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Man Arrested Sitting Outside
Cop Shop with Private Part
Exposed

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Vijay K. Mattu, 37, of Yonkers, New York.

Vijay K. Mattu

Well, you don't expect to see something like this right outside a cop shop.

But, on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at about 7 p.m., a concerned citizen saw Mattu sitting on a small wall on the side of the Bradenton Police Station, 100 10th Street West, with his penis exposed.

The citizen walked into the cop shop and advised the front desk officer that Mattu was exposing himself.

BPD Sgt. Cramer and Officer Houston were dispatched to the call.

Sgt. Cramer arrived first and saw Mattu's penis exposed, the report said.

As Officer Houston was speaking with Mattu, he could smell alcohol coming from Mattu, he reported. He also observed that Mattu had several scrapes and bruises on his face.

Mattu was told he was under arrest and asked to stand up.

Mattu said, "F _ _ _ you."

At this point, Sgt. Cramer and Officer Houston attempted to grab Mattu's arms. Mattu immediately pulled his arms away. He was directed to the ground, where he was handcuffed.

After being transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital to be medically cleared, Mattu was taken to the Manatee County Jail.

He was charged with Indecent Exposure in Public and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

As of Monday, he remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $1,250.

Woman Arrested for Stabbing
Boyfriend in Back Following
Verbal Altercation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Pamela H. Cavanaugh, 48, of 6518 65th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Pamela Cavanaugh

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, at about 3 p.m., patrol units responded to the above location in reference to a possible stabbing.

It was determined that Cavanaugh and her live-in boyfriend, William Pritchard, were engaged in a verbal argument.

The argument became violent when Cavanaugh allegedly stabbed Pritchard in the lower back with a knife.

Pritchard was driven to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for medical treatment.

Pritchard told the hospital he was injured in his workshop and did not cooperate with law enforcement.

Cavanaugh told deputies she was protecting herself and stabbed Pritchard.

An attempt was made to locate the knife, with negative results.

Units at the hospital took photos of the boyfriend at LWR Medical Center.

Cavanaugh was arrested without incident and transported to the county jail.

She was charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

As of Monday, she remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

UPDATE: Homeless Man Who
Robbed Homeless Man Busted

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Ronald K. Zerr, Jr., 44, a homeless man.

Ronald K. Zerr, Jr.
(Mug shot from Dept. of Corrections)

Zerr was the homeless man who robbed a homeless man on Friday, Dec. 18th. He was arrested on Saturday, Dec. 19th.

As NewsManatee originally reported, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a robbery by sudden snatching on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m., in the 2600 block of Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

The report said James Egan, 59, was sitting at the bus stop resting when he was approached by an old acquaintance. The two were conversing about "the good old days" when Egan noticed the alleged friend was staring at Egan's front pocket, which had his money sticking out.

The would-be friend grabbed Egan's money and took flight.

The area was searched for the thief with no success.

The total amount taken was $160.

Egan was not injured.

Zerr was charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching.

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

Zerr has a list of felonies on his record, according to the Manatee County Court Clerk's website. The last entry showe he was sentenced to prison in 2008 for a full year. He was released in October of 2009. The sentencing charge was Resisting Arrest with Violence, according to the Dept. of Corrections. He was originally arrested for Assault on a Law Enforcment Officer, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and two counts of Resisting Arrest with Violence.

Man Beats Girlfriend, Cops
Use Taser on Him Twice

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Walberto Camacho, 20, of 3420 18th Street East, Bradenton.

Walberto Camacho

The arrest report said Walberto and Chastity Stevens live together at the above address as boyfriend and girlfriend. On Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, at about 6 p.m., they got into a verbal altercation over child care.

Walberto became angry and knocked Chastity to the ground and began to hit her in the face, causing a cut to her lip.

Chastity's grandmother tried to get Walberto off of her and he hit the grandmother.

Chastity was able to get free and called 911.

Dep. Escher and Dep. Brisette responded to the scene. Dep. Escher told Walberto to stand up in order to place him under arrest.

