Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 2/14/2009

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Local/State News for week ending 2/14/2009

Two Manatee Sheriff's K-9s Capture
Robber Who Invaded Motel Room,
Stole Money from Out-of-Towners

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two K-9s from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office tracked a man who stole money from two vacationing out-of-towners who were staying at Baxter's Motel, 3225 14th Street West, Bradenton. The K-9s apparently decided between them that the man, later identified as Barry Campbell, 23, wasn't getting away and one of them tore into Campbell, biting him, once Campbell had been located in hiding.

Above, L to R, Dep. K-9 Leo, Barry Campbell and Dep K-9 Rosco

A report of the arrest from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, shortly before 9 p.m., Emma Kuhn, 83, was in her room and her husband, Harlin Kuhn, 82, both of Tiffin, Ohio, was outside by the motel office.

A Black male, Campbell, walked into the room and started going through things on the table.

Emma confronted him and asked him, "Who the hell are you?" while moving to the table to get her purse from the chair.

Campbell grabbed her purse and pushed her onto the bed.

She got up and began pulling at her purse while holding on to Campbell. She grabbed his hair and he elbowed her, causing Emma to let go of both him and the purse.

Campbell fled from the room with Emma's purse containing over $1000.

Campbell then confronted Harlin in the parking lot and told Harlin to give him his money or he would shoot him. Harlin was in fear, so he turned over the money he had in a small change purse.

Campbell fled and at this point Emma had gotten up from the bed and had chased Campbell through the parking lot.

Deputies from patrol, K-9, VCTF, COPS West and Aviation responded to the area and set up a perimeter.

Deputy Brady and Deputy Thames, along with K-9s Rosco and Leo, tracked and contained Campbell with the assistance of Aviation.

Campbell was located in a back yard and attempted to flee. He was apprehended by K-9 Leo and Deputy Thames.

Emma and a witness who saw Campbell running with a purse in his hand responded and made positive identification.

Campbell was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment of K-9 bite wounds.

Emma Kuhn was treated at the scene by E.M.S. for bruises and abrasions.

Barry Campbell was arrested and charged with Home Invasion Robbery, Armed Robbery, Battery on a Victim over 65 and Resisting Arrest without Violence. He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

[Ed. Note: Have we mentioned that some of the sheriff's K-9s have titanium teeth? That must really smart when they bite a crook, doncha know...!!]

Detective Arrests Man,
Already in Jail, for
January Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detective Crotty, from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, has arrested Garrett D. Steger, 26, of 3707 99th Street West, Bradenton.

Garrett D. Steger

According to the arrest report, on Jan. 18, 2009, at about 5 a.m., the Fair Market convenience store, located at 7024 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, was burglarized.

A surveillance video was recording as the burglar then stole $150 from the cash register, $100 from a briefcase and a 12-pack of beer. The burglar fled the store, but returned a short time later, took a bottle of bleach from a shelf and poured it on everything he touched.

The empty bleach bottle was found at the entrance to Harbor Point apartments, directly across the street from the store.

When the manager opened the store in the morning, he discovered the burglary and theft of money.

Manatee County Sheriff's Detective Crotty reviewed the surveillance tape with the manager and the manager said he knew the burglar by face, but not his name; he had served the burglar several times in the past. The manager told Det. Crotty the burglar lives at Harbor Point Apartments.

Then, a few days later, the manager told Det. Crotty he had identified Garrett Steger through a local mug shot publication.

Steger was already in jail, Det. Crotty learned, on unrelated charges.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, Steger was additionally charged with Burglary and Violation of Probation.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $87,120 for those charges, plus the earlier charges for which he was arrested, which included Armed Robbery.

Man Punches Brother, Cop;
Tasered, Arrested

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Mark Altman, 40, of 712 17th Street Court East, Bradenton.

Mark Altman

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at about 5:40 p.m., Bradenton Police were called to the above address in reference to a domestic battery by Altman on his unnamed brother.

Upon arrival, Bradenton Police Officer Roden was struck by Altman on the left side of his face.

Ofc. Roden and Altman went to the ground, wrestling, whereupon Ofc. Roden deployed his Taser on Altman to gain control of him and place him in handcuffs. Altman was refusing to obey lawful commands.

Altman was arrested and charged with Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Domestic Battery and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

Altman remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $7,000 bail bond.

Man Walking to Pay Phone
Robbed at Gunpoint By
Three Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at about 7 p.m., in the 1500 block of 55th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

The victim, Russell McDowell, was walking to a pay phone from his shop on 16th Street East. He was westbound on the south side of 55th Avenue Drive East, almost to 15th Street East, when he was accosted by three Black males.

One of the robbers pointed a dark, semi-automatic handgun at him and "cocked" it. He then said, "Hey, nigga, give me your money."

McDowell removed his wallet and began to remove his cash from it.

Before he could do this, the robber with the gun grabbed the wallet from McDowell.

All three Black males then fled southbound on foot.

McDowell sustained no injuries.

The total amount taken was about $60.

The robbers were only described as three Black males, about 16-25 years of age.

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

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

Bradenton Fire Dept. Official
Awarded State Certification

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Rebecca Pilsbury, Program Administrator for the City of Bradenton Fire Department, has been certified as a Florida Associate Emergency Manager by the state.

Above, Rebecca Pilsbury

The certification, from the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, recognizes professionals who possess the experience, knowledge, and skills to effectively manage a comprehensive emergency management program.

In addition to other responsibilities, Ms. Pilsbury is part of the Bradenton Fire Department’s management team during activation of emergency operations, a participant in the Manatee County Local Mitigation Strategy technical working group for more than 10 years, oversees federal and state public assistance received by the City for disaster events, recently co-authored and coordinated the compilation of the City’s Emergency Management Plan, and is currently working on the Continuity of Operations Plans with all City departments.

