Umatilla, Florida — Florida Highway Patrol troopers say three people were killed — and two others were critically injured — after being ejected from a SUV, Sunday.
The crash occurred at approximately 3 a.m., at Southeast 127th Street Road — two miles east of Southeast 182nd Avenue in the Ocala National Forest.
According to reports, a 2001 Ford Expedition was traveling westbound on Southeast 127th Street Road, which is a dirt road.
Troopers say the SUV, driven by Billy Jo Slayton-Neal, 39, veered off the roadway and onto the soft shoulder. Slayton-Neal then lost control of the SUV and began rotating counter-clockwise across the dirt roadway, at which time the vehicle flipped several times.
At approximately 8:43 a.m., when the accident was discovered by a another motorist, Marion County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the area.
MCFR units E6, R27, R10, R17, E4, DC3, and A103 arrived to find the SUV on its side.
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MCFR
The driver, Slayton-Neal, the front passenger , Scott C. Pummill, 43, and rear passengers Rachel Pummill, 13, Jessie Jo Porter, 16, and Hailey Landrum, 14, had all been ejected from the vehicle.
Troopers said none of the occupants were wearing seat belts.
Slayton-Neal, along with Scott and his daughter, Rachel, were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
MCFR E6 called for two ShandsCair helicopters, while E4 set up a landing area.
MCFR R27 and R10 then transported the surviving victims to the landing area
Porter was flown to Ocala Regional Medical Center and Landrum to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando.
Both were listed in critical condition.
Troopers do not know why the driver veered off the roadway.
Troopers say blood alcohol result for the driver are still pending, and that the investigation is ongoing.
Marion Oaks — A 17-year-old Marion Oaks boy was arrested after deputies say he carjacked a woman then forced her to drive to an ATM.
Deputies say that on My 14 the victim was driving home from work and had stopped at the intersection of Marion Oaks Boulevard and Marion Oaks Lane. While stopped, the victim saw a young boy, Later identified as Courtney A. Myhand, approach her 2013 Honda Fit from the center of the of the grassy median of the roadway.
The victim stated that Myhand stuck his hand though her opened window, put a silver revolver to her head, and ordered her out of the vehicle. However, the victim refused to exit the vehicle.
Instead, the victim told Myhand that she would drive him to an ATM and give him $200 if he did not take her daughter’s vehicle.
According to reports, the victim then drove to the Wells Fargo, located at 8599 Southwest Highway 200 and withdrew $200.
After leaving the bank, Myhand forced the victim to drive back to Marion Oaks. He then forced her out of the vehicle in the 700 block of Marion Oaks Trail.
Investigators reported that the victim’s cell phone was later found at the corner of Southwest 77th Avenue and Marion Oaks Trail.
The victim was able to identify Myhand from a photo that he had posted to Facebook after using the victim’s cell phone to log into his personal Facebook account. Myhand had also messaged a friend and stated “I got a whip” (urban slang for car).
At approximately 4:47 a.m. the victim’s vehicle was seen traveling westbound in the 2200 block of County Road 484.
According to reports, Myhand led deputies on a high-speed chase into Marion Oaks, which reached speeds in excess of 115 mph.
Myhand turned onto Southwest 39th Terrace and then drove onto a dirt trail, where the deputy could not fit his cruiser.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies exited their patrol car and walked the trail. While they were searching for the stolen vehicle it came racing at them, at which time the deputies were forced to jump out of the way.
The teen then crashed into the deputy’s vehicle and hit a tree. Myhand then exited the crashed vehicle and fled on foot.
Using Facebook, detectives located Myhand and arrested him at his house.
The victim was returning home after working a late shift at an out-of-town hospital.
Myhand was charged with Carjacking, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (x2), and Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding.
Ocala Post received a Facebook photo of Myhand, however, it has not been authenticated by authorities.
Marion County — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a young white female whose body was found last night at approximately 5 p.m. in the vicinity of Ray Wayside Park (Boat Basin) on East State Road 40.
