YUMA, Ariz. – On Thursday, July 18, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Yuma special agents arrested Alejandro Escobar-Rivera, 51, and seized 221.22 lbs. of…READ MORE
Driver injured in Pine Avenue crash has died, additional charges could be filed
Ocala Police Department Traffic Unit Supervisor, Eric Hooper, told Ocala Post that the investigation is ongoing and no additional charges have been filed against Hudson at this time.
The outcome of the investigation will determine if additional charges should be filed.
Authorities say that Hudson, with no license or insurance, should have never been behind the wheel of a vehicle.
ORIGINAL STORY
A driver who was trapped inside a vehicle had to be extricated Tuesday following a two-vehicle crash in the 500 block of South Pine Avenue.
At approximately 4:42 p.m., Ocala Fire Rescue responded to reports of a crash involving injury.
Engine 1, Engine 3, Rescue 3, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer were the first to arrive at the scene.
Upon arrival, first responders observed a collision involving two compact vehicles — one red and one gray.
Each vehicle had one occupant inside.
Using hydraulic extrication tools, crews removed the front passenger’s side door of the red vehicle to gain access to the patient. Cutting the vehicle posts allowed for roof removal, and safe extrication of the driver.
The driver, whose name is not known at this time, was trauma alerted to a local hospital.
The driver of the gray vehicle, Mikala Hudson, from Gainesville, did not suffer any injuries. She was arrested and charged with Driving with a Suspended License.
She smiled for her mugshot as she was being booked into the Marion County Jail.
We want to hear from you. If Hudson is found at fault, should she face additional charges?
Thieves steal guns from Ocala Rural King
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is investigating a break-in at the Rural King, located at at 2999 NW Blitchton Road.
The break-in occurred Thursday just before midnight.
According to police, during the break-in, three males stole several firearms.
An employee told police that someone broke into the store and went straight for the gun case. The employee saw someone running, but said they were not able to catch the thief.
If you have any information about the burglary, you are urged to call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Corrections officers arrested, additional arrests likely
Clermont, Fla. — In conjunction with a criminal investigation, the Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) announced the arrest of Correctional Captain Milton Gass, Correctional Officer Hunter Lingo, and Correctional Officer Joshua Petersilge.
The three officers are charged with violations stemming from an incident which occurred on July 8, at Lake Correctional Institution.
The officers were charged with the following:
Captain Milton Gass (hired July 2007)
- Two counts of Perjury by False Declaration (third-degree felony)
- Three counts of Solicitation to Commit the Felony Crime of Perjury by False Declaration (third-degree felony)
Correctional Officer Hunter Lingo (hired June 2017)
- One count of Principle to Malicious Battery (third-degree felony)
Correctional Officer Joshua Petersilge (hired September 2016)
- One count of Principle to Malicious Battery (third-degree felony)
Following the arrests, the officers were transported to the Lake County Jail.
Lake Correctional Institution immediately terminated their employment.
Secretary Mark Inch said, “We took immediate action to terminate the employees arrested today following the criminal charges brought against them. The Florida Department of Corrections will not tolerate inmate abuse at any level. These swift disciplinary actions are a testament to our commitment to ensuring officers are held accountable when they abuse the trust of the public and those they are charged with supervising. We will continue to work cooperatively with the Inspector General as they continue to investigate all of those found to be involved in this incident. This investigation is not over. Anyone found to have acted outside their authorities or the standards of our Department will be held accountable.”
Despite their arrests, the FDOC refused to release the booking photos of the officers.
According to the arrest affidavits, the inmate, identified in the video as Otis Miller, was stuck in the ribs more than a dozen times. Additionally, he was “stomped” repeatedly, punched and kicked in the face, and nearly strangled to death as the beating was taking place. Miller also suffered a fractured jaw during the beating.
During the investigation, it was learned from a witness that as the beating was taking place, the inmate was not resisting.
However, all officers involved reported the incident as if Miller had been resisting, but in their reports, left out all instances of the use of force.
The investigation by the OIG is ongoing and more arrests or administrative sanctions may be forthcoming. If anyone has any additional information or evidence to provide, they are encouraged to contact the FDC OIG at (850) 488-9265 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), (866) 246-4412 (24-hour recorded tip line) or submit information online at www.dc.state.fl.us/apps/IGcomplaint.asp. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Rashida Tlaib demands $20 per hour minimum wage
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., is demanding the federal minimum wage be raised to $20 per hour.
