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Serial Stabbing Suspect in
Three States Who Killed 5
Lived in Manatee Just Prior

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/CNN] -- A man suspected of a string of stabbings who terrorized people across three states and left five dead was arrested Wednesday at about 10 p.m. in front of startled passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, as he tried to board a plane for Israel. Elias Abuelazam, 33, lived in Manatee County just before he left town, when he began to commit the stabbings.

Above, Elias Abuelazam and Fountain Lake apartments sign
(Mug shot from Arlington County, Virginia. Police Department)
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee lead photographer)

The stabbings occurred in Michigan, Virginia and Ohio.

On Thursday, a judge in Flint, Michigan, where the attacks began in late May, signed a warrant charging Abuelazam, with Assault with Intent to Murder in connection with a July 27 stabbing.

Prosecutor David Leyton said the motive for the stabbings is still unknown.

Most victims were Black, and police have said the attacks may have been racially motivated.

The attacks began in late spring and police said they usually followed a pattern: The suspect approached Black men late at night on lonely urban roads and asked for directions or help with a broken-down car.

Then, without warning, he would pull out a knife and strike.

Then he would speed away, leaving them for dead.

The youngest victim was 17; the oldest was 60. They ranged in size from 5-foot-4 inches and 120 pounds to 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds.

Abuelazam is an Israeli citizen who is living in the U.S. with a green card, Leyton said.

He apparently lived in Manatee County for about 3 months, during March, April and May of this year at Fountain Lake apartments, 5620 Fountain Lake Circle, just north of 57th Avenue West, behind Honda Cars of Bradenton, before leaving town.

His Bradenton address was on the warrant for his arrest signed by the Flint, Michigan, judge.

Just after that is when he began committing the stabbings.

Local residents were surprised to learn the stabbing suspect was Abuelazam.

One local resident, who asked not to be identified, said, "We had no idea; we were shocked when we heard of his arrest, because we knew he lived here."

[Ed. Note: Information from CNN, WTVT and WFTS contributed to this report.]

Woman Arrested for Child Abuse
After Throwing a Knife at a
16-Year-Old Girl, Chasing
Her Around the House

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Mandy Hall, 31, of the 4400 block of York Drive, in Bradenton.

Mandy Hall

The arrest report said on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, at about 4:30 p.m., both Hall and an unnamed 16-year-old girl were at the above residence, where the girl lives with her mother.

The girl told deputies that her mother, who has had a history of mental illness, grabbed a kitchen knife and began to chase her around the house with the knife.

Hall told the girl that she was going to cut her heart out. Hall then threw the knife at the girl, hitting her.

The girl also said that Hall touched her arm with the blade of the knife.

Hall told deputies that the girl was in the kitchen and was bothering her, so she grabbed the knife, pointed it at her and told her to get out of there.

There were no injuries to anyone involved.

The girl refused to complete an affidavit.

All the knives in the house were collected and removed from the home.

An uncle arrived to take care of the girl until her aunt could arrive.

Hall was arrested and charged with one count of Child Abuse.

As of Thursday afternoon, she remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $3,500.

Bradenton Police Undercover
Team Snares Man Selling
Oxycodone Pills

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Joseph Michael Frambes, 23, of the 3000 block of 40th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Joseph Michael Frambes

The arrest report from BPD said on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at about 3 p.m., an undercover officer was equipped with covert audio/video surveillance equipment and working in an undercover capacity targeting the illegal sale of narcotics.

The U/C officer placed a recorded controlled phone call to Frambes. During the call, Frambes said he would sell the U/C officer a "ten pack" of "blues" which are street terms commonly used to indicated 10 Oxycodone pills, for $120.

Frambes said he would meet the U/C officer at G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

At about 2:45 p.m., the U/C officer arrived, followed by surveillance and takedown teams.

Frambes arrived a short time later and recommended that they complete the transaction inside the U/C officer's vehicle.

Frambes then exchanged 10 small blue pills, later identified as Oxycodone 30 mg pills for $120.

A good deal sign was given and the takedown team moved in and arrested Frambes.

He was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance within 200 feet of a park.

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

Man Arrested for Battering
One Man, Pulling Knife
on Another Man

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Paul Glock, 51, of the 700 block of 17th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Paul Glock

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at about 12:45 a.m., Glock and two men were involved in a verbal altercation.

The altercation turned physical when Glock grabbed one of the men by the wrist and pulled him off the bench that he was sitting on in the 1100 block of Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

The other man attempted to confront Glock after he intentionally battered the first man.

Glock then pulled a silver-handled knife out and swung it at the second man, saying he (Glock) would stab him if he got up. Glock then repeatedly swung the knife at the second man.

Glock then fled the scene on foot, but was located at about 1:30 a.m. in the 400 block of 12th Street West.

Post-Miranda, Glock told officers he did pull the first man off the bench, but did not pull a knife on anyone.

The victims, along with other witnesses to the incident, identified the knife which was found on Glock when he was located.

Glock was arrested and charged with Battery and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

As of Thursday afternoon, he remained in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $1,850.

Wachovia Bank Robbed
in Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday, August 12, 2010, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a bank robbery at the Wachovia Bank located at 2901 53rd Ave E., Bradenton.

According to witnesses, two armed robbers entered the bank and demanded money.

The robbers took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the bank.

The robbers were Black males wearing masks.

A possible vehicle used in the crime was located on fire after the robbery a short distance from the bank.

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 People Drown Off
Anna Maria Island

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- At approximately 3:30 p.m on Thursday, August 12, 2010, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a possible drowning in the Gulf of Mexico on the north end of Anna Maria Island.

Above, the Coast Guard goes to the drowning scene
(Photo by Robert Clement for NewsManatee)

Two peoples were transported to Blake Medical Center where they were pronounced dead.

According to witnesses, one of the victims, a man, was out in the water, possibly on a raft, when he began experiencing some difficulty.

Members of his family went into the water to try and help him.

During that time, his friend, a woman, was apparently caught in a strong current.

The two victims were pulled ashore and transported to the hospital.

No one else was seriously injured.

The two victims have been identified as Gerardo Hernandez, unknown date of birth but believed to be in his 60s, and Josefina Pardo, 71.

Two other subjects were hospitalized at Blake Medical Center in stable condition with injuries that were not life-threatening.