The body was found under the Ocklawaha River bridge.
The female body is described as being 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs approximately 145 pounds, and has short hair that was dyed red. Her natural hair color appears to have been brown. Detectives said that she appears to be in her teens maybe early twenties.
She was wearing a black top, multicolored skirt, and black shoes. She was also wearing a necklace with a heart-shaped charm on it.
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Clothes from unidentified girl.
As of 1:41 p.m. May 16, the woman had not been identified.
Detectives do not know if the girl fell or jumped from the bridge.
MCSO Public Information Officer Captain James Pogue said, “This is an active investigation and no further details can be released at this time.”
If can identify this woman by her necklace, 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. For Crime Stoppers, please reference 15-38 in your tip. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Ocala, Florida — First on Ocala Post — Marion County Fire Rescue fire chief M. Stuart McElhaney announced today that he is retiring after 21-years of service.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our crews, citizens staff, and county leadership in both of my roles as fire chief and assistant county administrator,” McElhaney said. “I am proud of our achievements and service improvements over the past two decades, and know the department will continue on the path to greater success and service excellence.”
McElhaney first joined Marion County as fire chief in 1994. In 2003 he was promoted to the dual role of fire chief and bureau chief. Then, in 2009 McElhaney took on the role of fire chief and county administrator.
McElhaney led the department through the Emergency Medical Services Alliance (EMSA) transition by which MCFR assumed countywide ambulance services in 2008.
“I am very thankful for Chief McElhaney’s quality work and contributions to Marion County and our citizens,” Interim County Administrator Bill Kauffman said. “His leadership and diligent efforts helped build a strong Fire Rescue department and supported many other county departments in their continued mission of providing excellent public services.”
McElhaney will retire on July 31, 2015.
McElhaney did not immediately give a reason for his retirement.
Growler – A refillable half gallon beer container.
Florida — On July 1, Florida breweries will be able to sell beer in refillable 64-ounce containers know as the “growler.”
What Florida beer lovers have long sought, is now legal after Gov. Rick Scott signed SB 186 into law today.
“By making the sale of 64-ounce growlers legal in Florida, we are eliminating another burdensome regulation and allowing more Florida businesses to succeed,” Scott said. “We are pleased to continue to create a world class business environment where all businesses, including breweries, can succeed.”
Currently, Florida law allows 32-ounce and 128-ounce growlers, but not 64-ounce, which brewers and craft beer fans say is the best size to buy.
Some government officials at the local level fear it will lead to an increase in DUIs. Business owners argue that beer enthusiasts who visit breweries are not looking to consume 64-ounces of beer while driving. Business owners said people are looking to purchase a good quality beer so they can enjoy it in the comfort of their own home.
Mike Halker, President of the Florida Brewers Guild, said, “We are thrilled with the passage and signature of SB 186 legalizing sales of growlers in our breweries. Growlers will give our customers more choices, increase our sales, and directly benefit Florida and its taxpayers. We would like to thank the legislature and the Governor for their work on this great bill.”
Ocala, Florida — A Dunnellon man, who has made DUI a habit, was sentenced to the Florida Department of Corrections on Tuesday.
David W. Luciano, 44, is a habitual offender for driving on a suspended license and DUI.
He was released from jail on July 30, 2014, after serving five months for an arrest where he was charged with DUI- 4th of Subsequent Offense (F) and Driving While License Suspended-Habitual (F).
According to records, Luciano was arrested for DUI four times in less than three years.
Luciano had originally entered a plea of not guilty, but he later withdrew that plea.
He was tried by a jury and found guilty.
He was sentenced to 61 months, with credit for 183 days time already served, in the DOC.
Luciano’s driver’s license was also permanently revoked and he is considered a habitual felony offender.
He will also be required to attend several self-improvement programs.
Marion County — On May 12, at approximately 6:45 a.m., Marion County Fire Rescue crews from Station 17 responded to a rollover-crash on Southeast Maricamp Road and Locust Road.
