Marion County — A Georgia man faces multiple charges after he attacked and robbed two individuals who were staying at the Lake Bryant Campground off of 314-A, Marion County.
When deputies responded, they found that one victim, Johnathan Brazil, had been beaten on his face. Deputies said his face and hands “were covered in blood”.
According to reports, Brazil was trying to retrieve money from the suspect, later identified as David Wilkerson, 39, who had stolen it from another camper, Henry Morris.
Morris told deputies that Wilkerson approached [his] tent and demanded money, but he ignored Wilkerson. That is when Wilkerson pulled out a knife and forced the camper to hand over eleven dollars.
Deputies say when Brazil confronted the thief, Wilkerson grabbed a club-like object and continually beat the victim on his head and face. When Brazil fell to the ground, Wilkerson stole his wallet.
A K-9 deputy and K-9 park ranger responded to the area and were able to locate Wilkerson as he was fleeing through the woods.
Wilkerson was taken into custody and charged with Robbery with a Weapon (x2), Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Wilkerson told deputies that he could not remember if he had robbed anyone. However, he was able to tell deputies where he stashed the stolen wallet.
The State Attorney’s Office has indicted a 19-year-old on charges of First Degree Murder with a Firearm.
The warrant was issued on January 19, 2017, by Judge Hodges.
Keon’dre Demerio Duncan was taken into custody at the Paddock Mall on January 20, 2017, during a traffic stop. Duncan was a passenger in the vehicle that an Ocala police officer had stopped.
Duncan was the prime suspect in the April 22, 2016, slaying of Ujjval “Rocky” Patel, 33, a clerk at the Jiffy Food Store, located at 2425 Northwest 10th Street, Ocala.
Patel was shot in the head during the armed robbery.
On Monday, Assistant State Attorney Robin Arnold told Ocala Post that the details of this case would not be released at this time.
“Any information we might have on this case is not yet public,” Arnold said.
Arnold said once the discovery process has been set in motion the documents would be released. She said the process could take three to four weeks.
Duncan made his first court appearance on Saturday, at which time the judge ordered Duncan to be held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
Duncan was also arrested on January 25, 2016, and charged with Battery on a School Official at Vanguard High School.
Ocala Post will bring you more details as they become available.
Ocala, Florida — A veteran Marion County sheriff’s deputy has resigned following the announcement of an internal affairs investigation.
On October 10, 2016, The National Center of Missing and Exploited Children electronically delivered 18 photographs to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The non-profit organization told MCSO investigators that the child erotica photographs of pre-teen females had been viewed by a cell phone number, which belonged to Master Sergeant Duane Denault.
MCSO investigators said they “took steps to determine if Denault had crossed the line from child erotica to child pornography.”
According to the State Attorney’s Office, viewing child erotica is not in violation of Florida Statutes.
What is the difference? Child pornography displays an underage male or female in some type of sexual contact or exhibition. Child erotica is when a child poses naked in a seductive manner. Legal experts say there is a fine line between the two.
According to reports, Denault recognized some of the photographs. He said he had viewed them on the Pinterest app.
Denault told investigators that he never downloaded any photos to his phone, but does view adult pornography. He said sometimes nudist colony pictures of children appeared, and he “may have clicked” on a few.
Denault denied specifically looking for photos of child pornography.
MCSO Sgt. Jerry Bevan examined Denault’s phone and found approximately 2,700 photographs. Of the 2,700, 38 of them were naked pre-teen females, mostly in a nudist camp environment.
Bevan reported that the timestamps on the photos showed that they were viewed before and after work hours.
The conclusion of the investigation states:
“MSgt. Duane Denault, using his personal cell phone, on numerous occasions, viewed female child erotica. The fact that he “hit” on the photographs, which were monitored by a Federal Agency, with the mission of protecting children, was not reported to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office due to him being employed there, but due to the fact that he was a citizen of Marion County. In light of this investigation, MSgt. Denault decided to retire from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, however, his actions, having been brought forward has brought discredit upon the Agency, therefore, Violation of Operations Directive 1068.00(A) Code of Conduct is Substantiated.”
The internal affairs investigation was made known to Denault on December 2, 2016. Denault immediately tendered his resignation and retired.
