Ocala, Florida — Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are teaming up again this year to offer the National Diabetes Prevention Program to adults who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
This 16-week program will be held on Thursdays beginning July 16, from 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Service, located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala.
If you have pre-diabetes, now is the time to take charge of your health and make a lifestyle change. Pre-diabetes is treatable, but left untreated, up to one-third of people with pre-diabetes will progress to diabetes within five years.
Trained professionals will lead pre-screened participants using an approach proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in adults and includes:
CDC-approved curriculum
Trained lifestyle coach to guide and encourage participants
Skills to help participants lose weight, be more physically active and manage stress
Group support
16 weekly meetings
Six monthly follow-up meetings
The class size is limited for this free program, and the registration deadline is July 7. To register, or for information on other nutrition programs offered by Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Service, contact Nancy Gal at 352-671-8400 or e-mail nancy.gal@marioncountyfl.org.
Jessica Giraldo [left], Jennifer Giraldo [center], and Joseph JeanOcala, Florida — Three people — a man and twin sisters — were arrested, following a domestic disturbance at Carrington Lane Apartments, located at 3001 Southeast Lake Weir Avenue.
The Ocala Police Department responded to the apartment complex after a witness reported loud yelling and screaming coming from the parking lot.
When Ocala Police Officer E. Ramjit arrived, he saw a female, later identified as Jessica Giraldo, 19, standing by the front passenger window of a vehicle with a knife in her hand.
The officer then exited his vehicle and ordered Jessica to drop the knife, and she complied.
According to reports, Jessica’s twin sister, Jennifer Giraldo, 19, approached and began yelling that the man in the front seat of the car, later identified as Jean M. Joseph, 19, was the problem.
Jessica stated that she had confronted Joseph after he punched her friend, his ex-girlfriend, in the mouth. She said that when she confronted Joseph, he became angry and grabbed her by the throat, and choked her until she almost lost consciousness.
During the investigation, police learned that Joseph had punched his ex-girlfriend in the mouth. Police reported that she was bleeding from the mouth and her lips were swollen.
According to reports, after Joseph allegedly choked Jessica, she ran to her apartment and grabbed a knife.
She told the officer, “I was going to kill the person that tried to kill me.”
Officer Ramjit stated that he did not see any marks on Jessica’s neck. He also stated that she was heavily intoxicated.
Joseph refused to cooperate with police and would not press charges against Jessica for assaulting him with a knife.
He was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery. After he was arrested, he changed his mind and asked to press charges against Jessica. He was advised that he would need to address that issue with the State Attorney’s Office since he initially refused.
Joseph was released on $1,000 bond.
Both Jessica and Jennifer were arrested and charged with Brawling Fighting Corrupt Public Moral Decency. They were released on $250 bond each.
Sgt. Ben Adams [left] with his American Legion award alongside his supervisor, Lieutenant Michelle Wissinger [Photo courtesy of MCSO]Official Press Release – Marion County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Supervisor Sgt. Ben Adams, has been selected as the American Legion’s Southern Region Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
This award recognizes those officers who have selflessly distinguished themselves over and beyond their normal duties, predominately through professional achievements and community service activities.
Before Sgt. Adams joined the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in 2006, he was an active duty service member in the United States Marine Corps. He served in military police corrections and at the Marine Corps’ Headquarters of Law Enforcement from 1996-2000.
He then joined the 351st Military Police Company as an Army Reservist and was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, from February 2003 to June 2004.
While at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Adams has served in patrol, the Drug Unit, Tactical Investigations Unit as a robbery detective, the SWAT Team, and has served in the Honor Guard.
According to the sheriff’s office, Sgt. Adams has been instrumental in solving and preventing crimes in Marion County.
In October 2013, Sgt. Adams acted as lead detective for the Tactical Investigations Unit on a robbery case at Love’s Truck Stop off Highway 326. The case was solved and Sgt. Adams and his fellow detectives recovered almost all of the money that had been stolen, which was close to $18,000.
As the Crime Prevention Supervisor, Sgt. Adams visits with local businesses and residents daily, discussing new crime trends and how they can better protect themselves from becoming a victim.
This award also recognizes Sgt. Adams’ involvement in the community: he is a lead pastor at New Life Family Church and is one of the founders of Alive Ministries.
Sgt. Adams has also written and published a book about his faith and experiences as a soldier titled, “Christian Soldier.”