Upon arrival, rescue crews found that a 2010 Kia, driven by David A. Furye, 27, had flipped and struck a power pole. This caused power lines to come down and a transformer to explode.
Furye also had an infant child in the vehicle.
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Single-Vehicle crash on Maricamp. MCFR Station 17
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Furye said that his front tire had blown out, which caused him to lose control.
MCFR examined both occupants at the scene, however, FHP and MCFR reported that Furye refused to be transported to a hospital.
According to reports, the infant was properly restrained in the vehicle.
Marion County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene for traffic control.
According to reports, Duke Energy responded to the scene and repaired the pole and downed power lines.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala Police Department Public Information Officer Angy Scroble said a woman remained in critical condition Thursday after being struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of a Publix, located at 3450 East State Road 40, Wednesday.
According to police, Frances G. Malever, 73, had parked her Cadillac SRX in the second space in the southbound lane directly in front of the entrance to Publix.
Malever stated that she backed up from the space and proceeded southbound toward the end of the travel lane, at which time she attempted to turn and travel north.
She told police that she looked to make sure it was clear, but 70-year-old Gail Crawford was already in front of the vehicle.
According to reports, Malever was not sure if she had hit the pedestrian or the shopping cart.
Witnesses told Ocala Post via e-mail that the woman that was struck was under the vehicle at one point, however, this information could not be confirmed by police.
Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and transported Crawford to Ocala Region Medical center in critical condition.
Due to the woman’s condition, police have not been able to speak with her about the accident.
According to reports, Crawford is from the Fort McCoy area.
Mercury Grand Marquis driven by David Boswell. MCFR
Marion County — East State Road 40 traffic was blocked for hours Tuesday night following a two-vehicle accident.
The crash occurred at Southeast 165th Avenue and East State Road 40 at approximately 8 p.m.
Florida Highway Patrol Troopers said a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by David Boswell, 61, was traveling westbound on State Road 40, and a loaded down 2006 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer, driven by Michael J. Sanders, 57, was traveling eastbound on State Road 40.
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Semi driven by Michael J. Sanders. [Click photo to enlarge]Troopers said that a preliminary investigation indicated the Grand Marquis attempted to make a left turn in front of the semi.
The front of the semi then slammed into the front of the Grand Marquis.
According to reports, after the impact the semi veered onto the north shoulder of State Road 40 and into a private driveway. The semi then struck a parked pickup truck, a trailer, and a shed.
The semi narrowly missed hitting the house.
Firefighters responded to the call and extracted both drivers from their vehicles.
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Troopers and MCFR on the scene. MCFR
Boswell and Sanders were both transported to Ocala Regional Medical center with critical injuries.
Sanders, who was from Deland, FL, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Boswell is listed in critical condition. He is from Silver Springs.
Both lanes of traffic reopened shortly after 2 a.m.
Staffing levels at Marion County Fire Rescue station 21 are to return to normal.
Marion County — Staffing levels at Marion County Fire Rescue station 21 are to return to normal on May 16 after citizens from On Top of the World and the surrounding areas made phone calls, sent emails, and went to county commission meetings to raise concerns over the reduction of services.
In March, due to staffing shortages and deficit spending, MCFR decided to reduce the number of firefighters and paramedics at station 21, located near the influential OTOTW community, and station 16, located between Ocala and Belleview. Both stations had firefighters with advanced training in technical rescue and HAZMAT mitigation.
Once this decision was made, union leaders with the Professional Firefighters of Marion County began negotiating with the county to bring staff levels and services back to these areas.
“We are happy that we were able to work with county managers to bring back staffing levels to these areas even though it took two months of negotiating,” said Ryan O’Reilly, Public Relations Director for the Professional Firefighters.
“In the end this is a victory for the citizens,” O’Reilly added. “They saw the need and pressed their government to make a change. It really shows that when regular people speak up, they can make a difference.”
