Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 6/13/2009

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Local/State News for week ending 6/13/2009

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
Who Pointed Firearm At
Victim, Punched Victim

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Jeremy Sneperger, 24, of 1111 23rd Avenue West, Bradenton.

Jeremy Sneperger

According to the arrest report, on May 25, 2009, at about 7:30 p.m., police were dispatched to a residence in the 1900 block of 30th Avenue West in reference to an assault and battery that had occurred in the 2200 block of 10th Street West.

Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the unnamed victim.

The victim said that he was walking in the area of the 2200 block of 10th Street West, on the above time and date.

The victim told police that Sneperger was backing from a driveway, jumped out of his white Acura and began yelling at the victim.

The victim said that Sneperger continued to yell at the victim and lifted his shirt, exposing a firearm in his waistband. It was a black snub nosed revolver, the victim told the officer.

Then Sneperger proceeded to draw the firearm and point it in the direction of the victim.

The victim said that even though he was fearful for his life, he was able to knock the firearm to the side momentarily.

That's when Sneperger allegedly punched the victim.

The victim said he was able to throw a counter punch that struck Sneperger.

Then the victim retreated into his residence.

Sneperger was arrested on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at 1416 19th Avenue West, Bradenton.

He was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Firearm).

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

Police didn't say in the arrest report whether they recovered the firearm.

Woman, 81, Arrested Regarding
Domestic Incident; Stabbed
Husband with an Ink Pen

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An apparently irate elderly woman landed in the Manatee County Jail on Tuesday, June 9, 2009.

Jerolene Anderson Messick

According to the arrest report, Jerolene Anderson Messick, 81, of the 1200 block of De Narvaez Avenue, in West Manatee County, and her husband were arguing about their daughter not informing them of her every move.

Jerolene became aggressive and stabbed her husband in the right and left forearms with an ink pen.

When deputies arrived, her husband was bleeding from several small puncture wounds to both arms.

Photographs were taken of the injuries.

The husband declined medical attention, the report said.

Jerolone was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery.

She was released from the Manatee County Jail on her own recognizance.

She is to appear in a Manatee County courtroom on July 17, 2009, at 9 a.m.

Armed Home Invasion Robbery
By Five White Males Reported

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery by five White males on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at about 11 p.m. in the 5400 block of 26th Street West, Bradenton.

The report said the victims, Michelle Quinones, 27, and Jamie Wilson, 30, were inside their apartment when they heard a knock at the door.

Jamie went to the door and noticed the peephole was covered. She asked who it was and a male voice replied, "Raul." Raul is Michelle's husband who had left the apartment earlier to take a walk and was not home.

Jamie opened the door and a suspect wearing a white tank top and black shorts pointed a silver handgun at her and hit her in the mouth.

The four additional suspects then flooded into the apartment and one of them, who was wearing a yellow shirt and plaid shorts, also armed with a handgun, went directly to the back bedroom where Michelle was.

He pushed the door open and hit Reyna, 10 years old, in the face with his hand.

He told Michelle to give him everything she had and they struggled over her handbag. Her wallet fell out and he fled towards the front door, dropping the handbag at the threshold.

All of the robbers then fled the area on foot.

The area was searched by deputies, the aviation unit and K-9, but the robbers were not located.

Reyna suffered an abrasion to her forearm and a bruise to her cheek. She was treated by EMS on scene.

None of the other victims had any visible injuries.

The robbers were not further described.

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.

Two Robbed By Pair of Men
Wielding Machetes

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Thursday, June 11, 2009, at about 1 a.m. in the 500 block of 60th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton.

The report said the victims, Mario Cruz, 38, and Vilma Coz, 37, were outside in front of their residence when they were approached by a Black male and a Hispanic male, who asked them for a cigarette.

Vilma went to the truck to get a pack of cigarettes and gave them each a cigarette.

Suddenly, the Hispanic male pushed her against the truck and told her not to scream. He snatched a necklace from her neck and tried to take the stereo and amplifier from inside the truck. That is when she noticed he had a machete.

Meanwhile, the Black male, also armed with a machete, pushed Mario and told him not to move. The Black male took Mario's wallet, removed cash, and gave the wallet back.

The pair of thugs then fled the scene on foot.

The victims were not injured.

The robbers were described as: a Black male, 5'11" tall, 200+ pounds, in his 40s, wearing a white shirt and black pants; and a Hispanic male, 5'6" tall, 180 pounds, in his 30s, wearing dark pants and a black bandanna over his face. Both were armed with machetes.

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 Armed Robbery Victim
Shoots Back, Wounds Suspect
Who Is In Custody At SMH

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department reported the would-be victim of an armed robbery on Thursday, June 11, 2009, fired at the armed robber, wounding him.

Officers of the Sarasota Police Department responded to the 3900 block of N. Rilma Avenue in reference to an armed robbery.

Once on scene, it was determined that the victim in this case, Elliot Firby, 54, had been followed home from the area of University and US 301 by a black full-sized pickup truck.

While Firby was attempting to unlock the fence surrounding his residence, the black pickup truck pull in front of his driveway.

As the pickup truck came to a stop, a single Black male exited the vehicle’s passenger door armed with a shotgun. The Black male ordered the victim to the ground.

As Firby was kneeling down with his hands over his head, the robber began fumbling with the shotgun.

At this point, Firby reached into his pocket and retrieved his personal firearm and shot at the suspect twice. SPD later determined Firby has a valid concealed weapons permit.

According to Firby, the robber was struck once in the abdomen.

The robber dropped the shotgun and a T-shirt in the victim’s yard, jumped into the passenger side of the pickup truck and fled the area.

A short time later, a juvenile was dropped off by a black full-sized pickup truck at Sarasota Memorial Hospital with a single bullet wound to his abdomen. The pickup truck and its driver did not remain at the hospital.

The truck was later located at the robber’s residence. It was towed for processing to the Sarasota Police Department.

A warrant is being obtained for the arrest of Brandon D. Ellis, 16, a Black male, for Armed Robbery in connection with this incident.

Ellis is at SMH and will be taken to the Sarasota County Jail after his release.

CCSO Narcs Raid Port Charlotte
Grow House

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, assisted by K-9 Units, raided a Port Charlotte home at 21455 Shannon Ave., Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at 3 p.m. -- the sixth marijuana grow house shut down this year. Yesterday’s raid was part of Operation Eagle Claw. No arrests have been made so far and detectives have not been able to make contact with the home owner.

