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Man Shot, Killed in Palmetto
Armed Home Invasion, Perp
Description Released; 25th
Homicide of 2009 Overall

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was shot and killed at a Palmetto residence on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, at about 7 a.m.

Julius Lee Brown, deceased

A press release from the sheriff's office said at approximately 7:10 a.m. Thursday morning, deputies were dispatched to a fatal shooting at Highland Apartments, 618 20th Lane East, Palmetto.

The victim has been identified as Julius Lee Brown, 21, of the same address.

According to the lone witness who was in the home at the time of the shooting, an unidentified suspect entered the residence through an unlocked door and fatally shot Brown.

At this time, it does not appear that this was a random act.

A motive is unclear at this time.

The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5'6"-5'8" tall, 150-160 pounds, wearing a black T-shirt and a ski mask.

Detectives arrested a person earlier Thursday afternoon on an unrelated robbery charge and questioned him on the homicide, but he was not charged.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

According to NewsManatee archives, Brown was arrested with two other men on July 31, 2009, at 4:54 p.m., following a 3-county pursuit by the Florida Highway Patrol for an armed robbery which began in Lee County, then moved into Charlotte County and Sarasota County, where the pursuit ended after spike strips were deployed by Sarasota County Sheriff's Deputies on I-75.

The driver, Julius Lee Brown, was arrested for Felony Fleeing to Elude, Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

This is the 25th homicide overall in Manatee County in 2009. There have now been 21 murders in unincorporated Manatee County and 4 in the City of Bradenton.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011, ext. 2260, 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.

[Ed. Note: Two other homicides in Manatee County have been investigated by the sheriff's office. One of them, a fatal stabbing, has been ruled self-defense by the State Attorney's Office. The other, where a man was found burned and dismembered near the Sarasota-Bradenton airport, turned out to be a murder that occurred in Sarasota, and is now their case.]

Intoxicated Man Arrested for
Assault on Cop; Taser Used

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kirby Barrack, 32, of 820 58th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Kirby Barrack

The arrest report said Dep. Deluca and Dep. Kaczmarek first encountered Barrack when they were called to 5707 7th Street Court East, Bradenton.

Barrack was found sleeping in a motor home that did not belong to him. He was extremely intoxicated and the complainant on the call did not wish to pursue charges.

Barrack was told to go home several times and eventually began walking.

As the deputies were leaving, they observed Barrack walking back towards the location. Barrack was extremely agitated and belligerent and was told to go home several more times.

Eventually he began walking away a second time.

Both patrol units parked across the street at the location to make sure that Barrack was not going back to the initial residence, when Barrack approached them again and began yelling that he would "beat their asses," that he was "a registered 3rd degree black belt," and that "his hands were registered deadly weapons."

Barrack was told to go home several more times, when he balled his fists up and approached Dep. Deluca in an aggressive manner.

He got within an arms length of Dep. Deluca when he was advised he was under arrest.

Barrack locked his arms in front of him and was struggling not to allow the deputies to handcuff him.

Barrack was taken to the ground at which time Dep. Deluca delivered one 5-second Taser drive-stun to the suspect's back. Barrack still refused to comply.

Dep. Lesselroth arrived on scene and used his flashlight to pry Barrack's arms out from under him.

Barrack was arrested and taken to the Manatee County Jail.

Barrack suffered a slight abrasion to his forehead during the incident.

He was charged with Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

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

Young Man, 19, Arrested for
Sex Acts with Girl, 14-16

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dylan Miguel Shea, 19, of 6201 Glen Abbey Lane, in the Braden Run subdivision, in East Manatee County.

Dylan Miguel Shea

According to the arrest report, in November of 2007, Shea met an unnamed 14-year-old girl at Lakewood Ranch Community Park.

Approximately 3 days later, they went to a wooded area where they had vaginal and oral sex.

About a month later, they met in the same location and had sex, both oral and vaginal again, then repeated the acts about a week later.

The pair then had no contact until June of 2009, when they reunited.

Once again, they went to the wooded area and had vaginal and oral sex. The victim told detectives she was fearful of what Shea might do if she didn't perform.

A condom was later recovered by a tree in the secluded wooded area and was taken into evidence.

In an interview, Shea told detectives he knew the victim was underage.

However, in a later interview on Sept. 15th, he invoked his Miranda rights.

Shea was arrested and charged with four counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a Minor.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $20,000; $5,000 for each count.

Pregnant Woman Arrested
For Knife Attack on Other
Pregnant Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Lashawanda Gene, 22, of 2605 8th Avenue East, Palmetto.

Lashawanda Gene

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at 1:45 p.m., Lashawanda Gene and Nicki Ward were at Ali's Store, located at 2303 U.S. 41 North, in Palmetto.

They got into a verbal argument inside the store which then moved out into the parking lot.

According to Nicki Ward and witnesses, Lashawanda pulled out a white-handled knife and lunged at Nicki with it.

A man got in between the two women, breaking up the attack.

Lashawanda then fled the area.

Lashawanda was later located at 212 30th Street East, Palmetto.

Nicki Ward was transported to the scene and positively identified Lashawanda as her attacker.

Lashawanda was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault.

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

The report noted that Lashawanda Gene is 7 1/2 months pregnant and Nicki Ward is 6 1/2 months pregnant.

Man Found Dead in Bathroom
In East Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man was found dead in his bathroom on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at about 5:30 p.m., at 9008 61st Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

The sheriff's office report said deputies responded to the above location when neighbors had not seen the resident, Joseph Gueltzow, 52, in several days.

The neighbor advised that the resident never left his lawn mower out nor his garage door open. They said it had been this way for a couple of days and the newspapers were piling up.

Deputies attempted to make contact with Mr. Gueltzow and, when unable, entered the unlocked house and found the resident dead on the bathroom floor.

There did not appear to be any obvious signs of foul play.

Local leaders, Teens Plan Youth
Unity Walk Against Violence

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] – A Youth Unity Walk Against Violence is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 22, in response to the rash of local violence that has claimed the lives of two adolescent victims in one month, and six teens in 2009.

