76.9 F
Ocala
Monday, June 9, 2025
More
    Home Blog Page 76

    Two juveniles kill woman in front of her 5-year-old, steal car in Polk County

    Ocala Post
    -
    0
    Two juveniles kill woman in front of her 5-year-old, steal car in Polk County

    killers, homicide, two teens shoot woman in face, orlando news, polk county, ocala post, ocala news
    Jayvon Joachin [left] and Deshawn Miller
    Kendra La Sheka Lewis [deceased]
    Kendra La Sheka Lewis [deceased]
    The crime streak of two juveniles came to an end when they decided to steal a car in Polk County.

    Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the duo was also wanted for a homicide they committed in Orange County.

    PCSO deputies arrested Jayvon Joachin, 16, of 5205 Macadamia Court, and  17-year-old Deshawn Miller of 7421 Penrill Court, both from Orlando.

    These two career criminals were wanted for a shooting that took place on December 7, 2016.

    Investigators said that 27-year-old Kendra La Sheka Lewis was sitting in her car at a Citgo gas station on Pine Hills Road , Orange County, when one of the teens walked up and shot her in the face. Lewis’  5-year-old daughter was sitting in the back seat and witnessed her mother being shot.

    Wednesday evening, Lewis was removed from life support and died from her injuries.

    At approximately 12:50 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2016, a Polk County resident went into a convenience store, located at 2600 Havendale Boulevard, and left his 2013 Dodge Charge “running”.

    The man told deputies that “two black kids just walked out of the store” and stole his car.

    Through surveillance footage, investigators were able to identify the two kids as Joachin and Miller.

    According to reports, Joachin and Miller arrived at the convenience store in a maroon four-door Nissan Murano, which they had recently stolen from a Winter Haven apartment complex.

    As the investigation continued, investigators learned of the Orange County Homicide.  At that time, additional PCSO units, which included air support and K-9, responded to assist in the search.

    Same day

    Shortly after 6 p.m., investigators spotted Joachin and Miller traveling west on I-4. Immediately, the decision was made to deploy stop sticks in the area of Highway 557. At approximately 6:21 p.m., Joachin, who was driving the stolen car, hit the sticks and crashed the Charger in a ditch.

    With weapons drawn, deputies moved in and arrested the two juveniles.

    Joachin, was found to be in possession of three Swiss-Tech window punches. This is a common tool used to shatter windows during vehicle thefts and burglaries.

    When Miller was arrested, deputies found a handgun on the passenger side of the vehicle where [he] was seated. A computer search revealed that the gun had been reported stolen from Tampa Arms Company Gun Shop following a November 29, 2016, burglary.

    Joachin and Miller were taken to The Heart of Florida Hospital, treated, and released.

    They are being held at the Polk County Juvenile Assessment Center.

    According to investigators, Joachin confessed to killing Lewis and stealing the vehicles.

    Joachin was charged with Homicide, Fleeing to Elude, Possession of Burglary Tools, Driving without a Valid Driver’s License, Armed Burglary of a Conveyance, and Grand Theft Auto.

    Miller was charged with Homicide, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon, Armed Burglary of a Conveyance, and Grand Theft Auto. He also had warrants for Dealing is Stolen Property, Grand Theft, and Grand Theft Auto.

    The two also have a lengthy criminal record.

    Miller (17 years old):

    • 20 felony charges
    • 11 misdemeanor charges

    Arrests beginning in 2013:

    • Battery DV
    • Burglary (multiple)
    • Grand Theft (multiple)
    • Vehicle Theft (multiple)
    • Criminal Mischief (multiple)
    • Obstructing Justice
    • Robbery w/ Firearm
    • Resisting w/out Violence (multiple)
    • Disorderly Conduct
    • Trespass in Conveyance
    • Violation of Probation (multiple)

    Jayvon Joachin (16 years old):

    • 7 felony charges
    • 2 misdemeanor charges

    Arrests beginning in 2014 for:

    • Failure to Appear
    • Criminal Mischief
    • Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
    • Carrying Concealed Firearm
    • Armed Burglary

    Family members of the two teens posted on Facebook that [they] are good kids who are just misunderstood. In those same comments, someone wrote “free my cuz.”

    Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, “These kinds of people are dangerous and they must be kept behind bars.”

    According to reports, Neither Joachin or Miller have displayed any remorse for their crimes.

    The 5-year-old was not injured during the shooting. She is in good health and has been placed with a family member.


    No norovirus outbreak in Marion County

    Ocala Post
    -
    1
    No norovirus outbreak in Marion County

    norovirus, marion county, ocala post, ocala news

    Marion County – A rumor making its rounds Wednesday had many parents concerned for the health of their children.

    The panic was due to an article that was shared on Facebook from the website of a local doctor. The article stated that there was a norovirus outbreak in Marion County.