The certification required extensive documentation of an applicant’s work history, disaster/exercise experience, education and training, professional contributions, and reference letters meeting the specific requirements of the FAEM Program. Continuing education and training, exercise participation, and preparedness and mitigation project involvement will be imperative to maintaining certification and attaining recertification in five years.

Of the 35 applicants for Florida Associate Emergency Manager and Florida Professional Emergency Manager this year, only 23 received certification. Recognition was given on Feb. 11 during the FEPA Annual Conference in Orlando.

ManaTEENs Gain Support
for Environmental Initiatives

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The ManaTEEN Club, a program of Volunteer Services of Manatee County, Inc. has received a grant from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board in the amount of $46,300, to engage youth volunteers in local environmental efforts.

The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is comprised of 30 students, ages 17-20, from across the United States and Canada. They are charged with helping State Farm design and implement a $5 million-a-year signature service-learning initiative to address issues important to State Farm and communities across the United States and Canada.

ManaTEENs is recognized as one of the nation’s largest and most innovative youth volunteer programs, civically engaging thousands of young people, ages 8–19, who live in Manatee County, Florida. ManaTEEN signature projects such as the Caution Zone environmental awareness program, island clean ups, grass flats restoration, and environmental snorkeling will be expanded thanks to State Farm Youth Advisory Board’s support.

ManaTEENs also partners with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to promote "Bay Buddies," empowering elementary students to become environmental stewards. In addition, The ManaTEEN Club has hosted “Reef Rakers”, a youth led project to construct, deploy, and maintain20artificial reef balls in the Gulf of Mexico. Several ManaTEENs have become certified SCUBA divers thanks to the effort.

State Farm Youth Advisory Board will present the check on Tuesday, Feb. 17th, at 4 p.m., to ManaTEENs at the location of another corporate partner, Blue Water Explorers, 12507 Cortez Road, Bradenton. That is the location of the SCUBA Shack.

For more information, please visit the ManaTEEN website at www.manateens.org or call (941) 761-3207.

[Ed. Note: The ManaTEENS Club is a long-time supporter of NewsManatee.com and continues to do so to this day. We are proud to support them, as well.]

Bradenton Man Charged with
Extortion by Sarasota Police

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police have arrested Dennis Kim, 62, of 10167 Cherry Hills Avenue Circle, Bradenton.

Dennis Kim

According to the arrest report, in January 2009, Kim allegedly attempted to extort money from a Sarasota attorney, Martin Burzynski, whose offices are at 2180 Main Street, in Sarasota,

Kim, a former defendant, had sent a letter to Burzynski advising him that the case wasn't over and that Burzynski should give Kim $5,000 or Kim would send complaint letters to individuals and organizations Kim had listed in the letter, which included the Florida Attorney General, Manatee and Sarasota Chambers of Commerce and the Sarasota Bar Association.

Burzynski contacted the Sarasota Police Department.

Det. Jack Carter met with Burzynski and his partners in the law firm of Jeff Young, who told Det. Carter they had heard Kim make the extortion threats.

Det. Carter had Burzynski make a controlled phone call to Kim, during which Kim said he had sent two of the letters already, the report said.

Kim was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, and charged with Extortion.

He remains in the Sarasota County Jail on a bond of $25,000.

Woman Arrested for Insurance
Fraud; May Be Other Victims

SARASOTA COUNTY, Flordia [NMT] -- In December of 2008 the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from an elderly Nokomis resident that he had been defrauded by an insurance salesperson named Teresa Boone Jenkins, 54, formerly of Osprey, Florida.

Teresa Boone Jenkins

The victim purchased two variable annuity policies for $35,000 and $100,000. He soon discovered that the policies had not been activated and that most of the monies he provided for their purchase had been spent by the suspect for her personal affairs. During the time frame that the offenses occurred the suspect was a licensed insurance broker operating from two lawfully chartered Florida corporations she owned. Her two businesses were known as Cornerstone Financial Services, Inc. and Ancur, Inc.

The investigation revealed that additional victims may exist.

During the investigation, another Sarasota resident was identified from banking records and it was found that he was the victim of “churning”. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission defines churning as “the excessive buying and selling of securities by (a) broker, for the purpose of generating commissions and without regard for…investment objectives.” Victims of insurance policy/variable annuity policy churning incur large surrender fees and commissions that would not have otherwise been charged if they had maintained their previous policy.

An arrest warrant was issued for Jenkins on 02/10/09 for Grand Theft over $100,000.

The Winston-Salem North Carolina Police Department located Jenkins at her residence on 02/12/09 and has placed her under arrest.

If anyone believes they were a victim of these businesses please contact Detective Jim Klay of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District 3 Criminal Investigation Bureau at 941-861-1707.

Investigators Treating Girl's
Disappearance As Abduction

SATSUMA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Investigators said they're treating the disappearance of a 5-year-old Florida girl as an abduction, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Haleigh Ann Marie Cummings
(Photo courtesy WKMG)

Haleigh Cummings was last seen Monday night in her father's mobile home in Satsuma. The rural community is about 70 miles north of Orlando.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office Major Gary Bowling said there's no longer any reason to believe Haleigh wandered away. Bowling said there's no evidence of Haleigh near her home.

Haleigh was reported missing when her father returned home from work early Tuesday. His girlfriend had woken up and discovered the child was missing.

Authorities have searched Haleigh's neighborhood house to house and divers have probed the St. Johns River.

