Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 10/29/2011

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Local/State News for week ending 10/29/2011

Traffic Stop Yields Marijuana
Dealer, 1/8 Pound of
Marijuana, BPD Says

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested William A. Atwood, 19, of 1805 17th Avenue NW, Bradenton.

William Atwood

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at about 10:30 p.m., BPD Officer Kelly stopped a vehicle for speeding. The traffic stop was in the 2800 block of 26th Street West, Bradenton.

Atwood was the driver and only occupant of the vehicle.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Kelly said he could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

He asked Atwood where the weed was.

At first, Atwood said he didn't have any, but then handed the officer a purple Crown Royal bag which contained a mason jar full of marijuana.

When asked if there was anything else, Atwood said, "Yes, a pipe." And then he handed the officer a marijuana pipe.

Atwood was removed from the vehicle and the officer searched it.

In the driver side door, he found another Crown Royal bag which contained more marijuana packaged individually for sales.

Upon seeing this, Atwood said, "You got me. I'm selling and there is more in the trunk."

Officer Kelly checked the trunk and found more marijuana packaged for sales, along with sandwich baggies and a scale commonly used to measure out marijuana.

Atwood had a total of $399 in cash in his wallet and on his person.

The total amount of marijuana found weighed out to 53.1 grams, or just short of 2 ounces, a felony amount in the state of Florida.

He admitted, post-Miranda, to selling the marijuana and that the money he had was proceeds from his last marijuana sale, the arrest report said.

Atwood was arrested and charged with Possession of Cannabis (Marijuana) with Intent to Sell.

He posted a $2,620 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Third Person Arrested in
Bradenton Murder of
Man, 27 Years Old

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested a third man in connection with a murder that occurred on October 22, 2011, in the City of Bradenton.

John Tyson

On October 26, 2011, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Mr. John M. Tyson, Jr., 25, who last resided at 2005 5th St. West, Bradenton, voluntarily turned himself into the City of Bradenton Police Department in regard to the Homicide that occurred on October 22, 2011.

Mr. Tyson cooperated with investigators, and was later arrested on one count of Principle in the 1st Degree to Murder. Mr. Tyson is currently incarcerated in the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Facility with a$1,000,000 bond.

NewsManatee pressed Captain Merriman for an answer as to how Tyson played a part in the crime, but all Merriman would say about that was, "That's all I can say at this time."

The identity of the victim is Mr. Ervin Perez-Perez, 27 years old, of Mexico, but recently resided in Manatee County.

Two other men have already been arrested for the murder. They are: Charles A. Brown, 25, of Palmetto; and Tarvin L. Martin, Jr., 23, of Bradenton, who both confessed to the shooting, and were charged with Murder in the 2nd Degree [See NewsManateeArchive.com].

Anyone having further information with regard to this case is asked to call any of the following numbers: Bradenton Police Detective Kevin Bunch at 941-932-9300 Ext. 380, 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 Captured at Burglary
in Progress Removing
A/C Unit from Church

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Corey A. Smith, 24, of Palmetto, and Derek R. Hightower, 25, of Ellenton.

Above, L to R, Corey Smith and Derek Hightower

Deputies were dispatched to an in-progress burglary call at The Ellenton United Methodist Church, 3607 US 301 N, Ellenton, in reference to an A/C unit which was being stolen.

Units responded to the scene and quickly set a perimeter.

Smith was observed by the A/C unit which had been taken out of its location. Smith was ordered to stop but he fled and was quickly apprehended after running across US 301 N.

Hightower was sitting in a pickup truck which had been backed into a parking space in front of said unit.

Parts of the A/C unit were in plain view on the bed of the pickup alongside several tools.

Both Hightower and Smith were arrested without any further incident.

They were each charged with Attempted Grand Theft, Felony Criminal Mischief. Smith was also charged with Resisting Arrest without Violence. Hightower was also charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Smith remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $2,750. Hightower remains there on a bail bond of $2,120.

Woman Arrested for Pulling
Knife on Friend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Tamara Lynn Smith, 48, of the 6800 block of Marina Drive, Bradenton.

Tamara Smith

The arrest report said on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at about 11:30 a.m., Tamara and Sheryl Machetto were at the listed residence and became involved in a verbal argument over an unknown issue.

The argument turned for the worse when Smith grabbed a steak knife out of the kitchen and proceeded to walk toward Sheryl, holding the knife above her head saying, "I will [expletive deleted] kill you."

Sheryl allegedly knocked the knife from Tamara's hand and at tome point struck Tamara in the face with a closed fist in defense.

Tamara had bruising and swelling around her left eye.

She was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

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

Woman Arrested for Shoplifting
Had Pills in Her Purse

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Chelsie Danielle Able, 32, of 5112 8th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Chelsie Able

The arrest report said on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at about 12:30 p.m., Chelsie entered the Sweetbay store located at 2501 Cortez Road West, walked down a retail aisle, selected two lint rolling products and concealed them in her cream-colored purse.

She then left the store, passing all points of sale, failing to pay for the concealed merchandise.

A loss prevention person stopped Chelsie outside the store and tried to escort her back into the store, but Chelsie pulled away and fled to a tan SUV in the parking lot, leaving her purse behind.

When a deputy arrived, he searched the purse and found two different kinds of pills. There were 25 15 mg Oxycodone pills and 16 10 mg Methadone pills.

She was arrested that same day at her home at about 4:30 p.m.

Chelsie was charged with Petit Theft Shoplifting and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

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

$20K in Copper Wiring Stolen
from Honore Ave. Lights

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a large copper wiring theft on October 26, 2011.

A sheriff's report said over the past month an unknown person(s) removed approximately 300 yards of copper wiring from the street lights along Honore Ave.

The thefts occurred from the 5200 block to the 6100 block of Honore Avenue.

According to Steven Jahn, of the Manatee County Department of Public Works, the estimated loss is $20,000.

There are no suspects 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.

Halloween Safe Kids Night
Planned for Monday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- It’s that time of year again, when goblins and ghosts spend an evening collecting their share of goodies and have some ghoulish fun. Why not join the crowd, bring the family to one location for fun, games and candy at the 9th Annual Halloween Safe Kids Night?

This Manatee County Crime Stoppers event is free to the public and is set for October 31st, 2011, at the Bradenton City Centre, located at the corner of Old Main Street and Barcarrota Boulevard, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The kids will enjoy going from booth to booth (house to house) collecting treats and trinkets. There will be a dunk tank, a popcorn machine and many games to play.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety agencies will be on hand to display some of the equipment they use.

We look forward to seeing you there. The little ones will have the time of their lives holding up their goody catchers (bags) at each booth.

The NewsManatee Witch will stir her evil brew and capture your likeness for the melting pot of haunted photos.

SPD: Quick Response Leads to
Arrests of Two Bradenton Men
for Auto Burglary

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota Police Department has arrested two men they say are responsible for an auto burglary.

Above, L to R, Alex Velez and Eduardo Lugo

On October 26th, at about 2:30 a.m., a woman living in the 1800 block of Prospect Street, Sarasota, was awakened by her barking dog. She looked outside and observed that someone was inside of her parked vehicle. She also observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the roadway near her vehicle, that vehicle had no headlights on.

The victim called 9-1-1, to report the auto burglary in progress. The first officer, Officer Jonathan Vanik, arrived on the scene less than one minute after the call was dispatched. The victim advised that the suspect vehicle left westbound on Prospect towards Osprey Avenue seconds before the officer arrived.

Officer Matthew Kimball located a vehicle driving in the same area, that matched the description of the vehicle observed by the victim of the Auto Burglary. Officer Kimball followed the vehicle as it made several turns. As the vehicle turned onto Osprey Avenue, Officer Kimball activated this marked police car’s emergency lights.

The vehicle did not stop, the driver attempted to turn onto Lincoln Drive, however the road was closed for bridge repairs and the vehicle became stuck on construction debris. The driver, later identified as Alex Antonio Velez, opened the driver’s side door and took off running. The passenger then moved into the driver position and drove off, southbound on Osprey Avenue.

Officer Kimball chased after the original driver. The foot chase continued over a fence and through neighborhood yards. The chase ended after Officer Kimball tasered Alex Velez. Officer Kimball recovered a container with four bags of a white substance that tested positive for cocaine along the path where Velez had run.

Officer Gregory Miller pursued the fleeing vehicle. Officer Miller activated his marked police cars emergency lights and siren, the vehicle did not stop. The victim of the auto burglary advised that the fleeing vehicle was the same vehicle that had been parked with the headlights out, during the auto burglary.

The fleeing vehicle turned northbound on S. Tamiami Trail. Officer Miller slowed his police vehicle, for safety reasons, as the fleeing vehicle approached other traffic and a sharp turn. The fleeing vehicle accelerated, losing control and crashing in the 1900 block of Mound Street. Eduardo Lugo, the driver of the vehicle at the time of the crash, was arrested by Officer Miller, as Lugo crawled away from the crashed vehicle.

Eduardo Lugo, 18, of the 300 block of 59th Ave E.. Bradenton, was arrested for Auto Burglary, Fleeing to Elude, and Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge of the Suspicion.

Alex Velez, 18, of the 2900 block of 33rd Avenue W., Bradenton, was arrested for Auto Burglary, Resisting Arrest Without Violence (Obstruction), No Valid Driver’s License, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Help Sought to ID Man Who
Robbed Pharmacy with
Alleged Bomb

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives are asking the public to help identify a man who walked into Charlotte Pharmacy Wednesday demanding drugs and said he was strapped with a bomb.

CCSO received a call at 12:15 p.m. to the pharmacy at 3231 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte after a man entered the store with his hood on and handed the clerk a note. The robber said he was being made to do this and he was strapped with a bomb. He handed the clerk a note requesting Oxycotin, Roxicodone, Xanax, and several other narcotics. There was an exchange of words between the robber and the clerk, and the man quickly fled the store without any of the drugs demanded. He was last seen running south on the U.S. 41 access road towards Harbor Blvd.

A perimeter was established by deputies but they were unable to locate the suspect. He is described as a White male, 20-23 years of age, 5’-8” to 5’9” tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with hood up, dark sunglasses, baggie blue jeans, black gloves, and black and white sneakers.

If anyone has information concerning the identity of the subject, please contact CCSO Major Crime’s detective Kevin Connolly at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Deputies: Bound, Gagged
Man Escapes From Trunk

BREVARD COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported a bound and gagged half-naked man escaped from the trunk of a car after he said he was kidnapped, deputies said.

Deputies with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office told WKMG that the man escaped the car trunk Wednesday afternoon near State Road 520 and Interstate 95.

The man told deputies that he was kidnapped from Melbourne.

A Good Samaritan apparently found the man, who had on no pants or undergarments, and drove him to a nearby gas station to call authorities.

Deputies said they began to follow a car matching the description given by the victim, when one of the men fled into a nearby wooded area.

One of the men was quickly apprehended, the other was found around 4 p.m. with the help of K-9 units and a search helicopter, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Woman Tries to Stop Hubby
from Leaving after Drinking,
Takes Keys, Tries to Remove
License Plate from Vehicle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Mickey Munson, 67, of 7609 Tuttle Avenue, in South Manatee County.

Mickey Munson

According to the arrest report from MCSO, on Monday, October 24, 2011, at about 11:15 p.m., Mickey had been drinking all night and when he attempted to drive his car, his wife, Norma Munson, grabbed his keys to keep him from driving.

Norma then attempted to take the license plate off the car as well.

While she was attempting to remove the license place, Mickey grabbed Norma by the wrist and pushed her to the floor, hurting her wrist and lip.

Mickey was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery.

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

Young Lady Arrested for
Possession of Hydrocodone

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Charli Beauchamp, 24, of 5460 Antoinette Street, in Sarasota.

Charli Beauchamp

The arrest report said on Monday, October 24, 2011, at about 9:45 p.m., Dep. Joel Taylor was on routine patrol when he observed a vehicle parked off of Woodstock Road, inside the park there.

He made contact and asked for consent to search her vehicle, which she gave him.

Upon searching, a plastic bag containing three yellow pills (Hydrocodone) were found inside of a prescription bottle labeled Metformin, with her name on the container.

Once she was arrested, she asked for her wallet and ID from her purse.

Her purse was opened and another plastic bag containing 2 1/2 of the same pills were found.

Asked why she had the pills, Beauchamp replied that she ha a surgical procedure yesterday and the pills were given to her by her aunt for pain.

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

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

Man Arrested for Stealing
$800 from Friend's Wallet

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Colton Davis, 21, of 4703 Palm Aire Circle, in South Manatee County.

Colton Davis

The arrest report said on October 15, 2011, at about 11 p.m., the victim, who is listed on the report only as Anthony, stopped at the 7-11 located at 4451 Tallevast Road to get a drink.

While walking back to his vehicle, Anthony saw Colton Davis steal $800 out of his wallet.

When this occurred, Colton then exited the vehicle and ran off wit the money.