The victims were apparently visiting Anna Maria from the Tampa area.

Man Robbed at Gunpoint
in Palmetto Thursday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Thurday, August 12, 2010, at about 4:30 p.m., in the 900 block of 21st Street East, Palmetto.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Placido Pascual, 33, was talking on a phone outside behind his duplex in Oakwood Estates.

Two unknown Black males walked up to Placido and struck him in the head with a silver pistol.

The robbers took Placido's wallet which contained nothing.

They then fled north behind the duplexes.

The robbers were described as 2 Unknown Black Males. Both were about 5'9" tall and weighed about 160 pounds. They were wearing no shirts and blue jean shorts. One of the robbers was wearing a backpack. Both were carrying silver handguns.

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 Pedestrians Struck by
Hit-and Run Driver, FHP Says

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol is currently looking for a white Toyota vehicle with front end damage and possibly a broken windshield that struck two pedestrians in the 5400 block of U.S. 41 (14th Street West), in Bradenton, on Thursday, August 12, 2010, at about 12:10 a.m.

According to the FHP report, the vehicle was traveling northbound on 14th Street West in the right lane approaching 53rd Avenue West. Two pedestrians were crossing the roadway from the west side to the east side. They both traveled into the path of the vehicle.

The front of the vehicle struck the right side of the pedestrians.

After impact, both pedestrians were thrown about 70 feet north of the point of impact.

Bruce Roberts, 52, of the 1400 block of 14th Street West, came to final rest on his stomach and head on the curb facing eastbound.

Shanna Moyer, 29, of the 1200 block of 14th Street West, came to final rest on her back facing westbound.

Both Roberts and Moyer were flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg in serious condition.

After impact, the vehicle fled the scene traveling northbound. It is unknown if there were any passengers.

There were no skid marks found on the roadway.

The crash is under investigation.

If anyone witnessed this crash or has information in regards to this case, please contact Trooper Russell Cruz at 941-751-7647, ext. 440

Manatee County Launches
Vastly Improved Website

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Government’s refurbished website -- www.mymanatee.org -- is fully up and running. Manatee’s Information Services Department launched the site yesterday, one day after a preview before Manatee County Commissioners.

Over the past year, more than 140 Manatee County Government employees from across the organization worked hard to revamp our website to make it easier for the public to use. Undertaking the project in-house, Manatee County avoided the significant expenditures of having a vendor redesign the project.

The new site is another step toward Manatee County becoming a more customer friendly, accommodating government for the people who live, do business and visit here.

With more than 1,300 pages of unique content, the new MyManatee.org has more information than ever. The site’s professional look, in many ways, reflects a leaner, more responsive County Government and it is another indicator of Manatee County Government’s renewed commitment to customer service.

Throughout the new site, the redesign team tried to improve the content and layout with readers in mind. Content and information are easier to find and understand than ever.

Possibly the best feature of our new site is the Search window located in the upper right hand section of each page. Now, anytime visitors search for terms, they’ll receive better results than ever before on a Manatee County website.

For the first time ever, visitors to the site are able to customize their search for information by browsing as a Resident, Visitor or Business. Tabbed portals offer pertinent information to those who live here, do business with county government or who want to visit Manatee. Customized drop down menus on each portal offer a host of quick links to apply for jobs, request building permits, track down MCAT bus routes and much more.

Visitors may give feedback on how to improve the look, content and accessibility of the information by e-mailing the webmaster at webmaster@mymanatee.org. The County will use public input to continue to evolve and improve the site on a daily basis.

Man Wearing Trench Coat,
Surgical Mask Outside Bank
Investigated

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 12:54 p.m. Thursday afternoon, August 12, 2010, about a suspicious man outside Peninsula Bank, 2455 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte.

This man did not enter the bank.

The man had dark complexion, possibly a Black male, over 6 feet tall, thin, and was wearing a tan trench coat, surgical mask, sunglasses, and hat.

When he saw bank employees watching him, he went behind a computer store and headed towards Midway Blvd.

CCSO deputies, detectives and K-9 were called out to the scene and set up a perimeter.

Banks and Credit Unions should be cautious at this time as the suspicious male has not been detained.

Anyone who might have seen such a person is asked to call the CCSO at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477). No other details are available at this time.

Disney Tourist: Donald
Duck Groped Me

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- When April Magolon, 27, visited Epcot in May 2008, she said wanted to get Donald Duck's autograph. Instead, the Pennsylvania woman claims the costumed character battered her, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

According to Magolon's lawsuit against Walt Disney World, as she carried one of her children in her arm, "The (employee) dressed as Donald Duck proceeded to grab the Plaintiff's breast and molest her and then made gestures making a joke, indicating he had done something wrong."

Magolon claimed the incident has caused her "anxiety, headaches, nausea, cold sweats, insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, and digestive problems," according to the lawsuit filed last month. She is seeking more than $200,000 in damages.

In court papers, Magolon makes reference to Michael Chartrand, a former Walt Disney World employee who was arrested in 2004 for allegedly groping a 13-year-old girl while he was dressed as Tigger.

But Magolon fails to mention in her lawsuit that a jury acquitted Chartrand of all charges, thanks in part to his lawyer.

Throughout her lawsuit, Magalon repeatedly refers to the employee playing Donald Duck as a "man." However, the role of Donald Duck is typically portrayed by petite women, according to former employees.

Magalon has never filed a criminal complaint with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, according to an agency spokesman, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Man Arrested for Threatening
Girlfriend with Gun During
Domestic Argument

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Matthew D. Schmitt, 34, of 205 115th Street N.E., Bradenton.

Matthew D. Schmitt

According to the arrest report, Schmitt and Elizabeth Snoke have been living together as boyfriend and girlfriend for about 6 months at various locations.

On Sunday, August 8, 2010, at about 8:45 p.m., They got into an argument inside their residence.

Snoke told deputies Schmitt got mad at her and said, "I have a loaded gun and I will shot you."

Following these threats, he retrieved a loaded revolver and held it at his side, the report said.

Snoke said she was in fear for her life that he may harm her with the gun.

She called 911 and deputies responded. She met them down the street.

After interviewing her, an approach was made at the home. Schmitt willingly opened the front door and stepped outside, where he was taken into custody.