The National Law and Order Committee selects five winners, who represent the Southern, Northeast, Central, Midwest, and Western Regions of America. Out of these five, one will be chosen as The American Legion’s 2015 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
“Sgt. Adams has graciously served his country and he has continued serving others during his tenure at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Chris Blair said. “We are honored to work alongside Sgt. Adams and to have him here in Marion County to watch over and protect our citizens. Our congratulations go out to Sgt. Adams on his accomplishments and his outstanding representation of the men and women at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.”
Sharika Palmer [left], and Geneva PalmerOcala, Florida — A mother and daughter were arrested after investigators learned they had used an 81-year-old elderly woman’s credit to purchase two vehicles.
The criminals used the fact that the victim spoke limited English and her health issues to their advantage.
On April 21, 2015, Geneva Palmer, 53, and the victim drove to Jenkins Mazda, located at 1740 Southwest College Road, to purchase a vehicle.
After they met with a salesman and settled on a 2012 Kia Optima, the victim signed the sales agreement. Palmer then left the dealership with the vehicle.
On April 30, Geneva returned to Jenkins Mazda with the victim and met with the same salesman. Geneva picked out a 2014 Nissan Maxima, and again, had the victim sign the sales agreement.
The Maxima was purchased for Geneva’s daughter, Sharika Palmer, 31.
The two had told the dealership that they were the caregivers for the victim and that they needed the vehicles to drive the victim around.
When the daughter of the victim learned about the two vehicle purchases by her mother, she immediately contacted the Ocala Police Department.
According to reports, OPD Officer Minicci was assigned to the case and responded to Jenkins Mazda to review security footage.
Officer Minicci reported that the victim seemed disoriented and was speaking Spanish, but the finance officer was speaking English.
Police said that the victim was directed numerous times by the finance officer and Geneva to sign multiple documents for the vehicles. At one point during the transaction, the finance officer asked the victim if she was happy that she had purchased the vehicles, but the victim did not respond. The finance officer asked her the same question approximately three more times with no response from the victim.
The victim also had to be instructed to sign her full name and not just her first name.
During questioning, Sharika told police that she and her mother had purchased the vehicles using the victim’s name because [they] had bad credit.
When police questioned the victim about the vehicles, she had no recollection of the transactions.
During the investigation, detectives learned that the victim had been deemed incompetent to handle her own finances by her doctor.
Investigators determined that Geneva and Sharika used the victim’s inability to speak English and her health issues to exploit the victim for their own personal gain. Warrants were then issued for their arrest.
On June 26, the two were arrested and charged with Exploitation of the Elderly (F).
Geneva has previous arrests for DUI and Possession of Cocaine.
Sharika has previous arrests for Obstruction, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Marijuana, Driving while License Suspended (x2), and Firing a Weapon in Public.
Both are currently out of jail on a $2,000 bond each.
Fallen Officers Memorial in front of the McPherson Governmental Complex
Ocala, Florida — The third national Confederate flag, which was on display at the Fallen Officers Memorial in front of the McPherson Governmental Complex, has been removed.
The flag was there as part of a historical display of the flags of Florida.
It was quietly removed last week.
Interim County Administrator Bill Kauffman made the decision to remove the flag.
Marion County Spokeswoman Barbra Hernandez said, “With the direct responsibility to oversee county-managed facilities such as the Fallen Officers Memorial, our interim county administrator instructed staff to properly remove it last Wednesday. It was replaced with one of the Marion County government seal.”
Ocala Post asked if the county had received any calls about the flag, or if it was removed due to what the county perceived to be politically correct.
“The county has not had any requests from citizens to remove the historical flag,” Hernandez said. “Marion County is respectful of the flag’s historical meaning, but also aware of the perceived connotations and heightened public sentiment since the recent church tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina.”
However, Marion County Democratic Party Chair Joyce Blake sent an e-mail asking the county how many of the Confederate flags were displayed throughout Marion County.
Blake, who is from Maryland, believes the flag stands for racism and hate.
Vince McDougall and David Stone, Founders of Florida Southern Pride Ride, say it is absurd to think that the flag stands for hate and racism just because of the actions of one individual.
“Not only do I find the removal of the flag uncalled for, it’s wrong to just simply try to erase history because of one person’s horrible actions,” McDougall wrote to Ocala Post.
He said he finds it appalling that the flag has been removed from all over the nation.