Colton was arrested on Monday, October 24, 2011, and charged with Theft from a Vehicle.

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

Brown Pride Locos Gang
Member Found Guilty;
Gets 60 Years

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding the conviction of a Brown Pride Locos gang member.

Eric Santiago

Brown Pride Locos gang member Eric Santiago, 25, was found guilty yesterday in his RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) retrial in Circuit Court. The case was prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecutor.

The jury came back with a guilty verdict on RICO and Conspiracy to Commit RICO. The Honorable Judge Harry Rapkin then sentenced Santiago to 30 years in prison for the RICO and 30 years in prison for the Conspiracy to Commit RICO.

The sentences are to run consecutively with Santiago’s current sentences of 5 years for Possession of Heroin and 5 years for Possession of a Firearm (which were also consecutive sentences).

This retrial concludes the prosecution of all Brown Pride Locos defendants that were charged by MCSO for RICO.

Armed Home Invasion Robbery
by 3-5 Black Males Reported

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at about 12:40 a.m., at a residence in the 4500 block of 67th Street West.

A sheriff's report said the victims, Tanzonia Thomas, 31 and Tiki Clifton, 30, were watching TV when 3-5 Black males kicked the front door open.

They were dressed in all Black clothing, their faces were covered and they were armed with a shotgun and pistols.

They demanded money and jewelry. They took $100 cash from victim 1 and a purse with $340 from victim 2.

They fled in an unknown direction.

The victims were not injured.

Crime scene technicians responded to process the scene.

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

Woman Robbed of Her
Prescription by Man

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a robbery on Thursday, October 26, 2011, at about 1:30 p.m., at a residence in the 5700 block of 11th Street East, Bradenton.

When the victim, Sierra Fischer, 31, told the suspect (known to her as Trey) that she was going to fill the prescription she was holding it in her hand, Trey grabbed it from Sierra's hand.

Sierra grabbed the paper prescription in an attempt to retrieve it back and Trey would not let it go.

Trey grabbed Sierra and threw her down onto the bed.

Trey choked Sierra until she finally let go of the prescription.

Sierra was not injured.

Trey was described as a Black male, 25-30 years of age, 6' tall, 170 pounds.

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.

Recovered Skull Identified
as Homeless Man

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- A human skull that was discovered nearly 3-months ago has been identified as Bruce Lee Oberlin, 54.

Bruce Oberlin

Mr. Oberlin was a long time Sarasota resident that described himself as homeless. A family member confirmed that Bruce had been living at a campsite near where his remains were recovered.

On July 31st a concerned citizen discovered a human skull near an abandoned parking lot located behind the Sarasota Kennel Club on Desoto Road. Officers from the Sarasota Police Department and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and conducted a grid search in an effort to locate any additional bones or evidence. Sarasota Police Department Criminalistics responded to the scene, took photographs, and secured the skull. The skull was transported to the Morgue.

The Sarasota Police Department and the Medical Examiner’s Office investigated the discovery of the human skull. The Sarasota Police Department investigation has continued for nearly 3-months.

Missing person’s cases are entered into a national data base. Many of the missing person’s entries include dental records and or DNA from the missing person. Bruce Oberlin was identified using information from his known medical records.

The search has continued after the identification and resulted in the discovery of additional human remains on, Saturday, October 22nd. The October 22nd discovery was made possible thanks to assistance provided by Sarasota Search and Rescue K-9 and volunteers. SSAR is a group of highly trained volunteers that assist in the location of missing persons.

The additional human remains were examined by the Medical Examiner’s Office and will undergo more analysis. The testing is designed to confirm the identification of the human remains as Bruce Oberlin’s, and gather information on the cause of death.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Michael Jackson at 941-954-7070.

Man Arrested Who Sics
Pit Bull on Deputy

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff's deputy arrested a Port Charlotte man Tuesday after the man sics his pit bull on the officer.

Phillip Tenk

Arrested was Phillip James Tenk, 48, 2354 Sunninglow Street.

A neighbor was watching the home at the owner’s request in the 1300 block of Nimrod Street in Port Charlotte because of a disturbance the night before.

He heard a hissing sound, went outside and saw two tires slashed on a pickup at his neighbor’s home. He confronted the man outside but the man walked away. The neighbor called CCSO at 9:18 p.m.

A deputy heard the description of the suspect and believed it to be Tenk who was a suspect at the same home Monday when a beach chair was thrown through a window and lanai screens cut due to a domestic issue. The CCSO helicopter responded to Tenk’s home and observed a vehicle pull into the driveway. A road deputy went to Tenk’s home and saw him holding his large pit bull. The deputy announced himself several times; Tenk looked at the deputy and told his dog to “Get him” and then released his grip on the dog. The pit bull ran at the deputy in an aggressive and threatening manner. The deputy fearing he was going to be attacked drew his weapon and ordered Tenk to recall his dog or the dog would be shot. Tenk complied; his dog was secured by his brother, and Tenk was arrested.

Tenk is charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Criminal Mischief.

The neighbor who called CCSO was driven to the Tenk home and positively identified him as the man he saw at the home who walked away from the pickup with the slashed tires.

Tenk remains in the Charlotte County Jail on $6,000 bond.

FDLE: Doctor Had Sex with
Minor, Gave Her Pills

INDIALANTIC, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A Central Florida doctor has been arrested on charges that he had sex with an underage girl and gave her prescription pills, Orlando television statoin WKMG reported.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said it began investigating Dr. John Gayden, of Indialantic, in May after finding out he was the top prescriber of pain medication in Brevard County.

The FDLE said Gayden, 58, prescribed more than 250,000 oxycodone pills in eight months while giving little to no medical evaluation to the patients. To compare, 300,000 pills were prescribed in the entire state of California in a six month period in 2010.

During the investigation, officers learned that Gayden was having sex with a minor, who he also provided pills to, the FDLE said.

Gayden was arrested Tuesday on one count of unlawful sex with a minor and one count of delivery of a controlled substance to a minor. The Florida Department of Health issued an emergency suspension order to prevent Gayden from practicing medicine, the FDLE said.

Gayden was booked into the Brevard County Jail.

Gayden was arrested in June 2009 after being accused of giving a 16-year-old marijuana and asking her to show him her breasts, and again a month later on charges that he paid a teen for sex, but both charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence, WKMG said.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Bradenton Man Gets 16+ Years
for Felon with a Firearm in
Connection with Robbery

TAMPA, Florida [NMT/USA] -- On Tuesday, October 25, 2011, United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announced that James Lee Davis, 33, of Bradenton, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James Moody for felon in possession of a firearm.