After a forced entry, Narcotics detectives located 30 potted plants about two foot tall in their early growing stage. Narcotics detectives found the usual very sophisticated operation using special lighting, growing medium, fertilizers, irrigation and cooling systems. The room was completely insulated; electricity was diverted underground stealing power from FPL. Crime Scene was called to gather specific evidence in this case.

Narcotics detectives said they believe the grow house has been operational since 2007 and indications of a recent harvest was determined and new plants were replacing the other harvest. It appeared that occupants in the home fled in a hurry prior to the search warrant being served as various personal items like a wallet, car keys and prescription bottles were left behind.

The CCSO Narcotics Unit raid was part of Operation Eagle Claw formed by South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in attempts to “send a message” to indoor marijuana growers in the Tri-State area of Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Every county in these states yesterday committed to participating in investigating and searching as many grow house operations as possible.

If you have information about illegal drug activity, please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Toddler Found Wandering Street;
Dad Charged With Child Neglect

PALM BAY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A man has been arrested after his 2-year-old was found wandering the streets in only a diaper, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Palm Bay police arrested Jared Staub on Wednesday after police found his son half a mile from his home wearing nothing but a diaper and covered in sweat.

A neighbor called 911 earlier in the day to report that the child was in the street.

Aidan was returned to his house after the first 911 call, but Staub called 911 later to report that his son had ran off.

"Earlier, my son got off and got out and ran down the street. He was in the backyard, I turned around and turned the stove off…" Staub told the 911 dispatcher.

Staub told the dispatcher that the ditches in the area had no water in them, but both sides of the street had ditches full of water.

Neighbors found Aidan half a mile from his home. Staub said Aidan was only gone for five minutes.

Staub has been charged with child neglect. He is being held at the Brevard County Jail and is expected to see a judge later on Thursday.

Aidan is at home with his mother, who was at work at the time of the incident.

~ THURSDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

$16,000 Items Stolen In Burglary
Recovered By Victims;
Thief Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies helped the victims of a burglary recover their belongings and arrested the alleged burglar.

Joseph Otto

According to a report from the sheriff's office, the victims, Dale Sexton and Tony Asfur, reported the burglary to their office in the Canterbury Commons Center unit, located at 11041 Gatewood Drive, Bradenton, earlier in the day on Tuesday, June 9, 2009.

Thousands of dollars worth of furniture, office equipment, a boat and motor and other items were stolen from both victims.

Mr. Sexton called the sheriff's office at 6:30 p.m., to report some of the items had been seen at a nearby unit in the business park, Bradenton.

Deputies made contact with the unit owner, Joseph Otto, 61, of 644 Planters Manor Way, Bradenton. Otto allowed deputies and the victim into units 11047 and 11045 where most of the stolen property was found/identified.

Otto made several incriminating statements, the report said.

Patrol arrested Otto, charging him with one Burglary count ant two counts of Grand Theft.

Detectives took over the follow-up crime scene investigation, helping the victims recover their property.

He remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond as of Wednesday afternoon.

Man Arrested for Burglary,
Battery of Residents

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Colomer Douglas, 45, who refused to give his address to deputies.

Colomer Douglas

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at about 8 p.m., Colomer entered a residence in the 5000 block of Water Oak Drive through the sliding glass door, without permission.

Colomer was intoxicated, the report said, and claimed that one of the residents owed him money "for stolen property he gave to the resident."

Colomer started pushing around furniture and punched the male resident in the face. The male resident told him to get out. Then the two struggled as the male resident attempted to get Colomer out of his house while defending himself.

As Colomer was exiting, he pushed the female resident and hit her in the back of her neck.

When deputies arrived, Colomer was very uncooperative and intoxicated and would not give his name, the report said.

Colomer was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary with Battery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $20,000 bail bond as of Wednesday afternoon.

Woman Arrested for Spitting
On Ex-Boyfriend, Swinging
Knife At Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dorothy Pearl Redden, 21, of 2540 9th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Dorothy Pearl Redden

Redden and a man named "Dillard" in the report are former girlfriend and boyfriend and have a 1-year-old child that lives with Redden. They do not live together and have been separated for about a year, the arrest report said.

On Monday, June 8, 2009, at about 9 p.m., Redden and Dillard were at a red light in the 5100 block of U.S. 301, when Redden got out of her vehicle and went to the vehicle Dillard was in and started to yell at Dillard.

Dillard was on the front passenger side of his vehicle when Redden spit on his face.

Redden then pulled out a kitchen knife approximately 5 inches long and started to swing it towards Dillard.

Dillard told deputies he was in fear of his life when Redden was swinging the knife towards him.

Redden was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault and Domestic Battery.

She posted a $1,500 bail bond and was released from jail on Tuesday, June 9th.

Missing Manatee Man Found
Outside Orlando

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has reported Paul Millican, 88, of Lakewood Ranch, has been recovered and is with his family.

Paul Millican

Paul Millican, left his Bradenton residence Tuesday morning, June 9, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. for an appointment in Sarasota. He left that appointment at around 10:00 a.m. and hadn’t been seen since.

Mr. Millican was recovered on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, in the early morning hours by Clermont Police Officer Rodriguez.

Mr. Millican was found pulled over in his car in a confused state. He was transported to a local hospital to be medically cleared.

Audrey Millican, his wife, was notified and family responded to Clermont to assist with his recovery.

Ms. Millican told the Manatee County Sheriff's Office she was very grateful for the media attention, MSO and Clermont P.D’s assistance with the case.

Clermont is west of Orlando.

16th Murder Victim ID'd
By Sheriff's Office

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, said the victim of the homicide that occurred late Friday night, June 5th, has been identified as Carlos Vazquez-Vazquez, 25 years old.

Carlos was stabbed to death at a migrant camp in Palmetto at about 11:40 p.m. The nearest address to the camp is 1503 21st Street West, Palmetto.

The man suspected of murdering Carlos has been arrested. He is Faustino Martinez, 36.

He was located a short time after the murder hiding in nearby woods by Dep. Sutton and K-9 Dep. "Rosco."

Faustino remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $500,000 bail bond. He is charged with Murder, Not Premeditated.

Carlos is the 16th murder in Manatee County in 2009. There have now been 12 murders in unincorporated Manatee County and 4 in the City of Bradenton.

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 Ambushed, Beaten, Robbed
in East Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a man was robbed on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at about 2:15 a.m. in the vicinity of the 6000 block of Lorraine Road, in East Manatee County.