Above, Dr. Gwen Brown,
Manatee County Commission Chair

The walk, led by Manatee County NAACP’s Youth Council, will be another in a series of forums and demonstrations against community violence. Scores of teens are expected to walk from the Police Athletic League, 202 13th Ave. E., to Rogers Elementary School. The walk will begin at 6 p.m. After the walk, the group will gather at Rogers to discuss solutions and ideas for curbing violence along local streets and in neighborhoods.

The Council decided to act not long after 17-year-old Bayshore High School cheerleader Jasmine Thompson was shot after a Sept. 4 football game.

“The walk gives the youth a chance to tell the community how they feel about it, as well as bring some perspective to the issues,” said Ederick Johnson, a Manatee High School junior and vice president of the council. “It’s important because often you have some adults who think that all the youth are up to no good, that they’re all selling drugs or doing things they’re not supposed to do but we do have young people who are trying to make a stand in what they believe in.”

“It’s the youth doing this, which makes it extremely important,” said Manatee County Commission Chair Dr. Gwen Brown. “When you have young people wanting to give input as to what’s happening, it’s not just adults making decisions. It’s our youth saying, ‘This is our community, not the dope boys’ or the gang bangers’. This is our community and we don’t want any more of our friends caught up in that kind of ignorance.’ ”

Xtavia Bailey, Florida director of the Amer-I-Can program, said word is spreading throughout Manatee County high schools, and she hopes as many as 200 will attend.

“It’s got lots of good support from high school kids,” Bailey said. “Some are taking off football practice to tell us what’s going on and how we can help them. Kids are overwhelmed and they’re ready to speak.”

“They don’t want it to be a black thing, a white thing a Hispanic thing,” Bailey said. “They want it to be a unity thing, a coming together to begin to fix the problem. They want their safety. They want to go out and have fun without losing their life innocently.”

For more information, call Bailey at (941) 526-8080.

Manatee County School District
Steps Up Security at Athletic
and School-Related Events

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Following the fatal shooting of Jasmine Thompson, 17, on Sept. 4th, 2009, near Southeast High School, Manatee County School District officials have decided to step up security at county schools for athletic and other school-related events.

A press release from the school district said "Effective immediately, the Manatee County School District will increase the presence of law enforcement officers and school staff at home football games in Manatee County, as well as other sporting events and school functions where large groups gather."

These increased security measures are being implemented following consultation with local law enforcement agencies about ways to enhance safety for students and the community.

Since the annual Southeast vs. Manatee football game is being played Friday night, Sept. 18, 2009, they urge all fans to arrive early because there will be additional security measures in place that will slow down entry into Hawkins Stadium.

No backpacks will be allowed into the game.

Admission gates will open at 6 p.m. and we fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the 28th renewal of this cross-town rivalry.

“Nothing is more important than providing a safe and secure environment for our children to participate in educational opportunities, and that extends to extra-curricular events,” said Superintendent Tim McGonegal.

District officials have had discussions with principals and athletic directors and are considering a slight increase in ticket prices to offset the cost of additional security. Any increase in ticket prices will be communicated in advance through each high school and through area media outlets.

Off-Duty Longboat Key Officer
Arrested for Assault with Gun
On Woman, 3 Children

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police have arrested Patricia Ann Beardsley, 51, an off-duty Longboat Key Police Officer, of an undisclosed address in Sarasota.

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at about 3:30 p.m., Jill Campbell, 43, of Sarasota, had pulled into Beardsley's driveway to turn around.

Campbell had just picked up two of her children at Southside Elementary School, located at 1901 Webber Street, and had another child in the car.

According to Campbell and witnesses, Beardsley exited her house holding a gun, walked over to the Campbell vehicle, pointed it at the interior of the car and yelled at Campbell.

About 10 minutes prior to the incident, Beardsley had called 911 to complain about cars parked on her street, the report said.

After police were called to respond to the incident, Beardsley denied pointing a gun at Campbell, but showed an officer a Glock handgun inside the house.

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

Due to state laws prohibiting such, a mug shot was not available for Beardsley, which is why also her address was not given in the report.

Sarasota County Sheriff
Issues Rabies Alert

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office issued a rabies alert.

The alert said on Friday, September 11, 2009, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services received a call stating a pet came in contact with a deceased bat in the 4000 block of
Waterbridge Down Road, Sarasota.

The bat subsequently tested positive for rabies.

Residents are reminded to not feed or approach wildlife, and to have domestic animals vaccinated.

Warn children to avoid animals that they are unfamiliar with.

School Locked Down
After Gun Report

KISSIMMEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- An Osceola County middle school was placed on lockdown after a student was reported to have a gun on campus, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

A student told officials another student said he brought a gun to school.

Officials located the student at Horizon Middle School, but said they did not find a gun.

The student told deputies he made up the story of having a gun, but all classrooms were searched as a precaution.

The student was taken into custody, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

ID Theft, Mail Theft Ring Broken Up
With Arrest of Driver, Woman; One
Other Arrested in Early September

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives and other deputies have successfully broken up an ID theft and mail theft ring with the arrest of the man and a woman who was the driver for a man and a woman. The other man was arrested earlier in September of this year.

Above, L to R, David Weaver, Kimberly Miller and Robert Trolian

According to an arrest report from Detective Atkinson, on Sept. 15, 2009, David Weaver, 41, who was staying at a residence in the 5800 block of 13th Avenue East, Bradenton, received a phone call from Kimberly Miller, 37, for the purpose of picking her up in his truck to give her a ride.

Weaver said he picked her up in the area of 20th Street West and 55th Avenue West, Bradenton. Weaver was to drive Miller to another location. However, the journey was intercepted by warrants deputies. Miller was arrested on outstanding warrants for Uttering Forged Checks and Identity Theft.

Weaver admitted that he has used his vehicle on several other occasions to drive Miller and her longtime boyfriend, Robert Trolian, 44, to cash checks. he said that he had been the driver and was told to drive up to banks. On one occasion Weaver had to flee the drive-through, making the transaction unsuccessful.

