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Man, 45, Accused of Lewd &
Lascivious Molestation of
Boy, 14; Threatening Him
and Another Boy, 12

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective has arrested Rodney Henry Ferguson, 45, of a residence on Montauk Point Crossing, in East Manatee County.

Rodney Henry Ferguson

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, August 22, 2008, an unnamed 14-year-old boy and an unnamed 12-year-old boy went to Ferguson's house to watch a football game.

Ferguson invited the boys to his bedroom where he had a small TV.

One of the boys told later Detective April Dugan that Ferguson left the room, then came back with a knife, pointed the knife at the boys from a few feet away and accused them of taking some of his cigarettes. He told the boys not to leave the room, that he'd be back in a few minutes and the cigarettes better be found. Then Ferguson left the room and told some other people not to let the boys leave his room until he got back.

The boys were afraid to leave, the report said, but found some cigarettes in Ferguson's bedroom and put them on his dresser.

When Ferguson returned, he acted like he was just playing around, so the boys stayed there to watch the football game.

The older boy said the younger boy left to go home and he has not talked to the younger boy since. The younger boy was interviewed and gave the same story about Ferguson, the knife and the cigarettes.

When the younger boy had left, Ferguson asked the older boy to rub lotion on Ferguson's back and massage Ferguson's back. The 14-year-old said he didn't want to do that, so Ferguson said he'd give the 14-year-old a back rub. Ferguson started rubbing on the 14-year-old's back and then slipped his hand down the front of the boy's pants, fondling his penis. The boy said he didn't want that to happen and got up to leave.

Ferguson told him the massage never happened and not to tell anyone about it. But the boy apparently went home and did tell.

Ferguson was interviewed and spoke to Det. Dugan. Ferguson admitted that the boys were in his room, lying on his bed with him watching football. He also admitted pulling out the knife and confronting the boys about the missing cigarettes.

Ferguson denied touching the 14-year-old's penis.

He also said he is an illegal alien. The arrest report said Ferguson is from the Bahamas.

Ferguson was arrested on Sunday, November 23, 2008, and charged with one count of Lewd & Lascivious Molestation of a Child 12-16 Years of Age and one count of False Imprisonment.

Ferguson remains in the Manatee County jail on a combined bail bond of $13,500.

Manatee Detective Arrests
Pinellas County Man for
Lewd & Lascivious Acts
on Bradenton Girl, 15

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Tuesday, November 25, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Mike Jones arrested Christopher Fox, 28, of Clearwater.

Christopher Fox

According to a report from the sheriff's office, Christopher Fox intentionally and unlawfully received oral sex from the unnamed 15-year-old victim. The incident occurred at a residence in the 800 block of 67th Avenue Drive East, in Bradenton, on November 17, 2008.

Det. Jones said Fox also digitally penetrated the victim's vagina with his finger. It is alleged the suspect and victim engaged in this activity multiple times.

Det. Jones completed an arrest warrant and located Fox in Pinellas County.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office assisted with the arrest.

Fox confessed to the allegations and fully cooperated, Det. Jones said.

The suspect was arrested without incident and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

He was charged with one count of Lewd & Lascivious Battery and remains in the Pinellas County Jail on a bail bond of $15,000.

Manatee Deputies Seek
Strong Arm Robber of
Convenience Store

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, November 24, 2008, at about 5:15 p.m., the Capital Discount Beverages convenience store, located at 5235 26th Street West, Bradenton, was the victim of a strong arm robber, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Above, Capital Discount Beverages
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

The report said a White male was in the convenience store trying to make conversation with the clerk. He remained in the store asking questions and just loitering.

The clerk called her boss and told him what was occurring and her employer spoke with the White male, telling him to leave the store.

The White male remained in the store, and when he observed that the clerk had her register open, he jumped the counter, grabbed the clerk and shoved her to the ground.

The robber took an undisclosed amount of cash from the register.

He then fled east on 53rd Avenue West.

The clerk was able to hit the distress button and the sheriff's office responded.

A perimeter was established and a K-9 unit attempted to track, but to no avail.

The victim received no injuries during the incident.

The robber was only described as a White male, 5'10" tall, wearing a black ball cap, a white T-shirt and blue 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.