    However, parents did not realize that the article, published without a date, was actually from 2013.

    To be sure, Ocala Post reached out to health officials for answers.

    Florida Department of Health public Information Officer, Craig Ackerman, said, “We have had zero reports of any norovirus outbreaks in Marion County. If there were numerous outbreaks in a specific area, doctors would be required to report it.” He added, “However, we are at the peak of the FLU season, which could also produce gastrointestinal issues.”

    Ackerman said it is not too late for citizens to get a FLU shot.

    “This is the time of year when people travel, visit with family, hug and kiss…germs are definitely spread a lot faster this time of year,” Ackerman said.

    He said many people make the mistake of solely relying on hand sanitizer instead of washing their hands.

    Ackerman said, “Most hand sanitizers contain alcohol, which does kill germs. But, it doesn’t kill all germs 100 percent of the time. There is no substitute for washing your hands with a good antibacterial soap and warm water. I recommend washing the germs down the drain, and not covering them up with hand sanitizer.”

    norovirusNorovirus causes inflammation of the stomach, intestines, or both. This is called acute gastroenteritis.

    The most common symptoms—

    • diarrhea
    • throwing up
    • nausea
    • stomach pain

     

    Other symptoms—

    • fever
    • headache
    • body aches

    A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.

    If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill and throw up or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.

    Symptoms of dehydration—

    • decrease in urination
    • dry mouth and throat
    • feeling dizzy when standing up

    Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.

    Sources: CDC, Florida Department of Health in Marion County


    Ocala woman will appear on Judge Judy

    Ocala Post
    -
    0
    Ocala woman will appear on Judge Judy
    judge-judy
    Via Fox

    Ocala resident Kimberly Parker will appear on Judge Judy today to duke it out with another resident, Sarah Albers.

    Parker says anyone who has purchased a puppy from Albers might be interested in watching the show.

    It is scheduled to air today at 4:30 p.m., on Fox 35.

    More information will be available after the show airs.

    Anglers, be aware of snook harvest seasonal closures

    Ocala Post
    -
    0
    Anglers, be aware of snook harvest seasonal closures
    snook season, FWC, fishing, saltwater fishing, ocala news, ocala post, snook
    Photo/Ocala Post

    Florida – The recreational harvest season for snook closes December 15 in Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River.

    The season will remain closed through January 31, 2017, and reopen for harvest on February 1, 2017.

    Anglers may continue to catch and release snook during the closed season.

    Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park, closed on December 1 and will reopen for harvest March 1, 2017.

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said this and other regular season closures are designed to help protect the species during vulnerable times, such as cold weather.

    Victim beaten, nearly strangled to death in backyard for refusing sex, suspect in U.S. illegally

    Ocala Post
    -
    8
    Victim beaten, nearly strangled to death in backyard for refusing sex, suspect in U.S. illegally

    illegal immigrant, ocala news, drug dealer, illegal mexican, ocala post, domestic violence,
    Antonio Morales-Perez [First domestic violence arrest]
    illegal immigrant beat woman, ocala news, ocala post, illegal immigrants, domestic violence
    Antonio Morales-Perez [Second domestic violence arrest]
    Ocala, Florida — A Good Samaritan saved a woman from being strangled to death after she refused to have sex with her ex-boyfriend.

    The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was notified after a victim was brought into a local emergency room with injuries consistent with domestic abuse.

    The victim told the responding deputy that her ex-boyfriend, Antonio Morales-Perez, 24, had an injunction filed against him after he had beaten her in November.

    According to reports, the victim had terminated the relationship with Morales-Perez, and they were no longer living together.

    The victim stated that on December 3, Morales-Perez demanded that she have sex with him.

    When the victim refused, the two began to argue.

    According to reports, Morales-Perez became enraged at the victim’s refusal, and with an open hand, slapped her across the face.

    The victim told the deputy that [he] continued to slap her as she was screaming.

    The victim then ran out of the back door of the residence, but Morales-Perez followed her.

    The deputy said the victim tried to run; however, Morales-Perez grabbed her, balled up his fist, and punched her multiple times on the nose and face. He then grabbed the victim’s throat with both hands and choked her to the point where she could not breathe.

    That’s when a woman heard screams, ran out of a house, and pulled Morales-Perez off of the victim.

    The witness told the deputy that Morales-Perez had the victim in a “choke-hold” when she fought to pull him off of the victim.

    The witness then drove the victim to a local hospital.

    After interviewing the victim and witness, Morales-Perez was located and arrested.

    Morales-Perez does not speak English and was provided with an interpreter prior to being questioned. When asked what had taken place between he and the victim, Morales-Perez refused to answer any questions. He told a Marion County Jail nurse that he did not remember.

    Morales-Perez was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation and Violation of a Domestic Violence Injunction.