Weaver admitted he knows Miller does not have legal employment and uses drugs. He is also aware that she uses stolen checks to get her money by going through the banks, the report said.

Det. Atkinson said when Weaver agreed to pick up Miller on the 15th, he knew or should have known that Miller is always in possession of stolen checks, mail and usually drugs. The detective also said Weaver knew or should have known that he had been solicited and agreed to drive Miller to utter said checks that were in her possession.

When the pair was arrested on the 15th, Miller would have been accompanied by Trolian; however, he was arrested on warrants for the same charges on Sept. 1st.

Weaver admitted that he has been arrested for fraud, uttering and drug charges. He said he has a drug problem and loans his truck out for crack cocaine.

It has also been confirmed that some of the checks that were recovered from Weaver's vehicle were the result of mail theft and were stolen. There were also two checks that were completed and ready to compromise the unknowing elderly victims.

Weaver was charged with 1st Degree Criminal Conspiracy, a life felony. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 bail bond.

Miller remains in the Manatee County Jail on the above charges, plus drug charges with a bail bond of $31,620.

Trolian remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Additional charges will be forthcoming for Weaver from Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Det. Atkinson wrote in his report.

Man Pistol-Whipped, Robbed
At Friend's House; Friend
Arrested, Coke Found at Jail

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Nelson Mendez, 34, of 6303 of 26th Street West, Bradenton.

Nelson Mendez

According to a report from Sgt. Kevin Pease, of the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at about 9:15 p.m., Moses Garza, 28, of the 1800 block of 9th Avenue West, Bradenton, went to 6303 26th Street West to "hang out" with his friend Mendez.

Once inside, an unknown Hispanic male armed with an Uzi type firearm jumped out of a closet and struck Garza in the head causing him to fall down. The unknown Hispanic male hit Garza in the head several times with the firearm while Mendez armed himself with a hammer and beat Garza as well.

The two assailants went thru Garza's pockets looking for money, but only managed to take his cell phone.

Garza escaped by jumping through a sliding glass door leading to the driveway.

Garza was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital by his girlfriend where the sheriff's office was contacted.

VCTF, K-9, and Patrol responded to 6303 26th Street West where the scene was located.

Mendez was found at 6231 26th Street West and arrested without incident. He gave deputies a conflicting story.

Mendez said Garza is his drug dealer to whom he owes over $400.

Mendez said Garza threatened him with the firearm but he was able to defend himself by "wildly" swinging the hammer and striking Mendez in the head.

The other Hispanic male was not located.

Once at the jail, Mendez was found to have a small bag of powder cocaine taped to his groin area.

Mendez was charged with Armed Robbery and Introduction of Contraband Into a Correction Facility.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Woman's Ankle Broken
By Former Landlord

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Joseph L. Fond, 41, of 5105 6th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Joseph L. Font

According to the arrest report, Kandi Johnson used to rent a residence from Font. She moved out after she fell behind on rent. She said that she paid him in full all of the money she owed him three days ago.

On Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at about 6 p.m., Kandi and her mother pulled up in Font's driveway to say goodbye to a friend who rents from Font.

Kandi then saw Font making hand gestures at her, but she could not hear because her mother's passenger side window does not roll down.

Kandi then opened the passenger door and was trying to step out with her right foot when she saw Font running to her door. Font then slammed the door shut on her right ankle, the report said.

Font then saw that the door did not close, and stepped back and kicked the door closed on her foot.

A witness saw Font yell at Kandi and tell her to get off of his property and then run at her door, smashing her ankle in the door.

On a follow-up investigation, Kandi said that her foot was fractured.

Font then made contact with the sheriff's office and turned himself in.

Font told a deputy he did close the door on her, but said his intent was to get her off the property, not to break her foot, the report said.

Font was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm.

He later posted a $5,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
For Stealing Aluminum from
Abandoned Residence

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Thomas W. Rogers, 44, of 1474 University Parkway, in South Manatee County.

Thomas W. Rogers

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at about 9:45 p.m., Rogers drove onto the property of a residence located at 2515 26th Avenue East, Bradenton. The property is owned by Mixon Fruit Farms.

He parked his mother's car near the carport and proceeded to remove the aluminum sheeting from the interior of the carport with a crow bar.

An anonymous caller reported the theft in progress.

Rogers later admitted he drove there with the intent of taking the metal for scrap.

The value of the metal theft is not known, the report said.

Police said Rogers did not have permission to remove the metal.

Rogers was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling and Possession of Burglary Tools.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $25,750.

Teen Punched, Robbed
By 2 Other Teens

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A 17-year-old Bradenton teen was punched and robbed on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at about 7:45 p.m., in the 2400 block of Cortez Road West, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The report said the unnamed victim was walking home from a friend’s house and was in the area of the 2400 block of Cortez Rd West when he heard someone yell his name.

The victim turned around and noticed two unknown White males, approximately 16-19 years of age, approaching him on BMX bicycles.

One of the males reached for a Rosary necklace that was around the victim's neck and forcibly removed it causing the victim to fall to the ground.

While the victim was on the ground, the other unknown White male punched the victim in the back of the head causing a knot on his head. That White male then went into the victim's pocket and removed a $20 bill.

The White males fled in an unknown direction and yelled "SUR 13."

The victim got up and ran back to his grandmother’s house.

The victim refused EMS and was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital by his grandmother for the knot on his head.

The assailants were described as:

1) A White male, 16-19 years of age, 6'0" tall, 175 pounds, with "faded" dark hair, last seen wearing denim shorts, a black shirt, and was on a BMX Bike.

2) A White male, 16-17 years of age, 5'10" tall, 165 pounds, with short dark hair, last seen wearing brown shorts, with no shirt, and was on a BMX Bike.

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.

NewsManatee Reader Donations
Put BPD SWAT Team Very Close
To Competition Fundraising Goal

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- A majority of donations toward the BPD SWAT Team Competition fundraising goal have come from NewsManatee readers.

Graphic by Craig Herbert,
NewsManatee

The goal was for $5,800; NewsManatee readers have helped raise most of the $5,300 donated to date -- only $500 short of the goal...!!

