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Boyfriend Arrested for Child
Neglect with Great Bodily
Harm After Baby Girl, 11
Months Old, Dies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested John Thomas Morico, 19, of 3807 Manatee Avenue West, Lot 11, Bradenton.

John Thomas Morico

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, at about 8:40 p.m., EMS and the sheriff's office was called to 3708 Manatee Avenue West regarding a "medical issue" with a young child.

The baby girl, Payton Nash, 11 months old, lived at lot 11, but had been taken to a neighbor's residence.

An injury had occurred to the child and she was transported by EMS to Manatee Memorial Hospital where she was seen by a doctor. It was determined that the child had a skull fracture and was bleeding in her brain, the report said.

The child was then transported by Bayflite medical chopper to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.

The child was unresponsive while at All Children's Hospital and at 3:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, the child was pronounced dead.

On that day, while at Child Protection Investigative Division of the sheriff's office at 5651 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, an interview was conducted with John Morico. He was read his Miranda rights, said he understood his rights and agreed to speak to them about the incident, signing his name on the form.

However, at some point he stopped the interview and asked for a lawyer. All questioning was stopped.

After exiting the building, he began speaking to relatives who had come to the scene of the interview. He then requested to speak to Lieutenant Shear about the incident.

During the secondary interview, he was reminded that he had asked for an attorney and was told if he didn't want to speak further, he didn't have to. Morico initiated the conversation with Lt. Shear about the incident, waiving his rights to an attorney, the report said.

He apologized for not being truthful, saying that he was scared. He said he was carrying Payton in his arms as he entered his residence. He tripped over the corner of the pantry that is connected to the entryway. He lost hold of her, he said, and came down upon her, forcing his elbow into her head with all of his weight as he was falling, the report said. He said when he fell on her she made a noise he could not describe.

The child began a distressful cry for about 5 to 7 minutes, he said. Then she fell silent and was placed in the bedroom by her mother, Windy Nash, presumably to go to sleep.

Morico said about 10 to 15 minute later he told his girlfriend and the mother of Payton, Windy Nash, that he had fallen on top of the baby with full force. He then began watching a movie with Windy, then exited the residence to have a cigarette. While attempting to light the cigarette, he asked Windy to go inside to get him a lighter. Windy went inside to do so.

After Windy went inside, she ran out with the baby. This is when EMS was called by the neighbor.

After his statement, Morico performed a reenactment of the incident for detectives, using a plastic lifelike doll.

Morico was charged with Child Neglect Resulting in Great Bodily Harm. As of this time, he is being held in the Manatee County Jail on a $10,000 bail bond.

According to a sheriff's office press release by Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff, since the investigation began on September 12th, detectives determined there were inconsistencies with the stories of the child’s mother Windy Nash, 19, and her live-in boyfriend, Morico.

At this time, the mother has not been charged. The investigation continues with additional arrests and charges possible, the press release said.

Woman Arrested for Abuse
of 14-Year-Old Daughter

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Colette Nichole Pratico, 39, of 4107 Malickson Drive, Bradenton.

Colette Nichole Pratico

The arrest report said on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, at about 7 p.m., the victim, Pratico's 14-year-old daughter, was in her bedroom talking with her father when her mother came in and took her laptop and phone for no reason, the report said, and threw a glass of water on the girl.

When the girl got up and tried to leave, her mother followed her to the front door.

When the girl opened it with her right hand, Pratico slammed it, knowing that her hand was in between the door and the door frame, according to the sheriff's arrest report.

The girl told a deputy that her mother abuses her by telling her she is a bitch, hates her and wants her out.

EMS was called to check out the girl's hand and released her at the scene.

Pratico was arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

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

Manatee Detectives Arrest
Man, 55, for 24 Counts of
Child Pornography

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff's Detectives have arrested James Ellis, 55, and charged him with 24 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

James Ellis

The sheriff's office received a complaint on May 25, 2010, that Ellis had multiple images of child pornography on a flash drive and a CD.

The images were discovered after a co-worker helped Ellis move out of his residence and inadvertently came into possession of the child pornography.

Subsequent investigation confirmed the images were pornographic and detectives proceeded to obtain an arrest warrant for Ellis.

Ellis was arrested early Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, in Sarasota and booked into the Sarasota County Jail.

He remains in the Sarasota County Jail on a bail bond of $60,000; $2,500 for each of the 24 counts.

Woman Arrested for
Prostitution Again

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Amanda Whidden, 29, of the 5600 block of 19th Street West, Bradenton.

Amanda Whidden

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, two detectives with the Special Investigations Division Tactical Unit were working in an undercover capacity in an attempt to pick up women working as prostitutes.

At about 8:45 p.m., they came across Whidden walking in the 7500 block of Tamiami Trail (14th Street West).

They made contact with her and she got in their undercover vehicle.

After conversation, she agreed to perform oral sex and full sex for $100.

She was taken into custody and transported to the Manatee County Jail.

It was discovered through a computer check that Whidden had one prior conviction for Prostitution.

She was charged with Prostitution (2nd Offense). Additionally, her bail bond was revoked on other charges of Possession of Cocaine, Driving While License Suspended and Driving on an Expired Driver License.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $6,120 bail bond.

'Visitor' to Home Robs
Homeowner of Wallet

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Russell Silman, 33, of the 200 block of 47th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Russell Silman

A sheriff's report said the victim, Melvin Wingard, 69, and Silman are known to each other.

Silman was visiting Wingard at his home in the 1000 block of 51st Avenue West, Bradenton, and requested some money from Wingard.

However, another separate sheriff's report had more details.

On Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, Silman had gone to the home to have a sexual encounter. When the sexual encounter was done, at about 1 a.m., Silman asked Wingard for $5 for beer.

Wingard gave Silman some cash and began to walk Silman out of the home.

Once he was at the door, Silman grabbed Wingard's wallet from his hand and fled from the scene.

Silman was later located and arrested without incident.

He was charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and two counts of Violation of Probation.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Woman Stabbed in Car
by Man Also in Car

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was stabbed on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, at about 8 p.m. in the 5800 block of Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

According to a sheriff's report, Kelsey M. Lee, 20 and a man by the name of "Heavy" were traveling in the eastbound lane of Cortez Road West and were involved in a verbal argument.

The argument became physical when "Heavy" stabbed Lee in the right calf with a pocket knife.

At that point, Lee jumped out of the vehicle and "Heavy" fled in an unknown direction in the vehicle.

EMS responded to the scene and transported Lee to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Man Robbed at Gunpoint
While at Stop Sign

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, at about 8:15 a.m., in the 5500 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said while Shane Warkins was stopped at the stop sign on 55th Avenue West, he was approached by a man who quickly produced a handgun.

