Tampa, Florida — On Monday, Garrett Goodwin, of Tampa, saw a man asking for money while dressed in a military uniform.
Goodwin, who helps organizations reach out to veterans, said he recognized the uniform as a fake right away and decided to confront the man.
Goodwin is also an Army veteran.
It happened at the intersection of Gandy and Dale Mabry in Tampa.
“That’s my uniform! My brothers died in that uniform,” Goodwin said.
“Take that and throw it away,” Goodwin told the man. “Don’t put it back on.”
“Maybe one of the reasons I was so into this yesterday is tomorrow I’m burying a good friend who is a Marine. I’m putting that man in the ground tomorrow (Tuesday),” Goodwin said. “And I think that seeing this guy in uniform and wearing the uniform that my brothers and sisters have died in, it was more than I was willing to stand and take.”
The man told Goodwin he was special forces. The man said, “The government doesn’t know who I am.” His uniform, however, had a Junior ROTC patch sewn on it.
Ocala, Florida — Ocala police responded to a single-vehicle crash where a 2008 Honda Accord struck a concrete wall on the northwest corner at the intersection of Northeast 36th Avenue and State Road 40.
The Call was received at 8:07 p.m, Monday.
The driver of the vehicle was trapped inside the car. Ocala Fire Rescue firefighters treated the driver inside the vehicle while he was being extricated.
According to reports, Colton Ross Reynolds, 19, suffered life-threatening injuries and was trauma alerted to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
Reynolds underwent surgery and is reported to be in stable condition at this time.
OPD Public Information Officer Sergeant Angy Scroble said, “We have not been able to talk to him yet, but witnesses indicated he was travelling westbound on State Road 40 and for unknown reasons struck the wall.”
There were no indications of alcohol use at the scene.
Devin Sanders [left], and Jalen Gooden [Mugshots]Marion Oaks — Two teens were arrested and charged with more than a dozen felonies after setting off a residential burglar alarm, which alerted deputies.
Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies say Devin J. Sanders, 18, and Jalen Gooden, 19, broke into a house in the 16200 block of Southwest 55th Court Road, Ocala. The two then entered the residence despite the fact the alarm had been triggered.
One of the suspects ran from the scene as a deputy pulled into the area. He was followed to a residence that was in view of the victims home, which was later determined to be the home of Gooden.
According to reports, Sanders and Gooden stole electronics and two firearms from the victim’s home.
During questioning, both suspects confessed to several other burglaries in the area.
Sanders also had an outstanding warrant for an unrelated burglary.
Sanders was charged with Armed Burglary (x2), Burglary of an Occupied Structure, Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling (x2), Grand Theft (x3), Petit Theft, and Resisting Arrest. He is being held on $95,000 bond.
Gooden was charged with Armed Burglary (x2), Burglary of an Occupied Structure, Grand Theft (x3), and Resisting Arrest. He is being held on $64,500 bond.
Cristin Lowrey [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — A woman is serving weekend jail sentences following an investigation that linked her to multiple forged prescriptions.
The Ocala Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office worked together on the investigation, which was initiated in November.
According to investigators, Cristin Lowrey, 31, was utilizing Dr. James Rogers’ DEA number to call in prescriptions using the names and date-of-birth of other people.
Majority of the prescriptions were called into the Publix, located at 10135 Southeast Highway 441.
According to reports, Lowrey called in prescriptions for Tramadol and Norco (acetaminophen and hydrocodone) on more than one occasion. She alternated the quantity of each prescription between 60 or 90 pills. At least 14 prescriptions were called in.
Video surveillance obtained from Publix showed Lowrey picking up the prescriptions.
Lowrey was charged with 12 counts of Forgery-Obtained Controlled Substance by Fraud.
Her next drug court appearance is scheduled for April 2, 2015, which is a condition of her sentencing.
At this time, it is unclear how Lowrey obtained the personal information she used to call in the prescriptions.
Lindsay Taylor [left], Gerard Webster [middle], and Coralynn Vandersluis.Belleview, Florida — Detectives have arrested three individuals for their involvement in the beating of two men that were lured to a Belleview residence by two women.
One person, who the sheriff’s office has not identified, remains at large.
Irvin Savier Chavez Sanchez, 30, and his friend, Baudilio Galicia Diaz, originally told investigators they had met two women at Cowboys Saloon bar on South Pine Avenue, Ocala. However, investigators later learned that the men had previous contact with the women.
