Jason Derfuss saved by his text books [Click on photo to enlarge]Tallahassee, Florida — Panic swept through the Florida State University library Thursday when a rampaging gunman shot three people before being killed in a hail of police bullets, police said.
The library was packed with students, who were cramming for final exams.
More than 300 students scrambled for exits or ducked for cover when the shooting began at Strozier Library. Officers responding to 911 calls confronted the gunman and ordered him to drop his weapon, Tallahassee Police spokesman Dave Northway said.
FSU shooter, Myron May [Deceased]The shooter, Myron May, who graduated from Florida State before attending Texas Tech University’s law school, is said to have been having financial trouble.
His Facebook page showed he was anti-government. May, as do millions of people, also believed that Google conspires with the FBI in spying tactics. He also thought the government was using synthetic mind reading technology.
Police said it appears that May was physiologically disturbed, but said they have no idea why he chose to open fire in the FSU library.
One victim was hospitalized in critical condition and another in good condition, a spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare said. A third person was grazed by a bullet and was treated at the scene and released.
Student Jason Derfuss said he had just left the library after checking out a few books he needed for some research. He said as he was walking away, he heard the shooter fire his gun behind him. Derfuss said he didn’t want to face the fact it was a gun being fired behind him, but turned around and saw the shooter fire at two people. Derfuss said he then took off running.
Derfuss did not realize he was a target until he had returned to his dorm room and found a bullet hole in his backpack. The books that he had checked out moments earlier saved his life. The pictures taken by Derfuss clearly show the bullet markings and the path it took after being fired at him.
Bullet in Derfuss’ backpack and the book the bullet struck.
May fired more than 30 rounds during his shooting spree.
According to police, between 50 and 70 officers responded to the scene. When May exited the building, he opened fire on police. Police then returned fire, and May was killed.
Police said it could take days to piece all the facts together in this case.
Despite the tragedy, some used it as an opportunity to crack jokes at the football team via social media.
Marisa Martin, an intern reporter for ESPNU Campus Connection, committed career suicide early Thursday morning after she made a horribly inappropriate comment about the shooting incident at Florida State University.
She tweeted: “Reported gunman on the FSU campus. Maybe he is heading for Jameis,” a reference to Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston. When criticized by other Twitter users for her comment, she defended her Tweet: “Since apparently I can’t make a joke, in all seriousness, I hope everyone at FSU is safe & that the gunman is found. But I stand by my opinions.”
After taking heavy fire, Martin later deleted her Twitter account and, via the Alabama Campus Connection Twitter feed, claimed that her account had been hacked while also issuing an apology.
Sports analyst, Brandon Wilson, said, “I think it’s horrible that people on social media are making anti-FSU and Jameis Winston jokes after the Florida State shooting. Your hatred of a football team shouldn’t matter when something this serious happens.”
In a statement, FSU President John Thrasher said the shooting was established as an isolated incident.
“The Florida State University community is extremely saddened by the shootings that took place early this morning at Strozier Library, in the very heart of campus,” Thrasher said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who have been affected… we are increasing security measures and providing a strong law enforcement presence on and around campus today.”
The university’s counseling center is providing support for students, faculty and staff. Anyone in need of services should contact the center at 850-644-2003.
[Click to enlarge]Ocala, Florida — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash, which occurred on southbound Interstate 75 (I-75) in the area of the 341/342 mile marker.
One man seriously injured and a man and woman were killed in the accident.
According to FHP, a semi was in the northbound outside lane on I-75 when one of the front tires blew out, causing the driver to lose control.
[Click photo to enlarge]An FHP spokesperson said the semi crashed though a guardrail, went through the median, and into the path of southbound traffic. The semi then smashed into a pickup truck in the inside lane, killing both the driver and passenger of the pickup.
The semi driver, James Philip Handley, 68, of Orlando was thrown from the semi. He was taken to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. Kenneth Lee Cohan, 53, and his wife, Jay Anna Cohan, 63, of Long Key, were driving the pickup truck. They were pronounced deceased at the scene.