The .22 caliber handgun was located in the single room residence in a dresser drawer.

Schmitt told deputies Snoke was lying and that he never threatened her or retrieved the firearm. He said she is upset that he was breaking up with her.

Schmitt was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault.

He later posted a $2,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Man Allegedly Threatens
Son's Girlfriend with Gun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Nicholas John Guerra, 51, of 212 69th Street, in Holmes Beach.

Nicholas John Guerra

According to the arrest report, Samantha Lenn is dating Guerra's unnamed son.

On Sunday, August 8, 2010, at about 4:40 p.m., Samantha and Guerra's son were sitting outside of their hotel, the Best Western, located at 2215 Cortez Road West, in Bradenton, when she received a text message from Guerra saying, "Come outside while I'm here."

As Guerra drove his vehicle up, Guerra's son approached the driver's side door. While Guerra and his son were talking, Samantha started to approach the vehicle, but turned around and walked toward the pool when she saw her boyfriend leave and walk toward the entrance of the hotel.

While Samantha was walking, Guerra drove his vehicle toward her slowly and said, "Hey, you're dead," while pointing a small silver handgun at her, the report said. He then smiled at Samantha before driving off.

Samantha went inside and told her boyfriend what had happened and then want back outside to smoke a cigarette. Within a couple of minutes, Guerra drove his vehicle back to the parking lot. When Samantha saw him, she started walking back toward the entrance of the hotel.

Guerra said, "Sam, come talk to me; I want this to be over. I'm not going to hurt you, you know me."

Samantha then started to walk toward Guerra's vehicle and he said something she could not hear. She leaned closer to the vehicle to hear what Guerra had said when Guerra reached out and grabbed her hair by the ponytail. He then tried to force her face into the side of the car, but Samantha was able to get loose and run away to the front door of the hotel. Guerra then sped away.

When Guerra was arrested at his home about an hour later, he told deputies he went to see his son but nothing physical happened. He said he doesn't own a gun, but his wife does and it's out east at his daughter's house.

Guerra was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Battery.

As of Wednesday, Guerra remained in the Manatee County Jail on a $1,500 bail bond.

DUI Man Arrested, Tasered
at Sheriff's Substation

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a deputy used a Taser on a man arrested for DUI at a sheriff's substation on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, at about 11:40 a.m.

Jason V. Waldron

A sheriff's report said Jason V. Waldron, 31, was arrested for DUI and transported to a sheriff's substation on 57th Avenue East, Bradenton.

The transport deputy was in the process of switching cuffs, when Waldron became uncooperative.

Dep. Cline and Dep. Peralta were trying to regain control of Waldron as Dep. Proll arrived.

Dep. Cline told Proll to use the Taser.

Proll tried a drive stun to Waldron's chest area, but it did not phase the suspect.

Waldron was eventually subdued.

In addition to the DUI charged, Waldron was charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He later posted a $1,250 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Two Men Pistol-Whipped
Outside Their Residence,
Robbed by Gunmen

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, at about 11:15 p.m., in the 600 block of 60th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victims, Martin Mateo, 43, and Felix Mateo, 32, were in front of their residence at the above location when they were approached by two Black males.

The robbers went to Martin and demanded his money. Martin handed over his wallet and cell phone. One of the robbers then struck Martin twice in the head with the butt of the gun.

The robbers then turned their attention to Felix and demanded his money. Felix stated that he did not have any and was then struck with the butt of a gun.

The robbers then fled west from the scene and were not located.

Martin was later transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital via EMS; Felix refused treatment.

The robbers were described as two unknown Black males wearing all black clothing, with ski masks and gloves. Both were armed with black pistols.

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 Home Invasion Robbery
Reported on Tuesday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, at about 3:20 a.m., in the 5800 block of 7th Street East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said deputies were called to the above location after two Black males kicked in the front door and held the victims at gunpoint.

The invaders demanded money from the victims.

After rummaging through a closet, the robbers fled, taking some jewelry that belonged to one of the victim's baby.

No shots were fired and no one was injured during this incident.

The robbers were described as two unknown Black males wearing all black, with ski masks & gloves; both were armed with unknown type rifles.

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.

Local Pet Groomer Saves
Dog in Heart Failure

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- A local pet groomer is being credited with saving a little dog who went into heart failure while being groomed on Tuesday, August 10, 2010.

Jeff Little, owner of Sandy Paws Self Service Dog Wash, 624 14th Street West, Bradenton, said he saved the dog's life by performing mouth to snout CPR on the pet.

The owner of the pooch had brought her 3 pugs into the shop for bath and nail treatment.

One of her dogs, "Mafia," a little black pug, had been given a vet-provided sedative, due to what other groomers had said was an unmanageable manner.

While grooming with the owner and her friend, the dog had heart failure and lapsed into unconsciousness.

Mafia was given 3 deep breaths through his nose, along with chest compressions and Mafia started breathing again.

The dog was rushed to the closest veterinarian, Dr. Butler, of Bradenton Small Animal Hospital, where he was pronounced okay.

Sarasota Sheriff Arrests Teen
for Home Invasion Robbery

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested William Schrandt, 16, of 4703 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in connection with the home invasion robbery on Clark Road late Monday night.

William Schrandt

A witness says Schrandt asked him to drive him along with three others to the Sienna Park Apartments to purchase “pills.” The witness waited in the car while Schrandt knocked on the door.

When the victim, who knew Schrandt, opened the door, the others ran in, pistol-whipped the victim, and stole electronics and other items from the apartment.

During the attack, a roommate called 911. The suspects ran to the vehicle and told the witness to go, but he refused to drive away and told the suspects to get out.

Deputies responded to the scene and found Schrandt hiding nearby as the other suspects, described as three Black males, fled on foot. The stolen items recovered from the vehicle and additional evidence will be processed to help identify the other suspects.

Schrandt is charged with Home Invasion Robbery with a Firearm.

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), online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Owner of Stolen Boat Trailer
Find it at Recycling Business;
Man Arrested

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man who stole a boat and trailer Tuesday, August 10, 2010, from James Winesett, 59, 27650 Jones Loop Rd., Punta Gorda.

