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    Man arrested, said he was teaching juvenile to defend himself




    child abuse, ocala news, domestic violence, marion county news
    Kenneth Vinson

    Ocala, Florida — Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to Southwest 27th Avenue, and arrested a man they say held a knife to a juvenile’s throat while teaching the boy self-defense.

    Upon arrival, deputies met with the mother of the juvenile, who stated that she had been having problems Kenneth Vinson, 56.

    The mother stated that Vinson had been drinking for several hours when he decided that it was a good time to teach the juvenile how to defend himself against bullies.

    According to reports, that is when Vinson pulled out a folding knife from his pocket, opened it, and placed it to the juvenile’s throat.

    The juvenile stated that he then moved away from Vinson because he was scared of the knife.

    Vinson then pointed the knife toward the juvenile’s chest. Deputies said that is when the mother told Vinson to stop and the two of them began arguing.

    While deputies were speaking to the mother, Vinson came in from the back porch and began yelling that deputies were not listening to his side of the story. However, when questioned, Vinson stated that he and the mother had not been having any issues.

    Later, Vinson stated that the boy needed to learn how to be a man and defend himself from a bully. He admitted to holding the knife to the juvenile’s throat.

    Vinson was charged with Cruelty Toward a Child. His bond was set at $1,000.

    We want to hear from you. What do you think about Vinson’s arrest?




    Shooting near Highway 484 RaceTrac, suspect(s) on the run




    shooting, ocala news, marion county news, gunfire
    MCSO deputies keep the area secure as they search for the shooter. [Photo-Ocala Post]
    Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting that occurred near the RaceTrac, located at 1525 Southwest Highway 484.

    According to officials on the scene, a male, who has not been identified, was shot in the foot. His injuries were non-life-threatening.

    Witnesses reported hearing more than one shot being fired, however investigators were not sure if there was more than one shooter.

    Investigators said that the shooter(s) fled the scene before units could arrive.

    The sheriff’s office utilized multiple patrol units, K-9 units, and air units, but they could not locate the suspect(s).

    Officials said they are still investigating and did not know what led to the shooting.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    More information will be posted as it becomes available.

    Anyone with information 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.




    Pregnant woman assaulted protecting her child from abusive boyfriend




    domestic abuse, ocala news, marion county news, pregnanat woman assaulted, domestic violence
    Eric McCray Jr.

    Ocala, Florida — A 21-year-old man is still being held without bond after he struck a pregnant woman in the face.

    According to the Ocala Police Department, Eric McCray Jr., the live-in boyfriend of the victim, was being verbally abusive to a small child in the home.

    Police say the victim confronted McCray and told him that he did not have the right to speak to a child that way.

    McCray then became angry, grabbed the victim by the throat, and began choking her.

    The victim stated that when she told McCray to let her go, he punched her in the mouth with a closed fist. The victim, who is pregnant, then fell to the floor. The impact of the punch “busted” her bottom lip.

    McCray then fled the residence on foot.

    According to reports, McCray was aware that the victim was pregnant.

    While police were at the scene, the victim began to have lower back pain and was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

    McCray was located and arrested. He was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Victim.

    He has previous arrests for Battery, DUI, Driving without a License, and Resisting Arrest.

    There were two other minor children present during the altercation.




    Women attacked near downtown square, one robbed





    attack, downtown square, ocala news, marion county news, women attacked,

    Ocala, Florida — Ocala police are searching for two black females who brutally attacked at least three women near the downtown square on Friday, March 25, 2016. One of the victims was robbed during the attack.

    When police arrived on the scene they saw a white female (victim one) lying in the southbound lane of Southwest 1st Avenue, unconscious.

    A second victim told police that she and her friends, including victim one, had just left a bachelorette party and were about to enter their vehicle when they were attacked by two black females.

    According to reports, a silver Audi that was headed northbound on Southwest 1st Avenue, pulled up and two unknown black females jumped out of the car. One of them then attacked victim one. The victim was repeatedly punched until she fell to the ground. The other black female then stood over the victim and continually kicked her until she was unconscious.

    A third victim said she was knocked to the ground, at which time her knee slammed into the pavement. The black female who attacked her then stole her cell phone and wallet. The wallet was later recovered from behind Brother’s Keepers, but all of the victim’s cash had been stolen. The amount of cash was not disclosed.

    Investigators said that a witness, who was not identified, recorded a portion of the attack with his cell phone. OPD investigators are currently analyzing that video to see if they can identify any of the suspects.

    According to reports, the victims did not know their attackers.