As part of the deal crafted between the Professional Firefighters and the county, the county will look into the staffing levels at station 16 in a few months.
Even though the staffing levels are coming back, O’Reilly cautioned that the county is not out of the woods yet.
“In the short term, there is going to be a greater burden on the overtime budget as the county simply does not have enough firefighters and paramedics to fill all the spots,” he said.
Currently, the department needs more than 60 firefighters and paramedics to bring staffing levels up county-wide. This number increases daily as firefighters continue turning in their resignations at an alarming rate.
Just last week, Ocala Post reported that 10 senior firefighters had recently left MCFR, taking with them a combined total of 89 years of experience and millions of dollars of training. Additionally, MCFR is still millions of dollars in deficit spending, and fire-based ambulances from all over the county are still pouring into the city of Ocala on a daily basis to cover medical emergencies for those citizens.
Residents out in OTOTW have recently questioned how long the staffing levels would remain at their station as long as these ongoing issues persist.
Initially, Deputy Fire Chief Paul Nevels stated that the reduction in staff at these stations would not lead to a reduction in service to those citizens, since the move was only temporary.
However, official documents gathered by the Ocala Post showed that these statements were less than accurate. Nevels stated in an official document that there was no plan to bring the staff back. And in a county document called “Emergency plan to reduce staffing levels,” it was noted that not only would there be delays in access to advanced life support by eliminating squads 21 and 16, but there would also be further delays in response for technical rescue and HAZMAT support.
In April, Ocala Post reported how it took technical rescue firefighters over 20 minutes to bring all of the necessary equipment to assist in the tornado-ravaged communities in Oak Run because they were sitting on a street corner in the city of Ocala waiting for medical emergencies.
Paul Nevels was recently set to be appointed to the top fire chief spot for MCFR. However, after the Ocala Post reviewed his qualifications, or more accurately the lack thereof, readers began voicing their concerns over his ability to do the job.
His political appointment appears to have been derailed for now.
Three females wanted in Belk thefts. [Click photo to enlarge]Ocala, Post — The Ocala Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying three black females that committed retail grand theft at a Belk, located at 3100 SW College Road, Ocala.
On May 7, OPD Officer Andrew Ritz responded to the aforementioned location and met with the store’s loss prevention personnel.
A loss prevention officer (LPO) told officer Ritz that the females were acting suspicious, so he began to follow them with the surveillance cameras. The LPO stated that all three females pulled large plastic bags from their purses and began stuffing them full of clothing. Two of the plastic bags were Belk’s bags and the other was from Macy’s.
According to reports, security and the store manager ordered one of the women to stop and drop the bags.
Instead, the female dumped the clothing out of the bag and ran. As she attempted to exit the store, she knocked over mannequins and pulled merchandise from shelves in an attempt to slow down security.
After the female exited the store, she bent the license plate on a grey Nissan Versa in an upward position. She then jumped into the car and drove away.
The other two females exited through an employee exit, at which time they were picked up in the Nissan Versa.
During the incident, all three women were seen laughing and smiling multiple times.
The clothing that was left behind was valued at over $1,500.
OPD is relying on the public to help solve this case.
If you recognize the women in the video, have any information about this case, or know of their whereabouts, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Marion Oaks — While driving north on Marion Oaks Course, Deputy Tanya Rodriguez spotted a vehicle with a Texas license plate swerve into the median then back onto the roadway. She then activated her emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.
According to reports, as Deputy Rodriguez approached the vehicle she could smell the strong odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle.
The driver, later identified as Jeffrey A. Battagilia, 27, told the deputy that he had consumed two beers. He also told the deputy he was taking Adderall for ADHD and Xanax for anxiety.
The deputy reported that Battagilia spoke very slow and that his speech was slurred.
When Battagilia was asked to exit the vehicle he had difficulty maintaining his balance. Upon exiting the vehicle, he immediately told the deputy that [he] was taking medication for two herniated disks and that he could not participate in any sobriety exercises.
Battagilia was then arrested for DUI.