The Bradenton Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is very close to sending the team to Orlando for the annual SWAT Round–Up International Competition/Training in November.

The City of Bradenton Police Department wants to send eight members to the competition, but the current economic crisis has made it impossible for the department to cover the event’s costs. 

That's why NewsManatee's readers have been asked to help support this event.

The competition combines the latest education and training for SWAT Teams and competition in expertise.

Eighty SWAT Teams and Special Operations Units from across the globe are expected to compete in this year’s event.

Please send donations to:

Bradenton Police Department
Attn: Sgt. James Racky
100 10th St. W.
Bradenton, FL 34205

For more information, contact Sgt. James Racky, SWAT Team Leader, (941) 932-9350, or e-mail him at: james.racky@cityofbradenton.com.

[Ed. Note:  C'mon guys and gals...together we can put the funding goal over the top.  NewsManatee has already chipped in a share; if you can, too, please do so.  These boys in blue have an excellent chance of winning the competition and/or learning a great deal during the training sessions which may help save a life or two here.]

Humane Society of Manatee County
Receives $25,000 Spay/Neuter Grant

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Humane Society of Manatee County has received a $25,000 grant from Florida Animal Friends, Inc., according to a press release from Hildy Russell, Director of Finance & Communication.

This grant money comes from fees collected when auto owners purchase an Animal Friend license plate.

The funds will be used to provide free spay/neuter surgeries to a limited number pit bulls and pit bull mixes, and pets of individuals who have been impacted by the economy, and feral cats.

These grant-related surgeries will be available to residents of Manatee County, while the low cost spay/neuter clinic’s regular programs are available to everyone with no residency or income qualifications.

For more information, or to see if you qualify for the grant program, please call 941-747-8808 x 302.

The Humane Society is located at 2515 14th Street West in Bradenton.

CCSO Undercover Narcotics
Sting Results in Arrest

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives arrested James Joseph Raimer Jr., 21, 13401 Markham Ave., Port Charlotte, following an undercover operation Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009.

James Joseph Raimer, Jr.

Raimer solicited purchase of Oxycodone pills from an undercover detective and an exchange of money and placebo Oxycodone pills was made.

Once the transaction was complete, other CCSO officers took Raimer into custody.

Raimer was taken to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with Solicit to Purchase a Controlled Substance Oxycodone, and Attempt to Purchase Oxycodone. CCSO Dispatch then confirmed that Raimer was currently on probation for Burglary and charged with Violation of Probation. Raimer has been booked into the County Jail 11 times with 36 records; he remains in jail with no bond.

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

Charlotte County Releases Name
Of County's 1st Swine Flu Death

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office released the name of the county’s first H1N1 (Swine Flu) death.

At a press conference in Punta Gorda Wednesday morning, Sept. 16, 2009, the County Health Department released information about the H1N1 death.

On Sep. 1, 2009, at 1:41 p.m., the CCSO received a call from the daughter of Cheryl Ann McCabe, 46, at 1219 Yarmouth St., Port Charlotte, who found her deceased in the bedroom.

When deputies arrived, it was determined that McCabe had been deceased for some time; EMS arrived and confirmed the death.

A paramedic asked everyone to vacate the house at that time because of fear that the house might be contaminated with some type of hazardous condition, and appropriate actions were taken.

The Sheriff’s report said this concern was because another unexpected death occurred at this same residence on Aug. 29 with the death of McCabe’s boyfriend, 42-year-old Raymond Bei. His death was reported to CCSO 11:16 a.m. that day by McCabe. The report said he had extensive medical issues.

Bei’s doctor signed the death certificate and he was removed to a local funeral home.

FWC: More Snake Calls
Since Toddler Strangling

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has seen an increase in snake-related calls since the July strangling of a Central Florida toddler, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Above, a National Park Ranger with a Burmese python

According to Lt. Joy Hill of FWC, the agency has received 38 calls regarding snakes, mostly exotic snakes, since July 2. She said there were only 13 snake-related calls from Jan. 1 to June 30.

Two-year-old Shaiunna Hare was killed by her mother's boyfriend's pet Burmese python while she slept in her Sumter County home on July 1.

FWC attributed the increase in calls to recent publicity about Burmese pythons.

State law requires python owners to obtain a permit to keep the reptiles, as well as microchip them.

Hill encouraged unlicensed python owners to voluntarily contact FWC to obtain the required permit.

FWC said the licensing regulations help the organization make sure owners are familiar with how to care for the animals and help track the locations of the "reptiles of concern."

A Pet Amnesty Day is being held at Gatorland on Oct. 3. Owners can drop off their reptiles of concern with no questions asked, WKMG said.

People who suspect a Burmese python is being held without a permit can call FWC's Wildlife Alert hot line at 888-404-3922.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Pinellas County School Stalker
Arrested At Parents' Home
in Bradenton

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Sergio Negrin, Jr., 24, of Bradenton, was arrested at his parents' Bradenton home on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at about 6 p.m. by St. Petersburg Police Detectives.

Sergio Negrin, Jr.

On Friday, September 11th, St. Pete Police asked for the public's help in identifying a man who was wanted for accosting two female students at St. Petersburg High School and Northeast High School.

Police say Negrin went into a girl’s bathroom at St. Pete High School and made lewd comments to a student. He then allegedly left the bathroom and groped a girl in the hallway before leaving the campus.

He then went to Northeast High School and was roaming the halls where a coach confronted him and he left the school.

On Saturday, a citizen's tip to the St. Petersburg Police Department provided investigators with Negrin's name after recognizing the man in surveillance videos broadcast by Tampa TV stations.

He was seen in the surveillance videos freely wandering the halls of the high schools.

Police had said that an identifying factor for Negrin was that he had an unusually large nose.

Several students from the schools have also allegedly identified Negrin, Jr., as the suspect in the case.

Negrin, Jr., is married and has no known criminal history.

He was charged on warrants out of St. Pete with Stalking and Lewd and Lascivious acts, both felonies.

His bail was set at $50,000 and was posted on Tuesday.

