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Deputies Arrest Palmetto Man
for Attempted Armed Robbery
with Stolen Handgun, More

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Malcolm Xavier-Javais McAllister, 20, of 2403 5th Avenue Drive East, Palmetto.

Malcolm McAllister

A sheriff's report said Seamus Browning, 18, drove to 23-year-old Nathaniel Knight’s Tuscany Lakes apartment and parked in front of his apartment building at 5434 36th Street Court East.

As Nathaniel got into the front passenger seat of Seamus’s car, Malcolm got into the back seat and held a handgun to the back of Nathaniel’s head and said, ”Give me your money, [N-word]. I am not playing; this gun is loaded.”

Nathaniel said, “I don’t have any money” and then turned his pockets inside out and showed Malcolm that he really did not have any money.

At that time Malcolm fled eastbound on foot towards apartment building 3510.

Seamus and Nathaniel chased after him on foot and then Malcolm pointed the gun at both of them.

Nathaniel stated, "He’s not going to shoot anyone."

However Malcolm said, “Don’t test me; I am going to shoot all of you” and pointed the gun at them again.

At that time they both stopped but did see Malcolm run up the stairs of building 3510 and enter apartment 207. Two of the apartment complex maintenance men observed Malcolm to have a handgun in his hand when he ran into apartment 207 of building 3510.

A knock and talk was completed in which the tenant had all of his friends, including Malcolm, step outside. A show up was completed at about 4:10 p.m. Both victims and both maintenance men positively identified Malcolm as the suspect.

The tenant of apartment 207 signed a waiver to search his apartment for the handgun, at which time one of his guests said, ”Malcolm went into the kitchen and I think he put it in the stove.” A search was completed and the loaded handgun was located in the bottom drawer of the stove. An FCIC/NCIC check upon the handgun revealed that it was reported stolen.

Malcolm was arrested and transported to the jail with no further incident.

He was charged with Attempted Armed Robbery, two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Armed Burglary to a Conveyance and two counts of Violation of Probation of earlier charges. One was for Possession of Marijuana and the other was for Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Traffic Stop Nets Deputies
One Arrest, 106.5 Grams
of Powder Cocaine

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Keingi Dennard Poole, 31, of 216 27th Street East, Bradenton.

Keingi Poole

According to the arrest report, on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at about 7:30 p.m., Poole was clocked by a deputy's radar going 57 mph in a posted 40 mph zone. The deputy initiated a traffic stop in the 2900 block of Ellenton-Gillette Road, in Palmetto.

As the deputy approached the vehicle, an SUV, he could smell the distinctive odor of marijuana.

Poole denied knowing anything about marijuana, but didn't want the vehicle searched, saying it was his girlfriend's vehicle and she would have to give permission.

The deputy told Poole he had probable cause to search the vehicle and got Poole and two other people out of the SUV.

Inside the SUV was a blue bag on the floorboard of the rear passenger seat. Inside the blue bag the deputy found 106.5 grams of powder cocaine (3.8 ounces, or nearly 1/4 pound).

Poole denied knowing anything about the cocaine.

Poole was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Cocaine.

The next day he posted a $75,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man
for Selling Morphine, Gun
to Undercover Detective

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Steven Calvin Westhoff, 24, of 4115 Royal Palm Drive, in Bradenton.

Steven Westhoff

According to the arrest report, an unnamed Bradenton Police Detective, working in an undercover capacity, placed a phone call to Westhoff, who said he would sell the detective a .38 special handgun for $200, along with 3 morphine pills (15 mg) for $15 per pill.

They agreed on a meeting place and both showed up.

They drove to another location and Westhoff handed the U/C detective the handgun and three small blue pills, later identified as morphine.

At that point, Westhoff was arrested by a "take-down" team.

He was charged with Sale of Opium (morphine is a derivative of opium).

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $5,000.

Teenager Aims Vehicle at
Girl He Knows, Others

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kevin Michael Bogdan, 18, of 2517 13th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Kevin Bogdan

The arrest report said on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at about 2:45 a.m., Kevin was waiting outside of a girl's friend's house in the 2500 block of Florida Blvd., Bradenton, as the victim, Angela Hough, and her friends, including a "guy she was with" as Angela approached the house, walking in the street with her friends.

Angela said Kevin noticed her and conducted a "burn-out" with his vehicle.

She said he then accelerated toward her and her friends, directing the vehicle at the group; he drove directly at them, the report said.

Her friends pushed her out of the way and then jumped to safety as well, to avoid being hit by the vehicle.

Angela told Deputy Davis that there was no doubt in her mind that he intended to hit her with the car.

She said he then did a U-turn in the road and came back to where the group was standing.

He began yelling vulgarities at them and attempted to pick a fight with "the guy she was with."

Angela said they then retreated to the hour they were originally walking to and locked themselves inside.

Kevin was arrested on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. He was charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault.

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

Woman Caught Rifling Through
Man's Wife's Purse; Arrested

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an arrest in a burglary on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at about 1 p.m., in the 6000 block of 9th Street East, Bradenton.

Crystal Rhoades

A sheriff's report said Israel Torivio, 35, returned home to 6004 9th Street East to find a stranger, later identified as Crystal Rhoades, 31, inside his bedroom going through his wife's purse.

He took his wife’s purse from Rhoades and called 911 as she fled.

Patrol deputies and Detective Dunlap responded to the area.

Rhoades was subsequently located, hiding inside the vacant residence of 6020 9th Street East.

Torivio identified Rhoades in a show up and Rhoades was arrested.

A crack pipe, the victim’s money and misc ID were discovered in Rhoades' pocket.

Inside the purse, a screw driver was found that didn't belong to the victim.

The stolen property was returned to the victim.

Rhoades was charged with Burglary of a Structure, Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $17,620.

Woman Slugs Man's Head
with Bicycle Pump

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Tammie Lorraine Adams Barber, 43, a homeless woman.

Tammie Barber

The arrest report said Barber and her victim, Matthew Kaplan, are boyfriend and girlfriend who have had an ongoing relationship for the past three years.

On Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at about 11 p.m., Barber, for no apparent reason, grabbed a bicycle pump and hit Kaplan on the left side of his face with the pump two or three times.