The public was outraged and believes Denault got a free pass because of his position as a law enforcement officer.
Salt Springs — A disturbance call to the 88 Store and Pub (88 bar), located at 14280 Northeast 203 Avenue Road, Salt Springs, ended with several felony charges for a Fort McCoy woman.
When Marion County sheriff’s deputies arrived, they met with the suspect’s father, David Preising.
David stated that his daughter, Alyssa E. Preising, 23, had been acting “very violent lately”.
David told deputies that his daughter had recently taken a butcher knife from his kitchen, stabbed a wall multiple times, and cut her mattress open.
David said he did not want his daughter to return to his residence unless she “got some help”.
Alyssa admitted to having an altercation with her father.
Alyssa said she had fought with her dad because she thought someone was trying to kill her.
According to reports, Alyssa told deputies she had stopped taking her medication. She said she had been hearing voices, which were telling her to hurt other people and herself.
Alyssa also told deputies that she had smoked crystal methamphetamine prior to fighting with her father. She said she uses “meth” on a daily basis, but usually “shoots up”.
Deputies then told Alyssa that she was being placed under a Baker Act and would be transported to the Centers.
At that time, Alyssa began to scream at deputies. She stated that she was not going anywhere and refused to get into the patrol car.
After several minutes of deputies arguing with Alyssa, one of the deputies grabbed [her] right arm and attempted to handcuff her. However, Alyssa pulled away and walked off.
After a brief struggle, Alyssa was handcuffed and escorted to the patrol car. Deputies reported that they had to physically place Alyssa in the car.
Once in the patrol car, Alyssa began to kick and scream. She was able to get out of the patrol car and onto the ground. As a deputy tried to pick Alyssa up off the ground, she kicked the deputy in the chest. Alyssa then kicked a second deputy in the thigh.
Again, deputies grabbed Alyssa and forced her into the back of the patrol car.
Alyssa then screamed, “Get your fu**ing hands off of me. Stop trying to rape me.” She then bit a deputy on the arm, and kicked him in the chin and forehead with the heel of her foot.
Alyssa was eventually placed in a Hobble Restraint.
Alyssa was transported to the Marion County Jail and charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (x4), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Violation of Felony Probation.
She has previous arrests for Battery on a Person over 65 (x2), Domestic Battery, Battery (x2), and Violation of Probation.
Vinisha Weir’s booking photo after she was sentenced.
Belleview, Florida — A woman who was involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash last year has been sentenced.
On May 17, 2016, Belleview High School student Zachery T. Holt, 17, was walking southbound on U.S. Highway 301, at the intersection of Southeast 125th Place, Belleview, adjacent to the roadway.
As Holt was walking, Vanisha V. Weir, then 27, who was driving a 2006 Hyundai Sonata, slammed into Holt and continued driving. Weir was on her way home from working her shift at a Burger King and had left the business at approximately 11:46 p.m.
Holt’s body was thrown onto the west grassy shoulder of the road.
According to reports, Holt’s body was discovered by Belleview police at 1:51 a.m., May 18.
During the investigation, Florida Highway Patrol investigators learned that Weir had left the scene of the accident and drove to Wildwood, where she called authorities and reported that her car had been vandalized.
At that time, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigators responded to her location and inspected the vehicle. Investigators stated that they immediately knew Weir was not telling the truth about the vandalism.
Later, Weir changed her story and told Troopers that she had hit an animal.
Witnesses, however, told troopers that when Weir arrived at the Waffle House, located on State Road 44, she exited her vehicle and began to wipe evidence from her vehicle.
According to reports, she had attempted to wipe away fabric that was transferred to the front of the vehicle from Holt’s clothing.
At the scene of the accident, troopers found several pieces that had broken off of Weir’s car. One of those pieces had a vehicle identification number on it. It was later matched to Weir’s Hyundai.
On December 2, 2016, Weir pleaded guilty nolo contendere to Leaving the Scene of a Crash without Rendering Aid Resulting in Death and was adjudicated guilty.
On January 17, 2017, Weir was sentenced to 10 years maximum confinement in a Florida state prison facility.
Weir is being held at the Marion County Jail pending transfer to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Holt was on his way to visit a friend when he was hit and killed.