According to reports, Lindsay Taylor, 22, and Coralynn Nicole Vandersluis, 18, also known as “Lily” had contact with Sanchez and Diaz via Facebook. The two women had agreed to meet the two men for sex in exchange for $100.00 each.
Sanchez and Diaz were also deceptive about meeting the woman at Cowboys Saloon bar. The two men actually picked up the alleged prostitutes at the McDonald’s in Belleview. Video surveillance recovered from the McDonald’s confirmed the two men’s second story.
Taylor and Vandersluis then had the men drive to a residence in Belleview, where they were “jumped” and robbed by two black males. At least one of the robbers was armed.
Gerard Webster, 20, was identified as one of the men that attacked Sanchez and Diaz.
Prior to Vandersluis’ arrest, a conversation between she and Webster had been recorded during a jailhouse phone call. During the conversation Vandersluis told Webster, “They (meaning law enforcement) can’t get me on anything except soliciting prostitution.”
Taylor, Vandersluis, and Webster were charged with Robbery with a Firearm.
Webster told investigators that the gun used during the robbery was a BB gun. Webster said the gun had been taken apart and disposed of in the trash. Therefore, Webster was also charged with Destroying Evidence. He also violated his probation on a previous charge of Trafficking in Stolen Merchandise. He is being held lieu of a $50,000 bond.
Taylor was in the processes of going through the court in an attempt to regain custody of her children. In November, she was arrested and charged with DUI; she had her 10-month-old baby in the car at the time. She is currently being held on $50,000 bond.
Taylor’s three children are currently in the custody of a family member.
Vandersluis violated her probation on a previous charge of Driving on a Suspended License. She is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.
If anyone has additional 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 — A grenade was found at a house in the 2200 block of Northwest 47th Circle, Ocala, on Sunday.
Saralene Hunt was cleaning out an outside storage room after a resident had passed away when she found what appeared to be ammunition of some kind.
Hunt then notified a law enforcement volunteer, who recognized that among the ammunition, was a hand grenade.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was then notified of the situation.
According to reports, the Marion County Sheriff’s Officer Bomb Squad responded to the scene and confirmed that the device was a pineapple style hand grenade, which had been stored in a storage trunk.
Numerous rounds of large caliber ammunition were also found.
According to reports, the grenade still had the safety pin attached, but the release spoon was missing from the grenade.
The bomb squad transported the pineapple grenade to the Marion County Baseline Landfill, where it was rendered safe.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — A major fire is raging after police in Pennsylvania conducted a traffic stop on a man who claimed to be a Philadelphia firefighter.
Philadelphia Police Department Officer Holloway conducted a traffic stop on Tony Soto’s vehicle for having tinted windows (sun screening).
The entire incident was captured on Soto’s cell phone, which he keeps set up on a dash cam stand in his vehicle.
When the officer approached the car, Soto quickly informed Officer Holloway he (Soto) had a permit from the state for his tinted windows. The officer then changed his story and stated the traffic stop was actually for a faulty headlight. Soto then proved to the officer that both of the vehicle’s headlights were working.
Soto said he did not lead with the fact he was a firefighter, but later in the conversation presented the officer with his fire marshal identification and badge.
The officer ordered Soto out of his vehicle, but he refused. Soto told the officer he was violating his rights and then requested the officer’s supervisor.
“We’re going to stop all this nonsense with you guys down here — just stopping people and doing whatever you want, so that’s done, those days are over,” Soto said. To which Officer Holloway replied, “Glad you think you’re changing the world.”
“No sir, actually, let me explain something to you, I’m not changing the world okay, I’m professional, and we’re going to change it one person at a time,” Soto said.
As Soto was waiting for the officer’s supervisor, the officer retreated to his vehicle, drove across the street, and parked his patrol car.
After several more minutes had passed, the officers drove off and left Soto sitting there in his vehicle.
Soto did file a formal complaint against the officers.
Soto said he felt the officers drove off hoping he himself would drive off right away. Soto said he believes that the officers would have then charged him with fleeing.
Soto said he felt like he was targeted because he is black, and wanted the videos public so everyone could see that they are not alone. He said had he not known his rights and had the video not been recording, the traffic stop could have turned out much worse.