Major Gary Bowling said volunteer groups may begin searching nearby areas of thick vegetation Thursday, WKMG reported.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Deputies Follow Car with
Windows Too Dark; Bust
Two, One with Marijuana

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- In the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, a Manatee County Deputy spotted a vehicle which had windows that were too dark and started following it from 9th Street Court East on 53rd Avenue. The vehicle eventually failed to stop completely for a red light at 26th Street West and Cortez Road West before turning east on Cortez Road West. Multiple sheriff's cruisers, who were then behind the vehicle, pulled it over in the 2200 block of Cortez Road West, in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant.

Above, multiple Manatee County Sheriff's Office cruisers
pull Ford Crown Victoria over, arrest two inside.
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Inside were the driver, Marqus Evans, 21, and a passenger, Kendrick Sailes, 25. Both were asked to step outside the vehicle.

Above, L to R, Kendrick Sailes and Marqus Evans

Once outside, it was learned that Evans' license was suspended on 1/17/2008 for two years for a controlled substance violation. Evans was arrested for Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge. He was also issued a warning for running the red light and a citation for the windows of his Crown Vic being too dark.

His passenger, Sailes, was detained because of a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Sailes was patted down and was asked if anything was in his shoes.

Voluntarily, Sailes removed his shoes without being asked to do so and a clear baggie with 2.4 grams of marijuana inside it fell out of his shoes.

Sailes was then arrested for Possession of Marijuana.

Sailes bailed out of jail that day, but was arrested the following day, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, for Driving on a Suspended License, according to the sheriff's website.

Both men now remain in the Manatee County Jail, each apparently unable to post a bail bond of $250, as of late Wednesday.

Man Arrested for Child Abuse;
Struck Daughter, 15, with
Belt Multiple Times

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who said he had been having trouble controlling his 15-year-old daughter was arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and charged with Child Abuse after he allegedly struck his daughter with a belt multiple times.

William D. Shaw

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2008, the unnamed girl told her mother she had recently been beaten by her father with a belt numerous times about the calves, thighs, buttocks, stomach and arms. The abuse hotline was then called by an anonymous person and allegations of child abuse were reported.

Child Protective Services then responded with a deputy to the residence in the 4400 block of 20th Avenue West, Bradenton. They were told by the girl that her father had become angry with her for staying out all night and had beaten her with a belt. The CPS investigator and the deputy observed numerous red welts and abrasions on the girl.

At that point, a detective was called into the case. He observed photos of the injuries. The detective then learned that William D. Shaw, 47, was on the way to the detective's office.

When interviewed by the detective, Shaw said ever since the girl met her new boyfriend, "Her behavior has slowly deteriorated." Shaw told the detective she had snuck out several times and she had been punished by having her privileges taken away. This time, Shaw said, he spanked her with his belt. When showed the photos, Shaw said there was no way he could have done that, the report said.

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, Shaw was then arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $50,000 bail bond.

Man with Warrants Runs
from Deputies; Tasered

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Edward Lee Looman III, 26, of 6428 26th Street West, Bradenton.

Edward Lee Looman III

A report from the sheriff's office said deputies responded to the above address in attempts to arrest Looman on outstanding warrants.

As Deputies were approaching the residence, Looman was standing outside the residence and fled upon seeing the Deputies.

Deputy Robinson chased Looman to the back of his residence and observed Looman attempting to jump over a chain link fence. Deputy Robinson ordered Looman to stop and get down off the fence; Looman ignored Deputy Robinson's commands and was almost on the other side of the fence when Deputy Robinson deployed his Taser. The probes missed Looman and he continued to flee.

Detective Hemmer then found Looman hiding underneath a vehicle and ordered him to come out from under the vehicle. Looman was ignoring Detective Hemmer's commands and was refusing to show his hands that he had underneath him. Detective Hemmer deployed his Taser and the probes hit Looman in the right side of his body. Immediate compliance was gained and Looman was arrested without further incident.

Looman was arrested for Resisting Arrest without Violence and on the outstanding warrants. The arrest report did not indicate what the warrants were for.

Woman Arrested for
Burglary of Ex's Home

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Denise Valerie Gallon, 25, who told Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies she lives at the Hope Shelter of Bradenton, was arrested and charged with breaking into her child's father's residence.

Denise Valerie Gallon

Gallon's arrest report said on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, shortly before 11 p.m., Gallon broke a window on the east side of a residence in the 1100 block of 61st Avenue East, Bradenton and entered the home without permission.

The victim's residence is that of Gallon's child's father, Berthony Stgerios. The two no longer have an intimate relationship together, the report said.

Berthony had returned home from the grocery store and noticed his kitchen light was on; he had turned it off prior to leaving.

Berthony entered the home and saw Gallon run out the east door.

He told deputies he had not allowed Gallon to enter his residence when he was not at home.

A neighbor witnessed Gallon run from the address to her friend's house nearby, where she was located about an hour later.

Gallon was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 bail bond.

According to the sheriff's website, Gallon was also arrested on Jan. 10, 2009 for Battery.

Woman Rear-Ends Vehicle,
Flees, Later Arrested by
Bradenton Beach Cops

BRADENTON BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Beach Police have arrested Kelly Marie Jackson, 22, of 4123 Middle River Terrace, in Ellenton.

Kelly Marie Jackson

According to an arrest report from BBPD, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at about 3 p.m., Jackson was involved in a traffic crash in the 700 block of Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach.

Apparently, Jackson rear-ended a vehicle that was stopped in front of her.

Both vehicles pulled over to the right side of the road, but as the occupants of the other vehicle exited their vehicle, Jackson proceeded to drive away. She was last seen driving southbound on Gulf Drive.

About 45 minutes later an unknown person waived down a Bradenton Beach Police Officer in the 4400 block of 99th Street West who was on his way to work and told the officer of a suspicious vehicle which appeared to have been involved in a crash. It was then determined that it was Jackson.

The officer then had the other people involved in the crash follow him to Jackson's location. They positively identified Jackson as the other driver.