The battery resulted in Kaplan having a cut above his left eye and a small open wound on the left side of his eye and other small cuts above and below the eye.

Kaplan told a deputy Barber hit him with no provocation. They had not been arguing prior to Barber striking him, he said.

Barber was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $5,000.

Young Man Arrested for
Sale of Rock Cocaine
to Undercover Cop

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Christopher Yarn, 18, of 717 56th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Christopher Yarn

The arrest report said on Friday, May 27, 2011, at about 6:15 p.m., an undercover detective attached to the Special Investigations Division met with Yarn in a parking lot on 9th Street East.

Yarn gave the detective multiple pieces of rock cocaine in exchange for $60 in prerecorded money from an investigative fund.

Yarn was arrested and charged with Sale of Rock Cocaine.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $5,000.

Routine Traffic Stop Leads
to Drug Trafficking Arrest

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Jermaine Ward, 31, of 1931 Edgewater Circle, Sarasota, for Cocaine Trafficking and Resisting Arrest following a routine traffic stop Wednesday night, June 1st, 2011.

Jermaine Ward

A deputy stopped Ward on 34th Street and noticed Ward was acting nervously.

Additional deputies arrived to provide backup and assist with a weapons search.

Ward kept moving his hands near his waistband and then elbowed a deputy and tried to take off running.

Ward was taken to the ground, but kept resisting arrest so deputies discharged a Taser to gain compliance until he could be handcuffed and searched.

Deputies recovered a clear plastic bag containing more than 31 grams of cocaine (an ounce is 28 grams).

Deputies also seized more than $1,800 and impounded Ward’s vehicle.

Ward is currently being held without bond in the Sarasota County Jail on one count of Trafficking in Cocaine and two counts of Resisting Arrest.

Woman, 34, Arrested for
Having Sex with Boy, 17

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives arrested a 34-year-old Port Charlotte woman for having sex with a 17-year-old boy.

Amy Varnam

The mother of the boy called the CCSO May 23 and reported she saw messages and a photo on her son’s Facebook social networking site that led her to believe an adult female was having sexual intercourse with her son.

MCU detectives obtained a search warrant to collect evidence in the home of Amy Marie Varnam, 34, 226 Warwick St.

The detective’s investigative report said Varnam and the boy had sex on two occasions in her home.

She was arrested Wednesday and taken to the Charlotte County Jail.

Varnam is charged with Sexual Assault on a Minor; she remains in jail on $20,000 bond.

Student, 8, Gives Teacher
Gun As Gift

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- An elementary school student in South Florida took a dangerous gift to her teacher as an end of the year present, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Unknowingly, the 8-year-old Allamanda Elementary School student gave her teacher a loaded .22-caliber handgun wrapped in a box.

After the teacher received the gift, she opened it and found the gun at the bottom of the box.

Police don't think the girl knew there was a gun in the box.

They believe her grandmother put it there to hide it and the girl simply used the wrong box to wrap her gift, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Man Asks for Ride, Robbed
by Man, Woman Using
Crowbar or Machete

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at about 1:45 p.m., in the 1700 block of 67th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Jason Zwelling and Gina Nelson

A sheriff's report said the victim, Patrick Bernie, 21, of the 1600 block of 55th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton, met Gina Nelson, 23, who worked as a bartender at a local night club. Although they both claim to be mere acquaintances, Nelson has picked up Bernie from his house at La Mirada several times to give him a ride for gas money.

On Tuesday, Nelson had her boyfriend, Jason Zwelling, 22, riding in the front passenger seat when Bernie called for a ride to Amscot in exchange for $20 gas money.

Nelson and Zwelling arrived and picked Bernie up.

Instead of heading toward Amscot, they turned south onto 15th St. E., away from Amscot, and ended up at the railroad tracks in the 1700 block of 67th Ave. E.

At this point, Nelson stopped the car and Zwelling threatened Bernie with either a crowbar or machete and ripped Bernie out of the rear passenger seat manually, causing small bruises.

Zwelling then took Bernie's $550 in cash that he was going to get a money order with to pay his rent.

They left him on the side of the road.

The suspects were located and eventually confessed.

They were both arrested.

The weapon was not actually used to strike the victim.

Both Zwelling and Nelson were charged with Armed Robbery.

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

Suspected Burglar Captured
by Manatee Sheriff's K-9

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dominic J. Gargano, 32, of 3936 Breezemont Drive, Sarasota.

Above, L to R, Dominic J. Gargano and MSO K-9 Ranger

A sheriff's report said on Monday, May 30, 2011, several vehicle burglaries were reported just north of Manatee Avenue West on 79th Street, and at 5:40 a.m., on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, units responded to 7701 San Juan Avenue for a vehicle burglary. K-9 was utilized, but was unable to locate the suspect. This location is about 5-6 blocks from Monday's burglaries.

Then, at 10:40 a.m., units responded to a suspicious persons call at 600 Casabella Drive.

The homeowner, Gary Freed, 61, went outside and noticed a man, later identified as Gargano, hiding between the motor home and the fence.

When Gary Freed yelled to Gargano, Gargano fled on foot with Freed following.

Several units responded and K-9 Deputy Franklin located the suspect in the area of Village Green Parkway and Manatee Avenue West

Gargano threw a camera into the storm drain and fled from Deputy Franklin.

After a short chase, he was apprehended by K-9 Ranger.

Gargano matched the description for the vehicle burglary reported 5:40 a.m., and is now a suspect in connection with other burglaries in the area.

Gargano was treated at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Emergency Room for a K-9 bite to his arm and side.

Deputy Franklin also received minor injuries during the apprehension and was treated at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Emergency Room.

Gargano is no stranger to law enforcement. According to Manatee County court records, Gargano has a raft of Burglary charges dating back a number of years and has spent time in prison on the charges.

Gargano was charged with Loitering and Prowling and Resisting Arrest without Violence. He was also charged with Violation of Probation on an earlier Burglary charge.

As of Wednesday afternoon, he remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Woman Arrested for Slapping,
Punching Pregnant Woman

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has reported a case of aggravated battery against a pregnant woman.

