillance video the previous day.

He and another deputy gained Jenkins confidence by developing a relationship with him.

Jenkins admitted to the two burglaries, as well as "other burglaries," the report said.

Jenkins was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure.

Witnesses Identify Man Who
Broke Into Their Residence
as a Relative

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, witnesses identified a man who broke into their residence on Friday, October 31, 2008, at about 6 p.m.

William B. Shipp

The witnesses said William B. Shipp, 35, of 5932 1st Street West, Bradenton, entered their residence in the 300 block of 60th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, without their permission.

They told deputies Shipp took a television, a laptop computer and some other items. He was seen leaving the property with a blue plastic tub covered with a white sheet.

One of the witnesses, a child of the victim, recognized the blue plastic tub as belonging to her and also recognized the burglar as a relative.

Law enforcement was called and Shipp, who was positively identified by the witnesses as the man seen leaving their yard with their belongings, was located a few minutes later at his residence.

Shipp was arrested and charged with Burglary.

Bradenton Police Arrest
Homeless Man for
Burglary

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Corey L. Bell, 36, a homeless man.

Corey L. Bell

A BPD arrest report said on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at about 1:30 a.m., the residents of a home in the 900 block of 25th Street West, came home to find Bell and an unknown woman inside their house.

When Bell and the woman were confronted by the female resident, Bell and the woman left on foot.

The woman called police.

When police arrived, the resident told them the male and female burglars had taken a pack of Newport cigarettes and $225 dollars.

She told police the man was wearing brown shorts and a brown hoodie and knew where the male burglar would be.

The woman got into a patrol car and they drove to 1120 17th Street West. At that time, Bell came walking out of the location and police placed him in custody.

Bell admitted to breaking into the house, but said he lived there. He said he never took any money and that the woman he had been with at the time took the cigarettes.

Bell was arrested and charged with Burglary.

14th Street Gas Station Robbed
By Young Man with Lit Flare

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, November 3, 2008, at about 6:15 p.m., a young man with a lit flare robbed the Petrol Mart, located at 6513 14th Street West, in Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, Shilpa Baxi, 36, was working at the Petrol Mart as the cashier when a young White male entered the store asking for a pack of Newport cigarettes.

Baxi asked him for his identification and the young man stated that he had to go to his car to get it.

When the young man returned, he had a lit road flare in his hand and held it up to Baxi. He demanded the money out of the register or, he said, he would burn her.

Baxi complied and gave him $191 dollars in U.S. currency.

The robber then fled the scene in a 90s Jeep, possibly a Grand Cherokee model.

The robber was described as an unknown White male in his late teens to early 20s, with short dirty blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a blue dress shirt and blue jeans.

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

Apartment Burglary Cost Victims
Nearly $20,000 Dollars in Items

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary in West Manatee County that cost the victims nearly $20,000 dollars in items.

On Sunday, November 2, 2008, between the hours of 3 p.m. and 11:15 p.m., unknown person(s) broke into the victims' apartment in the 3900 block of 75th Street West, Bradenton.

The burglars took property valued at approximately $19,267 dollars.

This included a ring valued at $10,000 dollars and a laptop valued at $2000 dollars, the report said.

The victims were Debra Elmore, 46, Christopher Elmore, 21, and Jonathan Emore, 19.

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.

Intoxicated Man Loses Ear
in Fight with Other Man

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man lost his ear in a fight with another man on Saturday, November 1, 2008.

The sheriff's office report said deputies responded to Manatee Memorial Hospital at hospital staff's request because Darrell Barchette's left ear had been removed from his body under suspicious circumstances.

Barchette, 51, of Ruskin, was intoxicated and completely uncooperative with any investigative effort, the report said.

An intoxicated witness who drove Barchette to the hospital was interviewed. He said Kevin Culberston, 45, of 4116 56th Avenue Terrace East, Bradenton, and Barchette were fighting at a party at Culberston's home Saturday night.

This caused Barchette's ear to come off somehow, the report said.

Culberston has not been arrested for the Aggravated Battery incident, as of the writing of this report.

November Supper with the Sheriff
Date, Time Announced

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office will host “Supper with the Sheriff” on Thursday, November 6, 2008, at 6:00 p.m., at the Police Athletic League, 202 13th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Supper with the Sheriff is a community event that gives citizens an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern with Sheriff Steube and his staff.

Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.

Reservations are not necessary. Dress is casual. The cost is $3.00 per person.

Free Walk-In Eye Screenings
in Ellenton Announced

ELLENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Eye Associates, a premier supporter of NewsManatee.com, has announced free walk-in eye screenings at its Ellenton clinic, located at 7915 U.S. Highway 301 North, Suite 101, during the month of November.

