[Video submitted by Carin Geiman — additional video below]
Article continued below
Baseline and Maricamp Road vehicle fire [MCFR]Ocala, Florida — On September 21, 2015, Marion County Fire Rescue Station 33 responded to a vehicle fire on Baseline Road and Southeast Maricamp Road.
According to MCFR, when units arrived, crew members found that a vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.
MCFR said that crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Additionally, crew members were able to salvage some of the family’s belongings.
FHP arrived a short time later.
One lane was closed until the vehicle could be moved.
MCFR units on Scene were E33, R33, and A103.
The driver and passenger were able to escape the vehicle without injury.
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Special Investigations has made an arrest in the September 13, 2015, Cloud 9 nightclub shooting.
On Monday, MCSO and the US Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Laquan Ria’Mel Barrow, 24.
He has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Benetria Robinson, 19, and attempted second-degree murder for the other five victims who were shot.
Barrow was located at 5465 Southeast 30th Place, Ocala.
“This type of lawless activity will not be tolerated in Marion County and our citizens can rest assured that we will not rest until all the individuals who took part in this heinous act are brought to justice,” Sheriff Chris Blair said.
Previous shooting
Ironically, on September 13, 2013, Ocala Post broke a story about a trio of men who were terrorizing residents who live in Silver Springs Shores.
Barrow, was one of those men.
On September 11, 2013, Barrow was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (x5) and Burglary of a Dwelling. He was released on September 12, only to be arrested again on September 13, and charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of Marijuana.
Washington was shot and killed shortly after he and two others had left Cloud 9 on November 14, 2013.
After leaving the club, the three victims proceeded to a block party, located in the 1900 block of Northwest 1st Street, Ocala.
According to reports, all three victims pulled over just east of 19th Avenue on Southwest 1st Street.
They told police that within minutes, a black male, later identified by victim one as Laquan Barrow, 22, opened his driver’s door, punched him in the face several times, and attempted to pull him out of the vehicle. Victim one resisted by holding on to the steering wheel and pushing the suspect away to no avail.
Victim one stated that a second black male, later identified as Howard Lee Hill, 20, also punched him in the face several times and attempted to pull him out of the car. He stated that a third black male, later identified as Tydree Najee Barrow, 20, came to his vehicle with the other two suspects. Victim one said that it was at that moment that he heard a gunshot.
Due to lack of evidence, Barrow was never charged with having any involvement in Washington’s death.
September 13, 2015 shooting
On September 13, the Ocala Police Department, assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, responded to Cloud 9, located at 1910 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, following a shooting that occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m.
When Ocala police arrived, they found that six people had been shot. Benetria Robinson, 19, who had been shot in the head, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other five victims were transported to hospitals in two different counties.
Witnesses stated that an altercation that began inside the club made its way to the parking lot. One witness stated that while he was outside, he attempted to break up the fight.
One victim stated to Barrow, “You gotta shoot me, you gotta shoot me?”
According Barrow’s arrest affidavit, just moments before he fired multiple rounds from a 9mm handgun, he stated, “Ya’ll better move, I’ve been sparing ya’ll. I’ve got bail money, and I am going to catch me a body tonight.”
Witnesses said that was when Barrow reached into his pants, pulled out a handgun, and started firing into the crowd.
Witnesses reported hearing at least 13 shots.
Barrow has previously been arrested for Unlawful Assembly, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (x7), Shooting Into an Occupied Vehicle, Armed Burglary of a Dwelling, Grand Theft, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Resisting Arrest, Violation of Probation (x2), Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana (x3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Burglary with Assault and Battery, Flee and Elude, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana (x2), and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
Barrow is currently being held without bond. He has refused to cooperate and has demanded an attorney.
Four of the five surviving victims remain hospitalized. One of them is in critical condition.
Benetria Robinson, 19, was gunned down at nightclub in Ocala.
Ocala, Florida — On Wednesday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office put the nightclub, Cloud 9, on notice — either clean it up or be shut down.
MCSO sent a certified letter of Notice of a Potential Drug-Related Public Nuisance Abatement Action to nightclub owner, Anthony T. Pastorino.
A nuisance abatement, as a legal term, is a condition or use of a property that interferes with neighbors’ use or enjoyment of their property, endangers life, health or safety, or is offensive to others. Because of the harm they do to others, Florida law authorizes local governments to use their police powers to compel the owners of nuisance properties to correct those conditions. If the owner fails to do so, the municipality can step in and correct, or abate, the conditions itself.