James Lee Davis

Davis was sentenced to sixteen years and six months imprisonment.

According to the plea agreement, on July 4, 2011, Davis and another individual approached a victim who was walking her dog in a Bradenton neighborhood.

Davis, who was armed with a firearm, ordered her and a second victim to the ground.

Davis and his accomplice went into the residence of the victims where Davis shot two of their three dogs.

Davis and his accomplice took a small safe from the residence and fled.

During the execution of search warrants obtained by law enforcement for Davis' residence and vehicle, they located several rounds of 9mm ammunition, a thirty-round magazine for a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, several gun holsters, a second high capacity magazine for an unidentified pistol, a loaded 9mm Ruger firearm, a loaded 9 mm Smith & Wesson firearm, an AK-47 rifle with two magazines, and a box of ammunition.

At the time of his arrest, Davis was a multiple convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Colleen Murphy Davis.

It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy led by ATF.

United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill, along with Virginia O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Man Arrested for Peeing
on Girlfriend; Claimed
He Just Had to Go

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Larry Charles Lee, 64, of 1009 59th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Larry Lee

The arrest report said on Saturday, October 22, 2011, Lee and his girlfriend were driving in Lee's vehicle. An argument broke out in which the victim, Patricia Mae, alleged that Lee took a beer bottle and struck her in the mouth.

Ms. Mae said the incident caused her to chip a front tooth. A deputy later observed a very small chip out of her tooth.

Lee and Ms. Mae continued arguing on and off until Sunday.

On Sunday, Ms. Mae said that Lee had been consuming alcohol throughout the day.

While she was taking laundry out of the dryer, Lee pulled his pants down and purposefully urinated on Ms. Mae.

A deputy observed Ms. Mae's pants to be completely wet with an unknown fluid.

Lee then fled the scene in his vehicle, but other deputies were able to located him and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

Lee was placed under arrest and transported to a sheriff's substation.

Dep. Brooks made contact with Lee regarding the incident. However, he appeared highly intoxicated and was not being cooperative.

He did state that during the incident he needed to urinate [Ed. Note: In the laundry room?] and proceeded to do so when the victim stepped in front of him and coincidentally he got urine on her.

Lee was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery.

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

Man Arrested for Beating Up
Girlfriend, Who Just Wanted
To Leave Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jeremiah Brown, 21, of 910 10th Avenue West, Bradenton, following a violent incident involving his girlfriend.

Jeremiah Brown

According to the arrest report, Brown and Cierra Thomas are boyfriend and girlfriend, and have been in an intimate relationship for the past year.

On Sunday, October 23, 2011, at about 9:20 a.m., they got into a verbal argument because Cierra was attempting to leave him.

The argument turned physical when Jeremiah began choking Cierra to the point where she began to black out.

Jeremiah also punched her and threw her to the floor, and pulled her hair, the report said.

When Dep. Gary Renninger arrived, Cierra ran to his vehicle and he could see immediately that she was crying.

She began telling Dep. Renninger that Jeremiah "became angry and very violent."

As the deputy was interviewing Cierra, he notice several marks on her face and neck. H also noticed a small cut on her left middle finger.

Based on Cierra's allegations, Dep. Renninger arrested Jeremiah Brown and charged him with Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

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

Woman Arrested for Child
Abuse of 16-Year-Old
Sister; Punched Her

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Christine L. Fallova, 27, of the 3300 block of 33rd Street Court West, Bradenton.

Christine Fallova

The arrest report said on Monday, October 24, 2011, at about 12:30 a.m., Christine and her sister were at the above location, which is their home.

Christine has taken the responsibility of being the sole care taker of the victim, Jessica Harman, who is 16 years old.

Christine and Jessica became involved in a verbal argument, during which Jessica called Christine lewd names.

Christine claimed that she became mad when she was called these names and "disciplined" her sister by "slapping her in the mouth."

During the interview with Jessica, deputies were told that Christine had not slapped Jessica, but instead had punched her in the temple with a closed fist.

Dep. Kevin Vreeland checked Jessica for injuries and did not discover any redness to her face in the area where Christine had claimed to have slapped her.

He did, however, observe some minor swelling and redness to the left temple area where Jessica claimed she had been hit.

Christine was arrested and charged with Child Abuse.

Jessica remained at the home with Christine's husband.

The abuse hotline was contacted and information was provided.

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

Internet Cafe Robbed
at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Sunday, October 23, 2011, at about 10 p.m., at the Spin City Internet Cafe, 3304 1st Street, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said an unknown race male entered the business with a backpack in one hand and a silver semi-automatic handgun in the other.

Once inside, the man fired on shot in the air and demanded money.

Once the man had the cash in his back pack he fled on foot out of the business and then south.

K-9 tracked with negative results.

The Violent Crimes Task Force responded and took over the investigation.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

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

Armed Home Invasion Alleged;
Victim Held at Gunpoint

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at about 11:40 a.m., at a residence in the 2700 block of 50th Avenue West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Zackery Proper, 26, alleged he had an acquaintance, DeDe, visiting.

There was a knock at the door. DeDe opened the door over Zackery's objections.

Two other suspects stormed in; one was pointing a rifle at him.

All three took the victim to the ground.

Suspects #1 & #3 searched the kitchen and living room while suspect #2 held the victim at gunpoint.

Suspect #2 struck at Zackery with the butt of the rifle a few times, but failed to land a good strike. He left the apartment while pointing the rifle at the victim.

The victim alleged that nothing was taken.

The victim followed the suspects in his truck as they fled the complex.

He lost sight of them at 26th Street west and 53rd Avenue.

He returned home and called 911.

The victim was uninjured.

The three would-be robbers were described as follows:

1) "DeDe," a Black male, 6'01' tall, 350 pounds, in his 20s, black shirt, black shorts; 2) A Black male, 6'01" tall, 185 pounds, in his 20s, black hoodie, black pants, armed with a rifle; and 3) A Black male, 5'08" tall, 160-180 pounds, in his 20s, green shirt.

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 Critical After Being
Run Down by Unknown
Driver and Vehicle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a hit-and-run incident on Monday, October 24, 2011, at about 10:35 p.m., in the 600 block of Chevy Chase Drive, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said deputies responded to the listed location in reference to what was believed to be a vehicle crash.

Upon MCSO arrival, the victim, Johnny Walker, 56, of Bradenton, was down in the middle of the roadway.

EMS treated the victim for his injures and then Bayflited him to Bayfront Medical Center where he’s listed in critical condition.