The man demanded money from Warkins.

At that point, Warkins remembered that he had money in his front shirt pocket so he threw it at the robber before fleeing the scene.

Warkins was not injured.

The robber was described as a White male in his 20s, last seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue jean shorts and displayed a revolver handgun.

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.

Sarasota Ten Most Wanted
Shooting Suspect Captured

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit captured one of the suspects on its Ten Most Wanted list.

Wendy Perez

A deputy took Wendy Perez, 28, of last known address 4414 Brooksdale Drive, Sarasota, into custody in Tampa at 12:30 p.m.

Perez was wanted by the Sarasota Police Department for Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon for shooting a man on Filmore Avenue in April.

He has been booked into the Hillsborough County Jail and will eventually be transferred to Sarasota County.

The search for Perez included the Sarasota Police Department and the US Marshal’s Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force.

SSO Arrests Two Teens
for Burglary

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two Sarasota teens and charged them with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Grand Theft and Criminal Use of Personal Information.

Above, L to R, Travis Dunn and Matthew Pinsky

Deputies say on Wednesday evening, Sept. 15, 2010, Travis Dunn, 19, 1859 Southpointe Drive, and Matthew Pinsky, 16, 4411 Winners Circle, used bolt cutters to break into a locker at the YMCA on Potter Park Drive, stole credit cards and more than $700 worth of belongings, and then headed to Westfield Sarasota Square Mall.

The investigation found the teens used the stolen card to purchase three sodas from a vending machine and then purchased a bicycle lock at Sears. The suspects were detained a short time later by a security guard who was alerted by a jewelry kiosk clerk that the teens tried to purchase $2,000 worth of merchandise with a stolen credit card.

Deputies responded to the mall, took the suspects into custody and recovered a black backpack which contained the victim’s cell phone, wallet and credit cards, as well as bolt cutters, a crowbar and a large screwdriver.

A third teen who joined the suspects at the mall was not charged in the case.

Four Arrested for Child Abuse
of Five Kids

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit detectives Wednesday arrested four adults on Child Neglect charges for failure to clean up their home after the Department of Children & Families took custody of the children Sep. 4. The children are between the ages of 1-3 years old, 1, 2, 2, 2 and 3 years of age.

Above, filth found in the bathroom
(Photo by Robert Carpenter, CCSO)

DCF investigated child neglect complaints Sep. 4th at 22363 Midway Blvd., Port Charlotte, about the deplorable conditions in the home where the five kids lived with their parents and two uncles. DCF said the home was infested with roaches, spiders and bugs. The report also said garbage was all over the home and included food, feces, dirty diapers and soiled linens. The children appeared to be malnourished, filthy and dirty, and all had bug bites. A dead rat was located under a bed mattress. Due to the conditions found, DCF took custody of the children then, and placed all with a relative. The four were ordered to clean up the home.

On Sep. 9th, DCF went back to the home and requested CCSO obtain more information and to pass that on to MCU detectives. Yesterday, MCU detectives went to the residence and met with Kaela Aleetha Demler, 23, (Parent), Lawson A. Wilcox, 24, (Parent), and two uncles of the children, Walter Lee Wilcox, 35, and 35 year old Dennis A. Wilcox. All have lived at this home the past four years.

Detectives documented living conditions now and were advised by the adults that since the children were removed from the home they had, “thrown away a lot of stuff inside the house.” Detectives found a very large pile of trash outside the home but inside was still roach infested, dirty, soiled and unlivable. The detectives report also stated, “There have been over 16 cases with DCF and they gave the adults time to rectify the conditions in the home, to no avail.” Detectives further stated, “They all had shared control and custody of the children and all contributed to the conditions in the home that the children were made to live in. Due to the conditions of the home while the children were living there, and now, probable cause existed for their arrests.

All four were transported to the Charlotte County Jail with no bond, pending first appearance Thursday morning.

Ammunition Explosion
Injures Female Worker

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A woman was hospitalized with face and chest injuries after an ammunition explosion, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

According to Orange County Fire Rescue, there was some kind of machine malfunction at DSE Fusing Inc., located on 6655 East Colonial Drive, around 11 a.m.

The woman, an employee at the company, was rushed to the hospital as a trauma alert, Fire Rescue said.

Fire Rescue treated the call as a hazardous materials incident based on pre-existing plans, but there were no hazardous conditions present when rescue crews arrived, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Man Stole Car, Computer
from Aunt; Arrested on
Six Charges

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Geoffrey Ryan Wiggins, 26, allegedly a homeless person.

Geoffrey Ryan Wiggins

The arrest report said Wiggins was visiting his aunt, whose name and address were not given in the report, on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010.

Later in the day, she noticed that the keys to her silver 2008 Honda Accord that were on the key hook next to her front door were missing. Her car and computer were also missing.

The woman said nobody else had visited her residence and her doors had been locked all night.

When the deputy finished his report, he was traveling eastbound on Braden Avenue when he spotted a similar vehicle and caught up to it at the Hilton Garden Inn. He saw that the tag was a match for the stolen vehicle.

The deputy, David Jeffery, initiated a felony stop and took the driver into custody. He was identified as Wiggins, the nephew.

Upon searching the vehicle after Wiggins' arrest, the deputy found two syringes, a crack pipe with brillo, a spoon with residue, two small marijuana roaches and a piece of crack cocaine. Both the marijuana and cocaine tested positive.

Upon checking with NCIC/FCIC and DAVID databases, Wiggins was found to be a habitual traffic offender.

Wiggins was charged with Grand Theft Auto, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Grand Theft (for the computer), and Felony Habitual Driving.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $11,740.

Undercover Detective Arrests
Woman for Prostitution

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Iris Joan Melendez, 37, of 1017 59th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Iris Melendez

According to the arrest report, on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, at about 5:15 a.m., an undercover detective with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Division Tactical Unit was attempting to solicit women walking the street of Bradenton seeking to prostitute themselves.

The detective was in the 4800 block of 11th Street East, when he saw a White female, later identified as Melendez, standing on the side of the road.

He stopped and made contact with her. She asked if he was a cop. He said no, but Melendez wanted him to show her his genitals as proof.

He refused and asked her if she wanted to get in; she did.

The detective said he wanted oral sex. Melendez was hesitant, so he asked her if she was a cop. She said no and flashed her breast as proof.;

Negotiation led to Melendez saying she wanted $30 for oral sex. The detective said that was too high, so she lowered her price to $20.

A "good deal" sign was given and deputies moved in to arrest her.

During the arrest, a used crack pipe fell to the ground by her feet. The pipe was tested for cocaine and yielded positive results.