Walberto did not respond to the order and Dep. Escher then took hold of his arm in order to assist him up. Walberto immediately pulled back and Dep. Escher attempted to regain control of him. Walberto pulled backwards, away from Dep. Escher, and they fell to the ground. Dep. Escher had hold of Walberto's arms but he refused to turn over as ordered.

Dep. Escher then used his Taser to drive-stun Walberto on his chest and stomach. Walberto began to roll around and was turned over onto his stomach. He then refused to place his hands behind his back as ordered and he was drive--stunned again on his back. Walberto finally complied and was handcuffed.

He was charged with Battery, Battery on a Person Over 65, Resisting Arrest and an outstanding warrant.

As of Monday, he remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $5,250.

Animal Escapes Deputy's Path;
Mailbox, Cruiser Don't

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a traffic crash between one of its cruisers and a mailbox on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, at about 11:45 p.m.

The report said Dep. Escher was traveling westbound on 37th Avenue in the 1000 block, when an animal ran in front of him.

Dep. Escher swerved to the right to avoid the animal but struck a mailbox that was along the side of the road.

The mailbox was knocked completely off of the post and Dep. Escher’s right side mirror was damaged.

The total value of damages is $250.00.

There were no injuries to Dep. Escher or the animal.

The incident occurred in the 1000 block of 37th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The report did not say what kind of animal it was.

Manatee County Government
Announces Holiday
Openings, Closings

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Government offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25 to celebrate Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

Residents in unincorporated Manatee will not have trash pickup on Dec. 25 or Jan 1. Makeup collections for solid waste and recycling will be the day following each holiday, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

Manatee County Area Transit will suspend fixed route and Handy Buses services at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and will resume service Dec. 26. Fixed routes and Handy Buses will also be suspended on Jan. 1 and will resume Jan. 2.

The Anna Maria Island Trolley and the Beach Express will operate during both holidays, but the Longboat Key Trolley will not operate on Christmas day. MCAT buses will resume full service on Dec. 26.

Manatee County parks will be open to the public but the facilities such as pools, the gym and activity center at G.T. Bray Park will be closed Dec. 24 - 25 and Jan. 1. The Racquet Center at G.T. Bray will be closed but the hard courts will be open for free use during daylight hours through the holidays. G.T. Bray Skate Park will remain open during normal hours through the holiday and weekend.

Manatee County’s publicly owned natural preserves will remain open throughout the holidays.

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501.

Bradenton Man Arrested for
Burglary to Sarasota Library

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Erik William Griffin, 27, of the mobile home park located at 5120 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Erik William Griffin

The arrest report from SSO said on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at about 9 p.m., deputies responded to an alarm call at the Fruitville Public Library, 100 Coburn Road, Sarasota, and set up a perimeter.

While preparing to enter and search the building, Griffin climbed over a wall from the reading garden and was apprehended without incident.

Griffin had a book in hand and it was further discovered that Griffin had used a homemade tool to break a glass door pane and enter the library.

Twelve books were recovered from Griffin and all were positively identified as library property.

Erik Griffin was charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools and Criminal Mischief for damages done to the books.

He remains in the Sarasota County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $11,750.

Anyone with additional information can contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 941-861-1719 or Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS (8477) or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Car Fire Spreads To Home;
5 Escape, Presents Destroyed

SANFORD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Five people, including three children, were able to escape a Seminole County home early Monday morning after a car somehow caught fire and the flames spread to a carport before damaging the house, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

The fire broke out before 2 a.m. at a house on Princeton Avenue near East 25th Street in Sanford.

The homeowner, his fiancée, Sheran McClure, and her three children were not injured in the fire. The children are 9 months old, 9 years old and 10 years old, McClure said.

The family's Christmas tree and all of their presents were lost in the blaze, and the Red Cross has been called to assist the family.

It's not yet known how the car caught fire, WKMG said.