Robert Morris Jones [November 2016 booking photoOcala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a wanted man.
MCSO Major Crimes Detectives have completed an investigation into Robert Morris Jones, 40, which began in 2016.
According to detectives, Jones gave drugs to a 15-year-old girl and then raped her.
Witnesses told investigators that this is not the first time Jones has coerced juveniles to use illicit drugs.
State records show that Jones has previous arrests for Resisting Arrest, Possession of Marijuana, Providing a False Name to Law Enforcement, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Selling Cocaine Near a Church, Selling Marijuana Near a Church, Possession of Cocaine, Cultivating Marijuana Near a Church, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Hydrocodone, and Distribution of Cocaine.
Jones was arrested on November 19, 2016, for Driving on a Permanently Revoked License. He was released from jail the same day.
Jones is described as a six foot tall black male and weights approximately 160 pounds. He has multiple tattoos, a beard, and gold teeth.
If anyone has information on Jones’ location, they are asked to call Detective Erik Dice at 352-368-3545. You can also 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. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
The man who died in the shooting has been identified as Kevin Tree, 54. FDLE is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The officers who were involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Original article
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala police officer shot and killed a man Thursday at a Holiday Inn Express, located at 1212 S. Pine Avenue.
An employee of the hotel, who does not want to be identified, said that the guest, referred to as Doc, was reportedly suffering from medical issues.
The employee said police were called because the man had threatened to shoot himself in the head.
According to Ocala Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Cynthia Barnes, the shooting was the result of an armed confrontation.
The confrontation involved multiple officers, but OPD would not release their names citing a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigation.
The name of the deceased has not been released pending next of kin notification.
The employee said that the man allegedly pointed a gun at himself and at least seven gunshots were heard.
It was unclear if the man pointed his weapon at police.
Witnesses stated that the officer who shot the man was seen crying afterwards.
No police were injured during the shooting.
Sgt. Barnes said that, other than the man’s name, no other information would be released at this time.
Ocala, Florida — A Vanguard High School senior was arrested Tuesday by a school resource officer.
According to the Ocala Police Department, resource officer Ronnie Williams was approached by Dean of Students, Davis Stopyra, and told that a student had some important information to share.
The student stated that he had overheard two students arguing, and that one of the students, later identified as 17-year-old Kenneth Lee Henderson, said he would shoot the other student.
According to the arrest affidavit, Henderson banged his backpack on a metal pole and stated “I have a stick inside.”
“Stick” is street slang for gun.
The student said it sounded like metal hitting the pole.
Officer Williams and Stopyra pulled Henderson from his class and retrieved [his] backpack.
Upon searching the backpack, Officer Williams found a .22 caliber revolver. The pistol was loaded and the hammer was in the cocked position.
Officer Williams said, “The weapon could have easily discharged from being banged around.”
Henderson was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, Possession of a Firearm on School Property, and Improper Exhibition of a Firearm.
Stephen Ennis [Wanted] Photos taken two months apart.The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for a suspect who violated his felony probation.
Stephen C. Ennis, 22, was arrested in August of 2015, after an elderly woman notified authorities she had discovered her car parked along side of the road in front of her neighbor’s house.
According to reports, Ennis, then 21, had entered the woman’s home and stole her car keys. Ennis also stole the victim’s wallet, which contained her credit cards.
When deputies searched the victim’s car, they found a receipt for hot and spicy nuts that had been purchased at a Circle K, located at 5182 East Silver Springs Boulevard.
Deputies were able to identify Ennis via surveillance video from the store.
He was charged with Fraud-Use Fictitious Personal ID, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling, and Petit Theft.
During his initial arrest, Ennis told detectives that the victim’s credit card was given to him by a black male escort, known to him as “Ball.” Ennis admitted to being in the victim’s vehicle, but claimed he did not know it was stolen.
The keys to the vehicle were later found in Ennis’ bedroom.
Ennis may change his appearance, therefore two photos have been included.
Anyone with information on Ennis’ whereabouts can 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.
A teen was arrested Tuesday and charged with Attempted Murder over a badly dealt hand of cards.
The Ocala Police Department said they responded to 410 Northwest 20th Avenue after a caller reported that someone had been shot.