Shane Boomhower

Winesett located the trailer at Trademark Metals Recycling Center, 5005 Dalewood St., Cleveland, minutes after the recycler paid $56.50 cash to Shayne Boomhower, 23, 5229 Duncan Rd., Cleveland (East of Punta Gorda).

Winesett’s son Ryan saw an SUV pulling a boat and trailer on Jones Loop Road that looked like his father's and followed it. Ryan said the SUV sped up and was driving erratically making many turns and the boat fell off the trailer in the middle of the road; the driver kept on going. The son went to his father’s home nearby and they drove back to the area of Austrian and Swiss boulevards by the Charlotte Ranchettes; it was confirmed the boat was Winesett’s.

The father and son then drove to Trademark Metals Recycling and saw the trailer in the scrap yard. An employee said they paid cash to Boomhower for the trailer and he just left.

The father called CCSO at 1:55 p.m. after finding his stolen trailer and a deputy responded.

A BOLO was issued for Boomhower and at 2:49 p.m., a detective located him near Grove Blvd. and Bermont Rd. (CR-74); he was then arrested.

Boomhower was charged with Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Driving While License Suspend or Revoked. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and later released on $8,500 bond.

Toddler Killed In Brevard
Mobile Home Fire

BREVARD COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 2-year-old boy was killed in a mobile home fire Tuesday morning after his mother and neighbor tried to rescue him, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Brevard County Fire Rescue spokesman Orlando Dominguez said a fully involved fire was reported at a home on the 4700 block of Pine Needles Street in Mims around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Cameron was inside the home with his mother, April Reid, and his 4-year-old brother, Colton, when it went up in flames.

Reid was badly burned and in a state of shock, but was able to bring Colton to safety, fire officials said.

Cameron's father was at work when the fire started.

The boys lived in the home with three other brothers who were not home at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Reid was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with burns on more than half her body. She is in serious condition, WKMG said.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Bradenton Police Detective
Arrests Teenager for Attempted
Murder of Man in Critical Condition

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Bradenton Police Detective James Curulla has arrested Crisshawn Arrington, 17, for the attempted murder of Josh Junior Harley, 31, of 2013 5th Street West, Bradenton, on Saturday, July 24, 2010, shortly after 3 a.m.

Above, sign of City Walk Apartments and Crisshawn Arrington
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee Lead Photographer)

According to reports from BPD, at about that time there was a knock on Harley's apartment door. When Harley opened the door, he found Hariel Anderson standing there, who wanted to talk with his girlfriend, who was spending the night at Harley's apartment because the two had had an argument earlier. Anderson's girlfriend told Harley she did not wish to talk with Anderson, so Harley told Anderson that and closed the door.

There was another knock at the door, so Harley opened it and Anderson was standing there again. Harley repeated that his girlfriend did not wish to speak with Anderson.

At that time, Anderson yelled, "Gun!" because he believed he saw Harley holding either a gun or a cell phone. He would later tell detectives that Harley carries a .40 caliber handgun and had seen Harley carrying the gun earlier in the evening. Detectives would later find Harley's bloody 9mm handgun -- not a .40 cailber handgun -- with no shots fired from it.

When Anderson yelled, "Gun!" there was an immediate volley of five shots fired through the door, striking Harley in the chest.

A female witness said she opened the door and saw Anderson and another person, later identified as Crisshawn Arrington, running down the stairwell of the apartment unit.

Harley was flown by Bayflite medical chopper to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, in critical condition with life-threatening bullet wounds.

At the scene of the shooting, police recovered five (5) .40 caliber bullet casings outside the apartment. The trajectory of the projectiles (bullets) showed police that the shooter was in the area of the stairwell and first floor, not at the door.

Crisshawn Arrington was located and arrested on an out-of-county warrant.

He was read his Miranda Rights and agreed to talk with police. He admitted to shooting Harley and said that it was in self-defense, the report said. He said that he was there on the stairwell when Harley pulled a handgun on Anderson. When Anderson yelled, "Gun!" Crisshawn emptied his clip. He then fled on his motorcycle and threw the gun over the bridge into the Manatee River, he told police.

Crisshawn Arrington was recently charged with 2nd Degree Attempted Murder.

At last report, Josh Harley was in critical but stable condition at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.

Bradenton Beach Police
Break Into Car with Panting
Dog Inside in 110 Degree Heat

BRADENTON BEACH, Florida [NMT] --- The Bradenton Beach Police Department has arrested Patricia Suzanne Wicks, 23, of Estero, Florida. Wicks has been charged with Animal Cruelty.

Patricia Suzanne Wicks

According to the report from BBPD, on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at about 3:50 p.m., BBPD Officer Hill was dispatched to the parking lot at the 500 block of Cortez Beach in reference to a dog locked in a vehicle with the windows up.

Upon Officer Hill's arrival, he spoke with the caller, who said she was walking past the car and noticed a small dog in a dog carrier in the front seat of a black 2010 Volkswagen SUV with a towel over it. She said she had been standing there for about 20 minutes before calling law enforcement.

Officer Hill observed the animal moving around and panting in the carrier. The animal appeared to be lethargic and in distress, due to the heat inside the vehicle.

Officer Hill was given permission by his sergeant to break into the vehicle, which he did. The dog was retrieved and placed in the back of Hill's patrol car. The dog was a Sharkie, which is a Shi-Zu, Yorkie mix with medium coarse hair, weighing about 10 pounds.

Animal services was then called. They recorded an internal temperature of the car of 110 degrees. It was 88 degrees outside, with a heat index of 98 degrees.

While conducting his investigation, Hill said the owner, identified as Wicks walked up at about 4:30 and asked what the problem was. She did not appear to be concerned and did not appear to take the animal's potential condition seriously, the report said.

Wicks was arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty.

The dog was taken by Animal Services to a veterinarian to be monitored and checked for heat-related problems.

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

Man Arrested for Possession
of Pot, Pills, Handgun

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert J. Rogers, 19, of 4216 16th Street West, Bradenton.

Robert J. Rogers

The arrest report said on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at about 10:15 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on a red Dodge because the tag light was not illuminated.

Upon approaching the vehicle a deputy smelled the odor of marijuana. Rogers, a passenger, was asked to step out of the vehicle.

During an interview, Rogers told the deputy that he had marijuana in his pocked. A search found 15 grams of pot on Rogers and he was arrested.