    Victim one was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for her injuries. Authorities said she sustained multiple bruises to both sides of her face, around her eyes, and had multiple scrapes and bruises on her arms and back.

    Once the victim regained consciousness, due to the beating, she could not remember what had happened to her.

    If you have any information about the aforementioned case, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.




    Man arrested for DUI, DCF investigators now involved




    ocala news, marion county news, dui, dcf
    Denver Patterson

    Ocala, Florida — A man arrested for DUI is now facing a Department of Children and Families investigation.

    Denver D. Patterson, 29, was stopped by a Marion County sheriff’s deputy after he crossed over the double yellow line while heading eastbound on Northeast 35th Street. Patterson veered into oncoming traffic and nearly struck another vehicle head-on.

    When the deputy approached the vehicle he could smell the strong odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle.  However, it was who the deputy found as a passenger in the vehicle that had him concerned the most.

    According to reports, Patterson had a 6-year-old child in the car with him.

    Patterson, who does not have a valid driver’s license, failed all of his roadside sobriety tests. He also refused to take a breathalyzer test.

    The license plate that was on the vehicle that Patterson was driving was also invalid.

    The deputy reported that Patterson’s speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot and watery. When asked how much he had to drink, Patterson replied, “Two beers.”

    Patterson was arrested and charged with DUI with a Person Under 18 and Driving without a License. Additionally, he received a citation for Driving without a License Plate.

    He was released on a $1,500 bond.

    The juvenile was “shaken,” but did not suffer any injuries.

    DCF was notified and they are looking into the matter.




    Teen dies from gunshot wound, investigation underway





    shooting, ocala news, marion county news, teen shot in ocala

    shooting, ocala news, marion county news, shooting,
    Altwan E. Crim [deceased]
    Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred at Greenfield’s Apartments on Monday.

    At approximately 6:30 p.m., 911 operators received a call in reference to shooting at 2950 Southeast 53rd Court, Ocala.

    Deputies were the first to arrive on the scene. Upon arrival, they found that Altwan E. Crim, 18, had been shot.

    Marion County Fire Rescue arrived a short time later, at which time they pronounced Crim deceased.

    Sources indicated that Crim had been shot in the head.  MCSO Investigators stated that the shooting is an active investigation and further details surrounding the shooting would not be released at this time.

    More information will be released as it comes in.




    Ocala police officer arrested; getting “high” and playing video games while on duty




    ocala news, marion ocunty news, police officer arrested, opd officer arrested
    Former Ocala Police Officer Jeffrey Hall

    Ocala, Florida — An Ocala Police Department police officer was arrested after officials received a tip that the officer had been smoking marijuana while on duty.

    On March 17, 2016, OPD received information which suggested that, now former police officer, Jeffrey P. Hall, 26, had been smoking marijuana while on duty. The tipster stated that Officer Hall had been smoking marijuana with Christian Cornell, 27, who lives in a travel trailer, located at West SR-40, lot 44.

    According to reports, Hall visited the trailer regularly.

    After receiving the information, OPD Lieutenant Greg Martin made the decision to install hidden cameras near the RV park where the trailer was located. Investigators stated that Hall was recorded visiting the trailer 13 times.

    Each time Hall visited the trailer, he arrived in his marked patrol vehicle and was dressed in full uniform.

    Investigators reported that the travel trailer had aluminum foil covering the windows which prevented them from seeing inside. However, on one occasion, Hall arrived with a woman, later identified as Allie Smith, 23,  at which time the front door to the trailer was left open. Investigators said that they could see inside and that it appeared Hall was playing video games with Cornell. Hall was on duty and actively working calls for service.

    While conducting surveillance, investigators made the decision to move in on the trailer.

    Lieutenant Martin stated that when he approached the trailer he could smell burning marijuana emitting from inside. Major Michael Balken made contact with Officer Hall as he was attempting to leave in his patrol car. After Hall exited his vehicle, Major Balken relinquished him of his car keys. Hall was then suspended and driven home.

    A search of Hall’s Patrol car turned up a plastic container in the center console that contained a black canvas bag. Inside the canvas bag was an electrical smoking device and a small white piece of paper with a brown crystal-like substance on it. That substance later tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) in a non-plant form.  Investigators also found a plastic bin that contained a bag of marijuana, rolling papers, and loose marijuana. A separate black bag also contained an additional bag of marijuana and roach clips. A loose burned marijuana cigarette was found in a plastic container inside the trunk.

    Hall was arrested and charged with Possession of a  Scheduled 1 Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

    Hall was released from jail on a $2,750 bond.