The victim, Jason Blair, 26, of the 5000 block of Lorraine Road, was chased, caught, then choked and hit with an unknown object, by two White males weraing "ski" type masks.

The robbers removed $142 from Blair's wallet, released him, and fled in an unknown direction.

Blair had minor injuries, including sore ribs.

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.

Juvenile Robbed of Cell Phone,
Cash By Black Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a juvenile was robbed by a Black male on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at about 12:45 p.m. in the 5700 block of 5th Street East.

While walking to the 5th Street Market, the unnamed juvenile victim was confronted by a Black male.

The Black male grabbed the juvenile's cell phone valued at $200 from her hand and fled East on 57th Avenue.

The victim received no injuries.

The area was checked for the suspect and a BOLO was issued with negative results.

The robber was not further described.

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.

Air Conditioning Business
Burglarized; $5,500 in
Tools, A/C Equipment Taken

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary to Unique Air, 4515 19th Street Court East, Bradenton.

The report said sometime during the previous weekend, from June 5, 2009, at 6 p.m. through June 9, 2009, at 11 a.m., unknown person(s) cut the fence and entered into the secure lot of Unique Air.

Once inside the lot, the person(s) forcibly entered into four company vehicles.

The burglar(s) stole tools and air conditioning equipment from the vehicles valued at $5500.00.

There are security cameras at the business, 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.

Vehicle Burglaries Reported
in Mill Creek Subdivision

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported four vehicles were burglarized overnight between Tuesday, June 9, 2009, and Wednesday, June 10, 2009, in the 200-800 block of 133rd Street East, in East Manatee County.

The report said that the four vehicles were reported broken into during the night and were detected by 6 a.m.

Three vehicles had their windows broken out and one was left unlocked.

A total of two I-Pods and one Garmin GPS were taken.

No other items, such as CDs, were taken.

No one reported seeing anything suspicious.

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.

CCSO Arrests Two Men in
Shooting Incident

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detectives of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Warrant Squad arrested two East Englewood men Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2009, on warrants for charges stemming from a shooting incident in Grove City last Friday afternoon, June 5th.

Above, L to R, Anthony Isgrig and Alexander Molineux

Arrested were Anthony Joseph Isgrig, 20, of 7122 Sunnybrook Blvd, and Alexander Stewart Molineux, 21, of 11048 Vanessa Ave. Both were charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Mulineux is charged with Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle; Isgrig is charged with Discharging a Firearm in Public. Both were taken to the Charlotte County Jail and remain on no bond.

CCSO deputies responded to a home at 3285 Cindy Lane Friday at 4:31 p.m. reference a reported shooting.

Two women and a man were at the home and told deputies that two men known only as Tony and Alex came to their house in a pickup. There was an argument and threats made to shoot up the house. Molineux reportedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at one of the women. He then got back in the truck and as Isgrig drove off, Molineux fired one shot at the woman but missed.

Deputies located a shell casing in the area where the pickup sped off. Detectives identified both men and a warrant was issued.

Both were located and arrested at Isgrig’s home.

Orange County Motorcycle Deputy
Collides With Deer

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A motorcycle deputy who worked traffic control outside the Amway Arena Tuesday night was injured in a crash early Wednesday morning, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

The deputy finished his work downtown and was on his way home when he slammed into a deer on a dark stretch of Old Mims Road in Geneva, near Oviedo.

The head of Orange County's motorcycle unit said the crash shows why they normally do not ride at night, but it could not be avoided because of the game.

The deputy is expected to recover.

He has bruised and broken ribs, but his Kevlar vest helped prevent more serious injuries, WKMG said.

~ WEDNESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Situation Not Seen Every Day:
Naked Man Found Sitting in
Car in West Bradenton

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Joshua J. Graden, 21, who gave his address as Osprey, Florida.

Joshua Graden

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Monday, June 8, 2009, at about 2 a.m., a citizen called police to report a man had been knocking on his door, but he was afraid to open it because he didn't know the man.

When police arrived in the area, they found Graden sitting naked in the driver's seat of a car in the driveway of a residence in the 4900 block of 34th Avenue West.

When the officer contacted Graden, he said he didn't know where he was or what was going on.

The officer asked Graden what his name was and Graden replied with an obscenity and was uncooperative, the report said.

Next, the officer made contact with the registered owner of the vehicle at the residence. She was shocked, the report said, and told the officer she didn't know Graden.

The resident completed an affidavit and said she wished to press charges.

Graden was arrested, but not without a small struggle.

Graden was charged with Burglary and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He was released from the Manatee County Jail on his own recognizance.

Bank Robber Leaves Hospital
For New Home: Manatee Jail

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The man who robbed the Gateway Bank on June 2nd and was shot by police moments later has left Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg and is now in the Manatee County Jail.

Charles T. Kincaid, Sr.

According to NewsManatee archives, on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at about 1:30 p.m., BPD officers shot a man who attempted to rob the Gateway Bank, 2100 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

A press release from Dep. Police Chief J.J. Lewis said bank tellers observed the suspect, later identified as Charles T. Kincaid, Jr., 66, of Sebring, Florida, putting on a mask and gloves as he stood outside the bank’s front doors. A bank employee then locked the doors, preventing Kincaid from entering the bank.

Kincaid then drove a Blue dodge pickup truck away from the bank.

Bank employees called police to report the suspected attempted bank robbery.

Bradenton Police officers observed the truck traveling on the 1500 block of 26th Street West. The truck was stopped and, after officers approached Kincaid, he threatened the officers with a handgun which was clearly visible.

Two officers then fired at Kincaid to stop his assault. Kincaid was shot one time, stopping his assault against the officers and resulting in an injury which was not life-threatening.

Kincaid is charged with one count of Attempted Bank Robbery and two counts of Aggravated Assault (with a firearm) on a Law Enforcement Officer.

Kincaid is believed to be the same man who robbed the First Bank, 3005 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, on Monday, May 18, 2009.

If so, more charges will follow from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

He is now being held in the Manatee jail on a $1 million bail bond.

Woman Arrested for Child
Abuse After Dropping Baby

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Tanya M. Smith, 32, of the 800 block of 56th Avenue East.

Tanya M. Smith

According to the arrest report, Tanya, Jasmine (no last name in report) and a 1-year-old baby girl have all lived together for one month as roommates.

On Monday, June 8, 2009, at about 7:45 p.m., Tanya and Jasmine got into a verbal argument over Jasmine and the baby moving next door.

Tanya started throwing items outside into the yard, including a playpen.