    Morales-Perez is no stranger to law enforcement. OPD, MCSO, and state officials reported that Morales-Perez  is an illegal immigrant from Mexico. He entered the United States as a felon with ties to the drug trade and has been in trouble multiple times since his entry.

    Morales-Perez was arrested on December 3. According to officials, on December 6, while at the jail, he was re-arrested and charged with Cocaine Sales (x2), Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell (x2), and Trafficking in Cocaine.

    Information about the circumstances surrounding these charges has not yet been released.

    The charges are in addition to the felony domestic battery charges.

    Morales-Perez  is now being held at the Marion County Jail on no bond. His next court dates are scheduled for December 14, December 27, and January 3, 2017.

    MCSO filed a SHIELD (Surviving Harmful Interactions through Electronic Location Devices) Victim Contact/Exclusion Zone Form on behalf of the victim.

    On the form it reads: “This program allows low risk, court ordered, pre-trial defendants to be mapped and tracked with a GPS ankle monitor.”

    ###

    [If] a judge were to consider Morales-Perez a low risk and order him into the program, he would be released from jail after having already violated the conditions of an injunction order issued on November 8.

    According to investigators, the victim suffered “heavy bruising to her nose and areas of her face,” “multiple lacerations on her face,” and “multiple scratches and heavy bruising around her neck.”

    Her injuries were photographed and placed into evidence.

    (Victim beaten, nearly strangled to death for refusing sex, witness saved her) Suspect was in the U.S illegally….

    Posted by Ocala Post on Wednesday, December 7, 2016



    Man arrested in alleged shooting, selling “rock”, literally

    Ocala Post
    -
    2
    Man arrested in alleged shooting, selling “rock”, literally
    drug dealer, shooting, fake drugs, rock, eureka, ocala news, ocala post
    Thomas Thorne

    Eureka — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest in an alleged November 21 armed robbery with shots fired.

    Timeline of events

    On November 21, deputies responded to the Eureka West Boat Ramp, located at 15399 Northeast 152nd place, after a man, later identified as Bryan Scott Taylor, 26, reported that he had been robbed and shot at.

    During the investigation, deputies were told that Taylor had met up with Thomas James Thorne, 25, at the boat ramp to buy marijuana.

    Instead of receiving marijuana, Taylor told deputies that Thorne snatched $125 from his hand and ran off.

    According to reports, Taylor followed Thorne and watched him get into the passenger side of a car. Taylor told the deputies that Thorne then pointed a gun at him and fired one shot.

    Deputies reported that Taylor was also able to identify the driver of the vehicle.

    On December 1, a deputy made contact with the driver.

    The driver told the deputy that Taylor and Thorne had met for a drug deal. The driver stated that the two had an altercation, but denied that Thorne had snatched any money or fired a gun.

    On December 2, Deputy R. Johnson arrested Thorne during a traffic stop.

    Thorne told investigators that he and Tayor had met up, but said Taylor’s version of the story was not exactly what had happened.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Thorne sold Taylor narcotics, or what was supposed to be narcotics, in exchange for $15.

    Thorne told investigators that he had actually taken a rock from the ground and placed it in a plastic baggie in an attempt to pass it off as a narcotic. He said Taylor became angry when he realized the supposed narcotics were not the kind of “rock” he was looking for.

    Thorne said Taylor then tried to reach into [his] pocket to take the money back.

    Thorne stated that he did not have a gun and did not snatch $125 from Taylor. Thorne told investigators that Taylor gave him $15 voluntarily.

    Thorne was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery by Sudden Snatching, and Violation of Probation for various felony convictions in Hillsborough County.

    Both Taylor and Thorne have previously been convicted of multiple felonies.

    Investigators never recovered a weapon. Witnesses at the scene stated that they did not see Thorne with a gun, but thought they “heard a loud sound that could have been a gunshot.” However, witnesses did report that they saw Thorne snatch money from Taylor.


    A woman who refuses to accept a break-up faces felony charges

    Ocala Post
    -
    13
    A woman who refuses to accept a break-up faces felony charges

    domestic battery, aggravated battery, domestic abuse, ocala post, ocala news, bad break-up

    Ocala, Florida — A man got more than he bargained for when he decided it was time to end his relationship with his girlfriend of three and a half years.

    Ocala police say the man broke off his relationship with the woman near the end of November.

    On December 3, the man returned home from work to find that his ex-girlfriend, later identified as Melissa N. Ostrander, 22, had made entry to his home and was waiting for him.

    According to reports, Ostrander’s sole intention was to argue with the man about him leaving her.

    The man told police that he did not want to argue or discuss the relationship with Ostrander. Instead, the man left his residence and drove to his sister’s house.

    While visiting with his family at his sister’s house, he heard a car pull up in the driveway.

    Seconds later, Ostrander barged into the house and began to yell at the man about their break-up.