He was released from the Manatee County Jail, pending a court appearance in Pinellas County.

Local law enforcement investigators would be interested in knowing whether Negrin, Jr., committed any similar activity here.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the appropriate law enforcement agency 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.

Man Arrested After Hitting on
Gay Woman, Slugging Her
With "Slap Jack"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Al W. Clayton, 55, of 5832 11th Street East, Bradenton.

Al Clayton

According to the arrest report, the victim is an acquaintance of Clayton's and goes to Al's house every now and then to play cards.

On Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, she went to Clayton's house to play cards.

Clayton kept trying to get her attention, but she ignored him. Finally she acknowledged him and he asked her to walk out to the road because he had something to tell her.

As they started to walk to the road together, he began to wink at her in a flirtatious manner. She told him, "I'm not down with none of that sideways talk because I like the same thing you do (implying that she was gay)."

He left her alone for a short period, but he brought it up again. Again she told him that she did not "get down like that." But this time, Clayton's wife heard the conversation and told Clayton to stop messing with her.

Clayton became upset and jumped up from where he was sitting. He began to yell and curse at the victim. He then walked up to her and got in her face. She told him to back away from her.

Clayton then reached into his back pocket and grabbed a black leather strap with a ball of lead in one end called a "slap jack" and hit the victim in the face twice, the report said.

The two were pulled apart by bystanders, who took the victim to Manatee Memorial Hospital to get treatment for her injuries.

Upon arrival of a deputy at the hospital, he saw that the woman's face had two swollen marks on it, which appeared slightly swollen and fresh. One was on the left side of her forehead and the other was under her left eye on her cheek.

Clayton was located at his house and arrested. He told the deputy that nothing happened and he didn't know the victim. The weapon was not found.

Clayton was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $75,000.

Palmetto Police Arrest Man
For Burglary to Truck

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested Choya D. Hawkins, 45, of 710 23rd Street East, Palmetto.

Choya D. Hawkins

The arrest report from PPD said on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at about 9:20 p.m., Hawkins committed burglary to a vehicle in the 300 block of 7th Street West, Palmetto, by throwing a rock through the victim's truck window. He then reached into the truck and grabbed a camera.

The victim observed the incident and yelled at Hawkins, then ran after him.

When police arrived in a marked police car, the officer observed Hawkins running from the victim.

The officer activated his overhead lights and followed Hawkins, then apprehended him.

Hawkins told the officer he ran because he thought he had a warrant.

The camera was recovered and returned to the victim.

Hawkins was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Conveyance and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $55,000.

Young Woman Arrested by
Palmetto Police for Theft
of Cash from Wal-Mart

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested Margarita Martinez, 18, of 2607 16th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Margarita Martinez

The arrest report from PPD said Martinez, a cashier at Wal-Mart store located at 508 10th Street East, Palmetto, stole cash from her register drawer on three separate occasions.

On August 28, 2009, she took $100 from her register.

On Sept. 7, 2009, she took $70 from her register and gave it as change to her friend when the friend went through her line.

On Sept. 13, 2009, she took $100 from her register.

Martinez said she did this because she is not living with her parents and she needed to pay her rent.

She was arrested and charged with Petit Theft/Embezzlement.

She posted a $120 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

High-Speed Two County Pursuit
Of Stolen Car Terminated

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Two Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies pursued a stolen vehicle at high speeds on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, from Manatee County into Pinellas County, according to a sheriff's office report.

The report said at approximately 2:30 a.m., Detective Parham was in the McDonald’s drive thru at 4711 14th Street West, Bradenton, when he noticed a Red Dodge Charger occupied by a Black male in front of him. He ran the tag and found the vehicle to be stolen.

Units responded to assist with the arrest.

As Deputy Gerholt arrived, he blocked the vehicle's exit and Det. Parham boxed him in.

But the driver turned the vehicle north, and jumped the wall into the 41 Center parking lot.

The suspect continued north and fled towards 1st St.

The pursuit continued north at speeds between 85-120 mph.

Traffic was nonexistent during most of the pursuit; only very light traffic was encountered on the Skyway Bridge.

The pursuit continued on I-275 and then to I-375.

Once in Pinellas County, deputies began losing radio transmission.

Due to the fact that no PCSO units had joined the pursuit, Lt. Couch terminated the pursuit.

The vehicle was last seen exiting onto 5th Street North, heading eastbound.

This information was relayed to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the units from Manatee County returned.

The report didn't say whether Det. Parham ever got his McD's order.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office
To Hold Gun Buy Back

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will hold a gun buy back at the Sheriff's Office Operations Center, 600 U.S. 301 Blvd. West, Bradenton.

The program is a safe, no questions asked opportunity to dispose of any working firearm.

You will receive cash for each firearm turned in.

For handguns turned in, individuals will receive $50. For rifles and shotguns turned in, individuals will receive $100.

The guns need to be in working order and unloaded.

"Operation Hot Date" Nets
28 Hookers, 6 Pimps in
Polk County

POLK COUNTY, Florida [NMT/TSG] -- Charging that Craigslist remains a "one-stop shop for all your prostitution needs," a Florida sheriff on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, announced the arrest of 28 women who allegedly advertised sexual services on the popular online classifieds site.

Above, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

Dubbed "Operation Hot Date," the undercover police action also netted several pimps who worked with the alleged hookers, said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

The women offered a variety of sexual acts carrying prices between $125 and $800.

Two of the alleged hookers who arrived for appointments with undercover officers were pregnant, and a third arrived with fur-lined handcuffs.

In announcing the sweep, Sheriff Judd criticized Craigslist for "facilitating prostitution" and deriving proceeds from the illegal act, since the site charges for the placement of the adult ads.

Sheriff Judd added that he wanted to press charges against the web site, which has previously pledged to law enforcement agencies that it would crack down on ads promoting prostitution.

[Ed. Note: Our thanks to our pals at The Smoking Gun for that report.]