Over the weekend, McDougall organized the first of many “Marion County Confederate Flag Runs.” The “flag run” consisted of multiple trucks, which had the confederate flag on display. The trucks rode through Ocala, Summerfield, and Belleview.
“We are organizing a second event that will take place in two to three weeks, and we plan to link up with other counties,” McDougall said. “Anyone interested in joining can follow our Facebook page for details on upcoming events.”
McDougall said, “This past weekend’s flag run was done for heritage not hate… and that’s the point, to let folks know it has nothing to do with race.”
Summerfield, Florida — Authorities said approximately $1,000 in fireworks were stolen from a Summerfield fireworks stand on Sunday.
The owner of the fireworks stand, who stays on the property, stated that he had taken a short nap — from 5 a.m. to approximately 7:45 a.m. He said that when he awoke, he entered the tent and discovered that there were fireworks missing.
The fireworks stand is located at, 16420 South U.S. Highway 441, Summerfield, which is in the parking lot of Hilton Automotive.
If you know someone who has recently acquired an abundance of fireworks, who is illegally selling fireworks, or have any information about this case, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Ocala, Florida — Two children were approached and robbed of their bicycles at gunpoint on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the neighborhood of Silver Springs Shores.
The two boys, ages 12 and 13, told authorities that they were riding their bikes around the neighborhood when they were approached by two suspects who were also on bicycles. The juveniles stated that each suspect pulled out a gun and said, “Give me the bikes.”
The suspects then rode off with the juveniles’ bikes. The juveniles stated that the thieves left behind the bikes that they had ridden up on.
The suspects were described as two black males. One suspect was described as “well built” with short hair that had been partially dyed gold, and the second suspect was described as a tall black male with short hair. The juveniles could not remember any details about what the suspects were wearing.
One bike was a black beach cruiser with straight handle bars, and the other a navy blue mountain bike.
Air-1 and K-9 units responded to the area, but were unable to locate the suspects.
If you have any information about this case, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Belleview, Florida — Parents who are considering taking their children to play at “Fred King Playground” located at 5641 SE 113 Street, Belleview might want to think twice.
On Monday, Ocala Post received an e-mail from a parent who stated that she had recently taken her child to play at the playground after stopping for ice cream at Ms. Steve’s Ice Cream.
The parent stated that as her child was playing, she began to cry out in pain.
When the mother ran to aid the child, she quickly realized the problem: her child had been stung by several ants.
“Luckily, my child is not severely allergic,” the parent said. She went on to say, “If it’s the City of Belleview’s responsibility to maintain pest control, they should do a better job.”
The parent asked Ocala Post to investigate the incident.
Upon arrival at the park, it became clear why the parent was concerned. Ocala Post observed hundreds of active ant beds, both inside and outside the mulch-area of the playground. The playground is literally infested with thousands of ants.
The ant beds ranged from small to extremely large. One ant bed was observed to be 13 feet in length, which was located alongside the fence line. While some ants are to be expected at a playground, “Fred King Playground” is a rather small area for such a large infestation.
The parent said, “If a child who is allergic falls into one of those ant beds, it could be disastrous.”
According to doctors, the sting from an ant can be quite serious to a child who is allergic. Life-threatening allergic reactions can progress very rapidly and require immediate medical attention.
Many of the ant beds were hidden within the grass, which made them more difficult to see; however, it was the ants hiding within the mulch-area that the child came into contact with.
Ocala Post reached out to City of Belleview officials and asked who is responsible for the upkeep of “Fred King Playground.”
A response had not been received by the time this article was published.
Parents should use extreme caution when visiting this playground with their children.
The child who was stung was treated at home and has made a full recovery.
Silver Springs, Florida — A Silver Springs man remained behind bars Friday, after he physically assaulted a pregnant woman.
Ocala police responded to Ocala Place Apartments, located at 2135 Northwest 1st Avenue, in reference to yelling coming from one of the apartments.
According to reports, when the officer arrived he made contact with a pregnant female, who stated that the father of her unborn child had physically assaulted her.
The victim stated that Brian Stanley, 28, came to her apartment because he was angry that she had previously reported him to Ocala police for domestic battery.
Witnesses told police that Stanley pulled up in a green Chevy Malibu, jumped out of the car, and began banging on the back door of the victim’s apartment.
The victim then opened the door and told Stanley several times to leave, but he refused.
Stanley then violently shoved the victim to the floor, and, when the victim tried to get up, Stanley drew back his arm and slapped her across the right side of her face with an open hand.