A criminal history check revealed that Melendez had one prior conviction for Prostitution.

She was charged with Prostitution and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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

Passenger in Vehicle Had
Sarasota Warrant; He
Resisted, Tasered

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Randy Bernard Baldwin, Jr., 27 years old.

Randy Bernard Baldwin, Jr.

A sheriff's report said Baldwin was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic offense.

When he was checked via NCIC/FCIC, he was found to have a warrant out of Sarasota.

Deputies attempted to secure him and he began to resist.

During this time, deputies drive stunned him 3 times in an attempt to get him to comply.

He was secured and transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital per policy.

While on the way to the jail, Baldwin kicked the rear window out in what was believed to be an attempt to escape. This caused over $1000.00 damage to the patrol vehicle.

The suspect was delivered to the jail without further incident.

He was charged with Attempted Escape, Criminal Mischief and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Sex Offender Said He Was
Homeless, But Wasn't;
Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detective Carol Burd, of the Sex Offender Unit of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, has caused the arrest of Benjamin Rice, 56 years old.

Benjamin Rice

Originally, Rice was arrested in Ohio in 1997 for Sexual Battery of a 12-year-old female.

After he did his time, he moved to Florida, then to Tennessee, then back to Florida.

Benjamin Rice returned to Florida in June of 2010. He reported his status as homeless then, and on a subsequent registration form in July 2010.

In September, information was received that Rice was living at the Wayside Glen Trailer Park, 5120 14th Street West, lot 19, Bradenton.

Detective Burd prepared a warrant for Rice's arrest and it was issued on Sept. 13, 2010.

Rice was arrested by Warrants Deputy Grant Steube on September 14, 2010.

Rice has been booked in to the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $50,000.

Sex Offender Absconded
from Registered Address;
Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Detective Carol Burd, of the Sex Offender Unit of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, has caused the arrest of Ronald Alan Parkhurst, 59 years old.

Ronald Alan Parkhurst

Parkhurst was originally arrested by Bradenton Police in 2000 for Attempted Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of an 8-year-old female.

After he did his time, he was placed on probation, but violated that probation. It was learned that in 2000 he had attempted another lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 16 and was convicted of the probation violation in 2007.

Upon release from jail for that violation, he listed his address as 5427 15th Street East, Bradenton.

It was learned through an address verification that Ronald Parkhurst was no longer living at the address of record.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and signed on Sept. 13, 2010.

On Sept. 14, 2010, a Bradenton P.D. Officer arrested Parkhurst without incident.

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

Sheriff Opens Death Investigation;
Body Found in Lake

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a man found in a lake in the center of Bayshore on the Lake, 3841 Lake Bayshore Drive, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, while mowing the lawn behind "F" building, a maintenance worker discovered a body floating in the lake.

MSO arrived and it was apparent that the unidentified male, possibly Hispanic, was deceased.

There were no signs of trauma to the body and no evidence of foul play.

The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy, Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff, said.

There was a wallet found; however, there was no identification in the wallet. There was a card from the Guatemalan Consulate in the wallet.

The victim is believed to be in his 20s to 30s.

The victim had a tattoo with the name Elizabeth on his left bicep.

It’s estimated he had been in the water for at least 12 hours.

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.

Pedestrian, 64, Struck and
Killed by Motorist, 79

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a pedestrian was struck and killed on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, at about 9:20 p.m., in the 2800 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

According to the FHP report, a 2010 Ford pickup truck driven by Virgil Wager, 79, of Bradenton, was traveling northbound on 14th Street West, in the outside lane.

The pedestrian was attempted to cross 134th Street West, from west to east. The pedestrian entered the path of Wager's pickup truck.

The left front of the pickup truck struck the right side of the pedestrian.

The pedestrian was thrown in a northerly direction and came to final rest in the northbound outside lane of 14th Street West.

The pedestrian was transported to Bayfront Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 10:44 p.m. on Tuesday.

His name has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.

There were no charges in the incident, the FHP report said.

Two Men Arrested by SSO for
Wachovia Bank Robbery
in Venice

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two men in connection with the robbery at the Wachovia Bank in Venice last week.

Above, L to R, David Jameson and John Moreno

A deputy responding to a report of stolen lawn equipment last night developed information that the suspect arrested in that case, David Jameson, 51, 100 North Pearl Avenue, Nokomis, may also be the bank robber. Those leads were forwarded to the criminal investigative section and this morning detectives began to investigate Jameson. They conducted a photo-lineup at the bank and three tellers positively identified Jameson as the bank robber.

Information was also received indicating Jameson’s roommate, John Moreno, 49, was an accomplice. After interviewing both suspects, detectives charged Jameson with Bank Robbery and Moreno with Principal to Robbery for driving the getaway vehicle.

4 Crack Dealers Arrested,
Including Boy, 15

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit detectives arrested four Crack Cocaine dealers from Sarasota County that included a 15-year-old boy, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010.

Above, L to R, Niko Curington, Ruth Metz, Katrelle Johnson and Jeremy Wiley

Arrested were:

Niko Christopher Curington, 15, 445 Flamingo Rd., Venice.
Ruth Ann Metz, 44, 1444 Portage St., North Port.
Katrelle D’Mario Johnson, 18, 217 Orduna Dr., North Port.
Jeremy Lee Wiley, 36, 2208 Ashberry Circle, Sarasota.

The Crack Cocaine transaction occurred at 5:50 p.m. in the parking lot of Promenades Mall, 3280 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte, in the same center as the Sheriff’s District-4 Office.

The juvenile, Currington, provided the undercover detective with one gram of Crack Cocaine in a plastic baggie in exchange for $200.

Members of the Narcotics and Street Crimes units then moved in and detained all four in the Chevrolet SUV driven by Wiley.

A search of the vehicle also located a clear baggie with additional Crack Cocaine, a glass vile with Cocaine residue, and marijuana.

All four were charged with Sale and Delivery of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Metz was additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana.

Metz, Johnson and Wiley remain in the Charlotte County Jail and have not posted bond; juvenile Curington was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice center in Ft. Myers.

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

Officer Opens Fire On
Car In Street Race
That Struck Him

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported an Orlando police officer opened fire on a driver who struck him with a vehicle during an incident involving about 75 cars and street racing, authorities said.

Officers went to Lee Vista Road and State Road 417 around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday in connection with a street race that was occurring in the area, police said.

All of the vehicles fled when police arrived, but two cars were stopped by officers, Orlando police said.

Officer Rodney Vance was struck by a fleeing vehicle, and he fired at least one shot at the vehicle, hitting the back window, police said. No one was shot, however.

The driver, Michael P. Lee, 24, was later located and taken into custody, police said. He faces charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle.