Additional marijuana, two glass pipes, and 2 1/2 Oxycodone pills were located, as well as a .380 caliber handgun with a full clip.

Rogers said the handgun belonged to his mother, but admitted ownership of the marijuana, the pipes and the pills, for which he did not have a prescription.

Rogers was charged with Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

He later posted a $6,360 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

BPD Arrests Woman for
Slashing Live-In Boyfriend

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Joanna Luz Carter, 19, of 1831 13th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Joanna Luz Carter

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at about 1:15 a.m., Carter cut her unnamed boyfriend in the left forearm with a kitchen steak knife.

The report said the pair had been living together as a family for 3 years and currently Carter is six weeks pregnant with his child.

A dispute arose over an attempt to recover a cell phone. During the dispute, Carter locked herself in a room. She said that her boyfriend came into the room, using a knife to unlock the door and began choking her.

In self defense, Carter grabbed the same knife and cut her boyfriend in the forearm.

An officer saw no marks on Carter's neck, the report said.

She was arrested as the primary aggressor and charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

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

Young Man Calls Cops
to Confess to Theft
of Two Boats

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- In a strange twist of criminal behavior gone 'good,' Christopher Wayne Thompson-Rodi, 23, called the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to confess to crimes he had committed.

Christopher Wayne Thompson-Rodi

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, a deputy met with Thompson-Rodi at 3503 Cedar Street, in Ellenton, after Thompson-Rodi called the sheriff's office.

Thompson-Rodi admitted to driving his friend's pickup truck to a property located in the 12000 block of Upper Manatee River Road and stealing two boats, valued at $600, located on the property behind the workshop.

The owner of the property said she never gave Thompson-Rodi permission to take the boats.

The boats were located at the Best Value scrap yard, where Thompson-Rodi admitted to taking them.

Subsequently, Thompson-Rodi has been charged with other crimes.

He is currently charged with 3 counts of Burglary and 4 counts of Grand Theft.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $26,500.

The report did not say what prompted Thompson-Rodi to confess to the boat thefts.

Five Men Burst Into Home,
Rob Victim at Gunpoint

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery on Monday, August 9, 2010, at about 8:15 p.m., in the 3400 block of Clark Road, the location of the Sienna Park Apartments.

A sheriff's report said on the above date and time Deputies with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to the above location in reference to a report of five suspects forcing their way into a residence. One suspect was reportedly armed with a handgun.

Once inside the residence, the suspects took several items and then fled the area.

Responding Deputies detained 2 suspects, while 3 additional suspects fled the area on foot, in a northerly direction. The 3 additional suspects who fled on foot were described as Black males, wearing all black clothing.

The victim, whose name was withheld, was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries which were not life-threatening.

The investigation was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Section of the Sheriff’s Office and is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this case should call the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section at 861-4900 or Crime Stoppers at 366-TIPS (8477).

Sarasota Sheriff Arrests Seven
in Drug Crackdown

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested seven people during the search of a Nokomis home that has been the scene of extensive drug activity over the past year.

Undercover detectives executing a search warrant at 205 Pompano Lane on Monday afternoon, August 9, 2010, located 10 subjects inside the house and another three outside. They also found equipment and materials used to smoke, weigh, package and sell methamphetamines. The five people known to live at the residence were arrested and two others were taken into custody for outstanding charges.

Brian Cavanaugh, 30, and Ashley Wehrlen, 25, are charged with Sale of Methamphetamine and Possession of Methamphetamine.

Shyla Robinett, 29, and James Powers, 38, are charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia as well as Maintaining a Residence where Drugs are Bought or Sold and Carleen Allen, 48, is charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

David Lawrence, 42, is charged with the Sale of Oxycodone in connection with a prior case and Scott Hill, 49, was arrested for a violation of probation warrant out of Hillsborough County.

Woman Arrested on 11 Counts
of Doctor Shopping

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives arrested a Punta Gorda woman Monday afternoon, August 9, 2010, on “Doctor Shopping” charges. Arrested at 2:25 p.m. was Brenda Garrett Dolph, 55, 1261 Sugar Pine Court Apt. #111.

Brenda Dolph

Detectives said Dolph was illegally obtaining Oxycodone and Lyrica prescription pills from three doctors in Charlotte County and not advising them she was seeing other doctors for the same prescriptions.

Detectives said Dr. Lew Little, Charlotte Pain Management Center, 3109 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte; Dr. Asif Kamal, Primary Care Associates, 2091 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte; and Dr. Ferdinand Rios, Family Medical Walk-In Clinic, 1107 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, were used by Dolph to obtain the drugs for pain. Dolph was a patient of Dr. Little from July 2009-July 2010; Dr. Kamal from Aug. 2009 to Feb. 2010, and Dr. Rios from Feb. to May 2010. None of the doctors did anything wrong and were lied to when asked if she was seeing any other doctor for her medical condition.

Dolph was charged with 11 counts of Withholding Information from a Practitioner (Doctor Shopping) and bond was set at $27,500.

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

Charlotte Sheriff Arrests
Man for Dealing Oxycodone

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit detectives continue their crackdown on area drug dealers. Monday afternoon detectives arrested Adam Gray Jacobs, 21, 27176 Punta Cabello Ct., Deep Creek, after an undercover purchase of Oxycodone pills.

Adam Gray Jacobs

Detectives also purchased Oxycodone from Jacobs on Aug. 3 at an undisclosed location.

Jacobs was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with two counts of Sale and Delivery of Oxycodone, two counts of Possession of Oxycodone, and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $16,000. This is the second time Jacobs has been arrested on drug charges.

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

'Diaper Man' Pleads
Guilty To Fraud

VIERA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 40-year-old man who tricked caregivers into changing his diapers by pretending he had the emotional maturity of a 5-year-old apologized to a victim in court Monday before pleading guilty to charges of organized fraud, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Authorities said Sean Kelly of Port St. John told caregivers he was incontinent and hired two women to change his diapers in 2008 and 2009 but did not pay them the amount he promised.

He was officially charged with two counts of organized fraud of less than $20,000 by the Brevard State Attorney's office in February. Kelly, 40, was sentenced to a year of house arrest and four years of probation Monday. Judge Robert Wohn also ordered a psychological evaluation of Kelly.