Stanley then jumped into his car and fled the scene.
Police reported that Stanley had been “specifically told not to have contact with the victim.”
Stanley was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery on a Pregnant Woman and Obstructing Justice.
Stanley was released from jail in February, after serving two months for Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Woman, Tampering with a Victim (x3), Criminal Mischief, and Domestic Battery by Strangulation.
In addition to the aforementioned charges, he has previous charges for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (x5), Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Ecstasy with Intent to Distribute, Selling Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Tampering with Evidence, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (x4), Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling, Aggravated Battery on a Detainee in a Detention Facility, Driving on a Suspended License, Armed Trafficking-Ecstasy, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Concealed Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x3), Battery-Dating Violence, Simple Battery, Domestic Battery (x2), Failure to Appear (x4),and Violation of Probation (x3).
When Stanley was arrested, he thought it was funny.
The victim suffered tiny broken blood vessels in her right eye, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Johnny Bryant [left] and Corey R. MonroeOcala, Florida — The search for a felony suspect by Ocala police lead to the arrest of a military deserter this week.
According to reports, officers with the Ocala Police Department were searching for Johnny Bryant, 28, who had a felony warrant for his arrest, when they received a tip regarding his location.
The tipster told police what neighborhood Bryant was in and what kind of car he was driving.
Police said that while an officer was patrolling the area of Martin Luther King, the officer spotted Bryant’s Volkswagen Passat backed into the driveway of a residence.
Bryant and one passenger were sitting in the vehicle.
Bryant was arrested on the outstanding warrant for Domestic Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Domestic Violence.
At the time of Bryant’s arrest, he was on felony probation for Robbery with a Deadly Weapon and Burglary with Battery in Alachua County.
Bryant is being held without bond.
A records check of his passenger, Corey R. Monroe, 37, revealed that he was a fugitive from justice and had an United States warrant for Military Desertion.
The Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Service is offering free gardening classes to the public as an educational outreach function.
The classes will offer information about garden pests, as well as information on how to keep your garden alive under the hot Florida sun.
When:
July 3, 10-11 a.m. — Master Gardener series: Lawns at Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala.
July 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Satellite Plant Clinic at Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon. Visit the library and have your gardening questions answered by the experts.
July 11, 11 a.m.-noon — Master Gardener series: Gardening for wildlife at Reddick Public Library, 5150 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala.
July 21, 2-3 p.m. — Master Gardener series: Invasives at Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon.
July 25, 10-11 a.m. — Master Gardener series: Organically managing weeds at Fort McCoy Public Library, 14660 NE Highway 315, Fort McCoy.
July 25, 2-3 p.m. — Master Gardener series: Organically managing weeds at Forest Public Library, 905 S. Highway 314A, Ocklawaha.
Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Satellite Plant Clinic at Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon. Visit the library and have your gardening questions answered by the experts.
Aug. 5, 10-11 a.m. — Demonstration Garden Tour at Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Service Master Gardeners’ butterfly, herb, shade, tropical and vegetable demonstration gardens, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala.
Aug.14, 9-10:30 a.m. — Master the Possibilities series: Yard hole makers at On Top of the World Master the Possibilities Education Center, 8415 SW 80th St., Ocala.
Cody Boggs-Jennings [left], Lacyann Barnes [center], and Albert BarnesSummerfield, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested three people who had outstanding warrants, following a Florida Highway Patrol investigation.
It all started on May 11, 2015, when Trooper C. Powers was dispatched to a Hit and Run crash on Southeast 112 Court Road and Southeast 176th Place Road.
When the trooper arrived on the scene, he made contact with the crash victim, Joseph Froman, 75.
Froman stated that as he was pulling out of his subdivision, a blue minivan ran a stop sign and struck his vehicle.
As Froman exited his vehicle, three individuals, later identified as Cody E. Boggs-Jennings, 20, his wife Lacyann Barnes, 21, and her father Albert Barnes, 44, exited the minivan.
According to reports, immediately after the trio exited the van, they began verbally attacking Froman. When Froman asked for their insurance information, Albert shoved Froman twice. Froman then fell backward into his vehicle, which caused a 10×10 inch dent in the driver’s side door.
Lacyann, who is pregnant, then pulled a glass Pepsi bottle from inside the van and threw it at Froman. The glass bottle struck Froman’s foot and shattered.
A witness stated that the trio continued to batter Froman and that Lacyann was acting “chaotically and aggressive” toward Froman.