Man Arrested for Armed Robbery
of Other Man with Broken BB Gun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The victim of an armed robbery on Friday, November 21, 2008, didn't know the robber's weapon was a BB gun and that it was broken. The victim told deputies he was in fear for his life.

Shane Jevon Daniels

According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Shane Devon Daniels, 18, of 316 30th Street East, Palmetto, approached the victim, identified only as "Carlton" in the report, at about 12:30 a.m. Carlton was walking down the street in the 100 block of 29th Street East, in Bradenton.

Shane pulled what Carlton thought to be a gray semi-automatic pistol from the front waistband of his shorts, put it to Carlton's head and said, "This is a dog eat dog world, and you need to give it up."

Shane then took a $10 bill from Carlton, put the pistol back into the front waistband of his shorts and walked away.

Carlton called the sheriff's office.

A deputy spotted a man matching the description of the robber, later identified as Shane Daniels, and stopped him. When the deputy patted Shane down, he found a gray BB gun pistol tucked into the front waistband of Shane's shorts and a $10 bill in his pocket.

Carlton positively identified Shane as the man who robbed him. He told deputies he thought the gun was real and was afraid for his life at the time.

Shane was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery. As he was being arrested, he told the deputy, "It's just a BB gun, and it's broken."

Shane remains in the Manatee County jail on a $50,000 bail bond.

Young Man Arrested for Theft
from Sears at DeSoto Square
Mall, Punching Security,
Possession of Marijuana

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two Manatee County Sheriff's Office Deputies have arrested Arkee A. Mitchell, 23, of 4108 9th Street East, Bradenton.

Arkee A. Mitchell

Mitchell's arrest report said on Friday, November 21, 2008, at about 5:45 p.m., Mitchell entered the Sears store at the DeSoto Square Mall through the central doors and immediately proceeded to the men's wear department.

Once there, Mitchell selected six shirts and a pair of jeans, then proceeded to the fitting room, where he entered carrying a Wet Seal bag.

Mitchell concealed the merchandise in the Wet Seal bag, left the fitting room and exited the store, passing all points of payment, with no attempt to pay for the merchandise.

Once outside the store, a loss prevention person confronted Mitchell from behind and identified himself as Sears security.

Mitchell immediately turned around and punched the loss prevention person in the face twice; once in the mouth and once in the nose.

The loss prevention person and another loss prevention person took Mitchell to the ground. They were wrestling outside the store when another loss prevention person assisted in detaining Mitchell and handcuffing him.

During the scuffle, one of the Sears loss prevention person observed Mitchell shoving a baggie down his pants.

They escorted Mitchell to the loss prevention office, where Mitchell refused to sit down and kicked one of the loss prevention guys in the chest.

When deputies arrived, they began searching Mitchell. He had several pairs of underwear on. In the last layer, they found .9 grams of marijuana and a DVD.

The value of the merchandise was $123.49.

Mitchell was arrested and charged with Retail Theft, Resisting a Retail Merchant, Battery and Possession of Marijuana.

[Ed. Note: Shoplifters, beware! "You'd better watch out, you'd better not pout...." At this time of year, store security and plainclothes law officers are EVERYWHERE.]

Woman Arrested for Theft
from Dillard's at DeSoto
Square Mall

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Barbara M. Spraggins, 49, of 401 7th Street West, Bradenton, for felony retail theft from Dillard's department store in the DeSoto Square Mall, in Bradenton.

Barbara M. Spraggins

The arrest report said on Saturday, November 23, 2008, a Dillard's loss prevention person saw Spraggins in the store, grabbing a shopping bag behind the children's department cash register and putting it in her purse.

Spraggins then selected denim jeans and a stuffed animal and concealed the items in the store's shopping bag.

Spraggins then passed all points of sale and exited the main entrance to the store in the mall.

The loss prevention person confronted Spraggins and detained her.

Additional store merchandise was found in Spraggins' handbag.

The total value of the merchandise was $164.39.

Since Spraggins had six prior petit theft convictions, the report said, she was arrested and charged with Felony Retail Theft.

She remains in the Manatee County jail on a $2,000 bail bond.

Bayshore H.S. Teen Dies
Following Palmetto Crash

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- A recent student of Bayshore High School has died. The Florida Highway Patrol reported Brian C. Nichols, Jr., passed away on Monday, November 24, 2008, at 2:50 p.m. at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, from injuries suffered in a single car crash on Saturday.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported Nichols, 19, of Bradenton, was in critical condition following a single-car crash on Saturday, November 22, 2008, at about 9:20 p.m.

The crash occurred on U.S. 41 in Palmetto, near 39th Street East.

Nichols was northbound on U.S. 41 when he lost control of his vehicle, a 2003 Subaru, and it began to rotate.

The vehicle entered the center median and collided with a tree and several Palmetto bushes, the FHP report said.

Nichols was wearing a seat belt, according to the report.

He was flown by Bayflite to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, where he later died.

Brian was wearing his seat belt, FHP said.

Sarasota Deputies Make Marijuana
Grow House Arrest, Seize 84 Plants

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, November 24th, 2008, at approximately 4:00 p.m., members of the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau executed a search warrant on a residence located at 4511, Marcella Terrace in North Port.

Humberto Nicle-Noa

Detectives seized a total of 84 plants inside the residence which was being utilized solely to grow and harvest marijuana.

Humberto Nicle-Noa, 31, has been charged with; Cultivation of Cannabis, Trafficking in Cannabis Over 25 pounds, and Possession of a Residence for the Purpose of Manufacturing a Controlled Substance.

CCSO Asking Public's Help
Identifying Armed Robbers

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying two men involved in an armed robbery of the Shell gas station, corner of U.S. 17 and Regents Rd., by Punta Gorda I-75 Exit-164 around 4:00 a.m., on Oct. 31st, 2008.

A heavy set Black male subject with a chin beard entered the store first, wearing an orange T-shirt and dark pants; he appeared to be looking over the situation. He was followed by a Black male wearing a ski mask who pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money.

The clerk complied with the demand and gave him cash from the register; then both men fled the store.

The two men may have driven off in a white Chevrolet Cavalier with a Lee County license tag.

Anyone with information about this armed robbery, is asked to please contact CCSO Detective Robert Harrelson at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Mark One For the Good Guys:
Owner Helps Nab Boat Thieves

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported the owner of a boat that was stolen out of an Orange County driveway followed the thieves in his pickup, helping sheriff's deputies catch them, authorities said.

The man called 911 at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, saying that his boat had been stolen and he was following it on Econ Trail and state Road 408, Orange County sheriff's deputies said.

Deputies joined the pursuit and K-9s caught five people on Dean Road, minutes after the boat became unhooked on state Road 408, according to the sheriff's office.

"We were able to get this man's stolen boat back. We got five bad guys off the streets and put in jail, and after a search of the truck and finding some of the items on the people, it looks like they were using drugs," Orange County sheriff's Cmdr. Spike Hopkins said.

Deputies said they found a crack pipe on the dashboard of the getaway truck.

The boat owner was not hurt, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Woman, 43, Arrested for Sex
with Boy, 15, While Daughter, 15,
Other Girl, 14, Watched the Sex Act

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Donna L. Andree, 43, of the 6800 block of 2nd Street West, Bradenton. Detectives say the woman had unprotected sex with a 15-year-old boy, while her 15-year-old daughter and another girl, 14, watched.

Donna L. Andree

According to the arrest report, on August 22, 2008, Dean Andree, Donna's estranged husband, went to Donna's residence and knocked on the door. Nobody answered, but he could apparently hear voices inside, so he finally got into the house.

Meanwhile, hearing the knock, Donna Andree told her daughter and the 14-year-old to hide in the closet, but the daughter couldn't fit inside.

When Dean entered the bedroom, he found Donna naked with the 15-year-old boy, who was also naked. Dean said the boy then fled the house on foot.

The daughter later told detectives that she and the 14-year-old girl were at the foot of the bed on the floor and she saw the 15-year-old boy's penis enter her mother's vagina.

She said her mother had bought the daughter and the other kids Captain Morgan Rum and Tilt, another alcoholic beverage. She said her mother had given her an alcoholic beverage at least 4 or 5 times in the past and that her mother drinks alcohol every day.

When Donna was interviewed by detectives, she admitted to giving the kids alcohol and having sex with the 15-year-old boy while the other two watched, but told detectives she thought the boy she was having sex with was 19, the arrest report said.

On Saturday, November 22, 2008, Donna was arrested.

She was charged with one count of Lewd and Lascivious Battery, two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition and seven counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Donna Andree remains in the Manatee County jail on a bail bond total of $33,500.

Sign of the Times: Young Mother,
18, Arrested for Theft of Food,
Infant's Blanket from Wal-Mart

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An 18-year-old mother, with her infant in tow, was arrested on Sunday, November 23, 2008, at about 4 p.m.

Amanda R. Savoie

According to the arrest report, at about 3:30 p.m., Amanda R. Savoie, 18, of Bradenton, entered the Wal-Mart store located at 2911 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton.

According to loss prevention personnel, Savoie was in the women's department of the store with grocery items in her shopping cart, along with her infant child.

She removed a bag of cake mix from its box and concealed it in her purse, then placed the other box of cake mix in her purse as well.

Savoie proceeded to the infant's department, where she took an infant's blanket and placed it over the child she had in the shopping cart.

Savoie then went to the deli, where she obtained salami, ham, turkey and cheese and concealed them under the blanket.

She then went to an unopened register, took a bag and placed a loaf of break and cake icing in the bag and exited the store without paying for any of the items.

Loss prevention personnel caught up to her and detained her for law enforcement.

A receipt from loss prevention showed that the total of all items taken was $50.70.

Savoie refused to speak to a deputy.

She was charged with Retail Theft.

The report didn't say what happened to the infant who was with Savoie

This Week's Stupid Criminal:
Burglar Passes Out from Drug
Consumption, Shelf Falls On Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Note to burglars: When planning a burglary, never take so many drugs that you pass out during commission of the crime. That's what happened to Robert J. Abel, 28, of 609 Casabella Drive, in Bradenton.

Robert J. Abel

According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on Friday, November 21, 2008, at about 1:10 p.m., the would-be victim of the intended burglary, Banjamin Pappas, came home to his residence in the Orange Grove Mobile Home Park, 2616 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, and found the front screen to his garage door had been torn and screws had been removed.

Pappas then saw a lot of property that he had placed in the garage had been scattered and moved. There were several expensive tools that had been moved from the back of the garage to the front.

As Pappas began to move the property out of the way, he heard a noise. He then found Robert Abel in the back corner of the garage, passed out with a storage shelf laying on top of him.

Pappas called the sheriff's office, who dispatched deputies and EMS.

When deputies and EMS arrived, they found Abel in that condition: passed out with the storage shelf on top of him.

Abel could not walk or get out of the garage by himself. Two deputies had to removed him from the garage.

In a search of Abel subsequent to the removal, deputies found a prescription bottle with no label and 39 1 milligram Xanax (pronounced Zanax) pills inside the bottle.

Abel was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment. He was unable to be interviewed, a deputy wrote, because he was too incapacitated to speak well.

Abel was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

He remains in the Manatee County jail on a combined bail bond of $26,000.

Two Teenagers Shot During
Gang-Related Drive-By

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, two teenagers, a boy and a girl, 16 and 15 years old, respectively, were both shot in the leg on Sunday, November 23, 2008, at about 5 a.m., according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

The incident occurred at 4726 Canal Road, in Palmetto. Several people, including the victims, were gathered at the address, when a compact vehicle with four people inside drove by and a back seat passenger fired 5 to 6 shots into the small crowd, wounding the victims. Then the vehicle drove off toward U.S. 41 North.

Bristow said the incident was possibly gang-related. He also said the victims and witnesses were uncooperative with deputies and information given to deputies is uncertain.

According to Detective Bill Waldron, who spoke to NewsManatee Sunday night, the wounded teens are likely part of the Canal Road Locos gang, comprised of about 15 individuals, mostly relatives and a few friends.

Bristow said the teens were transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where they were treated and released.

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 at Pay Phone Beaten
By Four Men, Robbed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery in the 4500 block of 26th Street West on Sunday, November 23, 2008, at about 11 p.m.

The report from Sgt. John Scowfoe said, according to the victim, Levi Johnson, 27, of Palmetto, he was using a pay phone at the above address when Andrew LeRose, 24, of 260 34th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, who is known to Johnson, pulled up in a silver car.

LeRose approached Johnson and began yelling at him, then knocked him to the ground and kicked him. LeRose then removed a gold chain, a pair of earrings, and $10 cash from Johnson's pockets before fleeing in the same vehicle.

Johnson told deputies that there were three other unidentified males and two females in the vehicle with LeRose and the males took part in beating and kicking him.

A witness, a female companion of Johnson's who has been dating him for two weeks, basically corroborated Johnson's story, but also stated that the two females approached the car she was waiting in, yelling at her that, Levi had robbed them and to, "Give me my money."

The female also stated that, "That was it for her, she didn't want anything to do with him anymore."

Johnson valued the necklace and earrings at $200.

He chose to be transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment of a bloody nose and a broken finger.

LeRose was not located, Sgt. Scowfoe wrote, possibly having gone to Sarasota. A request for LeRose's arrest to the State Attorney's Office was completed.

Teen Critical Following
Palmetto Crash

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported Brian C. Nichols, Jr., 19, of Bradenton, was in critical condition following a single-car crash on Saturday, November 22, 2008, at about 9:20 p.m.

The crash occurred on U.S. 41 in Palmetto, near 39th Street East.

Nichols was northbound on U.S. 41 when he lost control of his vehicle, a 2003 Subaru, and it began to rotate.

The vehicle entered the center median and collided with a tree and several Palmetto bushes, the FHP report said.

Nichols was wearing a seat belt, according to the report.

He was flown by Bayflite to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.

Charges are pending further investigation of the crash, FHP said.

SWAT Raid Yields One Arrest
for Trafficking in Drugs

ENGLEWOOD, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, assisted by SWAT, K-9 and Traffic units raided an Englewood home at 1360 Rocky Creek Lane Saturday afternoon at 3:45 p.m.

Luke Richard Fisher

Luke Richard Fisher, 28, was charged with nine felony counts. Narcotics detectives made two prior undercover purchases at Fisher’s home on Nov. 6 and Nov. 21, and then obtained a search warrant for the Saturday raid.

Once SWAT cleared the home, detectives found 620 Oxycodone pills, 17 grams of Methamphetamines and one gram of Crack Cocaine. Fisher is charged with Trafficking on Oxycodone, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, two counts of Sale and Delivery of Oxycodone, three counts of Possession Oxycodone, and one count each of Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Crack Cocaine.

Fisher was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and is being held without bond; he has eight previous bookings with 46 records, many drug related.

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

FHP Patrols Increase Enforcement
for Thanksgiving Travel Period

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- The Thanksgiving holiday is a peak travel period for families joining together, but far too often the holiday celebration turns to tragedy because of failure to drive carefully and wear seatbelts. Since Thanksgiving always produces a high volume of traffic, the Florida Highway Patrol will increase its presence on Florida roadways during the upcoming five-day holiday period. All sworn personnel on the patrol normally assigned to administrative duties will be reassigned to patrol duties on high volume roadways. In addition, Auxiliary and Reserve troopers will volunteer to assist regular troopers during the heightened holiday enforcement period.

“The Thanksgiving holidays are typically times of heavy traffic as people travel to spend time with their families, so we urge everyone driving on our highways during the holiday period to drive carefully,” said Colonel John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely, drive sober and buckle up on each and every trip. The holidays are a time for celebration, but we cannot forget safety behind the wheel.”

The Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists of Florida’s Move Over Law. The law requires motorists to move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle or tow truck/wrecker is stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. Motorists are required to change lanes away from authorized emergency vehicles if able to move over safely or slow down while maintaining a safe speed. Violators of the Move Over law will be issued a citation.

Motorists are encouraged to use their cellular telephones safely. FHP urges all drivers to call *FHP (*347) to report drunk or aggressive drivers. They can also use this number if their vehicle breaks down or they need assistance. Motorists needing immediate emergency services should dial 911.

Boy Hospitalized After Dog
Bit Boy's Face

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a boy was transported to an Orlando-area hospital Monday afternoon after a dog bit his face, authorities said.

The dog bite occurred in the 12000 block of Blackheath Circle, in south Orlando.

The victim, believed to be 9 years old, was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital with facial injuries.

No other details were immediately known, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Deputies Arrest Fugitive
for Attempted Murder; Two Others
Busted for Helping Him Evade Arrest

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested a man they have been looking for since Monday, June 30, 2008, following a shooting at Club RJ's, 720 9th Avenue West, in Bradenton, during which a man was shot in the side. They also arrested two people who tried to help the man evade arrest on Thursday of last week.

Above, L to R, Chauncey McDuffie, Michael A. Reid and Kristina Marie Pavao

According to the original incident report from the Bradenton Police Department, Daniel Mendoza, Jr., 19, and Kevin Lenard McCants, 19, both of 1119 61st Avenue Drive East, shot at Antonio Nunez, 21, several times outside Club RJ's while Nunez was sitting on the hood of his car in the parking lot. Only one shot hit its intended target, Nunez; a total of 26 casings were found at the scene. Three different calibers of casings were found, meaning three guns were used in the shooting.

BPD reported the two men were arrested in connection with the shooting. Both men were charged with Attempted Murder. Police were searching for a third man they say was involved in the shooting, Chauncey McDuffie, 21. Police obtained a warrant for his arrest on a charge of Attempted Murder.

Then, on Thursday, November 20, 2008, information was received by the sheriff's office that McDuffie was at 715 31st Avenue East, in Bradenton. As deputies approached that residence, they observed a Ford Crown Victoria pull out of the driveway and proceed westbound on 31st Avenue East. As the vehicle approached 5th Street East, where there were several marked patrol cars, deputies observed a person, later identified as Chauncey McDuffie, crouched down in the back seat.

The deputies tapped on the car and yelled at the driver to stop. The car then sped south on 5th Street and was found a few minutes later parked in the middle of the road in the 3200 block of 5th Street Court East. The back seat passenger, McDuffie, was gone.

Deputies asked the driver, later identified as Michael Reid, 22, of Brandon, Florida, where the back seat passenger was. Reid said he fled from the vehicle through nearby back yards. At first, Reid denied knowing the fugitive passenger in the back seat, but then recanted his story and said he had picked up McDuffie to get him out of the area. Reid's girlfriend, Kristina Pavao, 19, was also in the car and was in the front passenger seat. Reid and Pavao's 4-month-old baby was in the back seat.

Deputies searched the vehicle and discovered a .38 caliber handgun on the driver's side floorboard, under the floor liner. A bag containing cocaine was found in the center console. It weighed 11.5 grams. Deputies also discovered a .45 caliber handgun in a baby bag sitting next to Pavao's purse, which contained 2.1 grams of marijuana. Reid had $583 in his front pocket.

Reid was charged with Obstruction, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Resisting Arrest without Violence and Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number. Pavao was charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm and Possession of Marijuana.

Meanwhile, other deputies located Chauncey McDuffie a few minutes later and arrested him, charging him with the Attempted Murder warrant from the nightclub shooting.

McDuffie remains in the Manatee County jail on a bail bond of $1,000,000. Reid remains in jail on a bond of $5,370. Pavao posted her bond of $2,120 and was released.

Bank Robber Captured
Moments After Robbery

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police captured a bank robber moments after the robbery, according to a report from Dep. Police Chief J.J. Lewis.

Above, BPD Officers Johnston (left) and Cerniglia (right)
escort Roderick Robinson (center) to a cruiser
(Photo by Charles Mills, NewsManatee)

On Friday, November 21, 2008, at 1:38 p.m., Bradenton Police Officers responded to a robbery in progress at Century Bank, 6351 Manatee Avenue West.

Investigation revealed that a man, later identified as Roderick Robinson, age 62, of Palmetto, Florida, entered the bank and demanded money from the teller.

After receiving an undetermined amount of money, Mr. Robinson fled, driving a small white pick up truck. Bradenton police officers and detectives began a search for him.

A Bradenton Police officer located Mr. Robinson as he sat in his parked truck, which was in the Wal-Mart parking lot at the 5300 block of Cortez Road West.

Mr. Robinson was arrested without incident and charged with Robbery.

Robinson remains in the Manatee County jail on a bond of $500,000.

Two Arrested for Burglary
from Vehicle at Sam's Club

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies arrested two men for burglary to a vehicle at Sam's Club parking lot on Friday, November 21, 2008, at about 4:10 p.m.

Above, L to R, William Barber and Danny Yarger

A report from the sheriff's office said William Barber, 27, and Danny Yarger, 27, drove into the parking lot of Sam's Club in the 5300 block of 30th Street East, Bradenton, and stopped behind a Toyota Tundra.

Yarger, who was in the passenger seat, exited the vehicle and climbed into the bed of the truck, then removed an air compressor and a DeWalt drill. He exited the truck then placed the items into the trunk of their vehicle.

These actions were witnessed by a citizen in the parking lot who yelled at Yarger. The witness then approached Barber and Yarger and they fled in a silver vehicle.

The witness gave chase and was able to get the license plate. Deputy Perry arrived and ran the tag.

Dep. Perry contacted the registered owner who advised her that her son Danny had the vehicle. The owner made contact with Danny who returned to the scene without the vehicle.

Danny was positively identified by the witness as the one who climbed into the bed of the truck. Deputy Perry arrested Danny then again made contact with the registered owner. She contacted the driver, William Barber, and he told her he would meet Dep. Perry at the Site station.

Perry responded to the Site station and located the vehicle but the driver, Barber, had fled the area.

The owner of the vehicle responded and voluntarily opened the trunk. The air compressor and DeWalt drill were still in the vehicle and returned to the owner, George Harris, 48.

Through investigation, the driver, Barber, was identified and contacted by Deputy Perry. He admitted to being the driver of the vehicle and told Deputy Perry to "come get me."

Deputies and K-9 responded to the an address on 26th Avenue where Barber was located and arrested.

Barber and Yarger were each charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Conveyance and remain in the Manatee County jail on a $10,000 bond each.

Young Woman Arrested
for Grand Theft

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Dawn Marie Wheeler, 25, of 110 44th Court East, Palmetto.

Dawn Marie Wheeler

The arrest report said on October 4, 2008, Wheeler, along with her children and boyfriend were guests at the home of Dawn Grandys and James Krause.

Grandys and Krause subsequently found miscellaneous jewelry, money in piggy banks and DVDs missing.

Wheeler confessed to Grandys of her involvement in taking the items and said she pawned some of the items at Cash America Pawn, in Palmetto.

The jewelry and DVDs were later located at the pawn shop.

Wheeler was arrested on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, and charged with Grand Theft.

Reverse Prostitution Sting Nets
Six Men on Seven Charges

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On November 21, 2008, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Tactical Unit conducted a Prostitution Reverse in the 3300 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton. The operation was conducted from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday evening.

They were able to effectively arrest six men for Solicitation for Prostitution. In addition to the prostitution charge, one suspect was also charged with Attempted Purchase of Rock Cocaine.

Those arrested, their names, race and ages are as follows:

1. Manuel Xorxe, Hispanic male, 39
2. Juan Bartolu, Hispanic male, 25
3. Jorge Perez, Hispanic male, 26
4. Julius Perry, Black male, 48
5. Juan Urbina, Hispanic male, 28
6. David Lomonica, White male, 41, also charged with Attempted Purchase of Rock Cocaine

Man Tasered, Involuntarily
Admitted to Hospital

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office and EMS personnel had their hands full on Friday, November 21, 2008, with a combative person who was very intoxicated.

A sheriff's office report said John Larson, 20, of 7708 2nd Avenue West, Bradenton, was dropped off at the residence by some friends and warned Jaque Brown, who was house-sitting, to be careful because Larson was being violent.

Brown noticed that Larson was extremely intoxicated and was concerned because he was becoming unresponsive.

Brown summoned EMS and upon their arrival they encountered Larson, who was belligerent, combative and intoxicated.

Deputy Bowen arrived on scene and witnessed four EMS workers struggling to control Larson as he was swinging his arms around in attempts to strike them.

Deputy Bowen drive-stunned Larson in his right pectoral muscle which gained immediate compliance.

Larson was taken into custody under the Marchman Act and transported to a local hospital.

[Ed. Note: The Marchman Act provides for voluntary or involuntary admission to hospital for substance abuse.]

Teenager Beaten, Robbed
At DeSoto Square Mall

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A 17-year-old boy was attacked by three Black males and robbed of a gold necklace on Friday, November 21, 2008, at about 10:30 p.m., according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said the victim, Kyle Weaver, of the 4000 block of 67th Street West, Bradenton, was at the carnival in the DeSoto Square Mall parking lot with friends when he was approached by three Black male teenagers. They surrounded Kyle and started hitting him.

Kyle dropped to the ground to protect himself and one of them ripped his gold chain from his neck, then fled north from the parking lot.

Kyle did not know what to do, so his friends took him home. He told his mother, who took him to Blake Hospital and then called the sheriff's office.

Kyle suffered several cuts and large scratches on his face and elbow. His top lip was also cut and swollen, the report said.

The attackers were described as three unknown Black males, 15-17 years of age, 5'9" tall, with average builds.

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.

West Manatee Jewelry Store
Burglarized, Jewelry Taken

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday morning, November 21, 2008, at about 5:45 a.m., Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a burglar alarm at Gulf Coast Jewelers, 1403 57th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Upon arrival, deputies found the front door glass smashed out and the glass tops to display cases were smashed.

No suspects were located in the area.

The owner, Stephen McCarty, said he would have to inventory the displays to determine what was 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.

Woman's Purse Snatched At
Gunpoint By Two Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, November 21, 2008, at about 3:20 a.m., a woman arriving home in the 1600 block of 55th Avenue Circle East, Bradenton, was robbed of her purse at gunpoint by two Black males, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Brittney Debaylo arrived home from work and parked her car. She was reaching into the back seat to get her young daughter, R.J.

Suspect #1 grabbed Debaylo from behind while pointing a pistol at her. Suspect #2 was also present and armed with a pistol.

Both suspects threatened the victims’ life.

Suspect #2 grabbed the victim's purse from her shoulder. Suspect #1 grabbed a small travel bag from inside the vehicle.

Both suspects then fled on foot.

The victims were uninjured and no shots were fired.

The thugs were described as an unknown Black male, 5'10" tall, about 150 pounds, wearing jeans, a black hooded jacket and a mask; and an unknown Black male, 5'08" tall, about 150 pounds, wearing a mask and a black jacket. Both were armed with pistols.

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

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

Three Hispanics Victims of
Home Invasion Robbery
By Three Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a home invasion robbery on Friday, November 21, 2008, at about 2:45 a.m., in the 200 block of 60th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

The report said three unknown Black males entered the victims' home by kicking in the front door.

Once inside, they placed the victims on a couch in the living room and demanded money and drugs.

The three intruders then ransacked the residence and fled in an unknown direction.

At the time of the report, It was unknown if any property is missing. It is also unknown if they were armed; the report didn't say.

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.

Safe Stolen During Burglary
in East Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a residential burglary in East Manatee County on Thursday, November 20, 2008, during which a safe was stolen.

The incident occurred in the 14000 block of Nighthawk Terrace, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

According to the incident report, an unknown person made entry to the home by way of an unlocked sliding glass door.

Once inside, the unknown person made entry into a bedroom, prying the door jam and a deadbolt on the door with an unknown tool.

A large safe containing numerous items was taken from the bedroom and the culprit apparently exited through the sliding glass door and fled in an unknown direction by unknown means.

The value of property taken was estimated at $2,860.

Fingerprints were taken at the crime scene.

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.

Narcotics Raid Yields Arrest,
Marijuana, Morphine Seizure

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit raided a Port Charlotte home on Thursday, November 20, 2008, at 4:11 p.m., and confiscated marijuana and morphine at 18050 Lakeworth Blvd.

Michael Alan Aud

Michael Alan Aud, 18, was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Morphine, and Possession of Narcotics Equipment.

Aud was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and is being held on a $6,000 bond.

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

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