    Ostrander then grabbed the man by his shirt and attemted to pull him to the floor. That’s when the man’s sister grabbed Ostrander by her throat, and shoved her outside.

    The family said it appeared that Ostrander was going to leave, but she ran toward the house and tried to regain entry.

    An unidentified person then pushed Ostrander, which kept her from entering the home.

    Ostrander then went back to her vehicle.

    Thinking  Ostrander was leaving, the man exited the residence and began talking with someone at the rear of his vehicle.

    That’s when Ostrander positioned her vehicle in their direction, revved up her engine, and accelerated toward them.

    The man, along with the person he was talking with, were able to jump out of the way before Ostrander slammed into the man’s car.

    The impact caused the man’s car to propel forward and hit the residence.

    Ostrander then “threw” her vehicle into reverse, accelerated, and struck another car that had arrived at the residence. She then fled the scene.

    Police said that there was a juvenile sitting in the passenger seat of that vehicle, but he was not injured.

    Police made contact with Ostrander at her residence a short time later.

    Ostrander told police that she argued with her ex-boyfriend because they “have to raise a child together,” and got upset that he had broken off the relationship.

    According to reports, when Ostrander’s ex-boyfriend left his residence to go to his sister’s house, she left too.

    Ostrander told police that she had intended to “go get gas”, but the more she thought about the break-up, the more angry she became. She said she then made the decision to drive to [his] sister’s house to confront him.

    Ostrander was arrested and charged with Burglary with Domestic Battery, Domestic Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault, and Felony Criminal Mischief.

    She was released on  a $11,000 bond. Her next court date is slated for January 3, 2017.

    On April 29, 2014, Ostrander was arrested for Domestic Battery. Five months later, she was arrested a second time and charged with Domestic Battery and two counts of Domestic Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.


    2016 Ocala Christmas Parade, a ‘Star-Spangled Christmas’

    Ocala Post
    -
    0
    2016 Ocala Christmas Parade, a ‘Star-Spangled Christmas’

    ocala christmas parade, ocala post, ocala events, star spangled christmas,

    Ocala, Florida — The annual Ocala Christmas Parade will take place on December 10, 2016.

    The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

    This year the theme is a ‘Star-Spangled Christmas’.

    VIP bleacher seating may still be available. Tickets are available for $10, and must be presented at the parade.

    The tickets can be purchased on-line. Just fill in your information, and your tickets will be e-mailed to you for your convenience. All you have to do is print them out and present them on the day of the parade.

    VIP seating is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

    Tickets for bleacher seats can be purchased here.


    Woman sentenced for role in fireworks tent shooting, attempted armed robbery

    Ocala Post
    -
    10
    Woman sentenced for role in fireworks tent shooting, attempted armed robbery
    shooting, armed robbery, fireworks tent robbery, ocala news, ocala post, op, marion county news
    Quinneshia Roberts

    [Last updated on December 2, 2016, at 8 a.m.]

    Ocala, Florida — A woman will spend the next four years of her life in prison for her involvement in a July attempted armed robbery of a fireworks tent .

    On July 4, Quinnesha Roberts, 20, and Anquan Rashard Everett, 14, attempted to rob the fireworks stand in the 7100 block of Maricamp Road.

    During the armed robbery, Everett shot the security guard in the shoulder. Both of the suspects fled, but returned moments later to “finish the job” and shot the guard again — this time in the left leg.

    Deputies were able to locate the suspects the same night.

    During the investigation, deputies learned that the gun Everett used had been stolen from Roberts’ grandmother.

    Everett’s mother, who is also a felon, told her son not to cooperate with investigators. Roberts also refused to cooperate with the investigation.

    Both suspects were arrested and charged with one count each of Attempted Felony Murder and Attempted Robbery with a Firearm.

    shooting, juvenile, killer kid, attempted murder, ocala news
    Anquan Everett, 14

    Everett was also arrested in April for Felony Possession of a Firearm.

    On November 29, Roberts plead guilty to one count of Attempted Felony Murder with a Firearm and one count of Attempted Armed Robbery.

    Judge Jonathan Daniel Ohlman sentenced Roberts to four years in prison on each count. She will serve that sentence concurrently, not consecutively. Therefore, she will only serve four years in prison instead of eight.

    Once Roberts is released, she will be placed on felony probation for two years. During that time, she will also be required to wear an ankle monitor and complete 120 hours of community service.

    She is being held at the Marion County Jail while waiting to be released into the custody of the Florida Department of Corrections.

    According to the State Attorney’s Office, Everett has a status hearing slated for January 5, 2017.

    The security guard recovered from his injuries.


    Pregnant woman says boyfriend battered her because she wouldn’t have sex

    Ocala Post
    -
    6
    Pregnant woman says boyfriend battered her because she wouldn’t have sex
    get mad over no sex, sex, domestic battery, hit a pregnant woman, ocala post,
    Isaac Velazquez-Aponte

    Marion Oaks — A pregnant woman had to seek medical treatment after she was battered by her boyfriend.