She made the statement Sunday at an event in Detroit, one of the countries most crime-ridden cities.
The announcement immediately prompted mockery from conservative business owners and politicians.
Republicans said they will force mainline Democrats in the 2020 presidential race to address the issue in upcoming debates.
The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives passed a $15 federal minimum wage bill last week, however, it has little chance of passing the GOP-controlled Senate.
Republicans contend that if the federal minimum wage were to be raised to even $15 per hour that small businesses would close within months and the economy would be crippled.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she fully supports Tlaib’s demands.
Democratic presidential debates will be aired again on July 30 and 31.
Crystal River couple arrested after man was badly beaten, plot twist
A man and woman were arrested after they attacked and severely beat a man while it was being recorded.
According to the arrest affidavits, Daulton Wayne Upchurch, 22, was arrested Saturday and charged with Aggravated Battery – Intentionally Causes Great Bodily Harm/Permanent Disability/Disfigurement and Battery on a Pregnant Person.
Carly Shea Lancaster, 20, was arrested Sunday and charged with Aggravated Battery – Intentionally Causes Great Bodily Harm/Permanent Disability/Disfigurement.
According to reports, the victim, John Bozeman, suffered a broken jaw, his face was covered in blood, and his eyes were swollen shut.
Bozeman said that Upchurch accused him of touching Lancaster and attacked him. He told deputies that Upchurch dragged him throughout the house while continually striking him in the face and head.
During the attacked, Lancaster jumped in and also began attacking Bozeman.
While the attack was happening, it was recorded. Reports infer that the attack was recorded by Lancaster, who later took a beating from her boyfriend.
During the investigation, deputies observed that Lancaster had contusions and swelling to both eyes.
When asked what had happened, she stated that Upchurch had beat her because he believed she was touching another man, Bozeman, while they had been drinking together.
Lancaster is pregnant with Upchurch’s child.
According to deputies, in the video, Bozeman yelled “Stop, I give up” several times due to the fact he had a broken jaw.
Upchurch is being held without bond, while Lancaster’s bond was confirmed at $5,000.
Pine Avenue crash leaves one injured, other driver arrested
[Last updated on July 26, 2019, at 11:30 a.m.]
Ocala Police Department Traffic Unit Supervisor, Eric Hooper, told Ocala Post that the investigation is ongoing and no additional charges have been filed against Hudson at this time.
ORIGINAL STORY
A driver who was trapped inside a vehicle had to be extricated Tuesday following a two-vehicle crash in the 500 block of South Pine Avenue.
At approximately 4:42 p.m., Ocala Fire Rescue responded to reports of a crash involving injury.
Engine 1, Engine 3, Rescue 3, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer were the first to arrive at the scene.
Upon arrival, first responders observed a collision involving two compact vehicles — one red and one gray.
Each vehicle had one occupant inside.
Using hydraulic extrication tools, crews removed the front passenger’s side door of the red vehicle to gain access to the patient. Cutting the vehicle posts allowed for roof removal, and safe extrication of the driver.
The driver, whose name is not known at this time, was trauma alerted to a local hospital.
The driver of the gray vehicle, Mikala Hudson, from Gainesville, did not suffer any injuries. She was arrested and charged with Driving with a Suspended License.
She smiled for her mugshot as she was being booked into the Marion County Jail.
The investigation into who caused the accident is ongoing.
Showering and urinating outside gets Belleview man arrested
Belleview, Florida — A Belleview man who showered outside his home was arrested on a warrant obtained by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
According to reports, neighbors reported that Michael James Maffia, 31, used a water hose to shower while he was naked, and urinated while doing so.
When deputies arrived, the man was nowhere to be found.
A warrant was then issued for his arrest.
Maffia was later arrested and charged with Indecent Exposure of Sexual Organs. He was booked into the Marion County Jail on a $1,000 bond.
Woman rushed to hospital after she slammed into semi-trailer
On Thursday, July 18, at approximately 12:24 p.m., multiple units from Gainesville Fire Rescue were alerted to a vehicle accident with entrapment at 7035 NW 22 St.
Upon arrival, units discovered that a small SUV had slammed into the rear-end of a stopped flatbed semi-truck. The driver of the semi was attempting to make a lefthand turn.