When police arrived on the scene, they found that Zackary Johnson had been shot multiple times. Johnson had gunshot wounds to his elbow and stomach.
Police found the suspect, identified as Tariq Douglas, 19, hiding in a back bedroom. Douglas had removed his shirt and socks, which were later found in the living room soaked in blood. Officers also found blood on the bathroom floor.
While being taken into surgery, Johnson told officers that he and Douglas had gotten into an argument over a game of cards.
During the argument, Douglas pulled out a black handgun and shot Johnson multiple times.
Pinkey, a resident inside the house, told officers that [he] was sleeping when he heard the two arguing. He stated that he got out of bed and told them to be quiet and moments later he heard gunshots. Pinkey stated that he saw Douglas with a handgun, but did not witness the shooting.
Douglas is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
On March 22, 2016, Douglas was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine.
Johnson is recovering at Ocala Regional Medical Center.
Ocala, Florida — Neighbors of a man who is accused of trying to burn down his next door neighbor’s house say they believe [he] is innocent.
On December 14, 2016, at approximately 6:36 a.m., the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 8900 block of Southeast 88th Lane in reference to a fire.
The alleged victim, identified as Phyllis Mulkey, told responding deputies that she witnessed her neighbor, Larry D. Miller, 46, walk on to her property with something in his hand that was on fire.
Mulkey alleges that she saw Miller throw the burning object onto the roof of her home and then run away.
Mulkey stated that when she went outside to investigate, she found her yard on fire and extinguished it.
Deputies determined that the fire was from a melted bottle that had been filled with kerosene. The cloth that was in the bottle had melted to the roof and damaged the shingles.
Deputies reported that Miller had allegedly thrown a Molotov cocktail, but when the bottle hit the roof the cloth was dislodged. The bottle then apparently rolled off the roof and onto the ground.
Deputies made contact with Miller, who stated that he had been sleeping at the time of the incident. Miller denied any knowledge of the alleged arson.
After the story was published, Ocala Post received numerous e-mails from residents, defending Miller.
Neighboring residents say Mulkey has a history of harassment in the neighborhood. One neighbor described her as “bat sh*t crazy”.
A review of state records show that Mulkey does have a history of harassment, and seemingly demonstrates paranoid behavior. She has filed numerous restraining orders on multiple individuals, all of which were denied by a judge.
The injunction Mulkey filed against Miller was dismissed.
There have also been restraining orders filed against Mulkey.
Neighbors say Mulkey has the “someone is always out to get her” mentality.
Arrests records show Mulkey has been arrested for Welfare Fraud, Grand Theft, Exploitation of the Elderly, Writing Worthless Checks, and various other crimes.
Neighbors say they are convinced that Mulkey is responsible for a recent shooting in the neighborhood in which a house was allegedly shot six times.
Mulkey has also been accused of pointing a knife at a 6-year-old child who ran into her yard to retrieve his ball.
Miller’s Neighbors said Mulkey is the neighbor that everyone would hate to have. Neighbors said Mulkey is dangerous and they feel she should be behind bars.
Based on Mulkey’s word, Miller was arrested and charged with Arson.
The State Attorney’s Office told Ocala Post that they have not made a decision on the case and are still in the process of reviewing it.
The Marion County School Board will now head to a courtroom to try and enforce Florida’s Eminent Domain statute (73.015) to obtain land for a new school.
Marion County Public Schools Public Information Officer, Kevin Christian, said that the school district has been trying to purchase 70 acres of a 128-acre parcel in Silver Springs Shores that is non-inhabited.
The parcel is located near Lake Joy, at the south end of the Country Club at Silver Springs Shores, which is west of Hickory Road.
According to Christian, the School board has offered $875,000 for the 70 acres.
It has been suggested that Lake Weir Middle School is beyond repair and that the new school would replace LWMS — leaving the more than 60-year-old building vacant.
LWMS staff members told Ocala Post that the school has been “seriously neglected” and the school was described as “falling apart”.
Christian said, “In the meetings I have attended for years, including dozens of school board work sessions and board meetings, I do not recall an effort to ‘replace’ Lake Weir Middle school.”