A nuisance abatement also applies to properties overridden with criminal activity, including high traffic drug and prostitution areas.
In some instances, judges have ordered properties (such as motels and apartment complexes) to cease operation.
The letter reads as follows.
The letter comes five days after six people were shot outside the nightclub. The shooting occurred following an argument that took place inside, but spilled out into the parking lot.
Benetria Robinson, 19, a Forest High School graduate, was shot in the head. She died in the parking lot.
At this time, detectives do not have any leads in the case. Detectives are seeking any pictures or video footage that might have been taken while at the nightclub on Saturday night/Sunday morning.
MCSO believes that fear is preventing witnesses from coming forward, so, they have set up a safe way for individuals to provide this information.
If you have photos or video, you can upload them at www.dropitto.me/marionso to upload the files. In order to be eligible for a reward you must contact Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP after uploading your file, and provide the date and time of your upload as well as the name of your file.
If Pastorino does not comply with the letter, then MCSO would notify the Board of County Commissioners and petition them to have the nightclub shut down.
If you have any information about this case, please 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.
Ocala, Florida — A boy was arrested on Wednesday and charged with Attempted Felony Murder and Home Invasion Robbery for the beating and shooting of a 91-year-old woman that occurred in June.
According to the arrest affidavit, someone called in an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers after reading about the incident in the media.
The tipster provided information that placed Jaquan Davis, 16, inside the victim’s home at the time of the home invasion.
On June 20, 2015, the Ocala Police Department responded to a home in reference to a burglary in progress.
While police were en route, the victim told 911 dispatchers that she believed the intruders were still inside her house. She stated that she had been hurt and would not be able to answer the front door for police.
When officers arrived, they made entry to the home through an open window.
The suspects had already fled the scene.
According to reports, officers found the woman lying on her bed with blood coming from her head.
After EMS arrived, they determined that the 91-year-old woman had “significant trauma to her face and head.” Additionally, emergency personnel reported that there was a metal object lodged in the woman’s forehead and a hole behind her left ear.
The woman told police that two black males broke in to her house, came into her bedroom, and demanded money. She said that when she told them she didn’t have any, they beat her with a pistol and then shot her.
Later, after she was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, hospital staff notified police that they found bullet fragments in the victim’s forehead. Hospital staff stated that the woman had been shot twice — once in the forehead and once behind her left ear.
Police said that they believe the ammunition used was “rat shot.”
At the hospital, the victim told police that while she was in bed she heard a noise. She said she thought it was her daughter coming to check on her, so she yelled out, “I’m back here.” She said that is when two black men entered.
The victim told police that she was beat until she was unconscious and called police when she woke up.
On September 16 — three days after police received the anonymous tip — Davis was brought into the Ocala Police Department by his mother.
Davis admitted that he was in the house and that he demanded money from the victim, but he denied pulling the trigger. He said his accomplice was the person who shot the 91-year-old.
Davis was transported to the Marion County Jail. As of September 17, he was being held at the juvenile facility. His next court date is scheduled for September 30.
Police said that the victim has since recovered.
OPD detectives are still searching for the second suspect.
If you have any information about this 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.
File photo of Mayor Kent Guinn [left] and John M. McLeod (city photo). McLeod lost the re-election as councilman.Ocala, Florida — Mayor Kent Guinn was re-elected Tuesday night, making this his third term as Ocala mayor.
According to records, Guinn received nearly 65 percent of the votes, beating his opponent, William Gilchrist.
Councilman John McLeod, who was a huge supporter of destroying Red Oak and Ocala Stud horse farms, also known as the Trinity Lane project, lost to his opponent, Matthew Wardell by 96 votes.
Ocala Post had been investigating McLeod after receiving information that suggested he failed to disclose all real property on his Statement of Financial Interests’ forms, which, according to Florida law, violates State of Florida Commission Ethics rules.
On Tuesday, Ocala Post, again, reached out to the city council in regards to these allegations.
In an e-mail, Strategic Business Administrator Jeannine Robbins wrote, “As an organization, the city has not been notified of any impeding investigations related to any of our elected officials.”
At the end of Tuesday’s regular council meeting, Council President Jay Musleh said, “The only comments that I have to make revolve around the election, and, um, I’m very proud of you guys for the clean campaign you ran. I’ve often said there is absolutely no reason for a negative campaign for a local non-partisan election to where the winner gets a grand salary of $200 a month, and the mayor a little higher than that, but I don’t understand it. I particularly don’t understand it when facts weren’t checked and, um, you know, facts, stuff that’s exaggerated. It’s got no place in our community, um… I don’t care for it, and this is my chance to get it off my chest. Um, and the negative people will come back again anyway.”
