Manatee County Florida News Archive for week ending 11/19/2011

This website contains archived material from NewsManatee.com which is supported through private funding, supporter donations and advertising. If you are looking for the latest news in Manatee County Florida visit Newsmanatee.com or perform an archive search at Newsmanateearchive.com. NOTE: Archiving did not begin until March 14, 2008. If you are seeking articles published prior to this date, you will need to contact us directly.

Review archived pages by date OR Text search of archived pages

Local/State News for week ending 11/19/2011

West Manatee Fire Rescue:
Thanksgiving Holiday
Cooking Fire Safety
Tips to Stay Alive

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WMFR] -- West Manatee Fire Rescue has thoughtfully provided some safe cooking tips for your Thanksgiving holiday meal.

Whether you are cooking the family holiday dinner or a snack for the children, practicing safe cooking behaviors will help keep you and your family safe.

~ Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.

~ Use turkey fryers outdoors away from buildings and items that can catch fire.

~ Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.

Many families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if you don't practice safe cooking behaviors.

Cooking equipment, most often a range or stovetop, is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States.

Cooking equipment is also the leading cause of unreported fires and associated injuries.

If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll. Stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth to put out the fire. Immediately cool the burn with cool water for 3 to 5 minutes and then seek emergency medical care.

How and When to Fight Cooking Fires

~ When in doubt, just get out.

~ When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

~ If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are already getting out and you have a clear path to the exit.

~ Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (make sure you are wearing the oven mitt). Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.

~ In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing.

~ If you have a fire in your microwave oven, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed. Never open the door until the fire is completely out. Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet.

~ After a fire, both ovens and microwaves should be checked and/or serviced before being used again.

"Holiday Shopping" Leaves
Three Women in Jail for
Grand Theft Shoplifting
in Two Separate Cases

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Lisa Chatman, 44, of 1640 9th Street Court West, Bradenton; Cyrstal Williams, 30, of 3302 Janico Drive, Sarasota; and Lamelayde Anello, 33, of 3675 Prudence Drive, Sarasota.

Above, L to R, Lisa Chatman, Crystal Williams and Lamelayde Anello

In the case involving Chatman and Williams, the arrest reports say on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, they entered Toys 'R Us, 512 Cortez Road, Bradenton, and filled their shopping carts with merchandise. They then left the store without paying.

Williams was the first to leave the store. One of the store associates went out of the store to confront Williams. Williams then abandoned the cart full of merchandise and walked to her car to leave. The store manager then went to the parking lot to stop Williams from leaving.

Chatman then placed a black plastic garbage bag over her cart and exited the store. When she saw the store manager at their vehicle, she left the shopping cart in the parking lot and got into the vehicle.

Williams, the driver, began to leave before Chatman was in the vehicle and she was dragged in the parking lot. She did finally manage to get in the vehicle and left.

A complete description of the vehicle and women was given to deputies. A deputy located that vehicle in the 1100 block of 53rd Avenue West and pulled it over.

The store's manager was brought to the scene and positively identified Williams and Chatman.

The total amount of merchandise that the women left the store with was $739.99.

They were both arrested and charged with Retail Grand Theft.

In the second case involving Anello, on that same day she walked into Kohls at 5205 University Parkway, in South Manatee County and selected clothing from different departments.

She then went into the dressing room and came out with less items visible than she had entered with. Her purse was also visibly larger.

She then paid for three items and exited the store with the rest of the items in her purse and two items on her person.

She was confronted by Loss Prevention personnel outside the store.

The total amount of items taken was $562.32.

She was also arrested and charged with Grand Theft Retail.

All three women posted bail bonds of $1,000 each and were released from the Manatee County Jail.

Man Arrested for Child
Neglect After Infant
Ate Oxycodone

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Willard F. Hutson, Jr., 38, of 5319 11th Street Court East, Bradenton.

Willard Hutson, Jr.

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at about 10:30 a.m., Hutson's fiancee, Susan Johnson, woke Hutson prior to leaving to see a doctor about her back injury.

She left Hutson in the care and supervision of her two sons, one of whom is an 11-month-old child.

When she returned to the residence, Hutson was asleep on the bed with the infant.

The infant was awake on the bed, unsupervised, with pills "laying all around."

She picked up the child and was holding him when he became very lethargic. She gave the child a cold bath in an attempt to wake him up, but the bath did not work.

After about 20 minutes of trying to wake Hutson up, he finally awoke.

Susan then drove Hutson and the infant boy to the Manatee Memorial Hospital Emergency Room.

AT MMH, Hutson caused a disturbance and was ordered to leave by the Bradenton Police Department. At that time, it was learned that Hutson had an outstanding federal arrest warrant, so he was arrested on that charge.

The child was transferred from MMH to All Children's Hospital in Tampa.

The child tested positive for Oxycodone. He was treated with Narcan and later released to Susan.

Hutson was additionally charged with Child Neglect.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Known Hooker Arrested for
Being Where She Shouldn't Be

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has once again arrested Desirea Smith, 26, a homeless woman.

Desirea Smith

The arrest report said on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at about 8 a.m., Dep. Waller noticed Smith talking to a person in a car in the 2300 block of 13th Street West.

Dep. Waller made contact with Smith, who provided her name and information and agreed to let a female officer search her.

Once a female officer arrived on scene, Dep. Waller ran Smith through records, which returned stating she was on probation for a third prostitution conviction.

Dep. Waller researched court records and located a case which said she had been geographically displaced, but it did not say from where.

Dep. Waller then called booking at the Manatee County Jail, who advised Smith was geographically displaced from the area of 9th Street West to 14th Street West, then from the area of 21st Avenue West to 38th Avenue West.

Due to her being in the 2300 block of 13th Street West, Dep. Waller determined that she had violated that order of her probation.

Smith was arrested and charged with Violation of Probation, Violation of Geographical Displacement Order.

Smith remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Teenager Arrested in Connection
with Setup Robbery Ambush

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Katelyn M. Kemp, 18, of Bradenton.

Katelyn Kemp

Through investigation, Kemp was identified as the suspect in an armed robbery incident and a warrant for her arrest was issued.

The incident, as NewsManatee reported earlier this week was on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at about 4:45 p.m., at a residence in the 6800 block of Fairview Terrace, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Charles McMillen, 71, received a phone call from a female acquaintance who asked him to give her a ride.

He picked her up, and then drove her to his house before dropping her off.

Once inside, Charles went to the bedroom to change his clothes.

The woman followed him into the bedroom and sprayed him in the face with mace/pepper spray.

She then took his wallet and phone off of a table and ran out of the house.

A neighbor saw her run from the house, and get into a waiting vehicle that fled the area.

VCTF detectives responded and began following up with the investigation.

The Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Task Force located Kemp walking in the 4600 block of Country Oaks Blvd. and she was arrested without incident.

She was charged with Armed Robbery.