According to the witness, Cody had to pick Lacyann up and carry her back to the minivan.
They then removed the license place from the back of the van and fled the scene.
There was also a small child with them during the altercation.
Trooper Powers reported that Froman was visibly distraught and shaken up over the incident.
The trooper stated that he used surveillance video from the Summerfield Walmart and discovered that they had purchased items using a food stamp card.
According to reports, a subpoena was obtained and served to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) on May 20.
DCF was then required to provide an address to the trooper by using the last four numbers of the food stamp card.
When the trooper arrived at the residence, he reported that he had been there before in reference to another vehicle assault.
During questioning, all three suspects denied striking Froman. They also denied removing the license plate from their van.
Lacyann told the trooper that she was not throwing the Pepsi bottle at Froman. Instead, she stated she was “throwing it at the ground.”
The suspects told the trooper that Froman attacked them. However, they were unaware that the trooper had obtained witness statements.
Albert told the trooper that he had discussed the incident with a female Sumter County sheriff’s deputy, but records showed that a female deputy was not on duty in the area where Albert stated the conversation had taken place.
Cody stated that he didn’t remember anything because there was so much chaos on the day of the incident.
The trooper reported, “Based on the witnesses’ statements, the fact that the suspects fled the scene and did not report the accident, and because they tried to conceal the crime and their identities by removing the license plate from the vehicle, there was sufficient evidence to obtain warrants for an arrest.”
On June 20, Lacyann, Cody, and Albert were arrested and charged with Felony Battery on a Person Older than 65 Years of Age.
All three were released from jail on a $2,000 bond each.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continued its long-standing, proactive approach to bear management at its meeting in Sarasota on June 24. FWC Commissioners approved several bear-related rules that address a wide variety of tools to manage bears.
In summary, Commissioners approved changes to strengthen the wildlife feeding rule. Commissioners also approved changes to the bear conservation rule, which include a permit program to authorize landowners to remove a bear causing property damage under certain circumstances. These changes also allow the public and trained security personnel to scare bears with less-than-lethal methods in appropriate situations without a permit. As a small part of FWC’s management of bears, Commissioners also approved a very limited bear hunting season in limited locations.
The Commissioners asked staff to continue focusing on educating people about the repercussions of feeding bears and how to co-exist with bears to minimize conflicts.
“Education is key. We know that bear feeding is an issue, so we need to continue to be proactive and responsive with our efforts,” FWC Chairman Richard Corbett said. “Properly securing garbage and other attractants is the single most important action for reducing conflict situations with bears.”
The Commissioners signed a Waste Management Resolution and approved a policy paper, explaining the need for comprehensive waste management to address human-bear conflicts and improve public safety.
“The FWC will continue to perform its role to educate the public, provide technical assistance, remove conflict bears, manage bear populations and enforce feeding prohibitions,” said Dr. Thomas Eason, director of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. “The problem of unsecured waste needs to be addressed by bringing together local officials, along with waste service companies, to work together with FWC to resolve this problem in a cost-effective manner.”
The Commission also passed final rules to establish a bear hunting season in late October within four of the state’s seven Bear Management Units (BMUs). The units that will have a hunting season contain the largest bear populations and include all three national forests as well as southern Florida.
The purpose of reinstating a hunting season is to help control the growth of expanding bear populations, as one part of FWC’s overall approach to managing bears. Bear conservation in recent decades has been a success story, and now FWC’s approach must include a means for managing bear population size. As other states have shown, hunting is the most effective and responsible method for managing the growth of bear populations.
For 2015, Florida’s bear hunting season will open October 24 and will last at least through October 25, but could run as long as seven days ending on October 30, depending on if and when a BMU’s bear harvest objective is met.
Bear hunting permits will cost $100 for residents and $300 for nonresidents. Hunters will be limited to buying only one permit, which will allow the harvest of one bear per permit.
The same methods of take and shooting hours for deer will also apply to bears, but hunting bears with dogs or over bait is not allowed. On private property, game feeding stations may continue to be used as long as the feed is what is typically used for deer or hogs. To harvest a bear on private land, both the hunter and bear must be more than 100 yards away from any game feeding station.
Hunters will be required to take harvested bears to an FWC check station within 12 hours. Information will be collected at the check stations from each bear that will be used to inform the FWC about the local bear population .The new rule also makes it illegal to sell any parts of a bear or its hide.
We want to hear from you. Do you approve of bear hunting in Florida?
