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Woman Arrested for Assaulting
Man with Knife; She Said He
Lied Because She Denied Sex

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Vanessa Beaubien, 24, of 6050 34th Street West, Bradenton.

Vanessa Beaubien

The arrest report said on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at about 12:45 a.m., Vanessa was walking down a street in Southernaire Mobile Home Park, located at 5600 14th Street West.

She was yelling and holding a large butcher knife, the report said.

At the same time, Thomas Fabrian was sitting in his driveway. Thomas told Vanessa to get out of the park from his front porch.

Vanessa then allegedly came onto Thomas' property with the knife still in her hand and said to Thomas, "[Expletive deleted] you, I'll stab you in your chest."

Thomas was in fear for his life and went inside to call 911.

When deputies arrived on scene, they found Vanessa in front of another mobile home.

Thomas positively identified Vanessa and she was arrested.

Post-Miranda, Vanessa told a deputy she never had a knife and Thomas was lying because she wouldn't have sex with him.

Vanessa was charged with Aggravated Assault.

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

Man 'Looking for Dog'
Arrested for Burglary

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Patrick Boyer, 30, of 2101 20th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Patrick Boyer

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at about 2 a.m., a witness observed Boyer in the back yard of a residence in the 1900 block of 18th Street West, Bradenton, and called police.

When police arrived, they quickly surrounded the residence and watched.

A sheriff's helicopter arrived to assist and spotted Boyer in the back yard of a neighboring residence.

At that time, Bradenton Police Officers began to close in.

The helicopter followed Boyer as he eventually exited back yards onto 20th Avenue West, in the 1900 block.

The officers saw Boyer drop something shiny into the grass, which made a metal-on-metal clinking sound.

Boyer was detained and put in the back of a patrol car.

He said, "I didn't know going through back yards was a crime." Then he said he was looking for his dog.

An officer found the dropped objects in the grass; they were a screwdriver and a pliers.

Another officer went to Boyer's mother's residence and she said she hadn't seen her son all night and the dog had been home all night, the report said.

After that, Boyer did not any further statements to police.

He was arrested and charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, 3 counts of Loitering and Prowling and Violation of Probation.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,900 bail bond.

Bradenton Officer Comes
Face-to-Face with Burglar

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Joe Shaw, 36, of 1831 13th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Joe Emmitt Shaw

According to the arrest report from BPD, on March 31, 2010, at about 6 a.m., Officer Seymour was dispatched to a residence in the 1500 block of 18th Street East, in reference to an alarm call.

Upon his arrival with other officers, he found an open door on the side of the residence.

Officer Seymour said he heard a noise inside the residence and he entered it.

He came face-to-face with a Black male who he did not know. The Black male fled the scene with Officer Seymour in pursuit, but he lost the intruder.

He was later identified as Joe Shaw, who was arrested for an open container violation.

When Officer Seymour was shown a photo of Shaw, he positively identified him as the man he had come face-to-face with.

On Wednesday, April 7, 2010, Shaw was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Structure, in addition to the Open Container Violation.

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

Jailed Man Arrested for
Burglary...Again

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Jeremy Lewis, 27, currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail on similar charges.

Jeremy R. Lewis

According to details in the arrest report, on January 11, 2010, at an unknown time, Lewis entered a vehicle in the 1700 block of 6th Avenue West, Bradenton, and removed some vehicle keys and some change.

In an earlier report on Lewis, when Det. Ramdath arrested him on burglary charges, Lewis had admitted to several vehicle burglaries.

The original arrest report said on March 6, 2010, sometime between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m., Lewis entered the victim's vehicle in the 2800 block of 7th Avenue West and stole a Magellan GPS, Diablo programmer and a cell phone adapter.

Detectives located the GPS at Cash America Pawn on March 6, 2010, where Lewis had received $50 for the item.

Lewis was arrested on Friday, April 2, 2010.

Post-Miranda, Lewis told Det. Ramdath, of the Bradenton Police Dept., that he had committed numerous burglaries to conveyances to support his drug habit.

He would walk around and check the doors of vehicles and if they were unlocked, he would enter them and remove items he believed were of value.

Lewis admitted to taking the GPS and the other items.

Lewis was charged with Burglary to a Conveyance and Dealing in Stolen Property.

Lewis has now been charged with this additional burglary.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail, charged with 4 counts of Burglary and multiple counts of Possessing/Dealing in Stolen Property.

His bail bond is currently set at $24,000.

More charges may follow.

Known Burglar Tripped Up
By Fingerprints at Scene

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kenneth B. Dotson, 26, of 5504 12th Street East, Bradenton. Dotson is currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail.

Kenneth B. Dotson

The arrest report said on March 3, 2010, a woman reported that her residence had been burglarized between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The responding deputy processed the crime scene and was able to lift several fingerprints.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Fingerprint Unit was able to match the prints to Dotson.

Det. Gary Renninger went to the Manatee County Jail and confronted Dotson with the fingerprint evidence.

He had no answer as to why his prints were at the crime scene.

Dotson, already in jail for Burglary to a Conveyance and Resisting Arrest, was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $20,750.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Purse Snatch Shortly After

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Freddie L. Saffor, 30, of Bradenton.

Freddie L. Saffor

A press release from Deputy Chief J.J. Lewis said on Thursday, April 8, 2010, Bradenton Police officers responded to the RaceTrac gas station/convenience store, 111 12th Avenue East, regarding a report of a purse snatching.

Investigation revealed that the female victim was approached in the parking lot by the suspect, later identified as Freddie L. Saffor.

Saffor asked the victim if she “had any cash.”

As the victim gave Saffor a dollar, he grabbed her handbag, stealing it as he ran from the business parking lot.

Officers located Saffor after he unlawfully entered a house in the 600 block of 11th Avenue East.

The victim was not injured during the crime.

Saffor was taken to the Manatee County Jail charged with Robbery and Trespass.

As of Thursday evening, Saffor was being held without bond.

Armed Home Invasion Reported
in South Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at about 9:45 a.m., in the 300 block of Scott Avenue, in South Manatee County.

A sheriff's report said the homeowner, Raymond Kow, called 911 reporting a home invasion.

Two Black males entered his residence and demanded Kow's wallet.

Kow received minor injuries from the incident.

The suspects fled in a white 4 door vehicle.

They were described as two Black males, both in their early 20s. One was 6'2" tall, skinny, and was armed with a black pistol. The other was only described additionally as being 5'10" tall and weighing about 185 pounds.