A search of the vehicle turned up a cooler with an open bottle of Smirnoff Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka, which had been partially consumed. Additionally, Deputy Rodriguez recovered Xanax-1MG tablets, marijuana, a grinder, an aluminum foil marijuana pipe, and capsules filled with a brown powder that was not identified.
A computer check revealed that Battagilia had been convicted of DUI three times in two other states; making this his fourth DUI.
All four DUIs occurred within the past six years.
Battagilia was charged with DUI-Fourth or Subsequent Offense, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Xanax without a Prescription, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Once at the Marion County Jail, Battagilia refused to cooperate and would not submit to a breathalyzer test.
Ocala, Florida — On Friday, May 8, 2015, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., detectives from the Ocala Police Department participated in an operation to inspect local fuel station pumps for skimmer devices.
This operation was initiated due to recent cases of skimming devices being located inside of the pumps and the credit/debit card information of consumers being stolen.
A total of (13) fuel stations were inspected on May 8, as a part of this operation.
No skimmer devices were located, and all stations cooperated with the inspections. Approximately (134) actual pumps were inspected/evaluated.
Specific stations visited include:
Marathon 3760 NW Blitchton Rd – 12 pumps
Shell 3801 NW Blitchton Rd. – 12 pumps
Bp Station 3820 NW Blitchton Rd. – 8 pumps
Mobile 3420 WSR 40 – 12 pumps
Valero 33 Ave / WSR 40 – 4 pumps
Shell 3928 W SR 40 – 12 pumps
Marathon SW 38 CT/SR 200 – 10 pumps
BP 3710 SW College RD – 8 pumps
Texaco 3401 SW College RD – 8 pumps
Kangaroo/Valero 38 CT/SR 200 – 8 pumps
Racetrac – 4000 blk of SR 200 – 24 pumps
BP SW 20 ST / SW 27 AVE – 4 pumps
Kangaroo SW 20 ST / 27 Ave. – 12 pumps
In addition to the inspections, detectives handed out informational bulletins to employees at the businesses in an effort to educate and inform them of the potential presence of skimmer devices. The information included tips for securing their pumps and photos of what various devices look like.
TIPS
Pay cash inside the store to ensure the credit card information stays safe.
Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with. Many stations are now putting a piece of security tape over the cabinet to ensure it has not been opened by unauthorized individuals.
Use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmers at the gas pumps farther away from the store so they are not noticed as quickly.
Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from a bank account.
If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run it as a credit card instead of a debit card. That way, the PIN number is safe. (If permitted by your financial institution)
Monitor bank accounts regularly.
Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.
According to OPD, there will be future operations of this type.
The inspections will be conducted at various times on non-specific dates, and at random locations within the city limits.
Luke Knighton attempted to strangle his girlfriend in the parking lot of a bank.
Dunnellon, Florida — A man has been charged with five felonies and a misdemeanor, following a confrontation with his girlfriend in the parking lot of a bank.
Dunnellon Police Officers responded to Cadence Bank, located at 11932 North Williams Street, after receiving a call in reference to a man beating on a woman.
Bank employees told deputies that Luke C. Knighton, 21, was “extremely intoxicated” and that he had spat into his girlfriend’s face. Witnesses stated that after Knighton spat in the victim’s face, he attacked her by repeatedly striking her.
According to reports, Knighton also grabbed the victim by the throat and began to choke her to the point that she could not breathe.
Police said that two good Samaritans, Summer Halliwell and her boyfriend Derrick S. Dietly, intervened and forced Knighton to release his grip from the victim’s throat. Bank employees then separated all parties involved.
According to witnesses, after Knighton was separated from the victim, Knighton threatened, “If you press charges I will beat you unrecognizable.” He then retrieved the cell phone of the victim and witnesses and attempted to smash them on the pavement so they could not call 911.
Officials reported that the victim had multiple cuts, scrapes, and bruises on her arms, face, neck, and back. The victim also had visible fingerprint marks around her throat.
According to reports, as Knighton was handcuffed he “shot a bird” at the victim and stated “f**k you” in a threatening manner.
Police said it was evident that the victim was terrified of Knighton.
Knighton was charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Disorderly Public Intoxication, and Obstruction of Justice-Witness Tampering (x3).
He is currently being held at the Marion County Jail. His bond has not been set pending an arraignment.
Eric Sheppard wanted by police. [Click photo to enlarge]Some might have heard of the Eric Sheppard Jr. challenge, which is an anti-American knock-off of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
You also might have heard of Erica Walker. She is one of Eric Sheppard’s followers.
Walker is a black female, who also supports the New Black Panthers Party. She said she despises America and white people, namely white police officers.
Sheppard is a self-proclaimed terrorist and New Black Panthers Party member. Sheppard is still on the run and wanted by the Valdosta, Georgia Police Department.
Sheppard is responsible for hosting a protest on the Valdosta State University Campus. During the protest, Sheppard threw the American Flag on the ground and stomped on it, which created a storm of controversy on campus.
Police attempted to stop Sheppard, but he ran.
Police later found his backpack on campus, which had a loaded gun in it.
Shortly after Sheppard’s protest was posted to social media, Walker staged a demonstration of her own.
Walker had someone snap a photo of her stomping on the flag while standing next to a friend. The two held up their fists as a symbol of the Black Panthers.
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Erica Walker, in the blue shirt, steps on the American Flag to demonstrate black power.
She Also had someone record a video of her stomping on the American Flag.
The day the photo was posted, Ocala Post contacted her employer, 1380 WAOK The Voice of the Community, and asked if Walker would be disciplined for her actions.
On May 4, a representative released the following statement:
“We appreciate your thoughts on this matter and taking the time to share them with us. Please note that Erica Walker is no longer with the station.”
Walker’s Facebook page was filled with hateful posts toward the white race and America. In many of the posts, she referred to white people as devils and crackers. She fell short of saying that white people should be exterminated. She also posted about her hatred for law enforcement.
On May 2, Ocala Post wrote to Facebook and asked if her desecration of the American Flag and vile hatred toward white people was acceptable by Facebook standards.
On May 8, Facebook responded to Ocala Post and stated that they had deleted both of Walker’s pages. Facebook said, “We found that the material on Walker’s pages violated community standards, therefore we removed it.”
YouTube has yet to respond to Ocala Post and they have not removed the video.
United States Marine Shane Lawler was also asking questions. In fact, hundreds of veterans have turned to social media and expressed their frustration with Walker’s disrespect to the American Flag.
In a video released by Lawler, he said, “My message to you is this, if you don’t like what America has to offer, pack your s**t and get the f**k out. There might be another country on this planet that is capable of dealing with your bulls**t, but that’s not me. If you don’t like what’s happening here, there’s plenty of other people waiting in line to get into this country; and all you’re doing is taking up room. So if you don’t like it, get out.”
Sheppard’s family started a gofundme account that is supposedly going toward legal costs. The goal has been set at $60,000.
His family says he has done nothing wrong, and that he is a good boy with a good heart. They said he is not a terrorist.
The family has also retained an attorney.
Davis Bozeman Law Firm stated that Sheppard is in hiding because he is in fear for his life. The attorney said he fears that police will kill him. The attorney released [that] statement during a press conference, which only seemed to create further tensions between police and the black community if Valdosta.
Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress said that the law firm’s statement was completely unfounded.
A second gofundme account was started by a group of “activists.” The account specifically states that the fund is to prevent Sheppard from being captured. The fund would provide shelter, food, and transportation for Sheppard to travel outside of Georgia. The goal for this one was set at $20,000.
Chief Childress issued a stern warning to anyone who helps Sheppard.
Childress, said, “We have made it clear that Sheppard has an active arrest warrant. If anyone harbors this fugitive, you will be arrested.”