Tanya then picked up the baby from the floor in a room and walked out into the living room with the baby. Jasmine asked Tanya to give the baby to her.

Tanya walked outside, held the baby over the playpen and dropped her approximately two feet into the playpen onto her buttocks.

Jasmine picked the baby up and called 911.

The arriving deputy could not observe any injuries to the child, nor was she crying, the report said.

Tanya was arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $1,200 bail bond.

Bradenton Cops Arrest Man
for Threatening Another
with Knife

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Willie E. Young, 53, of 1012 7th Street East, Bradenton.

Willie E. Young

The arrest report said on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at about 11:30 a.m., a volunteer for the Coalition for the Homeless at the above address asked Young for a bathroom ticket, which was needed for use of the bathroom.

Young replied by pulling a knife out of his pocket, opening the blade and, with a couple of expletives, essentially saying, "Don't mess with me."

Another person intervened and was able to escort Young out of the building.

After police arrived and investigated the incident, they arrested Young for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

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

5 Vehicles Burglarized at
Applebee's in Ellenton Mall

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A press release marked "Burglary Crime Trend" from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said 5 vehicles were burglarized at the Ellenton Outlet Mall near Applebee's restaurant between 5:30 and 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2009.

The release said an unknown suspect(s) punched the driver’s door locks of 5 vehicles parked at Applebee’s at the Outlet Mall.

Once inside, the suspect(s) stole electronics, wallets with cash and credit cards, and one EMS bag.

Standard investigative protocol was followed, and no leads were available to follow up on at the time, the release 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.

Palmetto Police Arrest Woman
for Striking Pregnant Woman

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Suzette N. Spears, 48, of unknown address.

Suzette N. Spears

According to the arrest report, on Monday, June 8, 2009, at about 3 a.m. Spears and an unnamed woman became involved in a verbal argument that turned into a physical confrontation with the victim.

Spears hit the victim with an open hand on the left side of her face.

Then Spears and the victim fell to the ground.

The report said the victim is 9 months pregnant and Spears had prior knowledge of the victim's pregnancy.

Spears was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery.

She is in custody at the Manatee County Jail on a $2,500 bail bond.

Possible Attempted Bank Robbery
in Bradenton Tuesday

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department is reporting a possible attempted bank robbery Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2009, at about 3 p.m., as a "suspicious circumstance."

Dep. Police Chief J.J. Lewis said Bradenton Police officers responded to First Bank of America, 2811 Manatee Avenue West, regarding the suspicious circumstance.

Bank employees observed a male approach the front doors of the bank. He then attempted to open the doors to enter the bank but was denied entry due to the fact that he was wearing a Baseball cap and sunglasses. The male then ran away from the business, shedding an outer layer of clothing as he ran.

Bradenton Police Officers, Detectives and K-9 Officers along with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit searched the area in an attempt to locate the male to no avail.

The male is described as being a White male, wearing blue jean shorts, a dark long sleeve shirt, grey short sleeve shirt, grey baseball cap, tennis shoes and sunglasses. No age or age range was given in the BPD press release.

Anyone having information with regard to this incident is asked to call Detective Kevin Bunch at (941)-932-9380 or the Bradenton Police Department 941-932-9300. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or send an anonymous eTip thru the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com

HandsOn Manatee Recruiting
Disaster Volunteers

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- HandsOn Manatee is urging local residents interested in responding and assisting after disasters to pre-register as volunteers for the 2009 hurricane season. Youth, adults, families, communities of faith, civic organizations, and company/employee groups are encouraged to apply now so the Volunteer Center can connect them to agencies that have identified volunteer needs before a disaster strikes.

HandsOn Manatee is partnering with Manatee County Emergency Management to host a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) exercise and training on Thursday, June 11 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., at the Braden River Library. Interested residents are encouraged to participate in this interactive simulation. VRCs manage unaffiliated, spontaneous volunteers in an area impacted by a disaster.

“HandsOn Manatee managed the efforts of 10,009 spontaneous volunteers who assisted survivors of Hurricane Charley in Arcadia,” said Laura Lockwood, ManaTEEN Founder/Director. “Our experience in managing VRCs in communities throughout the SE USA allow us the opportunity to revise and update our local planning to insure an effective and efficient operation after a disaster,” she added.

HandsOn Manatee sponsors the ManaTEEN program and 20/20 VISTA Vision Project, engaging local youth and AmeriCorps VISTA members who participate in disaster preparedness and response initiatives throughout the year.

To pre-register as a disaster volunteer and/or participate in any training or simulation event, please call HandsOn Manatee at 941-761-3207 or visit our website at www.volunteermanatee.org

UPDATE: Man Charged In Wife's
Shooting Death at Hospital

TITUSVILLE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- The family of a woman who was shot and killed in a hospital parking lot is speaking out against police after the woman's husband was charged with her murder, according to Orlando television station WKMG.

Yolanda Garvin-Williams was gunned down in the parking lot of Parrish Medical Center Monday morning.

Garvin-Williams, a mother of four, was a nursing assistant at the hospital.

Garvin-Williams filed a protective order against her estranged husband, Jeremiah Williams, in May, but said her husband threatened she wouldn't live to make it to court.

Williams was charged with first-degree murder on Monday in Williams' death, WKMG said.

Statewide Child Porn Operation
Nets 77, Rescues 5 Child Victims

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, Governor Charlie Crist was joined by Attorney General Bill McCollum, America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey to announce the results of a statewide operation to crack down on some of the state’s most egregious child pornographers. Authorities arrested 77 individuals on charges ranging from possession of child pornography to sexual battery during “Operation Orange Tree” – a 10-week collaborative effort among Florida’s law enforcement community.

“Nothing is more important than keeping Florida’s children safe from cybercrime predators, and I applaud all of the law enforcement officers involved in Operation Orange Tree,” Governor Crist said. “As a state, we must remain diligent in continuing the battle to stop sex offenders before they can prey on our children.”

During the investigation, law enforcement executed 90 search warrants and seized thousands of child pornography photos and videos. Five children who were subjects of child pornography or otherwise sexually victimized were rescued.

"Cooperation is the best way for law enforcement to fight child pornography," said Attorney General McCollum. "I would love to see more state partnerships develop to maximize our resources."

In many cases, investigators targeted individuals possessing large quantities of child pornography on their computer. Seventeen of the individuals arrested possessed a highly explicit video tutorial that law enforcement recently discovered circulating online. The video instructs users on methods to molest children ranging in age from infant to adolescent, and tips for avoiding detection.