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.

Manatee Deputy's Cruiser
Disabled by Possum

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- As NewsManatee earlier reported, first there were flying pigs, then there were flying deer, now there are flying possums, it seems.

A Manatee County Sheriff's Office report said on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at about 1:30 a.m., Deputy Gerrod Huff was traveling north on US 41 in Palmetto near Bayshore Rd. when a possum entered the roadway.

Deputy Huff heard a thump.

There was no noticeable or abrupt change in his speed, nor any collision that would cause injury to Huff.

After further travel on US41 near Moccasin Wallow Road, he smelled gasoline and pulled over.

His vehicle would not restart.

A sizable amount of fuel had leaked from the vehicle.

North River Fire Department responded to assess the fuel leak.

The vehicle's fuel line had been punctured as the possum had struck the undercarriage.

Mark Your Calendars: Historic
Wares Creek Group Seeks
Clean-Up Volunteers

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Historic Wares Creek needs your help to clean up along Wares Creek from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 17th.

By helping them clean up the shore you will be helping keep Manatee County's communities beautiful.

Volunteers are to report for sign-in at The Bradenton Woman's Club, 1705 Manatee Avenue West, at the corner of Virginia Drive, along the creek.

Gloves, sunscreen and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

They will provide trash bags and water.

Questions may be addressed to Bobbie Goss at BradentonBirdie@gmail.com, or by calling her at (941) 685-3338.

Tavares Mayor's Wife Charged
With DUI; Booze, Pills
Found in Car

TAVARES, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Tavares police said they found the mayor's wife passed out in her car in a hospital parking lot, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Police said Sharon Wolfe, wife of Mayor Robert Wolfe, was driving drunk when she hit a speed limit sign on Orange Avenue before passing out in the parking lot Sunday night.

Wolfe had difficulty walking a line during her field sobriety test, so she was arrested, police said.

Officers said they found Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream and prescription drugs in her car during a search.

According to the arrest affidavit, Wolfe told the officers she had used Adderal and Ambien and was using the Kahlua to flavor her coffee.

Wolfe was taken to jail and charged with Driving Under the Influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

She has since bonded out, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Bradenton Police Arrest Pair
for Breast-Fondling Incident
in Presence of Minor

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Demetrio Vasquez-Gonzales, 27, of unknown address, and Patricia Mangrum, 34, of 1214 43rd Street West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Demetrio Vasquez-Gonzales and Patricia Mangrum

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at about 3 p.m., officers received a call that a woman was walking on a public roadway with her breasts exposed in the presence of children.

Upon arrival of an officer, he made contact with the witness who said that the woman was walking in the roadway with her breasts exposed.

The witness indicated that the woman walked up to a Hispanic man who grabbed her breasts and began groping them in a sexual manner.

The witness said that she was offended by the actions of the pair, because it occurred in the presence of her juvenile niece.

The witness pointed to a Hispanic man who was standing in front of a residence on 13th Street West.

The officer made contact with the Hispanic man, identified as Demetrio. He appeared highly intoxicated. He refused to provide a name to the officer.

He said in Spanish, "Why do they care that I touched her?"

The officer located the woman walking southbound on 12th Street West. She was identified as Mangrum.

When the officer approached her, she was holding an open bottle of gin.

She appeared inebriated; she was unable to maintain her balance, her speech was slurred and she was unable to maintain a coherent conversation.

The witness positively identified both suspects.

Demetrio was arrested and charged with Lewd & Lascivious Conduct and Resisting Arrest without Violence. He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,750 bail bond.

Mangrum was arrested and charged with Indecent Exposure and Open Container Violation. She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $620 bail bond.

Jail Inmate Arrested for
Beating Up Cell Mate
Over Snoring

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Matthew Jacobs, 25, currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail.

Matthew Jacobs

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, April 4, 2010, at about 6:30 a.m., Jacobs and his cell mate, Christopher Hauge, 45, had a verbal argument the night before about Hauge snoring and keeping Jacobs awake.

The next day after breakfast, Jacobs and Hauge returned to their cell and laid back in their bunks and the argument ensued again, with Jacobs telling Hauge to stop his snoring.

Hauge was sitting in his bunk when Jacobs jumped off his top bunk and challenged Hauge to a fight.

Hauge told Jacobs to chill out and lay back down, the report said.

Hauge turned over on his right side to lay back down.

The next thing Hauge knew, he awoke to find nurses working on him.

Hauge was bleeding excessively from where he struck his head on the concrete wall. He does not remember if Jacobs punched him or kicked him.

Hauge was seen by EMS personnel and transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries. He received 34 stitches to his head.

Jacobs was charged with Aggravated Battery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Man Arrested for Battering
Pregnant Girlfriend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Berthony Sanjerlus, 25, of the 1100 block of 61st Avenue East, Bradenton.

Berthony Sanjerlus

According to the arrest report, Berthony and Susie Ahmed have been living together for the past four months.

On Monday, April 5, 2010, Berthony and Susie got into a physical altercation.

Berthony battered Susie aggressively, hitting her in the stomach and back with a closed fist. He also pulled her hair and choked her around the neck, the report said.

Susie sustained a scratch on the left side of her abdomen area.

She told deputies Berthony has a history of battering her.

Berthony was arrested and charged with Domestic Aggravated Battery.

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

Hocus Pocus, You're Under Arrest;
Man Arrested for Retail Theft

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Bryan Joseph Hart, 29, of 4189 78th Street North, St. Petersburg.

Bryan Joseph Hart

The arrest report said on Monday, April 5, 2010, at about 10 p.m., Hart entered the Walmart store located at 2911 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton.

Once inside the store, Hart proceeded to steal 3 sets of "Magic Gathering Cards."

He then attempted to exit the store with the unpaid merchandise, later valued at $86.

Loss Prevention Officers saw the incident on closed circuit TV and notified law enforcement.

Hart was detained at the purchase point as he attempted to exit the store. Loss Prevention Officers had to physically fight with Hart during the apprehension after they identified themselves.

Hart tried to weasel out of it by telling the cops that he purchased the items, but he eventually confessed spontaneously, the report said.

Hart was arrested and charged with Retail Theft and Resisting a Retail Merchant.