Musleh doesn’t like when things get exaggerated , however, in an April 2015 meeting he rudely addressed the crowd after they cheered for Guinn on his decision against the Trinity Lane Project, and referred to the city council as a court of law. Afterwards, citizens expressed their concerns with [that] gross exaggeration and said that Musleh had demonstrated an abuse of power and disrespect toward the mayor.
In that same meeting, McLeod defended the Trinity Lane Project. Councilman McLeod inferred that Ocala residents were too ignorant and wouldn’t understand.
At the end of Tuesday’s regular council meeting , City Council Member Mary Rich said “I wish the Mayor and John the best of luck. I have never seen such a dirty campaign since I’ve been sitting up here, and, of course, the two of them would never do anything like that. So, we just hope they’re back up here at the next … whenever they’re supposed to be, because that was just nasty… I couldn’t believe it.”
During his campaign for city councilman, Wardell criticized the city council for many of the issues that Ocala Post had previously written about.
Currently, Ocala Post, after receiving information which contains serious allegations of corruption, is investigating several other government officials who are running for re-election in the upcoming 2016 election.
Ocala Post will keep the citizens of Marion County up-to-date on this situation.
Ocala, Florida — On Wednesday morning, Ocala police responded to New Southern Foods, located at 601 Southwest 33rd Avenue, in reference to gunshots. This is the same area where B&B trucking is located.
Several units responded to the area, which is not far from College Park Elementary.
Heavy police presence in the area had some parents concerned.
OPD Sgt. Angy Scroble said that officers searched the area, but did not locate any suspects or victims.
The area has been cleared.
Ocala Post will keep you updated with any further developments.
Ocala, Florida — The Humane Society of Marion County said that they are devastated over the death of one of their dogs that was left in a hot van.
HSMC officials said, “As an organization that works so hard to preserve life, this is devastating to us.”
On Friday, September 11, a person who was coordinating the PetSmart National Adoption Event had called the shelter and asked for someone to come pick up a dog that would not stop barking.
In a press release, HSMC wrote, “When the Humane Society participates in an adoption event, the standard protocol if some of the dogs start barking too much, is to send them back to the shelter.”
According to reports, when the driver arrived at PetSmart, a volunteer put two dogs in the back of the van. The driver was not notified of the second dog.
During the drive back to the shelter, one of the dogs, Willa, got out of her crate and made her way toward the front of the van.
Once at the shelter, a staff member opened a side door to the van and only saw and unloaded Willa. The staff member said that she did not see nor hear the second dog, Rollin.
Officials said that the driver then drove back to PetSmart and parked the van, unaware that Rollin was still inside.
It was not until staff began to pack up at the end of the day that Rollin was discovered deceased.
Officials estimated that the dog had been left in the sweltering van for approximately two hours.
“Nothing has ever happened like this before,” HSMC officials said. “Because of this tragedy, we are implementing ‘Rollin’s Rules,’ including steps that will be taken in the future that will help remind staff and volunteers to thoroughly check the van before parking it.”
In an e-mail to Ocala Post, Marion County Public Information Officer Elaine DeIorio McClain wrote, “Marion County Animal Services plans to open a case on this incident, as would happen with any reported case of this nature, and [Marion County Animal Services] has reached out to the Humane Society.”
HSMC officials would not identify the employees involved. However, they did say that the staff member working at PetSmart has been working with animals for 15 years and the driver for eight.
Belleview, Florida — Family and friends are mourning after a local teenager was killed in an accident Sunday afternoon when his car slammed into a power pole.
Marion County Fire Rescue, Belleview Station 18, was dispatched to a single vehicle accident with rollover and entrapment in the 12000 Block of SE 108th Terrace Road.
When units arrived on scene, crews found a silver Volkswagen Beetle that had hit a guard rail, snapped a power pole, and landed on its side.
According to reports, Bennie Butler, 19, was trapped inside the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene shortly after the arrival of MCFR.
The Florida Highway Patrol said that, for unknown reasons, Butler veered off the roadway and hit the power pole, which was in a residential area.
Troopers said it does appear that speed was a factor in the crash.
The crash is still under investigation at this time.
Sources said that Butler had just married in June.
Ocala Post will provide more details as they come in.
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala man who struck a woman in the head with a metal baton is being held without bail pending his next court date.