Minutes earlier, the caregiver had tearfully described how she changed Kelly's diaper and fed and bathed him.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Kelly sometimes would hire women through postings on Craigslist.org. He would call them pretending to be the brother of the disabled man who needed care.

Kelly would then show up and pretend to be the man with the disability. The ruse was exposed when a caregiver's husband saw him get into a car and drive off.

Lt. Tod Goodyear, who heads the sex crimes unit of the sheriff's office, said he believed Kelly had a fetish where adults want to be fed from bottles and wear diapers, WKMG said.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Man Arrested for Burglary,
Dealing in Stolen Property,
Defrauding a Pawn Broker

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert Bonaiuto, 26 years old.

Robert Bonaiuto

On Thursday, August 5, 2010, Cops-West Deputy Parkinson was searching pawn histories trying to locate a possible suspect responsible for the increase in the West Manatee County vehicle burglaries.

While conducting her search Deputy Parkinson came across a subject, Robert Bonaiuto, 26, who had pawned 8 GPS units and several other items such as DVD players and cameras in the last two months.

Deputy Parkinson Found a GPS at Cash America Pawn and matched it to the unit taken in a burglary.

Deputy Parkinson made contact with the victim, Dorinda Gallagher, 50, and had her meet Dep. Parkinson at the Cash America pawn shop to identify the GPS unit.

Dorinda did positively identify the unit and completed an affidavit.

The pawn shop failed to get a fingerprint from Robert when he pawned the GPS unit, so Deputy Balukoff completed a photo lineup.

Robert was picked out of the photo lineup by the pawn shop clerk who completed the pawn transaction.

Cops-West Deputies located Robert at his residence and arrested him on Friday, August 6, 2010, for Defrauding a Pawn Broker and Dealing in Stolen Property. He was also charged with Burglary, following lengthy interviews with a detective. Additionally, Robert was charged with Violation of Probation.

Pending further investigation, Robert could possibly be charged with several other vehicle burglaries in West Manatee County and in the City of Bradenton.

Robert remains in the Manatee County Jail without a bail bond.

Man Arrested for Panhandling
Threatens to Shoot Deputies
and Their Families

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kenneth T. Nugent, 49, of 5030 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Kenneth T. Nugent

According to the arrest report, on Friday, August 6, 2010, at about 4:20 p.m., while on patrol, two deputies witnesses Nugent walking up and down the street at 53rd Avenue and U.S. 41, standing about 1 foot from the roadway.

Nugent had a sign asking for money from stopped traffic at that intersection.

While transporting Nugent to a sheriff's substation, Nugent made several statements that he was going to [expletive deleted] kill them and their family members once he was out of jail.

Nugent further said he was going to use his AK-47 to shoot the deputies in the head and he was going to get his fellow Army buddies to help him, the report said. He made the statement several times, according to the report.

Nugent was charged with Corruption by Threat Against a Public Servant and Family and Panhandling, in violation of a county ordinance.

Nugent remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $1,120.

According to the sheriff's website, Nugent has been arrested 4 other times since June on the same panhandling violation.

Man Arrested for Resisting
During Fight with Best Friend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Scott Conklin, 46 years old.

Scott Conklin

A sheriff's report said at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2010, Detective Parham was driving in the 5600 block 14th Street West when he observed two White males fighting in the parking lot of Tommy Knocker's bar, 5627 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Det. Parham pulled in as the two continued to fight on the ground.

He identified himself and gave both subjects commands to cease fighting.

At that point, John Doty, 39, tried backing away from Conklin but Conklin struck Doty in the face again.

Parham again commanded Conklin to stop his aggression or he would be tased.

Conklin again ignored Detective Parham’s commands and swung at Doty.

Parham deployed his Taser, striking Conklin in the upper and lower right side back gaining immediate compliance.

Conklin was taken into custody without further incident.

Doty refused to press charges and claimed Conklin is his best friend.

Conklin was charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence (Obstruction).

He later posted a $750 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Holmes Beach PD Arrests Man
for Possession of Drugs

HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- The Holmes Beach Police Department has arrested Curtis Armstrong, 25, of 304 29th Street, in Holmes Beach.

Curtis Armstrong

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at about 10 p.m., Sgt. Ron Cales arrested Armstrong in the 5600 block of Marina Drive.

Armstrong was found to be in possession of Suboxone, a Schedule III narcotic.

He had the pills in a cellophane wrapper which was in his right shirt breast pocket of the shirt he was wearing.

Armstrong did not have a prescription for those pills, the report said.

Armstrong was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

He later posted a $1,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

18-Month-Old Boy
Nearly Drowns

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a near drowning on Monday, August 9, 2010, at about 6:30 p.m., in the 4400 block of 67th Avenue Circle East, in South Manatee County.

A sheriff's report said deputies responded to the above location in reference to the near drowning.

An 18-month-old child, C. Griner, was found face up in the pool by his father, Justin Griner.

Justin removed his son from the pool and immediately started CPR.

Justin told deputies his son was slightly blue when he first discovered him.

Both mother and father did CPR until EMS arrived.

The child was breathing on his own but was lethargic.

EMS transported the child to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center for further treatment.

Strong Arm Robbery Reported
on Cortez Road West

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery on Sunday, August 8, 2010, at about 2:20 a.m., in the 2600 block of Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Dean Huskey, 47, was approached from behind and struck on his head.

Dean fell to the ground and the robber took $45 and fled.

Dean was unable to give any information about the robber.

He received a minor cut above his right eye, but did not need medical treatment.

Dean was uncooperative so information was limited, the report said.

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 from New York
Drowns Off Siesta Key

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office responded to a drowning off Siesta Key on Monday afternoon, August 9, 2010.

NewsManatee Sarasota Bureau reporter Doug Reynolds said when Sarasota County lifeguards pulled the 44-year-old female out of the water, she was unresponsive and CPR was started.

According to SSO Public Information Officer Wendy Rose, the woman and her family, who were visiting from New York, had just eaten lunch and the woman went into the water. She then apparently suffered a seizure of some type, Rose said.

It is unknown how long she was in the water. Paramedics were transporting her to Sarasota Memorial Hospital when they were told to stop all heroic measures; the woman was declared deceased, Reynolds said.

Sarasota County Detectives responded to the scene as a routine procedure.