Not seeing as well as you used to? Think you might have a cataract? Do you have a family history of glaucoma? Come in for a free vision screening between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. and find out about the options available.

Dr. Michael Manning, a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, will meet with you one-on-one to discuss your results and answer any questions you may have.

The dates for the free screenings are on:

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 from 9:30am to 11:00am
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 from 9:30am to 11:00am
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 9:30am to 11:00am
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 from 9:30am to 11:00am

Sarasota Detectives Investigate
Bank Robbery Monday

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating a Bank Robbery that occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Monday, November 3rd, 2008, at the Synovous Bank at 101 Center Road in Venice.

No weapon was seen or implied.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 50 years of age, and 5’8” tall. He was last seen wearing a light colored t-shirt, blue jeans and a faded blue baseball style cap.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District III Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-1707. 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).

Fire That Destroyed Church
Building "Suspicious"

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Dogs trained to smell for accelerants are being used to determine what sparked a fire that destroyed a church building in Central Florida early Monday, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

A passing motorist spotted flames shooting from the roof of the New Faith Community Church on Holopaw Road in Osceola County at about 3 a.m. and called 911.

Firefighters and church members arrived to the church campus and found the building engulfed in flames.

The structure destroyed by flames was a community building and not the sanctuary.

The state fire marshal said the fire is considered suspicious. An investigation continues, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Man, 22, Spends $50K Setting Up
Marijuana Hydroponic Operation,
Gets Busted One Month Later

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, October 30, 2008, at about 3 p.m., two Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives, who had received a tip about narcotics activity at 28551 Gopher Hill Road, in Myakka City, Florida, went in search of said activity.

Robert Kenneth Erb

Detective Derek Pollock and Justin Warren talked with the unnamed homeowner. He advised the detectives that the back garage was being rented to Robert Kenneth Erb, 22, of 5212 Camphor Avenue, in Sarasota.

The detectives and several other members of the Special Investigations Division of the sheriff's office, along with the homeowner, walked around to the garage area. While on the southern side of the building, they smelled the strong odor of marijuana.

They encountered Erb, who gave them permission to enter the garage.

Inside the garage, they noticed an even stronger odor of marijuana.

In two finished back rooms, they located a marijuana hydroponic grow operation.

The walls were covered in a silver foil material and there were lights and exhaust fans throughout the room.

A total of 112 marijuana plants were seized from the rooms.

During an interview with Erb, he admitted to running the operation. Erb said the operation had been underway for approximately one month and that he learned how to do it from reading books.

He then told detectives he had spent about $50,000 dollars setting up the elaborate grow operation.

Erb was arrested and charged with Trafficking (Cultivation) in Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Erb was taken to the Manatee County Jail, where he was held on a $7,620 dollar bond. He has since bonded out of jail.

Erb has no other criminal charges listed in either Manatee County or Sarasota County court records.

He listed his occupation as "Drug Dealer," according to Manatee County Jail records.

Intended Victims Turn Tables
on Two Would-Be Burglars;
One Arrested, One Escaped

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two young men who were intended victims of two burglars on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at about 4:30 p.m., turned the tables on the burglars and captured one of them, but not without injuring the man, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Joshua N. Gill

Two men went to apartment of the victims in the 6900 block of Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, and kicked in the door to gain entry.

Joshua N. Gill, 18, was armed with a fiberglass pole. He struck Joshua Elsenheimer, 21, in the forearm.

Elsenheimer and the other victim, Shawn Bozarth, 20, fought back and knocked Gill unconscious, while the other would-be burglar, a White male, fled.

Elsenheimer and Bozarth restrained Gill until sheriff's deputies arrived.

Gill was taken into custody, after being treated for minor injuries.

He was charged with Burglary to an Occupied Structure.

Gill would not identify his accomplice.

Gill remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,000 dollars.

His accomplice was only described in the report as wearing a gray hoodie.

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

Woman Stabbed at Restaurant
in Argument Over Money

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was stabbed on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at about 2:15 a.m. after a man accused her of stealing from him.

Above, Daniel Ortiz

The report said Daniel Ortiz, 20, was at Antojitos, located at 320 Cortez Road West, when he got into a fight with Annie Rodriguez, 28, because she had stolen $100 from him.

During the fight Rodriguez struck Ortiz in the head with a bottle.

The fight was broken up and Rodriguez was leaving when Ortiz grabbed a knife from a table and stabbed her in the lower left abdomen.

Rodriguez was taken outside by her friends and Ortiz was detained by security until a deputy, who was working off-duty security, was able to handcuff him.

Rodriguez was transported to Bayfront Medical Center via Bayflight with an injury that was not life-threatening.

Ortiz allegedly confessed to the stabbing and was arrested.