On Friday, Ocala police responded to the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 1399 Northeast 25th Avenue, in reference to an assault.
Medics were already on the scene treating the woman for her injuries by the time police arrived.
When police arrived, they spoke with the victim’s husband, Michael Peters. Peters told police that he had received a call from his wife, Angelia Clifton, who told him there was a problem in the parking lot of her work.
When Peters arrived, he said he saw his wife staggering through the parking lot with blood running from her head.
Clifton stated to her husband that, “The guy who just left in the green Camaro hit me in the head with some sort of pipe.”
At least five witnesses on the scene told police that Clifton had been struck in the head with an expandable baton, also known as an ASP.
Peters searched for the Camaro and found it at 2771 Northeast 3rd Street. He then confronted the suspect, later identified as Leroy Riling, 77.
During the conversation, Riling told Peters that, “Your wife deserved to get hit.”
At the hospital, Clifton told police that as she had pulled into the parking lot of Oakbrook Plaza, a green Camaro was speeding through the parking lot and nearly hit her car. She said she then stopped her vehicle to let the Camaro drive by.
However, the driver of the Camaro did not pass by. Instead, Riling got out of his car and walked up to Clifton, who was still seated in her vehicle. Immediately after approaching the driver’s window, Riling struck the window with the baton.
According to reports, Clifton then exited her vehicle and confronted the man. It was at that time he grabbed her by the throat and pushed her up against her car.
Clifton said that as it was happening, she could hear her co-workers running to her rescue in the background, and the man let go and shook the baton at her. She said the man then expanded the baton and struck her in the back of the head.
Police located the green Camaro at 200 Northeast 71st Court, where Riling was arrested.
He was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.
Riling’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 13, 2015.
Williston, Florida — Thousands showed up Saturday and Sunday at Kirby Family Farm to experience what it was like in the Western days when Ocala had the very popular Six Gun Territory theme park.
The park opened on February 2,1963, and remained open until 1984.
This weekend, everyone was entertained by simulated gunfights and female cancan dancers.
There was a monster bus to ride, as well as the opportunity to experience Florida’s largest private railroad.
If that wasn’t enough, visitors could take a hayride to the hideouts to see if they could catch the bad guys.
Overall, everyone who attended seemed to really enjoy a blast from the past.
Belleview, Florida — In a town filled with crime and government corruption, Marion County citizens were ecstatic to see people work together to try and save an abandoned puppy that was near death.
On Saturday, at approximately 8 a.m., Eric Pedersen was mowing a customer’s lawn. As he made his way to the backyard to do the weed eating around a shed, he saw something twitch. When he looked closer, he realized it was a puppy, which was later named Chance.
“He blended in so well with the background and the dirt I would have never noticed him if he didn’t twitch,” Eric said.
Lawn maintenance supervisor Sean Baron walked over to take a look and snapped a photo of the severely emaciated dog.
Social media rumors quickly began to spread, some posting comments on Facebook blaming the homeowner. However, Melissa Pedersen told Ocala Post that the homeowner has medical issues and does not go outside without assistance.
“[The homeowner] had no idea the puppy was there,” Melissa said.
Melissa said that Eric and Sean did not know what to do, so, they contacted her. That is when she posted it in on the page of an Ocala Facebook group.
Melissa said, “I needed feedback and I figured [Ocala’s Word of Mouth] would give me the feedback I needed.” And she was proved correct.
Melissa was unable to take the dog herself because she has two small children at home.
The community quickly came together and began making suggestions. In just a short period of time, there were hundreds of comments from people showing support and pledging to donate money for the puppy.
UF Animal Hospital in Gainesville told Melissa that she could bring the dog in to be seen, but she wanted something closer. The local UF emergency veterinarian suggested animal control.
Melissa did not call animal control because she was afraid they would euthanize Chance.
A short time later, Marion County resident Misty Thompson commented on the Facebook post and offered to pick up the puppy and take him to an animal hospital.
Thompson, along with resident Stephanie James, rescued the puppy and took it to Belleview Veterinary Hospital, located at 10725 SE 36th Ave, Belleview, where they immediately began treating Chance.
Even though Dr. Cara Erwin-Oliver showed compassion and did not turn away services for Chance, donations began to pour in for the puppy’s treatment.
In three hours, more than $3,000 was collected for Chance. The donations came in via a GoFundMe page and many were called in directly to the animal hospital. Some of the donations came from as far away as New Zealand.
When Chance arrived at the animal hospital he was severely emaciated, anemic, and could not stand on his own.
