Collier County Sheriff’s deputies are conducting a death investigation after fishermen found human remains in Goodland.
Just after 2 p.m. on Saturday deputies responded to S.R. 92 just north of the Goodland bridge, 6 miles south of U.S. 41 when fishermen reported finding what appeared to be human remains in the mangroves.
Investigators say they found partial human remains and were not able to identify the body due to its condition. The medical examiner responded to the scene to remove the body. An autopsy will be performed.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Deputies To Look Out For Unsafe Trucks
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office will target unsafe commercial vehicles when “Operation Road Check” gets under way next week.
Starting Tuesday, deputies will stop commercial vehicles around the clock to inspect tires, brakes and other safety equipment on roads throughout Collier County.
Deputies will aggressively enforce state and federal laws as they relate to the operation of commercial motor vehicles as part of the annual statewide program, which runs through Thursday. Vehicles found to be in violation will be put out of service until the problem is fixed.
Commercial vehicles traveling on Interstate 75 will also be checked to ensure they are secured and don’t exceed weight restrictions.
Since 2004, deputies have conducted more than 2,000 safety inspections of commercial vehicles in Collier.
“The road check gives law enforcement the opportunity to make sure these vehicles are safe to be out on the roads,” said Cpl. Tom Mullen of CCSO’s Safety Traffic Enforcement Bureau. “It also forces the owners of these trucks to keep up with the safety standards.”
Starting Tuesday, deputies will stop commercial vehicles around the clock to inspect tires, brakes and other safety equipment on roads throughout Collier County.
Deputies will aggressively enforce state and federal laws as they relate to the operation of commercial motor vehicles as part of the annual statewide program, which runs through Thursday. Vehicles found to be in violation will be put out of service until the problem is fixed.
Commercial vehicles traveling on Interstate 75 will also be checked to ensure they are secured and don’t exceed weight restrictions.
Since 2004, deputies have conducted more than 2,000 safety inspections of commercial vehicles in Collier.
“The road check gives law enforcement the opportunity to make sure these vehicles are safe to be out on the roads,” said Cpl. Tom Mullen of CCSO’s Safety Traffic Enforcement Bureau. “It also forces the owners of these trucks to keep up with the safety standards.”
Florida Laws on Purchasing Gold
Anyone who purchases gold or precious metals, whether at a business or gold party, is required by law to obtain a Collier County occupational license and register with the Florida Department of Revenue as a secondhand dealer.
Florida State Statute 538 regulates precious metals dealers. Dealers must comply with record-keeping requirements, which involve completing approved transaction forms, verifying identification, obtaining the seller’s thumbprint, and delivering detailed transaction records to local law enforcement. Secondhand dealers must also hold the purchased items for 15 calendar days, according to law.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the dealer’s arrest.
If you purchase precious metals, or are planning a gold or precious metals party, you may contact the CCSO Pawn Unit at 239-530-5626 with any questions.
Florida State Statute 538 regulates precious metals dealers. Dealers must comply with record-keeping requirements, which involve completing approved transaction forms, verifying identification, obtaining the seller’s thumbprint, and delivering detailed transaction records to local law enforcement. Secondhand dealers must also hold the purchased items for 15 calendar days, according to law.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the dealer’s arrest.
If you purchase precious metals, or are planning a gold or precious metals party, you may contact the CCSO Pawn Unit at 239-530-5626 with any questions.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wise Tiger Provides Life Skills to Girls
Lt. Michael Dolan and his wife Teri always had a heart for at-risk kids.“But what could we do to help?” asked Dolan, who oversees the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s substation in Immokalee.
The answer came as a result of the arrival of the Weed and Seed program to the Immokalee community in 2000. This effort focuses on preventing and reducing violence and drug and gang activity in areas that are shown to have high crime rates.
The goal of Weed and Seed is to have law enforcement and local community programs come together in a working relationship and to help reduce violence in at-risk neighborhoods.
Dolan, who has practiced in martial arts for more than 30 years, decided to fuse the teachings of kung fu and morality into a program for at-risk kids called Wise Tiger.
The goal is simple: Give troubled youths a discipline that encompasses both their body and mind.
The first Wise Tiger meetings were at Wilton Court in summer 2007. The program has catered to a variety of ages throughout the years but has decided to shift heavy focus to high school-age youth.
Presently, the Wise Tiger program is helping young girls who are part of the PACE Center for Girls program. The group meets Wednesdays from 1:40-2:40 p.m. at the gym as part of the program’s curriculum. About 30-40 girls participate.
After a student completes five classes, she receives a uniform at no charge to her to help continue her lessons. During each lesson a principle is discussed to help the girls understand what it means to be a good person.
Wise Tiger recognized some of its students for their efforts and dedication during an awards ceremony Wednesday at the PACE Center, 160 N. 1st St.