If built, Christian said the Silver Springs Shores school would alleviate some of the overcrowding at Lake Weir Middle School.
LWMS was built on 30 acres in 1954. The school is 151,935 square feet and has 62 classrooms.
“The school is currently at 95 percent capacity,” Christian said. He went on to say, “The school is serving more students than it was physically designed to serve.”
Christian said, “Despite multiple offers, the land owner failed to close on the purchase agreement. The board’s first offer resulted in required appraisals on the land. Those appraisals proved the board’s offer was too high based on then-current land values. After the appraisals came in, the board’s second offer was above fair-market value. Accordingly, the board passed by ‘super majority’ the updated offer to buy the land and reached the closing phase. However, the owner never closed the deal on the second-offer purchase price. The board even extended the contract to purchase into 2016 based on the owner’s request. Despite good-faith efforts from the school board, the land owner never responded.”
Christian also said that the school was not neglected, but rather repairs were done as the budget allowed.
The owner of the land is listed as Shuaney Irrevocable Trust of Richard Colbert, and since the owner has refused to sell, the school district will now use Eminent Domain to try and force the owner to sell.
The Eminent Domain statute is considered by many citizens to be outdated and unconstitutional.
According to legislatures, the statute has not been updated in 16 years .
On July 1, 2000, the statute was updated to state that, before an eminent domain proceeding is brought under the chapter or chapter 74, the condemning authority must attempt to negotiate in good faith with the fee owner of the parcel to be acquired, must provide the fee owner with a written offer and, if requested, a copy of the appraisal upon which the offer is based, and must attempt to reach an agreement regarding the amount of compensation to be paid for the parcel.
Christian says the school board has met the requirements.
The statute also states that, during a forced sale, the landowner must be offered a fair-market price.
In addition to citizens being upset over the government trying to force someone to sell their land, parents are also concerned about registered sex offenders in the Silver Springs Shores area.
In the state of Florida, sex offenders cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school. This also includes any day care facility, park, or playground. However, if the offender was convicted prior to 2004, which is the year the statute was passed, then he or she is exempt.
Furthermore, school districts are not required to vet an area of interest for sex offenders prior to building a school. The burden falls solely upon the sex offender.
Ocala Post wants to hear from you. What do you think about Eminent Domain? Do you think a person should be forced to sell their land? Also, do you think school districts should be required to consider sex offenders prior to building a school.
Ocala Post will publish more details as they become available.
An Ocklawaha man says he was beaten by a Marion County sheriff’s deputy while attending a wedding.
On December 16, an unnamed source contacted Ocala Post and stated that the circumstances of the incident needed to be investigated.
According to a report from MCSO, which does not mention the alleged beating at the hands of the unnamed deputy, Ronald McCutcheon, 25, attended a wedding in the 12700 block of Highway 326.
Deputy White reported that on December 10, he responded to the address about an altercation and made contact with McCutcheon.
The deputy reported that McCutcheon’s left eye was visibly swollen and that he appeared to be intoxicated.
The report states that McCutcheon was “highly verbal” with deputies.
According to deputies, the owner of the property where the wedding was held, stated that he wanted McCutcheon and [his] girlfriend, Kayla Ostrom, to be trespassed and removed from the property. MCSO reported the property owner as Morgan Bailey; however, property records show the owner as E Lee Brown.
McCutcheon and Ostrom were told to leave, but a short time later the two were spotted on the 1217.47 acre property and arrested for trespassing.
The family said it takes more than 10 minutes just to exit the driveway to the property. The family also expressed concern about the physical condition of McCutcheon when he was asked to leave. According to the family, [he] had already been attacked, yet no one called an ambulance.
The family said, “If McCutcheon was intoxicated as the deputy claimed, then why would they just let [him] drive away?”
Unnamed sources say there is a lot more to the story, and that the arrest affidavits were written at a “slant.” Sources suggested that due to the severity of McCutcheon’s injuries, he was not even conscious when the deputy arrived.
The initial 911 call was in reference to an altercation, but the arrest affidavit does not mention the second party involved, or if more than one person was involved in the beating of McCutcheon.
Information obtained by Ocala Post suggests that a second deputy may have also been involved. Ocala Post is currently investigating these allegations.