    According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was resting when her boyfriend, Isaac Velazquez-Aponte, 27, returned home. The victim stated that Velazquez-Aponte entered the bedroom and wanted to have sex.

    According to the victim’s statement, she told her boyfriend that she was not in the mood and she wanted to be left alone.

    Velazquez-Aponte then became angry and started arguing with the victim, at which point the victim yelled and told him to leave the room. The victim then got up out of bed and slammed the bedroom door.

    Velazquez-Aponte then opened the door and stated, “There will be no slamming of doors in [my] home.”

    The victim told a deputy that her boyfriend then grabbed her by her arms from behind and dragged her to the front door of the residence.

    According to reports, Velazquez-Aponte then released the victim and she fell to the floor.

    The victim then left the residence and went to her mother’s house.

    The deputy located Velazquez-Aponte at Palm Chevrolet on Southwest College Road where he worked.

    Velazquez-Aponte admitted that he had argued with his girlfriend and grabbed her, but denied that he dragged her through the house.

    Velazquez-Aponte was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Woman. He was released on a $2,500 bond.


    Man threw dog in front of several moving vehicles

    Ocala Post
    -
    21
    Man threw dog in front of several moving vehicles
    animal abuse, animal cruelty, ocala news, ocala post,
    Michael Britton

    [Last updated on November 30, 2016, at 2:45 p.m.]

    UPDATE – Nov. 30, 1:36 a.m.

    The dog was located and is currently being treated at UF Pet Emergency Treatment Services in Ocala.

    Ocala Post spoke with UF, however, citing confidentiality laws they refused to provide any information about the dog’s condition.

    UPDATE – Nov. 30, 2:45 p.m.

    On Wednesday, the Humane Society of Marion County said that the dog, whose name is Yoshi, is in stable condition.

    OPD officials said that Officer Brendan Ferguson plans to adopt Yoshi. Ferguson is also the same officer who found the dog.

    Original story

    Ocala, Florida — The search is on for an injured dog after a man threw it in front of several moving vehicles Tuesday evening.

    Fran Ann says she was near the Wal-Mart on Easy Street when she made a left-hand turn onto the road that runs between Grand Reserve and Wal-Mart.

    She said when she made the turn, a man stepped out of the darkness and threw a dog in front of her car. She said it was apparent that the man was trying to kill the dog.

    Ann said, “I know I hit the dog, but it was still alive.”

    She said she turned her vehicle around and returned to the scene, but the man had already retrieved the dog from the street.

    “He kept trying to throw the dog in front of other oncoming cars,” Ann said. She went on to say, “This has to be one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced.”

    A short time later, Ocala police arrived and arrested Michael Britton, 55.

    Britton was uncooperative and fought with police officers as they attempted to arrest him.

    Britton was charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Arrest.

    Britton has previous arrests for Battery (x2), Violation of Probation (x2), and Domestic Battery.

    The dog was hit by at least one other vehicle, but was able to wander from the scene.

    The dog is described as a gray and white collie-type dog with long fur. The dog weighs approximately 30 pounds. It also had a blue leash attached to its collar.

    It was last seen in the 2800 block of Southwest 24th Avenue.

    If you see this dog, please 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.



    Man says he found woman in bed with another man

    Ocala Post
    -
    2
    Man says he found woman in bed with another man
    stabbing, cheater, adultery, ocala news, ocala post
    Christopher Shuhart

    Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1300 block of Northwest 35th Street Sunday in reference to an alleged battery that had occurred two days prior.

    Upon arrival, a woman told the deputy that she and a man, later identified as Christopher Shuhart, 32, had been involved in an altercation. She said Shuhart was angry because she was “seeing someone else.”

    The woman stated that while the two of them were arguing, Shuhart told her he would kill the other guy. She said he grabbed a knife immediately after making the statement.

    According to reports, the woman then pushed Shuhart and cut herself on the knife he was holding. She told the deputy she pushed him because she was scared.

    The deputy asked the woman why she waited two days to report the incident; to which she replied, “I was not thinking.”

    The deputy said he then left the residence and made contact with Shuhart.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Shuhart told the deputy that he had returned home to find the woman in bed with another man.

    Shuhart said he did not know that the woman had been cut with a knife. He told the deputy that if [she] had been cut with a knife, it was not intentional.

    MCSO did not disclose the relationship of Shuhart to the woman.

    Due to the woman’s statement and an injury to her hand, Shuhart was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery. He was released on a $500 bond.

    Osceola Middle School student says she escaped from 2 men

    Ocala Post
    -
    3
    Osceola Middle School student says she escaped from 2 men

    attempted kidnapping, abduction, ocala post, ocala news, osceola middle school

    [Last updated on November 29, 2016, at 6 p.m., to include a statement from the Marion County Public Schools system.]