Selena Pruenda was promoted to yellow belt, Alexia Garze and Lisa Velez were named the most improved students and Mindi Martinez was presented with the Top Student Medal.
Earlier this month, Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk recognized Dolan for his efforts with Wise Tiger by presenting him with the organization’s Good Samaritan Award.
“I’m very proud and honored that the Sheriff would take time to recognize me,” Dolan said. “My wife also plays an important part. She has been good helping to teach the girls to be girls.”
CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots
Monday, June 1:
Golden Gate Parkway and Collier Boulevard – Red-light running
Radio Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard – Red-light running
Pine Ridge and Goodlette-Frank roads – Red-light running
Tuesday, June 2:
Collier Boulevard and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Red-light running
Wilson and Golden Gate boulevards - Speeding
Livingston Road and Marsala Way - Speeding
Wednesday, June 3:
Immokalee Road and Logan Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Kings Lake Boulevard - Speeding
Goodlette-Frank Road and Creekside Drive – Aggressive driving
Thursday, June 4:
50th Street S.W. and Golden Gate Parkway - Speeding
Valewood Drive and Immokalee Road – Red-light running
Floridian Avenue – Aggressive driving
Friday, June 5:
Manatee Road - Speeding
Collier Boulevard and The Lord’s Way - Speeding
U.S. 41 East and Rattlesnake Hammock Road – Red-light running
Golden Gate Parkway and Collier Boulevard – Red-light running
Radio Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard – Red-light running
Pine Ridge and Goodlette-Frank roads – Red-light running
Tuesday, June 2:
Collier Boulevard and Vanderbilt Beach Road – Red-light running
Wilson and Golden Gate boulevards - Speeding
Livingston Road and Marsala Way - Speeding
Wednesday, June 3:
Immokalee Road and Logan Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Kings Lake Boulevard - Speeding
Goodlette-Frank Road and Creekside Drive – Aggressive driving
Thursday, June 4:
50th Street S.W. and Golden Gate Parkway - Speeding
Valewood Drive and Immokalee Road – Red-light running
Floridian Avenue – Aggressive driving
Friday, June 5:
Manatee Road - Speeding
Collier Boulevard and The Lord’s Way - Speeding
U.S. 41 East and Rattlesnake Hammock Road – Red-light running
Man Charged With Having Child Pornography
A Golden Gate man was arrested Thursday on multiple felony charges in connection with a CCSO investigation into child pornography trafficking on the Internet.
Jose L. Aguiar, 23, 2100 51st Terrace S.W., was charged with 23 counts of possession of obscene material depicting sexual performance by a child.
Aguiar was arrested following a CCSO investigation that began earlier this month into the use of peer-to-peer software on the Internet to traffic in child pornography, according to arrest reports.
A detective in the Special Crimes Bureau used peer-to-peer software to locate computers sharing images of child pornography. The investigation revealed that there were child pornography files on Aguiar’s computer.
The files were videos showing children ages 5 to 14 engaged in sex acts with adults, reports said.
Deputies executed a search warrant at Aguiar’s residence Thursday morning and located his computer in a room in the front of the home. A forensic analysis of the computer will be conducted.
Aguiar was being booked into the Collier County jail Thursday afternoon.
His mug shot will be posted when it is available.
Jose L. Aguiar, 23, 2100 51st Terrace S.W., was charged with 23 counts of possession of obscene material depicting sexual performance by a child.
Aguiar was arrested following a CCSO investigation that began earlier this month into the use of peer-to-peer software on the Internet to traffic in child pornography, according to arrest reports.
A detective in the Special Crimes Bureau used peer-to-peer software to locate computers sharing images of child pornography. The investigation revealed that there were child pornography files on Aguiar’s computer.
The files were videos showing children ages 5 to 14 engaged in sex acts with adults, reports said.
Deputies executed a search warrant at Aguiar’s residence Thursday morning and located his computer in a room in the front of the home. A forensic analysis of the computer will be conducted.
Aguiar was being booked into the Collier County jail Thursday afternoon.
His mug shot will be posted when it is available.
“America’s Most Wanted” to Profile Collier Case
Deputies, along with “America’s Most Wanted,’’ are asking the public to help identify two men wanted for questioning in connection with a homicide at an Immokalee supermarket in 2007.
“America’s Most Wanted” is profiling the case on its Web site in hopes of generating tips. The case will be featured on the front page all day Thursday and will remain on the site’s archives afterwards. Click here to view.
Deputies have released these recently updated composites of the two men.
On July 13, 2007, two men entered the supermarket at1811 Lake Trafford Road around 1:30 p.m. They asked Homer Hassam, 60, and Roberto Perez, 34, who were inside the store cleaning up, if there was any work.