Jackson told police the reason for the accident was her "anti-lock brakes weren't working" and her vehicle slammed into the other vehicle.

Then Jackson said she drove away because she thought it better to go to the Bradenton Beach Police Station, but when she got there, it was closed. She then decided to drive home, but her hood flew open in the 9900 block of Cortez Road West.

The officer noted that the station is staffed until 4 p.m. and should have been staffed at the time Jackson was allegedly there.

Jackson was arrested for Leaving the Scene of a Crash without Giving Information. She was also cited for Careless Driving.

The damage to the other vehicle was estimated at $5,100.

Clerk Extends Time Frame for
E-filing of Court Documents

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- R.B. "Chips" Shore, Manatee County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, has announced an important change in business rules for the electronic filing, “e-filing,” of court documents.

Effective Monday, February 9, 2009, any document e-filed before midnight will be docketed as filed that business day. Documents e-filed after midnight, on Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays will be docketed the next business day. The previous business rule had a 5:00 p.m. e-filing deadline for pleadings and documents to be docketed.

"This change in business practice is a result of the growing popularity of electronic filing in Manatee County," says Shore, "As more and more attorneys and parties to cases sign up for e-filing, we want to continue to make it as easy and beneficial to the users as possible."

Beall's Outlet Robbed
in Sarasota County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at about 6:10 p.m., Deputies with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to Beall's Outlet store located at 8240 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in reference to a robbery.

Deputies learned a man presented a note and took money from the cash register.

He then fled on foot and was not located.

The robber was described as a White male, 25-30 years old, 6'0" tall, 165 pounds, very tan, last seen searing a green T-shirt, khaki pants, and a dark baseball cap with red letters.

Anyone with information on this case should call the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 861-4900 or Sarasota Crime Stoppers at 366-TIPS (8477).

Two Teens Arrested for
Trafficking, Possession
of 4 Drugs

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics and Street Crimes Unit detectives arrested two teens for trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs in an undercover drug buy Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009. The arrests were made around 6 p.m. in a business parking lot on Harbor Blvd. in Port Charlotte. Arrested were Kyle Richard Willeke, 18, 1146 Strasburg Dr., Port Charlotte, and Sean Gerard Bernstein, 18, 26205 Explorer Rd., Deep Creek.

Above, L to R, Kyle Willeke and Sean Bernstein

A search of the Bernstein’s car located 90 Oxycodone 80mg pills, 125 Roxicodone 30mg pills, nine plastic baggies with 11.2 grams of cocaine, and 3.1 grams of marijuana.

Bernstein and Willeke were both charged with two counts of Trafficking in Oxycodone/Roxicodone, Possession With intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of Roxicodone, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Charlotte County Jail with bond set at $34,500 each.

Willeke has been booked into the Charlotte County Jail 15 times with 24 records; this is Bernstein’s first arrest in Charlotte County.

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

Possible Serial Flasher Sought
After Girls Report Incident

DELTONA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Sheriff's deputies in Volusia County are searching for a possible serial flasher who exposed himself Monday night to an 11-year-old girl and her friend who were standing in a driveway, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, a man driving a black Ford pickup stopped in front of the girls near La Casita Street in Deltona and exposed himself before driving away.

Deputies were notified of the incident and searched the area, but the man was not located.

Volusia County sheriff's deputies said at least two other similar incidents have happened within the last month and may be related.

The flasher was described as a White man about 35 to 50 years old with an average build and short dark hair. He was clean shaven and wore glasses, a baseball hat and a gray T-shirt. His vehicle was a black Ford F-150 with tinted windows and appeared to be dirty.

Anyone with information about the man is urged to call authorities.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Intoxicated Man Charged with
Child Abuse After Allowing
Son, 8, To Drive Car

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Mark Andrew Belanger, 34, of the 1700 block of 10th Way, in Sarasota.

Mark Andrew Belanger

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at about 11:45 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a traffic crash that had just occurred at 4651 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

When the officer arrived, he spoke with Belanger, who said his son, Titus, 8 years old, was driving and had struck numerous trees in the parking lot at the location.

Belanger said he allowed his son to drive "because I wanted to have a bonding moment with my son." Belanger also said he was on Xanax, was feeling woozy and didn't want to drive.

The officer then spoke with young Titus, who said his dad asked him if he wanted to drive. It was somewhere on Cortez Road West, but didn't know exactly where. Titus then pulled into the parking lot where he continued to drive.

Two pedestrians were forced to avoid being struck by the vehicle, the report said.

The vehicle struck a tree, breaking the driver side window, then struck another tree, which damaged the radiator.

When the officer asked to see Belanger's driver license, he dropped a card from his wallet on the ground. When he went to pick up the card he fell, striking his face on the pavement, lacerating the bridge of his nose.

Young Titus told the officer his dad was taking "liquid medicine in order to feel better." The boy pointed to a bottle of Canadian blended whiskey.

Belanger was driven to the Bradenton Police Station for further investigation.

Prior to leaving the station, Belanger became violent, kicking the windows on the patrol cruiser. The officer was forced to use pepper spray in order to gain control of Belanger, the report said.

Belanger was arrested and charged with Child Abuse without Great Bodily Harm and Permitting Unlicensed Minor to Drive.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,120 bail bond.

It is unknown what became of the boy; the report didn't say.

Cops Respond to Brick-Throwing
Incident; Surrounded by Gang
Members in Near Riot

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at about 1:30 a.m., Bradenton Police Officers responded to a call from a woman who said someone threw a brick at her car in the 600 block of 10th Avenue East.

Above, L to R, Keith Brooks, Ubaldo Ramirez and George Guiterrez

Arriving officers determined that the brick was thrown by 18-year-old Keith Brooks; they arrested Brooks and charged him with Criminal Mischief.