The driver of the SUV was semi-conscious and trapped inside the vehicle.
Crews were able to extricate the driver from the vehicle in approximately 20 minutes.
She was then rushed to UF Health Shands via Alachua County Fire Rescue.
Gainesville Fire Rescue said they would like to remind it’s citizens to not allow themselves to be distracted while driving and always be observant of changing traffic patterns by scanning the roadway in your path.
Corrections officers under investigation after video of inmate beating surfaces
Lake County — Inmates at the Lake Correctional Institution say they are in fear of their lives.
Inmates say that a recent video, which was allegedly recorded from inside the correctional facility on a contraband phone, shows how they are treated on a daily basis.
Family members of several of the inmates have stated that this type of abuse of power has been reported in the past, but goes unchecked.
In a YouTube comment, Sandra Jones, wrote, “This is how officers act when they are off camera, all the time. Then they portray to the public that they are upstanding citizens who uphold the law. All of these photo ops being posted on social media, showing corrections officers and police officers doing good deeds. Cops running their own media shows nowadays. But when the camera is off, this is what is happening. Not all the time, but a lot of the time. This is no different than an officer planting drugs on innocent people just for kicks. It does happen, you better believe it.”
Some comments were in favor of the corrections officers.
The video was uploaded to YouTube on Saturday. The video was allegedly recorded on July 8. It quickly spread over social media.
In the video, you can hear inmates say that the beating had been going on for five minutes before the recording started.
Officials said they do not actually know what took place before the inmate started recording, but an immediate investigation was launched by the Florida Department of Corrections when the video surfaced.
In an email to Ocala Post, FDOC spokeswoman Michelle Glady provided the following statement given by FDOC Secretary Mark Inch.
“This video is deeply disturbing. We have zero tolerance for officer abuse or misconduct for any reason. The actions of these individuals will not be tolerated. Our Office of Inspector General has launched an immediate investigation. All officers identified to be involved have been taken out of contact with inmates and will not be allowed to return to full duty until a thorough investigation has been completed. Those found participating in any level of abuse, or failing to properly report abuse, will be subject to administrative and criminal charges.”
Glady said, “The identities of the officers involved in this incident are confidential while the investigation is active.”
When asked the condition of the inmate, Glady said, “Federal HIPAA laws prevent the Department from releasing medical information (Medical, psychological, and dental records, 945.10(1)(a), 456.057(7)(a), F.S., 45 C.F.R., 164.502), however, the inmate was transported to an area hospital following the incident for outside medical evaluation. He was discharged and has been moved to another facility while the investigation is being conducted.”
Officials would not say if the phone had been recovered.
We want to hear from you. After watching the video, what do you think?
Cops Who Commit Crimes
Owners of dog wanted for questioning
Marion County — Marion County Animal Services is seeking the public’s help in finding the person(s), who, on Friday, left a dog at MCAS.
As you can see from the picture, the dog was in very bad condition.
The dog was also wearing a Ninja Turtle t-shirt.
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After a thorough medical assessment, he received veterinary treatment.
He is now under the supervision of dedicated MCAS staff, who is nursing him back to health with a carefully monitored feeding regimen.
MCAS is urging anyone with information related to this dog to contact Animal Control at 352-671-8727.
Four injured in crash on NE 36th Avenue
Ocala, Florida — Ocala Fire Rescue’s Engine 5, Rescue 3, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident Friday with possible entrapment.
The call came in at approximately 9:38 a.m.
The crash occurred at NE 36th Avenue and NE 14th Street.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered a gold Hyundai Sonata facing south on NE 14th Street and a white and blue tow truck facing east.
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Inside the Hyundai, firefighters found four individuals — two adults and two children in the back seat — all in need of extrication.
All four occupants were transported to a local hospital.
According to a press release, the occupants of the tow truck were not injured.
Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded.
The crash is being investigated by OPD.
Crumps Landing hit by second fire since 2004
Homosassa — It was a sad day for Citrus County as the main tiki hut at Crumps Landing, located at 11210 West Halls River Road, Homosassa, was destroyed by a fire.
This is the second time Crumps Landing has faced tragedy. The waterfront tiki was also destroyed by a fire in 2004.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the fire at approximately 11:45 a.m., Saturday. Engines from all over Citrus County responded to the fire. Nature Coast EMS also responded to the area.
Citrus County Fire Rescue Chief Keith Long, said the tiki hut was fully engulfed in flames when units arrived.
Officials said it appears that the blaze was the result of a cooking fire that started in the mobile kitchen and then spread to the bathrooms and tiki hut.
No injuries were reported.
The fire is being investigated by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Many say advocacy group is buying votes of felons by paying fines
The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, headed by Desmond Meade, a registered Democrat, has started the “Amendment 4 Fines and Fees Fund.”
The group has launched a program that will give felons…READ MORE.
Docks closed at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area
Damage from recent storm winds has closed two docks on Lake Weir in Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area, 13275 SE 115 Ave., Ocklawaha, according to a Marion County press release.
The main, floating dock and the personal watercraft dock are unsafe and unusable.
Park guests are urged to stay clear of the work zones and off of the full span of both docks due to broken connectors.
Repairs are expected to be completed by July 31.
Free pet adoptions, four days only
Marion County Animal Services is offering free pet adoptions from July 2 to July 6.
Typically, the adoption fee for dogs and cats is $50.
All animals are spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
For more information call 352-671-8700.
Woman goes into jealous rage, tries to kill her baby’s father
An Orlando woman was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon after she tried to stab her baby’s father.
Police say Gabrielle Nunez, 21, and her boyfriend, who is not being named, had just finished having sex and that her boyfriend had fallen asleep.
While the boyfriend was sleeping his phone rang and Nunez answered it.
According to the arrest affidavit, it was another woman on the other end of the phone.
The woman asked Nunez why she was at the apartment, at which time her boyfriend awoke and asked why she was answering his phone.
In a jealous rage, Nunez shouted, “F**k you. You are a f**king whore. I’m going to kill you today.”
Nunez was holding their 11-month old baby as she was yelling at him.
She then put the baby down, retrieved a butcher knife from the kitchen, and chased her boyfriend toward the bedroom.
He ran into the bedroom and closed the door, but Nunez kicked it open. The man then locked himself inside the bathroom.
Nunez continued to kick and stab the door while screaming, “I will kill you.”
Nunez was eventually able to force her way into the bathroom. The two the struggled with the knife and the man was able to take it from her.
When police arrived, the man had Nunez pinned to the floor.
Nunez was arrested and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. She is being held without bond.
Nunez is from Orlando but was visiting her boyfriend in Miami. The incident took place at the Panorama Tower apartment building.
Nunez has previous arrests for domestic battery.
2019 Crystal River Scallop Festival
Crystal River — The Crystal River Scallop Festival is almost here. This year the festival will be on…READ MORE.
Recreational bay scallop season for certain counties begins today
Recreational bay scallop season for Franklin through the northwestern portion of Taylor, as well as Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties opens July 1 and will remain open through September 24. This includes Carrabelle, Lanark, St. Marks, Cedar Key, Crystal River, and Homosassa.
Rules
Do not discard scallop shells in inshore waters commonly used for recreational activities such as the Homosassa River or Crystal River. Piles of discarded scallop shells can create hazards for swimmers and damage seagrass habitat. Scallop shells can be discarded in trash receptacles or in larger bodies of water where they are more likely to disperse.
Bag limits and other regulations
Bag and vessel limits for 2019 through the entire bay scallop harvest zone are two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of ten gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or a half gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.
Scallops may be collected by hand, or with a landing or dip net.
There is no commercial harvest allowed for bay scallops in Florida.
Direct transit of legally-harvested bay scallops is now allowed through closed areas.
Boaters may not stop their vessels in waters that are closed to harvest and must proceed directly to the dock or ramp to land scallops in a closed area.
50th annual God and Country Day festival
Ocala — This year will be the 50th annual God and Country Day festival the JCI Ocala Jaycees, Marion County’s largest firework show.
Activities begin at 2 p.m. and will continue until the fireworks are over.
Take your family and enjoy train rides, inflatable water slide, bounce houses, kid games, and more.
Visit the arts and crafts expo and grab a bite to eat from the food vendors.
At dark, the half-hour long spectacular firework display will light up the sky.
The festival will be held on July 4, at the Golden Ocala Property, located at 7340 US-27, Ocala, 34482.
The parking entrances are off of 225A, South of Hwy 27, and there is a parking fee of $5 at the entrance.
Do not bring your own fireworks.