After a few hours of aggressive treatment and care, Chance was able to stand for a few moments on his own but was still weak.
Facebook comments showed how supportive the community is, and how they had come together in just a few hours to save Chance’s life.
“My eyes are filled with tears reading all the kind words of encouragement for this poor baby “Chance”. I can tell u first hand he’s a fighter. I pray he pulls thru. As of late afternoon, he is steadily improving. Actually stood on his own and drank a few sips of water from a bowl without being offered from a syringe. I’m encouraged and I truly feel that with the prayers and support of our community he has a chance of a secure future. He is still in a fragile state but improving slowly. We will update his condition tomorrow. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers,” Dr. Cara Oliver posted on Facebook.
At the end of the day Saturday, Chance seemed to be making progress. Ocala Post had even scheduled an interview with the doctor.
Then, early Sunday morning, Dr. Oliver posted the following to Facebook:
“With a heavy heart I want to let everyone who has been following Chance’s rescue know, that early this afternoon Chance crossed the rainbow bridge. He was receiving his afternoon therapy and passed in peace….. In only a few hours (less than 24) he has touched thousands of people’s lives and brought true awareness to the unspoken needs of our fury members of our community. Animal neglect is a true crime that in the pet health industry we are exposed to daily. We at BVH are saddened by Chances passing but hope his short time with us gave him a sense of love and compassion that was felt by him for the first time. His life was short but I believe it will make a future difference for others in his condition.”
Debbie Leischner wrote, “Such a sad outcome. I’m so glad he was not alone in his passing. I just wish he could’ve made it long enough to understand what a loving home felt like day in and out. At least he got to feel it for a day.”
Melissa said that the proper authorities have been notified.
The circumstances as to how Chance came to be at the home are unknown.
Cloud 9 shooting OcalaBenetria Robinson, 19, was gunned down at nightclub in Ocala.
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department, assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 130 a.m. outside an Ocala nightclub.
Ocala Police were the first to arrive at Cloud 9, located at 1910 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, following the shooting.
When Ocala police arrived, they found that six people had been shot. Benetria Robinson, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other five victims were transported to hospitals in two different counties.
The names and hospital locations of the other five victims have not been released to the media for their protection. Three of the victims are in serious but stable condition
The shooting might have been the result of an argument that began inside the club and ended up in the parking lot. Investigators are not sure whether someone retrieved a gun from their car, or if the shots came from a passing vehicle.
MCSO Public Information Officer Lt. Ryan Robbins said, “Today we’ll be identifying witnesses, trying to get statements, collecting the physical evidence at the scene, and identifying the suspect and hopefully apprehending that suspect as soon as possible.”
Robinson was a graduate of Forest High School and was attending Palm Beach State College.
OPD and MCSO detectives are in the preliminary stages of this investigation.
If anyone captured any photos or video footage while at the Cloud 9 club last night, or this morning, please call MCSO at 352-732-9111. You can also call OPD at 352-369-7000. Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP.
[Last updated on September 11, 2015, at 9:35 p.m.]
On Friday, September 11, 2015, 14 years after the Twin Towers fell in 2001, Marion County firefighters showed that they have not forgotten.
MCFR firefighters and students started the day at the Florida State Fire College in Lowell, Florida.
They showed their support by running up and down the stairs at the smoke tower. Firefighters, fire students, and family members climbed the stairs 22 times.
Why 22 times? That number represents the height of the Twin Towers and the distance firefighters had to endure on that tragic day.
In addition to the stair climb, MCFR Honor Guard and Engine 20 were at the FDNY 343 Club Service at St. Mark’s Catholic Church 9/11 Memorial Service. The FDNY 343 Club sponsored the service.
Crews from MCFR Summerfield Station 30 were honored at the Del Webb Spruce Creek 9/11 Ceremony this morning. Ladder 30 had the honor of hoisting an American flag that had flown in an F-15 Fighter Jet during a combat mission in Iraq.
On September 8, 2015, the names of 21 members who died of illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery effort during and after September 11th were added to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn. A total of 110 FDNY members are now listed on the World Trade Center Memorial Wall, which was unveiled in September 2011.
Today, more than 10,000 members of the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program are battling illnesses that are a direct result of their heroic work in the rescue and recovery effort at the World Trade Center.
Along with photos provided by MCFR, Ocala Post chose to include a very powerful video that most media refuse to show. Most refuse to show it for fear of offending Muslims. Others fear that it would spark up the anger felt after the initial grief from that day subsided.