At that point, the officers were surrounded by an angry mob of 75-100 people.

Several people from the 400 block of 10th Avenue East had come to the scene and began yelling obscenities at the officers. Several of those people were making furtive movements and were wearing bandannas over their faces. They were standing in the 600 block of 10th Avenue East in the middle of the roadway and were interfering with the call the officers were on. They were told to leave and not to interfere with the officers.

Officers noted in their report that several of the people were members of the East Side Crips gang and were displaying gang colors.

Two of the men, Ubaldo Gutierrez Ramirez, 23, and George Guiterrez, 28, both of Bradenton and both known gang members, were allegedly instigating the large crowd. Both men had blue plastic cups with alcohol inside. One threw his cup down; the other crushed his cup. The officers then smelled the cups and determined there was alcohol inside.

Guiterrez was shouting "Don't come 'round here, police" and "We run this block, get out of here, pigs."

The officers arrested both Ramirez and Guiterrez and placed them in patrol cruisers.

As they did so, someone in the crowd threw a knife at the officers. It landed in the road without hitting any of the officers.

Both Ramirez and Guiterrez were charged with Inciting or Encouraging a Riot; Open Container of Alcohol and Resisting/Obstructing Arrest without Violence.

All three men have since posted bond and were released from jail.

Man Arrested for Burglary
in Boyfriend-Girlfriend
Dispute

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested David Drake Dumas, 22, of 7268 Manatee Street, in Sarasota.

David Drake Dumas

According to the arrest report, on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at about 6:30 p.m., Jessica Pena called 911 because her live-in boyfriend had gone go her grandmother's house, causing a disturbance.

Jessica told the arriving deputy her boyfriend had gone into her vehicle and taken her car seat, stroller and clothes and put them into his truck.

The deputy observed the car seat in the bed of David's truck.

David told the deputy he took Jessica's things because earlier in the day she had taken $150 from him.

The items that were taken belong to Jessica, it was determined, and were retrieved by Jessica and placed back in her vehicle.

Both parties said no violence had occurred.

David was arrested and charged with Burglary.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 bail bond.

Murdered Woman's Vehicle
Located in South Manatee

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 6:50 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot at 7050 15th St. E., in south Manatee County.

Lauren Lichon, deceased

The vehicle belonged to Lauren Lichon, 22, whose bloody body was discovered on Thursday, February 5, 2009, off N. Rye Rd. in east Manatee County.

An autopsy was performed the next day. Lichon suffered "trauma to her upper body," according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

NewsManatee asked Bristow whether any clues had been obtained from the vehicle. "We're not saying," Bristow said. "We're keeping the bad guy(s) guessing."

Detectives had been searching for Lichon’s vehicle since Monday, a 1996 2-door black Dodge Avenger.

According to the sheriff's office, Lichon was killed between 1 and 2 p.m. on Thursday of last week. Her body was discovered at 2:10 p.m. by a passing mosquito control worker.

Lichon's last known residence was the Day's Inn, 4900 North Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota.

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

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

Palmetto PD Arrests Man
for Chasing, Hitting Car
with His Pickup Truck

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested Ernesto Sanchez-Nava, 21, of 2401 14th Street Drive West, Palmetto.

Ernesto Sanchez-Nava

The arrest report from PPD said on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at about 12:30 a.m., police were called to the intersection of 10th Avenue Drive West and 11th Avenue West.

Police determined that Ernesto was driving a 1999 red Dodge pickup and was chasing the unnamed victims, who were driving a 1998 Pontiac.

Ernesto attempted to run the Pontiac off the road on several occasions during the chase.

At the intersection of 10th Avenue Drive West and 11th Avenue West, Ernesto used his pickup truck to strike the victim's vehicle intentionally.

Damage was observed on both vehicles involved. There were no injuries reported.

Ernesto was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $5,000.

Crime Prevention
Tip of the Week

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- About driving distractions is the Tip of the Week from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit.

Do you use your cell phone while driving? Do you listen to the song on the radio more than watching for road hazards? Do you have detailed conversations with others in your car while driving? If you can answer “Yes” to any of these questions, then you are putting yourself and others in danger.

According to the National Safety Council, drivers who use their cell phones while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. In fact, they have found no difference in the cognitive distraction between hand-held and hands-free devices. They estimate that 6 percent of all crashes nationwide have cell phone usage as a contributing factor. That amounts to 636,000 crashes with 2,600 fatalities every year being related to drivers using their cell phone.

But, cell phones alone aren’t to blame. They are simply one way a driver can get distracted from their responsibility of driving their vehicle safely. The NSC estimates that 80 percent of car crashes are related to driver inattention. So, pay attention while driving and look out for those who aren’t! It could be the difference between you getting home in one piece or you being involved in a crash.

Woman Robs Sarasota
Bank of America Branch

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are investigating a Bank Robbery that occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 10. 2009, at approximately 11:50 a.m. at Bank of America, 5457 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

The suspect entered the bank and demanded money. A weapon was implied but not seen.

The suspect then left the bank with an undetermined amount of cash and was last seen heading westbound on foot in the direction of the Publix store located in the same plaza.

The suspect is described as a white female, approximately 20-25 years of age, 5’ tall, weighing between 120 & 130 lbs. She was last seen wearing a black fuzzy hat, black scarf around her face, sunglasses, black coat, hot pink gloves, green cargo pants, and tan shoes.

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).

Prolific Burglar Arrested
by Sarasota Police Dept.

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police have arrested Nathaniel Redding, 49, of 4836 Bradenton Road, Sarasota. Redding is suspected in 22 burglaries.