    More on Cops and Crime.


    Wife shoots and kills her husband during domestic dispute




    domestic disturbance, ocala news, marion county news, shooting
    Mark Penland [left] and Michelle Dinkins-Penland.
    Ocala, Florida — A man who was shot by his wife Tuesday night died at a local hospital.

    The man has been identified as Mark Penland, 53.

    According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Mark’s wife, Michelle Dinkins-Penland, 44, shot her husband Tuesday just after 9 p.m.

    The call had originally been dispatched as a domestic disturbance involving battery, but while deputies were en route, the call was upgraded to a shooting.

    The shooting took place at 8311 Southeast 16th Terrace, Ocala.

    Mark was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

    Major crimes detectives stated that the two were arguing and then shots were fired.  According to investigators, Michelle showed signs of bruising that would suggest a physical fight had taken place between the two. However, the specifics of the argument have not been released.

    According to the sheriff’s office, there was also a juvenile inside the home at the time of the shooting. That juvenile was not injured.

    “Upon completion of the investigation, this case will go to the State Attorney’s Office for review,” said Marion County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Public Information Officer, Lauren Lettelier.

    No charges have been filed against the wife at this time.




    Wanted fugitive captured in Ocala

    1




    ocala news, marion county news, Pennsylvania, wanted
    William Wyland

    Ocala, Florida — A wanted fugitive from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was arrested after Ocala police found him sleeping behind a business located on South Magnolia Avenue.

    According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, William H. Wyland, 34, was wanted on charges of Aggravated Assault, Retail Theft, and Violation of Parole.

    On May 4, 2015, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole made the decision to recommit Wyland. He was scheduled to serve an additional six months in prison for parole violations.

    Officials said that he changed his residence without permission and failed report to his parole officer after he was released from prison.

    According to reports, Wyland fled to Florida before he could be apprehended and had been on the run for several months.

    Wyland was extradited back to Pennsylvania on March 22.




    Temporary lane closure, expect delays





    traffic delays, ocala news, marion county news

    Ocala, Florida  – on March 23, motorists traveling along Southeast 36th Avenue — between the intersections of Southeast Highway 484 and Southeast 95th Street — will experience a temporary lane closure from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    The closure is due to utility work.

    Motorists should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible.

    Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may affect the work schedule. For more information, contact the Office of the County Engineer at 352-671-8686.




    Man found dead; police say death was a homicide




    suspicios death, ocala news, ocala post, marion county news, man found dead
    Quilla Donerson [Deceased]
    [Last updated on March 22, 2016, at 7:24 p.m.]

    Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is still asking for the public’s help with a suspicious death investigation.

    Detectives say that on March 20, at approximately 10:17 a.m., officers responded to 1982 Northwest 22nd Street in reference to a dead body.

    According to reports, when police arrived they found Quilla Donerson, 33, deceased.

    Major crimes detectives originally said that Donerson’s death was considered suspicious, but on March 22, investigators upgraded the suspicious death to a homicide

    An autopsy was completed, but the cause of death has not been released.

    If you have any information about the aforementioned case, call Detective D. Todd at 352-789-8949, the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.




    Human remains identified as Silver Springs Shores man




    ocala news, human remains, skeletal remains, marion county news
    Jeffery Keith [Deceased]
    Ocala, Florida — Human remains found on March 7, 2016, near Silver Springs Shores have been identified.

    The Medical Examiners officer confirmed that the remains are that of Jeffery Keith, 46. Authorities say Keith went missing on April 4, 2015.

    Before Keith went missing, he made statements to his family that had them concerned for his well-being.

    When Keith went missing, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was notified. Members from MCSO Patrol, MCSO’s Field Force team, MCSO’s Aviation Unit, MCSO’s Underwater Recovery team, the Department of Corrections, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion County Emergency Management, Marion County Search, and Rescue and other departments/agencies participated in the search for Keith.

    Reports indicated that 86 individuals were involved in the search and 467 hours were spent searching for Keith.

    The Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that Keith’s cause of death was suicide.

    Keith’s remains were found in a heavily wooded area, a little over two miles from the residence he was last seen.




    Quick-thinking family keeps boy from bringing rifle to school

    11





    gun to school, ocala news, marion county news, weapons at school, AR-15

    Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is still investigating an incident in which a 13-year-old boy attempted to bring an AR-15 assault rifle to school.

    Officials say that the boy was confronted by his father when he noticed that his son was “acting strange” while getting ready for school.

    According to the boy’s grandfather, the boy was walking around the house with an “awkward form.”