Mary A. Southwick

According to the arrest report, on Monday, May 30, 2011, at about 2:30 a.m., Mary Southwick, 52, of 4527 67th Street West, Bradenton, Southwick intentionally slapped Elisa Mercer three times on the right side of Mercer's face and punched Mercer in the face.

Mercer is currently 10 weeks pregnant. The report said Southwick said Mercer told her that she was pregnant a few weeks ago.

The incident occurred after Mercer's boyfriend and Southwick got into a fight and Mercer tried to break up the fight.

Mercer got between Southwick and the boyfriend and slapped and punched Mercer.

Deputy Jason Vitoritt observed red marks on the right side of Mercer's face.

Southwick denied the allegations.

Southwick was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Victim.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Southwick remained in jail in lieu of a $10,000 bail bond.

Holmes Beach Police Arrest
Woman for Grand Theft Auto

HOLMES BEACH, Florida [NMT] -- The Holmes Beach Police Department has arrested Kristina A. Kennedy, 26, of 1806 Quail Trail, in Lakeland, Florida.

Kristina Kennedy

The arrest report said on Sunday, May 29, 2011, at about 3:20 a.m., Kennedy was the driver of a stolen vehicle that Holmes Beach Police Officer Joel Pierce made a traffic stop on. It was a 1997 Hyundai, valued at $10,000.

About two months prior to this incident, Kennedy did have access to the vehicle and was given a key by the unnamed victim, which is how she made entry into the vehicle.

The victim said the key was supposed to have been returned several weeks ago and Kennedy has not had permission since then to take the vehicle.

The victim told Officer Pierce on Sunday that the vehicle had been taken over a week ago and wished to pursue charges against Kennedy.

Kennedy was charged with Grand Theft Motor Vehicle.

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

Man Arrested for Dancing
in the Street...Naked

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Eric P. Echales, 35, of 7621 Silverwoods Court, Bradenton.

Eric Echales

The arrest report said on Friday, May 27, 2011, at about 7:15 a.m., Eric was walking on the sidewalk without any clothes on near Balmoral Woods Blvd. and Arnold Palmer Greens, in Lakewood Ranch. He was listening to his iPod and dancing.

When asked why he did not have any clothes on, Eric said he just wanted to feel free.

He said people were driving by laughing and blowing their vehicle horns and the people "were enjoying him being naked."

On the way to jail, Eric said, "I Didn't know I would be taken to jail for being naked, but it felt good to be free."

Eric was charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs.

He paid a $500 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Two Bradenton Police Sergeants
Share Officer of the Month Honor

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Sgts. James Racky and Dennis Stahley are the co-recipients of the Bradenton Police Officer of the Month for June 2011 for their role in saving the life of a distraught man who was threatening to jump off the DeSoto Bridge.

Above, L to R, Sgt. James Racky and Sgt. Dennis Stahley

During the afternoon of May 11, 2011, police responded to a call about a man dangling off the side of the DeSoto Bridge.

Police found the man crying and upset and threatening to take his own life by jumping off the bridge.

Several officers were on scene, including more near the river’s edge in the event he jumped; the Coast Guard also responded.

Sgt. Stahley talked to the distraught man in an attempt to calm him, but also to distract him.

While Sgt. Stahley continued to talk to him, Sgt. Racky and other officers crept up from behind.

Sgt. Racky was able to grab the man in a bearhug and pull him to safety.

The man was transported to the hospital under the Baker Act.

Home Burglary Nets Burglar
Over $20,000 in Jewelry,
Electronics

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a residential burglary on Wednesday, June 1st, 2011, at about 3:30 p.m., in the 6600 block of Conetta Drive, in South Manatee County.

The sheriff's report said unknown person(s) forced entry to the listed residence.

Once inside, a substantial amount of jewelry and electronics were stolen.

The total value of items taken is estimated to be over $20,000.

A Crime scene technician responded to photograph and process the scene.

There was no further information in the report.

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.

Business in Foreclosure
Robbed of $27,000 in
Appliances

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a burglary to the Stingrays Grill, 6260 Lake Osprey Drive, just south of University Parkway and just east of I-75, in the Lakewood Ranch area.

A sheriff's report said Stingrays Grill has been closed for several months, and the restaurant is in foreclosure.

Sometime between May 20th and June 1st of this year, an unknown person entered the business by prying open the back door.

Once inside, the suspect(s) took $27,000 worth of appliances from the business and fled in an unknown direction.

Due to the business being in foreclosure, the alarm system has not been used for some 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.

Identification of Pharmacy
Robbery Suspect Sought

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s detectives are asking for the public’s assistance to identify the suspect of a pharmacy robbery that occurred at the Target store located at 5350, Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, on Monday, May 30, 2011, at approximately 10:00 a.m.

The suspect approached the pharmacist, implied he had a weapon, and passed a note demanding Oxycodone pills.

He left the store in an unknown direction.

He is described as between 25–30 years of age, approximately 6’ tall, 150 lbs., and was sporting a reddish beard. He was last seen wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt, dark colored pants and a dark baseball cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Mike Dumer at (941) 861-4937 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Sarasota Sheriff Knight
Presents Award to
Bank Hero

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sheriff Tom Knight today presented a Certificate of Recognition to United States Army Staff Sergeant Eddie Peoples for disarming and subduing the man who robbed the Bank of America, 3600 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.

Above, Sheriff Tom Knight and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eddie Peoples

Peoples was in the bank with his four- and six-year-old sons when an armed man threatened customers and tellers and demanded cash. As the suspect left the bank, Peoples followed him outside and blocked the getaway vehicle with his van. The suspect pointed his weapon at Peoples, who quickly took the weapon away and put the man on the ground. The weapon turned out to be an authentic-looking replica of a handgun.

Peoples, who has been deployed on multiple occasions to Iraq and Kuwait, is currently stationed in Vicenza, Italy. He and his wife Abra had just arrived in the Sarasota area on Monday with their children to visit family.

At today’s ceremony, Sheriff Knight said, “Due to the willingness of Staff Sgt. Eddie Peoples to react immediately while disregarding his own safety, the perpetrator was apprehended before he could victimize anyone else.”

The bank robber, 34-year-old Matthew Rogers, is being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond charged with Armed Robbery and Attempted Armed Carjacking.