The Medical Examiner will determine her cause of death.

The drowning victim was identified as Dawn D’Angelo, 44, of Freeport, Long Island, New York.

Sarasota Sheriff Reported
Fire from Lightning Strike

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported a structure fire on Sunday, August 8, 2010, at about 11 p.m., in the 4900 block of Hubner Circle, Sarasota.

The report said on the above date and time deputies responded to the above location in reference to a fire.

A 4-car detached garage caught fire and sustained extensive damage.

It appears that the fire was the result of a lightning strike.

There were no injuries.

Charlotte Sheriff Seeks Man
Known as "Copper Cowboy"

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives found probable cause for the arrest of an Englewood man who got his car stuck at a park Sunday morning, August 8, 2010, while attempting to pull copper wire from restroom conduit.

Thomas Eugene Eaton

A BOLO was issued for Thomas Eugene Eaton, 39, last known address of 1790 Manor Rd., Englewood. Deputies were called to Sunrise Park, 20499 Edgewater Dr., Port Charlotte, at 8:05 a.m. and found a1996 green Chevrolet Beretta stuck in sand with the hood, trunk and driver side door open. Behind the car was a rope tied to three lengths of copper wiring at the rear of the restrooms. It appeared the car was used to pull the heavy copper wire approximately 100 feet out of the pipe from the back of the restroom area at the meter box.

FPL was called and cut off power to the rest of the park and Charlotte County Parks and Recreation closed the park until further notice.

Detectives said they contacted the owner of the car and she said Eaton has been using her car since last Thursday. Detectives talked to Eaton’s girlfriend and she said Eaton called her early Sunday morning and said his car got stuck in Port Charlotte.

Detectives continue to try and locate Eaton whose nickname is “Copper Cowboy,” and are asking the public for any information as to where he might be located. Please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Firefighter Injured Battling
Vacant House Fires

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orange County firefighters were called out to the Orlo Vista area of west Orange County late Friday night and early Saturday morning for a pair of house fires, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Above, aftermath of fire on Jupiter Circle, Orlando
(Photo courtesy WKMG)

Fire officials said the first fire was on Jupiter Circle around 11:54 p.m. Friday.

When fire crews arrived at the house, they saw smoke coming from the roof and when they went inside, they found several small fires in different rooms of the house.

Several hours later, around 4 a.m. Saturday, a second call came in for a house at Hart and Washington streets.

Firefighters found smoke coming from the home and were quickly able to extinguish the flames.

One firefighter had to be treated for a minor injury and was taken to a local hospital.

Fire officials said both homes were vacant at the time of the fires.

Both fires are considered to be suspicious and neighbors are worried there may be an arsonist in their neighborhood.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Manatee County Deputy
Arrests Woman, 31, for
Prescription Fraud

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy Melanie Brady has arrested Micha Nicole Wells, 31, of the 1300 block of 13th Avenue West, Palmetto.

Micha Nicole Wells

According to the arrest report, on August 4, 2010, Dep. Brady received a call from the pharmacy manger for the CVS pharmacy at 3813 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. Dep. Brady was informed that Micha Wells, who was a subject of an ongoing investigation for prescription fraud had brought in two prescriptions. One was for Methadone 10 mg and the other was for Oxycodone 15 mg.

The pharmacist filled the methadone prescription, but told Micha she could not fill the Oxycodone until the following day.

The following day, the pharmacist learned that the methadone prescription was a fraud.

At 2 p.m. that day, Friday, August 4, 2010, Dep. Brady went to the pharmacy and spoke with the pharmacy manager, who was told to call Dep. Brady if Micha returned to get the Oxycodone prescription filled.

At about 7:15 p.m. that day, Dep. Brady received a phone call from the pharmacy that Micha had returned to get the Oxycodone prescription filled.

Dep. Brady went to the pharmacy and waited for Micha to get the prescription filled and paid for.

When Micha began to walk out, Dep. Brady stopped her.

Post-Miranda, Micha admitted to passing the fraudulent prescriptions, and said that she got them from a third party, who would give Micha with half the pills, which would then be sold by Micha.

Micha was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Illegal Drugs and Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud.

Bradenton Cops Arrest Man, 26,
for Sex Act with Girl Under 16

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Marcos D. Ferro, 26, of the 6500 block of 24th Avenue West, Hialeah, Florida.

Marcos D. Ferro

According to the arrest report, Ferro is a cousin of the unnamed minor girl.

Ferro arrived in Bradenton on Wednesday night, August 4, 2010, to visit relatives.

On Friday morning, Ferro was alone in the apartment in the 5300 block of Riverfront Drive, Bradenton, with the juvenile girl.

Post-Miranda, Ferro admitted to engaging in sex with the girl.

He said he put on a condom and inserted his penis into her vagina, but withdrew his penis after about 30 seconds.

Ferro said he realizes he made a mistake, according to the report.

Ferro was arrested on Friday, August 6, 2010, and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Act with a Person 12-16 Years of Age.

Woman Arrested for Possession
of a Controlled Substance
with Intent to Sell

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Caroline A. Nick, 35, of the 6300 block of Tahitian Drive, Bradenton.

Caroline A. Nick

The arrest report said on Thursday, August 5, 2010, at about 4:15 p.m., Caroline approached a man at Value Pawn in Bradenton and asked him if he was a cop and if he wanted to buy Lortab 10 mg pills from her. She showed him the pills in a silver pill bottle and offered to sell him 4 for $20.

The man refused and followed her in her red Eclipse while calling the sheriff's office and giving them her location and description so deputies could respond.

She pulled into the parking lot of Metro PCS at 4919 14th Street West, Bradenton. The man told deputies where she was.

Deputies arrived and waited outside the store until she came out and then approached her. Dep. Brandon Gard told her a person said she was trying to sell pills to him. She said, "Yeah, I have pills with me and I have a prescription for them at home."

Inside her purse was a pill bottle with the label torn off and Xanax pills inside. She also had a silver pill bottle in her bra with Lortab and Xanax pills inside it.

Caroline was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Man, Already in Jail,
Charged with Second
Robbery by Snatching

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Damien Breonta Williams, 20, of 294 34th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Damien Breonta Williams

According to the arrest report, on July 30, 2010, at about 1 p.m., Gutulia Rodriguez-Astudillo was walking in the DeSoto Square Mall with a friend. and her young daughter.