Gofundme typically deletes accounts for those that seek to collect money for legal expenses, namely the bakers that were defending themselves against the gay community. However, gofundme has neither responded to Ocala Post nor have they deleted the accounts that seek to collect money for Sheppard.
Police do not know where Sheppard is hiding at this time.
Sheppard might also have friends or family in Florida.
If you have any information about his whereabouts, you are asked to contact the Valdosta Police Department at 229-242-2606.
[UPDATED on May 11, 2015, at 9 p.m.]
On May 11, Facebook reinstated both of Erica Walker’s Facebook pages.
Marion County — Tuesday, at a Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting, it was announced that Marion County Fire Rescue had lost another 5 employees.
However, a closer look revealed that from the last week in April, to May 6, was rough for MCFR as far as being able to retain highly skilled and experienced firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs.
According to records obtained by Ocala Post, in that time frame 10 employees turned in their resignations and more are expected to follow.
The 10 employees that resigned have 89 years of combined experience, with half of the employees having 10 years or more on the job.
The breakdown is as follows:
15-year driver engineer and firefighter paramedic.
13-year EMT
13-year paramedic
11-year HAZMAT certified firefighter paramedic
10-year driver engineer and firefighter paramedic
9-year driver engineer, HAZMAT certified, and firefighter paramedic
7-year firefighter paramedic
6-year paramedic
4-year firefighter EMT
1-year paramedic
This mass exodus of employees represented millions of dollars worth of training and experience paid for by the Marion County taxpayers. It appears that the frequency of MCFR employee resignation has increased momentum.
Last year, MCFR lost approximately 60 employees, and it was announced at Tuesday’s commission meeting that approximately 60 employees have already resigned since January.
Fire union leaders said that they fear next year will bring an even greater number of employee resignations.
Union leaders are also concerned about the number of firefighters in other areas that are preparing for retirement.
“Due to changes in the Florida Retirement System in 2011, many public servant employees throughout the state were encouraged to start the retirement process that will be coming to a head this time next year,” said Ryan O’Reilly, Public Relations Director for the Professional Firefighters of Marion County. “The entire state is facing a retirement boom.”
O’Reilly added, “When [that] happens, Marion County firefighters and paramedics are going to be able to write their own ticket to any department they want to go to. These issues need to be addressed now, before this crisis turns into an absolute catastrophe.”
Commissioners were told on Tuesday that MCFR is currently 60 firefighters and EMS staff light.
Commissioner Kathy Bryant agreed, saying that the Board needed to have a discussion about what needs to be done to prevent the exodus of MCFR employees.
Ocala Post recently reported that three ambulances were shut down in spite of 28 employees, or 20 percent of the daily staff, being on forced overtime.
MCFR said that ambulances shutting down have become a regular occurrence.
Belleview, Florida — On Tuesday, the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a crash at U.S. 441 and Southeast 104th Terrace, involving a motorcycle and SUV.
According to reports, the motorcycle, driven by Todd Worrell, 59, was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 441 preparing to make a U-turn to go southbound on U.S. 441.
A 2005 Chevy Equinox driven by April Henderson, 36, was on Southeast 104th Terrace preparing to make a right-hand turn onto U.S. 441 to travel southbound.
According to troopers, Worrell made a U-turn into the right travel lane instead of the lane closet to him (the left lane) as required by Florida Statute.
As Henderson proceeded to make a right turn from 104th Terrace onto U.S. 441, the front of the motorcycle slammed into the right side of the SUV.
According to reports, the motorcycle and its rider then became lodged underneath the SUV.
Marion County Fire Rescue responded and utilized airbags and cribbing to lift the SUV. MCFR crews from Engine 10 and Ladder 30 were able to lift the SUV and free the driver and his motorcycle.
ShandsCair helicopter was also dispatched to the scene. However, upon landing the pilot deemed the helicopter unsafe to fly due to a mechanical issue with a door latch.
A MCFR ambulance then transported Worrell, who had serious injuries, to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
U.S. 441 was closed until the helicopter could be repaired.
The call for the accident came in at 4:42 p.m. and the lanes reopened at 6:16 p.m.
Worrell’s Blood alcohol results are pending, which is standard with this type of crash.
Ahmar Porter — 8 ounces of cocaine, 27 ounces of high grade marijuana, $6,941 in cash, AK-47 ammunition, an elaborate security system, a cocaine press, and an assortment of other drug paraphernalia items seized.Ahmar Porter
Ocala, Florida — A drug dealer and convicted felon was arrested Thursday morning after the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) served a search warrant at 2814 Southwest 16th Street.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, UDEST seized 8 ounces of cocaine, 27 ounces of high grade marijuana, $6,941 in cash, AK-47 ammunition, an elaborate security system, a cocaine press, and an assortment of other drug paraphernalia items.
The street value of the drugs seized was estimated to be worth approximately $16,000.
Ahmar Porter, 32, was arrested and charged with Trafficking Cocaine, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Porter is no stranger to law enforcement.
Last August, UDEST served a search warrant at 12 Northwest 21st Place (North Roads Apartments), and arrested Ahmar Porter for Armed Cocaine Trafficking, Possession of MDMA (Ecstasy), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
According to state records, Porter has been in and out of jail and prison most of his life.
He has been arrested 12 times in two different counties and has more than a dozen felony charges.
Those charges include, Sale of Cocaine (x2), Possession of Cocaine (x4), Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Driving While License Suspended (x2), Trafficking in Cocaine (x2), Possession of Marijuana, Failure to Pay Fines after Notice was Served, and Violation of Probation (x2). These charges are in addition to the aforementioned charges.
In 1999, when Porter was just 17, he was arrested for shooting into an occupied vehicle. In April 2003 he was sentenced to two years in prison. He was released in October of 2003.
Then, in 2006 he was sentenced to six years in prison for Trafficking in Cocaine and Obstruction. He was released on February 6, 2012, only to be arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine on October 16, 2012.
Porter is currently being held at the Marion County Jail on $31,000 bond.
Fort McCoy, Florida — A Fort McCoy man remained behind bars Thursday, accused of strangling his girlfriend and battering her 2-year-old daughter.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 14400 block of Northeast 203 Place, Fort McCoy, in reference to a domestic disturbance.
Deputy Timothy Marton reported, “I made contact with the victim, who had obvious bruises on both sides of her neck. The marks appeared to be consistent with being strangled by someone’s hands.”
The victim told the deputy that she and her boyfriend, Charles Wimmer, 21, had gotten into an argument in the bedroom, where the victim’s 2-year-old daughter sleeps.
The victim stated that while they were arguing, Wimmer reached down and grabbed the sleeping child by her ankle and “flung” her on the floor.
When the victim attempted to defend her daughter, Wimmer grabbed the victim by the throat with both hands, choking her until she could not breathe.
Wimmer then released the victim, at which time she grabbed her daughter and placed her back on the bed.
According to reports, the two then began arguing about Wimmer grabbing the child.
The victim told the deputy that while arguing, Wimmer again reached down and grabbed the child by her ankle and “flung” her off the bed.
Wimmer then grabbed the victim by the throat and began to choke her a second time.
The victim stated that while Wimmer was choking her, his little brother arrived home and [he] let her go.
Wimmer’s brother told the deputy that he saw the marks on the victim’s neck and confronted Wimmer. The brother stated that Wimmer then became angry and hit him, at which time the two began to fight.
The deputy reported that Wimmer was on the bed in the back bedroom when he arrived. When he asked Wimmer what had happened, Wimmer replied, “Nothing.”
Wimmer told the deputy that his little brother was being annoying and they had a small fight.
According to reports, Wimmer denied touching his girlfriend and the child.
Wimmer was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation (F) and Cruelty Toward a Child (F).
He is being held on a $10,000 bond.
Department of Children and Families was also notified.
Wimmer is not the biological father of the little girl.