Narcs Raid Home; 2 Adults,
2 Juveniles Arrested

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit detectives arrested two adults, both convicted felons, and two juveniles during a drug raid on a Port Charlotte home Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

Following a drug investigation, detectives obtained and served a search warrant at 21961 Buxton Avenue. They found Dawn Raye McMannis, 41, in the backyard with two juveniles, a 16- year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl. At the front door detectives met Joseph Wayne Stowell, 37. Once the home and property was secured detectives began their search.

In the backyard where the two juveniles were laying on a mattress, detectives confiscated a metal smoking device with marijuana residue. In an inside bedroom, detectives found burnt Brillo with cocaine residue. On the nightstand where the cocaine was found was a Florida ID card for McMannis, and on a dresser an inmate ID card for Stowell.

All four were transported to the Charlotte County Jail.

The 16-year-old boy was booked then taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice center in Ft. Myers. The 17-year-old girl was released to relatives. Both juveniles were charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Both Stowell and McMannis were charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; they are being held without bond.

Anyone with knowledge of illegal drug activity is asked to please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Cops: Boy Dies After
Dumpster Diving
For Methadone

ORMOND BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of teaching two teens how to dumpster dive and retrieve methadone, and one of the boys died after consuming the drug, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Richard Newkirk

Richard L. Newkirk, 32, of Ormond Beach, was arrested on charges of delivering a controlled substance to a person less than 18 years old. Newkirk could face manslaughter charges in the death of 14-year-old Bryce Parson.

According to Ormond Beach police, Newkirk drove Parson and a 17-year-old boy to Whitney Labs at 1095 N. U.S. 1 early on May 24 and taught them how to retrieve discarded methadone bottles from the Dumpster.

The boys went into the Dumpster and retrieved two large bags full of plastic methadone bottles, and the trio returned to Parson's home, where Newkirk extracted small amounts of the drug from each bottle and shared it with the boys, police said.

The boys later became sick and passed out, Ormond Beach police said. Parson never awoke and was discovered dead the next morning, according to police.

Authorities are awaiting toxicology results from the medical examiner's office to see if Parson had methadone in his system. If the test results are positive, Ormond Beach police said they plan to charge Newkirk with manslaughter.

Newkirk was taken to Volusia County Branch Jail and was being held on $100,000 bond, WKMG said.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Woman Says House Surrounded,
People on Roof; Boyfriend Busted
on Multiple Charges

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Emmanuel Beronez, 25, of 2508 47th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Emmanuel Beronez

A sheriff's report said on Sunday, May 29, 2011, at about 7 a.m., Rachel Jones called 911 reporting people were on her roof last night, and now had her house surrounded.

She said her boyfriend, Beronez, had a gun to protect them inside the house.

Upon arrival of deputies, only Jones and Beronez were there.

They requested deputies search the home.

Deputy Kelleher located a stolen motorcycle parked in the back yard.

Beronez gave a false name to deputies.

His true identity was finally established and he was found to be a convicted felon with a warrant.

Post arrest, ammunition was found in his pocket, and the pistol was found inside the bedroom.

Probable Cause was established for his possession of the stolen motorcycle.

He was charged with Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, six counts of Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, and the warrant, which was for Contempt of Court for not answering a summons for Driving While License Revoked.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $34,500.

Shell Gas Station, 7-11 Store
Robbed at 'Gunpoint' within
Minutes of Each Other;
Suspect Captured

BRADENTON/MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office each had an armed robbery within minutes of each other; the suspect, Joseph Kreuger, 32, of 5400 26th Street West, Bradenton, was captured within the hour of the crimes being committed.

Joseph Krueger

First, on Monday, May 30, 2011, at about 11:25 p.m., the Bradenton Police Department was dispatched to a robbery in progress call at the Shell Gas Station, 3612 Cortez Road West. Apparently, Kreuger had attempted an 'armed' robbery with a small brown paper bag, with his hand inside it, implying he had a weapon.

The clerk told him she couldn't open the cash drawer because she did not have a 'no sale' button. He asked for cigarettes and the clerk asked him for ID. Then the clerk dialed 911, whereupon Krueger immediately left the store. He took nothing.

Then, a few minutes later, at 11:45 p.m., the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery at the 7-11 convenience store located at 4208 59th Street West, Bradenton.

The suspect, later identified as Krueger, entered the store and implied he had a handgun.

He was able to get an undisclosed amount of money and flee the scene.

Deputies and Violent Crime Task Force Detectives responded quickly.

They were able to develop Krueger as a suspect in both robberies.

Krueger was located within an hour of the crime and arrested.

He was charged with two counts of Armed Robbery and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

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

Deputies Arrest Man for Auto
Burglaries, Possession
of Burglary Tools

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Christopher J. Rose, 20, of 4018 37th Street Court West, Bradenton.

Christopher Rose

A sheriff's report said Linda Mayberry, of the 3800 block of Royal Palm Drive, Bradenton, observed Rose standing beside her neighbor's car. She suspected he was stealing from that car, and called 911.

She watched Rose look into a few other cars as he walked down the road. She described Rose to responding deputies, who detained him nearby.

Mayberry subsequently discovered her unlocked car had also been entered, and the dome light turned on. Nothing appeared missing from her car. Her husband, Eugene, had change taken from his unlocked car.

The neighbor's car was found to be burglarized with $40 cash, miscellaneous change, a lottery ticket and a camera stolen from within.

The camera was found on the ground near Rose.

Mayberry identified Rose as the person at her neighbor's car.

Rose was arrested.

The remainder of the neighbor's property was found in Rose's pockets, along with a flashlight and gloves. Rose's car was located in the area. He consented to a search of the car. Numerous pawn receipts were observed within, along with a pile of change on the passenger seat.

Detectives were notified and the car was impounded.

Rose was charged with 3 counts of Auto Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $15,750.

Juvenile Arrested for Theft
of Motor Scooter

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Julius Garvin, 17, of Bradenton.

Julius Garvin

A sheriff's report said on Saturday, May 28, 2011, at about 10:20 a.m., Garvin stole a scooter from under the carport of 5004 20th Street West, and rode off on it.

The incident was witnessed by a neighbor, who called 911.