    The grandfather stated that he and the father had a feeling that the boy was trying to conceal something large under his clothes.

    According to reports, when the father and grandfather confronted the boy, they discovered that he was hiding the AR-15. The father then searched the boy’s backpack and found a single loaded magazine.

    Officials stated that the boy had planned on taking the assault rifle to Howard Middle school. The boy stated that several students at the school were bothering him and he wanted to take care of it.

    The father took immediate action and transported the boy to a local mental health facility.

    The boy’s name has not been released at this time and nor charges have been filed.

    The investigation is ongoing.




    Woman arrested for sudden snatching

    2




    ocala news, marion county news, sudden snatching, grand theft
    Tyeshia Swain

    Ocala, Florida — A woman was arrested after she snatched a necklace from a victim while she was shopping in a CD store, located at 1943 West Silver Springs Boulevard, Suite A.

    Police said that Tyeshia Swain, 30, approached the victim, struck her in the chest, and snatched a gold ruby necklace from the victim’s neck. The necklace was valued at approximately $1,000.

    According to reports, Swain then jumped in a car and fled the area.  The victim, who also left the store, followed Swain.

    Police made contact with Swain, but she immediately requested a lawyer and refused to cooperate.

    Police stated that witnesses were able to corroborate the victim’s story.

    Police said the necklace was not recovered.

    Swain was charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching and Simple Battery. She was released on a $3,000 bond.

    If you have any information about the aforementioned case, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.




    Woman arrested for hitting juveniles with a cooking pot




    child abuse, ocala news, marion county news,
    Monica Emanuel

    Ocala, Florida — Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested an Ocala woman after an anonymous caller reported that two children had been hit with a cooking pot.

    Authorities responded to Northwest Gainesville Road and made contact with the two juvenile victims.

    According to reports, the juveniles stated that, Monica Emanuel, 37, was on the couch and had instructed them to clean the house.

    An eye witness stated that when the juveniles refused, Emanuel instructed the witness to retrieve a cooking pot from the kitchen. Emanuel then took the cooking pot and struck one of the juveniles on the hand and the other on the head.

    Emanuel told deputies that she was on the couch and had told the juveniles to clean. She said she became angry when they refused and struck them with a cooking pot.

    “I will not have them disrespect me when I tell them to clean the house,” Emanuel told deputies.

    Emanuel was charged with two counts of Domestic Child Abuse. She is being held on a $2,000 bond.

    She has previous arrests for Battery and Domestic Violence.




    Woman, 69, injured in house fire

     





    Ocklawha, Florida — An Ocklawaha woman was transported to a hospital Thursday after she was injured in a mobile home fire.

    At approximately 7:13 a.m., Marion County Fire Rescue units responded to a residential fire, located at 7550 Southeast 183rd Avenue Road, Ocklawaha.

    Engine 4, Rescue 4, and District Captain 2 arrived on scene at 7:22 a.m. to find the double-wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames.

    Article continued below

    fire, house fire, ocala news, marion county news, mcfr

    The 69-year-old occupant had already escaped the flames by the time units arrived.

    She was treated on scene for her injuries and immediately transported to a local hospital as a “trauma alert”.

    Fire crews worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

    The mobile home, which had additional structures built on with an additional roof over the entire structure, was a complete loss.

    According to a press release, 15 units and 30 firefighters were dedicated to this fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.

    Units on Scene included E4, R4, DC2, E6, E27, R27, T6, T27, T15, D101, STFM, G27, A104, E26, and T626.

    No firefighters were injured while extinguishing the fire.




    Attempted abduction in Davenport

    1





    attempted abduction, polk county news,

    At approximately 4:10 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2016, an 11-year-old girl got off her bus at her bus stop, located at Thousand Oaks Blvd and Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport, and began walking eastbound on the sidewalk along Ronald Reagan Parkway towards her neighborhood.

    A short time later, a car traveling westbound pulled up alongside her.

    The car is described as a 2000-model white four-door with tinted windows, black rims, and a black back bumper.

    The passenger in the car is described as a white male in his late 40s to early 50s, with short hair and a salt-and-pepper goatee, and a sunburned or red complexion, wearing a dark green T-shirt with orange lettering on the front.

    According to reports, the passenger said, “Your mom is in the hospital, and she sent us to get you.”

    The girl immediately began running down the sidewalk.

    The car made a U-turn and fled westbound on Ronald Reagan Parkway.

    The girl reported the incident to her mother, who called the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

    If anyone has information about this incident, please contact PCSO at 863-298-6200, or to remain anonymous, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

    The investigation is ongoing.