“Operation Orange Tree is a national model that I plan to take around the country to share with other states and other Governors,” said John Walsh. “Today I am proud to be a Floridian. The cooperation that led to the arrest of these predators and Florida’s use of state-of-the art technology has pushed our state ahead in the battle to capture these individuals.”

Individuals arrested ranged from ages 17 to 83 and included two registered sex offenders. The operation ran primarily from mid-March through May, with arrests occurring as recently as Tuesday morning. A total of 23 agencies participated in the joint effort, with Polk County Sheriff’s Office making 45 of the arrests. In addition to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of the Attorney General, the following law enforcement agencies also participated:

· Bay County Sheriff’s Office
· Boynton Beach Police Department
· Broward County Sheriff's Office (South Florida ICAC Task Force)
· Clearwater Police Department
· Collier County Sheriff's Office
· Columbia County Sheriff's Office
· Coral Springs Police Department
· Delray Beach Police Department
· Gainesville Police Department (North Florida ICAC Task Force)
· Immigration Customs Enforcement
· Innocent Images Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation
· Lake County Sheriff’s Office
· Lee County Sheriff’s Office
· Miami-Dade Police Department
· North Port Police Department
· Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
· Polk County Sheriff's Office (Central Florida ICAC Task Force)
· Punta Gorda Police Department
· Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
· St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office
· United States Marshal's Service

“Florida is enhancing and fine-tuning the way we go about investigating these cyber predators,” Commissioner Bailey said. “This should send a loud and clear message that our tactics and technologies will be aggressive and will always catch up with those who trade images of children being sexually violated.”

According to the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Florida ranks fourth in the nation in volume of child pornography. On October 1, 2007, Governor Crist signed the CyberCrimes Against Children Act making Florida one of the leading states in the nation with laws against cybercrimes that target children. The new law increased penalties for cybercrimes, including the possession or distribution of child pornography online.

As Attorney General, Charlie Crist established the Child Predator/CyberCrime Unit in August 2005 in response to several tragic murders of children in Florida. The unit investigates and prosecutes computer-assisted crimes against children. The CyberCrime Unit now has 30 members and five offices statewide.

~ TUESDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

Bradenton Police Arrest
Drive-By Shooter Who
Fired At People, House

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, June 6, 2009, around midnight, Bradenton Police were called to the 600 block of 10th Avenue East, in Bradenton, regarding a man who shot at people and a residence from a moving vehicle.

Selestino X. Sanchez

Upon arrival, police were told a man, later identified as Selestino X. Sanchez, 26, of 955 53rd Street East, Bradenton, stuck a revolver out of the vehicle he was in and while the vehicle was still moving he started shooting at the residence and towards the victims.

Some of the victims were outside the residence and in plain view of the shooter; some of the victims were inside the residence by a window. Yet, he continued to fire at them and the house, according to the report.

All the victims were within a thousand feet of the shooter, the report from BPD said.

Police caught up to Sanchez in the 600 block of 10th Street East, in Palmetto.

Sanchez was arrested and charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle, Improper Display of a Firearm, Shooting Into a Dwelling and Carrying a Concealed Weapon without a Permit.

Sanchez remains in the Manatee County Jail with a bail bond of $201,500 for all charges except Carrying a Concealed Firearm, for which there was no bail set.

Deputies Arrest Man Reported
To Be "Waving a Gun"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Vicente Cervantes, 48, of 1112 59th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Vicente Cervantes

According to the arrest report, Cervantes was reported to be "waving a gun at people" from his vehicle on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at about 7:30 p.m. in the 3800 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

The complainant called the sheriff's office to report that the man was driving recklessly and when she pulled up alongside him to tell him to slow down, he flipped her off and said [expletive deleted]. Then he reached for his glove compartment. The complainant believed he was reaching for a gun.

She followed the driver in her car, which was occupied also by her brother and a juvenile, and stayed on the phone with dispatch until a deputy could catch up to her.

Once the deputy confirmed that the car he was behind was the car in question, he initiated a traffic stop.

The deputy determined that Cervantes had his license suspended twice before and was currently suspended.

Cervantes was arrested and charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault and Driving While License Suspended (3rd offense).

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

VCTF Arrests Man Brandishing
Knife Toward Man on ATV

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Violent Crimes Task Force has arrested John Albers, 31, of 4802 33rd Street West, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

John Albers

The report said on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at about 8 p.m., Steve Butler, 43, of the 4700 block of 33rd Street West, Bradenton, became involved in a verbal altercation with John Albers' father over Butler riding his ATV up and down 33rd Street West.

The verbal dispute escalated when John Albers came outside, retrieved a knife from his truck and brandished it towards Butler.

Patrol Deputies and Detectives with the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) responded to conduct the investigation.

Probable cause for the arrest of John Albers for Aggravated Assault was established.

John Albers was not immediately located as he had left the area, but was later arrested by VCTF Detectives when he returned home some time later.

John Albers was booked into the Manatee County Jail on the charge of Aggravated Assault.

There were no injuries, said VCTF Detective Bill Waldron.

Albers was released from jail on his own recognizance.

BPD Arrests Man for Threats
Against His Brother with Knife

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested James McNally, 34, of 1609 8th Avenue West, Bradenton.

James McNally

The arrest report from BPD said on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at about 6 p.m., McNally and his brother, who live together in the same house, were involved in a verbal argument over McNally's girlfriend.

McNally allegedly pulled out a small pocket knife and told his brother, "If you come off that porch, I will cut you."

Then McNally started walking toward his brother, at which time, the brother turned and ran back inside the house.

McNally was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $2,500 bail bond.

Man Awakened to Sounds
of Burglary, Woman Busted

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Brenda A. Pope, 45, of 3615 18th Street West, Bradenton.

Brenda A. Pope

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at about 9 p.m., Mario Sanchez, of the 3600 block of 18th Street West, Bradenton, was awakened by a loud noise coming from his back yard.

Mario got out of bed and went to the window to investigate the commotion.

When he opened the blinds and looked into his back yard, which is fully enclosed by a fence, he saw a woman, later identified as Brenda Pope, standing at his southeast window.

Mario told deputies Brenda had two screw drivers in her hands and was attempting to pry open the window of his residence.

When Mario yelled at Brenda to stop, she looked at Mario, put the screw drivers into the back of her pants, said she chased a man into his yard, then proceeded to go over the fence and back to her house.

Mario said the damage to the window was about $200.

Deputies located Brenda at her residence and arrested her. She was charged with Burglary to an Occupied Residence and Criminal Mischief.