The report did not identify the make or model of the car.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

VCTF Detectives Bust Man, 21;
Robbed Two Teens at Gunpoint
Who Were Seeking Illegal Narcotics

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Task Force had their hands full on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 19, 2009, when they responded to an armed robbery call and wound up wrestling with the perpetrator, Alexander Decos, 21, of 7887 Lockwood Ridge Road, Bradenton.

Alexander Decos

According to a report from Sgt. Robert Andrews, at about 3 p.m. on Saturday two young men, named in the report only as Kenneth, 17, and Christopher, 18, went to a Summer Cove apartment at the above address to meet Alexander Decos to purchase narcotics from him.

They approached the door to the apartment and Alexander opened the door. He pointed a black gun at Christopher’s head and demanded that they give him their money.

The two boys gave Alexander $825 and their cell phones. Alexander then told both of them that he doesn’t live there and that he would shoot them. Alexander then closed the door.

Kenneth ran to the office and called 911.

Arriving Violent Crimes Task Force Deputies were initially told that the suspect was still inside the apartment with the lawful resident, who was an elderly female. It was decided to make entry to the apartment in order to prevent injury to the resident, due to the violent crime that had just occurred.

Entry was made with a key that the assistant property manager provided immediately. The apartment was cleared with no one in it. It was re-secured pending a search warrant by VCTF.

A canvass was conducted with the surrounding apartments. Sharon; a neighbor, stated that a small white hatch back car frequently visits Alexander. She also stated that the vehicle comes by the apartment several times a day.

Det. Waldron, Dep. Drymon, Dep. Buird, and Sgt. Andrews remained on scene while Det. Hemmer was preparing the photo lineup, when a small white hatch back vehicle drove up to the apartment. The vehicle continued past the on-scene deputies slowly and the occupants looked at the deputies suspiciously. The vehicle parked around the corner from the deputies.

Deputies Drymon and Buird walked towards the vehicle to initiate a consensual encounter. As they walked up on the vehicle, a man, later identified as Decos, exited the vehicle and was hesitant to identify himself. The driver, Erek Lopez, 19, stated that Decos had called him and asked to be picked up from the dog track on Desoto Road. As they pulled in front of the apartment, Decos told him to pull around the corner and park. Decos then asked Erek to place the two stolen cell phones in the center console of the vehicle.

Erek signed a multi-waiver for consent to search his vehicle. Both victims’ cell phones were found in the center console of the vehicle. Decos' behavior became erratic and he was identified as the robbery suspect. He was handcuffed and, while he was walked over to Dep. Drymon’s vehicle, he began to yell and shout statements to his neighbors.

Decos was told to sit inside Dep. Drymon’s vehicl, but he continued to yell and shout and turned toward Det. Waldron aggressively, who "redirected" Decos into the seat of the vehicle.

Once inside the vehicle, Decos began to kick the car door with his head and feet. He was given several warnings to stop, but he continued.

Det. Waldron opened the vehicle door and Decos began to kick at him. Det. Waldron then used his Taser to drive-stun Decos on his leg, buttocks, and right hand, due to Decos moving about violently. Decos was shackled and a riata was used to further subdue him. The transport van was called to transport him to the jail due to his behavior.

After Decos exited Dep. Drymon’s vehicle to be placed in the transport van, two small blue pills were found on the seat, which weren’t there before Decos got in the car. The pills were identified as Xanax, for which Decos does not have a prescription. Photographs were taken of the signature marks.

The victims, Christopher and Kenneth, were not injured and Kenneth’s mother was contacted because he is a minor.

Det. Waldron maintained security of the apartment until Det. Hemmer arrived with a search warrant.

Det. Waldron later told NewsManatee, "We executed a search warrant a few hours later and recovered a trafficking amount of controlled substances (Oxycodone and Roxycodone pills)." Det. Waldron did not state the number of pills seized.

Decos was charged with Armed Robbery, Possession of Controlled Substances, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

As of Sunday, Decos remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $18,250.