    Marion County sales tax initiative





    sales tax, ocala news, politics, taxes, florida taxes, marion county tax

    Ocala, Florida — Official Press Release – On March 10, Marion County residents will have another opportunity to learn about the county’s sales tax initiative before casting their vote during the upcoming presidential primary. County Commission Chairman Kathy Bryant will host two informational sessions, as follows:

    Sales Tax Informational Meetings

    • March 10
    • Morning session: 10 a.m.
    • Evening session: 6 p.m.

    Location: McPherson Governmental Complex – Commission Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.

    All registered Marion County voters, regardless of party/no party affiliation, will be able to vote in the March 15 presidential preference primary. If passed, the temporary tax would be levied over a period of four years, starting on Jan. 1, 2017 and ending on Dec. 31, 2020. Revenue would only fund specified public safety equipment needs for law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical services, as well as transportation capital and road rehabilitation projects. Per state statute, revenue cannot fund staff salaries and operational expenses. Municipalities (Belleview, Dunnellon, Ocala, McIntosh and Reddick) would receive a portion of the revenue according to a state formula based on population. It is estimated that visitors to Marion County would contribute about 30 percent of the sales tax revenue.

    On December 1, 2015, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved putting the sales tax option before county voters in the March ballot. The decision came on the heels of a lengthy economic recession that left many in our community unemployed or with reduced income. In a span of just six years, property values had dropped by 38 percent. With this decline in property values, county government also saw a decrease in property tax revenue, which is what funds much of the budget for county services.

    For more information about the sales tax informational meetings, please call 352-438-2300 or visit www.MarionCountyFL.org/SalesTaxInitiative. An informational packet about the sales tax is available here: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/home/showdocument?id=9710.

    How will you vote?




    Human remains identified




    body identified, body found, human remains, ocala national forest, ocala news, marion county news
    Thomas Lombardo [Deceased]
    Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the human remains found in a shallow grave on Friday, March 4, were identified as a man who was reported missing in January.

    The body was found in the Ocala National Forest off of Forrest Road 50.

    According to a press release, Thomas Lombardo, 44, was reported missing to the Ocala Police Department by his mother, Christine Stern, on January 25. She told police that she had last seen him on January 14.

    According to Stern, she had arranged for Lombardo to move from Melbourne to Ocala. He was scheduled to arrive on January 18.

    Stern told authorities that she had texted him on January 17, but he never wrote her back.

    Lombardo was identified through fingerprint examination.

    His death has been classified as suspicious.

    Anyone with information can call Detective Felix Rodriguez at 369-3508, 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.




    Former game show host, Bob Barker, helps local animal sanctuary

    bob barker, DJ&T foundation, ocala news, marion county news, Forest Animal Rescue
    Zulu, the tiger that inspired us to start the sanctuary in 1998 [bottom left] and Bob Barker with his dog Federico


     



    Ocala, Florida — Forest Animal Rescue will immediately start construction on the Bob Barker Animal Care Building, thanks to a generous $100,000 grant from the former game show host himself. The grant comes from Barker through the DJ&T foundation. The DJ&T Foundation was named after Barker’s late wife, Dorothy Jo, and his mother, Tilly.

    The building will cost approximately $250,000 and Barker’s grant will set the project in motion.

    The construction of this building will ensure that the high standards of veterinary and nutritional care for the animals at the sanctuary continue.

    Forest Animal Rescue is making substantial progress toward completion of a state-of-the-art animal sanctuary in the Ocala National Forest. Now, in addition to providing lifetime care for over 100 non-releasable wild animals, that would have otherwise been euthanized, Forest Animal Rescue is also rehabilitating orphaned black bear cubs for release into the wild.

    Barker is helping to take Forest Animal Rescue’s newest program to the next level.

    Forest Animal Rescue successfully launched their black bear cub rehabilitation and release program in 2015. Working with wildlife officials in Louisiana and Florida, they started the program to assist with the nurturing of orphaned black bear cubs until they are ready to be released back into their native habitat.

    However, while congratulations is in order, the $100,000 will only start the project. Forest Animal Rescue is seeking community support to raise the balance of the funding needed for the Animal Care Building.

    If you would like to help with the remaining $150,000, tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Forest Animal Rescue, 640 Northeast 170th Court, Silver Springs, FL, 34488, or made online at http://ForestAnimalRescue.org .

    Guided tours are available for up to four people at a time, twice a month, and can be reserved on the website. For more information, call 352-625-7377, or email info@forestanimalrescue.org.