Brenda posted a $10,120 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail the next day.

Bar Patron Lured Into Robbery
By Two Women; Struck, Shot

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was robbed at gunpoint on Monday, June 8, 2009, at about 12:30 a.m., behind El Pisano's Bar and Restaurant, 5803 15th Street East, Bradenton.

The report said Juan Gomez, of Sarasota, followed two women to the storage units located behind the bar.

Two men exited a small, silver 4-door compact car, grabbed Gomez and pulled him into a breezeway.

During the struggle, Gomez’s gold watch was ripped off of his wrist.

The male suspects struck Gomez on top of the head with what was later believed to be a BB/pellet gun.

Gomez got away from the suspects and started to run away.

One of the male suspects demanded Gomez’s money; Gomez threw his wallet at them and continued to run away.

As Gomez ran, one of the male suspects fired rounds from the BB/pellet gun, striking Gomez in the buttocks.

All of the suspects fled southbound on 15th Street East in the silver vehicle.

Gomez sustained two half-inch lacerations to the top of his head and three small wounds where the pellets broke the skin on his buttocks.

One of the women was described as a White female, with blonde hair, 5'6" to 5'7" tall, wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans. The other woman was described as having brown hair, 5'4" to 5'5" tall, wearing a black pink and yellow shirt, who went by the nickname "Puerto Rico."

The two men were not described except to say they were wearing masks and all black clothing.

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 Beach Police Arrest
Transient for Burglary

BRADENTON BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Beach Police have arrested James Anthony Carnell, 46, a transient living on a boat near Cortez Village.

James Anthony Carnell

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at about 1 p.m., Bradenton Beach Police Officers Bazell and Joslin were approached by a person who said that a van containing three White males was sitting in the 1000 block of Gulf Drive South and every time someone would pull in to the parking area and go to the beach, the men would get out and look over the beach-goers vehicles suspiciously.

Officers proceeded to that location and were flagged down by a person who told them that 11 fishing poles and a cooler full of soda had been taken out of the bed of their truck and recalled seeing the vehicle previously described.

Officers pulled the van over just as it was pulling onto Gulf Drive South for failure to maintain a single lane of traffic.

When one of the officers looked through the window of the van, he observed the cooler described by the complainant.

The three people in the van said the cooler and the fishing poles were just sitting on the ground outside the truck.

When asked which one went into the truck and took the poles and cooler, James Carnell admitted he had done that.

Carnell was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Conveyance.

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

The fishing poles and cooler were photographed and returned to their owners.

SAR Presents American Flag
Award to Bob Evans Manager

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sons of the American Revolution, Saramana Chapter, has presented the American Flag Award to the manager of a Bob Evans Restaurant in Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Harold Crapo, Jr., and John Mitchell
(Photo by Elaine Crapo, SAR Auxiliary)

Mr. John Mitchell is shown receiving the American Flag Award from Harold Crapo, Jr., President of the Saramana Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Mr. Mitchell is the General Manager of Bob Evans Restaurant #400 on State Road 70 in Bradenton, Florida.

He is solely responsible for ensuring the American Flag is properly displayed at all times and that it remains in good repair or otherwise replaced. Further, he is responsible for ensuring that proper lighting is focused on the American Flag when it is displayed in other than daylight hours.

Mr. Crapo has viewed this particular flag display, day and night, for more than a year and has not found any deviations from the rules governing the flying of this American Flag.

Therefore, the Chairman of the Flag Committee, SAR Compatriot Frank Hodalski, felt it to be fitting and proper to present an award at this time of year just prior to Flag Day, which is June 14th.

Mr. Mitchell appeared very proud to receive this Award and immediately hung it in a conspicuous place on the wall for all to see.

Life-Threatening Injuries
to Sarasota Man Reported

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, June 7, 2009, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Sarasota Police Officers were flagged down by citizens in the area of Fredd Atkins Park, 1900 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. These citizens advised there was a Black male injured and lying on the sidewalk.

Officers responded and found the subject unconscious. Officers summoned the Sarasota Fire Department to administer medical attention.

Witnesses stated the subject had fallen.

The subject was identified as Donald Evan James, 42, a Black male.

Further investigation by SPD detectives revealed Evans was in an altercation and the injuries were as a result of this action.

Sarasota Fire Department transported Evans to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

At the time of the press release on Monday, Evans had life-threatening injuries.

SPD detectives are continuing their investigation by interviewing witnesses and potential suspects.

Charlotte Sheriff Arrests Man
with Cocaine; 29th Arrest

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, June 6, 2009, at 10:52 p.m., Charlotte County Sheriff’s arrested Kello Bonhomme, 35, 1618 Sharpe St., Port Charlotte, on a Cocaine charge; this is his 29th arrest in the county with 68 records.

Kello Bonhomme

Deputies were dispatched to a disturbance at a Port Charlotte Wachovia Bank drive-through. Bonhomme was a passenger in a van driven by his boss, arguing that he was owed $1,600 for past jobs. Bonhomme was ordered out of the van and deputies said he was sweating profusely and very hyper; he kept putting his hands in his pockets when ordered not to. Deputies located two small containers with one testing positive for cocaine.

When deputies put Bonhomme in the cruiser he said he had chest pains. EMS responded and took him to Fawcett Memorial Hospital. Doctors said Bonhomme told them he used a large amount of cocaine that evening. He was medically cleared and taken to the Charlotte County Jail. Upon arrival intake deputies found two baggies of cocaine in his right sock.

Bonhomme was charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; he is being held without bond. This is Bonhomme's 29th arrest in Charlotte County, he is a convicted felon and has been arrested numerous times on various drug charges, plus multiple other arrests and charges, dating back to December 1999.

FHP: Driver, 14, Flips Car;
2 Ejected, 1 Killed

ST. CLOUD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A girl is dead after being thrown from a car driven by a 14-year-old girl, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Troopers said Allison Sullivan stepped on the brake while driving on Absher Road in St. Cloud late Saturday night. The car skidded into a culvert and flipped, troopers said.

Daniel O'Rourke, 25, and his sister, Shauna O'Rourke, 12, were thrown from the car. Shauna died from her injuries.

It is not clear why Sullivan was behind the wheel when O'Rourke was in the car.

O'Rourke was released from the hospital Sunday night. Sullivan suffered minor injuries, WKMG said.