Woman Arrested for Slugging
Boy, 3, Spitting on Woman,
Causing Women to Fight

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has charged Tearra Taylor, 19, of 1816 38th Avenue East, Bradenton, with Child Abuse and Battery.

Tearra Taylor

The arrest report said on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, at about 4:45 p.m., Jaquesha Artis and her 3-year-old son were walking in the 3200 block of 15th Street East. As they were walking, they saw Tearra exit the nearby BP store.

For some unknown reason, Tearra ran up to Artis and started yelling at her. Tearra was acting in an aggressive manor to Artis, yelling, cussing and holding her arms in an aggressive manor, the report said.

Tearra then intentionally spit on Artis 3 times. A physical fight then ensued between Tearra and Artis until Quinshay Reed broke up the fight. The reporting deputy noted that Tearra and Quinshay have been in an ongoing feud over the past few months.

At that point, Tearra's mother showed up to pick Tearra up. Artis was on one side of the vehicle with her son and Tearra was on the other side. Tearra then walked around the car and intentionally hit the boy on the head, causing him to fall down.

Tearra then got into her mother's vehicle and fled the scene to her home. When Tearra got home, she called 911 to report the incident.

Artis and Quinshay took the boy back to their home, where they called 911. EMS responded and advised Artis to take the boy to the hospital to treat a head injury.

A deputy responded to Tearra's home and Tearra made several statements inconsistent with the incident.

At that point, it was determined that Artis acted in self defense and that Tearra was the aggressor.

There were no injuries visible on Tearra.

She was arrested and charged with Child Abuse and Simple Battery.

She was released on Dec. 17th after a bail bond of $1,750 was paid.

Two Men Arrested for
Stealing Copper

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Peter Laroach, 34, and James Thorne, Jr., 29, both of 5025 26th Street West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, James Thorne, Jr. and Peter Laroach

According to the arrest reports, on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, at about noon, a witness saw Thorne and Laroach taking copper valued at about $500 from the porch of the victim, Humberto Lopez-Anaya, of the same address, but a different apartment unit. The copper was in a black garbage can.

Thorne and Laroach carried the garbage can containing the copper to Laroach's vehicle and placed the copper in the trunk.

They then returned the garbage can to the porch of the victim and fled the area in the vehicle.

On Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at about 11:30 p.m., both Laroach and Thorne were arrested and charged with Burglary.

They were released from the Manatee County Jail on their own recognizance, supervised, in lieu of $10,000 bail bonds each and given a court date.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man for
Striking Man with Cement Brick

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Bryan Roberts, 49, of 1404 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Bryan Roberts

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at about 4:30 a.m., Roberts used part of a concrete brick to strike the unnamed victim on his face, groin and hand. Roberts also had the victim in a choke hold, which caused the victim to pass out, the report said.

The victim told police Roberts twice threatened to kill him on some future date.

Roberts was located in the 100 block of 9th Street West, at about 11:30 a.m. that same day and arrested.

He was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. He also had an active warrant out of Sarasota County, according to the report.

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

Three Arrested Following
West Manatee Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jose Angel Torres, 23, Juan G. Hernandez, 18, and Cindy Pineda, 18, for a burglary that was committed on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at about 1:30 p.m., in the 3500 block of 37th Street West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Jose Torres, Juan Hernandez and Cindy Pineda

A sheriff's report said the three were seen taking items from the above location and placing them into the trunk of a black Caprice. A witness confronted them when they fled the scene but not before the witness wrote the license tag number down.

COPS Deputy Hurd responded to the vehicle's registered owner's address and made contact. The registered owner told Deputy Hurd that his brother-in-law, Juan Hernandez, may be driving the vehicle and provided an address in Samoset.

Deputy Hurd drove to the address and located the suspect vehicle. Hernandez was located at the residence and detained for further investigation.

Torres was located and confessed to the crime.

A show up was conducted with the witness who identified both male suspects and the vehicle used.

Pineda was located several hours later and confessed to the burglary. Pineda refused to tell deputies where the remaining stolen property was at.

All three were arrested and charged with Burglary.