Hart posted a $620 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

[Ed. Note: Magic, The Gathering (colloquially "Magic" or "MTG"), is a collectible card game created by mathematics professor Richard Garfield and introduced in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. Magic is the first example of the modern collectible card game genre and still thrives today, with an estimated six million players in over seventy countries. Each game represents a battle between powerful wizards, known as "planeswalkers," who use the magical spells, items, and fantastic creatures depicted on individual Magic cards to defeat their opponents.]

Shots Fired in Palmetto;
No Injuries Reported

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is searching for 2 Black males who fired shots Wednesday morning, April 7, 2010, at about 5 a.m., in the 200 block of 20th Street East, Palmetto.

A sheriff's report said deputies were dispatched to the above location in reference to shots fired.

Upon the arrival of deputies in the area they learned the victim, a 50-year-old woman, was outside under the front overhang smoking cigarettes.

The listed suspects walked up into the driveway area, possibly from the east side of the residence.

The suspects said "What's up, don't move" and the woman and two others ran away. All three then heard 3-4 shots fired. The suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Deputies responded to the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. Deputies searched the area for casings and projectiles with negative results. No other calls were received about shots being heard in the area.

Nobody was injured during the incident.

The suspects were described as 2 Black males, with their faces covered, dressed in all black, armed with small firearms, 18-21 years old.

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.

BPD Officer of the Month
Awarded to MPO Cerniglia

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Master Patrol Officer Anthony Cerniglia has been selected to receive the Officer of the Month award for April 2010.

BPD MPO Anthony Cerniglia

Master Patrol Officer Cerniglia was nominated by Lieutenant Darrell Akemon, Lieutenant Nancy Castellow, Lieutenant William Fowler and Lieutenant Keith Davis for the following actions. He was also nominated by Sergeant Josh Cramer for his outstanding work as a Field Training Officer.

On February 19, 2010, MPO Cerniglia observed a subject with a hooded sweatshirt sitting on a bicycle in the 1800 block of 30th St W. This appeared to be suspicious and he, along with another officer, approached the subject to investigate. The subject told you he was waiting on a friend and during this interview a second subject appeared from the rear of a neighboring home on a bicycle. This second subject took flight but was later apprehended and admitted to committing a burglary and was attempting to steal the bicycle. It was also discovered that both of these two subjects were together while participating in a burglary.

Master Patrol Officer Anthony Cerniglia has been serving with the Bradenton Police Department since 1998. He is currently assigned to Patrol Operations.

2009 Annual Crime Report
Shows Decrease in 2008

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has released the 2009 Annual Crime in Florida report.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reported a decrease of nearly 12 percent in Part One Crimes (Murder, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny and Auto Theft) from 2008 to 2009.

Part One crimes for all of Manatee County, including the cities of Bradenton, Palmetto, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key and Anna Maria, decreased by nearly 10 percent from 2008 to 2009. The crime rate for Manatee County, which takes into account the population, is at its lowest rate in the last 20 years.

Sheriff Steube attributes the decrease in crime to several initiatives, including a new districting concept which divides the county into three districts, saturation patrols in high crime areas based on crime trends, aggressive enforcement against gang activity, and the continued hard work and professionalism displayed by the employees of the Sheriff’s Office.

Sarasota Police Search for
Wanted Suspect

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota Police are currently searching for Lawrence Edward Williams, 54, the driver of a vehicle which struck and injured a man with whom he had an argument.

Lawrence Edward Williams

At approximately 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, Sarasota Police Officers responded to a call of a vehicle crash with injuries which occurred at the Star Mini-Mart, 2950 N. Washington Blvd. Officers observed Wheelock Minns, 46, lying injured in the dirt construction area just west of the Mini-Mart parking lot. Minns was transported by Bayflite medical helicopter, with serious injuries to Bayfront Hospital where he remains.

Witnesses told police detectives that Minns had been involved in a verbal altercation with the driver of a maroon Ford pick-up truck just prior to being struck by the vehicle. Witnesses identified Lawrence Edward Williams, as being the driver of the vehicle that struck Minns.

Officers have obtained an arrest warrant for Lawrence Williams, on a charge of Aggravated Battery with a Motor Vehicle. Officers are attempting to locate Lawrence Williams and the vehicle involved in this crime. The vehicle is a maroon 1986 Ford pick-up truck, bearing Florida tag 367 LIL.

Anyone with information about this crime, the whereabouts of Williams or the vehicle, is asked to contact Detective Tom Laughlin at (941) 364-7309.

North Port Mom Pleads Guilty
to Distributing Oxycodone to
Son, 15 Years Old, who Died

TAMPA, Florida [NMT/USAG] -- On Wednesday, April 7, 2010, United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announce that Linda Kay Courtright (age 36, of North Port) pleaded guilty Wednesday to distributing oxycodone, the use of which resulted in the death of Nicholas Block (age 15). Courtright faces a minimum mandatory term of 20 years in federal prison and up to life.

Linda Kay Courtright

According to the plea agreement, the North Port Police Department (NPPD) and emergency services crews responded to a hotel room at the Budget Inn Motel (14000 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port) occupied by Linda Courtright, her husband, Billy Jack Courtright, Linda Courtright’s 15-year-old son, Nicholas Block, and the Courtrights’ three other children, ages 10, 9, and 7. NPPD detectives found Nicholas dead on one of the hotel beds.

After an autopsy, the medical examiner determined that Nicholas's cause of death was due to intoxication from oxycodone. An NPPD investigation determined that, the night before Nicholas Block died, Billy Jack Courtright and Linda Courtright had provided Nicholas Block with the oxycodone that he had used and that had resulted in his death.

Billy Jack Courtright has a change of plea hearing scheduled for April 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Port Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew H. Perry and Susan Rothstein-Youakim.

Charlotte Sheriff Seeks Man
Who Battered Woman in
Her Home, then Fled

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives are looking for a man found by the homeowner inside her home when she returned on Oakland Hills Place in Rotonda West Tuesday afternoon, April 6, 2010, at 2 p.m.

Detectives said the man battered the woman and then fled the home; she was treated but not hospitalized.

The suspect is described as tall, heavy set, wearing a bright green T-shirt, and blue jeans. He is bald with a brown beard and was wearing garden gloves. A CCSO K-9 Unit was called but lost the track by the 17th hole at the Oakland Hills Country Club by the house. CCSO Aviation helicopter was also called but did not locate the suspect.

Detectives are asking the public for any information they may have about the suspect, or may have witnessed suspicious activity in the neighborhood, to please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101, or Charlotte County Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

The investigation continues.