Kemp is currently being held at the Manatee County Jail with no bond.

Two Career Offenders
Being Sought by MSO

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for two Absconded Career Offenders from Manatee County as of November 17, 2011.

Above, L to R, Jerod Walker and Jeffrey Humbert

Jerod Walker, 31, absconded from probation. His whereabouts is currently unknown.

Jeffrey Humbert, 34, absconded from registration. His whereabouts is currently unknown.

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

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

Man Robbed by Black Male
in Walgreen's Parking Lot

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at about 5:30 a.m., in the Walgreen's parking lot, 6100 14th Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, a Hispanic male, was walking in the Walgreen's parking lot when he was approached by an unknown Black male.

The Black male demanded the victim’s money.

The robber was armed with a knife and held the knife to the back of the victim.

The victim surrendered his property to the robber.

After the robbery, the thug punched the victim in the side, causing him to fall to the ground.

The victim said he did not call 9-1-1 because he did not have a cell phone. Instead, he reported the crime to the Telephone Reporting Unit (TRU).

The victim did not sustain any severe injuries during the robbery.

The robber was 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.

Man Stabbed at Badda-Bing
Bar on Tuesday; Just Reported

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a stabbing on Tuesday, November 14, 2011, at about 2:30 a.m., at Badda-Bing bar, 8327 Lockwood Ridge Road, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said the victim, Adam Burgener, 28, got into an altercation with an unknown White male in the parking lot of Badda-Bing bar.

The unknown White male's girlfriend, an unknown heavy-set Hispanic woman, produced a knife and slashed the victim on his left arm and left leg.

The victim waited two days to seek medical help and report to law enforcement.

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.

$3,000 in Metal Stolen
from County Mine Pit

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff's deputy arrested a Fort Myers man after he stole $3,000 worth of metal items from a mining pit in South Charlotte County near the Lee County line.

Virgil Williams, Jr.

Arrested and charged with Grand Theft and Trespassing was Virgil Raymond Williams Jr., 24, 6781Carmelita Drive.

At 3 a.m. Wednesday the deputy was on parked on Little Farm Road by S.R. 31 looking for any suspicious activity in the area. He saw a Chevrolet S-10 pickup driving with its lights off. The deputy watched the vehicle pull on to S.R. 31 and observed the back end of the pickup was riding very low. He saw a T-shirt covering the license tag and made a traffic stop on S.R. 31 by Horseshoe Road. In the bed of the pickup were many large pieces of machined mechanical parts.

Williams at first said he was back in the area looking for his dog while hog hunting. The Earth Source Mine pit is owned by Sid Kidson LLC & Partners. Williams said he saw the large metal items by the pit and put them in his pickup. The pit manager arrived and wanted Williams trespassed from the property at 13500 S.R. 31, and file charges. Williams said he is unemployed and was going to scrap the items to pay child support.

Williams was transported to the Charlotte County Jail where he posted a $3,000 bond and was released.

Police: Smoke Bomb
Found Next to Body

DELTONA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- A bomb squad was called to a Deltona home early Thursday after authorities discovered what appeared to be an explosive device next to a body, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

The body was found about 3:30 a.m. in a home in the 3200 block of Partridge Street.

Volusia County sheriff's deputies were investigating a shooting when they found the device near a man's body inside the home.

The bomb squad said the device appeared to be a smoke grenade and did not pose a threat.

Deputies said the man may have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Deputies are questioning two others who were inside the home, WKMG said.

~ Thursday's Local/State News ~

Man Arrested for Domestic
Battery by Strangulation
of Girlfriend of 2 Years

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Kyle Reno, 21, of the 7400 block of Green Street, Bradenton.

Kyle Reno

According to the arrest report, Kyle and Jessica Haarala have been dating for about 2 years and have a child together.

On Monday, November 14, 2011, at about 4:30 p.m., the couple was traveling together from Sarasota County from a friend's house to Reno's house.

During the travel time, they began arguing about their relationship. Reno was driving.

They were right around the corner from his home and he told Jessica to get out of the car because she said the relationship was not working out.

Jessica got out of the car with the toddler and he drove home.

Jessica then walked about a block to the house and once inside, they began arguing again.

At this time, Jessica had engaged in an argument with Reno's grandmother, who was in the home and arguing with Reno.

During the argument, the child was in a car seat which was sitting on a bed.

Jessica said Reno pushed her onto the bed and grabbed her around the throat with one hand and squeezed her throat for about 5 seconds; she said she felt faint.

Reno's grandmother grabbed Reno's arms to hold him back from hurting her further.

Jessica was able to get away and call 911.

An arriving deputy did not see any marks on her neck, but she had some redness on her chest. She declined EMS treatment.

Reno said he did push her down on the bed, but it was because she was yelling at his grandmother and he thought she was going to hurt his grandmother.

Reno was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation.

He was released from the Manatee County Jail on his own recognizance, supervised.

Homeless Woman with Baby
Arrested for Aggravated
Battery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Yolanda Beatriz Rivera, 26, a homeless woman.

Yolanda Rivera

The arrest report said on Monday, November 14, 2011, at about 2:15 p.m., Yolanda went to the residence of Bonnie Rojas.

Rojas said Yolanda has been coming to her residence and getting in fights with her for the past couple of months because she was dating Yolanda's boyfriend and her baby's father, Ramon Adoma.

On Monday, Yolanda went there looking for Ramon.

Bonnie told her that he was not there. Yolanda said, "I know he is there, I just saw him."

Yolanda attacked Bonnie, punching her several times in the head, causing two small goose eggs on both sides of Bonnie's forehead about 1 inch in size. They were swelling and starting to bruise.

Yolanda also bit Bonnie on the right upper arm. The bite left a full impression of all of Yolanda's teeth. The bite caused bleeding, bruising and swelling.

The bite was substantial and appears the mark may be permanent, a deputy wrote.

Yolanda told the deputy she was the one attacked while holding her baby.

The baby had no injuries and Yolanda had a scratch on her back and neck.

She was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Great Harm.

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

The report did not say what happened to the baby in the meantime.

Man Hits Mom with Chair,
Threatens to Kill Her

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Demetris Blackmon, 19, of 403 12th Street West, Palmetto.

Demetris Blackmon

The arrest report from PPD said on Monday, November 14, 2011, at about 12:15 p.m., Demetris and his Mom, Paulette Blackmon, got into a verbal argument at her home in the 400 block of 11th Street Drive West, Palmetto. Demetris started to yell at her and became very angry.

Demetris struck his Mom with a closed fist in the chest, then picked up a wooden chair and struck his Mom with the chair, striking her in her right forearm.

Demetris then went to his residence.

A PPD officer wrote that he observed a large knot where the chair had struck the victim.

While police were at Ms. Blackmon's house, Demetris called her and said that it he went to jail he would come back and kill everyone there, including his mother, the report said.

Ms. Blackmon told police her son had access to several firearms.

Demetris was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery.

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

2 Men Arrested for Mugging Man,
Trying to Take His Money, Beer

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Damon Royal, 27, of 1204 14th Street West, Bradenton, and Christopher Clubb, 21, of 6050 34th Street West, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Damon Royal and Christopher Clubb

The arrest reports said on Monday, November 14, 2011, at about 12:45 p.m., Royal and Clubb were outside a store in the 1400 block of 16th Street West, waiting for William Walker to exit the store.

At that time, Royal and Clubb followed Walker, pushed him into a yard, then started punching and kicking Walker.

Walker fell to the ground and Royal attempted to take Walker's beer, while Clubb attempted to fish through Walker's pockets for money.

Walker was able to run away from the incident location when Royal and Clubb were distracted by an unknown witness.

Walker sustained a laceration to his right eye and was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Royal and Clubb were located at about 1:30 p.m. in the 1600 block of 9th Street West.

They were both arrested and charged with Robbery.

Royal remains in the Manatee Count Jail on a bail bond of $5,000. Clubb remains there on a bail bond of $2,500.

Two Men Arrested for
Stupid Armed Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Andreco Parker, 28, and David Mays, 28, both of Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Andreco Parker and David Mays

A sheriff's report said on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, just after midnight, the victims, Kimberly Bishop, 46, and Oscar Barton, 60, were at a residence in the 400 block of Bryn Mawr Island when their roommate, Mays, arrived with another Black male, Andreco. Both were allowed in the home.

A dispute began regarding an FPL bill.

At some point, Andreco decided to cover his face with a mask, despite already being seen by the victims, and produced a handgun.

He demanded money from the pair, and $5 was obtained.

Mays participated as well by punching Oscar during the struggle.

The pair of suspects fled the scene in a red Toyota rental car.

As deputies saturated the area, a vehicle was found similar in description.

A stop was conducted, and the two suspects were inside.

Parker and Mays were identified by the victims and subsequently arrested.

Both men were charged with Armed Robbery and Battery.

As of Thursday afternoon, they remained in the Manatee County Jail without bail.

Woman Found Severely
Beaten, Hospitalized

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a case of aggravated domestic battery and false imprisonment on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at about 3 a.m., at a mobile home in the 2800 block of 14th Street West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said an unidentified White female was found severely beaten with trauma to her face in the above trailer park.

Deputies responded and searched the area for the other possible party involved, who was only described as a White male in his 50s.

The victim was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Detectives responded and continued the investigation.

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.

Sheriff Reports Man Was
Electrocuted Wednesday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said in a press release on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, that at approximately 1:45 p.m., Fernando Melechor, 44, of Wimauma, was driving a tractor with a fertilizer tank attached. The location was 79851 Carter Road, at the William P. Hearne Produce Farm, in Ellenton.

The tank had two metal booms and one of them was in the raised position when it came into contact with a live electrical wire.

The victim exited the tractor and was electrocuted when he touched the ground.

Several farm workers tried to help the victim but he was already deceased.

The incident appears to be an accident, according to Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

Manatee Sheriff's Office:
DUI Saturation Patrol
Planned for Friday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday, November 18, 2011.

Ten (10) MSO deputies, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol, will be patrolling from 5:30 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. in areas with a history of high DUI-related incidents.

The MSO Traffic Unit has made over 500 DUI arrests this year with nearly 10 percent of those being drug impaired drivers.

The purpose of the Saturation Patrol is to bring awareness to the DUI problem in Manatee County, in an effort to reduce the number of DUI’s, particularly the ones involving serious crashes.

Doctor Arrested for Eight
Fraudulent Oxycodone
Prescriptions for Self

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives arrested a foot-ankle-vein doctor after he turned himself in at the Charlotte County Jail Wednesday, November 16, 2011, on two felony charges of Obtaining Oxycodone by Fraud.

Dr. Boyd Robinson

Arrested was Dr. Boyd Allen Robinson, 44, 515 Dona Drive, Nokomis.

The investigation began when Sarasota County Sheriff’s detectives contacted CCSO and advised Dr. Robinson was arrested in their county last August for obtaining controlled substances by fraud. The SCSO detective said during their investigation they learned Dr. Robinson also obtained fraudulent prescriptions in Charlotte County.

The CCSO Narcotics detective’s investigation discovered Dr. Robinson passed two fraudulent prescriptions for Oxycodone at the Englewood Pharmacy, 900 Pine Street in Englewood in June and July this year. They also discovered he obtained Oxycodone six times from the Publix Pharmacy, 1500 Placida Road in Englewood, between January and July of this year. In a photo lineup, employees of both pharmacies picked out Dr. Robinson as the doctor who obtained Oxycodone prescriptions. Security video also shows Dr. Robinson sometimes wore blue scrubs to drop off and pick up the pills. Dr. Robinson told pharmacists he needed some pain meds for himself; he did not give an insurance card and paid cash instead.

Dr. Robinson had worked for a doctor’s office in Sarasota County, and also in the 17000 block of Murdock Circle in Port Charlotte. When detectives asked the doctor if he had a patient relationship with Dr. Robinson, he said no medical file exists. The doctor in a sworn written statement said he did not write any narcotics prescriptions for Dr. Robinson and none of the eight prescriptions were signed by him.

Dr. Robinson remains in the Charlotte County Jail on $5,000 bond at this time.

Cops Arrest Englewood
Market Burglar

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies arrested an Englewood man for burglary of the Englewood Market, 3582 N. Access Road, Englewood East.

David Norman

Charged with Burglary is David Michael Norman, 25, 55 Hillcrest Drive, a twice convicted felon with nine bookings into the Charlotte County Jail.

Tuesday morning at 2:02 a.m. deputies responded to an alarm call at the business and noticed the rear door open. Deputies located two pieces of a broken knife blade near the door. At 3:27 a.m., a deputy stopped Norman near the business as he was walking down the access road and questioned him being in the area of the burglary; he was released as they could not tie him into the burglary at that time.

At 7:42 p.m. a deputy made a vehicle traffic stop by a Circle-K in Englewood. While the deputy was issuing a citation to the driver, a Sergeant began talking to Norman, a passenger in the car. The Sergeant asked Norman about the burglary early in the morning at Englewood Market. Norman began to sweat and stutter, and then talked about the burglary and how he fled with the alarm sounded. Norman said he needed money for drugs and he was hungry.

Norman was arrested and transported to the jail where he remains on $2,500 bond.

CCSO detectives are continuing their investigation concerning several other burglaries in the area.

Police Say Orlando Teen Faked
His Own Kidnapping, Sought
$50K from Dad

DELRAY BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] - Police say an Orlando teenager is accused of staging his own kidnapping to get $50,000 in ransom money from his father, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that the 17-year-old boy disappeared from a tennis tournament in Delray Beach on Sunday morning. Later that day, the teen called his father, claiming his captors were seeking a ransom.

Police and the FBI tracked the teen and 23-year-old Joshua Andre Pee to a Budget Inn. Pee fled as agents moved in, authorities said.

According to police reports, when Pee broke into nearby house, the homeowner ran out and flagged down police.

An officer used a stun gun to shock Pee when he refused to surrender, authorities said.

Pee is charged with burglary and resisting arrest. The teen faces grand theft charges.

No attorney was listed for Pee, WKMG said.

~ Wednesday's Local/State News ~

Man Goes Berserk on Woman,
Causes Serious Injuries, Later
Arrested for Threatening
2nd Woman with Gun

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office have arrested Daniel Huertas-Baez, 27, of 1007 39th Street West, Bradenton.

Daniel Huertas-Baez

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Sunday, November 12, 2011, at about 1 p.m., Daniel and his live-in girlfriend, Eliana Machado, were traveling south over the Green Bridge (9th Street bridge) when Daniel became upset with Eliana and started yelling at her. He became so upset that he started punching and hitting the victim in her arms, neck, head and face.

Due to this, the victim had to pull her vehicle over in the 800 block of 4th Avenue West. While she did this, Daniel continued to hit her.

When the vehicle stopped, the victim exited the vehicle in an attempt to get away from Daniel. However, Daniel also exited the vehicle and ran after the victim.

He caught her in the middle of the street, where he started hitting and punching Eliana again. He knocked her to the ground where he started punching and kicking the victim while she lay there defenseless.

Two separate witnesses observed this and stopped. One called 911 while the other yelled for Daniel to stop.

Daniel stopped for a moment, looked at the witness, turned back to Eliana, reached down and grabbed the victim's cell phone, then smashed the cell phone on the ground.

The witness yelled out to Eliana, who was able to get up and run to the witnesses vehicle. She jumped into his vehicle and they drove to BPD. The other witness watched as Daniel walked over to the victim's vehicle, enter it and drive off, going east on 4th Avenue West.

When Eliana arrived at BPD, she was shaking and crying. She had numerous visible injuries on her arms, neck, face and head. While speaking with her, an officer noticed her right eye continue to swell to the point that it swelled shut. EMS was contacted and responded to BPD. They transported her to Manatee Memorial Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a broken right eye socket.

Then, on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at about 5:15 a.m., Daniel showed up at his residence and that of another victim, Iveth Bennet, at 1007 39th Street West and approached the rear of the house. He was standing in the rear of the house and pointed a gun at Iveth, who was inside the house. He told her that he was going to kill her and her daughter, who was asleep.

Iveth called 911, but Daniel fled before law enforcement (MCSO) could arrive. Later that morning, however, he returned to the location and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office was notified. Upon arrival, Daniel was arrested and taken into custody. The gun was located on the refrigerator in the kitchen.

BPD was notified and arrived at the location. A BPD Officer asked Daniel about the earlier incident. He said Eliana had said something to him that made him mad and he snapped. He admitted to hitting and punching her numerous times. He said numerous times that it was his fault and he [expletive deleted] up. He admitted to stealing Eliana's vehicle because he was scared. He said he was sorry and wished he could take it back.

Daniel was charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm, Motor Vehicle Theft, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Convicted Felon in Possession of a Weapon/Ammunition.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a combined bail bond of $25,000.

Real Story Emerges After
Man Reports Stabbing

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Amanda Lynn Toole, 31, of 5715 12th Street East, Bradenton.

Amanda Toole

The arrest report said on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at about 10 p.m., deputies were called to the above location regarding a man who had been stabbed on the left arm.

Upon arrival, the man, Rafael Abreu, told deputies he was approached by a White male and a Black male while walking back from a store. They attempted to rob him, he said, and stabbed him on the left arm. He then ran home, he said. He was treated by EMS.

Later, at about 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, deputies responded to the same location regarding a mentally ill person making suicide threats. That person was identified as Toole.

It turns out Abreu and Toole are intimate partners who live together.

Toole told deputies that she and Abreu were in an argument because Abreu wanted to leave her because of financial problems.

Toole became upset and went outside with a knife and slashed the tires of Abreu's vehicle. She then entered the residence and Abreu began yelling at her, face to face.

Toole pushed Abreu while still holding the knife in her right hand. She then swung her right hand in a striking motion toward Abreu, stabbing him in the left arm.

Toole had become upset when Abreu returned from the hospital after treatment of the stab wound and did not wish to speak to Toole and left the residence.

She then began to break the windows on her vehicle and making suicide threats.

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

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

Woman Fired Weapon at
House, Cars, Multiple Times

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Katie McClendon, 40, of 4915 Lake Hill Court, Bradenton.

Katie McClendon

The arrest report said on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at about 12:45 p.m., Crystal Bing said that she and her kids were inside her house in the 4800 block of 33rd Street West when Katie McClendon and a man and several of their friends walked in front of her house.

Bing said that she heard a lot of yelling and screaming.

Bing said that she then saw McClendon and the man shooting at her residence, then they fled the scene.

The house received 11 bullet impacts. Additionally, a Buick parked at the residence was hit 3 times, one in the left headlight and twice on the right side. Another vehicle, a Chevy Impala, had damage to the right side from bullet fragments.

McClendon was later located at her residence and transported to the scene where Bing identified her as being one of the two people who shot at her house.

McClendon was arrested and charged with Shooting Into an Occupied Dwelling and Criminal Mischief.

She later posted a $50,500 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Woman Hits Woman with Bottle,
Tries to Hit Man with Car, Then
Tries to Hide Vehicle

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Leportia N. King, 23, of 6128 12th Street East, Bradenton.

Leportia King

The arrest report said King and Josh Harley have been living together as a family for about 8 months and have been dating for about a year.

On Sunday, November 13, 2011, at about 11:20 p.m., King went to 916 60th Terrace West and started arguing with Harley.

A woman who was at the scene, Maxine McCray, separated King and Harley and sat down in a chair in the carport.

King was still yelling at Harley as she picked up a bottle and threw the bottle, missing Harley and striking McCray on the left side of her face, causing a 1-inch laceration.

King then entered her truck, backed out and made a turn toward Harley, almost striking him if he had not jumped out of the way.

King then fled the scene.

EMS responded to treat McCray.

While on scene, King drove by the house and sped off.

A deputy immediately followed the vehicle to 1015 62nd Avenue East where he observed King backing in to conceal her truck behind the house.

King was arrested and charged with Domestic Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Motor Vehicle), and Aggravated Battery.

She later posted a $5,025 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Young Man Arrested for
Possession of Marijuana

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jeremy David Rodgers, 19, of the 5900 block of Olive Avenue, Sarasota.

Jeremy Rodgers

The arrest report said on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at about 8 p.m., a deputy pulled over a vehicle with an expired tag in the 1700 block of Ellenton-Gillette Road, in Ellenton.