Nathaniel Redding

Since January 1, 2009, the Sarasota Police Department has been addressing a series of burglaries along the Bradenton Road corridor. These crimes have been addressed by using additional patrols, undercover surveillance, reassignment of resources and attention to forensic analysis.

Forensic evidence was gathered on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, and was analyzed by the Sarasota Police and Sarasota Sheriff's Office. The evidence linked Nathaniel Redding to this series of crimes. Redding lives at 4836 Bradenton Road. He has been positively identified by an eyewitness of one of the burglaries and at the time of his arrest had property taken in one of the listed crimes in a pillow case he was carrying.

Redding is no stranger to the criminal justice system. His record shows 70 arrests. He has 28 convictions and 16 of those are for felonies.

SPD detectives continue to work the case and more information will follow.

Narcotics Unit Raids Home,
Arrests Three

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, acting on tips about narcotics dealing from a home at 145 Easton Dr., Port Charlotte, served a search warrant Tuesday morning, Feb. 10, 2009, at 7 a.m.

Above, Aurielle Galeone, Kimberly Scalisi and Michael Katt

Arrested were Aurielle Marie Galeone, 20, and Kimberly Rose Scalisi, 48.

In the raid, Narcotics detectives found Roxicodone pills, marijuana, several pipes, various containers, and a scale, all containing marijuana residue.

Galeone was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Roxicodone and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Scalisi was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Charlotte County Jail.

A third person in the home, Michael Jeffery Katt, 22, was released on a Notice to Appear in court for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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

Teacher Accused Of Raping
Student In Locker Room

BELLEVIEW, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Marion County high school teacher and basketball coach was arrested Monday amid allegations he raped a 15-year-old girl, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Omar Curry, 30, of Clermont, who teaches at Belleview High School, was arrested on sexual battery charges. Curry is also the girl's basketball coach, deputies said.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Curry allegedly called the girl out of class on Thursday and sexually battered her in the school locker room.

Deputies said the girl reported the incident on Monday and questioned Curry about the allegations before arresting him.

Curry taught social studies and had no record of discipline prior to his arrest.

"He was a great teacher. He made us work and actually do things. I never expected him to do anything like this," student Kaylee Cleveland said.

Curry has been suspended with pay, WKMG reported.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Detectives Search
for Murdered Woman's Car;
Ask Public's Help

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives are searching for the car that belonged to a woman found murdered last week.

Above, L to R, Lauren Lichon and a lookalike 1996 2-door black Dodge Avenger

Detectives continue to investigate the murder of Lauren Lichon, 22, whose body was discovered on Thursday, February 5, 2009, off N. Rye Rd. in eastern Manatee County.

Detectives are searching for Lichon’s vehicle, a 1996, 2-door, Dodge Avenger, Florida tag F310RV. The car is black with tinted windows and black wheels.

An autopsy was performed last week on Lichon's bloody body.

According to detectives, Lichon was killed sometime between 1 and 2 p.m. last Thursday. Her body was discovered by a mosquito control worker at 2:10 p.m., who then called the sheriff's office.

She suffered trauma to her upper body, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

Lichon's last known address was the Day's Inn motel, 4900 North Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota.

Her mug shot above is from an arrest in October of 2008 for 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription.

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

Manatee County Deputies
Arrest Naked Man After
Fight at Party

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Terry M. Sellars, Jr., 26, of 4512 67th Street West, Bradenton.

Terry M. Sellars, Jr.

The report said on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at about 3:40 p.m., Amber Cooper, Shawn Duncan, Michael Moskowitz and Terry Sellars were "Partying" at 4705 27th Street West all day.

While partying, Sellars began to make advances toward Cooper, which made her boyfriend, Duncan, angry. Duncan and Cooper began arguing which turned into a fight.

Moskowitz was outside repairing his vehicle when he heard the fight and went inside to see what was going on.

Moskowitz observed Sellars kicking Cooper in the stomach while she was on the ground.

Moskowitz swung a tire jack handle at Sellars, striking him in the head.

Sellars stopped fighting and went to the shower to clean up. Sellars also asked the others not to call the police.

Sellars came out of the shower with no clothes on and again tried fighting everyone.

Cooper, Duncan, and Moskowitz fled the house leaving Sellars behind.

MSO arrived a short time later and found Sellars outside, naked, and very aggressive.

Sellars was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital with a significant laceration to his forehead.

Sellars refused to cooperate with the investigation and was verbally abusive to Deputies and hospital staff, the report said.

Sellars was arrested for three counts of Battery after the investigation determined he was the primary aggressor.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $2,250.

Detectives Charge Man
Already in Jail with
Theft of Motor Scooter

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested Kevin L. Widner, 23, of 714 56 Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Kevin L. Widner

According to the arrest report, on October 20, 2008, Widner knocked on the door of a residence in the 5700 block of 7th Street Court East.

The victim looked outside and saw Widner standing on her front porch, which is fenced in.

Widner was looking around and saw a black and red motor scooter with a broken seat on the porch.

The unnamed victim then watched Widner remove the scooter from the porch and take it to the rear of his residence, which is directly across the street from the victim's residence.

The victim told deputies that an attempt was made to obtain her property back and that Widner's mother was uncooperative.

Widner was arrested on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, at the Manatee County Jail, where he is being held on unrelated charges.

He was additionally charged with Burglary and Grand Theft.

Widner remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond from a previous arrest.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
After Man Pummeled Victim

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police Officers have arrested Timothy J. Murrell, 29, of Orlando.

Timothy J. Murrell

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at about 7 p.m., Bradenton Police Officers were dispatched to 802 15th Street East, in Bradenton, reference a fight.

Witnesses told the officers Murrell had noticed the unnamed victim talking to his (Murrell's) girlfriend.