Subsequent investigation determined that the suspect vehicle was blocked by the victim’s truck.

The victim exited his vehicle screaming and stood in the roadway.

A witness heard a squealing sound and saw the suspect vehicle fleeing the scene in a west bound direction and the victim down in the middle of the roadway.

The only descriptive information given about the suspect and the vehicle was that it was an unknown person driving a dark-colored vehicle.

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.

Pursuit After Traffic Stop
Attempt of DUI Driver

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a vehicle pursuit on Monday, October 24, 2011, at about 8:30 p.m.

A sheriff's report said a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle whose driver appeared to be intoxicated. The stop was attempted at Tallevast Rd. and 15th Street East.

The driver of the vehicle refused to stop.

The Deputy turned on his siren and advised that they were in pursuit at University Parkway and 15th Street East.

The pursuit was terminated at Old Bradenton Rd. and University Parkway for safety reasons, the report said.

No vehicles were damaged and nobody was injured during this pursuit.

Woman Stabs Person,
Woman Gets Arrested

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] - On Tusday, October 25, 2011, at approximately 12:10 a.m., deputies responded to 3217 Henrietta Place Sarasota, reference a stabbing.

Tonette Smith

Upon arrival, it was confirmed that one adult victim was present at this location with knife wounds. The victim was treated by paramedics and transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested Tonette Smith, 36, for Aggravated Battery.

Detectives determined that the victim was intentionally stabbed with a knife by Smith during a domestic altercation which took place at 3217 Henrietta Place.

The victim was ultimately released from the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

The victim's information was withheld by deputies, citing confidentiality laws.

Sarasota County Sheriff: Giant
Lego Man Found on Beach

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has taken into protective custody a giant Lego® man who appeared on Siesta Key Public Beach on Tuesday, October 25, 2011.

A beachgoer found the “man” near Access 5 Tuesday morning.

He has tentatively been identified as “Ego Leonard,” the name on the back of his shirt.

No one is sure how he arrived at the beach, whether he was placed there or if he washed up in the surf.

Mr. Leonard is about eight feet tall, weighs approximately 100 pounds and is made of fiberglass.

The only other identifying information was the writing on the front of his shirt which says “No Real Than You Are” and the number “8” on his back.

Mr. Leonard is being kept in a secure environment until his owner comes forward.

Man Released from Jail Sets
Up Drug Deal with Narcs
2.5 Hours Later

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit detectives Monday arrested a man for selling marijuana to them just 2½ hours after he was released from jail on marijuana charges.

John Logan

John Henry Logan, 30, 21351 Walling Court, Port Charlotte, was arrested Sunday for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released from the Charlotte County Jail Monday at 1:43 p.m. on $6,000 bond. Within minutes of his release, he set up a marijuana drug buy. CCSO Narcotics detectives agreed to meet Logan at a Shell station at Peachland and Forest Nelson boulevards in Port Charlotte. Logan then sold a plastic baggie with marijuana to undercover operatives for $125.

When Logan saw unmarked units move in, he fled on foot but was caught by two deputies a short distance away. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and charged with Sale and Delivery of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana Over 20 Grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting Arrest. Logan remains in jail this time with no bond, being a convicted felon and his seventh booking.

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).

Names Of Casey Anthony
Jurors Released

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A court on Tuesday released the names of the jurors in the Casey Anthony murder trial, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

n July, Anthony, 25, was found not guilty of murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee, who was 2 years old when she was reported missing in July 2008. Caylee's remains were found in December 2008. Anthony was found guilty of lying to authorities.

After the verdict, jurors received death threats, prompting Judge Belvin Perry to order a "cooling off" period before releasing the names, which is standard procedure in Florida.

The 12 jurors and three alternates were selected from Pinellas County, along Florida's Gulf Coast, because of concerns about pretrial publicity in Orlando, where the two-month trial was held. The jurors were sequestered until the verdict was announced, WKMG said.

Law Enforcement Agencies To Hold
Third Annual Prescription Drug
Take-Back Day This Saturday

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Drug Enforcement Administration is partnering with national, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials, as well as community coalition groups to hold a third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This one-day event will make it convenient for the public to rid their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.

On Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, Americans will be able to drop off their expired, unused, and unwanted pills at sites across the country free of charge, no questions asked. By doing so, they will be helping prevent drug abuse and theft.

Americans participating in DEA’s two previous National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events turned in more than 309 tons of pills at more than 5,300 sites manned by over 3,800 federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

Prescription drugs that languish in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse, creating a public health crisis. The rate of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. today is at an alarmingly high level—two-and-a-half times more people currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants combined, according to the recently released 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The same study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov and clicking the “Got Drugs?” banner, which links to a database where they can enter their zip code. Law enforcement agencies interested in hosting a collection site on October 29 can register with the DEA by calling their local DEA Field Division office (for a list of DEA Points of Contact for each state, click on the “Got Drugs?” banner on the website and then click on the “law enforcement” link).

Four days after DEA’s first event on September 25, 2010, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act and will allow users of controlled substance medications to dispose of their drugs by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long-term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. The DEA is in the process of drafting regulations to implement the Act.

Prescription drug disposal and the DEA’s Take-Back events are significant pieces of the White House’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan released this year by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Purging home medicine cabinets of neglected drugs is one of four strategies for reducing prescription drug abuse and diversion laid out in Epidemic: Responding to America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis. The other strategies include education of health care providers, patients, parents and youth; establishing prescription drug monitoring programs in all states; and increased enforcement to address doctor shopping and pill mills.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

BPD Arrests Man for Lewd
& Lascivious Molestation
of Elementary School Girl

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Francisco Pina, 20, of Bradenton.

Francisco Pina

The arrest report from BPD said on Friday, October 21, 2011, BPD Detective French met with Child Protective Services at Orange Ridge Elementary School regarding a report that was made concerning a juvenile being touched inappropriately at home.

The unnamed female juvenile went to her school counselor and said that her mother's boyfriend, Pina, touched her breast and vagina on two separate occasions.

About one month ago, the juvenile said she was sleeping on the couch and was awakened by Pina because he was feeling her breast on the outside of her shirt. She said she covered up her breast with her arms and Pina left the room.

She said she told her mother and her mother just yelled at Pina.

The next night, the juvenile said she was sleeping again and felt Pina touching her vagina on the outside of her clothes. She woke up and Pina again left the room, the report said.

She did not report this to her mother, because she was afraid.

There were no other incidents, the juvenile said.

Det. French spoke to Pina who said that he sometimes rolls the juvenile over to get the TV remote control, because she falls asleep with it on the couch. He said he may have accidentally touched her in the best and vagina while she was sleeping on the couch. He also said he sometimes hugs the juvenile, but "does not try to touch her in the private parts."

Pina was arrested and charged with two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Person Under 16 Years of Age.

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

Man Arrested for Threatening
Girlfriend with Knife

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Diego Martinson, 23, of 6904 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

Diego Martinson

The arrest report said Diego and Summer Labelle are boyfriend and girlfriend of 5 years and also have a child together.

On Friday, October 21, 2011, at about 8:45 a.m., the couple got into a verbal altercation that turned physical, when, according to statements and affidavits, Diego grabbed Summer around the neck area and pushed her numerous times.

According to Summer, he then told her he was going to kill her and went into the kitchen and got a knife.

He held the knife up and then stabbed the counter top, breaking the knife into 2 pieces. The then took the blade and began to come after Summer.

A deputy observed red marks to Summer's neck area.

Diego made a spontaneous statement to the deputy that he did push Summer 3 times, but never hit or punched her. He said he did stab the counter with the knife, but he did not threaten her with it.

Diego was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

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

Man Threatens Another Man
with Knife: "Don't Talk to Me"

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert L. Peters, 48, of 8613 44th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Robert Peters

The arrest report said on Friday, October 21, 2011, at about 5:10 p.m., the unnamed victim was walking his dog with a witness along and Peters pulled up in his vehicle.

Peters then exited his vehicle and started walking toward the victim. While doing so, Peters pulled a knife from a tan pouch on his belt and said, "If you ever talk to me again, I will stab you."

The victim was put in fear, the report said.

Peters was arrested at his residence a short time later and charged with Aggravated Assault.

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

Woman Threatened with Knife
for Failing to Pay Rent

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Neri Soto, 74, of 5508 13th Street East, Bradenton.

Neri Soto

The arrest report said the victim in this case, Linara Maynard, has been staying at Soto's house.

On Friday, October 21, 2011, at about 8:20 p.m., she went over to the house to use the restroom when Neri saw her enter the property.

Neri was upset because Maynard has not been paying her rent, the report said.

Neri approached Maynard and an argument ensued.

Neri then produced a knife and aimed it at Maynard's stomach, making a thrusting motion toward her.

She was afraid and believed that Neri was going to stab her with the knife, the report said.

At that point, she was able to walk away and call law enforcement.

Neri was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

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

Two Women Victims of Armed
Home Invasion Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed home invasion robbery on Monday, October 24, 2011, at about 5:20 a.m., at a residence in the 1600 block of 26th Avenue East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's reports said deputies responded to the above location in reference to an armed home invasion.

Three unknown Black male suspects kicked in the front door and held guns on both female victims, Faye Stevenson and Caroline Willis.

The suspects demanded money from the victims and rummaged through the house.

Multiple deputies responded to the scene and a perimeter was set up.

K-9 arrived and attempted a track with negative results.

The victims were not injured during the robbery.

The thugs were not further described in the report.

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.

Elderly Man Ambushed
Behind Wells Fargo Bank

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a robbery on Friday, October 21, 2011, at about 5 p.m., behind the Wells Fargo Bank branch, 6385 14th Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Dale Kewitz, Sr., 82, of the 6600 block of Oregon Street, Bradenton, was walking behind the bank, when he was confronted by three Black males, who demanded his money.

The victim threw his wallet at the suspects and they fled.

The victim wasn't injured.

The victim had just left the bank.

The robbers were described as three Black males, all around 19 years of age, all around 5'10" tall and about 130 pounds. They were wearing dark clothing.

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.

Teenage Girl Critically
Injured in Crash

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a traffic crash on Monday, October 24, 2011, at about 7:55 a.m., at the intersection of 26th Street West and 55th Avenue West, Bradenton.

The FHP report said a vehicle driven by Ashley Jacobs, 19, was stopped facing westbound on 55th Avenue West, at a stop sign at the intersection of 26th Street West. She was about to make a left turn onto 26th Street West.

Another vehicle, being driven by Brandon Albert, 18, of Bradenton, was traveling northbound in the outside lane of 26th Street West, approaching the intersection.

Ashley traveled westbound, emerging from the stop sign, and onto the northbound inside lane of 26th Street West. She entered Brandon's path, causing Brandon's vehicle to strike Ashley's vehicle on the left side.

Ashley was Bayflited to Bayfront Medical Center, due to severe injuries sustained in the crash. She was listed in critical condition.

There were minor injuries sustained by Brandon, but he was not transported.

Charges are pending, due to further investigation.

SSO Arrests Two Men in
Sept. Shooting Incident

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has filed charges against two men in connection with a shooting incident on Loyola Road in Venice on September 22nd.

Above, L to R, Harold Barrett and Jason Acker

Harold Barrett, 23, 1068 Venetian Parkway, is charged with one count of Battery, one count of Trespassing and one count of Simple Assault. His roommate Jason Acker, 24, is charged with one count of Trespassing and one count of Simple Assault.

The investigation found Barrett and Acker followed Craig McNeeley and Samuel Meeuwen to their home after an altercation at the Venice Sports Bar.

McNeeley warned the men several times to get off his property and when Barrett and Acker attacked, McNeeley shot Barrett in self-defense.

Barrett has since recovered from the shooting.

Both he and Acker were booked into the Sarasota County Jail on Friday and then released on bond.

CCSO Reports 11 DUI Arrests
Over the Past Weekend

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Cameron reports a total of 11 drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs over the past weekend and spent a night in the Charlotte County Jail.

Of the 11 charged with DUI, seven were men and four were women drivers. Three are from Port Charlotte, two from Englewood, and one each from Punta Gorda, North Port, and Cape Coral. There was also one DUI each with drivers from Seminole, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee, and Rochester, New York.

Sheriff Cameron said, “Some motorists still don’t get the idea that driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is against the law. The trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can destroy your life, and that of others. Our message is simple and unwavering: if we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions.”

'Dangerous' Inmates Vanish
From Jail; Nationwide Alert

VERO BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Two men, both of whom were awaiting trial on first-degree murder charges, vanished Monday morning from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division in Vero Beach, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Above, L to R, Rondell Reed and Leviticus Taylor
(Mug shots courtesy WKMG)

Authorities are searching for Rondell H. Reed, who turns 52 on Tuesday, and Leviticus Uriah Taylor, 25.

The Indian River County Sheriff's Office said Reed has a history of shooting at law enforcement.

Deputies said the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division discovered the pair was missing just before 5 a.m. Monday. The correction facility was searched and the red jumpsuits of both men were found in a service area, deputies said.

It's not known how the men got over either a 12-foot tall brick wall or a 12-foot tall fence, both of which are covered with razor wire.

An alert has been issued throughout the United States.

Both men should be considered dangerous, deputies said.

Unlike their booking photographs, Reed has gray -- not brown -- hair, and Taylor has a close-crop haircut, WKMG said.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to call 772 569-6700.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Man, 27, Shot, Killed in
Bradenton While Inside His
Vehicle; Two Men Charged

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has reported a murder that occurred on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at about 4:15 a.m., in the vicinity of 625 21st Street East, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Charles Brown and Tarvin Martin, Jr.

A press release from Captain Warren Merriman said Bradenton Police Officers heard multiple gunshots in the area of the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Avenue East.

As Officers were responding to the location, a citizen telephoned 911 to report that a person had been shot by unknown person(s) in the vicinity of 625 21st St. East.

Upon their arrival, Officers located a deceased male who had been operating a vehicle, and had sustained an apparent fatal gunshot wound.

The identity of the victim is being withheld until proper next-of-kin notification is made. Efforts to notify the victim’s next-of-kin are ongoing at this time.

Captain Merriman spoke to NewsManatee on Sunday. "The deceased man was a 27-year-old Hispanic male," Captain Merriman said.

According to Captain Merriman, the motive and circumstances behind this homicide are not known at this time.

Apparently, there is no rhyme or reason for the murder. It was not related to any drug deal, or any other contact with Brown or Martin, Capt. Merriman admitted. It was evidently a drive-by shooting -- a random act of violence.

On Sunday, Captain Merriman said local residents and businesses were able to provide BPD detectives with video footage of a suspected vehicle prior to and following the actual crime.

On the same date as this homicide occurred, at approximately 8:57 p.m., Detectives Kevin Bunch and Leonel Marines observed a gray Chevrolet Impala distinctly matching the one that was captured by video technology in the vicinity of this homicide. The Impala was located in the 1300 block of 27th Street East, Bradenton.

Following a felony traffic stop, the occupants of the vehicle were detained, and a firearm was discovered within the vehicle.

Upon interviewing both occupants, Charles A. Brown, 25, of Palmetto; and Tarvin L. Martin, Jr., 23, of Bradenton, both confessed to the shooting, and were charged with Murder in the 2nd Degree.

There had been no prior relationship between the victim and the suspects and there was no evidence whatsoever to indicate that this was related to any criminal activity on the victim’s behalf.

There will be additional charges filed in regard to this incident.

Both Brown and Martin are being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Captain Merriman remarked, "The cooperation between the local residents and businesses is based on the department’s outstanding partnership with the community, which has been developed through their concentrated efforts of Community Policing."

This is the 13th homicide overall in Manatee County. There have now been 9 homicides in unincorporated Manatee County, 2 in the City of Bradenton and 2 in the City of Palmetto.

Man, 42, Flees from Deputy,
K-9 Finds Crack Inside Van

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested George C. Roberts, 42, of 5310 26th Street West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, George Roberts and MSO K-9 Rex

The arrest report said on Friday, October 21, 2011, at about 2:45 a.m., Dep. Bryan Lake was on routine patrol and saw a van traveling southbound at the 4900 block of 14th Street West without rear lights.

Dep. Lake conducted a traffic stop in the 2000 block of 53rd Avenue West, but the vehicle wouldn't stop.

After a while, the vehicle turned into Garden Walk Condominiums at 5310 26th Street West.

The driver ran toward an apartment, but he was ordered to the ground by Dep. Lake, who learned that Roberts ran because he didn't have a license.

A check with the computer determined his license was suspended and Roberts had 5 prior convictions for Driving on a Suspended License.

Dep. Lake called for K-9 Deputy Wolfinger and his K-9 Rex to respond to do a walk around of the vehicle. The dog alerted on the van and upon searching the vehicle, Dep. Wolfinger found two pieces of crack cocaine on the front floorboard of the driver's seat, the report said.

Roberts refused to speak to the deputy after being read his Miranda rights.

Roberts was arrested and charged with Felony Fleeing to Elude, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Resisting Arrest without Violence and Felony Driving While License Suspended.

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

Two Women Arrested for
Prostitution by U/C Cops

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Misty Dawn Ryan, 27, of the 2100 block of 25th Avenue West, Bradenton, and Lynette Yvonne Ross, 45, a homeless person.

Above, L to R, Misty Ryan and Lynette Ross

On Thursday, October 10, 2011, undercover detectives attached to the Special Investigations Division Tactical Unit were patrolling the streets of Manatee County, posing as "Johns" in an attempt to arrest prostitutes.

At about 9:30 p.m., an undercover detective saw Ryan walking in the 3500 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

He made contact and after a brief conversation, Ryan agreed to give the detective oral sex for $20. She also told him she charges $30 for "full sex, but you would have to use a condom."

She was arrested and charged with Prostitution. Her bail bond on a previous charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia was revoked.

She remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Then, at about 11:30 p.m., an undercover detective spotted Ross at the intersection of 34th Street West and 14th Street West.

He made contact and after a brief conversation, Ross agreed to give the detective oral sex for $40. She said she could get $10 worth of marijuana for him, but after she met with a Black man at the Michiana Motel on 14th Street West, she came back without the pot. Then she proceeded to pull a crack pipe out, along with a piece of crack cocaine, and tried to light it up. But the detective grabbed her arm, preventing her from doing so.

She was arrested and charged with Prostitution, Possession of Crack Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

She later posted a bail bond in the amount of $1,240 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Couple Carjacked, Robbed
at Gunpoint; Car Later
Found Torched

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a case of carjacking, armed robbery and arson on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at about 9:15 p.m., at a car wash located in the 3000 block of State Road 70 East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said both victims, Jeremey Joyner, 30, and Autumn Shelly, 28, were at the car wash cleaning the vehicle when they were approached by an unknown Black male.

The Black male suspect pointed an unknown type firearm at the victims and made them lie face down.

The suspect went into Jeremey's pants and took his wallet containing his identification and approximately $100 in cash.

The suspect then took Autumn's cell phone and jumped into their 2006 Lincoln LS.

According to the both victims, they were unsure of which way the suspect fled on SR70 because they were still lying on the ground.

At approximately 9:45 p.m., deputies were advised that Palmetto PD was out with a silver vehicle which was fully engulfed at the 1400 block of 21st Street East. It was confirmed the vehicle was the 2006 Lincoln taken in the Robbery.

The bad guy was described as a Black male, 5'10" tall, 220 pounds, and was last seen wearing a dark hoodie and blue jeans.

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.

3 Women Robbed at Knifepoint
During Home Invasion Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a home invasion robbery on Thursday, October 20, 2011, at about 9 p.m., at a residence in the 6400 block of 9th Street East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the three victims, all women between the ages of 44 and 68, were sitting in the garage playing cards with the bay door open.

An unknown Black male entered the garage, produced an 8" kitchen knife and said, "Give me the money."

He punched Diane Froehlich, 68, in the face, knocking her to the ground. He then reached into 44-year-old Mary Phillips' shirt pocket, but the pocket was empty.

He then grabbed two purses off the table that belonged to Diane and Mary.

Donna Steineick, 54, was not attacked or robbed.

The Black male then fled north on 9th Street East on a bicycle.

Diane's purse contained $90 in cash along with miscellaneous items and Mary's purse contained only a lighter and a cigarette.

Nobody was seriously injured during the robbery.

VCTF detectives are continuing the investigation.

The robber was described as a Black male, 5'7" tall, with a stocky build, short hair and he was clean shaven.

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

Two Men, Car Fired Upon
in Drive-by Shooting

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a shooting into an unoccupied vehicle and aggravated assault on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at about 4:30 a.m., in the 900 block of 35th Avenue West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victims, Gustavo Amaro-Amero, 25, and Juan Guerrero, 25, were sitting outside their residence when two Black males approached on foot.

Shots were fired towards them, hitting a parked vehicle nearby, but missing both victims.

The suspects fled on foot.

Deputies saturated the area and heard from witnesses that a car was heard leaving at a high rate of speed after the gunshots.

The investigation continues as the suspects have not been located.

The shooters were only described as two Black males dressed in black.

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

Homeless Man Punched,
Robbed by Two Men

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a strong arm robbery on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at about 2:30 a.m., in the 6200 block of 15th Street East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Gary Shepard, 50, a homeless man, was walking when two males approached him.

The pair knocked the victim to the ground, and hit him with their fists.

The victim's wallet was taken from his back pocket.

The suspects fled west from the scene towards a wooded area.

Deputies responded and searched the area with negative results.

The investigation continues.

The two men were only described as possibly one White male and one Black male.

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.

Stabbing Suspect Arrested
by Sarasota County Sheriff

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested David C. Stupp, 39, 414 Sevilla Street, Warm Mineral Springs, for stabbing his roommate today in an unprovoked attack.

David Stupp

Witnesses say the victim was sitting on the porch of Renaissance Manor around noon when Stupp started yelling at him and punched him several times in the face.

Stupp then went inside, returned with a large knife and stabbed the victim several times in the face and body.

The victim, Angelo Olivero, 60, was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg where he is in critical condition.

Stupp admitted to the attack.

He was booked into the Sarasota County Jail for Attempted Second Degree Murder.

Man, 27, Arrested for Sex
with Girl, 14

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- On Friday, October 21, 2011, Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives reported the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a North Port man who was wanted on a CCSO warrant for having sex with a 14-year-old North Port girl. Two sexual encounters occurred at a motel in Port Charlotte.

Christian Soto

Arrested was Christian Soto, 27, 1231 Jonah Drive.

CCSO detectives began their investigation Oct. 15 when the girl’s parents took their daughter to a hospital after she became ill. The parents said they found disturbing text messages and photos on her cellphone. They also found Facebook information about their daughter’s sexual encounters with Soto. The girl said she had sexual intercourse with Soto who befriended her on Facebook starting last August. The juvenile said they agreed to meet Sept. 16th at Town Center Mall. Her parents dropped her off at the mall and she then met Soto in the parking lot. They drove to Knights Inn Motel in Port Charlotte; Soto gave her two shots of rum, and they had sex. Afterwards, he drove her back to the mall.

Detectives said Soto made arrangements again with the juvenile and on Oct. 14th they rendezvoused at the mall and went to the same motel again to have sex. This time Soto gave her four shots of rum. Soto told the girl not to say anything about them having sex because it was against the law. He returned her to the mall.

A CCSO warrant was issued and Soto was located by SCSO and taken to the Sarasota County Jail shortly after 8 a.m. Friday morning where he remains on $90,000 bond.

CCSO MCU detectives charged Soto with two counts each for Lewd Battery, Traveling to Meet a Minor, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Middle School Teacher Accused
of Domestic Violence

ORANGE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- An Orange County middle school teacher was arrested on domestic violence charges on Wednesday, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Gretchen Gonzalez was arrested after her husband called deputies Wednesday evening and reported that his wife had hit him in the face with a stack of mail, knocking off his glasses.

Deputies said Gonzalez's husband told them he had gotten into a verbal altercation with his wife of 12 years, with whom he is going through a divorce and a child custody battle, when the argument escalated.

Gonzalez's husband did not wish to press charges, he only wanted to document the incident and he refused to sign a sworn statement, deputies said.

Gonzalez gave a similar description of the events to the deputies and was arrested on domestic violence charges.

The Orange County School Board confirmed that Gonzalez is a teacher at Discovery Middle School and is not on leave.

The school board said Gonzalez has 48 hours to report her arrest, WKMG said.

FDLE: Crime in Florida Down
for First Half of Year

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT/FDLE] -- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Gerald Bailey joined local, state and federal criminal justice officials today to announce the 2011 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report reflects that crime in Florida declined 2 percent for the first half of the calendar year over the same period last year. Total violent crime (murder, forcible sex offenses, robbery and aggravated assault) is down by 3.2 percent for the first six months of the year, while total non-violent crime (burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft) declined 1.8 percent.

The report also showed a 3.1 percent decrease in the number of murders, a 4.3 percent decrease in robberies, a 3.4 percent decrease in aggravated assault, a 1.6 percent decrease in burglary, a 1.2 percent decrease in larceny, and a 9.4 percent decrease in motor vehicle thefts. The number of forcible sex offenses increased 1.1 percent. Domestic violence offenses declined 0.6 percent.

The report also contains information on officers killed feloniously. Five officers died from criminal causes during the first half of the year; two were officers with the Miami-Dade Police Department and three were officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department.

The report includes data submitted by 409 of the state’s 416 law enforcement agencies, which represent 99.2 percent of the total population of the state. The report reflects crime volume only; crime rate, which takes into account population, is calculated in the annual report. The complete 2011 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website at www.fdle.state.fl.us/fsac/ucr/.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 10/29/2011 2:00:06 PM

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