Vance suffered minor injuries and has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, which is routine procedure during an officer-related shooting, WKMG said.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Fish & Wildlife Officers
Snare Illegal Shooter
with Bionic Deer

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported 3 Fish and Wildlife Officers snared a would-be deer hunter with a remote controlled deer on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, at about 5:30 p.m. Arrested was Roy Woodrow Bailey, 43, of Lakeland, Florida.

Roy Woodrow Bailey

According to the arrest report, FWC officers had received numerous complaints of road hunting in the Duette area.

They set up a replica deer on Carlton Road, in Duette, approximately 125 yards from the road on Yohn grove property. The replica was a typical 7-point buck normally found in central Florida.

At about 5:30 p.m., a camouflaged Ford F-150 approached the grove and continued driving at a slow rate of speed. The officers were observing the vehicle between rows of the grove, in a concealed location.

One of the officers began operating the remote control for the deer.

When the truck reached their location, a man dressed in camouflage shirt, ball cap and blue jeans stepped out of the truck and shot at the replica deer.

After the man shot, the officers approached and identified themselves and ordered the man to put his gun down. The man complied and threw the gun down to his left. When it hit the ground, it discharged, but nobody was hurt.

The man was identified as Roy Woodrow Bailey. With him was his girlfriend, Teresa Lynne Shirley, 46. When she was interviewed, she began crying and said she had just gotten out of the hospital that morning for heart and back problems and began to complain about chest pains. EMS arrived and cleared her at the scene.

Bailey said they left Plant City for a drive when they spotted the deer. Bailey admitted he was a convicted felon and knew that he should not possess a gun. He also said it was worth the effort to shoot the deer and drag it across the canal.

Officers searched the truck with Bailey's consent and found several knives and a camouflage bag with hunting equipment, including a spotlight.

Bailey was arrested and charged with Attempting to Take a Deer During Closed Season, Discharging a Firearm in Public, Taking Wildlife from a Right-of-Way and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

He later posted a $5,740 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Crimes Against Children
Unit Arrests Man, 37, for
Lewd & Lascivious Acts
On Girl, 15 Years Old

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crimes Against Children Unit has arrested William Edward Suggs, 37, of the 12000 block of Upper Manatee River Road, in Bradenton.

William Edward Suggs

According to the arrest report, the unnamed 15-year-old female victim was living with a woman and Suggs, who is the woman's boyfriend.

One day in late July, the victim and Suggs were home alone with Suggs while the woman went to get pizza.

Suggs cornered the victim in his room, laid her on the bed and put his hands up her shorts and inserted his hand in her private area.

The victim then said that the woman would be coming home soon, so Suggs stopped touching her. He said he was sorry and did not mean to hurt her.

He did not touch her for a while, but sometime in the middle of August the girl was sitting on a wooden bench in the dining room and Suggs came up and sat beside her and stuck his hands up her shorts and private area again.

the next night he did it again while the girl was laying in bed. He then massaged her thigh and told her he was sorry.

On Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, an investigative tool was used to make contact with Suggs by the victim. During the contact, Suggs said "he only did it to make her happy." He also apologized to her and said that he would like to talk with her in person.

Suggs, who lists his occupation as "security" was arrested and charged with two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a Victim 12-15 Years of Age.

He posted a $20,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Deputy Arrests Man for Domestic
Battery by Strangulation in Front
of Small Children

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dustin Lemley Lawson, 25, of the 2800 block of 51st Street East, Bradenton.

Dustin Lemley Lawson

According to the arrest report, on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at about 1 p.m., Lawson got mad at one of the unnamed victim's daughters, who is 3 years old, because she was crying.

The little girl ran to a back bedroom to her Mom where Lawson chased her and jerked the fork she had from her hand and spanked her.

Her mother saw how mad Lawson was and pushed him away from her daughter in order to protect her.

Lawson became enraged and a physical altercation between Lawson and the woman ensued.

It got so bad the small children in the home ran to a neighbor's house and requested they call the police, which the neighbors did, the report said.

Dep. Chris Ralston arrived on scene a short time later and heard banging and yelling in the house and entered the front door. The small children came running to him and Lawson came out from a back bedroom. He was detained and place in the deputy's cruiser, not yet under arrest.

"The woman was physically and emotionally shaken and had marks and new black and blue bruising on her face," Dep. Ralston wrote in his report.

The children were all trying to tell Dep. Ralston and show him how Lawson hit and choked their mommy.

The woman at first said, "Nothing happened and I'm not going to get hurt any more," but then opened up to say she was hit in the face and choked. She said she did not know if she blacked out, but couldn't really remember what happened.

Lawson said his side of the story isn't important, but when he was advised of the charges he faces, he said he did not hit the woman, but "did choke the s*** out of her," the report said.

Lawson was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation and Domestic Battery.

He later posted a $15,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Manatee 7-11 Store Victim
of Armed Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery of the 7-11 convenience store, located at 5640 14th Street West, Bradenton, on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, at about 7:20 p.m.

The sheriff's report said the victim, Robert Ata, 24, a clerk at the store, stated that a light-skinned man, possibly a Black or Hispanic male, entered the store, approached the counter, stated that he had a gun in his jacket and demanded money from the clerk.

The clerk gave the suspect all of the money out of his register.

The suspect then exited the store and fled north on 14th Street West.

No one was injured during this incident.

The robber was further described as being 5'9" tall, 150 pounds, and was last seen wearing a gray zip-down sweater and red shirt. He was possibly armed with an unknown caliber Glock handgun, 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.

Hispanic Woman's Necklace
Stolen by Black Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, at about 10:30 a.m., at 3553 1st Street, in Bradenton.

According to a sheriff's report, the victim, Morenia Del Carmen Siliezar-De-Aguilar, had just left Acapulco Supermarket and was walking south along the front of the stores in the plaza, when a Black male approached from behind and pulled her necklace from her neck.

He then fled around the back of the plaza.

The victim waited approximately an hour and a half to report the crime because she does not speak English and waited for a coworker to interpret for her.

The victim did not suffer any injuries in the incident.

The victim values the necklace about $350.00

The culprit was described as a Black male, 6' tall, with short hair, and was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt and long jean shorts.

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.

Missing, Endangered Elderly Man
Recovered by Sheriff's Office

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the recovery of an 84-year-old missing and endangered man on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010.

A sheriff's report said on Monday, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Robert Wallace left his residence located at Morning Dove Court, in the Ridgeood Mobile Home Park, in Ellenton.

Wallace left on foot in an unknown direction.

Wallace's wife, Patricia tried to locate him, but couldn't, so she called the sheriff's office.