As they walked past the DeSoto Gold Kiosk, a Black male approached them, reached for a necklace around Gutulia's neck and ripped it off, causing the necklace to break. The Black male then fled the mall on foot with the chain.

On August 3, 2010, Damien Williams was arrested for a similar robbery that occurred across the street from the DeSoto Square Mall.

Based on this, his picture was used in a photo lineup and shown to Gutulia, who identified Williams. Her daughter also identified Williams. Gutulia's friend, who was with her at the time, also identified Williams.

Williams, who is still incarcerated in the Manatee County Jail for the first robbery, was additionally charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching on Thursday, August 5, 2010.

Lady Busted for Possession of
Methadone without Prescription

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Misty Dawn Ryan, 26, of the 1600 block of 9th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Misty Dawn Ryan

The arrest report from BPD said on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at about 2:30 p.m., a vehicle was pulled over and the driver was cited for Driving on a Suspended License.

The driver gave Officer Tony Cerniglia consent to search the vehicle. He located a purse belonging to the driver and inside were several pill bottles that belonged to her, but also a pill bottle that belonged to the passenger, Misty Ryan.

Inside that bottle were several pills that were prescribed to Misty. But there were also two methadone pills, for which Misty did not have a prescription.

Misty was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription.

Man, Woman Arrested for
Armed Robbery Following
2.5 Mile Pursuit

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Derrell A. Richardson, 21, of 502 26th Street West, Palmetto, and Tamika R. Houston, 29, of 747 20th Lane East, Palmetto.

Above, L to R, Derrell A. Richardson and Tamika R. Houston

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at about 10 p.m., Richardson and Houston went to an unnamed victim's home with the intent of robbing them of prescription medications, after they agreed to an exchange over the phone.

Once at the victim's home, the male victim walked out with the medications to make the exchange.

At this point, Houston pointed a handgun at the victim and robbed him. Houston and the victim began to fight and the victim was struck in the face and head with the gun. After they fought for a short time, Houston and Richardson fled in their vehicle, with the victim giving chase.

During the chase, the victim rammed the robber's vehicle several times to get them to stop. Richardson, now armed, fired two shots at the victim's driver's window, which was shot out.

Deputies located the fleeing vehicle and pursued it for 2.5 miles for about 3 minutes. The vehicle came to a stop in the 2400 block of 5th Avenue Drive East, in Palmetto.

Richardson was charged with Armed Robbery, Leaving the Scene of a Vehicle Crash, Aggravatged Assault with a Firearm, Fleeing to Elude, Driving While License Suspended and Possession of Marijuana.

Houston was charged with Armed Robbery and Aggravated Battery.

Shots Fired Into Car, House;
Possibly Gang-Related

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a drive-by shooting on Friday, August 6, 2010, at about 3 a.m., in the 500 block of 26th Avenue West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said unknown persons drove by the victim’s residence in an unknown vehicle and shot off several rounds.

At the time, the victim thought it was someone shooting up in the air to celebrate. However, when he came outside in the morning he realized that someone had shot at his car and his house.

Three rounds struck the house but never entered the house. One went into the bottom of the front door and two went into the outside wall of the house next to the front window. Two rounds struck the victim's vehicle. One went into the grill guard and the other went into the passenger’s front tire.

Five casings and one partial round were recovered from the scene.

The gang unit was notified, due to the location and interviews of the victims.

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, e. 

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.

Sex Offender Sentenced
to 12 Years in Prison

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A convicted sex offender who was arrested by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in 2007 for sexual battery and taking pornographic pictures of a six-year-old girl has been sentenced to prison.

Ralph Rife

The State Attorney’s Office of the 12th Judicial Circuit says 64-year-old Ralph Rife was found guilty of an Unnatural and Lascivious Act and Use of a Child in a Sexual performance, and sentenced Friday, August 6, 2010, to 12 years in state prison and three years probation.

Another 16 counts of Possession of Child Pornography, one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and one count of Possession of Counterfeit Bills are still pending against Rife.

Man Lured Into Robbery
By Two Females

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported a robbery on Friday, August 6, 2010, at about 3:20 a.m.

A report from SSO said units responded to 3900 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd. in reference to a robbery.

Upon arrival, the victim, Dennis Moore, 22, said that he received a call from a friend to meet at the apartments just behind the Speedway at Bee Ridge Rd. and S. Lockwood Ridge Rd.

After arriving, the victim was met by two female acquaintances.

The victim was then struck with a bat or pipe by two White males as he sat in the driver’s seat.

The victim got out of the vehicle and a struggle took place between the victim and the suspects.

The female acquaintances fled the scene.

The suspects were able to get the victim’s wallet and they fled on foot.

The victim refused treatment by EMS however was later taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital by family members.

The robbers were described as a White male, 5’10” tall, with a thin build, wearing dark clothes and a baseball cap; and a White male, 5’10” tall, with a heavy build, wearing dark clothes and ski mask.

6 Busted on Methamphetamine
Charges in Punta Gorda

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, assisted by the Street Crimes Unit, raided a Tee & Green Estates home Friday morning, August 6, 2010, at 6:30 a.m., at 4631 Westwood Dr., Punta Gorda; six people were arrested.

A search warrant was served and after a search of the home the following six people were arrested:

Daniel James Desrosiers, 28, 4631 Westwood Dr., Punta Gorda.
Jennive Mae Miller, 28, 4631 Westwood Dr., Punta Gorda.
Angeline Elaine Lorber, 32, 2619 Jerry Ave., Punta Gorda.
Kevin Leigh Smiley Jr., 30, 160 Charlotte St., Punta Gorda.
Jeramy Michael Holder, 30, 2015 Myrtle Ave., Punta Gorda.
Newt McClure Staples, 35, 2133 Dixie Ave., Punta Gorda.

A search of the home located numerous plastic baggies, 3 spoons, 2 pipes, all with Methamphetamine residue and one smoking pipe with marijuana residue. Detectives also found 11 AK-47 rounds and 14 shotgun shells in the home.

All six were charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Desrosiers and Miller were both charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Lorber was additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana, and Desrosiers was charged with Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.

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

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NewsManatee Archive Created 8/15/2010 3:41:40 PM

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