To not show some of the footage in this video is a sign of political correctness: something Ocala Post has never been accused of.
On that day, every American stood united, regardless of color, sex, religious beliefs, race, social status, circumstance, or environment.
Americans vowed never to be defeated.
The video is a reminder, not just for those who vividly remember that horrible day in 2001, but also for the younger generations.
Ocala Post staff will never forget.
[WARNING: If you are easily offended, or easily become emotionally disturbed, you are advised not to watch this video]
Marion Oaks — Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Marion Oaks man who allegedly struck a 17-year-old boy in the head with a BB gun.
Deputies responded to the 3500 block of Southwest 173rd Place Road, Marion Oaks, after receiving a 911 call in reference to a physical altercation involving a juvenile.
The caller told deputies that Thomas J. Luna, 31, had attacked the 17-year-old boy in the bathroom following an argument in the kitchen.
The caller stated that the boy walked away from Luna during the argument and Luna followed him while yelling, “You’re done, You’re done.”
According to reports, Luna then went into his bedroom, grabbed a BB gun, and hit the boy in the head with it. The two then ended up in the bathroom, where Luna told the boy he was going to kill him and struck him in the head several more times.
The caller said that she was scared of Luna because he is a schizophrenic.
During questioning, Luna told the deputies that he knew the boy was going to be a problem that day.
Luna stated that he and the boy were arguing when the boy spit in his mouth and walked away. He said he then followed the boy toward the bathroom, at which time the boy punched him in the face.
Luna said he fought back in self defense, but denied hitting the boy with a BB gun.
Luna was then placed under arrest.
On the way to jail, Luna stated that he would “return to the house and kill the whole family.” He said, “I am schizophrenic and I don’t care.”
Luna then asked what the penalty was for pointing a gun at law enforcement.
According to reports, the deputy told Luna that he was not to return to the residence. Luna then replied, “If I am released, I will be coming back and do life in prison.”
He said he would not go [to prison] willingly.
Luna was charged with Child Abuse-Cruelty Toward a Child. He was released from jail on a $5000 bond.
Marion County — A man who survived a three-vehicle crash Thursday morning was struck by a van and killed a short time later.
At approximately 3:27 a.m., a 2011 Ford Ranger, driven by Heriberto M. Ramos, 68, and a 2008 Freightliner, driven by Wilfredo Diaz, 40, were traveling southbound on I-75 in the area of mile marker 365 when, for unknown reasons, the two vehicles collided.
Angel L. Rios was a passenger in the Ford Ranger.
According to reports, the Freightliner swerved to the left and traveled into the center median and struck the guardrail. The Freightliner then crossed into the northbound lanes.
A 2012 Honda, driven by Jeo M. Miranda, 68, was traveling northbound on I-75 and was struck by the Freightliner.
No one was seriously injured as the result of this crash.
According to reports, northbound and southbound lanes were closed for nearly three hours due to the investigation and clean-up.
Florida Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Sergeant Tracy Hisler-Pace said that a trooper had arranged for the driver and passenger of the Ford Ranger to hitch a ride with a tow truck driver on the scene.
Sergeant Hisler-Pace said that after the scene was cleared, troopers left the scene.
Unknown to the troopers, Ramos and Rios had decided not to hitch a ride with the tow truck driver. Instead, they called a family member out of Brooksville to come pick them up and did not notify troopers of their change in plans.
While waiting for their ride, the two men began to walk south on I-75 in the dark.
A 2011 Chrysler van, driven by Shequita V. Dortly, 35, was traveling northbound on I-75 in the inside lane.
Rios was standing or walking in the inside travel lane. Troopers said it was dark and there was no ambient lighting in the area.
Dortly, who could not see Rios, struck him with the left front of the van.
Rios was then thrown in a northwesterly direction and came to rest in the grassy median. He was pronounce dead at the scene.
Ocala, Florida — A motorcycle rider was killed in a crash Thursday morning when a minivan turned in front of the motorcycle at Northeast 35th Street and Northeast 33rd Avenue.
A 2005 Pontiac Montana minivan, driven by Jennifer King, 35, was traveling west on Northeast 35th street, approaching the intersection of Northeast 33rd Avenue.
According to reports, a 2001 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by Anthony Hardy, 31, was traveling east on Northeast 35th Street, also approaching Northeast 33rd Avenue when the minivan turned left onto Northeast 33rd Avenue.
The King violated the right of way of Hardy, which caused his Kawasaki to slam into the right side of the minivan.
Hardy, who was on his way to work, was pronounced dead at the scene.