~ MONDAY'S LOCAL/STATE NEWS ~

16th Murder of 2009 Late Friday:
Man Stabbed to Death At Camp
in Palmetto; Suspect in Custody

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an unidentified Hispanic man was stabbed to death in Palmetto on Friday, June 5, 2009, at about 11:40 p.m. at 1503 21st Street East, the address nearest a migrant camp.

Faustino Martinez

The suspect, who originally gave his name and age as Justino Cruz, 36, and the victim became involved in a dispute over some money.

During the dispute, the suspect stabbed the victim multiple times.

The victim was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where he later died as a result of the injuries.

The suspect was located a short distance away hiding in the woods by MSO K-9 Dep. Keith Sutton and K-9 Dep. "Rosco."

It was later determined that the suspects real name is Faustino Martinez, 36.

Faustino was arrested and charged with Murder, Not Premeditated.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $500,000 bail bond.

The victim has been tentatively identified, but next of kin have not been notified as yet.

According to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, the victim was 25 years old.

The investigation is ongoing at this time.

This is the 16th murder in Manatee County in 2009. There have now been 12 murders in unincorporated Manatee County and 4 in the City of Bradenton.

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.

Arsonist's Accomplice Arrested
in Connection with Wal-Mart
Arson Fire, Attempted Fraud

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man who was waiting for an arsonist to come out of a Wal-Mart store at 8320 Lockwood Ridge Road, Bradenton, last Thursday has been arrested.

Above, L to R, Chester Hayes, Jr., and Phillip R. Wright

Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Chester Hayes, Jr., 39, of Louisiana, after they found him in the truck of a man who had just set fire to another Wal-Mart store when he was refused a refund for stolen merchandise.

The arrest report for Hayes said he was in contact with the arsonist by two-way radio and was to be notified to pick up the arsonist when he left the store.

NewsManatee originally reported at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2009, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies and firefighters from the Southern Manatee Fire District responded to a fire at the Wal-Mart store located at 2911 53rd Ave E., Bradenton.

Deputies learned that a man tried to return items that he had stolen at the store and when management declined a refund, he proceeded to the men’s department and set three clothes racks on fire. He then left the store in what was later determined to be a tan pickup truck.

Other Wal-Mart stores in the area were notified to be on the lookout for this subject.

At around 6:15 p.m., deputies responded to the Wal-Mart store at 8320 Lockwood Ridge Rd. in south Manatee County, where a man fitting the description of the suspect entered the store.

Deputies arrested Phillip R. Wright, 41, of Monroe, Louisiana. In a search of Wright, deputies found a small tin of crack cocaine.

One person suffered smoke inhalation as a result of the fire, however there was substantial damage done at the store.

An arson-detecting K-9 dog, "Lucky," from West Manatee Fire Rescue brought to the scene by his handler, Dep. Fire Marshal Kurt Lathrop, alerted on an accelerant at the scene of the fire and also alerted to an accelerant on Wright's clothing.

Wright was charged with Arson to a Structure, Arson Causing Bodily Harm, Larceny and Possession of Crack Cocaine. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $206,000 bail bond.

Chester Hayes was arrested and charged with Larceny. He posted a $120 bail bond and was released from jail.

Man Robbed of Medication
By Two At Burger King;
Both Perps Busted

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested two people deputies said stole a man's medication as he sat down to eat at Burger King restaurant located at 6722 14th Street West, Bradenton, on Friday, June 5, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m.

Above, L to R, Ian McLaurin and Genielle WIlliams

The report of the incident said Kenneth Adkins sat down to eat his meal at Burger King and started to take his prescribed Oxycontin medication.

Ian McLaurin, 18, approached Kenneth and snatched the pill container with the pills out of Kenneth's hand.

Ian then ran to a waiting vehicle in the parking lot.

Kenneth followed the vehicle and eventually pointed the vehicle out to deputies.

A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle.

Genielle Williams, 28, the driver of the vehicle consented to a search of her person. The pills that were stolen were found on her person and a post-Miranda statement was obtained.

Genielle admitted to receiving the pills from Ian after the incident at the Burger King.

Ian denied any involvement with the robbery.

Kenneth was able to positively identify Ian as the one who took his pills.

Both Ian and Genielle were arrested.

Ian McLaurin was charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 bail bond.

Genielle Williams was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $1,000.

Kenneth did not receive any injuries and the stolen pills were released to him.

Man Arrested for Threatening
Other Man with Knife

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested John Massas, aka "Antonio," 47, of 6027 11th Street East, Bradenton.

John Massas, aka "Antonio"

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at about 2 p.m., John Massas was at a neighbor's residence in the 6000 block of 11th Street East, Bradenton, when he threatened a man identified as David Henderson with a knife.

The report said Massas lunged at Henderson as Henderson was trying to call for help.

Massas knocked the cell phone from Henderson's hand to the ground.

Henderson was able to pick up the cell phone and make the call to 911, but as he did so, Massas lunged at Henderson again with the knife, telling Henderson he would "stick him."

When deputies arrived, Henderson positively identified Massas as the man who had threatened him with a knife.

Massas was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Tampering with a Victim.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a $2,000 bail bond.

Woman Shot in Face By Man
with Rifle; Not a Home Invasion

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was shot in the face on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at about 3 a.m. during a drive-by shooting in the 1100 block of 26th Avenue West, Bradenton.

The report said the victim, Michelina A. Lopez, 32, was inside the house with three other roommates, Christina Mendez, Courtney McCorkle, and Jose Davilo.

Jose told deputies that they (he and Michelina) heard a loud noise and went to the window to see what it was.

They saw what looked like a police car (a white Crown Victoria) in the street in front of the house.

Then they saw two males in the carport, one of whom was armed with a long gun and shots were fired through the front window.

Michelina was shot in the face.

There was another man, Fernando Perez, sleeping on a couch in the carport when the suspects approached. He stated that they battered him and threw him to the ground.

He also heard the shots, but was unable to provide any additional description of the suspects.

Fernando did not have any visible injuries.

According to all witnesses, the suspects never entered the residence, did not speak to anyone, and did not demand anything.

The victim was taken by ground transport to Bayfront Medical Center due to weather, the report said.

There is no update on the condition of Michelina.

The perpetrators were described as two males of unknown race, wearing all black clothing and masks.

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.

Shots Fired At Vehicle Sunday
With Injuries To One Man

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A man was wounded Sunday, June 7, 2009, when shots were fired from another vehicle in the parking lot of Antonjitos Restaurant, 320 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the victims were leaving Antojitos Restaurant in their vehicle.

When they approached the back of the parking lot, numerous shots were fired at them from a silver vehicle, possibly a Nissan Altima.