Torres and Pineda remain in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $5,000. Hernandez posted his bail of $5,000 and was released.

Bradenton Man Arrested in
Holmes Beach for Loitering

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Frank J. Huxley, Jr., 20, of 210 22nd Avenue West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, K-9 Dep. "Leo" and Frank J. Huxley, Jr.

The arrest report said on Friday, Dec. 28, 2009, at about 11:30 p.m., Deputy A. Judy was patrolling on White Ave. and was in the 100 block when he saw Huxley by an abandoned house.

Dep. Judy shined his spotlight on Huxley and Huxley fled behind the houses. Dep. Judy gave chase and was able to locate Huxley again.

Dep. Judy identified himself as a law enforcement officer and commanded Huxley to stop. Huxley did not stop and took off again.

K-9 Dep. Thames and his K-9 "Leo" tracked and Huxley was located hiding underneath some shrubs at 508 White Ave. Huxley was bitten on the right arm and buttocks by K-9 Dep. "Leo."

Huxley resisted while being taken into custody and Dep. Judy drive-stunned Huxley with his Taser in the middle of the back to gain compliance.

Four other individuals were located in the area and stopped when confronted by police. They admitted they were all drinking alcohol with Huxley.

Huxley said that he ran because he has had prior negative encounters with law enforcement.

Huxley was arrested and transported to the Lakewood Ranch Hospital Emergency Room.

Photos were taken of the dog bites, which were minor, and there were no injuries from the Taser.

Huxley was charged with Loitering and Prowling and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $870.

Palmetto PD Seeks Information
About Identity of Man Killed in
Traffic Accident

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- On Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, just after 9:00 p.m., a pedestrian was struck and killed by a car in Palmetto. The crash occurred at the north end of the Green Bridge, in the southbound lane.

Palmetto Police investigators believe that the man was walking from the area of the Green Bridge Bait Shop, trying to cross 8th Avenue West.

The man apparently stepped in front of a vehicle that was southbound in the outside lane. The man died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle that struck and killed the man, Walter Bodwin, 29, of Bradenton, was unhurt.

The pedestrian had no identification and seemed to be alone when the crash occurred. Investigators are still trying to identify him and are asking for the public's assistance.

He is described as a Hispanic male, about 5’ 06 “ tall, 140 pounds, with close cut black hair and a goatee. He appeared to be between 18 and 30 years old. He had a tattoo on his lower left forearm consisting of a heart, along with the initials “LH” and the number “08.” He was wearing jeans, a multi-colored flannel shirt, a black jacket, and newer-looking white FILA tennis shoes (size 9). The pedestrian had house keys in his pocket with a red plastic tab, imprinted with the number “3” in black. He also had a black and silver Element brand I-pod.

The crash is still under investigation. Persons who may have witnessed the crash or that have information about the identity of the pedestrian are urged to contact Officer Joseph Rogers at the Palmetto Police Department, (941) 723-4587, x 365.

Man Beaten, Robbed by Three
Black Males for $3

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Javier Torres, 19, of the 600 block of 61st Avenue Terrace East, Bradenton, was beaten and robbed by three Black males on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at about 3:30 p.m. in the 6100 block of 5th Street East, Bradenton.

The report said Torres was walking southbound along 5th Street East when three Black males approached him from the west off of 61st Street East.

The Black males told Torres to give them all of his money and Torres stated he did not have any.

One of the suspects hit Torres from behind and Torres tried fighting back. Eventually the suspects overpowered Torres and knocked him to the ground, where they continued to beat him.

The suspects took Torres' wallet from his right front jacket pocket, stole the $3.00 out of it and fled the scene.

The suspects could not be located.

The robbers were described as: Suspect #1: Black male, approximately 5'09" tall, short hair, wearing all black; suspect #2: Black male, approximately 6'00" tall, short hair, wearing all black; and suspect #3: Black male, approximately 5'09", shoulder length dreads, wearing all black and riding a bicycle.