Several units responded and began a grid search of the area.

Patricia advised that Robert has Alzheimer's disease and had trouble balancing.

At about 7 p.m., Robert was located by patrol units at the Roaring 20s Pizza Shop at the 6700 block of US 301.

Robert said he just went for a walk; he was not injured.

Robert was returned to his residence unharmed.

SPD Arrests Man for
Robbery, Car Burglary

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department reported Michael J. Rivera, 33, was arrested by Sarasota Police Officers for Robbery by Sudden Snatching and Vehicle Burglary.

Michael J. Rivera

On September 12th, at about 6:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the parking lot of the Westfield Shopping Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. The caller advised that a subject on a bicycle was riding through the parking lot pulling on car door handles.

Officer Scott Patrick and Officer Jason Frank responded to the call. They recalled being briefed about two strong arm robberies that had occurred in the same area involving a suspect riding a bike with a similar suspect description. The officers observed a subject ride up to a vehicle on his bike and then attempt to open the vehicle door by pulling on the door handle.

At that time, the suspect observed the officers. The suspect jumped off his bike and put his hands in the air. The suspect was arrested for Burglary of a Conveyance (automobile). The individual arrested is Michael J. Rivera. Rivera lives in the 2100 block of Roselawn Street.

Detective Johnathan Todd interviewed Michael Rivera. Rivera admitted that while riding his bike through the shopping center he pulled on car door handles in an effort to enter the vehicles. Rivera also admitted to a Robbery by Sudden Snatching that occurred at 3825 S. Osprey Avenue on September 11th. In that case Rivera rode up on his bike, behind a 72-year-old victim, and snatched the victim’s purse from her hands.

After obtaining the confessions from Rivera, Detective Todd recovered the 72-year-old Robbery victim’s purse and identification from Rivera’s residence.

Anyone with additional information concerning these crimes is asked to contact Detective Johnathan Todd at 941-954-7091.

Youth Counselor Arrested for
Burglarizing His Church

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives arrested a youth counselor for burglarizing his church.

Jeremy Scott Walker

Charged with Burglary and Grand Theft was Jeremy Scott Walker, 19, 1489 Carswell Ave., Port Charlotte.

CCSO received a call Sep. 6th concerning a burglary to Palm Tabernacle Ministries, 390 Flamingo Blvd., Port Charlotte. The rear door was found open, the administrator’s door damaged, and a filing cabinet was forced open to get keys to the safe. The safe contained cash and checks which were stolen.

Crime Scene technicians located fingerprints on the cash envelope in the safe, and on a couch next to the key box.

The church installed a security camera due to a recent theft that showed a white male, large in stature, wearing what appeared to be a mask and baggy tee-shirt. The church administrator and pastor told detectives the man in the video resembled their Youth Counselor Walker.

On Sep. 8, Crime Scene technicians matched the fingerprints to Walker.

Detectives picked up Walker at his home Monday and transported him to the Mid-County Office, at 11:30 a.m. The money reportedly was taken to purchase drugs.

The Port Charlotte High School student was arrested and then transported to the Charlotte County Jail. He remains in jail on $5,000 bond.

Gator Wide Receiver Arrested;
Sent Woman 'Time To Die' Text

GAINESVILLE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported University of Florida wide receiver Chris Rainey has been charged with aggravated stalking after being accused of sending a woman a text that stated, "Time to die."

Chris Rainey

Rainey, of Lakeland, was taken to the Alachua County jail at 3:17 a.m. Tuesday on the third-degree felony after sending the message to a woman he has previously dated, police said.

Rainey made his first appearance at 9 a.m. Tuesday and a judge released him from jail under the condition that he have no contact with the alleged victim.

Gainesville police questioned the redshirt junior about sending the text message after visiting the woman's home and being told to leave.

Police visited Rainey's apartment a short time later and arrested him.

Rainey suffered a concussion in last week's 38-14 win against South Florida, but Gators coach Urban Meyer said Monday he expected him to play in this Saturday's 3:30 p.m. game at Tennessee.

UF officials did not immediately offer comment, WKMG said.

More Floridians than Ever
Are Buckling Up, FHP Says

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT] -- Safety belt use in Florida increased 2.2 percent in 2010.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Executive Director Julie Jones announced on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, that statewide safety belt use reached a record 87.4 percent this year following the 2010 Click It or Ticket safety belt campaign.

“Safety belts save lives,” Kopelousos said. “Wearing a safety belt is the best way to stay safe in a crash. We want everyone to remember to buckle up – every time and every trip.”

Florida’s primary safety belt law, adopted in 2009, is a critical piece of the educational and awareness initiatives spread through media and grassroots efforts across the state.

A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that primary safety belt laws and enhanced safety belt enforcement programs, such as Click It or Ticket, are proven, effective strategies to prevent motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths.

“Florida’s primary safety belt law has led to greater safety belt usage, fewer injuries, and fewer deaths from vehicle crashes,” Jones said. “Our state troopers and law enforcement officers statewide are committed to making a difference through both education and enforcement.”

The Preusser Research Group documented observed seat belt use in Florida vehicles following the Click It or Ticket campaign from May 24 to June 6.

The results showed that Florida’s safety belt usage rate reached an all time high with only four of the 12 surveyed counties experiencing slight declines. Many surveyed counties achieved increases between 2.5 percent and 9.8 percent.

Pickup truck drivers and their passengers continue to be among the lowest users.

The full 2010 safety belt usage final report is available on the FDOT website: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety. For more information about Click It or Ticket, please visit www.clickitfla.com and follow the Click It or Ticket campaign on Twitter: @ClickItFla.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Search Warrant Nets Deputies
$5,000, Cocaine, Marijuana,
Ammunition; Man Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office raided the home of Alexander Presha, 32, of 2505 4th Street East, in Bradenton, armed with a search warrant on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at about 1:30 p.m.

Alexander Presha

Entry was made by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office S.W.A.T. team.

Once entry was made and the residence was secured, Presha was taken into custody and taken outside.

Inside the home, deputies found powder cocaine in the amount of 58.1 grams (2+ ounces), a trafficking amount, in two knotted baggies and one baggie that had several smaller baggies individually packaged.

They also located $4,398 in currencey in Presha's pockets.

There was also rock cocaine cut for sale, a rock cocaine "cookie," a box of .44 caliber ammunition and a box of 9mm ammunition.

Inside Presha's Nissan Armada deputies located another bag of rock cocaine, cut and packaged for sale and a bag of marijuana, and $598 in cash.

Presha was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana.