The responding deputy put out a BOLO on the suspect.

At 11:27 a.m., Garvin was spotted by a deputy on the corner of Cortez and 14th Street West. He matched the suspect description exactly.

Upon trying to stop Garvin, he dropped the scooter and fled on foot.

The subsequent foot chase went for over a mile, eventually looping down to the 4900 block of 14th Street West.

Due to excellent team work from deputies, Garvin was apprehended and the scooter was recovered.

Post arrest, the witness/neighbor positively identified Garvin as the burglar.

He was charged with Burglary and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He was taken to the Juvenile Booking Facility.

Man Lured into Ambush
by Woman; Robbed,
Carjacked at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a case of robbery and carjacking that occurred on Sunday, May 29th, 2011, at about 7 p.m.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Sean Calcutti, 27, of Parrish, was driving to a friend's house.

As he passed McKechnie field, he saw a woman on the side of the road and stopped.

She asked him for a ride to the 1600 block of Cortez Rd. and he agreed to take her there.

When they arrived at the location, a Black male approached Calcutti's van and pointed a silver revolver at him.

He told Calcutti to get out of the van and that he would be back in thirty minutes.

Both suspects then fled the area.

Calcutti's wallet and cell phone were left in the van which is a white 1994 Dodge Ram 250.

Calcutti was not injured.

He did not wait to see if the culprits returned.

The next day, he went to the sheriff's office to file a report.

The robbers were described as: A White female, in her early 20s, 5'06" tall, 130 pounds, last seen wearing black pants and a multicolored tank top; and a Black male, in his 30s, 6'00" tall, 200 pounds, with stitches under one eye, last seen wearing a white shirt, shorts and a black cap.

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.

9-Year-Old Boy Kidnapped;
Woman Arrested, Boy Safe

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department has arrested Angela Charles, 45, a homeless woman.

Angela Charles

A police report said at approximately 2 p.m., on Sunday, May 29th a nine-year-old-child was kidnapped.

The boy was in a Church parking lot less than a block from his home when a stranger grabbed him. The child advised he was looking for his bicycle when a female grabbed him by the arm and stated, “You don’t have a mother, you have a brother waiting for you at the store.”

The suspect forced the boy to walk for approximately ½ mile (from New Bethel Baptist Church, 2504 Gillespie Avenue to the Purple Store on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way). As they walked the child was crying and the suspect is reported to have told the child “I’m your new mother.”

Deputy Underhill was in his marked patrol vehicle, parked in the 2400 block of Colson Avenue, when he observed the boy crying hysterically and walking towards his vehicle. The boy reported the incident to the deputy and described the perpetrator. The deputy could see the suspect a few hundred feet away standing outside of the Purple Store. The victim positively identified the suspect, Angela Charles, as the person that had abducted him.

A witness to the abduction had alerted the boy's mother. The mother and witness had been searching for the child. They located the boy as he was reporting the incident to Deputy Underhill.

Angela Charles told officers “I’d take him again and take him to my home.” Angela Charles was arrested and charged with Kidnapping.

Her bond has been set at $50,000 and she remains in Sarasota County Jail.

Sarasota County Bank Robbed
Tuesday; Suspect Arrested

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Matthew Richard Rogers, 34, on one count of Armed Robbery for a bank robbery that occurred earlier Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at the Bank of America located at 3600, Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.

Matthew Rogers

At approximately 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, Rogers entered the bank and demanded money at gunpoint. Deputies, with the assistance of a bank customer, took the suspect into custody in the bank parking lot. The investigation is continuing, and additional information will be released Wednesday upon completion of the investigation.

Rogers has an extensive criminal history, including arrests for burglary, auto theft and reckless driving.

Man, 31, Arrested for Attempted
Murder; 3 Others Also Charged
with Drug Possession

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives arrested a Punta Gorda man for attempted murder. A search of the Englewood home where he was located also led to the arrest of a father, mother and daughter on drug charges by Narcotics detectives.

Norris Hubbard, Jr.

CCSO deputies responded Monday at 10:22 a.m. to 2008 Redmond St., Port Charlotte, concerning a home invasion robbery with shots fired. Upon arrival three victims in the home said they were robbed by two subjects at gunpoint. MCU detectives identified Norris Hubbard Jr., 31, 631 Fitzhugh Ave., Punta Gorda, as one of the two men involved. Detectives are searching for the second suspect at this time.

The detective’s investigation Monday at 7:41 p.m. led them to a home at 1230 Maryknoll Rd., Englewood, where Hubbard had been staying the last few days. Hubbard was in the backyard and jumped over the fence; he was chased by a deputy who deployed his Taser; Hubbard fell to the ground and surrendered. Deputies found $651 cash in his pocket and Cocaine in his possession.

Narcotics detectives obtained a search warrant for the Englewood home and detained the occupants, Jack James Russell, 54, his wife Penny Elaine Russell, 57, and their daughter, 19 year old Karis Elizabeth Russell. A search located Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Oxycodone, Valium, Allopurinol, marijuana and various drug paraphernalia.

MCU detectives said Hubbard and the other man went to the Port Charlotte home, and confronted one of the victims in the driveway. One male victim was struck with the butt of a revolver; he fell to the ground and was dragged into the home. The handgun was put to the victim’s head and also to his leg. Another victim was in a bedroom, the door was kicked open and she was forced on the floor with the other man. She too had the gun put to her head and threatened to kill her. The two wanted into the safe and a key was given to them. Hubbard took about $700 from the male victim’s pockets, plus over $1,000 in money orders in his wallet, and a $5,000 watch. Approximately $2,000 was stolen from the safe. Another male victim said Hubbard pointed the gun and shot at him four times; the victim was not hit and ran out of the home.

Hubbard is charged with Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery with a Firearm, Occupied Burglary with a Battery, two counts of Possession of Cocaine, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and one count each for Possession of Oxycodone, Valium and marijuana. All three of the Russell family was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Oxycodone, Valium, Allopurinol, marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Hubbard is a convicted felon and has been booked into Charlotte County Jail 23 times; Jack Russell has been booked into the county jail 12 times, his wife Penny 11 times, and the daughter also 11 times. All four remain in jail at this time. Anyone with knowledge of illegal drug activity is asked to please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

On-Duty Firefighter Stole
Gun from Woman's Home

ST. CLOUD, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- An Osceola County firefighter was arrested late Thursday night on suspicion of stealing at least one gun from a home where he was working a medical call, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Douglas Werk

Douglas Werk faces charges of armed burglary, grand theft and violation of injunction for possession of a firearm.

According to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, an investigation began June 1, 2010, when a woman said days earlier she had called Osceola County Fire Rescue to her St. Cloud home and was taken to the hospital by ambulance for a medical condition.

The woman said when she was released from the hospital and arrived home, she found 10 guns missing from her home, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Detectives identified Werk as a possible suspect in the burglary case, confirming that he was at the woman's home, the Sheriff's Office said. Deputies said they also had information that Werk was in possession of several guns.

Detectives searched Werk's home and recovered knives and several guns, deputies said. One of the guns taken into evidence was stolen from the woman's home, deputies said.

In February, Werk was arrested on charges of trespassing and possession of a concealed weapon in an unrelated case.

An investigation is ongoing, and detectives said they're looking into Werk's possible involvement in similar incidents, WKMG said.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Man, 62, Shot, Stabbed to Death;
Other Man, 24, Shot, Still in
Critical Condition

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a shooting on Friday, May 27, 2011, at about 10:40 p.m., at 5927 6th Street East, Bradenton. One person died as a result of the shooting; another is in critical condition.

Above, the scene of the shooting Friday night at house on right in photo
(Photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

A sheriff's press release said at approximately 10:40 p.m. on 5-27-11, deputies responded to a shooting at 5927 6th Street East, Bradenton. When deputies responded, they discovered two victims inside the residence who had been shot.

One of the victims was deceased and the other one was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in critical condition.

Orville Uhl, deceased
(2003 prison mug shot)

The deceased victim has been identified as Orville Uhl, 62, a White male. It doesn’t appear that Uhl lived at the residence.

Preliminary results of an autopsy of Uhl showed that not only had he been shot; he had been stabbed, as well.

According to Manatee County court records, Uhl had no appreciable criminal record, other than several cases of Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License.

Jeremy Mitchell
(2007 prison mug shot)

The second victim has been identified as Jeremy Mitchell, 24, a Black male, from the above address.

Mitchell, according to Manatee County court records, spent time in a Florida prison for Possession and Sale of Cocaine and Felony Criminal Mischief.

The incident doesn’t appear to be random.

Detectives hope to get further information when they are able to talk to Mitchell.

As of Sunday, Mitchell was still in critical condition at Bayfront Medical Center.

This is the second homicide in Manatee County in 2011.

The first homicide of the year was Antonio Martinez, 33, who was shot multiple times in the torso on May 20th, after arguing with several people in the 1100 block of 35th Avenue West, according to NewsManatee archives. He was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in critical condition, where he later died. No arrests have been made 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.

Bradenton Police Arrest Man for
Armed Trafficking in Cocaine,
Multiple Guns, Pills and
Thousands in Cash

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Jason Eugene Combs, 32, of 1015 30th Street West, Bradenton.

Jason Eugene Combs

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at about 11 a.m., Bradenton Police were on scene of an eviction with a Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy, along with some bank employees assisting with the eviction.

While on scene, Combs walked past a bank employee carrying boxes and bags to his truck. While he was doing this, the employee could smell marijuana and notified the deputy and officer on scene.

A BPD detective and members of the Federal Drug Task Force responded, along with BPD Officer Gow.

Contact was made with Combs and he said he did not know anything about drugs, but did have numerous guns and firearms in his truck and trailer.

Federal Task Force Officer Burnside and his K-9 walked around Combs' truck and trailer. The dog alerted on both. The K-9 entered the vehicle and alerted on the center arm rest console and the pocket behind the front passenger seat.

The cops found a digital scale, with narcotics residue on it, and a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol was found in the console. The gun was sitting next to "a stack of cash" around $5,000.

Behind the front passenger seat in the pocket, was a bag filled with numerous blue pills and another bag with a chunk of cocaine. The cocaine weighed 28.5 grams (.5 over an ounce). The pills were identified as Vicodin and weighed 98.7 grams.

Another stack of cash was found in Combs' right front pocket. When Officer Gow went to search Combs' left front pocket, Combs said, "That [pocket] has something in it." When asked what it was by Officer Gow, Combs replied, "You'll see."

Officer Gow pulled out a bag of cocaine larger than the one previously found. The bag contained two other large bags of cocaine.

The total weight of cocaine found was 89.1 grams (3.2 ounces).

Combs does not have a concealed weapons permit for the firearm. Due to this, he was charged with two counts of Armed Trafficking in Cocaine.

Deputies also found 15 other firearms in the truck and they were seized, along with the drugs and cash.

Combs did invoke his right to have an attorney present during questioning, but did say, "If you're not going to stop it at the border, why are you going to stop it at my house?"

Manatee Detectives Searching
for 2 Men Who Beat Woman
Unconscious and Possibly
Raped Her

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery and aggravated battery on Friday, May 27, 2011, at about 6 a.m., at the Michiana Motel, 3235 14th Street West, Bradenton.

Donovan Peay

A sheriff's report said patrol deputies found the unnamed victim, hysterical and bleeding from the head, in front of the Michiana Motel.

She alleged she was visiting a friend at the motel.

The two suspects dragged her to the rear of the hotel and beat her unconscious with a board.

They stole her prescription narcotics and cash.

The victim also alleged her vagina hurts now.

Patrol cordoned off the entire crime scene and searched room #105 for any additional victims. No one was found inside.

The victim’s purse contents were found strewn on the ground behind the hotel.

K-9 tracked for the suspects, but didn't find them.

The victim was transported to Blake hospital, going in and out of consciousness.

The other assailant was described as a Black male, tall and thin, with a "fade" haircut.

Man Arrested for Beating
Girlfriend, Threatening
Her with Pistol

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Derek Alan Weaks, 32, of 2613 45th Street East, Bradenton.

Derek Alan Weaks

The arrest report stated Derek Weaks and Courtnie John are boyfriend and girlfriend.

On Thursday, May 26, 2011, sometime between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., Derek became angry with Courtnie because he believed she was stealing his medication.

Derek held Courtnie down on the couch and repeatedly struck her with a closed fits in the head, stomach and ribs.

Derek then held Courtnie down on the couch by her throat. She told deputies she was about to black out just before he released her.

Derek then pulled his pistol out and pointed it at Courtnie's head, saying repeatedly that he was going to shoot her head off.

At that point, Derek put the gun away and went to sleep.

Courtnie then went to bed herself and left early in the morning before Derek awoke, to contact law enforcement.

A deputy interviewed Courtnie, who had multiple bruises along her right arm and a black right eye; she also had some red areas around her neck and was complaining that her right side ribs hurt. She declined EMS treatment.

Derek was located and arrested. He denied that there was any physical altercation.

He was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Domestic Battery and Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

Deputy Arrests Man for
Driving Off with Woman
Hanging Out of Car; She
Fell Out of Car onto Street

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Frank J. Arnold, 64, of 3211 33rd Street West, Bradenton.

Frank J. Arnold

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at about 2 p.m., Deputy Adam Resnick was dispatched to the 3100 block of 35th Avenue West regarding a pregnant woman screaming on the phone, saying she was thrown from a vehicle.

Upon arrival, he made contact with Erin Selitto, who was extremely emotional and not making a lot of sense. When she calmed down she was able to provide the following account of the incident.

She said she went to lunch with Arnold to a restaurant in Sarasota. She said he was taking her to family services to find out about her food stamps.

While traveling west on 35th Avenue, Arnold placed his arm around her neck. She said she shrugged him off and he began to grab her arm and neck.

She screamed "What are you doing?" several times, she said.

He pulled the car over to the side of the road. She opened the door and put her soda on the ground and reached to the back seat to grab her paperwork that was in the back set.

She said Arnold began to throw her papers on the ground and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her back into the vehicle.
She said while she was partially in the vehicle, he began to drive way with the door open. She fell out, landing on the pavement.

Dep. Resnick said he didn't observe any injuries to her; she decline EMS.

Arnold was arrested at his residence a short time later and charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Woman.

Two Arrested in Connection
with Multiple Burglaries;
Companion Busted Too
On Forgery Warrant

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Scott Armstrong, 34, and Allison Epps, 31, both apparently from South Carolina.

Above, L to R, Scott Armstrong and Allison Epps

On Wednesday, May 25, detectives arrested Scott Armstrong in connection with a recent armed burglary where over $35,000 worth of property was taken.

Armstrong was developed as a suspect earlier this week and he was arrested without incident at the Day’s Inn motel at 3506 1st St. W., Bradenton.

Armstrong was charged in connection with a burglary in Parrish on May 18 and charges are forthcoming on another burglary in the Panther Ridge subdivision on May 9.

Armstrong is also charged with Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and he has two outstanding arrest warrants for Forgery from South Carolina.

Armstrong’s girlfriend, Allison Epps, was also arrested on an arrest warrant from South Carolina for Forgery.

A search warrant was executed at the motel and detectives recovered a substantial amount of stolen property from the two burglaries listed above as well as other property believed to be stolen.

Armstrong is a suspect in other several other burglaries in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

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.

Four Women Arrested
for Prostitution

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kalesha Bailey, 30, Wendy Oakes, 23, Donna Daniels, 45, and Misty Millwood, 27.

Above, L to R, Kalesha Bailey, Wendy Oakes, Donna Daniels and Misty Millwood

The arrest reports all state that on Wednesday and Thursday of last week (5/25 and 5/26), detectives attached to the Special Investigations Division Tactical Unit were patrolling the streets of Manatee County, posing as "Johns" in an effort to arrest prostitutes.

On Wednesday, at about 10:20 p.m., a detective saw Bailey walking northbound in the 3700 block of 14th Street West. He made contact and after a brief conversation, Bailey agreed to give the detective sex for $45. She was arrested and charged with Prostitution. Deputies also found a crack pipe in her possession, so she was additionally charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Then, on Wednesday, at about 10:45 p.m., a detective saw Oakes in the 5800 block of 11th Street West. He made contact and after a brief conversation, agreed to give the detective oral sex for $40. She was arrested and charged with Felony Prostitution, due to a prior arrest for the same crime.

On Thursday, at about 5:45 p.m., a detective came across Daniels at the intersection of 30th Avenue West and 14th Street West. He made contact and after a brief conversation, agreed to give the detective oral sex for $40. She was arrested and due to several prior arrests for the same offense, she was charged with Felony Prostitution. Deputies also found a crack pipe in her possession, so she was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They also noted in the report that her ID card in her purse indicated she was HIV positive and was charged for that, as well.

Then, on Thursday, at about 6 p.m., a detective observed Millwood in the 2300 block of 13th Street West, Bradenton. He made contact and after a brief conversation, Millwood agreed to give the detective oral sex for $20. She was arrested. Deputies observed her fussing with her pants and she pulled out a needle she said she used for shooting rock cocaine and oxycodone. She was additionally charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

UPDATE: Hispanic Man,
Robbed by Black Male,
Later Calls Cops on
Black Male; Busted

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Hispanic man who was recently robbed turned the tables on the robber when he spotted the robber and called cops on him.

Damion R. Sanders

The arrest report said on Monday, May 23, 2011, at a few minutes past midnight, Alvino Rodriguez had just gotten home and was walking to his house when three Black males dressed in black approached him.

One of the individuals pulled a silver handgun on him and asked him if he had any money. Alvino said, "No," at which point the other two Black males searched his pockets. They took his black leather tri-fold wallet which contained his Mexican Consular ID, $700 and his cell phone, then all three fled on foot.

On Thursday, May 26, 2011, Alvino called the sheriff's office saying that one of the individuals who had robbed him was outside a house in the neighborhood.

When a deputy arrived, Alvino pointed out Sanders.

Sanders was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery.

Employee of Payless Shoes
Arrested for Grand Theft

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Sara Beth Rehm, 32, of 4306 9th Street West, Bradenton.

Sara Beth Rehm

The arrest report said on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at about 4 p.m., Deputy Brandon Gard was called to Payless Shoes, 717 Cortez Road West, regarding employee theft.

Upon arrival, he spoke to a loss prevention manager for Payless Shoes.

According to documentation provided, Rehm had made $1,504.18 in multiple fraudulent transactions while she was employed by Payless.

Post-Miranda, Rehm said she did fraudulent returns, beginning around the end of February. She said she did it for her kids, for food, bills and gas.

Rehm was arrested and charged with Grand Theft.

Deputy Punctured with Glass
While Arresting Man Who Fled

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Leroy Chandler, 48, of Bradenton.

Leroy Chandler

A sheriff's report said on Friday, May 27, 2011, at about 9:45 p.m., while on patrol, Deputy Jordan attempted to stop a man, later identified as Chandler, for a bicycle violation.

Chandler fled and the deputy lost him; however, after a short time, Chandler was spotted again.

Deputies coordinated their efforts and were able to apprehend Chandler in the 600 block of 33rd Avenue Drive East.

While Deputy Jordan was searching Chandler with gloves on, as he reached into Chandler's pocket, he received a small puncture from a piece of glass to his middle left finger. The glass was determined to be from a broken watch.

Deputy Jordan treated the wound on scene.

A crack pipe was also found on Chandler.

Chandler was charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Woman Lures Man Into
Armed Robbery Ambush
By Three Men

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Sunday, May 29, 2011, at about 9:00 p.m., in the 1000 block of Commerce Blvd., in South Manatee County.

A sheriff's report said Christopher Cranford, 25, was at a casino in the 6300 block of 14th Street West when he got a phone call from a female that he knows who wanted to go "have a couple beers" with him. Cranford agreed, so she picked him up at the casino.

The female stated that she wanted to pick up one of her girlfriends before going to the bar. She drove to the 1000 block of Commerce Blvd. where she stopped the car in the middle of the street.

Cranford noticed what appeared to be someone's legs sticking out from behind a hedge just off the road. He got scared, reached over and put the car in drive. The female put the car in park again, as 3 males got up from behind the hedge and approached the car.

Cranford recognized one of the males as the boyfriend of the female driving the car. This male was carrying a black automatic handgun, and was followed by two White males.

Cranford exited the vehicle and began running westbound on Commerce Blvd., followed by the suspects. After a short run, Cranford fell and was caught by the suspects.

They began punching him in the face, and he felt his pockets being rummaged through. His pants began to fall off so he just pulled them the rest of the way off.

The suspects took his pants, which contained his wallet, $80, and cell phone, jumped into the car and fled the scene.

Cranford walked approximately two blocks where he was able to use a phone to call the Sheriff's Office.

Cranford was not seriously injured during the robbery.

This case is being investigated further by detectives with the Violent Crimes Task Force.

The investigation is ongoing and suspects are being developed, 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.

Dollar General Store
Robbed at Gunpoint
By Lone Black Male

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported the Dollar General store, located at 3611 1st Street East, Bradenton, was the victim of an armed robbery on Sunday, May 29, 2011, at about 9:40 p.m.

A sheriff's report said an unknown Black male entered the Dollar General store at the listed location.

The Black male walked to the rear of the store where he showed the victim a handgun that was tucked into the waistband of his jeans.

The Black male then ordered the victim, Kiara Green, to give him all of the money.

The victim complied.

The Black male then fled the scene out the rear door of the location.

The robber was described as an unknown Black male, 5'10" tall, thin build, clean shaven, last seen wearing a white polo shirt with color stripes, jeans, and a green hat with rhinestones.

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 Deputies Catch
Purse Snatcher

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jason G. Akers, 28, who is charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching.

On Sunday, May 29, 2011, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies responded to the Save On Gas Station located at 1135 Beneva Road reference a purse snatching type Robbery.

Upon arrival, deputies interviewed the victim, Christina Arnone, who reported walking to the gas station from a friend’s house.

Christina observed a known acquaintance, Jason G. Akers, 28, later determined to be the suspect, at the gas station as well.

As Christina arrived at the gas station, Akers approached her and pushed her to the ground, then stole her purse.

Christina saw Akers get into a waiting vehicle and flee the area.

The purse was later located at the rear of a nearby business.

Sheriff’s deputies were able to identify and locate Akers.

Based on evidence obtained during the course of this investigation, probable cause was developed to arrest Akers for Robbery by Sudden Snatching.

Two Arrested for Trafficking
in Oxycodone; One Brought
His Baby to Drug Deal

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit detectives arrested two men for Trafficking in Oxycodone pills Thursday; one of the men brought his 18 month old son along to the drug deal

Above, L to R, Michael Marotta and Raymond Green

Michael James Marotta, (aka Michael James Barnum), 34, 1278 Slash Pine Circle, Punta Gorda, and Raymond Dale Green, 38, 23340 Jason St., Port Charlotte, were arrested following the exchange of $850 for 50 Oxycodone pills with an undercover detective in a parking lot of a Charlotte Harbor restaurant.

Narcotics detectives said Marotta brought his infant son along; the boy was in the back seat of the vehicle when the drug deal was transacted.

Department of Children & Families was called and the baby was turned over to a relative.

Marotta and Greene were transported to the Charlotte County Jail where they remain without bond. Marotta was charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone, Sale and Delivery of Oxycodone, Possession of Oxycodone, and Child Neglect. Green is charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone.

Marotta, a convicted felon, has been booked into the jail 15 times while Green has been booked 10 times.

Anyone with knowledge of illegal drug activity is asked to please call the CCSO Narcotics Unit at 941-575-2157 or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Police Looking For Man Who
Robbed New Smyrna Bank

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- New Smyrna Beach police officers were called to the TD Bank at 1811 State Road 44 Saturday morning after a report of a robbery was called in, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Above, surveillance photo from the bank

Police said a man came into the bank and implied a weapon to one of the tellers.

After getting some money, police said the man fled the bank and ran away.

Police established a perimeter around the area, but were unable to find the man, officials said.

Police are looking for a Black man, wearing black pants and a white shirt.

Police said he was described as 5 ft. 5 in. tall with a mustache and short dark hair that is showing some gray, WKMG said.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the New Smyrna Police Department at 386-424-2248.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 6/4/2011 2:00:09 PM

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