Rodgers was sitting in the front passenger seat. The deputy smelled the odor of marijuana.

The deputy asked another deputy to respond. Once he arrived, the driver of the vehicle and the passenger, Rodgers, were asked to step out of the vehicle so it could be searched.

As Rodgers was getting out of the vehicle, he dropped a bag of marijuana in the grass. That was noticed by the second deputy who notified the primary deputy.

Rodgers admitted the marijuana was his.

The marijuana weighed 28.3 grams.

Rodgers was charged with Possession of Marijuana Over 20 Grams, a felony.

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

Man Robbed at Gunpoint,
Battered; Minor Injury

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an armed robbery with minor injuries to one victim on Monday, November 14, 2011, at about 11:55 p.m., near La Mirada Apartments in the 5500 block of 15th Street East, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said deputies responded to the above location in reference to an armed robbery.

According to the victim, Marquis Lee McArthur, he was giving a ride to a friend and dropped her off near La Mirada Apartments on 15th Street East.

The victim said he stayed in his car and waited for the female to return.

The victim said two Black males wearing all black approached him, one armed with a handgun.

The suspects demanded the victim’s property and money.

The victim was battered by one of the suspects and sustained a minor injury to the back left side of his head.

The victim did not require medical attention.

Deputies checked the area with negative results.

The Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) arrived on scene and took over the investigation.

The robbers were not further described.

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.

CCSO, Fire Marshal: Help Solve
Four Arson Fires

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's detectives and the State Fire Marshal are asking the public’s help for any information concerning four arson fires last Friday and Saturday in the community known as the Peace River Fish Camp northeast of Punta Gorda, just off U.S. 17.

CCSO detectives and the State Fire Marshal continue their investigation into the fires on Tamayo Drive, Lafayette Street, and Snook Circle in hopes of identifying an arson suspect or suspects involved in the fires.

If anyone has information concerning the four arson cases, please call CCSO District-3 detectives at 941-639-2101; the State Fire Marshal Arson Tip Line at 877-662-7766; or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Man Jumps Counter,
Snatches 800 Pills

OCALA, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies are looking for a man who jumped over the counter at a CVS and stole 800 pills.

At 1:30 p.m. Friday, deputies said the pill thief entered the CVS pharmacy at 10255 S.W. 86th Circle, Ocala and jumped the rear pharmacy counter.

He grabbed two large bottles of hydrocodone and ran across S.R. 200 before heading down SW 103rd Street.

If you have information on the theft, please call Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-7867. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Man Arrested for Pointing
Gun at Several People;
Made Threats to Deputy

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Cody James Hunter, 21, of 5418 16th Street East, Bradenton.

Cody Hunter

According to the arrest report, on Friday, November 11, 2011, at about 3 a.m., Hunter pulled a gun on Nicole Condello and her party.

Nicole said that the whole incident started at Bleachers bar, 5606 14th Street West, with a fight. She said that Hunter "got his ass kicked" so he followed Nicole and her party to Rasher Tierney's bar, 5106 14th Street West, thinking they were involved.

Once there, he pulled up on his motorcycle and pulled a gun on Nicole and her party and pointed it at them.

Nicole and her party proceeded to drive away and they went eastbound on State Road 70.

Hunter followed them east on SR 70, continuing to point the gun at them.

He eventually pulled away from them and was stopped by deputies.

Sgt. McCabe attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Hunter did not initially stop. While the motorcycle was still rolling on 54th Avenue Drive East, Sgt. McCabe saw Hunter throw a handgun over a fence.

Hunter finally came to a stop at 5418 16th Street East and was detained.

Nicole and her group positively identified Hunter.

A search of Hunter yielded 5 found of .45 caliber ammunition in his pocket. The firearm was recovered; it was a .45 caliber handgun. There was no round in the chamber, but the clip was loaded with .45 caliber bullets, the same as were found in Hunter's pocket.

Sgt. McCabe asked Hunter if he had a concealed weapons permit. Hunter said he did not.

Hunter made several statements to Sgt. McCabe, including, "I'll bet that .45 will go through that bullet proof vest," and "I'm still gonna carry a gun on me, I don't care."

Hunter was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

He later posted a $2,500 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

BPD Arrests Man Who
Threatened to Kill
Officer's Family

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Brennen Young, 31, a homeless man.

Brennen Young

According to the arrest report from BPD, on Thursday, November 10, 2011, at about 5:30 p.m., BPD Officer Meyer responded to 1218 9th Street West. Upon his arrival, he observed Young drinking an alcoholic beverage in a field connected to the public parking lot of the Federal Discount store.

Young was placed under arrest for violation of the city's open container law.

He was placed in the back of Officer Meyer's patrol car by Officer Coleman.

When Officer Coleman subsequently opened the rear door of the patrol car, he saw Young had placed his hands in front of him, instead of behind his back where he was initially handcuffed.

Young had to be removed from the patrol car and assisted to the ground. Young was resisting Officers' attempts to place his handcuffed hands behind his back, but eventually, they were successful.

Young had some scratches on his arm that were bleeding, so EMS was called.

While waiting for EMS, Young made several life-threatening statements toward Officer Coleman's family.

Young said that he will "cause a death to [Officer Coleman's] family."

Young was additionally charged with Corruption by Threat Against a Public Official.

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

Man Arrested for Stealing
TV, Checks, Selling TV

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Steven Christopher McArthur, 31, of 1321 21st Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Steven McArthur

The arrest report said on Friday, November 11, 2011, at about 12:15 p.m., McArthur was seen walking in the roadway in the 5500 block of 24th Street West, carrying a TV. Sgt. Will Kelley initiated a consensual encounter with McArthur.

McArthur said the TV was his and he was returning from trying to pawn it. He said they only offered him $115, so he didn't take it.

McArthur consented to a search, which yielded two blank checks from his rear left pocket with the name Herbert Nobles on them.

He said they belonged to his friend who lives in Sunny Shores and he was going to bring them back to him.

Due to the blank checks belonging to someone else, Sgt. Kelley seized them.

After concluding his contact with McArthur, Sgt. Kelley found an address for Nobles and sent Deputy Boggs there.

Deputy Boggs confirmed the TV and checks had just been stolen from inside Noble's home.

McArthur had been a guest there, Nobles said, and removed those items without permission while Nobles was asleep.

The TV was worth over $100, Nobles said.

Sgt. Kelley released the checks to Nobles.

Subsequently, at about 3:45 p.m., McArthur was located in the 5500 block of 14th Street West. He did not have the TV with him at that time.

Sgt. Kelley arrested McArthur for Grand Theft.

Post-Miranda, McArthur maintained the TV was his and he found the blank checks in the victims car when he was cleaning it last week, he said.

He said he sold the TV to a stranger at 26th Avenue West by the college for $45.

McArthur was additionally charged with Dealing in Stolen Property.