He later posted a $75,120 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Man Arrested for Child Abuse,
Domestic Battery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Douglas Dulin, 39, of 1112 38th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Douglas Dulin

The arrest report said on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at about 3 a.m., he and a woman, presumably his wife, got into a verbal altercation which turned physical when Dulin pushed the woman to the ground in their bedroom.

He did so in front of his two children, who are 10 and 13 years old.

The woman then ran into the garage, picked up a bag of soil and dumped it on Dulin.

He then followed her into the bedroom where he pushed her to the floor again.

Dep. Dunkum observed the woman had an abrasion on her left knee, consistent with her being dragged. She also observed soil in the living room and a small amount on the bed in their bedroom.

The woman complained of her right shoulder hurting, but declined EMS.

Dulin was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery and Child Abuse.

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

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Assault on a Law Officer

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Gregory Johnson, 34, of 1116 7th Street East, Bradenton.

Gregory Johnson

A Bradenton Police Officer arrived at the address above as a backup unit to a domestic argument and trespassing complaint, a police report said. The incident occurred on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at about 6:15 a.m.

He was waiting outside and noticed Johnson was extremely hostile and screaming so loud that the neighbors began exiting their homes.

The officer asked Johnson if his children were inside and Johnson replied by calling the officer a jackass and turning away. Johnson was extremely hostile and began pointing his finger in the officer's face and yelling. He was within 4-5 inches from the officer's face.

The officer told Johnson to "get out of my face," at last four to five times.

During the incident, Johnson told the officer to "Keep eyeballing him and see what happens." Johnson continued to get in the officer's face and the officer had to push him back. Johnson told the officer "If he touched him again, he would take that as an act of aggression."

The officer reported a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Johnson. Johnson said he had two drinks that morning.

Johnson was told to sit down. Johnson sat for a moment, then immediately stood back up and said "I will drop you where you stand." The officer grabbed Johnson's right arm, took him to the ground and placed him in handcuffs.

Johnson was arrested for Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.

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

Man Arrested for Trying to
Pass Forged Check

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Mark Anthony Klassen, 26, a homeless man.

Mark Anthony Klassen

According to the arrest report, on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at about 4:30 p.m., Klassen walked into the Bank of America located at 3401 Cortez Road West and presented a check written to him from Brent Rose, and his ID in order to cash the check.

Bank employees became suspicious and called Rose, the alleged maker of the check. Rose said he had not written the check.

Klassen was still on scene when Dep. Aleppo arrived at the bank.

Post-Miranda, Klassen admitted that he had stolen the check from Rose, who is a family friend, while he was visiting Rose at his house.

Klassen said he filled out the check and signed Rose's name on it, then endorsed it and tried cashing it.

Klassen said, "I screwed up," and said that he is unemployed and in need of money.

Rose confirmed to Dep. Aleppo that he had not written a check to Klassen or given him permission to write it.

The check was in the amount of $80.

Klassen was arrested and charged with Forging a Bank Check and Uttering a Forged Instrument.

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

Man Shot in Butt at
Burger King

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a shooting on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, in the Burger King parking lot, 3803 1st Street East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said at approximately 2:25 p.m. on Monday, the sheriff's office received several 911 calls about a shooting at the Burger King on 1st Street.

A White male, Joshua Richards, 25, a White male, of Bradenton, was shot once in the area of his buttocks.

The shooting occurred in the parking lot.

According to witnesses, the suspect is a Black male in his mid 20s, and was last seen wearing tan shorts and an orange polo shirt.

Richards was Bayflited to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Pete with injuries which were not life-threatening.

Prior to the shooting, Richards was seen pacing in the parking lot until the suspect vehicle arrived.

Richards went to the passenger side of the vehicle, opened the door, and was shot.

The motive of the shooting is unknown at this time.

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.

Deputy Strikes Bicyclist
With His Cruiser

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported Deputy McBride struck a bicyclist with his cruiser on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, at about 6:30 p.m., in the 800 block of Riverside Drive, in Palmetto.

A sheriff's report said Deputy McBride approached the stop sign at Riverside Dr. and 8th Ave. West, Palmetto (eastbound).

McBride made a complete stop, the report said.

As McBride proceeded to make a right turn (southbound), he looked northbound for a clearance in traffic.

Then, as McBride moved forward slowly, his vehicle hit Blaine T. Souza, no age or address given, who was crossing the street on a bicycle.

Souza fell to the ground and received minor injuries; his bicycle's rear tire was damaged, according to the report.

SPD Charged Harry Lee Bell III
with Five Armed Robberies

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- Harry Lee Bell III, 30, has been charged by Sarasota Police with five Armed Robberies.

Harry Lee Bell III

The robberies occurred at The X-Factor, 1940 12th Street (robbed three times) and XTC Super Center, 2092 17th Street (robbed twice). The string of robberies started on July 16th, 2010 with the last two robberies occurring on the evening of August 18th.

On August 19th, Harry Lee Bell III was shot during a confrontation with Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies. At the time of the shooting, Bell was inside of a stolen vehicle that is now believed to have been the vehicle used by the perpetrator to flee the robberies on August 18th. That vehicle had been reported stolen hours prior to the robberies on August 18th.

Inside the stolen vehicle deputies recovered a “caveman” mask, a black semi-automatic handgun, several bandanas, and gloves. The perpetrator in the August 18th robberies wore a “caveman” mask, gloves, and was armed with a dark semi-automatic handgun. The perpetrator fled the robberies in a vehicle with some type of lift on the back of the vehicle. The recovered stolen vehicle, that was driven by Bell, has a wheelchair lift on the back of the vehicle.

Detective Michael Jackson recovered a video tape that shows Harry Lee Bell III purchasing a “caveman” mask from the LTM Party Store located in The Ringling Plaza on 08/16/10, two days prior to the last robberies and three days before Bell’s confrontation with the deputies.

The five Robberies:

07/16/10 2:05 a.m. The X-Factor, 1940 12th Street.
07/26/10 1:48 a.m. The X-Factor, 1940 12th Street.
07/27/10 1:24 a.m. XTC Super Center, 2092 17th Street.
08/18/10 11:25 p.m. The X-Factor, 1940 12th Street.
08/18/10 11:30 p.m. XTC Super Center, 2092 17th Street.

Anyone with additional information regarding the robberies is asked to contact Detective Michael Jackson at 941-954-7096.

Two Teens Arrested
for Auto Burglaries

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested two teenagers early Monday morning, Sept. 13, 2010, for breaking into cars along Wedgewood Lane in The Meadows in Sarasota.

Above, L to R, Cameron Wolfe and John Villeco

A witness called the Sheriff’s Office around 2:30 a.m., after seeing the suspects trying the doors on several cars and entering vehicles that were unlocked.