MCSO said they are investigating the allegations against the MCSO deputy, but refused to release his name.
McCutcheon’s family is concerned about MCSO being the investigating agency. The family wants the truth to be known, but they do not feel that will happen if MCSO is involved in an investigation into one of its own employees. In fact, the family has requested that the investigation be conducted by an outside agency.
The family said that given the history of MCSO, they do not feel MCSO should be involved in the investigation.
Sources said the deputy who allegedly beat McCutcheon also attended the wedding. Sources also say the deputy was intoxicated.
According to the family, McCutcheon had to have surgery to repair the damage to his eye socket.
McCutcheon is being represented by Gainesville attorney, Michael Hines, Esq.
Hines said, “The State has not yet provided me with discovery, so the information I have about the events of the night of Mr. McCutcheon’s arrest is limited to what he’s been able to tell me and the rather sparse contents of the police report.”
Hines said he has reviewed medical records describing serious injuries to Mr. McCutcheon’s face and jaw, and is aware that MCOS is investigating. However, he said the identity of the deputy who was involved in the alleged beating has not been revealed.
McCutcheon was not provided with medical treatment until after he was released from jail several hours later when [his] family drove him to the hospital.
McCutcheon suffered four facial fractures, a broken jaw, and bruises to his neck, ribs, and back.
Medical personnel who treated McCutcheon stated that the injuries were the result of having been struck multiple times.
McCutcheon was reportedly unconscious for approximately 20 minutes. And due to the severity of his head injuries, he has sustained some memory loss.
State records did not show any previous arrests or violations of any kind for McCutcheon.
The family said they hope that anyone who witnessed the assault will have enough integrity to come forward.
Ocala Post will update this story as more details become available.
Ocala, Florida — The victim has been neighbors with the suspect for several years and she never thought he would do anything like this.
At approximately 6:36 a.m. Wednesday, The Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in reference to a possible arson.
The incident happened in the 8900 block of Southeast 88th Lane, Ocala.
The victim told the deputy that she saw her neighbor, Larry D. Miller, 46, walk on to her property with something in his hand that was on fire.
The victim stated that Miller then threw the object onto the roof of her house and returned home.
When the victim went outside to investigate, she found that part of her yard was on fire and extinguished it.
The deputy determined that the fire was from a melted bottle that had been filled with kerosene. The cloth that was in the bottle had melted to the roof and damaged the shingles.
According to reports, Miller had thrown a Molotov cocktail, which apparently dislodged the cloth from the bottle when it hit the roof. The bottle then rolled onto the ground.
When deputies made contact with Miller, he stated that he had been sleeping and denied any knowledge of the arson.
Miller was arrested and charged with First Degree Arson of an Occupied Dwelling.
He was released on a $10,000 bond.
Miller has previous arrests for DUI-Habitual (F), Driving while License Suspended-Habitual (F), Breach of Peace, and Violation of Probation.
Miller did not provide investigators with a motive.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – (Official Press Release) As part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that begins today and runs through New Year’s Day, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will concentrate its enforcement efforts on impaired driving throughout Florida. FHP joins law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation to remove impaired drivers from roadways in an effort to save lives.
“Impaired driving puts drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of too many people,” said FHP Director, Colonel Gene S. Spaulding. “Be sure to make the right choice this holiday season and drive sober. There is never an excuse for impaired driving.”
Tips to help ensure motorists Arrive Alive this holiday season:
Drive sober, and only sober. Legal age adults should celebrate responsibly and plan ahead by finding a safe way home every time – designate a driver or call a ride service.
Observe and obey all speed limits. Speed limits may change through different types of roadways, so be sure to adjust speed accordingly. In Florida, the limit will never be over 70 mph.
Buckle up. A seat belt is a vehicle’s most important safety feature. Florida law requires that all drivers, all front seat passengers and all passengers under the age of 18 wear seat belts or the appropriate child restraints. Seat belts save lives, so buckle up every trip, every time.
Focus on driving. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the stereo – these are all examples of things that can take attention off the road. Motorists should always have their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and mind on driving.