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

Two Men Arrested for
Theft of A/C Unit

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- The Bradenton Police Department has arrested Joseph Grendel, 25, of 4003 15th Avenue West, Bradenton, and Jordan Bledsoe, 22, of 3602 Southern Parkway, Bradenton.

Above, L to R, Joseph Grendel and Jordan Bledsoe

The arrest reports said on Thursday, November 10, 2011, at about 10 a.m., Bradenton Police received a call of a possible theft of an air conditioning unit in progress at 3606 Southern Parkway.

The caller was able to provide a description of the suspects as well as the vehicle.

After receiving the information, the patrol units were able to located the vehicle at 2400 Sandpointe Drive.

Upon making contact with Grendel, the driver, it was discovered that an air conditioning unit was in the rear of the vehicle.

Other patrol units confirmed that an air conditioning unit was indeed missing from the dispatched address.

Additionally, the other suspect, Jordan, was stopped at 2600 30th Street West.

The witness positively identified Jordan and Grendel.

They were both arrested and charged with Grand Theft.

Because of previous charges, they both remain in the Manatee County Jail without bail.

Home Invaded Twice
Within Minutes of Each

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a double home invasion on Thursday, November 10, 2011, starting at about 4:40 p.m., at a residence in the 2500 block of 51st Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton.

A sheriff's incident report said the unnamed female victim was in her home when two unknown Black males entered her home and stole her prescription medication.

Then, while she was on her cell phone, two different unknown Black males entered her home and took several items.

All four Black males fled in an unknown direction.

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.

Floating Body Identified
by Sheriff's Office as
Missing Man

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The victim found floating in the water on Saturday has been identified as Bang Quoc Luong, 35, of Pinellas Park.

His cause of death is unknown, pending an autopsy and toxicology tests.

No foul play is suspected.

As NewsManatee reported Monday, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a body was found floating off Anna Maria Island on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at about 2:20 p.m.

Boaters discovered the body floating in the water in between the tip of Anna Maria Island and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

MSO was called and responded to the scene.

Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office, told NewsManatee on Monday the dead man had been reported missing last week.

Palmetto's Christmas in the Park
Scheduled for Dec. 2nd, 3rd

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Start your holiday festivities with an old-fashioned Christmas at Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum.

Above, mail from the Heritage Station Post Office in
Palmetto Historical Park is ready to be delivered
to Santa Claus at the North Pole.
(Photo supplied)

On December 2nd and 3rd from 5:00-9:00 p.m., this free event offers something for everyone!

Enjoy beautifully decorated buildings, kids' crafts, entertainment and of course, Santa!

Featured activities include letters to Santa, contests for prizes, letters to soldiers, bird feeders and petting animals with FFA, recipes to collect in each of the park buildings, and a "Memory Tree" in the Military Museum. In addition to free craft projects, there will be a Children's Holiday Craft Corner where crafts can be made for $1 or $2.

Bring your own camera for a photo with Santa.

Food vendors on the premises include Demetrio's Pizza, Word of Mouth BBQ, Snak It To Me and Crusader Cafe. Alex's Lemonade Stand will be raising funds for children's cancer research and the Womans' Club of Palmetto Sweet Shop will raise funds for family programming.

In the spirit of Christmas, help needy families by bringing canned goods for First United Methodist Church of Palmetto's food pantry and drop them off at park entrances.

The park is located at 515 10th Ave. West, Palmetto.

For more information and to find out what time Santa is due to arrive, call 721-2034.

This event is sponsored by R.B. Chips Shore, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Palmetto Historical Commission, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, Inc., & the City of Palmetto.

Sons of the American Revolution
Participated in Veteran's Parade

SARASOTA, Florida [NMT] -- At 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 11, 2011, a contingent of the Saramana Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, met at the northeast corner of Washington (US 301) and Main in Sarasota for the annual Veterans' Day Parade. SAR had twelve Saramana members in colonial uniform; of those, ten planned to walk the parade route. There was a trolley for the wives and other non-walkers...and to collect the invalids that fell by the wayside, Publicity Chair Billie Lowe reported.

Visible left to right: Color Guard Commander, Phillip Tarpley, Jeffrey Hazleton (with Musket),
Gene Bradley, Keith Millard (with US Flag), John Fitzpatrick (with Fl Flag), Reynolds Cushing
(with Colonial Flag), Dick Mahaffey (with SAR Flag), Saramana President, Charles Riegle
(partially obscured), John Dyrud (with musket) and Color Guard Captain Chuck Barnett.
Not pictured: Frank Hodalski and Hal Miller.
(Photo by Billie Lowe, Saramana SAR Publicity Chair)

A conservative estimate of 3000 persons were in attendance, half in the parade and the other half were onlookers. At the intersection where SAR formed up, there were three different high schools' JROTC marching units; SAR's little group of 30 odd persons, a motorcycle contingent of perhaps 30 or 40 machines (Patriot Guard Riders and Vietnam Brotherhood).

"In fact, there was even a group of costumed Star Wars Storm Troopers, including Darth Vader," Billie Lowe said.

Deputies: Body Confirmed
to be Missing Mom

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Orlando television station WKMG reported the body of a woman found Thursday in Poinciana is that of Nicole Fields, said Osceola County Sheriff's deputies.

Fields went missing on Nov. 4.

Detectives believe Fields died Thursday before her body was found. She had suffered multiple stab wounds, said medical examiners.

Her ex-boyfriend, Steven Louis, was arrested last week in the Florida Keys when he crashed his car while trying to elude deputies, authorities said.

He was brought back to Osceola County for questioning and was arrested Wednesday night on charges related to Fields' disappearance.

Deputies said Louis had told them that Fields could be dead.

In his first appearance in Osceola County, a judge denied bond for Louis. He is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, violation of probation, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Murder charges against Louis are pending, WKMG said.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

Pursuit Initiated After An Attempted
Traffic Stop; Deputy Almost Struck
by Vehicle, Man Arrested
After K-9 Bites Him

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Christian Kaiser, 20, after Kaiser fled an attempted traffic stop.

Above, L to R, Christian Kaiser and MSO K-9 Ranger

According to a sheriff's report, on Thursday, November 10, 2011, at about 11:20 a.m., Kaiser was observed driving and a traffic stop was attempted for the Driving While License Suspended.

The stop was initiated by Lt. Evers as other marked units were getting to the area.

Christian initially stopped but as Lt. Evers started to approach on foot Christian took off.

As units were shutting down their response to comply with policy (traffic Charges only), Christian swerved into another lane of traffic, giving Deputy Paxton the impression that he was going be hit.

Deputy Paxton was in an unmarked vehicle and was attempting to turn into an apartment complex in the 3300 block of 51st Avenue Terrace West.

At that point, Christian violated FSS 784.021(1a), Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle.

