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Sebastian Police Department hosts multi-agency high-risk traffic stop training
SEBASTIAN, Florida - The Sebastian Police Department hosted a multi-agency high-risk traffic stop training session yesterday, conducted by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Training Unit.The training involved officers from the Sebastian Police Department, Vero Beach Police Department, Fellsmere Police Department, and the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department. The event aimed to enhance the skills and coordination of local law enforcement agencies in handling high-risk traffic stops."Thank you to the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Training Unit for conducting this important training to help keep our community safe," stated the Sebastian Police Department.
Alachua County man arrested for video voyeurism at local grocery stores
GAINESVILLE, Florida - Alachua County Detectives arrested Thomas Ali Burns on Wednesday for video voyeurism and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony.In June, patrol units responded to a local grocery store after reports of a suspicious person taking pictures under female customers' skirts. Video surveillance showed the suspect placing his cellphone inside a shopping basket, approaching several women from behind, and positioning the basket underneath their skirts for a few seconds. Deputies identified Burns, born October 18, 1978, as a possible suspect and continued the investigation, which led to a search warrant and probable cause for arrest.Burns is currently held at the Alachua County Jail on a $60,000 bond. Authorities believe Burns may have targeted local grocery stores and large retail chains for the past two years. Detectives are asking anyone who recognizes Burns and believes they may be a victim to contact Det. Adkins at madkins@acso.us."This is still an active investigation and additional charges may develop as more victims come forward," stated the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
Cocoa Beach police process 400 items of evidence in July
COCOA BEACH, Florida - Cocoa Beach Police Officers handled approximately 400 items of evidence in July, according to a press release from the department.The items processed were related to various cases and did not include those classified as 'found property.' Once logged, the records and evidence team meticulously categorized and managed the items to ensure they reached their proper destinations, stated the source.
Lake County Sheriff's Office Hosts Blood Drive with Perks for Donors on August 23rd
TAVARES, Florida - The Lake County Sheriff's Office will host a blood drive next Friday, August 23, 2024, outside its main office building.All blood types are needed, and donors will receive a $20 eGift Card, a first responder t-shirt, and a free wellness checkup, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The Big Red Bus will be parked on South Sinclair Avenue and West Ruby Street in Downtown Tavares.Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Interested donors can visit www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 29744.
Orlando man indicted for threatening to use explosives and destroying energy facility
ORLANDO, Florida - A 43-year-old Orlando man has been indicted on charges of threatening to use explosives and destroying an energy facility, according to the United States Attorney's Office. Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen faces four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, Hnaihen could receive up to 10 years in federal prison for each threat offense and up to 20 years for the destruction of an energy facility offense. He was ordered detained pending trial at his detention hearing. According to court documents, Hnaihen began targeting businesses in the Orlando...
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office delivers disaster relief supplies to Bradenton
CALHOUN COUNTY, Florida - The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has delivered a trailer full of disaster relief items to Bradenton Gospel Tabernacle.The supplies were collected with the support of the community, who remember the devastation of the 2018 storm and the aid they received from neighbors, according to a press release from the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. The Bradenton Gospel Tabernacle expressed gratitude for the donations, which will be distributed to those in need in the Bradenton area.
U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrests Florida Man on Child Pornography Charges
SANTA ROSA BEACH, Florida - The U.S. Marshals Task Force, including members of the Walton County Sheriff's Office, arrested Christopher Pappenfort, 45, on outstanding warrants for child pornography.Pappenfort was taken into custody on Las Roblas Grande Drive in Santa Rosa Beach on August 14, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office. In March, Pappenfort faced more than 60 felony charges for possession and distribution of child pornography following a search warrant executed by the WCSO Cyber Crimes Unit.He was transported to the Walton County Jail and issued a $100,000 bond. Pappenfort remains incarcerated at the time of this release, stated the source.