    Ocala, Florida — An Osceola Middle School student said she was targeted Monday by two men as she waited for her mother to pick her up after school.

    Ocala police said the girl was sitting at the northwest corner of 520 Southeast Sanchez Avenue waiting for her mother.

    The girl said that she waits for her mother at the location every day and that, there are usually other students with her. However, she was alone on Monday.

    According to reports, at approximately 2:15 p.m., a silver four-door car was driving south on Southeast Sanchez and stopped at the stop sign.

    Police said the driver, a white male with blonde hair and a short beard, who was also wearing square-rimmed reading glasses, began to stare at the student.

    The girl told police that the man asked her if she was bored; to which she replied, “No”.

    The man then asked her if she needed a ride.

    The girl replied, “No, I am waiting for my mom.”

    The girl told police that after she told him “no” the second time, he just kept staring at her.

    The report states that the girl told the man, “You can leave now.”

    The man then replied, “Get in the Car.”

    The girl then got up and began to walk southbound on the western sidewalk of Southwest Sanchez Avenue.

    She then stated to the driver, “I am calling my mom.”

    The man then turned east on Southeast 6th Street and circled back around.

    According to reports, the man pulled up behind the girl and began to follow her while talking on his cell phone.

    When the girl reached Southeast 8th Street on Sanchez Avenue, she saw a blue four-door vehicle traveling eastbound on Southwest 8th Street.

    She said the second vehicle abruptly pulled in front of her and cut her off.

    The girl told police that the driver, a white male, was also on his cell phone.

    Moments later, the man in the silver car exited his vehicle and began chasing the girl as she ran away. She said the man in the blue car stayed in his vehicle.

    According to police, the girl ran westbound on Southeast 8th Street towards Eighth Street Elementary.

    The girl said that when she arrived at the school, the man disappeared.

    She told police that she then walked back to Osceola Middle School, where she called her mother.

    Police canvassed the area, but did not locate any suspects. Police also questioned residents to see if anyone had witnessed the incident, but were met with negative results.

    Police said the silver vehicle might have a pink license plate border around the tag.

    Marion County Public Schools Public Information Officer, Kevin Christian, stated the following in an e-mail to Ocala Post:

    Ocala Police are aware of the incident which happened a few blocks away from the Osceola Middle School campus.

    Principal Suzette Parker sent a Skylert (automated) phone, email & text message to all parents giving them a heads up and encouraging them to talk with their children.

    We obviously want parents to be cautious of this incident and hope they will urge their kids not to interact at all with strangers.  The safest place for students to wait after school is on campus where supervision is provided.  Parents can use the well-established car line to remain in a safe position to pick up their kids.

    The following is the e-mail that was sent from the school to parents:

    Article continued below

    abduction-e-mail-to-parents-osceola

    Following the incident, many parents expressed their concern with how the situation was explained to them.

    Ashley Boutwell wrote, “Why is this story changing so much from what the school reported to the parents yesterday?? I think we are entitled to know the details up front.”

    OPD told Ocala Post that they have increased surveillance in the area where the incident occurred.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    If you have any information, please 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.




    GameStop employee robbed at gunpoint in parking lot

    Ocala Post
    -
    3
    GameStop employee robbed at gunpoint in parking lot

    gamestop, robbery, employee robbed, gunpoint, ocala post, ocala news

    Ocala, Florida — Ocala Police Department detectives are searching for two suspects who robbed a GameStop employee at gunpoint.

    On Sunday, Ocala police responded to the GameStop, located at 4920 East Silver Springs Boulevard, after an employee reported that he had been robbed.

    The employee had just closed the store for the night when he was approached by two individuals — one male and one female — in the parking lot.

    The employee told police that he had just entered his vehicle when a car with the two occupants pulled up.

    According to reports, the female suspect exited the car and approached the driver’s side window of the victim’s car. She then pulled out a handgun and ordered the victim to exit his vehicle.

    Once outside the vehicle, the suspect forced the man to empty his pockets.

    The female the grabbed the man’s wallet, returned to her vehicle, and the two suspects drove off.

    The male suspect was described as a heavyset Hispanic, approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighed approximately 215 pounds. He is possibly in his early to mid 20’s. He has short black hair and was wearing a blue shirt.

    The female was described as white, heavyset, in her late 40’s, and had shoulder length blonde hair. She was wearing a black and white checkered flannel hooded jacket.

    Ocala police would not release a description of the vehicle at this time.

    If you have any information, please 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.



    Man stabbed his parents on Thanksgiving

    Ocala Post
    -
    0
    Man stabbed his parents on Thanksgiving
    Edwin Daugherty, daytona stabbing, volusia county news, stabbing, thanksgivng day stabbing, man stabbed parents, daytona news paper
    Edwin Daugherty

    A Port Orange man faces two counts of attempted murder after he stabbed his parents on Thanksgiving day.