K-9 Deputy Franklin initiated a pursuit which ended with a K-9 apprehension by Dep. Franklin's K-9 Ranger.

Christian was taken to Blake Medical Center and treated for his injuries prior to being taken to the jail.

The approximate time of the pursuit was just under two minutes.

Christian was also in possession of prescription drugs that were not his.

Christian was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Motor Vehicle, Fleeing to Elude, Driving While License Suspended, Resisting Arrest without Violence, and two counts of Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $28,490.

Man Gets Mad at Girlfriend
for Calling Cops, Holds Her
Prisoner; She Escaped

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Steven Clayton Davis, 26, of 1401 57th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Steven Davis

The arrest report said Davis and Torrie Kronk have been in a dating relationship for the past year, currently reside together and share no children together. Torrie, however, has children of her own and were in the residence when trouble broke out.

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at about 2:30 a.m., the couple was involved in an argument where law enforcement was called out and responded to the residence on two prior incidents where it was determined no crime had been committed.

Once law enforcement left the scene the second time, Davis became agitated and went to the back area of the residence where the victim was sleeping.

He began to throw various items around in the room, causing a disturbance, which put Torrie in a well-founded fear that Davis would cause harm to her; he had the ability to do so, the report said.

Torrie quickly gathered her children and attempted to leave with the children out the front door.

When she got to the front door, Davis blocked her way out and said, "Get back in the house. You're not going anywhere."

The victim then shut the door and ran to the back of the house. When she saw that the back was clear, she quickly gathered her children and ran out the back door, walking north on 14th Street East and then west on 57th Avenue East.

The report noted that Torrie was not sure at what point it happened, but previously during the argument, Torrie got into her car and attempted to leave, but Davis reached in the car and took the keys, preventing her from leaving, according to the report.

While en route to the latest call, Dep. Jason Farrier spotted the victim running west on 57th Avenue with her children, waving her hands in the air. She was in so much fear, Dep. Farrier wrote, that she could not be around Davis and was crying hysterically.

Davis was arrested and charged with False Imprisonment and Intent Threat to do Violence.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail without a bail bond at this time.

Four Arrested in Connection
with Burglaries

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Carlton Bennett, 17; Richard Brennen, 20; Marquis Koonce, 19; and Torrey Stockton, 19.

Above, L to R, Carlton Bennett, Richard Brennen, Marquis Koone, and Torrey Stockton

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, shortly after midnight, the four men were seen traveling to East Bradenton where they entered numerous subdivisions.

They stopped at several different houses where the driver exited the vehicle and approached the front of the residence to check to see if someone was home.

Deputies then received a 911 call from a witness stating that there was a silver vehicle in the 3800 block of 34th Street East, Bradenton, and several Black males inside.

The home owner came home and confronted the four suspects who fled from the residence in the vehicle and on foot.

The vehicle was being driven by Bennett and was seen driving through the area looking for his associates. Brennen was seen walking along 38th Ave. E. towards US 301. Both subjects were taken into custody and identified by the witness.

A short time later Dep. Denmark observed the other two subjects trying to get into another car on 27th Ave. East.

He detained them and a show up was done with positive result for both.

All four were charged with Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling and Grand Theft.

Brennen remains in the Manatee County Jail without bond. Koonce and Stockton remain there on $100,000 bail bonds each. Bennett was transported to the Juvenile Booking Facility.

Three Arrested for Prostitution
by Undercover Detectives

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Stephanie Burch, 42, a homeless woman; Christina Knaack, 23, a homeless woman; and Jessica Chapman, 23, of the 2100 block of Montclair Drive, Sarasota.

Above, L to R, Stephanie Burch, Christina Knaack and Jessica Chapman

According to the arrest report, on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, detectives attached to the Special Investigations Division Tactical Unit were patrolling the streets of Manatee County, posing as a "John" in an attempt to arrest prostitutes.

At about 5:30 p.m., he spotted Burch walking in the 2500 block of 13th Street West. As he passed her, she looked at him and said, "Stop." He made contact and after a brief conversation, even though she asked if he was a cop and he said he was, she agreed to give him oral sex for $30. She was taken into custody by the takedown team. A records check revealed she had previously convicted of Prostitution on March 22, 2004. She was charged with Prostitution After Prior Conviction, a misdemeanor. She remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $500.

Then, at about 10:15 p.m., two undercover detectives spotted Chapman and Knaack walking north on the west side of North Tamiami Trail, just north of Braden Avenue. They made contact with the two women. After a brief conversation, Knaack agreed to perform oral sex on one of the detectives for $40. Chapman agreed to have sex with the other one for $50. A takedown signal was given and both women were arrested.

Chapman was charged with misdemeanor Prostitution. Knaack was charged with Felony Prostitution due to three prior Prostitution convictions in 2007, 2009, and 2010.

Chapman remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $120. Knaack remains there on a bail bond of $1,000.

Man Arrested for Causing
Serious Injury to Wife
of 45 Years

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office arrested William Raymond McGhie, 67, of 7314 Heritage Grand Place, in Bradenton.

William McGhie

According to the arrest report, McGhie lives with his wife, Marlo McGhie. They have been married for about 45 years.

On Monday, November 7, 2011, both parties had been drinking alcohol.

At about 9:15 p.m., both of them had a verbal argument over "family" issues.

During the argument William pushed Marlo, causing her to fall to the ground. While she was falling her left arm struck a door hinge that caused a severe laceration to the under side of her forearm, between her elbow and her wrist.

Marlo then locked herself in a bathroom and called 911 for assistance.

When Dep. Thames arrived, he met Marlo at the front door of the residence. He observed the laceration to be about 3 to 5 inches long and very deep. There was blood from the front door of the residence to a bathroom. A large amount of blood was seen in the hallway and leading into the bathroom and bathroom sink.

William said that she came at him first and that is why the 200-pound man pushed her, the report said.

When Dep. Thames explained to William that his wife had a very severe laceration on her arm and was being transported to the hospital, he showed no emotion or concern.

Marlo was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

William was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery.

He was later released from the Manatee County Jail on his own recognizance, supervised.

Man on Bike Steals Phone
from Young Lady

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Dewayne Lewis, 20, of 1680 55th Avenue Circle East, Bradenton.

Dewayne Lewis

A sheriff's report said the victim, Brittney Payton, 21, was walking home and was in the 1400 block of 63rd Avenue East, Bradenton.

Lewis rode up on a bicycle and grabbed a phone from her.

During this act, he pushed her to the ground.

He fled on his bike.

Deputies responded within minutes and located the suspect.

He was arrested without incident.

He was charged with Robbery.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a $50,000 bail bond.

Woman Ambushes Man in
Setup Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a robbery on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at about 4:45 p.m., at a residence in the 6800 block of Fairview Terrace, Bradenton.

A sheriff's report said Charles McMillen, 62, received a phone call from a female acquaintance who asked him to give her a ride.