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by Belen E. Esparza. [MCFR]Marion County – The Florida Highway Patrol has released the report in regards to a crash that occurred on June 22, at the intersection of U.S 27 and County Road 464B.
At approximately 12:50 p.m., Marion County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a two-vehicle accident with injuries.
Engine 20 was the first to arrive on the scene; followed by R20, DC4, R12, E12, and R521.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that a victim was entrapped inside her vehicle. Rescue crews immediately began extrication.
According to FHP troopers, a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, driven by Belen E. Esparza, 19, was traveling northbound on County Road 464B, and a 2006 Ford F-250 pick-up, driven by Candy L. Flippen, 38, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 27.
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Trooper investigates the crash site. [MCFR]The Eclipse then traveled into the intersection and into the path of the Ford F-250, at which time the F-250 slammed into the side of the Eclipse.
The impact forced the Eclipse into the median, where it collided with a road sign and snapped it in half. The Eclipse came to its final rest on the Northeast side of the roadway.
After slamming into the Eclipse, the F-250 flipped and came to a final rest on its side in the median.
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Ford F-250 pick-up, driven by Candy L. Flippen. [MCFR]Esparza, who was trapped in her car, was declared trauma alert and transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
Flippen was also transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Esparza remained in critical condition. There was no update available for Flippen.
According to reports, each vehicle also had a single passenger, who were also transported to the hospital. The neither the names or condition of the passengers was made available to Ocala Post.
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is investigating a series of robberies that have occurred over the the past four months at the following locations:
Dollar General — 1111 W SILVER SPRINGS BLVD on 03/26/2015 at 10:56 a.m.
Kangaroo Express — 909 NE 28TH ST on 04/01/2015 at 1:55 a.m.
Family Dollar — 2195 NW 10TH ST on 4/12/20154 at 10:00 p.m.
Tuscawilla Park — 500 NE SANCHEZ AVE on 05/25/2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Home Invasion — 1331 NE 2ND PL on 05/30/2015 at 10:50 p.m.
Wing Zone (Delivery Driver) — 1421 SW 27TH AVE (Steeple Chase Apts) on 05/30/2015 at 8:45 p.m.
Family Dollar — 990 NW 15TH AVE on 06/01/2015 at 10:20 p.m.
Family Dollar — 2195 NW 10TH ST on 06/02/2015 at 10:48 a.m.
K & S Seafood — 1224 W SILVER SPRINGS BLVD on 06/04/2015 at 10:12 p.m.
Martin Oil — 1517 SW 10TH ST on 06/10/2015 at 10:40 p.m.
Chese Cleaners — 822 SW BROADWAY ST on 06/11/2015 at 9:45 p.m.
According to OPD, in each case, the two suspects were described as black males, possibly in their teens, and 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall.
The suspects were wearing baggy clothing and had their faces covered with T-shirts, or red or black bandanas.
Officials said during each robbery [they] have been armed with handguns. The handguns have been described as revolvers, although, a silver-colored semi-automatic pistol was described in one case.
After each robbery, the suspects have fled the scene on foot or on bicycles.
It is unknown if a motor vehicle has been involved.
During the flight from the robbery that occurred at the “Martin Oil” station, one of the suspects reportedly fired a shot at a witness who attempted to follow them.
OPD officials said they are increasingly concerned about the escalation of violence in some of these cases.
Overnight, into the morning of June 20, 2015, a home invasion and attempted homicide occurred at 2135 Northeast 6th Place. During the home invasion, a 91-year-old female resident was viciously attacked by two young black males.
After the suspects beat the helpless elderly woman about the head and face, they shot her three times in the head, neck, and face. She was shot with what is believed to be rat-shot from a handgun.
The cowardly criminals shot the woman after she had told them she didn’t have any money.
The victim was hospitalized, but is expected to recover.
One of the biggest hurdles OPD has faced in solving many of these cases, is the refusal of cooperation by witnesses.
Anyone with information about any of these cases, is encouraged call Detective John Hilton at 352-369-7045, Detective Lenny Uptagraft at 352-369-7143, or the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP (7867), text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
In addition to any monies offered through Crime Stoppers ,the Ocala Police Department is offering a reward of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for these crimes.
Sparr, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has opened an investigation following the June 13 shooting of a family pet.
On June 15, Ocala Post reported that Madelyn Parker, of Sparr, found the family dog, Ziek, shot dead through the head.