Mom Kills 11-Foot, 450-Pound
Alligator with Crossbow

SATELLITE BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Not many people claim a notable alligator kill on their first hunting trip, but Arianne Prevost, of Satellite Beach, can, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Prevost, 23, guided by Capt. Peter Deeks, 23, of Merritt Island, and Prevost's boyfriend, Robert Rohmann, 23, of Indian Harbour Beach -- who comprise Native Sons Outfitters -- claimed the 11-foot gator at about 9 p.m. Tuesday in marshland between Lake Washington and Lake Winder.

Deeks said the gator wasn't weighed, but based on its girth, he estimated it between 400 and 450 pounds. He estimated its age at about 30 years old, WKMG said.

"It was a total archery kill," Deeks said, adding Prevost shot the gator several times with a crossbow and finished it with a broadhead.

Prevost began hunting with a bow about two years ago but missed last year's gator hunt because she was pregnant.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Woman Arrested for Child Abuse
After Throwing Wine on Girl, 16,
Injuring Her Neck, Arms

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Lori A. Rayburn, 48, of 999 28th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Lori A. Rayburn

The arrest report said on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at about 7:15 p.m., the unnamed victim, Lori's daughter, 16 years old, was doing the dishes when Lori came home from work.

Lori got mad at the girl and told her that she wasn't doing the dishes right. The girl and Lori started to argue and the girl walked to her room and laid down on her bed.

The girl's father was leaving the house to go to the store. Lori told the girl's father to take the girl with him and he said no. He then left to go to the store.

Lori walked down the hall by the girl's room and said, "You'll be gone before I am." The girl replied, "I'll be glad when I am."

Lori walked into the girl's room and threw a full glass of wine on the girl. The wine got all over her and her shirt. The girl got up and went to the kitchen to wipe the wine off of her.

Lori followed her into the kitchen and continued to yell at the girl. The girl turned around and called Lori a "bitch."

Lori grabbed the girl around the neck and cornered her in the kitchen. When Lori released the girl, law enforcement was called.

Upon arrival of a deputy, he saw scratch marks on the girl's arms and the right side of her neck. He saw that the shirt the girl had been wearing prior to changing was covered in wine as were her bed sheets, the report said.

The girl's reconstruction of the incident matched her injuries and was very consistent.

When the deputy interviewed Lori she was very flustered and kept saying that she didn't know what happened and everything happened so fast.

Lori was placed under arrest and charged with Child Abuse.

She later posted a $500 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Deputy Arrests Man for Stalking,
Burglary, Criminal Mischief

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Roberto Medina, 33, of 1009 58th Avenue East, Bradenton, has been arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Roberto Medina

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, at about 11 p.m., Roberto approached the front door and started screaming at the victim, Josephina Ponce, that he was going to take the baby.

Roberto and Josephina have a child in common.

Roberto continued to punched the door and scream. Roberto then broke the front window and entered the residence. He started swinging his arms at everyone inside, the report said.

Josephina and her daughter, Graciela, ran outside.

As a deputy arrived, they ran up to him screaming and crying. He was told Roberto broke into the house.

The deputy drew his gun and entered the residence.

When he walked inside, Roberto was sitting on a couch. He ordered Roberto to show his hands and lay on the ground.

Roberto refused and continued to sit on the couch.

The deputy then assisted Roberto to the floor and secured him.

The deputy observed the front window broken and Roberto had some small cuts on his hands, arms and face from breaking the window.

The deputy was informed that Roberto has been harassing Josephina, saying that he was going to steal the baby.

Roberto made the threat credible when he showed up at Josephina's residence and broke in.

Roberto was arrested and charged with Aggravated Stalking, Burglary and Criminal Mischief.

As of Monday afternoon, he remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $85,000.

Man Arrested for Domestic
Battery by Strangulation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Charles Culver, 45, of 1009 Longfellow Court, in South Manatee County.

Charles Culver

The arrest report said on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, at about 6 p.m., two deputies was dispatched to the above location reference a domestic dispute.

The deputy learned that Charles Culver and Sahara Wiegele are boyfriend and girlfriend, who live together as a family. They each have a child who also lives with them.

They had engaged in a verbal argument, but both parties stated the incident never became physical.

The female deputy told the male deputy that she saw a small scratch on Sahara's chest.

Sahara told the female deputy she had no idea how she got the scratch and was very adamant that the incident never turned physical.

Charles had been drinking and he requested that the deputy take him to jail. The deputy told him that he could not, as he had no charges against him.

The deputy advised them to separate until things cooled down. Neither party agreed to leave the apartment.

Later, a third deputy, who is related to Sahara, told the first deputy he had spoken to Sahara, who told him that Charles had strangled her that day. She said she had lied to the first two deputies because she didn't want charles to go to jail; that it would ruin his career. She said that when Charles was grabbing her by the neck, it impeded her breathing.

Several deputies then responded back to the residence. Sahara finally admitted that Charles had indeed strangled her and that she couldn't breathe.

Charles was upstairs on the phone and wouldn't come down; he told a deputy if he wanted to talk to come upstairs.

The deputy went upstairs and arrested Charles for Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

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

This Week's Stupid Criminal:
Man Allegedly Looking for
"B.J." Arrested for Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert E. Lippert, 52, a homeless man.

Robert E. Lippert

The arrest report said on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at about 2:15 a.m., Lippert entered a covered porch attached to a home in the 5600 block of 14th Street West. He knocked on the door with car stereos in his hands. A resident was watching him from inside.

The resident watched as Lippert removed a pack of L&M cigarettes from a table contained within the boundaries of the porch; then Lippert walked away.

Law enforcement was called by the resident. Deputies met the resident in the middle of the trailer park. He said he was looking for the man.

Meanwhile, the owner of the cigarettes, the resident's brother, had been awakened and was standing in his driveway when the resident and the deputy walked back to the residence.

Then Lippert walked toward them, smoking a cigarette, carrying 2 car stereos and drinking a beer.

The resident's brother said he had confronted Lippert and asked for his cigarettes back; Lippert apologized and gave them back, then tried to sell one of the stereos to the man.