Responding deputies spotted the suspects but the pair fled on foot. Deputies located both teens a short time later and took them into custody.

Cameron Wolfe, 17, of 4005 Valle Lane, Sarasota is charged with two counts of Burglary of a Vehicle. John Villecco, 19, of 4730 Murray Place, Sarasota, is charged with two counts of Burglary of a Vehicle, Resisting Arrest without Violence and Loitering and Prowling.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all residents that vehicle burglaries are a crime of opportunity. Removing valuables from plain sight and locking automobiles is the best way to combat this crime.

Man, 21, Charged With
Growing Pot In Bathtub

PALM BAY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A 21-year-old man who Palm Bay police said used Craigslist and a local shop to set up a small grow operation in his home, faces several charges after officers reported finding four pot plants growing in his bathtub, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Matthew Raymond Parlier

Matthew Raymond Parlier was charged with cultivation of cannabis, possession of cannabis over 20 grams and possession of cannabis with intent to sell after Palm Bay police carried out a search warrant of his home, police reports show.

Police also found firearms and prescription pain pills in the home, resulting in additional charges, including display of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a controlled substance, reports show.

Parlier will have an Oct. 5 hearing on the charges.

Palm Bay police raided the home last Thursday night and located several lamps and a makeshift irrigation system rigged above the bathtub in the master bathroom, according to reports.

Police said marijuana plants were growing in pots sitting in the tub.

Police said Parlier, who has been living at the home for a year and used the bedroom on the east side of the home, told officers the cannabis was for personal use and had been growing for two months.

Police said Parlier spent between $500 to $1,000 on the equipment, which he said was procured through online ads on Craigslist.com and several trips to a local store.

Parlier was arrested and jailed at the Brevard County Detention Center in Sharpes, WKMG said.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Source: 3-Year-Old Boy Started
$300,000 Fire at Avalon Square
apartments on 14th Street West

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- According to a NewsManatee confidential source, a 3-year-old boy playing with a lighter started a fire in a bedroom at Avalon Square apartments, 3506 14th Street West, Bradenton, on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010.

Above, the fire damage at Avalon Square apartments, 3506 14th St. West, Bradenton
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee lead photographer)

A press release from Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue said the fire department received a call of a structure fire at that location at 2:45 p.m. Fire personnel were on scene 3 minutes later at 2:48 p.m.

First arriving units found heavy smoke and fire showing from the roof of a rear apartment on the second floor, #239.

A second and third alarm was called in by arriving units, which brought out fire engines from the Bradenton Fire Department, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue and West Manatee Fire Rescue.

The fire took more than an hour to extinguish.

Cedar Hammock Battalion Chief Sam Collier said fire and water damaged six apartments and smoke damaged several others.

On scene units included seven engines, one tower, one ladder, a heavy rescue unit and several support personnel.

The structure sustained $300,000 dollars in damages.

Red Cross arrived and assisted several of the affected families, the press release said.

According to Battalion Chief Collier, the woman in the apartment where the fire started was awakened by neighbors pounding on her door. She went to the bedroom, saw the blaze and hastily exited the apartment with her son.

Chief Collier declined to confirm with NewsManatee that the boy started the blaze. He would only say the fire cause was accidental.

Bad Guy, Good Guy Shot
During Attempted Robbery;
Both Stable in Area Hospital

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported two men were shot during an attempted robbery on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at about 8:25 p.m., in the 900 block of 21st Street East, Palmetto.

A sheriff's report said Eric Carey, 25, was armed with a semi-automatic gun and approached Stanley Collins, 45, as he stood outside his apartment.

Carey demanded money from Collins.

A struggle ensued over the gun and carried over into the apartment.

Shots were fired striking Collins in the chest and Carey in the cheek and hand.

Collins yelled for his neighbor in another building.

The neighbor, hearing the "shots," armed himself with a bat and found Carey and Collins struggling inside the apartment.

The neighbor began hitting Carey with the bat.

Carey fled to an open area by building 17.

The sheriff's office was then notified and responded.

Collins was located slumped over on a car hood and Carey was sitting on a nearby rock.

EMS transported both to Bayfront Medical via ground transport.

Collins and Carey are currently in stable condition.

Detectives and the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) responded and took over the investigation.

Man Arrested for Strangling
Female Crack Buddy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dennis Richard Beaulieu, 57, of 6262 Bobby Jones Court, Palmetto.

Dennis Richard Beaulieu

According to the arrest report, Dennis and a woman named only as "Nicole" have been seeing each other and dating for the past 2 months. During this relationship, the couple engages in kissing and oral sex, as well as getting dinner at restaurants together. Nicole said she stays at Dennis' house anywhere from four to five times a week and that the two smoke crack cocaine together.

On Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at about 3:30 a.m., Dennis and Nicole got into a verbal argument because Nicole returned to the residence not having Dennis' $60 that he had given Nicole to buy crack cocaine with and also not having the crack cocaine.

He proceed to grab Nicole by the throat using both hands and began strangling her. Nicole said she was gasping for breath and became dizzy. She tried to free herself, but Dennis grabbed her again by the throat and pushed her against the wall.

Dennis released his hold on Nicole and handed her his cell phone to call her mother to bring $60 to him. Nicole called her mother, but her mother called law enforcement.

When deputies arrived, Nicole was on the pool deck and ran to deputies.

Dennis said he just wanted his money back and that the pair have drug problems and need help. He asked deputies to get his wallet from the bathroom.

A deputy went to the bathroom and found 11 crack pipes that tested positive for cocaine.

Nicole had abrasions around her neck consistent with her account of the incident, but declined EMS.

Dennis was arrested and charged with Felony Domestic Battery by Strangulation and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Two Women Fight,
One "Stabbed"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Latonya M. Pate, 20, of 1205 35th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Latonya M. Pate

A sheriff's report said on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at about 3:20 p.m., Latonya and a woman identified only as "Joy" were in a verbal argument at 1200 35th Avenue West, Bradenton, when it became physical and they started fighting in the house.

They continued to be physical until they were broken up by witnesses.

Latonya left for about 5 minutes and then came back to the location.

While Joy was sitting on a chair in the ktichen with her back to the door, Latonya entered the house and began to stab at Joy's back about three times, saying, "Now I got you, now what?"

Latonya ran out of the house and back down the road to her house, where she was arrested.

The arriving deputy, Dep. Jacobus, reported he did observe a small abrasion on Joy's back that looked as if it could have been from a knife.

Latonya was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

Man Arrested for Child Neglect
After Leaving Child Alone

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jamaaludeen Rahaman, 23, of 4885 49th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Jamaaludeen Rahaman

The arrest report said on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at about 5:20 p.m., Rahaman was detailing a car for a car dealership in the 4800 block of 14th Street West. His 3-year-old daughter was with him.