Trespassing Arrest Turns Chaotic as Woman Tased Three Times by Lake County Deputies
LEESBURG, Florida - A woman was tased three times during an arrest for trespassing on August 13, 2024, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.While patrolling in the Leesburg area, a Lake County deputy observed Deanna Reyneveld standing between a vehicle and a machine on a property. Upon seeing the deputy, Reyneveld attempted to conceal her identity and turned away. The deputy, familiar with the location due to several theft complaints, tried to make contact with her. Reyneveld failed to answer questions about her presence on the property.A property representative confirmed that Reyneveld was not welcome and was unfamiliar to them. Despite multiple opportunities to vacate the property, Reyneveld refused, leading the deputy to attempt to take her into custody for trespassing after warning. Reyneveld actively resisted, prompting the deputy to tase her twice, with the second attempt being successful.At the jail, Reyneveld continued to resist, resulting in her being tased a third time by detention deputies. She was charged accordingly, stated the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Drug house raid leads to significant narcotics seizure in Escambia County
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Florida - Authorities have shut down a drug house following a raid that uncovered a substantial amount of narcotics and firearms.On August 14, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit and the SWAT Team executed a search warrant on the 1600 block of North Y Street. During the operation, deputies discovered 125.5 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of fentanyl, two firearms, a bulletproof vest, 4,073.5 grams of marijuana, and over $4,000 in cash, according to a press release from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.Michael McAroy was arrested and faces multiple charges, including trafficking cocaine, trafficking fentanyl, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a bulletproof vest, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Firefighters conduct high-risk rescue drill in St. Petersburg
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - Firefighters in St. Petersburg recently conducted a high-risk rescue drill, simulating a smoke-filled home with a victim trapped inside.After forcing entry and quickly realizing the conditions inside were too dangerous and unstable to attempt a rescue through the front door, firefighters used a ladder to enter the home through a second-story window. Crews worked together to locate and rescue the victim without injury, according to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.Thankfully, the scenario was only a drill. This exercise is just one example of how firefighters at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue train to keep the community safe.
Citrus County operation dismantles opioid pill mill
CRYSTAL RIVER, Florida - A large-scale investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has led to the takedown of an illegal opioid pill mill operating out of a local medical facility.Operation "Flip the Script," conducted by the CCSO's Tactical Impact Unit (TIU), uncovered that Tri-County Medical Center, LLC, located at 7393 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, was illicitly distributing controlled substance prescriptions, primarily opioid-based medications. The investigation revealed that 39,905 prescriptions, totaling at least 3,413,377 pills, were issued illegally, according to the CCSO.The medical center's owner, Ernest Bernard Scriven, 46, of Lecanto, and an employee, Kendra Lynn Johnson, 35,...
Reward Increased to $6,000 for Information on Missing Florida Woman
LAKE CITY, Florida - Authorities have increased the reward for information leading to the whereabouts of a missing Columbia County woman.Martina Ratliff Lundy, a 61-year-old resident, was reported missing on June 18, 2024, by her granddaughter, who typically speaks with her multiple times a week. Lundy has not been seen or heard from since May 30, 2024. Despite extensive investigations and numerous leads, Columbia County Sheriff's Office detectives have yet to locate her.Due to the lack of communication with family and friends, Lundy is presumed to be endangered, according to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Crime Stoppers of Columbia County...
Search continues for elderly man missing in Hernando County
BROOKSVILLE, Florida - The Hernando County Sheriff's Office, along with multiple partnering agencies, is continuing its search for David Lamar Brown, who was last seen near Batten Road three days ago.Despite extensive efforts, Brown has not yet been located. Deputies are conducting organized grid searches throughout the area for the elderly male who wandered off on Tuesday. Patrol deputies, K-9 teams, drones, and aviation units are involved in the search, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.Residents are urged to call 9-1-1 if they have any information regarding Brown's whereabouts.