All three southbound lanes were blocked for six hours while traffic was directed off the interstate at Exit 341, which is the County Road 484 Belleview exit. Traffic was backed up for eight miles.
All lanes of traffic reopened shortly after 3 p.m.
Ocala, Florida — A mother is without her son today after he was struck on his scooter by a speeding vehicle.
The Florida Highway Patrol and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, need the public’s assistance in finding an individual involved in the fatal hit-and-run crash.
At approximately 10:25 p.m., on November 19, 2014, a 2014 maroon Nissan Maxima was traveling northbound on NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala at a high rate of speed. A second vehicle, a 2010 Bash scooter, driven by 20-year-old Dylan S. Bryant, was also traveling northbound in front of the Maxima.
According to a witness, as the Maxima approached Bryant at a high rate of speed at the intersection of County Road 329, it didn’t slow down and slammed into the back of the scooter. Bryant was thrown from the scooter and the Maxima ran him over. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The scooter went airborne for approximately 50 yards, hit a chain-link fence, then burst into flames.
The Maxima tried to speed off, but veered onto the east shoulder, struck a fence, and flipped. The driver then exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
Marion County Sheriff’s K-9 units and air patrol searched the area, but could not locate the driver of the Maxima.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy saw the Maxima speeding, but by the time he turned around, the Maxima had already hit the scooter.
According to FHP, Dylan’s mother drove up on the accident scene after she went looking for him.
FHP investigators said the Maxima is a rental registered out of Orlando. Investigators will be contacting the rental company.
If anyone has information about the crash or knows the driver/occupants of the Maxima, you can call the FHP at 325-732-1260, ext. 236, *FHP, or Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP. You can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
FHP is asking for everyone to share this information on social media.
Ernesto McCloud [Mugshot]Davenport, Florida — A Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy resigned from his job after it was determined he stole from a business.
Deputy Ernesto McCloud, 28, of Lakeland, was arrested and charged with Petit Theft and Armed Burglary.
According to the arrest affidavit, deputies responded to assist the Davenport Police Department on an alarm call at the Mystic convenience store located at 304 U.S. Highway 17-92 in Davenport.
McCloud was the first deputy to arrive as back-up.
During the investigation, Davenport Police retrieved video surveillance from the store. While reviewing the footage, officers saw McCloud removing a DVD from the store post-burglary — hiding it in his uniform.
According to reports, after conducting a security check of the store, McCloud took it upon himself to walk behind the sales counter. The video showed McCloud standing over merchandise that had been thrown to the floor during the burglary. He bent over, picked up a DVD, and stuffed it in his uniform shirt.
During questioning, McCloud admitted to taking a DVD and placing it underneath his body armor. He said he took it because he had never seen it before.
He was charged with Armed Burglary because he was wearing his service weapon at the time he stole the DVD.
McCloud threw away his career for a DVD valued at $10.00.
McCloud was originally hired as a corrections officer, but was later hired as a deputy. He has worked for the PCSO for nearly five years.
His photo was released to Ocala Post. The PCSO said unlike some agencies in Florida, they do not allow deputies to hide behind their badge after they have committed a crime.
“This behavior is atrocious and will not be tolerated by our agency. We are all disgusted by his behavior and he is now in jail where he belongs. Ernesto McCloud said it best himself – he threw away a career for a $10 DVD,” Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd said. “McCloud resigned effective immediately upon his arrest, and would have been terminated had he not resigned.”
80 Ft Rd crash Bartow, Florida. [Click on photo to enlarge]Bartow, Florida — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to an overturned vehicle found near the 1000 block of 80 Foot Road, Bartow.
When first responders arrived on-scene, they discovered that a woman had been crushed beneath an overturned 2000 silver Chevrolet Tahoe.
According to investigators, it appeared the crash occurred sometime after 1:00 a.m. on November 16, 2014, a few hours before it was discovered.
The vehicle had been heading northbound on 80 Foot Road when, for unknown reasons, the driver’s side wheels drifted off the left (west) side of the roadway and then the SUV came back across the road in a northeasterly direction, rotating several times, leaving the right (east) side of the road, hitting a small stand of trees, and then rolling over, ending up on its roof. The SUV came to a final rest near the intersection with Lake Ann School Road.
The driver, identified as 39-year-old Amanda Sue Reedy, of 6066 Citrus Highlands Court, Bartow, had been partially ejected out of the driver’s side window and was crushed underneath the SUV. She was declared deceased on-scene.
Investigators said there were not any other occupants of the vehicle.
Reedy was not wearing her seatbelt.
The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours during the investigation.
If you have any information about this crash, you are asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6217.
Orlando, Florida — Are you ready for the biggest and literally the tallest thrill of your life?
In 2017, Orlando’s skyline will be forever changed as The Skyscraper will dominate as the world’s tallest roller coaster. Beginning next year, it will be built on International Drive not far from Universal Orlando as part of a $250 million complex called Skyplex. It’s an indoor arcade and theme park that will also feature restaurants and nightclubs.
The four-minute coaster will twist around a tower that includes an observation deck 535 feet above the ground, accessible via glass elevators, where tourists can look out and watch fireworks every night.
Tonight a hard freeze warning is in effect for Marion, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Volusia counties.
The freeze warning is in effect for Marion County until Thursday at 10 a.m.
The National Weather Service has indicated temperatures will range from 25 to 37 degrees for at least 6-hours.
Appropriate action should be taken to protect pipes, vegetation, and pets. If you are unable to wrap your pipes, it is best to leave your water dripping from the faucet.
Children, the elderly, and the homeless are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures.
Looks like it is going to be another cold morning.
Robert S. Parker [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — An Ocala woman refused to provide a written statement or seek medical treatment after being punched in the face by her boyfriend.
Robert Stanley Parker, 20, was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery and Possession of Marijuana, after Ocala police responded to a domestic disturbance call.
According to reports, Parker stated he and his girlfriend were arguing when she threw a bottle of car wash and hit him in the face.
According to witnesses, Parker then punched his girlfriend in the face with a closed fist, and then punched her in the arm.
While Parker was being handcuffed, he told police he had a baggie of marijuana in his pocket.
During questioning, Parker told police he didn’t want his girlfriend to be arrested for hitting him with a bottle of car detailing soap.
Parker was released on $750.00 bond and has returned home to his girlfriend.
Parker has previous arrests for Possession of Cocaine, Burglary, Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, and Violation of Probation.
Michael Dean [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — A charge of petit theft leads to a felony arrest after a man stole a $14.99 pair of sunglasses.
Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy, Tiffany Warren, responded to the Pilot at 4032 NW Highway 326 after the manager called and reported a theft had taken place. The manger provided dispatchers with the description of the suspect since he had left the store.
Deputy Warren located a man, later identified as Michael Dean, 41, under the I-75 overpass on a bright orange bicycle. Dean immediately approached the deputy and stated, “I gave the sunglasses back.”
Dean was detained for questioning.
The store manager told the deputy that dean came in, bought a beer, then shoved sunglasses into the bag with the beer. He was followed out of the store and confronted, at which time he gave the sunglasses back.
According to reports, Dean did not understand why he was being detained for questioning since he gave the sunglasses back. The deputy advised that because he walked out of the store with the merchandise it was considered theft.
During questioning, Dean told the deputy he was homeless. A background check revealed Dean was convicted of child molestation in California. He had failed to register as a sex offender when he moved to Ocala earlier in the year.
Dean also has prior arrests in Hillsborough and Okaloosa counties for theft.
Dean was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. He was charged with Petit Theft and Failure to Register as a Sex offender (F).
He is being held on $27,000 bond.
His orange bike was left for a friend under I-75 at the request of Dean.
El Cajon, California — A Southern California man is behind bars after he stabbed a man during a job interview Monday afternoon.
El Cajon police say the applicant, Jose Lopez, showed up drunk to a job interview at 207 South Sunshine Avenue.
When the business owner smelled alcohol on Lopez’s breath, he confronted him about it.
According to police, Lopez became angry and then got physical. Lopez began to fight with the business owner, but when the boss got the upper hand and put the suspect in a headlock, Lopez stabbed him in the arm.
Lopez then fled the scene, leaving behind one very important piece of evidence…his job application.
The victim provided police with the application that listed the suspect’s name, which they used to find his address.
Police located Lopez at his home later that day. He was arrested and charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
The victim was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for a minor stab wound and released.
Needless to say, Lopez did not get the job and now knows the answer to the question: Where do you see yourself in five years?
West Palm Beach, Florida — A West Palm Beach mother of a child with Down Syndrome said her friend received an invitation in the mail to a nonprofit event for handicap children, but was upset at the way the address label appeared.
The envelope was addressed to “Friends of the Retarded.”
The invitation actually came from Seagull Industries, of West Palm Beach, a company that has been helping children with disabilities for 35 years.
Seagull Industries’ Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Nurenberg, said the envelope was addressed to a company that actually used to exist. According to Nurenberg, “Friends of the Retarded” was in business from 1976 to 2006, and was also in the business of helping disabled children.
Nurenberg said Seagull Industries used to do business with them and somehow their address was still on Seagulls’ mailing list.
Seagull Industries said it was a honest mistake and issued their sincerest apologies to the mother.
Nurenberg said the organization is updating their mailing software and the address will be removed from their database.
Jamie Thalgott [Mugshot]Summerfield, Florida— It was a sticky situation when more evidence was discovered after a woman who stole from Walmart was being booked into the Marion County Jail.
Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy, Gregory Snodgrass, responded to the Walmart in Summerfield on November 15, 2014, in reference to a theft.
Store security witnessed Jamie S. Thalgott, 22, remove the merchandise from store shelves and place them in her purse. Security cameras also captured the woman entering a bathroom, then exiting the bathroom, and placing the purse on the bottom of her friend’s shopping cart.
After her friend paid for her groceries, Thalgott exited the store without paying for the items she had placed in her purse.
Upon questioning, Thalgott admitted to stealing the merchandise.
While Thalgott was being processed at the jail, a cell phone charger was discovered during the X-ray portion of the booking procedure.
According to reports, the X-ray showed Thalgott had inserted the cell phone charger into her vagina. A second cell phone charger was discovered in her shoe.
She stated that she removed the items from the packaging in the women’s bathroom at the store.
According to reports, Thalgott was asked several times before being booked if she had any other items in her possession. Each time she was asked, she stated, “No.”
Thalgott was charged with Retail theft and Tampering with Evidence.
According to the police report, all items recovered were returned to Walmart.
Drekari Kinsler [Mugshot]Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man was finally caught after an arrest warrant was issued on November 8, 2014, for beating a pregnant woman.
On November 8, 2014, Ocala Police responded to Ocala Regional Medical Center in reference to a battery on a woman who was eight-month pregnant.
The victim advised police that she was involved in a physical altercation with the father of her unborn child.
The victim stated that Drekari Kinsler, 22, was supposed to go grocery shopping and then furniture shopping for the baby with her. She stated that after a few hours, when Kinsler didn’t show up at her home, she began texting and calling him.
According to the victim, Kinsler was to arrive at her home at 7 p.m., but didn’t show up until 3 a.m.
She told police that when she questioned where he had been, he became angry and started yelling at her.
According to reports, Kinsler balled up his fist and began punching the victim in the face. He then wrapped both hands around her neck and attempted to strangle her.
The victim told police she lost consciousness for a brief moment while Kinsler was strangling her, then fell over a clothes hamper.
After she fell, Kinsler began punching the victim while she was on the ground.
Kinsler then fled the area.
The victim told police that this was not the first time Kinsler had been physical with her. The victim said Kinsler always blames his aggression on her, and that he says she causes him to become physical.