FHP said Charges for King are pending as the investigation is ongoing.
Dunnellon, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Dunnellon man for operating his own reverse sex sting operation, a tactic often used by law enforcement.
MCSO said that David W. Scalf, 45, posed as a teenage female, then attempted to extort money from pedophiles that contacted him for sex, believing him to be a juvenile female.
Here is the timeline of events:
On July 30, 2015, MCSO Sgt. Mike Dodd was conducting a sweep of advertisements on Craigslist Ocala looking for any suspicious or illegal activity.
Sgt. Dodd reported that he came across a posting in the Casual Encounters section titled “Need Revenge W4M.”
The ad was an alleged 18-year-old female seeking to provide oral sex while her friend would video record the encounter. The ad stated that [it] was to get back at her ex-boyfriend for cheating. The ad was posted multiple times.
Sgt. Dodd then responded to the advertisement. A short time later, Sgt. Dodd received a reply, at which time Scalf, posing as a female, claimed to 16 instead of 18.
According to reports, Sgt. Dodd then responded back posing as a 30-year-old male who was interested in the alleged 16-year-old female. Sgt. Dodd reported that he responded in hopes of identifying the juvenile engaging adult males for felonious sexual activity.
Scalf, still posing as a 16-year-old female, then requested an actual e-mail address if they were to continue the conversation.
After receiving an undercover e-mail, Scalf sent several nude photos and set up a meeting at the Kangaroo gas station at State Road 200 and Southwest 60th Ave.
Then, Sgt. Dodd received an e-mail from a different e-mail address. That e-mail stated that because nude photos of a minor had been transmitted via e-mail, an internet child monitoring system had been alerted.
Scalf, believing that Sgt. Dodd (“victim”) was a pedophile, stated that he would be arrested unless he cooperated. Scalf told Sgt. Dodd he had been granted a GGA (Goodwill Gesture Status), which meant the “victim” could pay a fine to a charity instead of being arrested.
On July 31, the “victim” received another e-mail which stated that the fine would be $4700.00 and 120 hours of community service. The “victim” was to pay the fine via PayPal or by purchasing a PayPal card. The “victim” was then supposed to send the account number from the card so Scalf could access the money.
The e-mail stated that if the “victim” did not make the payment by 4 p.m. on July 31, that the “victim” would be arrested.
Sgt. Dodd had multiple subpoenas sent to Craigslist in order to obtain information on the postings and e-mail accounts. Craigslist also provided an IP address, which provided the location of where the advertisements were posted. Additionally, Microsoft provided Sgt. Dodd with IP addresses that were associated with e-mails utilized by Scalf.
Brighthouse Networks identified the IP addresses as belonging to David King Architecture, located at Southwest 61st Avenue, Suite 400 — Scalf’s place of employment.
On September 3, Sgt. Dodd secured a search warrant for the location. When units arrive on the scene, detectives made contact with Scalf in the parking lot.
A Toshiba tablet and a HTC cell phone were seized at the location.
Initially, Scalf denied any knowledge of the e-mails, but he later confessed to sending the e-mails.
Sgt. Dodd reported that, “Based on the investigation, [Scalf] utilized Craigslist to post fake ads to lure adult males to engage in perceived felonious sexual activity with a juvenile female. Upon contact, [Scalf] threatened the “victim” to pay a fine to “his charity” in lieu of being arrested. [Scalf] was very persistent with the demands and made multiple threats.”
Based on this information, Scalf was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. He was charged with Extortion or Threats.
Scalf was released on a $2,000 bond.
A search of court records did not show a previous arrest history for Scalf.
If you were a “victim” of Scalf’s extortion scheme, the MCSO would like you to give them a call at 352-368-3535.
Ocala, Florida — A 39-year-old Ocala woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash on State Road 200 after she crossed into oncoming traffic.
The accident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 7:56 a.m., near Ocala BMW in the 5000 block of Southwest State Road 200.
According to the Ocala Police Department, Madhavi Balineni was driving a 1992 green Honda Accord in the inside lane traveling west, when her car crossed over the grassy median and into the eastbound lanes of oncoming traffic.
That was when Rubie Tamayo, 22, of Ocala, who was driving a 2002 maroon Nissan Altima, T-boned the passenger side of the Honda.
Five units from Ocala Fire Rescue responded to the scene. OFR said that Balineni had to be extricated from her vehicle.
According to OFR, both drivers were taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center.
Tamayo, as of 2 p.m., was listed in stable condition.
