Belleair Bluffs
CRIME & SAFETY
Pinellas deputies searching for bicyclist accused of stealing cell phone from man in wheelchair
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies are seeking the public's help in finding a bicyclist accused of robbing a man in a wheelchair on Father's Day. The robbery occurred around 7:35 p.m. Sunday, June 16 at the intersection of 44th Avenue North and 31st Street North, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The suspect, who was riding a bike at the time, reportedly approached a man in a wheelchair and stole his cell phone from a lanyard around his neck.
Community devastated after woman was shot and killed outside her apartment complex in St. Pete
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Family members along with people who knew and loved Yvonne Abernethy are heartbroken following her death. Abernethy was shot and killed outside her apartment complex early Tuesday morning. Abernethy was only 25 years old when she was killed. Rev. Kenny Irby said he was shocked...
Motorcyclist seriously injured in hit-and-run crash
A Pinellas County family is pleading for accountability and justice after a father of two was seriously injured earlier this month in a hit-and-run crash in Bradenton. They said Chad Craven was riding his motorcycle on SR 64 when a truck towing a trailer pulled out in front of him. The truck drove off after the collision.
Tampa dentist arrested after making more than 100 online threats, FBI says
A Tampa dentist accused of sending online threats to multiple people, including a politician, was arrested Tuesday in Pinellas County. Federal investigators said Richard Kantwill sent hundreds of online messages threatening injury or death, even after agents with the FBI told him to stop. Kantwill, 60, faces three counts related to interstate transmission of a threat to injure.
Man Arrested for Felony Battery, Robbery, and Grand Theft Auto
A man has been arrested for alleged battery, robbery, and grand theft auto. The incident occurred at approximately 9:51 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024. The victim, who recently broke up with 32-year-old Emir Ciceklic of Dunedin, met him at the Belleair Boat Ramp at 3900 West Bay Drive. During a verbal altercation, Ciceklic allegedly struck the victim multiple times in the face with a closed fist, causing her to fall. She suffered several loose front teeth and a split bottom lip, which required eight stitches.
Clearwater cop faces fraud charges
CLEARWATER — A city police officer faces criminal charges after an investigation into workers compensation fraud and pension fraud. Scott Penna, who has been with the department since 2013 and was assigned to the Patrol Division, was arrested and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on June 20. He was charged with grand theft, scheme to defraud and pension fraud.
I-275 crash brings DUI charge
A St. Petersburg man faces a DUI charge after a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle parked on the shoulder of I-275 was struck on June 19. Troopers said a Ford Freestyle was southbound on the interstate about 9:49 p.m. when the vehicle entered the shoulder and collided with an unmarked FHP Ford Explorer south of 28th Street South. The FHP vehicle was pushed into the travel lanes, where it was struck by a Kenworth dump truck.
Alternative 911 Responses Can Build Trust and Improve Outcomes
Anthony Holloway started his law enforcement career back in 1985. Now the chief of police in St. Petersburg, Fla., he’d long since realized that many officers are sent to address problems that they weren’t trained to handle, but there was no other option. That is, until 2021. At the beginning of that year, the St. Petersburg City Council approved a pilot program allowing dispatchers to send social workers to respond to calls about emergencies such as mental health crises, complaints about the homeless population, truancy or suicide threats. The program, Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL), followed a model that has been in place in some communities for decades and has gained momentum in recent years.
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