Jealous, Murrell immediately confronted the victim, knocked him to the ground and began kicking him about his head and body.

Murrell then jumped on top of the victim and began punching him, also about his head and body.

As a result of bleeding from the victim's injuries, the officers were unable to determine the extent of his injuries.

Murrell refused to follow lawful directions given by the officers to step back and remain back from the crime scene.

Murrell was charged with Aggravated Battery and Obstruction.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $5,750 bail bond.

Daughters of American Revolution
Holds Meeting at Bradenton
Country Club

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Osceola Chapter met on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at the Bradenton Country Club.

Above, L to R, Rudy Schneruch, Susan Konen
and Osceola Chapter Regent, Lou Ann Douglas

Their program was on "Flag History" and was presented by guest speaker Rudy Schneruch.

Rudy is a native of Germany, but has been a U.S. citizen for several years. He is very patriotic and loves to give programs on various subjects.

New member, Susan Konen is a substitute teacher/librarian at Nolan Middle School. She is pictured above with Osceola Chapter Regent Lou Ann Douglas who inducted Susan, assisted by other chapter officers.

For more information on Daughters of the American Revolution, Osceola Chapter, check their web site:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flocdar/newindex.html

Armed Robbery at Denny's
on Bee Ridge in Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed Robbery that occurred on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at 4:35 a.m., at Denny’s Restaurant, 3701 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.

A man entered the restaurant armed with a handgun and demanded money from an employee.

The man then fled with an undetermined amount of cash.

The man was wearing a grey jacket with a hood, black ski mask, black gloves, blue jeans and black shoes. He is described as approximately 6’ tall, weighing approximately 200 lbs.

Anyone with information regarding the above incident should contact Detective Chad McDonald or Detective Rafael Ortiz with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office District 1 Criminal Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-4900.

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).

Man Arrested in Armed Robbery
Incident After His Getaway Car
Runs Out of Gas

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested David Eric Hampton, 23, 9285 Fruitland Ave., Englewood East, in connection with a Bowie knife armed robbery of the BP station, 8675 Placida Rd., in Cape Haze early Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at 3:30 a.m.

David Eric Hampton

Deputies were dispatched after a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt pulled a 12-inch Bowie knife on the clerk, demanded money, then fled. However, a customer outside saw the robbery, got back in his car, called 911, and followed the white Mercury Cougar. The witness lost sight of the vehicle as it sped away; he then returned to the store.

CCSO deputies, K-9 and helicopter responded and set up a perimeter after a black hooded sweatshirt and other clothing believed worn by the suspect were located behind a home on Cape Haze Drive.

A newspaper carrier approached the K-9 deputy during the search and said there was a white car stopped at Arlington Dr. and Amberjack Place and a man with a beard told him he ran out of gas.

Deputies located the vehicle and ran the tag which came back to the owner, Hampton.

Shortly before 9:00 a.m., a deputy saw a man fitting the description of the suspect behind a home on Amberjack Place. The suspect was ordered to stop, and was identified as Hampton.

Hampton was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with Robbery with a Weapon, and Loitering and Prowling. He remains in the jail on no bond.

Human Remains
Found In Woods

ST. CLOUD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Authorities in Osceola County continue to investigate the identity of a man after horseback riders found human remains Sunday afternoon in a wooded area, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Osceola County sheriff's detectives said the body was that of an older, heavyset white man who was about 6 feet 1 inch tall and had no tattoos. He may have been a smoker, detectives said.

The finding continues to be investigated as a suspicious death, WKMG reported.

Anyone with information about the identity of the victim is asked to call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Body of Woman, 22, Found in
East Manatee is County's
5th Murder of 2009

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the discovery of the body of a woman in East Manatee County. They subsequently said the woman had been murdered.

Above, Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives,
EMS personnel gather at crime scene
on Rye Road in East Manatee County.
(Photo courtesy Fox 13's Skyfox)

The report said at approximately 2:10 p.m. Thursday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office was called regarding a body off Rye Rd. near Rye Wilderness Trail in east Manatee County.

Deputies responded and confirmed the body of a female approximately 20-25 feet from the road.

Detectives have since identified the victim as Lauren Whitney Lichon, 22, (DOB 6-6-86), of last known address 4900 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. That is the address of the Days Inn near the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.

The case is being considered a homicide.

Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, would not say whether the woman died of gunshot or stab wounds, or by some other means.

One report said the body was bloodied, but that has not been confirmed.

In a press release, Bristow said, "There were signs of trauma to her upper body."

An autopsy was performed on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, but the cause of death isn’t being released at this time, Bristow said.

Detectives believe Lichon was killed sometime early Thursday afternoon possibly between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. Her body was discovered at around 2:10 p.m. just east of N. Rye Road and about 20 feet south of Rye Wilderness Trail.

According to Sarasota County court records, Lichon was arrested in October of 2008 on three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription. In September of 2008, Lichon was charged with Driving on a Suspended License. In 2006, she was arrested for Grand Theft Auto.

This is the 5th murder in Manatee County overall so far this year; there have been 3 previously this year in the county and 1 in the City of Bradenton.

Anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area where the body was discovered or has any other information on this case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Choking, Threatening
Life of Live-in Girlfriend

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Steven Weems, 37, of 1538 8th Avenue West, in Bradenton.

Steven Weems

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, at about 11 p.m., Weems engaged in a physical altercation with his live-in girlfriend, Lisa Fields.

Weems was intoxicated when he forced Lisa into a bedroom against her will and would not allow her to leave, the report said.

Weems then strangled Lisa multiple times, causing her to lose consciousness, the report said. He also punched her in the back of the head and struck her with a drill bit in the neck.

Lisa told officers Weems threatened to end her life by saying, "How does it feel to almost die?" He also allegedly said, "The only way you're going to leave the house is in a body bag."