Balineni was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Ocala police said that Tamayo was wearing a seat belt, but Balineni was not.
Berisford ‘BJ” Champagnie [left] and Rushawn Kevon SimmsSummerfield, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two teens for a string of burglaries throughout Marion County.
On Friday, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the BP Gas Station located at 9945 Southeast Highway 42, Summerfield, in reference to two suspects who were breaking into the store.
According to reports, the would-be thieves smashed in the glass front doors of the business.
An alert citizen was able to provide deputies with a description of the suspects and their vehicle.
The MCSO said that responding patrol deputies located the vehicle at the VA parking lot located in the 8800 block of SE Highway 42, which is not far from the incident location.
The vehicle was occupied by two black males, later identified as Berisford ‘BJ” Champagnie, 18, and Rushawn Kevon Simms, also 18.
During the investigation, detectives were able to link the teens to eight commercial burglaries.
Detectives executed a search warrant on the suspects’ vehicle and found stolen items that were taken during the burglaries.
According to reports, during one of the burglaries, the suspects stole a cash register that contained approximately $2,500 in cash. It was recovered from inside the vehicle during the search. Additionally, other currency and an assortment of lotto tickets from other burglaries were found inside the car.
Champagnie and Simms were each charged with five counts of Grand Theft, one count of Criminal Mischief, and eight counts of Burglary.
They are being held on a $100,000 bond each.
The investigation is on-going and additional charges could be possible.
Millis, Massachusetts — A Millis, MA, police officer who sparked a massive manhunt for a suspect who fired shots at him has been terminated, after it was discovered that the officer lied about the entire incident.
Officers from other law enforcement agencies, police dogs, a Massachusetts State Police helicopter and firefighters were involved with the search, costing thousands of dollars in manpower and tax payer money.
The officer has been identified as 24-year-old Bryan Johnson.
Not only did this officer cause a massive manhunt, but he also created unwarranted tension between citizens and police officers across the country.
On September 2, the officer reported that a man in a dark pickup truck fired shots at him. The officer told dispatch that the shots caused him to lose control of his patrol car, which spun around, struck a tree, and burst into flames. The officer said he returned fire during the incident.
At approximately 2:17 p.m., the officer radioed, “My cruiser’s been shot at. I’m at Forest Road. It’s going to be a dark maroon pickup.”
Following the alleged shooting, some officers became infuriated and began using the hash tag #complyordie on social media, many criticizing and blaming the media for the shooting. Several online forums and public Facebook pages have since deleted many of the comments and posts.
On September 3, Millis Police Sgt. William Dwyer held a press conference and stated that the officer lied about the entire incident.
Sgt. Dwyer told the press that ballistic evidence recovered from the scene proved that the officer fired at his own vehicle.
Sgt. Dwyer said, “We have determined that the officer’s story was fabricated.” He went on to say, “Specifically, that he fired shots at his own cruiser as part of a plan to concoct a story that he was fired upon.”
Sgt. Dwyer admitted that this situation only caused a larger divide when it comes to citizens trusting law enforcement. He said he really doesn’t know how to feel right now, but he does not want citizens within his town to look down on the entire department because of one officer’s actions.
Initially, Sgt. Dwyer said that not only would the officer terminated, but that he would also be prosecuted.
Now, Sgt. Dwyer claims that Johnson was mentally unstable at the time of the incident. Sgt. Dwyer announced on September 7, that Johnson would be undergoing a psychological evaluation and will not be arrested and charged until he leaves the hospital.
John Wilson wrote, “Just like a criminal to plead insanity. When will police start taking responsibility and stop blame-shifting? If police want their lives to matter, then they better realize it’s a two way street.” He went on to say, “You know, polls have shown that support for law enforcement is at an all-time low. And while I am a huge supporter of our local law enforcement and have donated thousands of dollars over the years, neither myself nor my neighbors will turn our heads for corrupt officers.”
Wilson added, “I recognize that the actions of one officer does not reflect on the service of the entire department, but for Sgt. Dwyer to make excuses is just absurd. This officer was clearly trying to push an agenda that backfired in his face, and he did it only minutes after a bomb threat was called into the school right around the corner from where he crashed and shot up his own cruiser.”
On Monday, Sgt. Dwyer told the press that when Johnson is released he would “still be his friend.”
The officer was a dispatcher who was hired as a part-time officer, and he was training to become a full-time officer. The officer had not even completed the police academy.
He has not given a reason as to why he concocted this story.
We want to hear from you. What do you think about this situation?