All uniformed FHP personnel, including those normally assigned to administrative duties, will be patrolling interstates and other major state roads. FHP Auxiliary troopers will also volunteer to augment the FHP during the holiday period. The FHP’s increased presence throughout Florida will deter traffic violations and enhance services to motorists who break down or who need other assistance while traveling. Motorists should call *FHP (*347) if they see an impaired or aggressive driver, or to request roadside assistance.
Ronnie Tavaris Baker [left] and Drianna ThomasOcala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested two Orlando residents after they were caught stealing merchandise from a Dollar General store in Ocala.
Deputies were called to the Dollar General, located at 13415 Southeast 47th Avenue after a caller reported two individuals who were stealing from the store.
Witnesses said that the suspects backed their Toyota Rav4 into a handicap parking spot, left the ignition on, and then entered the business.
According to reports, the two suspects, later identified as Drianna Thomas, 22, and Ronnie Tavaris Baker, 29, entered the Dollar General and began filling up backpacks with toothpaste and other hygiene products, household items, and clothing.
The suspects were still at the location when deputies arrived.
Deputies performed a computer check of the vehicle, at which time they determined that it had been stolen out of Orlando.
Thomas told deputies that she didn’t know why they came to Ocala. She said they got on the highway and “ended up here.” She told deputies that as she and Baker were leaving Ocala, they passed the Dollar General and “just had to stop.”
Thomas stated that she was filling up the backpacks, but intended to “pay for some stuff.”
Baker refused to cooperate.
According to the arrest affidavit, every time a deputy would ask Baker a question, [he] would repeat the same question back to the deputy.
Thomas and Baker were arrested and charged with Grand Theft and Grand Theft Auto.
Thomas has been in and out of jail since she was a juvenile. She has previous arrest for Grand Theft Auto (x3), Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft, Driving without a Driver’s License, Robbery, Failure to Appear (x2), Violation of Probation (x2), and Grand Theft.
Baker has previous arrests for Driving without a Valid Driver’s License (x2), Grand Theft, and Grand Theft Auto.
Thomas and Baker are being held at the Marion County Jail on $20,000 bond each. Their next court date is slated for January 10, 2017.
Summerfield — The Villages VA Outpatient Clinic has been cleared and the active shooter has been secured.
The shooter has been identified as Stephen Cometa, 60. He is currently being held at the Marion County Jail as a courtesy hold for the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to the FBI, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a veteran, who is assumed to have been patient at the clinic, entered the building, located at 8900 Southeast 165th Mulberry Lane, with a gun. Cometa did not display the handgun until after he had entered the building and was already in an exam room.
Due to HIPAA laws, clinic personnel would not confirm that Cometa was in fact a patient.
The incident was described as an active shooter situation, in which an employee who struggled with Cometa, suffered a minor injury to his hand. The injury was not related to a gunshot. The employee was in the exam room with Cometa and kept him from shooting the doctor, and potentially others.
Officials told Ocala Post that authorities are currently interviewing Cometa to better understand his intentions and possible motives.
An unnamed source, who said employees were advised not to speak with the press, said the building “was packed” during the incident, but everyone got out safe. The person also said that at least two shots were fired.
Even though no one knows the circumstances surrounding the shooting, citizens immediately turned to Facebook and began expressing sympathy for the man; blaming the government, including law enforcement, for how poorly veterans are treated in the U.S.
The clinic will remain closed for the day.
No further information is available at this time. Stay tuned for future updates.
*Note – Shortly after this article was published, Ocala Post contacted several hospitals in the area; however, Ocala Post could not locate anyone to confirm his story. Schmitt-Matzen has refused to provide the name of the nurse and hospital. Even though Schmitt-Matzen stands by his story, there is no actual proof that the incident occurred.*
A knoxville, Tennessee, man by the name of Eric Schmitt-Matzen, who is a professional Santa Claus, was called to a hospital to grant the last wish of a terminally ill 5-year-old boy.
“The telephone rang. It was a nurse I know who works at the hospital. She said there was a very sick 5-year-old boy who wanted to see Santa Claus,” Schmitt-Matzen told the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Schmitt-Matzen didn’t hesitate. He grabbed a gift for the child and made his way to the hospital.