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 Men Leaving Bar Were
Ambushed by Two White Males

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at about 1 a.m., outside a bar located at 5106 14th Street West, Bradenton.

The report said Thomas Cristillo, 31, of Sarasota and John Dararo, 35, of Bradenton, were leaving the bar when they were jumped from behind by two unknown White males.

The assailants took the victims' wallets and fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Neither victim was seriously injured.

Information was limited due to both victims being highly intoxicated.

The Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) responded along with patrol units and assisted with the investigation.

The assailants were not located.

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.

Homeless Man Robs Other
Homeless Man at Bus Stop

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a robbery by sudden snatching on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at about 4:30 p.m., in the 2600 block of Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

The report said James Egan, 59, was sitting at the bus stop resting when he was approached by an old acquaintance. The two were conversing about "the good old days" when Egan noticed the alleged friend was staring at Egan's front pocket, which had his money sticking out.

The would-be friend grabbed Egan's money and took flight.

The area was searched for the thief with no success.

The total amount taken was $160.

Egan was not injured.

The thief was only described as a White male.

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.

Armed Robbery at Oakwood
Estates in Palmetto

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery in Palmetto at the Oakwood Estates apartment complex, 900 21st Street East, on Friday, Dec. 17, 2009, at about 7:30 p.m.

The report said Salvador Ventura and Hugo Masariego were standing outside their residence when two young Black males charged them with guns pointed.

Suspect 1 pushed the barrel of his pistol into Ventura's chest as he searched him. Suspect 1 took Ventura's wallet, which contained $50 and some personal identification.

Suspect 2 held Masariego at gunpoint and searched him. Masariego didn't have anything to steal.

After searching the victims, both suspects fled the scene on foot. They ran out the front gate, and then west on 21st Street.

There were no injuries or shots fired.

The victims waited about 15 minutes to call the property manager, Teresa Gonzalez, who called 911.

Patrol, K-9, and the helicopter responded to set a perimeter and search the area. The suspects were not found. VCTF also responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

The robbers were described as: 1) Black male, 5'07" tall, thin build, long hair, red shirt, dark jean shorts, black bandana or headband, 15-20 years old, armed with a pistol; and 2) Black male, 15-20 years old, 5'06" tall, black shirt, armed with a pistol, unknown further.

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.

Burglars Hit Four Businesses
in Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH, FLORIDA [NMT/The Islander] -- The Anna Maria Islander reported thieves hit four businesses overnight Dec. 18 in the Holmes Beach business district by entering through back doors, a roof vent, and breaking out a glass door at one store.

Mister Roberts Resortwear, the Color of Coconut, AMI Fitness and Tide and Moon jewelry store were victims of Friday night’s break-ins.

Holmes Beach Police called in the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to collect evidence and assist in the investigation.

The Islander is encouraging merchants on Anna Maria Island to check their security systems, double check locks, install dead bolts on doors if possible, and take precautions to avoid being victims.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call HBPD, 941-708-5804, 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: NewsManatee is a news partner of The Anna Maria Islander newspaper; we frequently share reports.]

Deputies: Woman Gave Mom
'Pot Cookie' -- Mom Got Sick

PAISLEY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a woman has been charged with elderly abuse after she gave her mother a cookie baked with marijuana.

Karen Spencer

Karen Spencer's son told deputies he saw his mom give his grandmother a marijuana cookie without telling his grandmother what was in it.

The son's girlfriend also told deputies she saw Spencer give the victim a cookie. The girlfriend said Spencer, 43, told the victim the cookie would help her feel better. She said after the victim ate the cookie, Spencer told her it was a "pot cookie."

Both witnesses said the victim began having heart problems, possibly palpitations, within minutes after eating the cookie.

Spencer told deputies she only gave her mother a small portion of the cookie and did not mean to make her sick.

Deputies said Spencer destroyed the remaining marijuana cookies before they arrived.

The victim was taken to the hospital and Spencer was booked into the Lake County Jail on Food Tampering and Elderly Abuse charges.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 12/26/2009 2:00:03 PM

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