Reports say the men shot Hassam and took off in a small silver four-door compact vehicle with a Florida license plate and tinted windows.
Investigators said one of the men is described as black, late 20s to early 30s, between 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 11inches tall with a medium build. He has a pock marked face, gold front teeth, short dread-lock hair and a long goatee. He was last seen wearing pyramid shaped silver earrings, a black shirt and baggy faded jeans.
Investigators described the other man as black, in his late teens to early 20s, around 6 feet tall with a thin build with long arms, a pock-marked face and short afro. He was last seen wearing a baggy red T-shirt and baggy blue jean shorts that go below the knees.
Anyone with information should call 239-252-9300, America’s Most Wanted tip line at 1-800-CRIME-TV or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
“America’s Most Wanted” is profiling the case on its Web site in hopes of generating tips. The case will be featured on the front page all day Thursday and will remain on the site’s archives afterwards. Click here to view.
Deputies have released these recently updated composites of the two men.
On July 13, 2007, two men entered the supermarket at1811 Lake Trafford Road around 1:30 p.m. They asked Homer Hassam, 60, and Roberto Perez, 34, who were inside the store cleaning up, if there was any work.
Reports say the men shot Hassam and took off in a small silver four-door compact vehicle with a Florida license plate and tinted windows.
Investigators said one of the men is described as black, late 20s to early 30s, between 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 11inches tall with a medium build. He has a pock marked face, gold front teeth, short dread-lock hair and a long goatee. He was last seen wearing pyramid shaped silver earrings, a black shirt and baggy faded jeans.
Investigators described the other man as black, in his late teens to early 20s, around 6 feet tall with a thin build with long arms, a pock-marked face and short afro. He was last seen wearing a baggy red T-shirt and baggy blue jean shorts that go below the knees.
Anyone with information should call 239-252-9300, America’s Most Wanted tip line at 1-800-CRIME-TV or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Composite #1
Composite #2
North Naples Jewelry Store Owner Arrested
The owner of a North Naples jewelry store has been arrested after he bought diamond rings, gold chains and other jewelry after being told by the sellers that the items were stolen, according to sheriff’s reports.Deputies arrested Lawrence Klein, 44, 87 East Ave., North Naples, on Tuesday and charged him with three counts of dealing in stolen property and three counts of secondhand dealer violations.
Klein is also facing multiple state charges accusing him of failing to pay state sales tax.
The arrest was the result of a Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigation into allegations that Klein was dealing in stolen property while operating as a secondhand dealer out of his business, The International Diamond Exchange, 6355 Naples Blvd.
Arrest reports gave this account of the arrest:
On April 16, Klein bought two silver-gold watches and one gold diamond bracelet for $200 from a seller who indicated to him that the jewelry had been stolen. He never completed secondhand dealer forms or fingerprinted the seller, as required under Florida law.
On April 23, Klein purchased gold jewelry for $390 from a seller who told him the items were stolen. He never completed secondhand dealer forms or fingerprinted the seller.
On Tuesday, an undercover investigator entered the store and showed Klein three gold chains and three diamond rings. The deputy told Klein that the jewelry had been stolen from the Fort Myers area the night before.
Klein did not ask the investigator for any ID or for a fingerprint, as required under state statute, and proceeded with the transaction, weighing the jewelry and chemically checking the items for authenticity.
When Klein started to calculate the dollar amount he was going to pay the investigator, deputies arrested him.
At the time of his arrest, deputies also served Klein with a warrant from the Florida Department of Revenue charging him with 20 counts of refusal to pay or file sales tax returns, two counts of failure to file tax returns and failure to remit sales tax.
No Seat Belt Leads to Warrant Arrest
A traffic stop in North Naples on Wednesday led to a motorist's arrest after deputies learned she was wanted on drug trafficking charges in Hillsborough County.
Arrest reports say deputies pulled over the driver of a 2001 GMC Utility that was speeding on J&C Boulevard. The driver and her front-seat passenger, Sara Lidey, 52, of Tampa, were also not wearing seat belts.
While issuing a traffic citation to Lidey, deputies learned that she had six active warrants out of Hillsborough County charging her with trafficking of oxycodone, delivery of oxycodone and traficking of morphine.
Deputies arrested Lidey on the out-of-county warrants.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Man Charged with Trafficking Ecstasy
WHAT: Drug arrestWHEN: Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TIME: 5:25 p.m.
LOCATION: Greyhound Bus Station (2669 Davis Boulevard)
ARRESTED: Ryan Walter O’Gallagher, 24, Lehigh Acres
CHARGE: Trafficking phenethylamines
SUMMARY:
Members of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Interdiction Unit arrested a man who was found in possession of 1,000 Ecstasy pills Tuesday afternoon in East Naples.