One of the passengers in the victim vehicle, Francisco Nambo, 22, of Ellenton, suffered numerous abrasions and lacerations to his left ear, shoulder and back.

The victims fled the scene, but crashed the car near Cortez Road West and US 41. They pulled the car into a parking lot and took Nambo to the hospital in another vehicle.

Nambo refused treatment at the hospital and said that he just wanted to go home. At this time, it appears that his injuries were caused by broken glass.

The crime scene was located in the back of Antojitos parking lot. Fourteen shell casings were located and collected.

The victim vehicle was located at 3907 14th St. W. There were approximately six bullet holes along the passenger side of the vehicle, a Nissan Pathfinder, including a broken window and rear view mirror.

The perpetrators were only described as 4 to 6 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.

Armed Robbery in West Manatee;
Shot Fired At Victim's Vehicle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- An armed robber took a man's wallet and then fired a shot into the driver's side window on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at about 4 a.m., in the 500 block of Spring Lakes Blvd., Bradenton, a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

According to the report, the Victim, Thomas Lawler, 72, had just returned from Wal-Mart and was sitting in his car with the driver's side door open.

A Black male armed with a black revolver approached from behind and demanded money.

Lawler handed over his wallet and the suspect then fired the gun through the driver's side window causing it to shatter. The gun was not aimed at Lawler and it appears that it was fired in an attempt to scare him, the report said.

Lawler was not injured.

The suspect fled the area and Lawler watched him drive away in an older four-door burgundy sedan.

The robber was only described as an unknown Black male, 5'8" to 5'10" tall, with short hair.

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.

Ice Cream Vendor Attacked,
Robbed By Black, White Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, an ice cream vendor was attacked and robbed by a Black and White team of robbers in the 3100 block of 3rd Street East, Bradenton.

On Sunday, June 07, 2009 at approximately 1 p.m., Bernardo Selena, 59, owner/operator of La Primavera ice cream cart, was operating his cart when he was approached by two suspects.

The first suspect was described as a White male, 19/20 years of age, 5’8” to 6’ tall, 150 pounds, wearing all black with his shirt tied around his head, unknown hair color. The second suspect was described as a Black male with dreadlock style hair pulled back into a pony tail, wearing all black, 5’8” to 6’ tall, 130 pounds.

The suspects jumped Selena and went through his pockets and took his cash.

The suspects then ran to and entered a gold-colored Crown Victoria style vehicle and fled the area.

Selena was not injured during the incident.

No weapons were seen or implied.

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 Beaten, Robbed
By Two Black Males Sunday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday, June 7, 2009, at about 30 minutes past midnight, a man was beaten and robbed by two other men in the 900 block of 61st Avenue Terrace East, Bradenton, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said two unknown Black male subjects approached the victim, Gabriel Hernandez, in his carport.

One of the subjects grabbed Gabriel around his neck, while a second Black male subject began punching him in the stomach.

The two robbers then forcibly took Gabriel's wallet containing $130 cash and ran to a Brown Chrysler Mini-van driven by a 3rd Black male suspect.

Gabriel threw a brick at the fleeing vehicle, possibly breaking the driver's side window.

A BOLO was issued and the area checked with negative results.

Gabriel had no injuries as a result of the incident.

The robbers were not further described.

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 Ambushed, Robbed
By 2 Black Males, 1 White Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was ambushed and robbed on Friday, June 6, 2009, at bout 11:15 p.m. in the 700 block of 44th
Avenue East, Bradenton.

According to the report, the victim, Gustuvo Martinez, 23, was standing in the grass between two buildings, when the suspects charged him.

One suspect took Martinez’s cell phone and another ripped a gold necklace off of his neck.

The suspects ran southbound along 9th Street East and fled the area.

A perimeter was established and K9 attempted to track the suspects, to no avail.

The culprits were not further identified, except to say that the Black males were wearing black clothing and the White male was wearing a white T-shirt.

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 Beaten, Robbed
By Six Black Male Juveniles

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was beaten and robbed on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at about 7 p.m. in the 6100 block of 9th Street East, Bradenton.

The report said the victim, Isias Ochoa-Garcia, was walking along the 6100 block of 9th street East when he was attacked by 6 Black male juveniles.

They started punching the victim in the face and while beating him they attempted to go through his pockets.

He fought them off and was able to call 911. The suspects saw he was calling 911 they fled west on 61 Ave E.

The victim sustained minor injuries to his face. He did not require medical attention.

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.

$22,000 in Jewelry Stolen
During Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the scene of a burglary on Friday, June 5, 2009, at about 1:10 p.m.

According to the incident report, deputies were dispatched to an alarm in the 6500 block of 43rd Court East, Bradenton.

Upon checking the residence, deputies found the front door was found unlocked, with no signes of forced entry.

While on scene, the home owner arrived and walked through the residence. She discovered that approximately $22,000 worth of jewelry was missing from the master bathroom area.

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.

Cash Box Stolen From Man
in Van Selling Ice Cream

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A lone Black male stole the cash box from a man selling ice cream from his van in the 2500 block of 9th Avenue Drive East, Palmetto, on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at about 8 p.m., according to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office report.

The report said Michael Keetley, 38, was selling ice cream from his van. Keetley stopped at the intersection of 9th Ave Drive East and 25th Street East to sell some ice cream.

When Keetley turned his back to get an item, he felt the van shake. When he turned around he saw a Black male partially leaning in the window and he had Keetley’s money box.

Keetley grabbed hold of the box as well and the two briefly struggled over control of the box.

The thief was able to pull the box away and flee eastbound along 25th Street East.

A K-9 tracked for the suspect but could not locate him.

Keetley was not injured.

The thief was described as an unknown Black male, 6'4" tall, with a thin build, short hair and clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a black and tan jacket and tan shorts.

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 Commits Suicide At
Sarasota Traffic Stop

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 8:50 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2009, Sarasota Sheriff’s Deputy Charles Flint made a routine traffic stop on SR-681, east of US-41.

During the stop, the driver of the vehicle produced a handgun.

Deputy Flint took cover and attempted to start a dialogue with the driver.

The driver then shot himself.

The driver was transported to Venice Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The victim has been identified as James P. Keenan, 60, a White male, of 409 Avenida LaPalma, Nokomis. The victim’s family has been notified.

The Sheriff’s Office has completed the administrative review of this incident and Deputy Flint has been returned to full duty.

The investigation of the incident is ongoing.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 6/13/2009 2:00:05 PM

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