Due to a "moment of panic" because of congestion in the parking lot and Rahaman needing to finish detailing the car, he drove the car around the front of the building and stopped in front of Stacy's Buffet.

The child opened the rear door of the vehicle and ran over to the sidewalk near Stacy's Buffet. Rahaman sat her down on a bench in front of Stacy's Buffet and told her not to talk to anyone and stay there. He then drove away, leaving the child sitting on the bench, unsupervised.

When he returned about 10 minutes later, the girl was gone. He was told by witnesses that the girl had been taken to the nearby Lifestyle's Family Fitness by someone. Rahaman went there and found his child with the witnesses. She was unharmed. A slight argument began, but the girl was returned to Rahaman.

A deputy arrived and took Rahaman into custody. Rahaman said he messed up and should never have left her there. He said he had a moment of panic and had to get the car [he was detailing] out of the way.

Rahaman was charged with Child Neglect.

No word on what happened to his 3-year-old daughter.

Woman Raped by Hispanic
Man on Bicycle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a woman was raped on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, in the early morning hours, outside a Haitian mission located at 3319 9th Street East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the woman, identified only as "K.S." in the report, said she got hungry and walked to the Circle K at 9th Street and 30th Ave East, Bradenton, at about 2 a.m.

She purchased several snack items there and walked southbound on 9th Street from the store.

She was approached by a Hispanic man on a bicycle. The suspect is a stranger to her.

He beckoned for her to follow him down the driveway of the listed crime scene. She followed him.

Once there, he took her to the ground, pulled her pants off and sexually battered her.

The rapist was described as a Hispanic male, 5'8" tall, stocky, brown hair, no facial hair, and was last seen wearing a hat, dark shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots. There were no weapons seen or used, and he was riding an adult bicycle.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Shots Fired at Trailing Vehicle;
No injuries, Suspects Not Found

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported shots were fired at a vehicle that was following another vehicle on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at about 12:40 a.m., in the 600 block of 21st Street East, in Palmetto.

A sheriff's report said Christine Jones and Michael Joslin were following a silver Cadillac Sedan DeVille driven by Brandi Marshall, 28, also containing a White male and 2 unknown Black males, in an effort to speak with Marshall.

The vehicles were traveling eastbound on 21st Street East in Palmetto when an unknown Black male passenger leaned out of the driver's side rear window of Marshall's vehicle and fired 2-3 shots at Jones and Joslin.

Jones and Joslin continued to follow the suspect vehicle while calling 911 until they lost the suspect vehicle in the area of 49th Street East and US 41 North.

There were no injuries and no property was struck with the rounds during the incident.

Neither Marshall, the other three suspects, nor the vehicle could be located.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) -- or, to provide an anonymous e-Tip by computer, .

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

Suspicious Person Tries to
Enter Woman's Home

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a man attempted to get inside a woman's home on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010.

A report from Dep. Alan Fifield said a White male called and told a lady, whose name and address were not given in the report, that she should be expecting him.

He said he told her neighbors he would be coming by to speak with her.

When he arrived, he said he was an intern for an elementary school and attempted to come in to tell her more. He put his bag by the door and looked inside the home when the door opened. He asked to come in and sit down at her dining room table and tell her more.

She told him she was not interested and had to go.

He left in an unknown direction.

The man was described as a White male, 6' tall, with light Brown hair. He had a shoulder strap bag, and was very sweaty.

He left in a 4-door maroon Hyundai Sonata). The license tag given by the woman came back no record found.

This incident occurred in the Parrish area of Manatee County.

Dep. Fifield reported he has been informed that the subject was identified by the Sherriff's office; however, he was not identified in the report, nor were his intentions.

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 Children Reported Missing,
Later Found; You'll Never
Guess Where

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office received a call from a distraught mother on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at about 2:15 p.m.

She said that her two small children were missing from their home in the 1500 block of 33rd Avenue Drive East, in Bradenton.

She said the back door to her residence was open, and it appeared that the children had walked out.

However, after calling, she found the two small children hiding in the clothes dryer.

The children thought that they were in trouble and hid from their mother.

There was no sign of any abuse or neglect, the report said.

Undercover Drug Buy Leads
to Arrest of Two Brothers

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two North Port men for Trafficking a Controlled Substance and Resisting Arrest Without Violence.

Above, L to R, Merlin Annace and Danny Annace

During an undercover drug operation Thursday afternoon, Sept. 9, 2010, Merlin Annace, 26, and his brother Danny Annace, 23, both of 8455 Raoul Avenue in North Port, sold a detective 96 30mg Oxycodone pills in exchange for $1,500.

When the arrest team moved in, both suspects attempted to run from the scene but they were taken into custody by the perimeter team.

Merlin Annace has an extensive criminal history, including 15 arrests in Sarasota County over the past eight years for violent crimes including Carjacking, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Assault.

CCSO: Florist Arrested for Getting
Credit Card in Employee's Name

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Economic Crimes Unit detectives arrested the owner of Parker’s Florist, 2171 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte, for obtaining a credit card in an employee’s name, and then making $1,640 in charges.

Rosella M. Collins

Arrested was Rosella M. Collins, 43, 453 Delaney St., Port Charlotte.

The 54-year-old unnamed employee contacted ECU detectives Aug. 27 after she learned Collins had used her personal employee information on file to fraudulently obtain a Capitol One Credit account.

ECU detectives arrested Collins on Friday on three felony charges of Grand Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information.

She was transported to the Charlotte County Jail; bond was set at $7,500.

Road Sign Could Help
Solve Homicide

KISSIMMEE, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported investigators in Osceola County are using a new tool in their effort to solve a recent homicide -- an electronic road sign that says, "Young Man Murdered Here. Call Crimeline With Tips."

The sign, typically used to alert drivers of traffic issues, was placed on Pleasant Hill Road earlier in the week, not far from the intersection of Orange Blossom Trail and John Young Parkway near Kissimmee.

Deputies are using the mobile sign in connection with the death of 20-year-old Joshua Burch, who was found shot Sunday morning in his Chevrolet pickup at a 7-Eleven near the sign's location.

Investigators said Burch's death may be the result of road rage. Deputies said they're looking for the driver of a black sport utility vehicle who may have been involved in the incident.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office said it placed the sign on Pleasant Hill Road in hopes of finding a driver who may have seen something in connection to the alleged incident.

Deputies said they have received numerous calls about the case after the sign was placed on the roadway.

It's the first time this type of device has been used by Osceola County sheriff's deputies for a homicide, WKMG said.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 9/18/2010 2:00:06 PM

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