Cops Capture Man Wanted for
Shooting at Florida Troopers

BROOKSVILLE, Florida [NMT] -- Early Wednesday morning, April 7, 2010, U.S. Marshalls, Connecticut State Police and local law enforcement officers arrested the man accused of shooting at Florida State Troopers on March 25. Officials in Winchester, Connecticut, took Brody James Whitaker, 37, into custody after a brief struggle. Whitaker escaped authorities two weeks ago after shooting at two Florida troopers who attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation.

After firing on the Florida troopers, Whitaker crashed the Chevrolet Suburban he was driving and fled on foot into the Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management area in Sumter County.

Federal, state and local law enforcement officers joined the Florida Highway Patrol in a widespread search of the area for two days as Whitaker eluded his pursuers, which sparked a nationwide manhunt. On Tuesday, authorities tracked him to a residence in Connecticut.

“The Florida Highway Patrol wants to thank all the agencies involved in the search and capture of this dangerous man wanted in two states,” said FHP Director, Colonel John Czernis. “Law enforcement officers throughout the area, including Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer and his deputies, worked tirelessly in a coordinated effort. Without the combined efforts of law enforcement across state lines, the arrest of this fugitive would not have been possible.”

Whitaker faces an assortment of charges, to include aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer and aggravated assault on a police officer in Florida. He has a criminal history in several different states: Michigan, Virginia, California, Florida and Ohio. He is wanted in Michigan for illegal drug possession. From today’s arrest, Connecticut has charged him with being a fugitive from justice and possession of drug paraphernalia. Currently, Whitaker is in custody and awaiting court proceedings before a judge in Connecticut.

He will subsequently await extradition to Florida to face charges.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Palmetto Police Arrest Man
for Aggravated Stalking;
Threatened to Kill Self,
20-Month-Old Child

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Mark Edward Mathews, 22, of the 100 block of 10th Street West, Palmetto.

Mark Edward Mathews

According to the arrest report, on Monday, April 5, 2010, at about 11 a.m., Mathews told the victim he would kill himself and a 20-month-old child.

Mathews and the victim share the child in common.

Mathews told her over the phone she would never see either of them again.

Mathews took the child from a residence on Riverside Drive in Palmetto and boarded a bus with the child.

The victim called Palmetto Police.

Mathews had to be located by way of a cell phone signal.

While he was on the bus and in possession of the child, Mathews ignored repeated calls from the child's mother.

Post-Miranda, Mathews denied threatening the child but admitted to saying on the phone that he wished he could find someone to beat the female victim.

Mathews was arrested at 12:15 p.m. and charged with Aggravated Stalking.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Mathews remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Burglar Caught in the Act
By Manatee Deputies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies surprised a burglar as he was leaving a residence in the 500 block of 50th Avenue Terrace West, on Monday, April 5, 2010, at about 12:45 p.m.

Terry Jay Yarger

According to a sheriff's report, 911 was called after a witness observed Terry Jay Yarger, 29, enter the above address through a window.

Upon the arrival of Deputies, they discovered a window to the residence was broken out and immediately surrounded the residence.

Yarger, unaware that Deputies were outside of the residence, exited through the front door and was quickly apprehended.

Property belonging to the victim was discovered on Yarger's person.

He was charged with Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Yarger remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Man Caught with Stolen
Booty; Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Glenn D. Smith, 33, a homeless man who stays in a homeless camp in the area of 1010 57th Avenue Plaza East.

Glenn D. Smith

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, April 4, 2010, at about 3:30 a.m., Smith entered a covered carport in the 600 block of 59th Avenue East, Bradenton, when the victim was sleeping.

Smith was observed by a witness going through the victim's carport. He observed Smith take a tool belt off the top of the cabinet and flee the scene eastbound on 59th Avenue East on a bicycle.

The witness called 911 and Dep. Pruitt located Smith outside a residence in the 1000 block of 57th Avenue Plaza East. He was in possession of the tan canvas tool belt, which was returned to the victim.

The witness positively identified Smith.

Smith was arrested and charged with Burglary to an Occupied Structure.

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

Burglar Detained by Victim,
Two Witnesses

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Christopher Colin Feise, 20, of 505 N. Osprey, Sarasota.

Christopher Colin Feise

According to the arrest report, Feise is a student at State College of Florida.

On Friday, April 2, 2010, Feise was seen inside a 1997 Jeep Wrangler that was not his which was parked on the campus of the State College of Florida, at 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton.

Feise exited the jeep with a paintball gun and put it into his black backpack. When Feise walked away, the owner of the Jeep, Zachary Ross, confronted Feise.

Feise handed back the paintball gun and he was let go.

Ross and two friends followed him.

They saw Feise look into windows and try vehicle doors.

When Feise saw them, he ran.

Ross and his two friends caught Feise and detained him for law enforcement.

Feise was arrested and charged with Burglary to a Vehicle.

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

Cops Arrest Man for Burglary,
Dealing in Stolen Property

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Jeremy Richard Lewis, 27, of 618 21st Street West, Bradenton.

Jeremy Richard Lewis

The arrest report said on March 6, 2010, sometime between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m., Lewis entered the victim's vehicle in the 2800 block of 7th Avenue West and stole a Magellan GPS, Diablo programmer and a cell phone adapter.

Detectives located the GPS at Cash America Pawn on March 6, 2010, where Lewis had received $50 for the item.

Lewis was arrested on Friday, April 2, 2010.

Post-Miranda, Lewis told Det. Ramdath, of the Bradenton Police Dept., that he had committed numerous burglaries to conveyances to support his drug habit.

He would walk around and check the doors of vehicles and if they were unlocked, he would enter them and remove items he believed were of value.

Lewis admitted to taking the GPS and the other items.

Lewis was charged with Burglary to a Conveyance and Dealing in Stolen Property.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $12,000.

Humane Society of Manatee County
Celebrates One Year Anniversary
of Spay/Neuter Clinic

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On April 6, 2010, the Humane Society of Manatee County celebrated the one year anniversary of its low cost spay neuter clinic.

The clinic opened its doors on April 6, 2009, after the staff attended a comprehensive training program at the Humane Alliance facility in North Carolina.

Under the direction of Medical Director Dr. Carolyn Kohn, the spay neuter clinic has provided affordable sterilization surgery to over 5,000 dogs and cats over the past year.

Spay and neuter services are available to the general public with no residency or income qualifications.

Costs range from $35-$50 for cats and $55-$65 for dogs; surgery is performed Monday through Friday by appointment.