Lieutenant Stanford of the Philadelphia Police said, “The officers showed tremendous restraint.” He went on to infer that Soto should have been “ripped” from the vehicle.
After Soto filed a complaint, police began harassing him and parking outside his home. Soto also released a video, which Ocala Post has obtained, stating that officers have also threatened his life through Facebook.
“Police corruption and power abuse is beyond race, it effects us all. If we all wake up and look at each other in a different light we are all really the same color,” Soto wrote.
The officer’s report also did not match what the video showed.
Philadelphia Police told Ocala Post that Soto is a convicted felon, and not a firefighter as Soto has claimed. According to reports, the Fraternal Order of Police is now asking authorities to pursue charges against Soto for allegedly impersonating a public servant.
Soto claims the officers are simply out to tarnish his character. Soto also said that the facts still remain that the officers’ report did not match the video and that, the officers abandoned the traffic stop.
The Philadelphia Police Department said they are still investigating this incident.
Ocala, Florida — There has been another shooting in Ocala, this time at Laurel Park Apartments, 100 Northwest 23rd Avenue.
According to police, a man identified as Delvontaye R. Boyd, 23, was shot and killed between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
The call came in at approximately 9:30 p.m.
When police arrived, they found Boyd dead inside his third-floor apartment.
Boyd lived in the apartment with his girlfriend and child. They were not home at the time of the shooting.
An OPD spokesperson told Ocala Post that police were canvassing the area for clues and trying to locate additional witnesses.
Witnesses that were questioned stated that they saw an unknown black male leaving the residence carrying items from within, and driving away from the complex in a late model sedan.
OPD would not release how many times Boyd was shot, or what type of weapon was used.
No further information is available at this time. Check back for updates.
If you have any information about this crime, 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.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 should be available for purchase by April 10, 2015.
But is the phone really worth pre-ordering before even testing it?
Many cell phone enthusiasts say no, while others cannot wait to get their hands on the sleek design.
The Galaxy S6 has been dubbed as the iPhone 6 copy. Why? Well, because with the Galaxy S6, much like the iPhone, it does not have an external microSD card slot and the battery is non-removable. The body design is also very similar.
Both sides of the Galaxy S6 are glass and encased in an aluminum alloy bow. Samsung even tops itself with a double curve-screen variant, the Galaxy S6 Edge.
In the past, Samsung has slammed the iPhone for not having the capability of memory expansion. In fact, Samsung built an entire television campaign around it. But now, Samsung has abandoned that though process.
And as it turns out, this change was all about money.
Apple makes much of its money from the iphone by forcing consumers to buy a more expensive phone with a greater memory capacity.
Samsung has followed that concept.
Instead of purchasing a Galaxy S6 at say $400, and then buying a $30.00 microSD card; consumers will now spend a lot more for the phone.
Samsung will offer the Galaxy S6 in 32, 64 and 128GB variants, which is rumored to come with a hefty price tag.
Samsung Galaxy S6 variants: (Prices may vary)
Samsung Galaxy S6 32 GB – $679
Samsung Galaxy S6 64 GB – $759
Samsung Galaxy S6 128 GB – $859
The Battery
In addition to the battery not being removable, it is also smaller; it’s only 2550mAh, compared to the 2800mAh of the phone from last year.
So, unless Samsung has figured out a way to increase the performance of the phone without draining battery power, the phone will not stay charged as long. And without the capability of removing the battery, has Samsung figured out a way to keep the phone from “freezing?”
Samsung claims it has. Samsung representatives also claim the new Galaxy S6 is more powerful than some laptops and that it offers a more powerful gaming experience for those that play games from their phone.
Recharging Reinvented
Samsung says the Galaxy S6 meets the new standard in charging; with a Fast Charge for 10-minutes to get up to 4-hours of use. Or, charge wirelessly for 100 percent of the charge with zero percent outlet.
Other features
Only time will tell if the Galaxy S6 will live up to the masterpiece Samsung says it is.
Be sure and check out the video for in-depth detail on the Galaxy S6 features. You can also view some pre-order details here.
On the release date, the lines are sure to be long.
Ocklawaha, Florida — At approximately 6:00 a.m., on Friday, Marion County Fire Rescue — E4 and R4 — received a call in reference to a car accident with entrapment.
The single vehicle accident happened on County Road 314a near Winn Dixie.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the driver, John Carl Blanchard, 68, unconscious and trapped in the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria.
The vehicle had been severely crushed.
Extrication using advanced equipment was performed, and in seven minutes, the trapped individual was freed.
Blanchard was then transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
According to reports, the vehicle was traveling southbound on County Road 314a when it veered off the roadway and traveled onto the west grassy shoulder. The vehicle then struck several large trees.
Miraculously, Blanchard survived the crash. FHP said his seat belt most definitely prevented him from being ejected from the car.
Ocala, Florida — A trauma surgeon on contract with Ocala Regional Medical Center was robbed of $130,000 in surgical equipment during the early morning hours on Wednesday.
Doctor Samuel Gerard Agnew told police that, around midnight, on Wednesday, he placed five trays of highly specialized surgical equipment valued at $130,000 in his Hummer H3. Agnew said he then used his key fob to lock the doors.
Agnew said the surgical equipment was for a surgery scheduled at 8:30 a.m.
Right before the surgery, Agnew realized the equipment had been stolen from his vehicle while parked at the Ocala Hilton, where Agnew has been staying for the past year while contracted with ORMC. Also taken were two survival knives and a paper shredder.
According to reports, it was later determined that the batteries in Agnew’s key fob were dead, therefore his vehicle doors never locked.
The doctor was able to complete the surgery using other equipment.
Police are hoping fingerprints and DNA swabs taken from the vehicle will provide some leads.
According to reports, Hilton Ocala does not have security cameras in its parking lot.
If you have any information about this crime, 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.
Ocala, Florida — Two gun toting robbers held up the Dollar General store located at 1111 West Silver Springs Boulevard Thursday morning.
At approximately 11:00 a.m, two young black male suspects entered the store, pointed handguns at the clerks, and demanded money.
The clerks gave an undetermined amount of money to the suspects and they fled the scene.
They were seen running southbound from the store, across SR 40, and possibly got onto bicycles and pedalled eastbound.
According to police, the suspects are believed to be between the ages of 16 and 20.
There were no shots fired and no one was injured during the robbery
Anyone with information on the identities and or location of the suspects is asked to contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000; tips may also be submitted through our mobile app, MyPD, where you may choose to remain anonymous if you wish. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Marion County at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com, 352-368-STOP(7867), or by texting keyword 368STOP to 274637.
Ocala, Florida — At approximately 2:39 a.m., Ocala Police responded to Parkside Garden Apartments, located at 621 Northwest 2nd Street, in reference to an unresponsive baby.
According to reports, when police arrived they found 3-month-old Taliya Richardson unresponsive. Police performed CPR on the child until EMS could arrive and transport Richardson to Munroe Regional Medical Center.
Richardson’s mother, Tyecka Evans, 28, told police that she had been in the living room and awoke to find that her baby was not breathing. The mother stated that her baby had crawled over a pillow and put her face into a plastic bag.
According to reports, Evans called her aunt and told her that “something was wrong with the baby and she (her aunt) needed to come right away.”
The aunt stated that when she arrived, the baby was not breathing, so she started CPR. She said that Evans had already called 911, but she told Evans to call a second time.
The aunt also told police that there was blood on the baby’s face when she arrived at the apartment.
Baby Richardson was pronounced deceased at 3:06 a.m.
The Department of Children and Families was notified due to other children being in the home. Child protection investigators arrived a short time later.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
No further information is available at this time.
If you have any information about this case, 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.
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man shot himself in the head Tuesday, just hours after he was released from jail on domestic battery charges.
The incident occurred in the 2100 block of Southeast 3rd Street, Ocala.
Ocala Police said Edgar Phillips, 41, was arrested on Monday, March 23, and charged with Domestic Battery for striking his girlfriend during a verbal argument. He was also charged with Obstruction of Justice/Intimidating Witness/Depriving the Victim of the Ability to Call for Help.
The couple was arguing over the fact that the girlfriend had just found out Phillips was married. She had also just learned that Phillips was a meth addict.
According to reports, the couple had only been dating since December 2014, and she had not permanently moved into his home. She told police she had stayed with him a few times as a trial.
On Tuesday, the girlfriend received a phone call from an officer at the Marion County Jail, who told her that Phillips would be released sometime Tuesday afternoon, but as a condition of his bond he could not return home if she was going to be there.