Kinsler was arrested on November 14, 2014, and charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Woman (f) and Domestic Battery by Strangulation (f). He was released from jail a few hours later on $7,000 bond.
Kinsler was previously arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription.
The victim and her unborn child are expected to be okay.
Florida — Ocala Post has received e-mails from out-of-town visitors asking if it is legal to drive with a vehicle’s hazard lights enabled. In light of this question, here are just a few tips on driving in the rain in Florida.
Some residents that have lived in Florida their entire lives could also benefit from this.
This information was verified with the Florida Highway Patrol.
The tornado watch is in effect until 9 p.m. The thunderstorm warning is in effect until 3:30 p.m.
Some media outlets have reported that the tornado watch expires at 8 p.m., however, the National Weather Service confirmed with Ocala Post that the tornado watch is in fact in effect until 9 p.m.
This thunderstorm will produce lightning and is capable of producing damaging winds of 60 MPH. Be sure to secure any loose yard debris or lawn furniture.
Belleview, Florida — Florida Kids Helping Kids is having a Holiday Fall Festival on Thursday, November 20th through November 23rd.
Florida Kids Helping Kids is a non-profit organization that is operated solely by volunteers, and the organization is completely dependent upon donations.
If you would like to volunteer at an event follow this link, http://florida-kids-helping-kids.com/volunteer-signup/.
LOUISVILLE, KY – OCTOBER 30: Jameis Winston #5 of the Florida State Seminoles passes the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the game at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on October 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. Florida State defeated Louisville 42-31. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The Florida State Seminoles were able to pull through again. This time the Seminoles rallied from being down 16 points. For the fifth time this season, the Seminoles trailed at halftime and again halftime adjustments were key in the Seminoles comeback.
This comeback meant a little more this time around as they were able to beat their in-state rivals, the Miami Hurricanes; extending the winning streak to five against Miami and their overall streak to 26 straight games.
Four points ended up being the difference in the game as Florida State won 30-26. Miami had four crucial points taken from them. Miami had an extra point blocked and also missed a 29 yard field goal.
While missed opportunities hurt Miami, luck was on Florida State’s side when a 3rd and goal pass was tipped and fell right into the arms of running back Karlos Williams, who ran it in for a 11 yard touchdown reception.
Florida State clinched the ACC’s Atlantic Division after a Clemson loss earlier in the season.
Florida State’s last two games remaining on their schedule are against Boston College and Florida, both games being played in Tallahassee.
The Colts fell to the Raiders 16-12, in a game that came down to North Marion’s final drive.
The Colts final drive began on their own 33 yard line, and finished at the Raiders 38 yard line when North Marion quarterback, Caleb Seiler, was intercepted with 18.3 seconds left. Seiler finished the game with 23 completions on 35 attempts for 326 passing yards. Freddie Swain caught 10 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns, with Jack Reed catching 9 passes for 154 yards. Colts running back, James Allen, had 139 rushing yards on 24 carries.
Vanguard at Sunlake
Vanguard also lost in the opening round of the playoffs as they lost to the Sunlake Seahawks 24-6. Turnovers were key in the Knights loss; they turned the ball over three times compared to the Seahawks, who had zero turnovers. The Knights’ defense couldn’t get off the field on third downs, allowing the Seahawks to convert several third down conversions. Knights quarterback N’Kosi Perry completed 17 passes on 26 attempts and was constantly under pressure suffering five sacks.
Providence at Trinity Catholic
The Celtics were the only Ocala team to win in the opening playoffs; defeating Providence 49-14, setting up a rematch against the defending Class 3A state champions, Trinity Christian. Trinity Christian was able to pull off the victory against the Celtics last year in Jacksonville. This year, Trinity Christian will play at Celtic Field. Celtics senior Quandre Woods scored three rushing touchdowns. Woods was filling in for the suspended London Gaskin, who is easily Trinity’s most explosive playmaker.