The cigarette Lippert was smoking was an L&M. He argued in "drunken ramblings" that he had his own cigarettes, but none were found on him. He then stated that he knocked on the door because he was trying to get oral sex from one of the residents there. He said that a girl named Mariah or Melissa lived there and gives $10 "blow jobs," the report said.

Later, he threatened several times to take on the deputy and "beat his ass."

Lippert was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling.

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

Palmetto Police Arrest Two
For Robbery, Retail Theft

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- Palmetto Police have arrested two people in connection with a retail theft from Beall's Department Store in Palmetto.

Above, Debra Ann Hills Hawks and Johnny Hawks

According to the arrest report from PPD, on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, at about 5:30 p.m., Debra Ann Hills Hawks, 46, of 411 27th Street East, Palmetto, entered Beall's Department Store at 609 10th Street East, Palmetto.

She selected several items of clothing and concealed them under her dress. She concealed other items in her purse, the report said.

She then exited the store without attempting to pay for the merchandise.

A Loss Prevention person attempted to recover the merchandise and was struck by Debra Hills Hawks.

Debra Hills Hawks was arrested and charged with Robbery. She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $10,000.

Her companion, Johnny Hawks, 43, of the same residential address, was also arrested and charged with Petty Theft (Shoplifting). He posted a $120 bail bond and was released from jail.

Copper Wire Stolen From
Peace River Substation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the theft of copper wire from the Peace River Electric Substation at 4706 Wauchula Road, in Myakka.

Sometime between August 14, 2009 and Sept. 14, 2009, an unknown suspect(s) cut through the perimeter fence of the listed unmanned electrical substation.

Once inside, the suspect(s) cut the numerous copper ground wires running from the heavy equipment, totaling about 100' of length.

The stolen wire is valued at about $100.

The facility continued to operate without the ground wires until a repair crew accidentally discovered the crime on Monday.

It took 5 linemen 2 hours to fix the lines.

The power was turned off for approximately 2,500 customers while the repairs were being made.

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.

Third H1N1 Flu Death Confirmed
In Sarasota County

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Health Department has received laboratory confirmation of a third H1N1 (Swine) flu-related death.

The death was in a 27-year-old male.

"While the majority of people who get the flu will fully recover, every death is tragic, and is a sobering reminder that influenza is a serious disease and can be fatal," said William Heymann, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., medical executive director for the Sarasota County Health Department. "Since influenza activity is now widespread in our community, everyone is urged to take these actions daily, especially until there is an H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine available."

~ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow.

~ Wash hands for 20 seconds using soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

~ Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

~ Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

Teen Stalker Sought
After Fleeing Home

MULBERRY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Authorities are searching for a Polk County man who was placed on house arrest after being convicted last year for stalking a 14-year-old, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Manuel Lopez cut off his electronic-monitoring bracelet and fled with his father, Raymond Lopez, according to deputies.

The two were last seen leaving their Mulberry house on Thursday, officials said.

They may be headed to the Nashville area, according to detectives.

Lopez's family said they're concerned about Raymond Lopez, who is 73 years old, WKMG said.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Noreen's Deli Victim of
Multiple Burglaries in
Past Six Months

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary at Noreen's Deli, 616 30th Avenue East, Bradenton, on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at about 2:20 a.m.

Above, Noreen's Deli, 616 30th Avenue East, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

A deputy reported while on routine patrol an alarm was heard going off coming from 30th Avenue East. The deputy drove south on 30th Avenue trying to locate where the alarm was coming from and observed a broken front door at Noreen's Deli. An alarm was called into MSO dispatch at the same time.

Investigation revealed two unknown subjects wearing masks and gloves had entered the place by breaking the front door glass with a rock.

The two subjects then fled behind Noreen's in an unknown direction.

NewsManatee spoke to the owner of the delicatessen/convenience store, who told us the store had been broken into three times in the past 10 days.

In this latest incident, the thieves got 17 books of lottery tickets, 15 cartons of cigarettes and 5-6 packages of Black and Mild cigarillos.

The lottery tickets have since been voided by the Florida Lottery.

The cost to repair the door was estimated at $250.

The owner told NewsManatee the store had been burglarized an additional 4 times in the last six months.

The store has ADT alarm protection and a video surveillance system, which is how it was known that there were two suspects wearing masks and gloves.

The owner said they are now going to install hurricane glass in the front door, hoping to thwart further burglaries.

Man Arrested for Assaulting
Other Man with Pipe

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Randy William Gillenwater, 25, of 2907 4th Street East, Bradenton.

Randy William Gillenwater

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at about 12:30 p.m., Gillenwater and another man got into an argument over the other man calling Gillenwater's girlfriend disrespectful names in front of his children.

The report said this is not the first incident like this.

The other man started to leave when it got heated.

Gillenwater then got an aluminum pipe about 2 feet long and chased the other man down the road, saying he would "kick his ass."

The other man said he ran because he was afraid Gillenwater would hit him with the pipe.

There were no injuries.

The incident was witnessed by another person and both the witness and the victim provided statements.

The pipe was recovered and placed into evidence.

Gillenwater was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault.

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

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Burglary to Pickup Truck

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Benjamin Bryant Smith, 19, of 6124 Barnard Road, Bradenton.

Benjamin Bryant Smith

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at about 3:30 a.m., an unnamed victim who lives in the 2000 block of 22nd Avenue West, Bradenton, heard a noise in his front yard. When he looked out his front window he saw a man, later identified as Smith, in the bed of his pickup truck, breaking into his tool box.

The victim woke up his girlfriend and had her call police and had her flip on the motion lights outside his window.

When the lights came on, he saw a White male with scruffy facial hair in the back of his truck, going through his tool box with another male looking on.

The victim started yelling at the two men and they took off running.

The victim was then standing outside the residence waiting for police to show up when a white car drove by them. The driver was the same man who was going through his tool box, the victim told police.

Smith was stopped a few blocks away from the scene and was positively identified by the victim as the man he had seen going through his tool box.

Smith told police he had dropped a friend off at his house nearby and was heading home and saw the victim standing outside when he drove by them. He said he was never on the victim's property and told police he was being falsely accused of a crime that he didn't commit.