Schmitt-Matzen recalled his accounts:
“When I walked in, he was laying there, so weak it looked like he was ready to fall asleep. I sat down on his bed and asked, ‘Say, what’s this I hear about you’re gonna miss Christmas? There’s no way you can miss Christmas! Why, you’re my Number One elf!
“He looked up and said, ‘I am?’
“I said, ‘Sure!’
“I gave him the present. He was so weak he could barely open the wrapping paper. When he saw what was inside, he flashed a big smile and laid his head back down.
“‘They say I’m gonna die,’ he told me. ‘How can I tell when I get to where I’m going?’
“I said, ‘Can you do me a big favor?’
“He said, ‘Sure!’
“When you get there, you tell ’em you’re Santa’s Number One elf, and I know they’ll let you in.
“He said, ‘They will?’
“I said, ‘Sure!’
“He kinda sat up and gave me a big hug and asked one more question: ‘Santa, can you help me?’
“I wrapped my arms around him. Before I could say anything, he died right there. I let him stay, just kept hugging and holding on to him.
Schmitt-Matzen said, “I cried all the way home. I was crying so hard, I had a tough time seeing good enough to drive.”
Schmitt-Matzen told the Knoxville News Sentinel that the ordeal was so heartbreaking for him that, for a split second, he considered hanging up his Santa suit. But, he said after he thought about it he realized his role is important to children.
Marion County — One teen is dead and another was critically injured following a Sunday evening traffic crash.
The accident happened at approximately 6:11 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Romario Fuenes-Salazar, 19, and his passenger, 18-year-old Guaruin Funes-Herrera, were traveling southbound on Northwest 115th Avenue in a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire while approaching the intersection of County Road 464B.
A 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by Toni Rebustillo, 41, was traveling eastbound on County Road 464B while approaching the same intersection.
FHP troopers say Salazar ran the stop sign and slammed into the front of Rebustillo’s Hyundai.
Salazar’s vehicle then traveled onto the eastbound grassy shoulder, hit a stop sign, and slammed into a utility pole.
Herrera was pronounced dead at the scene. Salazar was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he is listed in critical condition.
Troopers said that Herrera was not wearing a seatbelt.
Rebustillo received minor injuries. His passenger, James Ausherman, 37, was not injured.
Herrera’s mother, who lives in California, was located and notified at 1 a.m.
Ocala, Florida — Three juveniles, a black male and two black females — all under the age of 13 — found themselves in a dangerous situation early Sunday morning.
For about a week, residents in the Raven Glen Subdivision, Ocala, had been experiencing random doorbell rings and knocks on the door at all hours of the night.
Residents told police that they would answer the door, but no one would be there.
On Saturday, at approximately 11:20 p.m., two homeowners heard someone, later identified as kids, ring the doorbell. Again, when they answered, no one was there.
Approximately 20 minutes later, the kids came back. This time, they knocked on the door.
The husband then canvassed the area while the wife called the Ocala Police Department.
Ocala Police responded to the 2700 block of Northeast 24th Place, but did not observe any suspicious activity. The officer told the homeowners that he would patrol the area nightly, and instructed them to call OPD if the incident occurred again.
At approximately 1 a.m., the kids rang the doorbell three times really fast. Then, 10 minutes later the homeowners said the kids came back. This time, they said it sounded like the kids kicked the door.
Fed up, the wife retrieved a handgun. She and her husband then unlocked the front door and waited.
The homeowners waited about 10 minutes when the kids knocked at the door, at which time the homeowners opened the door and greeted the three kids with the handgun.
The three kids took off running and were seen going into the house right next door.
The homeowners told police that they were surprised to see that the culprits were so young. And even more surprising, was the fact that two of the kids were their neighbors.
The homeowners went next door to speak with the kids’ parents, and when no one came to the door, the homeowners called the police back out.
While waiting for the police, the father finally came to the door. When the homeowners explained the situation, the father denied that his children had done anything wrong.
A short time later, police arrived and questioned the kids.
According to reports, the kids denied the incident at first, but later confessed.
The officer told the children that their actions were extremely dangerous and that they could have been seriously injured.
On Sunday, Ocala Post reached out to the homeowners.
The homeowners said, “The kids’ mother brought them over today and they apologized. We appreciated the apology. As far as we are concerned, the issue has been resolved.”