According to reports, after hearing this, the girlfriend began packing her belongings.
The girlfriend told police that a few hours later Phillips arrived home while she was still there. She said he walked into the house and demanded $2,500 and his wallet. She said she assumed the bail bondsman had driven Phillips home, and thought that was why he needed the money.
According to reports, Phillips then left in his Jeep.
Just prior to the girlfriend calling police, Phillips returned.
When he entered the house he headed straight for the couple’s bedroom and began looking through a briefcase. The girlfriend then asked Phillips what he was looking for. To which Phillips replied, “The gun.”
The girlfriend told police that out of instinct she grabbed her purse because that is where she had hidden the gun.
Phillips then snatched the purse from her and pulled out the gun.
The girlfriend said Phillips then put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger, at which time he fell to the floor.
During a search of the house police found a plastic container filled with methamphetamine, a money counting machine, various scales, a mortar and pestle, and a meth lab in the basement.
HAZMAT was notified and the area was clear by early Wednesday morning.
Ocala, Florida — On Wednesday, at approximately 1 a.m., the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to a shooting at 8810 Southeast 88th Place in Silver Springs Shores.
Upon arrival, deputies found Robert J. Wilson, 30, deceased. He had been shot multiple times.
Detectives on scene said it appeared to be a home invasion, but would not discuss details.
Witnesses said the suspect(s) made entry into the home and fired multiple rounds inside the residence.
According to a Facebook post by a relative who was inside the home, four black males busted into the home and just opened fire on Wilson.
Wilson leaves behind three young children — a son and two daughters.
MCSO’s Major Crimes and Tactical Investigation Unit detectives are still in the early stages of this investigation.
According to reports, MCSO evidence technicians will spend today processing the scene while detectives contact witnesses in an attempt to develop a suspect in the case.
If anyone has information, 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.
Allyson Rountree [left] and Chad Cowart [Click photo to enlarge]Ocala, Florida — A man and a women were arrested after switching seats during a traffic stop in the 1700 block of Southwest SR 200.
According to reports, Ocala police officer William Joedicke, saw a gold Chevy SUV traveling eastbound on SR 200 at approximately 3 a.m. without its headlights on.
The officer activated his lights and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, at which time it turned onto Southwest 20th Street and came to an abrupt stop.
Officer Joedicke reported that he saw the vehicle shaking and saw the driver, later identified as Chad Cowart, 23, switch seats with a rear passenger, identified as Allyson Rountree, 22.
The officer immediately asked Rountree to exit the vehicle and asked why she had switched seats. Rountree stated that she did it because Cowart did not have a valid driver’s license.
According to reports, the officer then removed Cowart from the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs. While doing so, Officer Joedicke said he could smell freshly burnt marijuana in the SUV.
The front passenger, Calvin W. Turner, 25, told the officer that the three of them had just smoked some weed, but it was all gone.
When Cowart was questioned about the marijuana, he said he didn’t know anything about it, but thought Turner was in possession of some. When asked why he switched seats, Cowart replied, “I switched seats because I didn’t want to get in trouble for driving without a license.”
When Rountree was questioned, she told the officer that Cowart had a sandwich bag with marijuana in it, but didn’t know where it was.
According to reports, the officer saw Rountree’s purse in the backseat and asked if he could search it, which Rountree agreed.
The officer found an eyeglass case with two syringes that contained a light brown liquid, two plastic baggies with white powder, a glass vial containing liquid, a spoon, and a piece of cotton.
Additionally, a baggie of marijuana was found in the gas tank compartment of the vehicle.
Rountree told the officer that she had taken the items from a friend’s house because she didn’t want to leave them behind for her friend.
Rountree was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Oxycodone without a Prescription, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (x3). She was released on $10,000 bond.
Turner was not arrested. However, he has an extensive criminal history and was just released from jail in December after serving a year sentence.
Cowart was arrested and charged with Driving with a Suspended License. He was released on $1,000 bond. He has previous arrests for Battery, Grand Theft, Fraud, Dealing in Stolen Property, Failure to Accept Citation for Violating Animal Conservation Laws (x2), Violation of Probation, Possession of Suboxone without a Prescription, Possession of Buprenorphine (A Semi-synthetic Opioid), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
No one in the vehicle was charged with the marijuana.