Please call 941-747-8808 x 302 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

The Humane Society is located at 2515 14th St. W. in Bradenton.

Sarasota Sheriff Searches for
Armed Robbery Suspect

SARSOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect in an armed robbery at The Tiki Tan, 2300 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, on March 31, 2010.

Above, the conversion van used in the holdup

At 4:18 p.m., a White male in his 20’s entered the business, showed the employee a black semi-automatic handgun and demanded money.

He stole an undetermined amount of cash and was seen driving away in a white, full-size conversion van heading west on Bee Ridge Road and then north on School Avenue.

The suspect is described as six feet tall, weighing 200 lbs. At the time, he was wearing a grey hoodie-type sweatshirt, blue jeans, a white bandana covering his face and black gloves.

Anyone with information on this suspect or the van used in this crime is encouraged to call Criminal Investigations at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com, or by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Detectives Seek More Victims
of Credit Card Fraud

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Economic Crimes Unit detectives need the public’s help. Detectives ask that those who had contact with Porsha Ball, an AT&T Cellular phone employee, 2499 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, anytime since last October, to let them know if they had unexplained charges on their credit card after doing business with Ball. (Store is at U.S. 41 & Midway Blvd.)

Porsche Tajara Sepphira Ball

ECU detectives arrested Ball at the AT&T store last Friday, April 2, 2010, following a lengthy investigation that started with a customer complaint. The victim said she purchased a cell phone Oct. 7, 2009 and gave her credit card to Ball. She saw Ball take a photo of her credit card with a cell phone, but didn’t question at that time.

On Oct. 13 the credit card was used to pay a $500 debt with Blanding Bail Bonds, then more charges to Capital One Auto Finance, First Premier Bank, Vesta AT&T, Imperial Pizza, Ticketmasters, Direct-TV, American Metering, and Domino’s Pizza. The total amounted to $1,936.

Ball also used a credit card of a second victim that was compromised at Ball’s employment; detectives fear there are more victims.

Porsha Tajara Sepphira Ball, 26, of 23111 Wilkinson Ave., Port Charlotte, was charged with Grand Theft; she posted a $2,500 bond.

If you have information about this case, please call CCSO Economic Crimes Unit detective Alfred Ursomanno at 941-639-2101.

Easter Offering Stolen From
Church Night After Easter

GRAND ISLAND, Florida [NMT] -- Deputies are searching for the person who stole offerings from a church during the night after Easter, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said someone broke into the Grand Island Baptist Church on county Road 44 and stole an unknown amount of offerings from the Easter services.

No other property was stolen, deputies said.

The Sheriff's Office is using bloodhounds in the investigation.

No other information has been released at this time, WKMG said.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Violent Crimes Task Force,
Deputies, Arrest Two Teens
for Robbing, Beating Other Teen

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Nathan S. Lundy, 18, of 303 43rd Avenue East, in Parrish, and Calvin R. Locke, 19, of 2346 123rd Place East, in Parrish.

Above, L to R, Nathan S. Lundy and Calvin R. Locke

The arrest report said on Sunday, April 4, 2010, at about 1:50 a.m., an unnamed victim was hanging out with some friends that included Locke and Lundy.

The victim said Lundy hit him and grabbed him by the neck. Lundy then took him to the ground.

At that point, Locke began to strike the victim with his fist.

The victim said that he felt something by his neck, but didn't know what.

They continued to punch and kick him as he was on the ground.

Locke and Lundy told him to "Give it up or die."

The victim said that he felt that Locke and Lundy would harm him if he didn't comply, so he gave them his prescription medication.

Then Lundy and Locke took $50 out of his wallet and left on foot.

Upon arrival of deputies, they observed two White males and a White female, but didn't have a description of the pair at that time.

A short time later, a description was given and a K-9 unit started a track from where the three had been seen. They were located huddled in a nearby driveway.

Sgt. Pease located a small baggie of Marijuana on Lundy that weighed 2.5 grams.

Locke resisted Dep. Parham's attempt to secure him and was also being verbally abusive. He told Dep. Parham that if he would take the handcuffs off of him, he would "beat his ass." Locke was finally secured in a patrol vehicle.

Lundy was charged with Robbery and Possession of Marijuana.

Locke was charged with Robbery and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

As of Monday afternoon, they both remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Man Arrested for Kidnapping,
Beating Girlfriend, Friend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested David Dewight Epperson, 23, of 5917 14th Street West, Bradenton.

David Dewight Epperson

According to the arrest report, David and Sherry Diekmann are boyfriend and girlfriend and have been living together as a family for the past three months. Sherry moved out of the trailer three days ago, because of some unreported violence.

On Sunday, April, 4, 2010, at about 12:45 p.m., Sherry was at her neighbor Brian Bundscho's trailer across the street from David's trailer.

David went to Brian's trailer to see Sherry and they would not let him in. So he pushed in the screen of a small window next to the door, reached inside and unlocked the door.

David entered the residence without permission and began arguing with Brian about Sherry. He then struck Brian in the head with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground.

Sherry was in the back room of the trailer with the pocket type door shut. David went to the door yelling for her and kicked the door off of its track. They began arguing and David grabbed Sherry by the hair and began to pull her out of the trailer.

As David was pulling Sherry out of the trailer, Brian was trying to call 911 from his cell phone and David grabbed the phone out of his hand and took it with him.

Once outside the trailer, David continued to pull Sherry by the hair and forced her into the back seat of her vehicle.

Once inside the vehicle, they continued to argue and Sherry was seen by witnesses trying to climb out of the car as it was moving. She was also heard yelling for someone to call 911. David drove the vehicle out of the mobile home park in an unknown direction.

Several hours later, Sherry and her vehicle were located at another residence. She had abrasions on her leg, hands, shoulder and back. She had a welt and bruise on the right side of her face, next to her eye, and her eye was slightly swollen.

While deputies were with Sherry, it was discovered that David may have returned to his residence and he was subsequently arrested there.

David was charged with Kidnapping, Burglary with Battery, Domestic Battery and Battery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Three Manatee County Men
Arrested for Possession of
Child Pornography

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Three Manatee County men have been arrested in connection with "Operation Broken Heart," a joint effort by the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Predator CyberCrime Unit and the Attorney General’s Tampa Bay Area CyberCrime Task Force, in cooperation with a number of other state and local law enforcement agencies.