    The incident occurred in the 2300 block of Costa Del Sol Drive.

    Volusia County deputies say 34-year-old Edwin N. Daugherty became “irate” after his mother, Patsy Daugherty, told him to be quiet.

    According to reports, when Patsy “shushed” Edwin, he began arguing with his mother and, the argument became physical when Edwin walked over to his mother and placed her in a headlock.

    Then, when his father, Thomas J. Daugherty, came to her rescue, Edwin placed Thomas in a headlock.

    During the scuffle, Edwin pushed his father to the ground, grabbed a steak knife with a 4-inch blade, jumped on top of Thomas, and stabbed him multiple times in the chest.

    When Edwin’s mother tried to help her husband, Edwin stabbed her three times.

    Edwin the fled the scene.

    The mother and father were rushed to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

    Thomas is listed in serious-to-critical condition, while Pasty is listed in serious condition.

    Witnesses who were sitting at the dinner table told deputies they saw Edwin stab his parents before leaving the residence.

    Deputies found Edwin walking down the street from his parents’ house.

    Deputies also recovered the knife from some bushes about a block away from the house.

    According to reports, Edwin told deputies that he was “trying to stab his father in the heart.”

    Edwin was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. He is being held without bond.



    Two teens arrested following high-speed chase, one confessed to armed robberies

    Ocala Post
    -
    8
    Two teens arrested following high-speed chase, one confessed to armed robberies

    armed robbery, ocala news, ocala post, boost mobile robbery, high-speed chase,
    Dexavion J’Neil Brown [left] and Levon Buckhanon
    Ocala, Post — Two teens were arrested Tuesday after they lead Ocala police on a short high-speed chase.

    Ocala police detectives received an anonymous tip that a silver Chevy Avalanche, which had been reported stolen, was seen traveling in the vicinity of Northwest 10th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue.

    Upon seeing the vehicle, an OPD K-9 officer, who was driving an unmarked car equipped with lights and sirens, pulled behind the Avalanche and attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the 400 block of Northwest 9th Avenue.

    The vehicle then fled at a high rate of speed.

    The chase lasted for approximately two miles before the driver, later identified at Dexavion J’Neil Brown, 16, and the passenger, Levon Buckhanon, 18, jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot.

    While officers who responded to the area chased Brown, the K-9 officer pursued Buckhanon.

    Buckhannon ran toward the 2000 block of Southwest 8th Place and cut through the back yard of the residence.

    The officer yelled for Buckhannon to stop or [he] would release the K-9.

    As Buckhannon continued to run, he crashed into a fence and fell to the ground. He then yelled out “I give up, don’t let the dog go.”

    The K-9 officer then drew his taser and moved in.

    During Buckhanon’s arrest, the officer discovered that the suspect was armed with a Ruger LCP. Buckhannon also had a fanny-pack that contained more than 28 grams of marijuana, credit cards, a small scale, and other property.

    While the K-9 officer detained Buckhannon, the other Ocala police officers apprehended Brown.

    The 16-year-old confessed to stealing the Avalanche from a Food Mart on November 19. Additionally, he confessed to two armed robberies.

    • Armed robbery of the Kwik King located at 3685 Southwest 20th Street on November 21.
    • Armed Robbery of the Boost Mobile located at 2076 West State Road 40 on November 21

    In both robberies, Brown had an armed accomplice.

    It is not yet know if Buckhanon participated in any of the robberies.

    Brown was charged with Grand Theft Auto, Robbery with a Firearm, Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, and Resisting Arrest.

    He was also arrested on September 16, 2016, and charged with Home Invasion Robbery with a Firearm.

    Buckhanon was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of A Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, and Resisting Arrest.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    If you have any information, please 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.



    Driver had seizure, lost control of vehicle

    Ocala Post
    -
    0
    Driver had seizure, lost control of vehicle

    A woman and her 14-year-old nephew are in stable condition after their car crashed into a home Tuesday morning.

    The driver, Janice Porter, was traveling east on Southeast 108th Street when she had a seizure and lost control of her 2014 Ford Fusion.

    Marion County Fire Rescue said both occupants were transported to Munroe Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

    According to Belleview police, the vehicle ran off the roadway and slammed into a telephone pole that snapped in half. The vehicle then went approximately seven feet into the air, struck a tree, and a basketball hoop. The vehicle rolled over and came to its final resting place up against the front door and windows of a residence.

    Porter will not face any charges.

    The home was occupied, but no injuries were reported.



    Volusia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 shot and killed

    Ocala Post
    -
    0
    Volusia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 shot and killed

    volusia county k-9 shot, police dog shot, deland, daytona, deltona

    A Volusia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was fatally shot Tuesday evening while chasing down an armed suspect who had fled and fired at deputies in Deltona.