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

He posted a $10,000 bail bond the same day and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Man, Evicted from Residence,
Found Cooking Pizza, Rack
of Ribs at Residence, Busted

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police have arrested Ernest Lee Rosa, 42, a homeless man.

Ernest Lee Rosa

The arrest report from BPD said on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, Rosa was seen walking along the west side of a vacant residence in the 1000 block of 7th Street West. The home is for sale by a real estate company. An agent of the company saw Rosa walking away from the residence as the agent was entering the front door. When the agent entered the residence, he discovered that the oven was warm from use. The agent further discovered an unlocked window at the back of the residence.

The agent told police he had been having trouble with Rosa since he had been evicted and that Rosa had been living there as a squatter ever since.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, Rosa was located and arrested and brought to the police department.

Rosa said he was inside the residence on both days. He said he cooked a pizza on Wednesday and a rack of ribs on Thursday.

Rosa told police he had been evicted from the residence a year ago and didn't have keys, but would purposely leave doors unlocked so he could get inside.

Rosa was charged with two counts of Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a combined bail bond of $1,000.

Elderly Woman Climb Out
Window, Goes Missing

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is actively looking for Marie A. Cutting, 73, of 5620 Lexington Drive, in Parrish.

According to a sheriff's office report, on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, the victim's daughter noticed that Marie had exited her room through the window.

Marie had been upset the night before and had locked herself in her room at about 10:30 p.m. 

The daughter was concerned due to Marie's method of exit and that the week before, after they had taken use of the car from Marie, she had left for the night and had commented upon her return that if she was put in a home she might as well be dead.

Detectives were contacted and arrangements were made to have a detective check at the Greyhound Bus station for her at 6:25 p.m. She had purchased a ticket to North Carolina that departed at that time.

Area zone deputies were also alerted.

A welfare check bolo was issued.

Marie is described as being 5'1" tall, 130 pounds, with short gray hair.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011.

Hispanic Man Robbed at
Gunpoint by Black male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at about 9:20 p.m., in the 1300 block of 57th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

The victim, Ricardo Perez, 25, was walking west on 57th Avenue Drive East when he was approached by a Black male.

The Black male pulled an unknown type black handgun, pointed it at Ricardo and ordered him to empty his pockets.

Ricardo complied and placed $250 cash and a cell phone on the ground.

The robber picked up the items and fled east on 57th Ave. Drive.

A perimeter was set and a K-9 tracked with negative results.

Ricardo was not hurt during the incident.

The robber was described as a Black male, 20-30 years of age, 6' tall, skinny, and was last seen wearing a black shirt, blue shorts and white shoes.

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.

Man Injured During
Strong Arm Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a pedestrian was ambushed by 3 Black males on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at about 9 p.m., in the 5700 block of 5th Street East, Bradenton.

The report said the victim, Isabel Galeana, 46, exited the convenience store at the listed location and began walking south on 5th Street East when he was approached by 3 Black males.

The highwaymen began punching Isabel, knocking him to the ground.

One of the attackers took $20 from Isabel's pocket and a cell phone.

The thieves then fled South on 5th Street East.

The area was checked with negative results.

Isabel suffered a laceration to his chin and inside of his lip. EMS responded and treated the victim on scene.

His attackers were only described as 3 Black males in their 20s wearing dark clothing.

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.

Motorcyclist Critical After
Crash with Pickup Truck

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a motorcyclist is in critical condition following a crash with a pickup truck at Tallevast Road and Commerce Court, on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at about 1 p.m.

The FHP report said Jason Goodwin, 30, of Bradenton, was westbound on Tallevast Road behind a box truck, approaching Commerce Court. He was driving a Kawasaki motorcycle.

A pickup truck driven by Rita Barendse, 47, of Sarasota, was stopped for a stop sign facing south on Commerce Court at the same intersection.

As the box truck made a right turn onto Commerce Court, Goodwin passed the box truck to the left in a properly marked No Passing zone.

The pickup truck was unable to see the motorcycle passing, due to the box truck's size and location and proceeded to turn left to go eastbound on Tallevast Road, traveling into the direct path of the motorcycle.

Goodwin applied his brakes and steered slightly to the right, causing the front of the motorcycle to colide with the left side of the pickup truck.

Goodwin was ejected from his motorcycle, which overturned on its left side.

Goodwin had a helmet on his motorcycle, but was not wearing it at the time of the crash, FHP said.

Goodwin was transported to Bayfront Medical Center in critical condition.

Barendse was not injured in the crash.

Charges are pending, according to the FHP report.

Bradenton Woman, Sarasota
Man Wounded During
Drive-By Shooting

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- On Sunday morning, Sept. 13, 2009, at 3:19 a.m., Sarasota Police officers responded to the corner of Dixie Ave. and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way reference a drive-by shooting.

Upon their arrival, they found two gunshot victims: Reginald Graves, 29, a Black male and Brione Brown, 23, a Black female.

The Sarasota Fire Department treated the victims and they were flown to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment.

Both are listed in serious condition.

Graves lives in the 1100 block of 32nd Street here in Sarasota and Brown lives in Bradenton in the 5600 block of 11th St. Ct. E.

Anyone with information in this case can call CrimeStoppers at 366-TIPS or the Sarasota Police Department 954-7070.

Police: Nurse Found
Shooting Up Drugs

KISSIMMEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a registered nurse anesthetist was charged with stealing prescription drugs after an officer found her with a needle in her arm in a parked car, police said.

According to Kissimmee police, an officer walked up to a car in the parking lot on Fountainhead Circle because the driver looked like she was in pain.

The officer said he discovered Teresa Fowler-Platkin with blood on her and a needle sticking out of her arm.

The officer said Fowler-Platkin told him she took the medication from the Kissimmee Surgical Center.

Police said the officer found tools used to inject medication in the car, as well as bottles labeled as the drugs Propofol, Ketorolac Tomethime, Xylocaine, Tobramycin and Dexamethasone.

Fowler-Platkin was charged with petit theft and possession of prescription drugs without a prescription and taken to the Osceola County Jail on $500 bond, WKMG said.

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