Tampa woman pleads guilty to bulk cash smuggling
TAMPA, Florida - A Tampa woman has pleaded guilty to charges of bulk cash smuggling and conspiracy to commit bulk cash smuggling, according to the United States Attorney's Office. Mirtza Ocana, 39, of Tampa, faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, Ocana returned to the United States on a flight from Cuba on February 5, 2024. Despite telling U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents that she had no cash to declare, Ocana concealed more than $31,000 in her luggage. After agents found this cash, Ocana admitted that she frequently smuggled cash into the United States from Cuba and that she had done so two to three times per month since June 2023. She also told agents that she was paid between $1,000 and $2,500 each time she smuggled cash. Agents searched Ocana and discovered an additional $71,300 in cash hidden in her clothes. In total, agents found approximately $102,700 in cash concealed both in Ocana's clothes and in her luggage. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.
Santa Fe River and Three Rivers Area Expected to Crest Friday Morning
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Florida - The Santa Fe River and Three Rivers Area are forecast to crest Friday morning. County and state workers are diligently assisting in various ways.Residents are encouraged to stay updated and exercise caution, according to a press release from Columbia County. "Be safe out there, Columbia County!" the release stated.
Man Revived Twice After Heart Attack on 59th Birthday Reunites with Heroes Who Saved His Life
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - On his 59th birthday, Doug Hanson died twice, only to be revived by a dedicated team of firefighters and paramedics."I don't think I made it completely out the door before I coded," Hanson said. A two-person crew from St. Petersburg Fire Rescue revived him the first time. "Then, I coded again in the ER," Hanson added.The call came in around 4 a.m. on what should have been a day of celebration for Hanson. "I did not expect to be celebrating my birthday in the hospital," he said.Jacob Moskowitz, one of the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue firefighter...
Tallahassee Police Department reintroduces Cadet Program for local youth
TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The Tallahassee Police Department is pleased to announce the return of its Cadet Program for local youth interested in a career in law enforcement. TPD will host an interest meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Tallahassee Police Department, located at 234 East Seventh Avenue. The meeting will allow students and parents an opportunity to talk to officers, get additional information, and apply to the program, according to a press release from the department. The Cadet Program is open to individuals between the ages of 14 and 20 who are enrolled in school. Cadets...
Sanford man sentenced to over seven years for drug and firearm offenses
ORLANDO, Florida - U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Jose'Luis Gabriel Villanueva, a 32-year-old from Sanford, to seven years and eight months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Villanueva, who entered a guilty plea on May 31, 2024, was also ordered to forfeit firearms and ammunition used in the commission of the offense, according to court documents. Law enforcement began monitoring Villanueva's social media accounts in January 2022, where he was seen in photos with large sums of money and suspected illegal narcotics, mostly...
Coral Springs emergency crews respond to multi-vehicle accident
CORAL SPRINGS, Florida - Emergency crews from Coral Springs Fire Department and Coral Springs Police responded to a multi-vehicle accident this morning.Around 10 a.m., the accident occurred near the intersection of Coral Springs Drive and Sample Road. Crews had to extricate one victim trapped in their vehicle. The victim was safely removed and transported to the hospital, according to the Coral Springs Fire Department. The department commended the crews for their swift action in creating access to rescue the victim.
Tampa man sentenced for threatening to kill federal prosecutor
TAMPA, Florida - Senior United States District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Dempsey Emmanuel Gilmore, 33, of Tampa, to six years and five months in federal prison for threatening to kill an Assistant United States Attorney. According to court documents, Gilmore was found guilty during a federal jury trial at the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse in Tampa on March 9, 2023. After the jury was polled, Gilmore approached the jury and began to threaten them. Once the jurors left the courtroom, Gilmore continued to approach the Assistant United States Attorney who prosecuted the case, lunged at her, and threatened to kill her. Gilmore was eventually restrained by multiple court security personnel and federal agents. The six year and five-month sentence that was imposed will include an additional term of 24 months' imprisonment, to be served after Gilmore's previously imposed sentence of 30 years. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.
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