He picked her up, and then drove her to his house before dropping her off.

Once inside, Charles went to the bedroom to change his clothes.

The woman followed him into the bedroom and sprayed him in the face with mace/pepper spray.

She then took his wallet and phone off of a table and ran out of the house.

A neighbor saw her run from the house, and get into a waiting vehicle that fled the area.

VCTF detectives responded and began following up with the investigation.

The report said "a suspect is being developed in this case."

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.

Body Found Floating Off
Anna Maria Island

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a body was found floating off Anna Maria Island on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at about 2:20 p.m.

Boaters discovered the body floating in the water in between the tip of Anna Maria Island and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

MSO was called and responded to the scene.

There was no evidence of foul play, according to a sheriff's report.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

The decedent will be fingerprinted on Monday for identification purposes.

It is unknown at this stage of the investigation whether the body is that of a Sunshine Skyway Bridge jumper.

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.

FHP: DUI Wolfpack Detail
Planned for This Friday

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol in conjunction with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a DUI Wolfpack Detail in Manatee County on November 18, 2011.

The central focus of this detail will be the apprehension of impaired drivers.

The Goals for this checkpoint are:

~ Deter DUI; thereby reducing the death, injury and property damage caused by alcohol and drug impaired drivers.

~ Intercept currently impaired drivers before a traffic crash occurs.

~ Conduct the checkpoint with a minimal amount of intrusion and motorist inconvenience.

~ Ensure the safety of the motorists and officers

In 2009, the preliminary fatality statistics indicate the Florida Highway Patrol worked 31 fatal crashes that resulted in 33 fatalities in Manatee County. Eight (8) of these crashes involved a driver that was under the influence of alcohol or drugs that resulted in 9 deaths.

Driving Under the Influence is a crime and these deaths were preventable. The law enforcement community in Manatee County takes this crime seriously and has a zero tolerance policy for Impaired Drivers.

SSO: Oregon Fugitive
Captured in Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has captured Francis M. Locascio, 44, a career criminal who was wanted in Oregon for robbery.

Francis Locascio

Deputies who recently encountered Locascio determined he was homeless and associating with suspected burglars and known drug users in the Sarasota area. They learned of his wanted status but found the warrant did not allow him to be extradited. Deputies worked with the Fugitive Apprehension Unit to contact the Pacific Northwest Fugitive Task Force in Oregon, who gained full extradition on the warrant.

After two days of searching for Locascio, deputies took him into custody Thursday afternoon, November 10, 2011, as he left an apartment in the 3400 block of Queen Street.

He was booked into the Sarasota County Jail where he will await extradition to Oregon.

Grandmother Arrested for Child
Abuse; Home Found in Squalor

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- A Charlotte County Sheriff's deputy this morning arrested a grandmother for child neglect who has custody of her six year old grandson after finding their home in “absolute squalor.”

CCSO received a call at 12:12 a.m. of a possibly burglary in progress at 22227 Bahama Avenue in Port Charlotte; two persons were seen climbing through a rear window with flashlights. When deputies arrived they located Erin M. Mahoney, 26, the mother of the child, and a neighbor Paolo Guiseppe Mannino, 34, inside the home of Donna Jean Mahoney. It was confirmed the two were authorized to be in the home since the front door was locked, they entered a rear window.

Deputies said, “Upon entry there was an immediate and overpowering smell of dog urine and feces, there was no running water and every room was found profoundly filthy, cluttered and smelled.” A large pit bull and a small chow were in the home along with dried dog excrement and urine on the floors of every room. Deputies also stated, “Clothing was found next to or on top of excrement. Pathways throughout the rooms were filthy; the kitchen had dirty dishes and trash on the counter, in the sink, and on the floor. The refrigerator revealed outdated items and had a distinct odor of decaying food. Searching the kitchen area amid the trash and mess I could not find any fresh foodstuff at all.”

Also found were several used syringes in the home; one in the bathroom was on top of the sink within easy reach of anyone. CCSO Watch Commander Lt. Randy Horner described the conditions in the home as, “The worst I ever seen in 27 years of law enforcement.”

Deputies said Erin Mahoney, the boy’s mother, was acting strangely; slurring her words and was very defensive about deputies being in their home. She told deputies she was under the influence of bath salts. Donna Mahoney was asked where her grandson was and she said she had no idea. Erin Mahoney was asked where her son was and she said he was at a neighbors. Deputies went to the home and found the boy sleeping on a couch in the living room, fully clothed, and wearing sneakers with dog excrement on the bottom of the soles.

The Department of Children and Families was called and confirmed Donna Mahoney had legal custody of her grandson. Upon arrival, DCF immediately removed the boy from her custody. Donna Mahoney was arrested for Child Neglect and transported to the Charlotte County Jail where she remains on $5,000 bond. Mannino was also taken into custody on an outstanding probation violation warrant; he remains in jail on $550 bond. Animal Control was called to remove the two dogs.

Body Found is Likely
Missing Mom, Cops Say

ORLANDO, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- The Osceola County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday that a body has been found in their search for a missing mother, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Nicole Fields, a mother of two, has been missing since last Thursday.

At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Twis Lizasuain of the Osceola County Sherriff's Office said two deputies discovered the body just after noon in a thickly wooded area off Robin Lane.

Fields' family members said they already know the body is Fields and they are relieved the ordeal has come to an end.

Her ex-boyfriend, Steven Louis, was arrested last week in the Florida Keys when he crashed his car while trying to elude deputies, authorities said.

He was brought back to Osceola County for questioning and was arrested Wednesday night on charges related to Fields' disappearance.

Osceola County deputies searched several areas in Poinciana, spanning to Polk County, on Wednesday and Thursday.

The searches were targeted based on information given to deputies by Louis, but he was not present when the body was located.

The body was removed by the medical examiner's office around 5 p.m. Thursday.

Lizasuain would not give details on the condition of the body. She said the Sheriff's Office is awaiting the medical examiner's report before providing more information.

Deputies said Louis had told them that Fields could be dead.

Fields' 27th birthday was Tuesday.

Fields and Louis were in the middle of a custody battle over their 2-year-old daughter. She was last seen at a custody hearing in the matter, WKMG said.

"The Islander" has news, too...click on their logo to go to their website.

NewsManatee Archive Created 11/19/2011 2:00:09 PM

NewsManatee, Inc.
P.O. Box 10453
Bradenton, Florida 34282-0453
NOTICE
NewsManatee, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Bradenton, Florida.
Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
E-mail: NewsManatee@aol.com
Michael C. Quinn, Publisher and President
Carole Law Atkins, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary

© 2008 -- Unless otherwise indicated or assumed, all material herein, written, audio or visual, is Copyrighted by NewsManatee, Inc., Bradenton, Florida.All worldwide rights reserved. ~ No material may be printed, transmitted, or broadcast in whole or in part, without the express consent of owner.