He was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

Young Woman, Arrested Three
Times Already in 2008,
Charged with Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Whitney L. Edenfield, 22, currently in the Manatee County Jail on other charges, has been arrested and charged with a Burglary in August.

Whitney L. Edenfield

According to the arrest report, on August 29, 2008, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., a residence in the 9100 block of 60th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton, was burglarized.

Entry was made by breaking the front living room window.

Once inside the residence, the burglar stole a suitcase, earrings, a jacket and other assorted clothes valued at approximately $455 dollars.

Latent fingerprints were taken from the scene.

On October 20, 2008, a fingerprint report positively identified the prints as belonging to Whitney Edenfield.

On October 29, 2008, Edenfield was charged with Burglary.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 dollar bond for the burglary and $1,620 dollar bonds for other charges.

According to Manatee County court records, in January of this year, Edenfield was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. She was found guilty and she was sentenced to 60 days in jail and her driver license was suspended for two years. In September she was arrested for Grand Theft Auto. Early in October, she was charged with Driving on a Suspended License and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for KFC Burglary

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Lennie Twenty, 50, of 305 15th Avenue East, Bradenton, for the burglary of a Kentucky Fried Chicken store at 525 1st Street East, Bradenton, on Saturday, October 29, 2008.

Lennie Twenty

According to the arrest report, Twenty burglarized the store at about 2 a.m. on Saturday.

He gained entry to the store by chopping a hole in the store's cooler, which then allowed entry to the main part of the store.

Once inside, Twenty got into a cash register at the front counter and looked through drawers in the store's office.

At one point, he looked directly at a surveillance camera. He was seen wearing a black jacket with a specific design on the back of it.

Shortly before 8 a.m. in the morning, the store manager discovered the burglary.

The surveillance tape was reviewed and officers were made aware of Twenty's description, including the jacket.

On Sunday, October 30th, an officer observed Twenty in the 800 block of 15th Street East and noticed that Twenty matched the description of the burglary suspect.

The officer also discovered that Twenty had warrants for his arrest.

Twenty was arrested and charged with Burglary, as well as the outstanding warrants.

Photographer Captures Crash
at 59th Street West and Cortez

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A frequent contributor to NewsManatee photos captured the results of a crash on Friday, October 31, 2008, at about 4:30 p.m.

Above, 2-vehicle crash
(Photo by U-reporter Charlie Mills)

The crash occurred at 59th Street and Cortez Road West, NewManatee U-reporter Charlie Mills said.

The occupants of both vehicles were taken by ambulance to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, Mills reported.

It is unknown what caused the accident, or if any charges were filed; FHP did not send a press release for this incident.

[Ed. Note: You can become a U-Reporter (i.e., "you report") for NewsManatee. Just e-mail photos and comments to NewsManatee@aol.com. Please be sure to include your name and contact number, in case we have questions.]

Strong Arm Robbery of
Bank Deposit Bag

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Black male in a Halloween mask knocked a Dollar Tree store manager down and stole the bank bag she was carrying, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Sue Pendergraft, 55, of the is the assistant manager of the Dollar Tree located at 705 Cortez Rd West.

At approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2008, Pendergraft closed and exited the store with a deposit bag containing $1700.00 in cash a travelers check made out for an unknown amount.

As Pendergraft was walking to her vehicle, she was approached and confronted by a Black male.

The man demanded Pendergraft give him the money.

She refused and the man pushed Pendergraft to the ground, then took the bag of money from her.

The robber was not located by deputies.

Sue did not sustain any injuries.

The robber was described as a Black male, 5'10" tall, 170 pounds, and was last seen wearing a tan sweatshirt, black boots and a Halloween mask. The mask was not described in the report from the sheriff's office.

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

Shooting Reported at Circle K;
No Injuries or Property Damage

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A shooting incident was reported on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at about 3:30 a.m. at the Circle K convenience store located at 904 30th Avenue East, in Bradenton.

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a large crowd of persons and vehicles had congregated at the Circle K.

An employee, Lori Ducue, 40, heard 13-15 gunshots coming from the business' parking lot.

She looked outside and observed a man actively shooting a pistol into the air.

The crowd quickly dispersed.

Deputies flooded the area within minutes, but were unable to locate the suspect.

Subsequent surveillance video review revealed another man was also brandishing a gun in the parking lot.

As of the time of the report, there had been no property damage or injuries reported.

The shooter was described as a Black male in his 20s or 30s, 6' tall, last seen wearing a white hoodie. He fled in a gray sedan.

The man brandishing a weapon was described as a Black male in his 20s or 30s, and was seen fleeing in a white Ford F-150.

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.