    K-9 Forrest was rushed to DeLand Animal Hospital following the shooting. He passed away shortly after arrival.

    According to a press release, Forrest was shot at about 7:16 p.m. near Vann Park after the suspect opened fire on deputies who were searching for him in a wooded area.

    Deputies responded to Wing Terrance after receiving a Crime Stoppers tip about a wanted fugitive.

    While they were at the location, a man rode by on a dirt bike in a reckless manner.

    According to reports, when a deputy tried to stop him, the suspect fled.

    Deputies did not pursue the suspect at that time.

    A short time later, the man brazenly drove by recklessly again. The dirt bike was later found abandoned nearby.

    When deputies made contact with the individuals inside the house where the fugitive was believed to be staying, deputies heard someone jumping over fences.

    Deputies set up a perimeter, and the Sheriff’s Office Air One helicopter spotted the suspect in a nearby wooded area.

    K-9 Forrest had started tracking the suspect when he opened fire and shot the dog.

    Deputies then returned fire.

    As of 10:54 p.m., the suspect was still surrounded by law enforcement in the area of Vann Park.

    Additional updates will be provided as they become available.



    Suspicious incident: Woman in Marion Oaks knocking on doors, asking for money

    Ocala Post
    -
    4
    Suspicious incident: Woman in Marion Oaks knocking on doors, asking for money

    suspicious-incident

    [Last updated at 10:26 p.m. on November 21, 2016. Incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m., not 8:45 p.m. as originally reported.] 

    Marion Oaks — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a suspicious incident in Marion Oaks.

    At approximately 9:45 p.m., Monday, a black female wearing black pants and black hoodie approached a home and rang the doorbell.

    When the homeowners approached the door, the female had the hoodie pulled up over her head and was faced away from the door so that the homeowners could not see her face.

    When the homeowners answered the door with their handguns; the woman hesitated for a moment and then stated that her child was sick. She stated that she needed money to get him to the hospital.

    The male homeowner then told the woman that he did not carry cash.

    The homeowners said the woman then walked to the edge of their yard, grabbed her bicycle, and rode off.

    The homeowner stated that he did not know the woman’s intent, but with the recent robberies and home invasions that have taken place, he felt the incident should be reported.

    The incident occurred in the 14600 block of Southwest 35th Terrace Road.


    Man infected with HIV forced himself on teen

    Ocala Post
    -
    7
    Man infected with HIV forced himself on teen
    HIV, AIDS, rape, ocala news, ocala post, shooting, sex predator ocala, child molester, sex offender ocala
    Jose Garcia

    Ocala, Florida — An alleged shooting led to the arrest of a sexual predator who is infected with HIV.

    Officers with the Ocala Police Department were conducting an investigation near the 2800 block of West Silver Springs Boulevard after a caller reported a shooting.

    While investigating, officers learned of a sexual battery allegation against a teenage girl.

    According to reports, Jose A. Garcia, 30, had offered to give the teen a ride home after a group of friends had been hanging out together.

    The group was supposed to be traveling  in the same direction, but at some point, Garcia took a detour down a gravel road and parked his car.

    Once parked, the victim stated that Garcia reached over, put his hand up her dress, and told her to “suck his d*ck.”

    The victim stated that she screamed for him to stop, at which point Garcia told her to get out of the car.

    The victim said that she told Garcia it was too cold, so she got into the backseat and told Garcia to drive her home.

    Instead, police say Garcia got into the back seat and forced himself onto the victim while she was screaming “no”.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Garcia then dropped the girl off to her friends. Once he drove off, the teen started crying and told everyone what had happened.

    Police say that is when the group got a gun and began the manhunt. During the search, someone fired several rounds into the air. That is when police received the 911 call.

    Police located Garcia, however he refused to cooperate and requested an attorney.

    During the investigation, a family member advised police that Garcia had tested positive for HIV.

    It was later confirmed that Garcia is HIV positive and that, he knew he was HIV positive at the time he sexually assaulted the teen.

    Garcia was arrested and charged with two felonies — Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor and Unlawful Sexual Activity while Infected with HIV.

    He is being held on a $10,000 bond.

    Garcia has previous arrests for Aggravated Assault, Battery, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief with Property Damage (x2), and Obstructing Justice.

    His next court appearance is slated for December 20.



    1...757677...174Page 76 of 174

    Useful Links

    Marion County Sheriff's Office | Ocala Police Department | Ocala Fire Rescue | Marion County Fire Rescue | Kimberly's Center for Child Protection | Marion County Clerk of the Court | Marion County Property Appraiser | Marion County Tax Collector | Humane society of Marion County

    © 2013 Ocala Post, a subsidiary of Jaguar Media Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved.