Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 3/16/2009

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Local/State News for week ending 3/16/2009

Bradenton Police Arrest Two
Behind Applebee's Rest. for
Xanax, Valium, Methadone
and Heroin Possession

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Two people who were found in a car behind Applebee's Restaurant at 4301 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, have been arrested by the Bradenton Police Department.

Above, Mark J. Zduniak and Billie Jo Sommers

According to arrest reports from BPD, on Thursday, at about 12:30 in the morning, two Bradenton Police Officers approached a car sitting behind the restaurant.

Inside were the driver, Mark J. Zduniak, 46, of 1019 Crescent Street, Sarasota, and a passenger, Billie Jo Sommers, 43, of 5105 6th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Zduniak tried to hide something between the seats. One of the officers observed a cap to a syringe and a lighter.

Zduniak was asked to step out and was asked where the syringe was. Zduniak said he threw the syringe on the floor.

At that time, one of the officers located a bottle on the floor that contained 3 methadone pills and 5 valium pills. He also found a spoon and a small piece of foil that tested positive for trace amounts of heroin.

Meanwhile, the second officer had Sommers exit the vehicle and asked her if she had anything illegal on her and Sommers said, "No."

However, upon searching her purse, the officer found a crack pipe which tested positive for cocaine and later, at the police substation, located 4 Xanax pills in Sommers' purse.

Zduniak was arrested and charged with 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $6,000 bail bond.

Sommers was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She posted an $1,100 bond and was released from jail.

Both Zduniak and Sommers were also arrested in February; Zduniak was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription and Sommers was charged with Driving on a Suspended License and Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement.

Deputies Arrest Man for
Robbing Ice Cream Vendor

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Willie D. Brown, 19, of 2315 29th Avenue East, Palmetto, after he and another unidentified man struck and robbed an ice cream vendor.

Willie D. Brown

The arrest report said on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at about 3:30 p.m., Brown and the other man followed Bernardo Salina from the 400 block of 61st Avenue East to the 300 block where they pretended to want to buy an ice cream bar from Salina.

When they attempted to give him one dollar, Salina said it was not going to be enough for what they had selected.

Brown then punched Salina on the right side of his jaw, knocking Salina to the ground.

The unknown accomplice, a Black male, then kicked Salina in his stomach twice.

Brown and the other man then went through Salina's pockets. In the process, they ripped Salina's pants off.

After taking Salina's money, they took off running.

A deputy spotted Brown riding a bike westbound on 61st Avenue West. Brown matched the description of one of the robbers. Before the deputy could attempt a stop, Brown went into a backyard, dropped the bike and took off running.

The deputy went to the street behind the residence, where several children were playing. They pointed in the direction Brown ran.

The deputy caught up to Brown in his car in the 100 block of 60th Avenue East and stopped Brown.

Another deputy brought Salina to that location and Salina positively identified Brown as one of his attackers.

Brown was arrested and charged with Robbery. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $25,000 bail bond.

Woman Arrested at Kohls
for Retail Theft

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy has arrested Kerry Ann Williams, 22, of 4839 Winslow Beacon, in Sarasota, for theft of merchandise from Kohls Department Store, 5205 University Parkway.

Kerry Ann Williams

The arrest report said on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at about 7 p.m., Williams entered the store and was observed by Loss Prevention selecting numerous clothing items and concealing them in her purse.

Williams then traveled through the store and attempted to exit the store without paying for the merchandise.

Loss Prevention personnel apprehended Williams.

The items were valued at $45.75, according to Loss Prevention.

Williams was arrested and charged with Retail Theft.

She posted a $120 bail bond and was released from jail.

Woman Arrested at Wal-Mart
for Stealing Beauty Items

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Shannon Palmer, 31, from Bradenton, was arrested at the Wal-Mart store located at 6225 State Road 64 East, Bradenton.

Shannon Palmer

The arrest report said Palmer entered the Wal-Mart store on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at about 7 p.m. and went to the women's health and beauty department of the store where she selected numerous items.

She then walked to the pet department where she concealed the merchandise in her purse.

She walked to a register with her fiance, where he purchased some items.

However, while at the register, Palmer failed to pay for the concealed items.

She exited through the grocery department where she was stopped by a Loss Prevention Officer.

Palmer was arrested by a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy and charged with Petit Theft.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $120.

The items Palmer took were valued at $6.82.

Drive-By Shooter Nails
PT Cruiser, Garage

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A drive-by shooting overnight between 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, and 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2009, was reported by the victim, Rosa Martinez, 26, who lives at a residence in the 700 block of 26th Avenue West, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said unknown person(s) fired a shotgun at the victim's PT Cruiser.

The vehicle was parked in the driveway in front of the residence. It was facing away from the street. The shot came from the direction of the street.

The vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the shooting.

There was at least one round of birdshot fired, striking the vehicle in the rear, shattering the rear window. The same shot also struck the garage door and the area around the garage door.

No persons were struck and there were no injuries reported.

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.

PPD: Man Arrested for Striking,
Threatening Victim with Rifle

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Carlos Robilio Rosales, 29, after Rosales put an unnamed victim in fear for his life.

Carlos Robilio Rosales

According to the arrest report, on Friday, March 7, 2009, at about 8 a.m., Rosales struck the victim on the head with a beer bottle, cutting the victim's hand.

The victim had defensive wounds on his right hand, the report said.

Rosales reportedly told the victim he would kill the victim.

Rosales then left and returned with a rifle. He held it down at his right side, the report said.

The victim was in fear for his life and believed Rosales might shoot him.

When police arrived, they searched Rosales prior to being placed in the patrol car and found a steak knife in his front right pocket.

Rosales was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Rifle, Aggravated Battery and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $22,500.

Sarasota Man Held Without Bail;
Sent 100s of Threatening E-mails

COLUMBUS, Ohio [NMT] -- On Thursday, March 12, 2009, a U.S. Magistrate Judge here ordered Kyle Jeffrey Tschiegg, 38, of Sarasota, held without bond pending trial. Tschiegg is charged with sending hundreds of threatening emails and text messages to victims in Ohio, Kansas and Florida since October, 2007.

FBI agents arrested Tschiegg on February 12, 2009, at his father’s home in Sarasota, where he also works. No trial date has been set.

The federal complaint alleges that Tschiegg has sent more than 180 email messages to as many as 3,500 people and made more than 30 threatening telephone calls to victims in Columbus, Florida and Kansas. Among those allegedly threatened by Tschiegg is a Florida state senator. The complaint alleges that Tschiegg holds himself out as a “computer and network security professional.” Tschiegg is further alleged to have used vulnerabilities in email servers to reflect emails through those servers to appear as if the email originated from the server. He is also alleged to have seized control of email accounts of others. Finally he is alleged to have made threats by creating Yahoo! groups, establishing himself as the moderator of those groups, entered victim email addresses into the group and then sending a single threatening email, appearing to originate from a victim’s email server, to all members of the group.

The complaint charges Tschiegg with one count of Interstate Transmission of Threatening Communications. It is punishable by up to five years imprisonment.

Among the threats Tschiegg is alleged to have made are the following: a threat to come to a Columbus company and “start shooting the whole place up;” and an email to an account in which he claimed a friend of the account holder had been killed, and threatening to destroy the victim’s computer if the victim did not send at least $3,000 to an address.

Lockhart commended the investigation by FBI agents and investigators in the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah A. Solove and Department of Justice Attorney Joseph Springsteen of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, who are prosecuting the case. Lockhart also acknowledged the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel Moore in the Middle District of Florida.

Man Fatally Stabbed
In Front of People

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG is reporting a man was fatally stabbed in front of several people in Daytona Beach early Thursday morning, and a search was under way for his attacker, police said.

A 911 hangup call at about 12:30 a.m. sent Daytona Beach police to a house on Maple Street, where Chad Hankerson, 20, was found bleeding from the neck, authorities said.

He was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital.

Daytona Beach police said several people who saw the attacker run away were being interviewed, WKMG said.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Manatee Deputy Nearly Struck
By DUI Man's Vehicle; Taser
Deployed By Deputy During
Short Foot Chase

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- When a Manatee County Deputy woke up an apparently intoxicated man who was behind the wheel of a car, the man nearly struck the deputy as he attempted to drive away, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Andellon Hayes

The report said on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at about 11 p.m., Deputy Chris DeLuca was dispatched to a disabled vehicle at 5300 9th Street East, Bradenton.

Upon Deputy DeLuca's arrival he noticed the driver, later identified as Andellon Hayes, 27, of 817 58th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, was passed out in the driver’s seat with the vehicle still running; the gear shift was in drive.

Dep. DeLuca opened up the passenger side door of Hayes’ vehicle and put the car in park. He was able to wake Hayes and was trying to ascertain his condition when Hayes stated that he just wanted to go home and yelled to Dep. DeLuca, "Let me go home."

Hayes then threw the car in drive and began to take off with Dep. Deluca still standing in the passenger side area of the vehicle.

Hayes drove forward a few feet then jumped out of the vehicle and took off on foot.

Dep. DeLuca gave chase and ordered Hayes to stop. Hayes refused to comply, so Dep. Deluca deployed his Taser striking Hayes in the back.

Hayes was taken into custody and arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended (Habitual Traffic Offender) and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

Deputy DeLuca was not injured.

Hayes was also arrested in February for Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Driving While License Suspended, and in December of last year for Driving While License Suspended, according to the sheriff's office website.

Hayes remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $15,000 bail bond.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Pulling Gun on Former
Roommate; Wanted TV Back

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Melvin Tyrone McNair, 29, of 5680 Fountain Lake Circle, Bradenton.

Melvin Tyrone McNair

According to the arrest report from BPD, McNair and Terrence Fuller were recently roommates, but not any more.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at about 8 p.m., McNair went to Fuller's mother's house in the 1400 block of 17th Street Circle East, Bradenton, which is Fuller's current residence.

Fuller told officers McNair demanded to get his TV back. Fuller told McNair that he did not have McNair's TV.

McNair later told officers that during the verbal argument, Fuller got a black bag from his car and told McNair to "Get back or you're going to be dealt with."

McNair knew Fuller was known to carry a gun in the past, so McNair went to his vehicle and got his chrome .357 handgun out of his car, he told officers.

That's also what Fuller told officers, adding that McNair pointed the .357 at him.

At that point, officers learned McNair left the scene, but continued to text and call Fuller, asking Fuller to meet up with him at one of several locations in the county. But Fuller refused and instead called police. One of the text messages Fuller showed police officers said McNair would have shot Fuller if his family wasn't around, the report said.

Bradenton Police had the Manatee County Sheriff's Office respond to McNair's address in the county, which they did. They located McNair at his residence and arrested him for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, on behalf of the Bradenton Police Department.

McNair remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $15,000 bail bond.

Man Arrested After Brandishing
Firearm During Family Matter

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Kenneth Tolar, 69, of 1824 26th Avenue East, Bradenton, has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Kenneth Cordale Tolar

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at about 2 p.m., Tolar was asked to go to the residence of a family member in the 2900 block of 51st Avenue Terrace West. Tolar was told it was to discuss a family matter with his daughter.

While on scene, Tolar got angry and refused to sit down. Tolar then got verbally louder, yelling while in the residence.

The victim asked Tolar to leave the residence while walking toward Tolar.

At that point, Tolar allegedly said, "Come any closer and I'll kill you."

Then the victim observed a firearm that Tolar pulled from his pants at the rear. The victim told deputies the firearm had a black barrel and Tolar cocked the firearm, which the victim heard prior to pulling the firearm out.

The victim was in fear for his life and thought Tolar was going to shoot him, the report said.

A witness, the unnamed daughter, told deputies in her affidavit she heard Tolar say to the victim, "Get any closer and I'll kill you.

Tolar was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.

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

Cops Bust Man for Stealing
Car, Mattresses, Bed Frame

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Aaron Lee Bassler, 25, of 604 61st Avenue East, Bradenton.

Aaron Lee Bassler

According to an arrest report from BPD, on Monday, March 9, 2009, at about 1 a.m., Bradenton Police were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Riverside Drive East, Bradenton, reference a burglary in progress. While officers were en route, they were advised a man inside the location was removing items.

The burglar left the location while police were en route and police were advised that the vehicle had stopped near Blazier Gates Park.

Upon arrival at the park, officers located the vehicle and removed the driver, identified as Bassler and held him in custody until they could contact the owner of the residence from which Bassler had come. In the back of the vehicle were a bed frame and three mattresses.

The owner was contacted and told to go to the park, which he did. He told officers Bassler did not have permission to be in his residence or to remove the items, which the owner identified as his.

Officers noted that Bassler had keys in his possession that belonged to the vehicle and to the house.

When questioned, Bassler "lawyered up" and the questioning stopped.

Bassler was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling and Motor Vehicle Theft.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $11,000.

Woman Arrested for Burglary
of Alleged Friend's Car

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Wendy Lynn Fico, 36, of a last known address of 302 26th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Wendy Lynn Fico

The arrest report said on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at about 7:45 a.m., Fico was seen rummaging through the vehicle of Tedrick Randall, who is staying at the Rodeway Inn, located at 2303 1st Street East, Bradenton, the site of the burglary.

Randall called the sheriff's office.

Fico claimed Randall had some of her possessions.

She was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Conveyance.

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

Cataract Surgery Options
Discussion By Local Doctor
Planned in Ellenton

ELLENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, March 16, 2009, at 4 p.m., Dr. Mark Disclafani, known affectionately to his staff and patients as "Dr. D," will host a discussion group at the Ellenton offices of The Eye Associates, 7915 U.S. Hwy 301 North, Suite 101.

Dr. D will help you understand what a cataract is and when you should consider cataract surgery. He also discusses the NEW ReSTOR, ReZoom, and Crystalens multifocal lens implants that will allow patients to enjoy life without glasses.

Free vision screenings are also offered at the Ellenton offices, and Dr. DiSclafani will be available for a private discussion of your results.

To make a reservation for the discussion group, or to find out when the next vision screenings are, call (941) 729-2020, or toll-free at 1-866-865-2020.

To learn more about The Eye Associates, you can log on to their website: www.TheEyeAssociates.com/.

[Ed. Note: Dr. D performed cataract surgery on our publisher, Mike Quinn, which was done flawlessly and without complications. In addition, The Eye Associates is a premier supporter of NewsManatee. You may click on their support ad at the top of our Home page to go to their website.]

Narcs Raid Huge Grow House
at Converted Former Fish Farm

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit detectives raided a huge marijuana grow house operation Tuesday afternoon at 47830 Bermont Road (C..R. 74), not far from the Glades County line. The secluded grow house was located at the end of a dirt road off the main highway and was set up in a former fish farm operation.

According to Narcotics Detective Kathy Ayers, “After an in-depth investigation, a search warrant was executed on the property in the remote farming area. Once on the property detectives located a partially dismantled marijuana grow operation.” The property contained numerous buildings that contained an extremely large amount of materials used in cultivation of marijuana. A small amount of marijuana was located on the property and it was apparent that some plants had already been harvested. Det. Ayers also said, “The largest enclosed pole building was still in the early stages of construction and had a capacity to accommodate at least several hundred plants at one time. A harvest of this size could easily yield several over $1 million dollars per harvest per DEA estimates.”

Detectives located over 86 containers of specialized fertilizers, numerous cases of lights, light shades, air and cooling systems and other items needed for cultivation of marijuana. These items are valued at approximately $50,000. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

Det.. Ayers said, “According to the Charlotte County Property Appraisers Office, the property is owned by Sean Mohabir and is the location of Sunshine Farms USA, Inc.” According to its website the property is, "The site of an import/export business specializing in fish, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.” Detectives did not locate a farm on the property but did remove four hogs, numerous birds, two dogs and a rooster that appeared to have been abandoned and Animal Control was called.

This is the fourth grow house operation raided this year; in 2008 narcotics detectives raided 17 grow houses, 14 in 2007, and three in 2006.

Anyone with knowledge about suspected marijuana grow houses or any other drug activity is asked to call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Calzone Attack Victim, Housemate
Arrested; Attack Was By
Ex-Mobster/Killer

PALM COAST, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a Palm Coast man who claimed he was attacked by the owner of a local pizzeria in January has been arrested after lying about his identity, deputies said.

Jack Kilburne told Flagler County sheriff's deputies that he was attacked Jan. 23 by Joseph Milano, the owner of Goomba's Pizzeria, after Kilburne complained about a calzone.

At the time of the incident, Kilburne identified himself to Flagler County sheriff's deputies as Richard Phinney, the ex-husband of Kilburne's housemate, Krystal Phinney.

Richard Phinney, who lives in Stark, contacted the Bradford County Sheriff's Office to report the possible identity theft, and a warrant check of Jack Kilburne showed he was wanted in Polk County for failure to pay more than $12,000 in child support.

Flagler deputies arrested Kilburne at his Palmyra Lane home on Sunday evening. Krystal Phinney, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant from Polk County for violation of probation, was also arrested.

Both were being held at the Flagler County Inmate Facility.

The couple recently filed a lawsuit seeking more than $15,000 in damages for pain and suffering in connection with the attack.

Milano, 45, faces two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. Local authorities believe pizzeria owner Milano is Joseph Calco, a New York mobster and killer whose testimony helped convict members of the Bonanno crime family in 2001, WKMG said.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Previously Convicted Felon
Arrested for DUI Charges,
Grand Theft Auto, More

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Bradenton resident who has previously spent time in state prison for numerous burglary charges was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol on Monday for numerous charges following a crash, including 10 DUI charges, and by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office for Grand Theft Auto, Battery and Petit Theft.

Jack A Mays, aka Jack A. Mayes

According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, on Monday, March 9, 2009, at about 5 p.m., Jack A. Mays, aka Jack A. Mayes, 32, of 1102 13th Avenue West, Bradenton, took a 2003 Land Rover SUV without the owner's permission and was northbound in the parking lot of 6001 Medici Court, in South Manatee County, leaving the residence of the owner of the Land Rover.

Mays attempted to make a left turn in the roadway and lost control of the SUV. He then entered the southbound lane and attempted to correct by steering right, entering parking stalls, causing damage to multiple vehicles.

Mays then did a U-turn and fled southbound on University Parkway, approaching Honore Avenue and failed to stop behind a vehicle, causing that vehicle to be pushed into another vehicle.

Then Mays made a left turn back into Medici Court and lost control of the vehicle once more, striking a golf cart and a planter. He left the roadway and struck a palm tree, where the vehicle came to rest.

FHP charged Mays with several counts of DUI Property Damage, DUI Personal Injury, Driving While License Suspended, Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries and Damages.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office additionally charged Mays with Grand Theft Auto, Battery and Petit Theft. Mays had punched the owner of the stolen vehicle and had stolen a credit card belonging to the owner of the SUV, with whom Mays was acquainted.

He remains in the Sarasota County Jail.

Mays was previously convicted in 1994 of nine counts of Burglary, two counts of Dealing in Stolen Property and Grand Theft. He was also convicted in 2002 of Possession of Cocaine and Aggravated Fleeing to Elude. Both convictions resulted in Mays serving time in state prison twice. He was last released from prison in 2004.

[Ed. Note: Medici Court has a Sarasota mailing address, erego the crime was committed in Sarasota, which is the reason Mays/Mayes is in the Sarasota County Jail. University Parkway is the dividing line between Manatee and Sarasota County.]

Manatee/Bradenton Detectives
Arrest Man for Burglary,
Possession of Drugs

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detective and a Bradenton Police Detective combined forces to arrest Christopher Carpenter, 27, of 5304 47th Street Court East, Bradenton, for the March 3, 2009, burglary to a residence in the 5500 block of 34th Street Court East, Bradenton, the home of the ex-wife of a Bradenton Police Lieutenant.

Christopher Michael Lee Carpenter

The arrest report said Carpenter had entered the unnamed victim's residence by prying the rear sliding glass door open to gain entrance.

Once inside, Carpenter allegedly stole a black safe, a red laptop computer, a Canon Camera, $10,000 worth of savings bonds, and social security cards and birth certificates belonging to the victim's children, as well as an unknown amount of jewelry and watches.

Through investigation, detectives learned that Carpenter was the prime suspect and they obtained a search warrant, which was served at Carpenter's residence on Monday, March 9, 2009, at about 6:30 p.m.

Inside, detectives located numerous jewelry items, including pieces taken in other burglaries. Also seized were cocaine, a small amount of marijuana, black gloves, pawn receipts and other miscellaneous items.

Outside of the home was a large pile of ash. Inside the ashes, detectives located jewelry, jewelry boxes, coins, keys broaches and different colored stones.

Carpenter's brother assisted detectives in locating the laptop computer and it was recovered.

When confronted about the burglaries, Carpenter "lawyered up."

Carpenter was arrested and transported to the Manatee County Jail, charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Carpenter remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $14,500 bail bond.

Woman Arrested for Slamming
Other Woman Into Window

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Karen Underwood, 39, of 2515 30th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Karen Underwood

According to the arrest report, on Monday, March 9, 2009, at about 7:45 p.m., Underwood walked up to Doris Widner while Widner was at a gas station located at 3101 15th Street East.

Underwood grabbed Widner by the hair and slammed her head against a vehicle's glass window and said, "Where's your [expletive deleted] body guard now?"

Widner then fled the scene in her vehicle.

A deputy subsequently went to Underwood's house, but neither Underwood nor another person wouldn't let the deputy in, saying Underwood wasn't there. However, the deputy had seen her through a window.

The deputy obtained a search warrant, went back to Underwood's residence and placed her under arrest.

Underwood was charged with Battery. She posted bail and was released.

3 Armed Black Males Commit
Home Invasion Robbery;
Shots Fired

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Monday, March 9, 2009, shortly before 11 p.m., three armed Black males burst into a home in the 2000 block of 31st Avenue East, Bradenton, and robbed people inside, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said three Black males dressed in dark clothing, wearing masks and armed with firearms kicked in the front door to the residence located in the 2000 block of 31st Avenue East, yelling for money.

The invaders ordered the four victims to the ground and went into the pockets of two of them. One robber took money, a cell phone and a gold necklace from one victim and nothing from the other.

Another robber took an X-Box that was sitting in the kitchen.

The invaders all then fled the scene in a light colored SUV and fired off 2 to 3 rounds.

No one was injured.

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.

Teen Court Training Offered
By Clerk of Court

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Free training for the Teen Court and Teen Court Too programs in Manatee County is being offered by the Manatee County Clerk of Court R. B. "Chips" Shore, who is sponsoring the program.

The training is open to all High School and Middle School students. Students can learn how to be an attorney (defense or prosecution), a bailiff, a trial clerk or a juror. They will hear real cases involving real crimes.

The free training will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, from 5:15 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West, 2nd Floor Jury Assembly Room.

The reservation deadline is Monday, March 30, 2009. Interested persons can contact Pam Coachman-Allen or Rina Madrid at (941) 741-4027 or by e-mail to Pam.Coachman@ManateeClerk.com.

For more information on the Teen Court Program, visit http://www.manateeclerk.com/CourtServices/TC-TC2/teencourt.htm

"Paws for Patriots" Guest
Speaker at DAR Meeting

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Osceola Chapter held a regular meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the Bradenton Country Club. DAR members learned about the "Paws for Patriots" program from guest speaker Helen Arnold.

Above, L to R, Helen Arnold and Diane Broda
and their guide dogs, "Troy" and "Pete"
(Photo submitted by DAR)

"Paws for Patriots" is a program to assist blinded and visually impaired soldiers returning from duty.

The Southeastern Guide Dog School is one of five such facilities in the United States, and is located on 77th St. off Ellenton-Gillette Rd., Palmetto.

The soldiers go thru a training session and are fitted with a seeing eye dog.

The cost for this service is approximately $60,000 each; these funds are raised mainly through donations.

Helen Arnold brought her dog "Troy," an Australian Shepherd, and presented the "Paws for Patriots" program to the approximate 55 DAR members and guests present.

Arnold received a check for "Paws for Patriots," plus items of towels, blankets, etc., that were donated for the guide dogs' needs.

Arnold was accompanied by her driver, Diane Broda, and her Southeastern Guide Dog in training, "Pete," a Golden Labrador.

Should you care to contribute to the cost of training these special dogs, you may contact: helen.arnold@guidedogs.org or log onto their web site www.guidedogs.org

For more information about Osceola Chapter DAR check their web site: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flocdar/newindex.html

Officer Involved Shooting:
Suspect's Weapon Was Drill

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On March 7th, 2009 at approximately 8:12 p.m., deputies responded to Siesta Public Beach on a report of an injured and suicidal individual.

Above, the would-be "weapon" used by suspect

At approximately 8:27 p.m., deputies spotted the subject who then fled on foot. The deputies were unable to locate the individual until 9:03 p.m. when the subject called 911 himself.

The subject claimed to be armed with a Glock 9mm handgun and stated, “Any police near me, I’ll shoot them.”

At approximately 9:14 p.m., deputies located the subject in front of a BP station located at 1250 Stickney Pt. Rd. The subject appeared to be armed with a handgun which was located in his waistband. The subject was non-compliant with deputies’ commands and extremely hostile. The subject kept a hand on the weapon while telling the deputies he would shoot them.

Deputies on scene attempted to deescalate the situation but the subject refused all attempts.

The subject walked from this area towards a heavily populated area, while maintaining his hand on the weapon with deputies proceeding with him. The Sheriff’s Office helicopter videotaped the incident from above.

As the subject made his way to the front of Captain Curt’s Restaurant, a deputy deployed a Taser in an effort to resolve the situation, but the deployment was unsuccessful. The subject then made movements as if to draw the perceived firearm from his waistband.

Two deputies, fearing for their lives and those of other bystanders simultaneously fired. Four rounds were discharged, three striking the subject. He dropped to the ground and was immediately secured by deputies.

The item in his hand was determined to be a battery powered drill.

The subject was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center, where he remains.

The subject was identified as Chason Duane Mass, 31, of last known address 335 Canal Road, Sarasota.

The investigation is continuing and Sheriff’s detectives have been conferring with the State Attorney’s Office.

Police: Man, 71, Accosted
Boy At Park

OCALA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG is reporting a 71-year-old man was arrested Monday night after twice touching an 11-year-old boy on the shoulder at a Marion County park, police said.

Javid Ahmad Shahmiri
(Mug shot courtesy WKMG)

Javid Ahmad Shahmiri approached the 11-year-old, who was playing with another boy at Jervey Gant Park in Ocala at about 7:15 p.m., and touched him on the shoulder, Ocala police said.

The boy said, "I don't want some old man touching me," and Shahmiri left but later returned and touched the boy on his shoulder a second time, police said. A witness saw the incident and called authorities, police said.

Shahmiri fled to the other side of the park, but the witness followed him and directed police to his whereabouts.

The 11-year-old told Ocala police that Shahmiri touched him twice and attempted to touch him a third time.

Shahmiri was arrested on battery charges and was transported to the Marion County Jail, WKMG said.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Premeditated Murder of
Girlfriend; 9th Murder of 2009

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- According to Bradenton Police Department Deputy Chief Bill Tokajer, a woman was murdered early Sunday morning on Bradenton's far West Side. Her boyfriend, Alexfel Roman Sotomayor, 23, of 7548 Alicia Lane, Sarasota, has been arrested in connection with her murder.

Alexfel Roman Sotomayor

Dep. Chief Tokajer said the Bradenton Police Department responded to 11020 Bristol Bay, Apartment #514, on Sunday, March 8, 2009, at 12:26 a.m., in reference to a 911 caller stating that a homicide had taken place at that location. The address is that of the Perico Apartments.

One victim, a woman, was located inside the residence in a bedroom closet. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim's name is Courtney Corinne Walker, 33 years old.

The cause of death is pending an autopsy report. However, reports say she was shot once in the head.

According to a detailed arrest report, Sotomayor and Walker were at a bar when a witness said Sotomayor argued with Walker and he grabbed Walker by the arm and hair between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. Saturday night, March 7, 2009.

The next witness in time, around midnight, said Walker had called the witness from Walker's apartment to come pick her up. The witness said Walker called her back about 10 minutes later and asked if she was there yet and the witness told Walker she was about 2 minutes away. During that conversation, Walker became hysterical and screamed, "Alex!" Then the witness told police she heard the sound of a gun being racked (chambering a round), then the phone went silent and the witness lost contact with Walker. As the witness pulled up to Walker's apartment, she saw Sotomayor's vehicle leaving at a high rate of speed, she later told police.

Then Sotomayor called a woman, identified in the report as G.D., and allegedly said he had killed "C.C.," meaning Walker. He asked G.D. if he could come by and wash the blood and gunshot residue off of him. G.D. told Sotomayor he could not. After the conversation, a man identified as R.A., who lives with G.D., called 911 to report the call.

Sotomayor then drove himself to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office substation and claimed 3 Black males had entered Walker's apartment and told him to get on the floor, but he managed to escaped to a point about 100 yards away. He said when he went back into the apartment, Walker was lying in the bedroom closet with "a lot of blood on the floor."

When Bradenton Police Detectives interviewed Sotomayor, his story conflicted with those of witnesses and he kept trying to wipe his hands off, as if he was attempting to remove gunshot residue. When told gunshot residue (GSR) would be on his face, head and ears, he started wiping them with his shirt as well, the arrest report said.

Sotomayer, a previously convicted felon for heroin possession, has been charged with Premeditated Murder. He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

This is the 9th murder overall in the county. There have now been 6 murders in the county and 3 in the City of Bradenton.

There were 14 murders in Manatee County overall in all of 2008, according to NewsManatee archives.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call Detective Greg Price at the Bradenton Police Department at (941) 932-9300, 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.

Jail Inmate Sexually Battered
Cell Mate, Report Says

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a jail inmate was charged with sexual battery after she sexually attacked her cell mate.

Kristen Dodd

According to an arrest report, on Friday, March 6, 2009, at about 2:30 a.m., Kristen Dodd, 26, currently in the Manatee County Jail on unrelated charges, sexually battered her unnamed cell mate.

Dodd asked the woman to lay down with her, in her bed. The victim said that she told Dodd, "No."

However, Dodd continued to be persistent and went to the victim's bunk.

The victim said Dodd started to wrestle with her. The victim attempted to be loud enough to wake someone, at which time Dodd covered the victim's mouth with her hand and told her to be quiet.

Dodd then allegedly squeezed her body between the victim's legs and "shoved" her fingers into the victim's vagina.

Dodd then allegedly forced her head and mouth down onto the victim's vagina, at which time the victim squeezed her legs together on Dodd's head to stop the attack, the victim told jail deputies.

Dodd countered by biting the victim's vagina.

The victim begged Dodd to stop, she said, and after a few minutes Dodd crawled off the victim, laughed and allegedly said, "I got what I wanted."

Dodd, however, said she had previously had sex with the victim on two occasions and said the victim was lying because the victim didn't want her other girlfriend to find out she had sex behind the girlfriend's back. Dodd told deputies the victim was moaning and that other inmates heard her.

Dodd was charged with Sexual Battery.

East Side M&I Bank Branch
Robbed Monday Morning
By Four Black Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An M&I Bank branch was robbed Monday morning, March 9, 2009, by four Black males brandishing weapons, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Above, M&I Bank, 6821 15th Street East, Bradenton
(Photo by Craig Herbert, NewsManatee)

The sheriff's report said at approximately 9:35 Monday morning, deputies responded to a bank robbery at the M&I Bank branch located at 6821 15th Street East, Bradenton.

According to witnesses, four Black males armed with what appeared to be rifles entered the bank and demanded money.

The robbers fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash, some of which was dropped in the parking lot when a dye pack exploded.

No one was injured during the robbery.

The robbers were described as Black males wearing dark clothing.

Deputies found the red getaway car in the 1800 block of 67th Avenue East. The engine was still running when deputies arrived. The robbers had apparently switched vehicles. The red car had been stolen, deputies believe.

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.

Woman Arrested for Burglary
After She Returns to Scene

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Maria E. Riverin, 42, of 2808 51st Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton.

Maria E. Riverin

The arrest report said on Sunday, March 8, 2008, at about 7 p.m., Riverin was observed by witnesses removing items from a residence in the 6400 block of 26th Street West.

The witnesses told deputies Riverin left the residence multiple times and returned, removing items each time, placing the items in her car. They identified Riverin and her vehicle by description.

The sheriff's office was called and while deputies were interviewing the victim at about 8:20 p.m., Riverin returned to the residence in her vehicle.

Witnesses positively identified Riverin as the woman they had seen burglarizing the residence.

The victim said a small floor safe and assorted jewelry had been taken. None of the items were located in Riverin's vehicle.

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

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

Palmetto Man Robbed
By Man, Woman

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department reported a man was robbed of cash while drinking with a man and a woman on Saturday, March 7, 2009, at about 8:15 p.m.

Roy A. Stovall

According to an arrest report from PPD, an unnamed male victim was drinking with Roy Stovall, 52, of 550 8th Street West, Palmetto, and a female friend of Stovall's.

The woman took $90 cash from the victim's hand.

The victim told Stovall to give him his money back.

Stovall then struck the victim from behind, knocking the victim to the ground. Stovall and the woman then began to kick and strike the victim, the report said.

The victim then fled the scene, which was Stovall's residence.

The victim subsequently reported the robbery and was treated by EMS.

Stovall was arrested and charged with Robbery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $25,000 bail bond.

Safe, Cash Stolen During
Early Morning Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a safe and cash were stolen Monday morning, March 9, 2009, from a business at 1145 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton.

According to the report, at approximately 5:00 a.m. unknown person(s) threw a rock through the window of Suncoast Medical Supply, Inc.

Once inside, the burglar(s) went through drawers and cabinets where money is kept and then took a safe.

An employee who responded said the areas ransacked are areas they keep cash on Sundays due to not being able to do a safe drop.

The amount of cash taken is unknown at this time.

Deputies arrived at 5:04 a.m. and did not witness anyone fleeing.

Patrol deputies processed the scene and were able to recover several prints.

Detectives were notified, due to the safe being taken.

West Manatee Vehicle
Burglaries Reported

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported four vehicle burglaries overnight between Sunday night and Monday morning on the county's West Side.

According to the report, sometime between 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2009, and 1 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2009, unknown person(s) entered several unlocked vehicles and stole loose change, food, and a purse.

The burglar(s) fled in an unknown direction with unknown means.

The burglaries were in the 2400 block of 32nd Avenue West, the 3000 and 3100 block of 24th Street West and the 3000 block of 25th Street West, the report said.

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.

Report of Three Vehicle
Burglaries in Ellenton

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported at least three vehicles were burglarized overnight between Sunday, March 8, 2009, at 10 p.m. and Monday, March 9, 2009, at 6:30 a.m. at the Oaks of Ellenton Apartments.

The report said a deputy had responded to two vehicle burglary complaints when he observed a third car which had been broken into.

He located the owner who wished not to file a report, even though the car window had been smashed out and the stereo was missing from the dash board.

One of the reported vehicles also had a broken window and it is possible that there may have been more unreported vehicle burglaries.

There is no information regarding possible suspects.

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.

Sarasota County Sheriff Confirms
Woman's Death is a Murder

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that victim Sharley J. Abu-Joudeh, 30, a White female, whose body was discovered at her home, 2570 Chester Avenue, Sarasota on Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at approximately 5:00 p.m. died as a result of homicidal violence.

Abu-Joudeh was last seen by friends at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th, 2009.

Investigators confirm that Abu-Joudeh had frequented The Hall nightclub, in Palmetto, the previous evening.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Gerardo Carrillo at (941) 861-4917, or the District I Criminal Investigations Bureau at 941-861-4900. Alternatively, they can leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Elderly Man Out $3,800 After
Variation on Known Scam

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Economic Crimes Unit detectives are warning residents about a new scam hitting the area. An 86-year-old Englewood man is out $3,800 after being scammed by a man claiming to be his grandson who needed immediate cash.

The elderly man received a call last Friday morning and the man on the other end said, “Hi grandpa, do you know who this is?” The man told detectives the voice sounded like his grandson and replied, “Yes, it’s Freddie.” Now that the con-man knew his grandson’s name, he continued playing like he was his grandson. The caller said he was hit by a snowplow in Montreal, Canada, and needed $3,800 cash immediately to pay for damages done to the snowplow because it was his fault.

The Englewood man went to Wal-Mart to get a Money Gram and sent it to his “grandson Freddie.” Later he called his daughter and asked how Freddie was. His daughter said Freddie was fine. It was then he learned that Freddie, who lives on the east coast, was never was in Canada.

The elderly man immediately contacted Wal-Mart but it was too late, the money in Montreal had already picked up. The man then called the CCSO and just before a deputy arrived, he received another call from “Freddie,” thanking him for sending the money. When the man started questioning him, the caller hung up.

CCSO ECU detectives say this is a variant of similar calls reported where a caller claims to be a friend or relative that has been arrested and needs bail money immediate, or needs cash for a medical condition, etc. These scammers play on elderly people’s emotions when it comes to relatives reportedly in trouble. Scams by phone, e-mail and mail on the elderly are on the increase here, especially since Charlotte County has the oldest average age of any county in the United States.

Detectives say before sending any money via Western Union, Money Gram, or similar cash transfers, to check the information first.

Ex-Firefighter Faces Prison
In 'Sexting' Case

PALM BAY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a former Palm Bay firefighter who pleaded guilty to sending racy text messages and a sex toy to a 14-year-old friend of his daughter faces three to five years in prison when he is sentenced next month under a plea deal, court records show.

Under the deal, Gary Lynn Sebastian, 40, also faces a cap of five years of sex offender probation, which would require that he abide by a curfew and would bar him from working or living within 1,000 feet of any place where children congregate regularly or from looking at pornography.

According to Palm Bay police and sheriff's investigators, Sebastian began phoning and sending text messages referencing sex acts to the teen in May. The girl's mother discovered the contact a month later when Sebastian sent the girl a package containing a sex toy, condoms and cigarettes while she was visiting her father in Connecticut, authorities said.

Later, during a phone call monitored by police, Sebastian was heard instructing the child how to operate the adult toy and what type of photos to take of herself for him, police reports show.

Sebastian was charged with two counts of Solicitation of a Child by Electronic Device, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in county jail.

Following last week's plea hearing, Sebastian -- who had been free on $40,500 bail -- was sent to the Brevard County Detention Center to be held until sentencing, jail records show.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to not file charges in a similar case out of West Melbourne, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Georgia Man Shot, Killed
at East Manatee Motel;
8th Murder of 2009

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was shot and killed at an East Manatee County motel on Friday, March 6, 2009.

Above, the Sunrise Motel, 668 67th Street Circle East, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

At approximately 12:30 Friday afternoon, deputies responded to a shooting at the Sunrise Inn (formerly Budget Inn), located at 668 67th Street Circle East, Bradenton.

When deputies arrived, they discovered the victim dead in the parking lot of the hotel, alongside his silver 4-door Pontiac Grand Am. The vehicle had Cobb County, Georgia, license plates.

The victim has been identified as Clevon Murray, 29, of Austell, Georgia. Murray's girlfriend and children were notified of his death.

NewsManatee searched the Georgia Dept. of Corrections database, but did not locate any prison time for Murray.

Detectives learned that the victim was with two other subjects and had checked into the motel on Thursday.

The two subjects were inside the motel when the victim went out to his car and that’s when the shooting occurred, the report said.

Those two subjects have been interviewed by detectives.

Local reports say that the shooting may have been drug-related.

Witnesses told deputies that a Black male was seen running from the area.

S.W.A.T. and K-9 Deputies, along with their K-9 dogs and a sheriff's helicopter, set up a wide perimeter and searched the surrounding area well into the evening hours, but the suspect was not located. The search was ended at 10:45 p.m.

Detectives do not believe that this was a random shooting.

This is the 8th murder in Manatee County this year. Previously, there have been 6 murders in the county and 2 in the City of Bradenton.

According to NewsManatee records, there were 14 murders in 2008 in Manatee County overall for the entire year.

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.

Man Charged with Possession
of Pornography of Sexual
Performance By a Child

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detective John Finley has arrested Thomas Wayne Crawford II, 32, of the 1100 block of 30th Street West, Bradenton.

Thomas Wayne Crawford II

The arrest report said Crawford's 11-year-old daughter disclosed in a forensic interview that her father took nude photos of her and placed them on the computer.

A search warrant was executed on Friday, March 6, 2009, at Crawford's residence.

Crawford's computer was taken from the residence and detective discovered approximately 65 images of what were believed to be child pornography.

In an interview with Crawford, he said that he was molested by his mother. He allegedly confessed to downloading the images off the Internet via an "Incest" website. He said he was looking for answers there and when you clicked on the confessions, they came with the photos, which he kept.

He said he never shared the photos with anyone else and that he had been looking at the website for a few years.

Crawford denied taking photos of his daughter. Any such photos were not able to be located on the computer, but the computer will be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for forensic examination.

Crawford was charged with Possession of Pornography of Sexual Performance by a Child.

He has since bonded out of jail, according to the sheriff's website.

Woman Accused of Striking
Daughter, 17, Multiple Times

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Rebecca Morrison, 51, of the 900 block of Hagle Park Road, Bradenton, has been arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

Rebecca Morrison

The arrest report said on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at about 3:30 in the morning, Morrison awoke to find her 17-year-old daughter and her boyfriend watching television in the living room.

The girl told deputies her mother got very mad and started hitting the girl.

The girl was struck in the face and head multiple times by her mother, the report said.

Her mother was yelling at her to have her boyfriend leave.

The girl said she was having trouble speaking because her jaw hurt and felt dislocated. The girl was holding her jaw and having trouble speaking, a deputy wrote. The girl's face was red and she was crying. She had two small cuts on her face and near the back side of her hands. The marks appeared to be defense wounds.

EMS responded and looked at the girl, and requested the girl seek further medical attention.

The responding deputy wrote that Morrison struck the girl multiple times about the face and head, exceeding corporal punishment.

Morrison was charged with Child Abuse. She has been released from jail.

Stolen PT Cruiser Recovered,
Man Arrested After K-9 Bite

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man later identified as Jonathan Robinson, 41, of 5516 16th Street West, Bradenton, was arrested for Grand Theft Auto after a Manatee County Sheriff's Office K-9 bit him when the man fled, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Jonathan C. Robinson

The arrest report said deputies located a black PT Cruiser that was reported stolen.

Deputies turned around to try to catch up but before they did, the vehicle skidded to a halt and the driver fled.

A perimeter was set and K-9 responded.

After a short track, the suspect was located hiding behind a short wall in the back yard of 1420 55th Ave. W.

He was bitten in the right lower leg by a K-9.

Robinson was arrested and was transported to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

He was treated for his injuries and taken to the jail.

Robinson was charged with Grand Theft Auto, Resisting Arrest without Violence and on a warrant for Contempt of Court, arising out of a Petit Theft case.

Robinson remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bond of $2,240.

The vehicle was stolen from a man in the 2100 block of Harvard Avenue, Bradenton.

Verbal Dispute Leads to
Attempt to Cut Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Charles J. Jackson, 28, of 918 58th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Charles J. Jackson

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at about 8:30 p.m., Jackson was at 606 57th Avenue East, Bradenton, with Rejetta Dubois.

Charles became involved in a verbal dispute with Rejetta.

Charles then pulled a knife and attempted to cut Rejetta. He then fled the residence, throwing the knife on the ground.

When deputies arrived, they found a red box cutter knife laying on the ground.

Rejetta identified the knife used when Charles tried to cut her.

Charles was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault.

Following his arrest, Charles said the knife was his and he used it in self-defense.

Jackson remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $5,000 bail bond.

Deputy Deploys Taser on Man
Soliciting Motorists

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, March 8, 2009, at about 1:10 p.m., a Manatee County Deputy deployed his Taser on a man soliciting motorists in the roadway in the 1400 block of 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Gregory McPherson

The report said Gregory McPherson, 52, was in the roadway soliciting motorists for food and has been previously arrested for this offense.

As Deputy Guthrie was preparing to apply handcuffs, McPherson stated he was not going to jail and began to walk away.

Deputy Guthrie issued proper warning and McPherson then began to try to run.

Deputy Guthrie deployed his Taser and one probe struck McPherson. Deputy Guthrie then drive stunned McPherson and he was compliant from that point on.

Photos of contact point were taken and no medical treatment was required.

McPherson was charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence and Soliciting within 500 Feet of a Roadway, a county ordinance violation.

Drive-By Shooting Reported;
Two Vehicles Damaged

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported two vehicles were shot and were damaged on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at about 11:30 p.m. in the 3900 block of 8th Street Court East, Bradenton.

The report said unknown suspect(s) fired approximately 6-10 rounds from an unknown type of firearm.

Two vehicles parked at the location were hit.

One bullet went through the windshield of a Ford Excursion, exiting through the rear window; shattering it. Two bullets went into the front grill of a Lincoln Towncar, shattering a headlight.

No one was injured and no one saw the shooter(s).

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.

Jewelry Theft Reported
in Southeast Manatee

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A residence was burglarized on Thursday, March 5, 2009, in the southeast corner of Lakewood Ranch, near University Blvd. and Lorraine Road, in the 8100 block of Championship Court, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said on March 5, 2009, between 5:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., unknown person(s) entered the listed residence, possibly through an unlocked door.

Once inside, the subject(s) stole jewelry from two separate jewelry boxes.

The suspect(s) also rummaged through one bedroom dresser drawer, took some items from inside it, then closed the drawer.

No other items in the house were touched.

There was no description of the burglar(s).

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.

Hispanic Man Struck, Injured,
Robbed by Four Hispanic Men

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, March 6, 2009, at about 2:50 a.m., a Hispanic man arriving home from work was struck, injured and robbed by four unknown Hispanic men in the 1900 block of 7th Avenue West, in Palmetto.

According to the report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the victim, Heriberto Pena, 20, arrived home from work and as he exited his vehicle he was approached by the listed subjects who demanded the victim's belongings.

The robbers spoke to him in both Spanish and English.

The victim told them that he didn't have anything at which time they began to strike him. During the struggle one of the robbers struck Pena on the left side of his head with a blunt object, possibly a metal bat or a pipe. This caused an approximate 1" cut, as well as some swelling.

The robbers were able to take Pena's cell phone, necklace, bracelet, $20 in cash, wallet and even the shoes he was wearing.

The culprits then fled southbound on 7th Avenue West in an unknown make/model mid-sized brown colored 4-door vehicle.

It is possible that there was a 5th suspect who was the driver of the vehicle.

EMS treated the victim on scene. Pena told deputies that he was going to have his father drive him to the hospital.

There was no description of the robbers, other than that they all appeared to be Hispanic males.

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.

Man Killed, Woman Critical
Following Saturday Morning
Shooting in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, March 7, 2009, At 10:05 a.m. the Sarasota Police Department was dispatched to a shooting at 1912 N. Orange Avenue, in reference to a shooting.

Officers arrived at the apartment and found Cornell Harris, 21, a Black male, dead inside the apartment.

Officers also found the tenant of the apartment had been shot multiple times.

She is identified as Whitney Diane Torres, 20, a Black female.

Torres was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center.

She is listed in serious but stable condition.

The investigation is continuing.

Death Investigation By
Sarasota County Sheriff;
"Foul Play Involved"

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious death of a female victim at 2570 Chester Ave. Sarasota.

On Saturday, March 7, 2008 at 4:49 p.m., the victim’s friends called the sheriff’s office to report that they had located the victim in the house.

Deputies responded and found the victim deceased.

Sheriff’s office investigators believe there was foul play involved and are investigating the incident with the Medical Examiner’s Office

The victim's name is Sharley J. Abu-Joudeh, 30 years old, a White female, of the address above.

Deputy Involved Shooting
at Siesta Key

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy involved shooting that involved Chason Mass, 31, a White male, address unknown.

The shooting occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 9:17 p.m.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Mass’s girlfriend, Priscilla Jones, 31, of 335 Canal Road, Sarasota, saying Mass was suicidal and in the Siesta Key area.

Deputies located Mass near 1200 Old Stickney Point Road.

Mass had an object that appeared to be a gun in his waist band and began to pull it out. The deputies then drew their weapons and shot Mass.

Mass was taken by helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center.

The investigation is continuing.

Woman Shot in Face
in Port Charlotte

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Major Crimes detectives from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office continue their investigation into a shooting incident at 11:24 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2009, in Port Charlotte. Detectives say the shooting does not appear to be a random shooting in the 23000 block of Almond Ave.

There were two people in the car when the shots were fired. One man fired multiple shots at the car parked in the driveway and a woman in the car was hit in the face by a bullet.

Two men in a black car sped away from the area and are still being sought.

MCU detectives said the driver of the vehicle with the shooting victim inside started driving the woman to an area hospital but crashed along Peachland Blvd. near Harbor Blvd.

The victim was then transported to Peace River Regional Medical Center and a medical helicopter flew her to the Lee Memorial Hospital Trauma Center in Ft. Myers.

Her condition is listed as stable.

The investigation continues and no other details are available at this time.

Woman Stabbed Multiple
Times in Port Charlotte

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives identified the victim of a stabbing incident that occurred in Port Charlotte early Friday morning, March 6, 2009. She is Stephanie N. Stephens, 19, 404 Tres Lagoas St., Deep Creek.

District 2 detectives said Stephens left Boomer’s at 2360 Tamiami Trail and was walking to her car in an adjacent parking lot when an unidentified woman stabbed her multiple times.

A friend drove Stephens to Peace River Regional Medical Center and the CCSO was notified at 2:19 a.m.

Stephens injuries reportedly were not life threatening.

Detectives said Stephens said she did not know the name of her attacker but detectives continue working on a possible suspect.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

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