Orlando, Florida — An Orlando police officer was arrested and charged with felony battery Tuesday following allegations that he had used excessive force on a handcuffed man.
It all started in August 2014, when Robert Liese was at Underground Public House, located at 19 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, having some drinks with friends.
According to reports, Liese had several Jack and Cokes totaling $60 when the bartender demanded the tab be paid before any other drinks would be served. Liese then told the bartender that the friend who had invited him was “picking up” the tab. However, Liese’s friend had gone to use the restroom and didn’t return.
Liese told the bartender that since his friend had the money, he could not pay the tab. The bartender then called police.
That is when Orlando Police Officer Peter Delio arrived and the situation “went south.”
In his report, Officer Delio reported he was being nice to Liese and using words like “sir.” Officer Delio wrote in his report: “I asked him, ‘Man, are you going to pay this tab or what?’ To which Liese replied, ‘No, my friends had the money.’”
Officer Delio wrote, “As I spoke with Liese inside the bar, I was able to detect the strong odor of alcohol impurities coming from his person.”
Officer Delio then escorted Liese outside. When Liese didn’t get in the police car fast enough, Officer Delio said, “Look, I don’t have time for this s**t.” Officer Delio then delivered a kick to Liese’s abdomen.
Once at the jail, Officer Delio did not report to anyone that he had kicked Liese in the stomach, not even after Liese had attempted to tell jail employees he was in pain.
Agitated and in pain, Liese demanded an attorney and then busted a window with his head.
Officer Delio then entered the room and delivered what the chief of police called a standard “knee strike” to Liese’s abdomen for a second time.
At no point in Officer Delio’s report did he mention that he had kicked and kneed Liese in the stomach. In the video, Officer Delio can be heard telling Liese to “stop resisting,” which Liese’s attorney said is a term commonly taught in the police academy. The term is often used by officers so they can be heard on audio stating “stop resisting” if a camera is not present.
Officer Delio reported the following happened at the jail:
“Upon arrival Liese continued his aggressive behavior. Once Liese was placed into a interview processing room, he continued to act strange making comments to officers as he was placed into the interview processing room. Once inside Liese then walked up to the window on the door and head butted the glass. As a result of head butting the window, the window broke into numerous pieces. The window broken by Liese is a piece of safety glass, with metal safety wire reinforcing the glass, measuring approximately 10″ x 10″ and approximately ¼” thick.
Damage to the window is estimated at approximately $500.Liese was later transported to Florida South Hospital for medical treatment. Florida South Hospital medical personnel determined for him to be transported to ORMC for further evaluation. The determination of medical staff was for him to be admitted for further treatment.”
Liese was on the floor of the jail cell for two hours before medics were called. And even after medics arrived, officers did not tell them Liese had been hit in the stomach. Instead, officers told medics that Liese was complaining of a headache and chest pain.
What had actually happened was that Liese’s spleen had ruptured, and he was dying on the floor of the cell. Liese’s doctors said that if he had gone another hour without medical treatment, he would have died.
Liese’s attorney, Bill Ruffier, said, “It’s outrageous that police did not direct medics to his abdomen, but instead said he was complaining of a headache and chest pain.”
In February, when the investigation was made public, Orlando Chief of Police John W. Mina said, “Excessive force of any kind or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and the discipline will be severe.”
How severe? Officer Delio was verbally reprimanded and suspended for a week with pay. He was back on the job at the end of that week.
It was not until the Florida Department of Law Enforcement stepped in and filed formal charges against Officer Delio.
A closer look at Officer Delio’s file revealed that he has a habit of excessive force and falsifying reports. In March 2014, Officer Delio snatched law abiding citizen Alberto Troche’s cell phone out of his hand while he was recording an arrest being made by another officer. Officer Delio then arrested Troche. Officer Delio wrote in his report that Troche resisted arrest and refused to relinquish his phone.
In both cases Officer Delio falsified his reports, which did not match up with the video that later surfaced.
Troche’s attorney, Marc Jones, said, “Officer Delio had no right to order anyone to stop taking pictures on a public street or to take Troche’s phone.”
Troche’s attorney said it was even more disturbing that other officers could be heard in the video threatening to take cell phones and arrest anyone that recorded them.
“Loss of personal liberty is a serious thing, and being arrested for legal conduct is just plain wrong,” said Jones.