Lisa eventually broke free and ran to a neighbor's house, with Weems chasing her and grabbing at her. He tackled Lisa in a gravel driveway, but fled after being confronted by residents in the area.

Officers observed redness and bruising on Lisa's neck and face.

Weems was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, at about 4:30 a.m. and charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Felony Domestic Battery by Strangulation and False Imprisonment.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $300,000 bail bond.

Woman Attacks Husband with
Knife for Unknown Reason

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a woman attacked and stabbed her husband with a knife on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at a few minutes past midnight.

Sandra Predd

The report said Christopher and Sandra Predd, 38 and 53 respectively, are husband and wife, living together at 7539 Preserves Court, in South Manatee County.

According to Chris, Sandra has been "acting strange lately."

Sandra armed herself with a chef knife and walked into the garage where Chris was.

She attacked and stabbed Chris in the hand and upper leg.

Chris wrestled her back into the house, locked himself in the garage and called 911.

Sandra fled the home on foot before the arrival of law enforcement.

She attempted to break into an occupied home in the 700 block of Pine Trace Drive nearby.

Sandra was quickly located and arrested by arriving deputies. She was charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Burglary. She remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Chris was transported by EMS to Lakewood Ranch Hospital.

Chris's condition was described by a Lakewood Ranch Emergency Room physician as not life-threatening.

Woman, 60, Mugged Outside
Lakewood Ranch Lounge

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, at about 11:15 p.m., a 60-year-old woman was attacked from behind and thrown to the ground outside the Polo Lounge, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, in Lakewood Ranch, by an unknown assailant, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said Donna Makovec, was attending a function at the Polo Grill. Around 11 p.m., she went outside to get something from her car.

Once she got to the side of the building where her car was parked, she was grabbed from behind and pushed to the ground. She said she heard a man's voice demand her purse.

She told the man that she did not bring it outside with her and attempted to get up, but the man forced her back down to the ground several times.

Ms. Makovec believes she then passed out and does not remember anything further until she was found by her friends.

Deputies reported the area where she was found showed obvious signs that she had been forcefully thrown to the ground. Several of her friends told deputies she had been gone from the party for over 20 minutes before they went looking for her.

There was no description of the attacker or his mode of travel, other than a "male voice."

EMS checked Ms. Makovec for injuries; she refused transport to the hospital.

Nothing was taken from Ms. Makovec, the report said.

The report said the Polo Lounge and the nearby Regions Bank both have surveillance cameras and may have caught the incident on camera.

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

7-11 Convenience Store
Robbed at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The 7-11 store located at 2851 Whitfield Avenue was robbed at gunpoint on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, at about 11:45 p.m., according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said on the above date and approximate time, an unidentified White male entered the store armed with a semi-automatic handgun.

He went directly to the counter with the gun in his right hand and demanded the clerk open the register.

The robber took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the store.

The clerk described the robber as a White male, 6'3" tall, 160 pounds, last seen wearing a gray hoodie, a black ski mask, green cargo style pants and black gloves.

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

Convenience Store Customer
Robbed by Man with Gun

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A customer of the Stop & Shop convenience store located at 4201 South Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota, was robbed on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at about 1 a.m. The robber claimed he had a gun.

A Sarasota County Sheriff's Office report said on the above date and time Deputies with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to the above location in reference to a robbery.

The victim was approached in the Stop & Shop parking lot by the robber who took the victim’s wallet.

The robber was possibly armed with an unknown type handgun.

The robber fled on foot and was not located.

The robber was described as a White male, in his 20s, 6'0" tall, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a brown coat.

Anyone with information on this case should call the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 861-4900 or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota at 366-TIPS(8477)

Punta Gorda Police Bust Two
Teenagers in Rape of Girl, 15

PUNTA GORDA, Florida [NMT] -- The Punta Gorda Police Department has arrested two teenagers in connection with the rape of a 15-year-old girl.

Above, L to R, Joel Lee Miley and Michael Williams

On February 3, 2009, the Punta Gorda Police Department was notified of a sexual battery of a 15-year-old female city resident. The victim reported that on Sunday, February 1, 2009, three teenage male acquaintances entered her home under the pretense of watching the Super Bowl. The three teenage males went into her bedroom and moments later, the victim entered her bedroom to check on them. While in her bedroom, two of the suspects sexually assaulted the victim.

Investigation by Punta Gorda Police detectives identified the suspects as Joel Lee Miley, 17, of 2226 Hayworth Blvd, Port Charlotte and Michael Williams, 17, of 1236 Slash Pine Circle, Punta Gorda. The third male was a witness to the incident and not charged in this investigation.

Miley was arrested and charged with Sexual Battery on a Victim under 16 years of Age (life felony) and False Imprisonment (third degree felony).

Williams was arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Battery (third degree felony) and False Imprisonment (third degree felony).

Both suspects were transported to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice where they will be held, pending a hearing.

Caylee Anthony Memorial
Set For Tuesday

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported the family of Caylee Anthony will hold a public memorial service for the slain girl on Tuesday, according to the family attorney.

Above, Caylee Anthony at 2 years of age

Brad Conway, the attorney representing Caylee's grandparents, George and Cindy Anthony, said the memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Orlando, which holds more than 5,000 people.

The church has its own security team, but additional off-duty officers may be hired for crowd control purposes.

The girl's remains were discovered in December by a meter reader in a wooded area near the Anthony's east Orange County home.

Casey Anthony, 22, remains jailed on first-degree murder charges in her daughter's death.

Casey Anthony claims she left Caylee with a baby sitter in mid-June and the pair was gone when she returned to pick up her daughter. She did not report Caylee missing until a month later.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 2/14/2009 2:00:06 PM

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