Parker said that Ziek never left the yard, but because he was extremely friendly and loved car rides, he would go to anyone if called.
“I found it very odd that our dog did not come running when we called him, as he usually does,” Parker wrote in an e-mail.
Parker also said that she believes Ziek was taken, but cannot be 100 percent positive. “He was very clingy and loved to be inside, or right with us when we were home… something just isn’t right,” Parker said.
Originally, Parker said that MCSO told her that they could not do anything because there were no witnesses. However, on June 17, Parker’s boyfriend, Boyce “Rus” Rainey, who is an Ocala Police Officer, drove to the sheriff’s office after the MCSO North Central District Commander, Lt. Eric Owens, insisted an official report be filed.
MCSO Public Information Officer Lauren Lettelier said, “[Filing the report] was the right thing to do.”
That is when MCSO opened the investigation.
According to reports, Ziek’s body was found on the railroad tracks near the 13800 block of Northeast Jacksonville Road.
The dog had suffered a single, fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Reports indicated that the bullet entered the dog’s right eye area and exited through the left ear. According to reports, the dog was most likely shot with a rifle and not a small caliber handgun.
Since the shooting was made public, other citizens have come forward and told Ocala Post about similar horror stories of family pets in the Sparr area having been taken, shot, and killed.
Parker said, “I want people to know that there is someone out there who is capable of harming family pets for no reason. Our dog did not have a mean bone in his body and his killing was senseless.”
Parker said that one of the most difficult things she has had to do was to explain Ziek’s death to her 5-year-old son, Easton.
The family had Ziek since he was a puppy; he was 10 years old when he was killed.
Reward
A “Gofundme” account has been set up for Ziek. The reward funds will be paid to the person who comes forward with information, which leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the shooting of Ziek.
If you have any information about this case, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Ocala, Florida — On Monday, Community Technical & Adult Education (CTAE) spokeswoman Janie Gunnell said that Marion County citizens should not worry about the 600 to 700 military personal that have recently occupied Ocala.
The military has taken over the Westport High School parking lot and it is currently filled with military vehicles.
According to reports, the military is in Ocala for “Operation Guardian,” and it will culminate on June 25, 2015.
The military said the training exercise is necessary to hone their skills in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster.
“[CTAE] can provide the best training area and the best training instructors anywhere in the country,” Lt. Col. Tim Snider said. “This exercise has been four years in planning.”
Many citizens have made it clear via e-mail and social media that they are not comfortable with the military training in Ocala on such a large scale. Some readers have even asked if the training exercises had anything to do with Jade Helm 15.
The military says there is nothing to fear because it is just a training exercise.
Ocala Post asked officials if this operation was in connection to Jade Helm 15, but a response was not received by the time this article was published.
UPDATE:
In regards to the training exercise having any connection to Jade Helm 15, Gunnell stated, “No, not that I am aware of.”
“[The training exercises] are 100 percent search and rescue and other life saving training,” Gunnell said. “It is an honor to have the different military units training in our town and at CTAE’s facilities.”
According to Gunnell, the training will be conducted at the CTAE “All Hazards Training Center,” located at Southwest 67th Avenue Road, Ocala.
Seven different military units will be training in search and rescue and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE).
Marion Oaks — A suspect has been arrested in Dublin, Georgia, following a Sunday night kidnapping, which occurred in Marion Oaks.
The suspect was found hiding out at an American Inn motel room Monday morning.
The East Dublin Police Department, along with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the motel and placed Goodhue under arrest.
According to witnesses, Dalton A. Goodhue, 24, pulled up in front of a residence located at 2061 Southwest 153rd Loop, at approximately 8 p.m.
Goodhue then used a 2000 green Chrysler minivan to ram through the front of the house.
According to reports, Goodhue was armed with a sledgehammer and forced the victim, Tracy A. Dance, 39, into his vehicle.
Goodhue then fled the scene.
Investigators say Dance appears to be unharmed.
According to reports, Dance confirmed that she was being held against her will.
Investigators said that there were five (5) juveniles and an elderly woman inside the home when then van slammed into the front of the house. They were not injured during the incident.
Goodhue was charge with Aggravated Assault (x7), Non-domestic Assault, Tampering with a Victim-Witness, and Kidnapping.
He has previous arrests for Domestic Battery, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Fleeing and Eluding, Violation of a Domestic Injunction, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Lauren Lettelier, said that Dance knew the kidnapper because she had been in a domestic relationship with him.