In both cases, the attorneys said law enforcement officers had better wake up and stop violating citizens’ constitutional rights, especially those who have not committed any crime.
Troche sued the Orlando Police department and won.
In Liese’s case, Officer Delio was relieved of duty with pay, despite being arrested and charged with Felony Battery. He posted a $2,500 bond Tuesday morning.
Liese’s attorney said in both instances, if cameras had not been present, Officer Delio’s reports would have been treated as truthful testimony written under oath.
OPD is also not new to corruption. Ocala Post reported on a case in November in which a different OPD officer assaulted a handcuffed ex-military police officer and then falsified his report.
State waters off the coast of Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties will open to recreational harvest of gag grouper starting April 1, 2015.
This regional season will remain open through June 30, with the first day of the closure being July 1. The season also includes all waters of Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass, including those in Gulf County, and all waters of the Steinhatchee River, including those in Dixie County.
Gag grouper caught in state Gulf waters (from shore to 9 nautical miles out) off the four counties can be landed on the Gulf County side of Indian Pass and the Dixie County side of the Steinhatchee River, but may not be taken ashore in other areas that are closed to harvest. For example, a gag grouper caught April 1, in state waters off Jefferson County cannot be taken ashore in Levy County or parts of Dixie County outside of the Steinhatchee River.
To see maps of these areas, go to MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Grouper.”
In the remainder of Gulf of Mexico state waters, anglers will be able to keep gag grouper from July 1, through Dec. 3, with the season closing Dec. 4. State waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties will not be open during the July-through-December season. Monroe County state waters follow Atlantic grouper rules.
The season in all federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico also opens July 1, but closes Dec. 3, with the last day of harvest being Dec. 2.
In the Gulf, the gag grouper recreational harvest minimum size limit is 22 inches total length and the bag limit is two gag grouper per person. Recreational anglers targeting groupers in the Gulf may harvest no more than four grouper per person per day (within this four-fish limit, anglers may keep only two gag grouper).
Ocala, Florida — At approximately 6:50 a.m., Ocala Police received a 911 call in reference to a suspicious package outside of 128 Southwest Broadway Street.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with a City Park Ranger who had located the package.
The package was a box that contained batteries and wires.
The area was immediately evacuated and the Marion County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad was called out.
The Bomb Squad assessed the situation and conducted a controlled disposal of the device. The threat was eliminated and those evacuated were allowed to return at approximately 8:45 a.m.
According to reports, the suspicious device itself was evaluated by the MCSO Bomb Squad and found to be a fake.
The bomb threat that was made against the Paddock Mall, located at 3100 SW College Road, in which a caller stated that several devices had been placed, also turned out to be a hoax.
The caller threatened to kill “every single f***ing person at the mall” including police officers. The caller also indicated that he hated the government.
At approximately 1:10 p.m., authorities announced the mall would be re-opening shortly.
Investigators do not know if the two incidents are related.
Kristi J. Musick [left] and Chad A. Miller. [Deceased]Ocala, Florida — On Monday, at approximately 4:51 a.m, Ocala Police received a call about a homicide at 1032 NE 32nd Terrace, Ocala.
According to reports, when officers responded to the scene they found a broken window and could see at least one person lying on the floor.
Officers then made entry to the residence, at which time they found two victims, later identified as, Chad Alan Miller, 38, and Kristi J. Musick, 44.
Both had suffered gunshot wounds to the head and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to Ocala Police Department public information officer Sgt. Angy Scroble, preliminary investigations indicate that Miller shot Musick then turned the gun on himself.
According to police, Miller and Musick lived together in the home located in County Estates.
“Based on the canvas of the neighborhood here there was some sort of a disagreement or argument in the early morning hours, but I don’t know the nature of it and that’s really as much as I’ve been told,” Sgt . Scroble said.
Prior to the shooting, witnesses said they heard tires squealing, and that there was a woman running from the home crying. Witnesses said a man from inside the home then coerced the woman into reentering the home.
Friends and family of the couple said they were completely shocked and heartbroken over the tragic situation.
The couple was described as loving, kind, and very upbeat. They had also posted what seemed to be happy and loving photos on Facebook several hours prior to the shooting.
According to police, their three children from previous relationships were not home at the time of the shooting.