Above, L to R, Jonathan Crotty, Christian Gayheart and Jeffery Wasik

"Operation Broken Heart" targeted Internet users that possessed and/or distributed images involving the sexual abuse of children. Results were announced last week at a press conference in Tampa. All totaled, 29 people were arrested by 15 area agencies.

Arrested in Manatee County were:

Jonathan Crotty, 19, on February 18, 2010, by the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit, ICE, and the Bradenton Police Department. Crotty was charged with 15 counts of Possession of Obscene Material. Crotty posted a $75,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Christian Gayheart, 18, on March 10, 2010, by the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit, ICE, and the Bradenton Police Department. Gayheart was charged with 20 counts of Possession of Obscene Material. Gayheart posted a $50,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Jeffery Wasik, 27, on March 4, 2010, by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Wasik was charged with 5 counts Lewd & Lascivious Conduct, 6 counts of Use of Internet to Lure a Child, and 1 count of Transmitting Harmful Materials to a Minor. His bond was set at $97,000, but he was transferred to the Citrus County Jail on March 9th.

Man Accused of Domestic
Battery by Strangulation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Michael A. Sanford, 21, of an unknown address.

Michael A. Sanford

According to the arrest report, on Friday, April 2, 2010, at about 2 p.m., Michael and his girlfriend, named only as Desiree in the report, were living together as a family when they got into a heated argument.

Michael grabbed Desiree's phone and threw it against the closet, breaking it.

She pushed him and started hitting him.

They ended up in the bedroom where Michael threw Desiree on the bed, the report said.

While they fought, he ripped her shirt off of her. Then he grabbed her by the neck and was choking her, to the point where her breathing was interrupted.

He stopped and let her up.

At some point, Desiree grabbed a kitchen knife, about 12 inches long, and stabbed Michael's duffel bag. She then turned to him and held the knife up to him and said, "I should kill you." She held the knife in her hand and every time he tried to leave, she moved it around as if she were going to cut him.

The two finally stopped and Michael packed his belongings to leave.

Michael was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

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

Safe, $11K, $5,500 Diamond
Ring Stolen in Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary on Monday, April 5, 2010, sometime between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., in the 3500 block of 49th Avenue East, Bradenton.

An unknown suspect(s) broke into the listed residence by smashing through the front door.

Once inside, the suspect(s) stole the following items: a 2'x2' safe, $11,000 cash, a $5,500 diamond ring, a shotgun and two cameras.

Crime Scene tecnicians responded to process the scene.

Detectives responded to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 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.

Deputies Search for Woman
Who Escaped Manatee Glens

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is searching for Sunny Perez Chang, 20 years old, who escaped from Manatee Glens mental health facility, located at 2020 26th Avenue East, Bradenton, on Sunday, April 4, 2010, at about noon.

According to a sheriff's report, Sunny was at Manatee Glens under the Baker Act when she was able to escape from a secure room.

The sheriff's office was contacted and the area was searched, but Sunny was not located.

She is described as being 5'2" tall, 110 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 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.

Vehicle Burglaries Reported
at Manatee Woods

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported two vehicles were burglarized on Monday, April 5, 2010, at about 2:50 a.m., in the 400 block of 34th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

The report said an unknown suspect smashed the front passenger windows of the two victims’ vehicles. An I-pod and stereo face plate were stolen.

Several other vehicle burglaries have occurred in Manatee Woods over the past weeks.

Crime Scene Technicians dusted for prints, and the neighborhood was canvassed.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 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.

Woman Arrested in Major Fraud
Case Involving Embezzled Funds

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Economic Crimes Unit detectives report Stacey Herrin-Tuck, 35, was arrested Sunday in North Port in connection with a major fraud case at the Charlotte Square Condominium Complex in Port Charlotte.

Stacey Herrin-Tuck

There are 10 independent condo associations in the complex and owners say it may be close to a $4 million loss. She is being held in the Sarasota County Jail at this time. Bond is $100,000 and she will be transferred back to the Charlotte County Jail later.

ECU detectives were notified Sep. 10, 2008 by the president of one of the associations, the Chelsea House Condominium Association, concerning possible embezzlement that triggered the massive investigation. The warrant for Tuck’s arrest was for Scheme to Defraud and Grand Theft of the Chelsea House which amounts to about $100,000 in missing funds. The other association cases remain open and more charges are expected as ECU detectives unravel the elaborate and technical scheme.

Detectives said the scheme started about June 1, 2006 and consists of 10 independent associations. The Charlotte Square Association controls all the common areas and encompasses nine individual condo associations, Abbey House, Berkley House, Cambridge House, Chelsea House, Essex House, Hampshire House, Oxford House, Raleigh House and Regency House. Each of the nine condo associations is independently run by an elected board of directors. The common areas are controlled by Charlotte Square which is funded from each of the nine associations. Charlotte Square also has an elected board of directors.

Charlotte Square Condominium Complex hired Star Hospitality Management, Inc., as their Community Association Manager. In 1996, Star Hospitality placed their employee Stacey Tuck to run the complex. During her tenure, Tuck managed the maintenance, day to day operations, and all financial affairs for the entire complex that included bank reconciliation, monthly and annual financial statements. Tuck also received the daily mail for each association that included monthly bank statements.

Police Use Taser On
Man On Rooftop

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando police used a Taser gun on a man they said was trying to steal copper from a vacant building, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Police said the man was spotted stuck in the rooftop vent of a building on the 300 block of Orange Blossom Trail. The man was stuck in the vent for nearly an hour before police came and freed him.

Police said the man tried to run after he was freed and they had no choice but to use a Taser gun on him on the roof.

The man was not injured, WKMG said.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Bradenton Police Arrest Five
in Connection with Woman's
Beating, Kidnapping

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested five people in connection with the beating and kidnapping of a woman, who police have declined to identify to protect her safety.

Above, L to R, Top to Bottom, Tina L. Harris, Manuel Marquez
Wayne L. Ledbetter, Troy E. Kerkman and Earl Stancil

According to Deputy Police Chief J.J. Lewis, on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 6:48 p.m., Bradenton Police began investigating a reported kidnapping.

The female victim reported that she was at her residence in the 1800 block of 14th Street West, when she was approached by four men in a white car.

One of the men grabbed her and forced her into the car. The victim later told police that she was beaten on the face and head by the man who forced her into the car.

After the victim was forced into the car, the suspects drove her to a mobile home park in the 1500 block of 28th Avenue West.

Once the car stopped, a female later identified as Tina Harris, 50, of Bradenton, entered the car.

The victim located a cellular telephone on the back seat of the car and called 911 but the phone was taken from her by Mrs. Harris, according to the victim.

A witness known to the victim also contacted the Bradenton Police Department via 911 with a description of the incident taking place.

The car and four suspects were located in the 1500 block of 28th Avenue West.

Detective Greg Price arrested four suspects at the scene.

According to two of the suspects, the incident occurred because they believed that the victim was somehow involved in the theft and use of one of the suspect's credit cards on a previous date.

The individuals arrested on Thursday were: Tina L. Harris, 50, Bradenton, charged with False Imprisonment; Manuel R. Marquez, 66, Bradenton, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping; Wayne L. Ledbetter, 64, Sarasota, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping; and Troy E. Kerkman, 41, Bradenton, charged with Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping.

On Friday night, Earl Stancil, 66, of Sarasota, was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, according to an updated press release from Dep. Chief Lewis.

Harris remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $3,500. Marquez, Ledbetter and Kerkman remain there on bail bonds of $100,000 each. Stancil remains there on a bail bond of $250,000, as of Saturday afternoon.

This investigation is continuing by Detective Greg Price and more arrested are expected.

Anyone having information with regard to this incident is asked to call Detective Greg Price at 941-932-9300 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Man, 37, Arrested for Raping
Girl, 15 Years Old

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Herman Bowers, Jr., 37, of the 2800 block of 52nd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Herman Bowers, Jr.

According to the arrest report, on October 17, 2009, at about 11 p.m., the night before her 16th birthday, the then 15-year-old girl spent the night with her friend, who is Bowers' daughter, at Bowers home.

She told Det. James Wischer that while she was watching a movie with her friend's family, she fell asleep on their couch. She woke up some time later to find that everyone had gone to bed and that Bowers was sitting on the couch next to her, leaning over her.

She said that Bowers had been drinking that evening and that he was clearly intoxicated.

Bowers never said a word, but proceeded to removed her pants and underwear. She said that she was shocked and afraid.

Bowers then had sexual intercourse with her by inserting his penis into her vagina. She said that it lasted for a few minutes and then he quit. She does not know if he ejaculated, but she knows that he was not wearing a condom. She said when he finished, he said nothing, but simply went to bed.

On March 31, 2010, Bowers was interviewed. Post-Miranda, he changed his story several times. He admitted that he was in fact intoxicated that night and admitted to having sex with the girl on one occasion, during which he said he digitally penetrated her and then penetrated her with his penis. He said it was entirely consensual, the report said.

Bowers was arrested and charged with Sexual Battery on a Minor with Force.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $100,000.

Two Arrested for Vehicle Burglary
After Witnesses Call It In to 911

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Christopher Friedsam, 25, and Morganne Blewett, 19, in connection with a vehicle burglary in Ellenton on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at about 5 p.m.

Above, L to R, Christopher Friedsam and Morganne Blewett

A sheriff's report said two witnesses observed an orange Ford Expedition pull up to an unoccupied Nissan Ultima at Gary Ave. and US 301.

The female passenger exited the vehicle, grabbed a rock, and tried to break the window of the Nissan with it. She was unsuccessful at breaking the window.

The male exited the vehicle, took the rock from the female, and tried to break it. He too was unsuccessful at breaking the window.

All the while, the witnesses called 911.

The two suspects began to flee the area and headed east on US 301.

A deputy began to check the area with the description that the witnesses provided to dispatch. He located the vehicle at Gamble Court and US 301, trying to leave the area.

Dep. Snaggs and Boggs initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at 60th Ave. and US 301.

The witnesses came to the scene and positively identified both subjects and the vehicle.

Detectives were contacted and Det. Dickerman responded for interviews.

They were both charged with Attempted Burglary to an Unoccupied Vehicle and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Friedsam remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $3,250; Blewett remains there on a bail bond of $11,000.

Teenager, 18, Shot in Butt
By Two Unknown Men

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a shooting with injuries on Friday, April 2, 2010, at about 8:45 p.m., in the 3800 block of 11th Street Court East, Bradenton.

The report said deputies responded to shots fired near the listed area.

Shortly after their arrival, dispatch received a call from Manatee Memorial Hospital that a patient there, later identified as Jokevious K. Bell, 18, had a gunshot wound.

Deputies responded to the hospital, secured the crime scene and began interviewing witnesses.

The victim, Bell, alleged that he had exited his house in the 3800 block of 11th Street Court East when he noticed a white van at the end of his driveway.

Bell said an unknown male jumped out of the van and began shooting in a direction away from Bell at an unknown person. Bell said that unknown person then began shooting back.

Bell then pulled out a Glock, which he thought was a 9mm, that he had on his person and started shooting back at the two subjects. He said he thought the subjects were shooting at him, but then also stated that he was positive that the subjects were shooting at each other.

During the shooting, Bell was struck in the right side of his buttocks.

Bell's story was very inconsistent, the report said.

Bell had a friend drive him to the hospital.

There were .40 caliber Smith & Wesson shell casings found on the ground near the end of Bell's driveway, but no others were found.

Witnesses advised they thought they heard at least 2 different guns being shot.

At the time of this writing Bell's condition was listed as stable.

The shooters were not identified as to age and race. One was wearing all black clothing and the other was possibly wearing a green shirt.

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.

Bomb Threat Made to
Local Hess Station

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a bomb threat was called into the Hess gas station, 11002 State Road 64 East, Bradenton, on Friday, April 2, 2010, at about 4:45 p.m.

The report said an unknown male called 911 and while speaking very quickly advised there was a bomb at the BP Station on SR64.

The Emergency Communications Center had to play the tape back to understand what was said. ECC advised it sounded like the male said there was a bomb.

Patrol units responded and spoke to employees, who in turn contacted the district manager who advised them to evacuate the store.

The store was closed and two separate searches with deputies and a store employee were conducted. No bomb was located.

K-9 responded with a bomb sniffing dog.

Dep. Kruse and his K-9 Deputy "Nitro" searched the building and again no bomb was located.

The store manager responded and advised he wanted to reopen the store.

The call came from a pay phone outside the store.

ECC was contacted and a copy of the 911 call was requested.

The pay phone was fingerprinted for latent prints.

An arrest has not yet been 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.

Woman Walks Into Traffic, Fights
with Cops; Tasered, Baker Acted

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has Baker Acted a woman who was acting strangely on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at about 2:45 p.m.

The complainant called the sheriff's office because her mother jumped out of the car while enroute to Manatee Memorial.

The mother, Brigette Houston, 49, was located by deputies walking on the sidewalk and occasionally into traffic.

She was grabbed back on to the sidewalk by deputies and began to fight them. She was screaming, kicking and attempting to bite deputies.

At that point, she was drive-stunned with a Taser by Dep. B. Smith. The Taser had little to no effect, but deputies were able to restrain her with handcuffs, shackles and a riata.

Neither she nor deputies were injured.

She was transported to Manatee Glens for evaluation.

The incident occurred in the 1900 block of 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton.

FREE Self-Defense Class for Women
Offered by Bradenton Police Dept.

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Women can learn to protect themselves from a potential attacker during free safety class provided by the Bradenton Police Department.

The Bradenton Police Department will offer an introduction to self-defense class for women at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Bradenton Police Department.

The two-hour program called “S.A.F.E.” (Self-defense Awareness & Familiarization Exchange) was created by the National Self-Defense Institute (N.S.D.I.) whose mission is “To educate women about realistic options that will help them avoid, escape, and survive assaults if they do occur.”

Bradenton Police Department certified S.A.F.E. trainers will facilitate the class which will begin with a talk about how to avoid dangerous situations, then will spend the next 1 ½ hours on physical techniques.

This class is only an introduction to self-defense, and is light-touch, no-exertion training for women only, ages 13 and up. Minors must take the class with a female parent/guardian.

For more information or to register for the class please contact Sgt. LJ Millard (941) 932-9300 ext. 351 or email lj.millard@cityofbradenton.com.

Class size is limited, so make your reservations soon. There is no charge for this class.

Manatee Humane Society Offers
BOGO on Cat Spay/Neuter
During April

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Who says BOGO is just for shoes?

The Humane Society of Manatee County Spay/Neuter Clinic is offering special discounts on cat spay and neuter for the month of April.

Bring in 2 cats, pay regular price for the first cat surgery and the second cat will be spay/neutered for FREE.

The price for a cat spay is $50, cat neuter is $35.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 941-747-8808 x 302 or email info@humanesocietymanatee.org.

Offer valid through April 30, 2010.

The Humane Society of Manatee County Spay/Neuter Clinic is located at 2515 14th St. W, Bradenton, FL 34205. Clinic hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday thru Friday.

Coast Guard Suspends Search
for Missing Diver Near
Anna Maria Island

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Florida [NMT] – The United States Coast Guard has suspended their search for a missing 35-year-old male diver 28-miles west of Anna Maria Island at about 9:34 p.m. Saturday, pending further developments.

The Coast Guard station at St. Petersburg received a call at 9:48 a.m., Saturday, reporting that Ron Wunderlich, 35, of Sarasota, was free-diving at about 115-feet without an emergency breathing apparatus and had not returned to the surface.

A Coast Guard 41-foot rescue boat crew from Station Cortez and a Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater searched a 68-square mile area for Wunderlich with negative results.

Three Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission vessels and divers from the Sarasota Police Department also assisted in the search for Wunderlich.

Significant Pharmaceutical
Diversion Arrest

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested Joseph Magrini, 28, of 385 Garden Road, Venice, Thursday evening, April 1, 2010, in what is the culmination of a two-month long intensive undercover investigation of pharmaceutical diversion in Sarasota County.

Joseph Magrini

Magrini is charged with one count of Drug Trafficking: 28 Grams less than 30 Kilograms, and three counts of the Sale of a Controlled Substance. The investigation is ongoing.

Magrini was arrested after he sold over one thousand pills to undercover detectives for $16,000.

A subsequent search of Magrini’s home uncovered evidence used to fraudulently obtain controlled pain medication. Items seized include MRI reports, prescriptions and pharmacy information.

Magrini is considered a significant supplier of pharmaceuticals in south Sarasota County, and is also known to distribute pharmaceutical drugs out-of-state.

Sheriff Knight is committed to addressing the pharmaceutical diversion problem in Sarasota County. He says “Arrests like this send a clear message that this activity will not be tolerated. Aggressive law enforcement efforts like this will continue until this problem is resolved in our community.”

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force is comprised of Sheriff’s Office detectives and officers from the North Port Police Department.

Armed Robbery of Jewelry Store
Reported by Sarasota Sheriff

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an Armed Robbery that occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 3248 17th Street, Sarasota.

Two suspects entered the Joyeria Y Deportes Dos Hermanos store located at the above address. When the clerk went behind the counter to show the suspects an item that was on display, one of them threatened the victim with a gun and restrained her. They fled the store with several items, including jewelry.

The suspects are described as Hispanic males. One is described as approximately 5’ tall, medium build, wearing a tan button-down shirt and tan pants. The other suspect is described as approximately 5’4” tall, medium build, with a dark mustache, wearing a dark striped shirt and dark pants.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Criminal Investigations at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Grow House Raided; Son, Mom
Arrested, 17+ Pounds of
Marijuana Seized

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s narcotics unit raided a Port Charlotte home Wednesday afternoon, March 31, 2010, arrested a mother and her son, and seized 17.47 pounds cut marijuana. Detectives said the raid was the result of a recent tip.

Above, some of the marijuana plants seized in the raid
(Photo by Robert Carpenter, CCSO PIO)

Narcotics detectives arrested Frank Thomas Aguis, 22, and his 63 year old mother, Joann Aguis, who were in their home at 18629 Briggs Circle (Corner of Ohara Dr. and Briggs Circle). During the search detectives located a hydroponic growing room that contained fertilizer, lights, irrigation, a cooling system, and 62 marijuana plants. Detectives also located marijuana clippings and 373 grams of marijuana buds. A lot of the marijuana for sale was found in 14 Mason jars.

In a bedroom closet area, detectives found a special lighting system for young marijuana plants. One growing light was suspended from the ceiling; it moved back and forth over a track that simulated the sun to make the small plants grow straight and tall. Detectives said this is common in smaller grow operations, but a first found in Charlotte County. On desk tops in the home, detectives found “Maximum Yield” and “Urban Garden” magazines, a computer, and drug paraphernalia. The investigation continues.

The son and mother were arrested and charged with Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana Over 20 Grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Charlotte County Jail and both were released after posting $8,500 each.

This is the first grow house raided in Charlotte County this year; there were three in 2006, 14 in 2007, 17 in 2008 and six in 2009.

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

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NewsManatee Archive Created 4/10/2010 2:00:06 PM

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