Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 12/20/2008

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Local/State News for week ending 12/20/2008

Analysis -- Melvin Capers' Murder:
Home Invasion Robbery Gone
Bad, or Revenge Killing?

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Dec. 15, 2008, at about 3:28 a.m., Melvin Capers, Jr., 26, was shot and killed at his home located at 604 19th Street East, in Bradenton. Bradenton Police Detectives have been unable or unwilling to provide further information surrounding Capers' death. However, NewsManatee has been able to piece together certain facts which may lead to a better understanding of the incident.

Above, Melvin Capers, Jr., and 604 19th Street East, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Following Capers' murder, the Bradenton Herald published an article by reporter Beth Burger which said, in part: "Officers responded to the house after a report of a home invasion and shooting....intruders kicked in a door on the west side of the home to come in armed with a handgun." The Bradenton Herald report further stated: "[Capers' mother, Annie May Capers] said 'Most likely they broke in because they wanted to rob him.'"

What we don't know is whether there was more than one intruder who was armed, how many times Capers was shot (an anonymous source claims it was multiple times, but we have been unable to confirm that) and what the killers intended to steal, if anything. Furthermore, we don't know with certainty whether it was an intended robbery or a possible revenge killing. We'll explain what we mean by 'revenge killing.'

Melvin Capers, an unemployed man with no visible means of support, was arrested on May 14, 2008, in Sarasota County by a Sheriff's Office Drug Interdiction Officer. Capers was traveling south into Sarasota County in a vehicle; the officer pulled the vehicle over because Capers was exhibiting suspicious driving skills while watching the officer in his rear view mirror, according to the arrest report. What the officer found in Capers' vehicle was 3.5 pounds of marijuana, neatly packaged in vacuum-packed parcels. He also had $643 in cash on him. Capers was charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, a felony. On December 4, 2008, a judge ordered adjudication withheld and Capers was placed on probation.

Eleven days later, Capers was shot and killed.

It's not usual for a person found with 3.5 pounds of marijuana to receive no jail time. True, Capers had little prior criminal history. According to Manatee County court records, he was arrested once for Domestic Battery and had multiple traffic citations, but that was basically it, plus the arrest in Sarasota County.

Did Capers cut a deal with prosecutors and law enforcement to turn over the name of his marijuana supplier and receive only probation? Did the supplier assume that, or find out that such was the case and order a hit? Or was the supplier the killer?

Did the person or persons burst into Capers' home just to rob him of a marijuana supply? Or were the killer(s) there for some other nefarious reason?

Another possibility is that a couple of bad guys decided to pull off a major heist of drug money and killed Capers in the process.

NewsManatee surmises the incident was probably a combination of some of the above theories.

An anonymous source in law enforcement told NewsManatee Melvin Capers was a well-known marijuana dealer in drug circles.

We in the media may never find out the answers to those questions; the police are being very tight-lipped about the killing.

What we do know for sure is Melvin Capers, Jr., a known marijuana dealer, who was arrested with a large supply of marijuana and only given probation, is dead because one or more armed persons burst into his home and shot and killed him for some reason.

Capers was the 14th murder in the county overall this year. There have been 9 murders in the county, 3 in Bradenton and 2 in Palmetto.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at (941) 932-9300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives
Arrest Man with Gun for Armed
Trafficking in Cocaine

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at about noon, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives arrested Quinten J. Earnest, 25, of unknown address.

Quinten J. Earnest

According to the arrest report, at about 11:30, detectives made a controlled phone call to a person by the name of Erick Burke regarding purchasing two cookies of rock cocaine in exchange for $2,600. The transaction was to take place between the hours of 11 and 12 a.m. at Burke's residence in the 2800 block of 47th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Burke returned a phone call to a detective saying he would not be there but that his nephew, "Quint," would be delivering the cocaine and that he would be driving a Cadillac.

At about 12:15 p.m., a brown Cadillac arrived at the residence and backed into the east side of the driveway.

The Manatee County SWAT Team pulled up to the residence to conduct a felony takedown.

Quinten exited the vehicle and fled, leaving the driver's side door open.

Deputies observed in plain view a Sig Sauer P228 handgun lying on the driver's side floorboard. It was fully loaded with one round in the chamber, ready to be fired.

In addition, deputies also observed on the front passenger seat, in plain view, a brown Burger King bag which contained two whole cookies of rock cocaine. A futher search of the vehicle produced another 29.7 grams of rock coaine inside a sandwich bag, which was located inside of the center console of the vehicle. The total weight of the cocaine was later found to be 78.9 grams (2.8 ounces).

Quinten was seen running in the 4500 block of 26th Street West and detained by deputies. He was brought back to the scene where several deputies identified him as the man who fled from the Cadillac.

Quinten admitted to knowing the rock cocaine was in his vehicle and knowing about the firearm.

Quinten was arrested and charged with Armed Trafficking in Cocaine and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Bradenton Police Arrest
Woman for Child Neglect

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Dina M. Daw, 25, of the 1700 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Dina M. Daw

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at about 9 a.m., Daw was visited by her unnamed sister.

Daw is the mother of a 2-year-old boy and an 11 1/2 month old boy, and is also 6 months pregnant.

The sister saw both boys were in a deplorable condition. The children had not been bathed in 2 weeks. The 11 1/2 month old boy had a diaper rash that was bleeding and he needed to be changed.

Daw told her sister that she had smoked "crack" cocaine the evening before in front of the children and that she needed help. She said she had no food or money to buy any.

The sister called police. Arriving officers observed dirty clothes strewn throughout the residence and little to no food in the refrigerator. What food was in the fridge was rotten, the report said.

Daw was arrested and charged with Child Neglect.

Child Protective Services removed the children and placed them in a temporary shelter.

Palmetto Area Bitch Fight:
One Woman Cut, One
Woman Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Diane M. Pace, 40, of 409 20th Street West, Palmetto.

Diane M. Pace

The arrest report said a man drove Diane to the parking lot of Pick 'N Pay, 2303 U.S. 41 North, Palmetto, where Diane started a verbal argument with Gladys P. Jackson.

The argument stemmed from Diane accusing Gladys of lying about her.

Diane then pulled a razor blade and cut Gladys on her right index finger.

Diane then continued the assault by biting Gladys on her right middle finger.

EMS responded to the scene to care for Gladys' injuries before arrival of law enforcement.

The arriving deputy observed teeth marks on Gladys' middle finger and a bandage on her index finger.

Deputies searched for the razor blade with negative results.

Diane Pace was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery.

Armed Home Invasion, Shooting
Reported in Bayshore Gardens
Section of Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, December 18, 2008, at about 1:50 a.m., two men, a Black male and a Hispanic male attempted an armed home invasion robbery at a residence in the 6500 block of Wellesley Drive, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said at approximately 1:49 a.m. Theresa Carney, 47, heard a knock at the door. The person outside was yelling "It’s Chris, let me in." Carney initially refused.

Carney's boyfriend, James Custard, 52, told her not to open the door until he got his gun. While he was retrieving his gun, she opened the door.

A male, possibly Hispanic, tried to come in and she stopped him. A Black male came from the side of the door and pointed a gun at Carney’s head.

Custard later told deputies that he was coming around the corner and saw the gun pointed at his girlfriend’s head. That's when he took aim and fired. He believes he hit the Hispanic suspect in the chest. Custard claimed he never saw the Black male.

Carney stated it was the Black male with the gun and Custard stated it was the Hispanic male.

The suspect(s) fled after Custard fired the shot.

K-9 responded and tracked over to 6500 26th Street West, with no further results.

Sarasota Police notified the sheriff's office that they had a gunshot victim at their hospital. Detectives Parham and Diamond responded and spoke with the gunshot victim, Lavar Hamilton. He had a small caliber wound to his left hand between the thumb and forefinger.

It has not been determined at this time if the shooting victim was the suspect in he home invasion.

Detectives from VCTF, CID, K-9 and crime scene, along with several patrol deputies assisted with the call.

The Hispanic male was only described as 5'7" tall with a medium build. The only further description of the Black male is that he was wearing a white T-shirt.

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.

Christmas Gift Thief Surprised,
Stabbed by Resident

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at about 2 p.m., a young man surprised a Christmas gift thief in the living room of a residence in the 5400 block of 2nd Avenue Drive NW, Bradenton, and stabbed the thief, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said deputies responded to a burglary in progress. It was called in by the homeowner’s son, Kevin Byrne, 19.

Byrne found the intruder in the living room stealing Christmas presents from under the Christmas tree. The intruder had a pistol, the report said.

A scuffle ensued that boiled over into the adjacent dining room, where Byrne stabbed the intruder in the left side.

The suspect then ran out of the home and fled in an eastbound direction down the dead-end street into the woods.

A perimeter was activated by responding units. Deputies searched with K-9 Units for the intruder after an All-Points Bulletin was broadcast.

Deputies could not locate the suspect.

The intruder was described as a White male, 5'9" tall, medium build, wearing a ski mask and a gray shirt. He had braces on his teeth and was armed with a chrome revolver.

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.

Commissioner Getman Elected
2009 Chairman of Manatee
County Port Authority

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] --Fellow members elected Ron Getman on Dec. 16th as 2009 chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority.

Above, Ron Getman

A six-year veteran of the MCPA, Getman previously served as MCPA chairman in 2006. He served as first vice chairman in 2008 and third vice chairman in 2007 and 2003. Getman was chairman of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners in 2005, first vice chairman in 2004 and second vice chairman in 2003.

MCPA members serve four-year staggered terms with annual election of officers. The authority sets policy and approves major expenditures for Port Manatee. It is comprised of the seven members of the elected Manatee County Commission, but with distinctively separate officers and financial accountability.

Other MCPA officers elected with Getman include: Donna Hayes, first vice chairman; Larry Bustle, second vice chairman; and John Chappie, third vice chairman.

MCPA veterans Gwendolyn Brown, Joe McClash and Carol Whitmore return as members of Port Manatee’s governing body.

The MCPA meets on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Port Manatee Intermodal Center, 1905 Intermodal Circle at Port Manatee. The meetings are open to the public. Photo identification is required to gain entrance to the port.

Charlotte County Couple
Arrested on Drug Charges
Following Raid by CCSO

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit served a search warrant at 6:50 a.m. Thursday morning, December 18 2008, in Port Charlotte on a couple in the home at 21448 Mallory Ave.

Above, L to R, Ronald James Brousseau and Holly Jo Brousseau

Arrested were Ronald James Brousseau, 47, and his 42 year old wife Holly Jo Brousseau.

Detectives searched the home and confiscated cocaine, Celebrex and Amitriplynine pills, plus two pipes, and various other drug paraphernalia.

Both were charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ronald Brousseau was additionally charged with Possession of Celebrex and Amitriplynine.

Both were taken to the Charlotte County Jail. Ronald’s bond is set at $4,500 and Holly’s at $3,500.

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

Teeth, More Bones Found in
Search Near Home of Caylee
Anthony's Grandparents

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Teeth and more skeletal remains have been found during a search of a wooded area near the home of Caylee Anthony's grandparents, causing officials to expand the search area to more than a half-acre, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Above, Caylee Marie Anthony

The search began last week after a utility worker found a skull and the remains of a child in the woods, located less than a half-mile from the George and Cindy Anthony's home, which they shared with their daughter, Casey Anthony, and Caylee, who was last seen in mid-June.

The remains have not yet been identified.

Casey Anthony, 22, remains jailed on first-degree murder charges in the disappearance of her daughter, who was not reported missing until mid-July. Her trial is scheduled to begin in March.

Prosecutors visited the search site on Wednesday to ensure the quality of work being done by investigators.

"As we make additional discoveries on the scene here, they will continue to provide that information, properly label it, sort through it, make sure that it's returned to the medical examiner's office as well," Carlos Nieves of the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

A team of scientists, including anthropologists, a forensic botanist and a forensic entomologist, have been researching insect and plant growth and climate changes in the area in an effort to pinpoint when the remains were left there.

A nearby makeshift memorial displaying stuffed animals, balloons, letters and flowers in honor of Caylee has more than tripled in size since Monday, WKMG News reported.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Detective, U.S. Marshals
Arrest Man at Port on New York
Sex Offender Warrant

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Kim Zink and a cadre of U.S. Marshals arrested a man at the Port of Manatee on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, on a warrant out of the state of New York for a Sex Offender violation.

Wayne A. Dodge

According to a report from the sheriff's office, Det. Kim Zink received a call on Tuesday from the U.S. Marshals Office regarding Dodge, who was a convicted Sexual Offender in New York State who had a warrant for violation of Sex Offender Registration.

Dodge was working at WSI of the Southeast at Port Manatee as a forklift driver.

Det. Zink met with several U.S. Marshals at the Port and located Dodge inside one of the warehouses.

Dodge was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals without incident and handed over to a Manatee County Deputy for transport to the Manatee County Jail.

Once there, Det. Zink interviewed Dodge and learned he lives in Hillsborough County and has been working at the port for well over a year.

Dodge's original conviction was for 1st Degree Sodomy 26 years ago, the report said.

Dodge claimed he only had to register in New York for 10 years after being released from prison on parole.

However, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said he has to register for life, Det. Zink wrote in her report.

Det. Zink said she will be working with FDLE, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Unit and New York authorities to decide if he will be charged in the state of Florida for Failing to Register as a Sexual Offender and which county will charge him.

Bradenton Police Report
Armed Robbery at CVS; 4th
in a Week in County Overall

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to Bradenton Police Dept. Deputy Police Chief J.J. Lewis, on Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 11:54 p.m., Bradenton Police Officers responded to a robbery in progress at CVS Pharmacy, 4302 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

Above, CVS Pharmacy, 4302 Cortez Road West
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

Investigation revealed that a male suspect, approximately 30-40 years of age, entered the store and approached the cashier. The suspect revealed a black handgun that was hidden in his waistband. He then demanded money from the cashier.

After stealing cash, the suspect fled north, running from the store. Bradenton police officers and a K-9 Officer began a search for the suspect, to no avail.

The robber is described as a White male, 30-40 years of age, wearing sunglasses, jeans, brown T-shirt and a black jacket with white striped sleeves worn over a hooded sweatshirt. The number “3” is visible on the front of the jacket and the word “Goodwrench” is across the back of the jacket.

This is the 4th store robbery in less than a week in Manatee County. NewsManatee previously reported this week armed robberies at the Red Wing Shoes store in Cortez Plaza, the GNC nutrition center at 7362 Cortez Road West and First Choice Hair Cutters, 6231 14th Street West.

All four robberies occurred between Saturday and Monday of this past week.

Anyone having information with regards to this incident is asked to call the Detective Giddens at 941-932-9313 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, click here.

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

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

Man, Already in Jail, Busted
for Masturbating in Front of
Manatee County Jail Nurse

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Frederick L. Goolsby, 28, of 302 25th Avenue West, who is currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail on unrelated drug charges.

Frederick L. Goolsby

According to the arrest report, on December 5, 2008, at about 8:15 p.m., a nurse wrote in an affidavit that inmate Goolsby masturbated in front of her and refused to stop after being asked to.

The nurse was assigned to work at S-Pod East, which is an additional medical section where the nurse remains in the pod with the inmates.

The nurse said Goolsby was standing at his cell door, exposing his genitals and masturbating, knowing that the nurse could see him.

When the nurse asked Goolsby to stop, he replied, "There is nothing you or the police can do to me." Goolsby then said, "I ain't gonna stop until I'm done."

The nurse picked up her things and moved as far away from Goolsby's sight as she could.

This angered Goolsby, who began making threats with statements like, "I will put a gun barrel in your mouth and touch your tonsils with it."

A deputy came into the pod to talk with Goolsby about his behavior, the report said. Goolsby told the female deputy that he would never disrespect her in that way, but he had no respect for the nurse and finally found something that would get to her.

On December 16, 2008, Goolsby was charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail.

Two Men, Woman Arrested
for Burglary to West Manatee
Tobacco Store on Two Occasions

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested two men and a woman on charges of burglary to a West Manatee County tobacco store on two separate occasions.

Above, L to R, William Hennessy, John Henry and Ashley Owen

According to the arrest reports for all three, William Hennessy, 18, of 1111 133rd Street East; John Henry, 21, and Ashley Owen, 20, both of 2206 67th Street West, Bradenton admitted to breaking into the Tobacco Depot, located at 4635 Cortez Road West on two different dates.

On November 14, 2008, at about 3:15 a.m., while Owen waited outside in a vehicle as a lookout, Hennessy and Henry pried open a door to gain access to the rear business corridor leading to several businesses. They then broke into Tobacco Depot, setting off an audible alarm. Henry entered the store's humidor and stole three boxes of cigars. Hennesy went behind the store's counter and removed packs of cigarettes. Hennessy tried to remove a Zippo lighter stand, but was unsuccessful. Both men then fled outside to the waiting vehicle.

Then, on December 5, 2008, at about 2:20 a.m., the trio repeated the process. However, this time they ran into some unexpected barriers.

While Owen waited outside in a vehicle with a communication device to alert Hennessy and Henry of any arrival of law enforcement, Hennessy and Owen broke into the rear business corridor. But when they tried to enter Tobacco Depot, they were confronted by a new steel door.

The pair then broke into an abandoned business next to the Tobacco Depot store, Smoothie King. They then proceeded to cut out a wall at Smoothie King leading to Tobacco Depot. Once they broke through the wall, which led to the bathroom of Tobacco Depot, an audible alarm sounded and the pair fled to the waiting vehicle without any tobacco products.

The trio was later located and interviewed at the Bradenton Police Station.

On Friday, December 12, 2008, all three were arrested and each was charged with two counts of Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure.

DUI Checkpoint Planned
for This Weekend in
Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida ]NMT] -- As part of the Sheriff’s Office continuing crackdown on drunk drivers, a DUI checkpoint will be conducted this weekend.

The checkpoint will begin on major a roadway in south Manatee County on Friday, December 19, 2008, at 10:30 p.m. and conclude on Saturday, December 20, 2008, at 4:00 a.m.

The exact location will not be announced.

Assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the checkpoints will be the Florida Highway Patrol, the Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key and Palmetto Police Departments.

Also assisting will be the Manasota Chapter of M.A.D.D. and the Salvation Army.

Holiday Closures for County Clerk,
Other County Offices

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, December 24, 2008, the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office, located at 1115 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, will close early at 4:00 p.m.

The Clerk’s office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26, 2008.

In addition to the regularly scheduled closure of Thursday, January 1, 2009, the Clerk’s office will also be closed on Friday, January 2, 2009 along with most other County offices.

The clerk’s office will reopen for business on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 25th and 26th and also on January 1, 2009, but will be open for business on Friday, January 2nd, 2009.

Bradenton Fire Department
Donates Trailer to Lakewood
Ranch High School Athletics

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Fire Department plans to donate one of its trailers to the Lakewood Ranch High School Athletic Booster Club.

The fire department recently declared its 1988 Wells Cargo trailer as surplus property and will donate it to the high school’s athletic booster club. The trailer will be used for hauling equipment to and from sporting events.

Bradenton Fire Marshal Ken Langston, a volunteer athletic trainer at Lakewood Ranch High School, requested the donation.

The trailer is in fair condition, but is no longer suitable for use by the fire department.

The Bradenton City Council unanimously approved the department’s request to donate it to the school, a press release said.

Sarasota County Detectives
Make Arrest in Multiple
Armed Robberies

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau Detectives executed a search warrant at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008, at 2387 20th Street, Sarasota, in reference to several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies that have occurred in the last 30 days.

Darian T. Wiggins

Inside the residence, Detectives located Darian T. Wiggins, 18, and arrested him on one count of Robbery, one count of Robbery with a Firearm, one count of Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number, one count of Robbery by Sudden Snatching, and two counts of Attempted Robbery.

Post Miranda, Wiggins confessed to his involvement in these crimes and the firearm used in the robberies was recovered during the search.

Wiggins would order fast food to be delivered to a vacant residence in the Lorraine Park area of Sarasota and then rob the drivers at gun point when they arrived. In one of the robberies another suspect was involved.

The investigation is ongoing and Detectives are seeking the whereabouts of the second suspect.

Anyone with information regarding the above incidents should contact Detective J. Szalbirak with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District 1 Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-4938. 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).

Sarasota County Sheriff Plans
DUI Checkpoint on Friday

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a DUI/Safety Checkpoint on Friday, December 19th, 2008.

The location of the DUI Checkpoint will not be released.

Nationally, it is known that fatal alcohol related accidents are three times more likely to occur at night than during daylight hours.

Motorists will recognize a Checkpoint operation by the staging of appropriate signs, warning devices, and the presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel. The operator of each vehicle will be asked to display a driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. A visual safety check will be made from outside the vehicle for proper seatbelt usage, and for identifying persons who are operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment. Law enforcement personnel will also be checking for individuals who are operating a motor vehicle without proper insurance, tag, or driver’s license. During this time, the operator will also be observed for any signs of impairment and/or open containers of alcohol in plain view.

If the driver can show all appropriate documentation, that occupants are using seatbelts, that there are no open containers of alcohol or other contraband in plain view, and no signs of impairment by alcohol or drugs, the vehicle will be allowed to leave. In cases where it appears the driver is under the influence or has committed some violation, they will be directed to a safe location off the immediate roadway for further investigation.

Former Official Cleared After
Sex Arrest; Fondling Self
in Public John Not Illegal

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A former Daytona Beach city commissioner was cleared Tuesday after being arrested on charges of indecent exposure, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Michael Shallow, along with eight other men, were accused last November of performing lewd acts in the Sears bathroom at the Volusia Mall when they were arrested.

But according to the court's ruling, a person fondling themselves in a public bathroom is not a violation of the law.

"The defendant had a reasonable expectation of privacy in the closed and locked bathroom stall, and there was no probable cause for the state to think the bathroom stall was being used for an unlawful purpose," Volusia County Court Judge Dawn Fields wrote in her decision.

Investigators said they gained information from Web sites that the bathroom at Sears was a popular place for men to meet.

"You're there shopping at the mall, your kid wants to run into the bathroom, and you've got a bunch of sick, degenerate, vial perverts that are in there doing their thing," Daytona Beach Police Chief Michael Chitwood said.

Police arrested nine men in a few hours during the sting, and six of them, including Shallow, pleaded not guilty, saying he was solicited by undercover officers.

"The foot and the leg were in at least a foot on my side of the petition, banging on the floor. I thought perhaps the person was having a heart attack or a stroke or something," Shallow said.

The person in the other stall was an undercover officer who claimed that he saw Shallow fondling himself, WKMG said.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Deputies Arrest Teen
for Choking His Brother; Tried to
Leave in Car Not Allowed to Drive

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- When Joshua Robinson, 18, of 20819 79th Avenue East tried to leave in a car he was not allowed to drive, an argument and physical altercation ensued between him and his brother, Luke. The incident happened on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, at about 4 p.m.

Joshua Robinson

Joshua was trying to get a flight back to England when a verbal argument occurred.

According to the victim, Luke, Joshua was trying to leave in the car, but Joshua wasn't supposed to drive that car. Luke tried to get the keys from Joshua and Joshua became aggressive.

Luke told a deputy Joshua kicked him in the chest, threw a punch that barely struck the end of Luke's nose and bit Luke on the back of his right arm.

Joshua also grabbed Luke by the throat, cutting off Luke's air supply for a few seconds, then picked Luke up and threw him over a wooden fence, but Luke landed on his feet.

Joshua broke several items inside and out and kicked a large hole in the wall by the front door.

When his mother, Deborah, confronted Joshua, he cursed at her, then pushed her on the shoulder.

The deputy found no visible signs of injury on Deborah. On Luke, he saw red marks on the right side of his neck and a large bite mark on the back of his right bicep.

The deputy attempted to ask Joshua what happened and Joshua told him twice, "Don't talk to me." Then Joshua said, "If you are going to take me away, then go ahead."

The deputy attempted to search Joshua, but Joshua tensed up and said, "You don't have my consent," the report said.

When the deputy said Joshua was under lawful arrest, Joshua turned around on the deputy, at which point the deputy put Joshua up against the car which he had been leaning on.

The victims did not want to press charges, but Joshua was arrested anyway and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation, two counts of Battery and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Joshua remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $2,502.

Third Store Robbed at Gunpoint
in Less Than a Week

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, December 15, 2008, at about 6:30 p.m., First Choice Haircutters, 6231 14th Street West, Bradenton, was the victim of an armed gunman who took the day's receipts and fled.

First Choice Haircutters, 6231 14th Street West
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

The robber entered the above business, approached the counter, pulled a black handgun from his waistband and pointed it at Amanda Bodwin, 22, while stating "This is a robbery, give me your money."

Bodwin handed the robber money she was counting in the drop bag and also the money from the cash register.

The robber then fled northbound on 14th Street West.

K-9 attempted to track, with negative results.

The front door of the business was processed for prints.

The total amount of money taken was $454.15.

No one was injured during the robbery.

The gunman was described as a White male in his 30s, 5'8" tall, 130 pounds, last seen wearing a red long sleeve sweater, jeans, a baseball cap and sunglasses.

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.

Teen, Released from Jail,
Busted That Same Day
for Three Prior Burglaries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Nicholas A. Cahill, 18, of 400 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, was arrested for Driving without a Valid License on December 9, 2008. During the booking process, his fingerprints were taken. He was released from jail the next day, but re-arrested for three prior burglaries -- he had left fingerprints/palm prints at the crime scenes and they were a match to his booking prints on December 9th.

Nicholas A. Cahill

We don't have details on one of the prior burglaries, but in one incident that occurred on January 23rd, a woman reported that her business at 2725 72nd Street West, Bradenton, had been burglarized.

Once inside, the burglar, now known to be Cahill, stole a Compaq computer valued at $400.

A deputy processed the scene for fingerprints and obtained several of them.

Then, on May 12, 2008, a residence in the 7100 block of 28th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, was burglarized.

The female resident woke her husband and told him she heard a noise. The husband got up to check on it and saw a White male walking out of the garage. He called the sheriff's office.

When a deputy arrived, he found a latent palm print on glass that was the entry point for the burglar.

On December 10, 2008, a Latent Print Examiner positively identified prints from all three crime scenes, including the one we don't have details about, as belonging to Nicholas A. Cahill.

Cahill was arrested that day and charged with three counts of Burglary and one count of Grand Theft (for the computer theft).

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $38,000.

Bradenton Police Arrest
Burglar; Witness Tip
Paid Off

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Victor Alarcon, 47, of 5825 12th Street East, in Oneco.

Victor Alarcon

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at about 11 p.m., Alarcon was seen by a witness entering a business at 2401 9th Street West, Bradenton.

Alarcon entered the business empty-handed and left the store carrying large bags under both arms, the witness told police. He came and left in a full-size Chevy pickup truck, the witness said.

Alarcon was described as a medium-complected man wearing a red shirt bearing the logo "City Link," blue jean shorts and a beanie style hat.

An officer located a man fitting the description at the Classic Inn Motel, 1715 14th Street West, near a white pickup truck.

The witness was transported to the scene and positively identified Alarcon as the man who had entered the store.

Alarcon was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure.

Bradenton Cops Partner With
Church for Kids Toy Program
for Christmas

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has partnered with Kingdom Life Church to launch a new community outreach called "Honoring the Badge."

"The purpose is to provide toys to needy children in our City at Christmas time while teaching children that police officers are their friends," Deputy Police Chief J.J. Lewis said yesterday.

The idea is to collect one hundred Toys R’ Us gift cards in $25 denominations. One hundred children under the age of 12 will be invited to join off-duty uniformed Bradenton Police Officers at Toys R’ Us located at 512 Cortez Road on December 17th 2008, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

The children will be chosen by community leaders, and most will be from working families who do not have money to buy gifts. A child will be teamed up with a Bradenton police officer to go on a shopping spree. The officer will assist the child in selecting a toy under $25 and taking him/her to the cash register and paying with a gift card provided by community donations.

Gun Held to Baby's Head
in Home Invasion

MONTVERDE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a masked gunman held a gun to the head of a 1-year-old during a violent home invasion in Lake County, deputies said.

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, three armed men wearing masks broke into a home on Bay Avenue in Montverde just after midnight Monday.

A couple said they were threatened and pistol-whipped before a gun was pointed at the child during a demand for money, according to deputies.

Deputies said the assailants stole some money but did not injure the child.

The home invaders were last seen in the couple's gold 1999 Chrysler 300, WKMG said.

FHP's "Operation Safe Ride"
Scheduled for Wednesday,
Thursday of This Week

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- Col. John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, announced today the start of a statewide traffic enforcement operation, which will focus on speeding and aggressive violations. The campaign will run Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17th and 18th, 2008. This operation is part of a series of long-term enforcement efforts that focus on top priority traffic safety issues to help ensure the safety and well-being of motorists on Florida’s roadways.

In an effort to provide the citizens and visitors of Florida with a safe driving environment during this period, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct Operation Safe Ride statewide.

“The purpose of this traffic enforcement initiative is to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries in Florida,” said Czernis. “The Florida Highway Patrol will continue a zero tolerance policy toward hazardous moving violations, such as speeding and aggressive driving.”

All available FHP personnel will participate in Operation Safe Ride. Unlawful speed violators will be tracked using RADAR, LASER, motorcycles and marked and unmarked patrol vehicles. Troopers piloting FHP aircraft will also be used to spot violators from the air and then direct troopers on the ground to pull them over and initiate appropriate enforcement action. Enforcement efforts will be focused on every interstate, Florida's turnpike and other major state roads in Florida where speeding and aggressive driving are prevalent.

FHP Plans DUI Enforcement
Crackdown for Holidays

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving. Since 1981, every President of the United States has proclaimed December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.

In an effort to get impaired drivers off of the roads, the Florida Highway Patrol is joining with hundreds of other state and local law enforcement and highway safety officials across the nation from Dec. 13-31, 2008, to launch an aggressive national campaign: Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in December 2007, 992 people were killed in crashes nationwide that involved a drunk driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, which is above the legal limit in every state.

“The holiday period is typically a time for celebration,” said Colonel John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “We want to make it a safe time for everyone. No amount of good cheer will be able to save you from the consequences of drunk driving. If we catch you, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses.”

In 2007, 12,998 fatalities occurred nationwide in crashes involving a driver who had a .08 blood alcohol concentration or higher compared with 13,491 in 2006. Colonel Czernis emphasized the critical role law enforcement plays in reducing the serious problem.

The Florida Highway Patrol recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk as just two simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:

~ Plan ahead: Whenever you plan to consume alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your car keys.

~ If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a friend or family member to get you home safely.

~ Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement. Dial *FHP ( *347) from your cell phone to contact the Florida Highway Patrol.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee County Sheriff's Detective:
Man, 28, Arrested for Aggravated
Child Neglect with Great Harm

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Detective has arrested Richard Murray, 28, of the 8400 block of Isleworth Court, Bradenton.

Richard Murray

According to the arrest report, during the first week of December, Murray's 2-year-old stepson sustained an open sore blister to one of his feet and numerous "splatter burns," along with a black eye and a bruised cheek.

A tipster notified the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, who initiated an investigation.

During the investigation, the father said a Menorah dropped out of a box he was carrying and caused the black eye; both the mother and father said the foot sore was from a rug burn or was a rash. The boy's eye was oozing and he couldn't open it.

But a nurse was consulted by the boy's grandmother, who said the foot sore looked like a second degree burn.

A Child Protective Services doctor said it looked like a "hot water burn."

Deputy Todd Sellitto learned the boy had been given a bath on Dec. 2, 2008, and said "a reasonable person would conclude that the foot burn occurred from being scalded in the bath tub." However, that wasn't proven at the time of the report.

The child was removed from the home and put in protective custody.

Murray was arrested on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, and charged with Aggravated Child Neglect with Great Bodily Harm.

Cortez Plaza Shoe Store
Victim of Armed Robbery
Sunday Afternoon

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the Red Wing Shoes store, 637 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, was robbed by a man with a handgun on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at about 2:30 p.m.

Above, Red Wing Shoes tore, 637 Cortez Road West
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

The report said deputies responded to a robbery in progress call.

A White male had entered the store at about 2:20 p.m.

He approached the clerk and produced a handgun and demanded cash.

He obtained an unknown amount of money, then made the clerk turn around.

At that time, the robber then fled out the front door.

Deputies activated a perimeter and searched the area, to no avail.

The robber was described as a White male, 5'8" tall, 150-170 pounds, last seen wearing an orange shirt with dark-colored stripes, a blue and white baseball cap and shorts. He was about 20-30 years old, the report said.

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.

Nutrition Store in West Manatee
Robbed at Gunpoint Sunday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the GNC nutrition store at 7362 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, was robbed by a gunman on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at about 4 p.m.

Above, GNC store, 7362 Cortez Road West
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

The gunman came into the store and approached the clerk, Kevin Fritz, 19, at the counter.

The man told Fritz this was a robbery and pointed a black handgun at him and demanded the money.

Fritz gave him an undisclosed amount of money and the man then fled on foot west through the plaza.

The robber remains at large.

He was described as a White male, wearing a green hat, blue sunglasses, a green long sleeve shirt and brown shorts, armed with a black handgun. An approximate age was not given in the report.

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.

Manatee County Deputy
Arrests Man Attempting to
Break Into Two Apartments

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Deputy has arrested Travis Michael Lincoln, 24, of 1008 23rd Street West, Bradenton.

Travis Michael Lincoln

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at about 2:20 a.m., Winnett Lang, who lives at La Mirada Apartments, 1630 56th Avenue Circle East, said she was in bed asleep and was awakened by the sounds of someone wiggling and jerking on her rear sliding glass door.

Winnett immediately called 911, then ran outside and hid under her truck, because she was afraid for her life.

She did not see anyone running away from the residence.

Upon arrival of a deputy, he found Lincoln standing inside the enclosed patio at the sliding glass door of another apartments, two apartments away from Winnett's.

When asked what he was doing, he said he lived there. The deputy asked Lincoln for his identification and Lincoln said it was inside the apartment.

So, the deputy escorted Lincoln to the front of the apartment, but Travis did not have any keys to that apartment.

The deputy knocked on the door and no one was home at the residence to identify Lincoln as living there.

At that point, Lincoln was read his Miranda warnings. Then the deputy started questioning Lincoln.

During the questioning, Lincoln admitted he did not live there.

Lincoln was then arrested.

In a search incident to Lincoln's arrest, the deputy found a marijuana pipe and 3 grams of marijuana in one of Lincoln's pockets.

Lincoln was charged with one count of Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling, one count of Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $20,240.

Deputy Arrests Man for Burglary
in Progress; K-9 Bites Man

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Hector Ortez, 26, after Ortez was caught breaking into a woman's home.

Above, K-9 Dep. "Ranger"

On Monday, December 15, 2008, at about 9:30 p.m., Deputy Franklin and his K-9 Dep. "Ranger" were dispatched to a burglary in progress in the 3100 block of 9th Street West, Bradenton.

Upon Dep. Franklin's arrival, he challenged a Hispanic male, later identified as Hector Ortez, who was halfway through the rear window to 19-year-old Carla Caldera-Cuadrado's trailer.

Dep. Franklin, with K-9 Dep. "Ranger" on lead, ordered Ortez to the ground. Ortez took his chances and fled on foot between the trailers.

Ortez lost the race and was apprehended by K-9 Dep. "Ranger."

Ortez was treated for a bite to his left shoulder at Manatee Memorial Hospital before being transported to the jail.

Ortez was charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Carla was not hurt.

Carla indicated that she broke up with Ortez 1-1/2 months ago after a 1-1/2 year relationship. They never lived together and did not have children.

Clothing Store Burglarized;
3 Arrested, Two By K-9 Unit

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Looking Good clothing store, located at 3611 1st Street East, Bradenton, was burglarized at about 3:30 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2008. Three kids were taken into custody; two of them by a K-9 unit.

Above, K-9 Dep. "Rosco"

A sheriff's office report said the burglars, Leon Rogers; Calvin Yoder and Jason Laurent, all juvenkles, admitted to planning out their crime earlier in the evening.

They collected a rock from the rear of the business. Rogers threw the rock, breaking the door glass of the business, causing $500.00 in damage, and setting off the alarm.

Rogers and Laurent entered the business, stealing $ $1,275.00 worth of clothing. Yoder was the getaway driver, waiting in the SUV out front.

As Dep. Shattuck arrived to check the alarm, he observed Rogers and Laurent jump into the SUV and drive off.

There was a brief pursuit that ended at 704 37th Avenue Drive East.

Yoder and Laurent fled on foot, leaving the vehicle, occupied by Rogers, to crash into the front yard fence of 704 37th Avenue Drive East.

Rogers was taken into custody without incident.

A perimeter was quickly set, and K-9 handler David Brady and K-9 Dep. "Rosco" began a track.

Yoder and Laurent were subsequently found by K-9 Dep. "Rosco" in the 700 block of 33rd Avenue Drive East.

The stolen clothing was recovered, identified and released to the store manager.

Charges resulting from the incident include;

Conspiracy to Commit Burglary for all three, Burglary for all three, plus Fleeing to Elude and Resisting Arrest without Violence for Yoder and Laurent.

Bank Robbery Reported
in Sarasota County

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are investigating a Bank Robbery that occurred on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at Regions Bank, 5540 Fruitville Road, in Sarasota at approximately 3:50 p.m. A weapon was implied, but not seen.

The suspect is described as a White male, 26 to 31 years of age, 5’8 to 5’9”, 170 to 190 Lbs. with dirty blonde hair. The suspect was wearing a tan baseball cap with an Air Force patch on it, sunglasses, brown jacket, yellow and brown striped shirt, and blue jeans.

Anyone with information regarding the above incident should contact Detective Tracy Ross with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District 1 Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-4925. 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).

Purse Snatcher Caught by
Shoppers; Man Confesses
to Other Purse Snatching

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office reports one man was captured by several shoppers in the Peachland Promenades shopping center parking lot near Publix after he stole a woman’s purse from her shopping cart around 2:15 p.m. Friday afternoon. Carlos Jackson Subel, 29, of Port Charlotte, was detained until deputies arrived.

Carlos Jackson Subel

This was the second purse snatching that day, and CCSO detectives said Subel confessed to stealing a purse with $200 cash, a cell phone, credit cards and personal identification valued at $330 at 5:45 a.m. from a woman in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Murdock.

Detectives are looking for the driver of the car used in both strong arm robberies; his name is not been released at this time.

Subel was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with two felony counts of Grand Theft; he remains in jail this morning on $10,000 bond.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office warns shoppers, especially those carrying a purse by themselves, to be extra cautious when leaving or returning to your vehicle. When putting items in your vehicle, never take your purse off and put in a shopping cart, or lay on the vehicle or ground. Look around you to see if there are any suspicious looking persons anywhere near where you parked. If possible, shop with another person, and always hold your purse close to your body. Thieves run or drive by quickly and snatch a purse, and in some cases drag the purse owner causing injury.

11 Charged with DUI in
Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Over the past weekend in Charlotte County there were 11 people arrested for DUI. Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested four at a special DUI Checkpoint late Friday and early Saturday morning on U.S. 41 in Port Charlotte. Of the total, CCSO deputies also arrested six others over the weekend for DUI, and Punta Gorda Police had one DUI arrest.

According to Sgt. Ken Roguska, 396 vehicles entered the CCSO checkpoint, nine arrests were made, and eight citations were issued, along with five warnings. Field sobriety tests were administered to the four who were arrested for DUI.

There were three felony arrests made; one for possession of controlled substances Hydrocodone and Alprozolam (Xanax); one for possession of Crack Cocaine and drug paraphernalia; and another for felony habitual driving while license suspended. There were six misdemeanor arrests made and criminal citations were issued.

CCSO deputies will continue looking for those who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially during the holiday season.

Boy, 12, Likely Died from
Chickenpox; Outbreak
Reported at Volusia
County High School

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG is reporting a 12-year-old Daytona Beach boy found dead in his bed likely died of chickenpox, officials said.

A spokesman for Volusia County said the medical examiner is awaiting definitive confirmation chickenpox is to blame for Cody Shrout's death, but he said that evidence indicates chickenpox is the cause.

Shrout was found Friday.

Chickenpox deaths are extremely rare, particularly since a vaccine was introduced.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded just eight fatal cases between January 2003 and June 2004, the last year data was posted.

The Volusia County Health Department announced it was taking steps to contain an outbreak of chickenpox at a local high school, where 40 cases have been reported since September, 30 of them this month, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch:
Man Steals Preschool Toys,
Playground Equipment
for His Kids -- Busted

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- There's a striking similarity between Jason M. Prince and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Prince recently stole playground equipment and toys from a preschool and gave them to his two young sons. Thanks to a tipster, Prince was arrested and the stolen items were recovered. Now the boys will spend Christmas without their purloined gifts and without their daddy, who sits in the Manatee County Jail.

Above, Jason M. Prince and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, on November 27, 2008, Jason M. Prince, 27, of 1820 Zipperer Road, in East Manatee County, went drinking with a friend.

Prince left the bar with his friend after a few drinks and stopped at the Sunny Daze preschool, at 9922 State Road 64 East.

He hopped a fence, broke open a locked toy chest and stole some toys, including Frisbees and rubber balls.

Then he pried a seesaw from its bolted location, and took an easel desk.

Prince loaded all the stolen items in his SUV and went home, where he gave the items to his two young sons.

But someone who must have had a better conscience called in a tip to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office on Dec. 10th that the stolen items could be found at Prince's home.

Detectives obtained a search warrant and went to the Zipperer Road address, where they found the seesaw in Prince's back yard, the easel at the home and the rubber balls in the bedroom of his boys.

The items were recovered and Prince was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 11th.

He was charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure, Grand Theft and Criminal Mischief.

In addition, his bond on a previous case of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia was revoked. Trial in that case has been set for early May.

Prince remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond total of $12,620.

NewsManatee Reader Spots
Signs of Physical Harm in
Caylee Anthony's Photo

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The authorities and the media are fairly convinced that the remains of a child found in Orange County, Florida, last week are those of Caylee Anthony, the 2-year-old who went missing in June. We all await confirmation from the FBI regarding DNA analysis.

Above, Caylee Marie Anthony

In the meantime, a NewsManatee reader e-mailed us last week to point out that the photo we have been running since the inception of the case shows signs of physical harm, if not physical abuse.

Notice the abrasion and bluish bruise on Caylee's upper left arm, just below her blouse sleeve.

And also notice the abrasion or bruise on her chest, midway between her chin and her blouse, just underneath some wisps of hair, and immediately to the left of her right arm.

While those marks may be from a fall or some other accidental injury, in the wake of all of the developments we're inclined to believe the marks may be from physical abuse.

If the remains of the child who was found last week turn out to be Caylee, and we're pretty sure they will be, there is no way of proving anything about the marks seen above.

The marks just add to the mystery: What happened to Caylee?

We do know that the remains that were found had duct tape over the child's little mouth. And we know the remains were found just 3/10 of a mile from the home of the grandparents. We also know that the anthropological measurements and hair are a match to Caylee's hair and size.

Caylee's mother, Casey Anthony, 22, is in jail, charged with Caylee's murder. The trial is currently set for sometime in March of 2009. That date is subject to change, depending on defense attorney motions, etc.

We should know the results of the FBI DNA tests this week.

Maybe then we can lay this little girl to rest, with our blessings.

Shoplifter Arrested for
Credit Union Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man suspected of robbing the Florida Central Credit Union, 4505 5th Street West, in Bradenton, was arrested by Manateae County Sheriff's Deputies on Thursday after he attempted a shoplifting.

Above, L to R, surveillance photo from Ross
Department Store and mug shot of Timothy Casey

A press release from the sheriff's office said at approximately 7:00 p.m. Thursday night, December 11, 2008, deputies responded to an attempted shoplifting call at the Best Buy store in the 4200 block of 14th St. W., Bradenton.

When deputies arrived, they made contact with the alleged shoplifter in the parking lot.

He was identified as Timothy Casey, 44, the same man who was being sought for robbing the Florida Central Credit Union on Monday, December 8, 2008.

As NewsManatee originally reported, the bank robbery occurred at about 9:45 a.m. on Monday.

The report said a White male entered the Florida Central Credit Union and approached a teller. He said he had a gun and he demanded money.

The teller gave the man an undisclosed amount of money and the man fled southbound on a bicycle in the parking lot and then northbound on 5th St. W.

A perimeter was activated, but the robber could not be located -- he was in the nearby Ross Department Store buying clothes. A dye pack from the bank robbery had exploded and had stained the clothes he was wearing at the time of the robbery. He paid for the new clothes with a red dye-stained $100 bill and changed in a dressing room at Ross. His dye-stained clothes were later found in the dressing room.

Casey had been identified by corrections deputies at the Manatee County Jail as the bank robber from a photo taken at Ross Department Store shortly after the robbery; they knew Casey because he had been an inmate several times in the past.

An arrest warrant for bank robbery was obtained on Wednesday.

Casey was booked into the Manatee County Central Jail charged with Armed Robbery, where he remains without bond.

Man Arrested for Selling Pot
After K-9 Hits on Vehicle
Stopped for Running
Red Light

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Reuben F. Harris, 25, of 955 53rd Street East, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, K-9 Deputy "Rosco" and Reuben F. Harris

Harris was spotted by a deputy blowing off a red light at 53rd Avenue East and 30th Street East shortly before midnight on Tuesday night. The deputy initiated a traffic stop.

Harris initially gave the deputy a false name. While another deputy was checking that out, the first deputy called K-9 Deputy David Brady and his Dep. K-9 "Rosco" to the scene.

Dep. Brady and "Rosco" did a walk-around of the vehicle and "Rosco" alerted to the presence of drugs.

A search of the vehicle turned up a small amount of marijuana in the front passenger door panel and a larger amount in the trunk of the car (60 grams), packaged in small baggies, along with 88 baggies of the same type.

The first deputy located an ID card belonging to Harris and learned Harris' driver license had been suspended in October 2006 and that Harris knew about it.

Harris said he had been caught red-handed. He told deputies he bought 1/4 pound of marijuana from his uncle, Tyrone Harris, the name he first gave deputies. Harris said he sells the pot to his friends to make a little extra money.

Harris was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement, Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies Arrest Man for
Using Stolen Credit Card

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to an arrest report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Jorge Perez, 19, of Hialeah, Florida, was arrested on Wednesday, December 10, 2008.

Jorge Perez

The arrest report said on Dec. 10th, at about 11 a.m., Perez entered a Circle K store on U.S. 301 Blvd. and purchased two cartons of cigarettes and $10 worth of gas. He used a credit card to complete the purchase.

But the clerk became suspicious and followed Perez as he went to another Circle K store and tried to buy two more cartons of cigarettes, using the same credit card. But the number on the credit card and the credit card number on the receipt didn't match.

The clerk called the sheriff's office and deputies responded.

Inside Perez's vehicle were 14 credit cards in different names and 16 cartons of cigarettes. There was also a map with a number of different gas stations marked on it and a GPS that matched some of the map markings.

Perez was arrested and charged with Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Possession of a Stolen Credit Card.

5 Hispanic Juvies Arrested
After High Speed Pursuit
of Stolen Auto

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested 5 Hispanic juveniles who were occupying a stolen auto on Friday night, December 12, 2008.

On that night, at about 11:30 p.m., deputies attempted a traffic stop on a confirmed stolen auto.

The auto fled, leading deputies on a high speed pursuit lasting 19 minutes. The chase occurred from the 5200 block of 16th Street East to the 1800 block of 17th Street West, in Bradenton.

Speeds briefly reached 80 mph in clear weather and light traffic.

The pursuit ended with the suspects surrendering.

No crash occurred, the report said.

Placed under arrest were: Marcos Garcia; Marysol Muniz; Fortino Reynoso, Jr.; Efrain Reyes and Adeliz Green, all of Bradenton. Their ages were not given in the report.

They were all charged with Grand Theft Auto.

The vehicle belonged to Juan Garcia-Mendoza, 38, of the 1400 block of 11th Street West, in Bradenton.

Man Struck By Car, Shot
in Palmetto Robbery By
Two Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was struck by a car, shot in the leg and then robbed on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, at about 8:45 p.m.

A report of the incident said Darwin Mendoza, 24, was walking north on Bayshore Road, in Palmetto, at about the 1900 block.

A silver 4-door sedan with two Black males inside was also headed north on Bayshore Road.

The driver of the sedan hit Mendoza with the vehicle while the one of the two Black males shot Mendoza in the left leg, shattering his femur.

Mendoza fell to the ground next to a ditch, and one of the Black males got out of the vehicle. He took Mendoza's wallet and then rolled him into a 4-foot deep ditch.

The attackers fled the scene headed north on Bayshore Road.

Mendoza crawled out of the ditch and limped to a nearby house to call the police.

EMS arrived on scene and Mendoza was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment. The bullet was still lodged in Mendoza's leg, and he had some non-life threatening head injuries. He was admitted overnight for further observation.

There was no further description of the attackers.

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.

Manatee Bird Watchers To Begin
Christmas Bird Count

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Local birders and winter migrants (snowbirds) will join Citizen Scientists across the western hemisphere to participate in the 109th annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The Bradenton count takes place on Saturday December 20th and the Gulf count (Anna Maria area) is on Tuesday December 30th.

Above, Two Great Blue Herons Build a Nest
(Photo by David Williamson, www.localbirder.com)

“Manatee Audubon participates because we want to know how our winter birds are doing and we want to support the scientific data required to support conservation efforts. Also, it is fun to return to the same spots year after year to see what’s new and if the same birds are still there,” said David Williamson, Count Coordinator for the two events in Manatee County.

The Christmas Bird Count began over a century ago when scientist Frank Chapman changed the course of ornithological history. In 1900, Chapman led a small group on an alternative to the “side hunt,” when teams competed to see who could shoot the most game. Instead, Chapman proposed they identify, count, and record all the birds they saw, founding what is now considered to be the world's most significant citizen-based conservation effort.

The first local count was conducted in Palma Sola in 1906 and the two current counts have been conducted every year since 1982.

For more information, visit Audubon's website at:

Sarasota Police Officer Arrests
Armed Bank Robber Shortly
After Incident

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- An alert Sarasota Police Officer spotted an armed bank robber a few blocks from the SunTrust Bank, 2300 North Tamiami Trail, and took him into custody.

Lewis Edward Fuller

On Friday, December 12, 2008, Lewis Edward Fuller, 59, a transient entered the SunTrust Bank and went to a teller, where he put a deposit slip on top of a note in front of the teller. The note explained it was a bank robbery. The note also said he had a gun.

The teller retrieved money that activated a robbery alarm.

Fuller then exposed a gun in his waistband and left the bank.

Fuller was followed by the bank manager who called 911 and maintained a visual on Fuller, relaying his location to dispatch until a responding officer came upon Fuller.

The officer, seeing Fuller matched the description of the bank robber, ordered Fuller to the ground.

Inside Fuller's pants was a black and silver BB gun, the deposit ticket and the robbery note.

Fuller was positively identified by a witness to the robbery, who was brought to the scene by another SPD Officer.

Fuller was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery and Grand Theft.

Woman Nearly Kidnapped
While Jogging

APOPKA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a 26-year-old woman was grabbed and nearly kidnapped while jogging by a masked man in a vehicle, according to Orange County sheriff's deputies.

The woman was jogging about 2 p.m. Friday near the Lake Mendeline Estates subdivision when a man pulled up to her on Ramsey Drive in an older-model white Toyota Corolla, deputies said. The man attempted to conceal his identity with a blue towel or mask and tried to pull the woman into his car, deputies said.

The jogger was able to escape and ran to her home, where she called authorities, deputies said.

The victim described the culprit as a white man in his 30s, about 6 feet tall with dark, shaggy hair. He was wearing a white shirt and a royal blue poncho. The car, which had a large box in the back seat, was last seen driving southbound on Long Drive.

Authorities are searching for the man and the vehicle, WKMG said.

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