Bullet Crashes Through Window,
Lands on Child's Bed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, November 1, 2008, shortly before 1 a.m., Someone fired a shot that crashed through a residential window and landed on a child's bed, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said the victims, Belinda Luna, 32, and four children were watching television in Belinda's room at a residence in the 5600 block of 12th Street East, Bradenton, when she heard a loud crashing sound.

Belinda went into the children's room and saw that the window had a hole in it. There was bullet was lying on a bed.

No one was seen and no gunshots were heard, the report said.

No one was injured.

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 Man, 26, Dies in
Traffic Crash, Alcohol-Related

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported Aaron Deitemeyer, 26, of 6623 Clemson Street West, in Bradenton, died from injuries sustained in a traffic crash on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at a few minutes past midnight.

According to the FHP report, a 1998 Jeep, being driven by Thomas Cosrello, 47, of 520 Hillcrest Drive, in Bradenton, was traveling southbound on US 41 in the middle lane passing the intersection of 57th Avenue West. Mr. Cosrello told FHP Troopers that a truck in front of him suddenly locked up his brakes. Cosrello said that he swerved into the right lane to avoid this truck.

At that point, Cosrello said, a pedestrian, Aaron Deitemeyer jumped from the middle lane into the right lane directly into the path of Cosrello's Jeep. Cosrello applied his brakes and the front of the Jeep struck Aaron.

The Jeep came to a stop in the right lane of US 41 facing south-southwest.

Aaron rolled off the hood and windshield of the Jeep and tumbled to a stop approximately 20 feet in front of the Jeep facing southwest.

Aaron was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Aaron's blood alcohol content was .271 grams of ethyl alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. This level is approximately three times over the legal limit.

From the available evidence, it appears that Aaron was attempting to cross US 41 from the east to the west.

Aaron died at approximately 5:51 p.m. on Saturday from his injuries that he had sustained in this crash.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, is asked to please call Cpl. David R. Brunner of the Florida Highway Patrol at 941-751-7647 Ext:131.

Sarasota Police Reported
Girl, 2, Drowned in Bathtub

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department reported a 2-year-old girl drowned in a bathtub when her mother left her alone on Friday, October 31, 2008.

Officers responded to assist the fire department with the attempted rescue at 2244 Dixie Avenue shortly before 8 a.m. CPR was already on the way.

Symyia Ross, the little girl, had bee left in the bath tub when her mother, Sylvia Baldwin, went to fix breakfast for her two other children.

One of her children told Baldwin to go look at Symyia and Baldwin found the tike under water in the tub.

An ambulance transported Symyia from her home to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 8:33 a.m., the police report said.

Punta Gorda Police Arrest
Two Men in Counterfeit
Money Case

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, October 31, 2008, Punta Gorda Police arrested 28-year-old Steven Robert Shaffer and 62-year-old, David Paul Wallis, both of 700 Holly Hill Court, in Punta Gorda, in reference to a counterfeit $20 dollar bill passed at a local business.

Above, L to R, Steven Robert Shaffer and David Paul Wallis

At about 12:54 p.m., officers responded to the Shipping Post, located at 3941 Tamiami Trail in reference to a male attempting to pass a fake $20 dollar bill.

Upon arrival, officers located the male and identified him a Steven Shaffer. Shaffer advised he was given the bills from his roommate, David Wallis and subsequently gave detectives consent to search his residence.

Detectives responded to the residence and located David Wallis with six additional counterfeit bills hidden within his Bible, and seized them. Other items seized at the residence include a computer, computer printer, and several ink cartridges.

The Secret Service was contacted and our two agencies are working together on the case.

Steven Shaffer was arrested and charged with Uttering Counterfeit Bills and Possession of Marijuana Less Than 20 Grams. He is being held at the Charlotte County Jail on $3,500 bond.

David Wallace was arrested and charged with Possession of Counterfeit Bills and Violation of Probation. He is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.

[Ed. Note: Shaffer is not the same man seen in Friday's surveillance photograph of a man who passed two $20 dollar bills in Port Charlotte (see NewsManateeArchives.com).]

Firefighter Accused of Molesting
Girl Under 12 At His Home

LAKE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Lake County firefighter was arrested on suspicion of molesting a girl younger than the age of 12, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Joshua McGee
(Mug shot courtesy WKMG)

Joshua McGee has been suspended from the Lake County Fire Department following his arrest.

Deputies said the molestation has been going on since May at his Seminole County home.

McGee was arrested over the weekend and is being held without bail.

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NewsManatee, Inc.
P.O. Box 10453
Bradenton, Florida 34282-0453
NOTICE
NewsManatee, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Bradenton, Florida.
Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
E-mail: NewsManatee@aol.com
Michael C. Quinn, Publisher and President
Carole Law Atkins, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary

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