Ryan Walter O’Gallagher of Lehigh Acres was traveling by Greyhound bus when the Detectives approached him as part of a routine patrol conducted with the cooperation of Greyhound bus lines.
Deputies noted a strong odor of burnt marijuana emitting from O’Gallagher’s person. Subsequent search revealed the Ecstasy pills secreted on his body.
The pills are valued at $15,000.
Detectives have released these images of the pills.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
*Update* Deputies Search for Missing East Naples Woman
*Update* Justine M. Fagan has been located and is safe.
Deputies are searching for a woman they believe to be endangered.
Justine M. Fagan, 34, 8535 Chase Preserve Drive, East Naples, left Physician’s Regional Hospital, 8300 Collier Boulevard, around 7 p.m. tonight.
Reports say she was last seen wearing a white tank top and red pants. Fagan left with no money, cell phone or car.
It is unknown where Fagan was going after leaving the hospital.
She is described as a white female, 5’3” tall, 120 pounds, brown hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information should call CCSO at 239-252-9300.
Deputies are searching for a woman they believe to be endangered.Justine M. Fagan, 34, 8535 Chase Preserve Drive, East Naples, left Physician’s Regional Hospital, 8300 Collier Boulevard, around 7 p.m. tonight.
Reports say she was last seen wearing a white tank top and red pants. Fagan left with no money, cell phone or car.
It is unknown where Fagan was going after leaving the hospital.
She is described as a white female, 5’3” tall, 120 pounds, brown hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information should call CCSO at 239-252-9300.
Corrections Officer Charged With Exposing Himself To Schoolchildren
UPDATE: Deputies arrested a Hendry Correctional Institution, officer Tuesday on charges he exposed himself to schoolchildren in Immokalee.
John Andrew Arevalo, 25, a sergeant at the prison, was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is not releasing his address because he is a law enforcement officer.
Sheriff’s investigators gave this account of the arrest:
On Tuesday a sheriff’s Youth Relations Bureau deputy gave the victims his cell phone number so that they could call him if they saw the suspect’s vehicle.
About five minutes later, at 3:20 p.m., the deputy’s cell phone rang. It was one of the victims calling to say she spotted the suspect’s dark blue sport utility vehicle traveling on North 6th Street near Main Street. She told the deputy that the SUV was turning around and slowly driving toward her.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at the intersection of North 6th and Main. The victims were brought to the scene, where they positively identified the driver, Arevalo, as the man who had exposed his genitals to them as they walked home from school over the past few weeks.
Investigators interviewed Arevalo at the sheriff’s Immokaee substation, where they arrested him.
Arevalo was being booked into the Collier County jail Tuesday evening.
His mug shot will be posted when it becomes available.
Original news release, posted May 22, 2009
Deputies Seek Man Who Exposed Himself In Immokalee
Deputies are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man they say exposed himself to at least three schoolchildren in Immokalee.
Investigators said the man exposed himself to the children in separate incidents over the past two weeks as they walked home from Immokalee High School.
None of the reported incidents took place outside of the school, investigators said. The incidents were reported to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on Friday.
Two girls told investigators that over the past two weeks they noticed a dark blue sport utility vehicle drive by while they walked home from school. Several times the car stopped in the middle of the road, the man got out, opened the back hatch and stared at the girls. On one of the occasions the man showed the girls his genitals and the girls ran away, investigators said.
One of the girls told investigators that she was walking into the Oakhaven apartment complex after school Tuesday when the blue SUV pull up in front of her. The same man got out of the vehicle and opened the back hatch before showing her his genitals. The girl ran away.
Another girl told investigators that she was walking home from school Thursday when a man in a blue SUV stopped in the middle of the road and got out of the vehicle. The man reached inside of his pants through the zipper, which was open, and grabbed his genitals while looking at her. She ran away.
The girl told investigators that she had seen the man several before over the past week as she walked home from school. Each time he would stop the SUV in the middle of the road, get out and open the back hatch while staring at her.
Investigators said the suspect is described as Hispanic, 25 to 35 years old, around 5 feet 4 inches tall, with short black hair, brown eyes, medium skin tone, and small acne scars on his cheeks. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Investigators have released a composite of the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
John Andrew Arevalo, 25, a sergeant at the prison, was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious exhibition. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is not releasing his address because he is a law enforcement officer.
Sheriff’s investigators gave this account of the arrest:
On Tuesday a sheriff’s Youth Relations Bureau deputy gave the victims his cell phone number so that they could call him if they saw the suspect’s vehicle.
About five minutes later, at 3:20 p.m., the deputy’s cell phone rang. It was one of the victims calling to say she spotted the suspect’s dark blue sport utility vehicle traveling on North 6th Street near Main Street. She told the deputy that the SUV was turning around and slowly driving toward her.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at the intersection of North 6th and Main. The victims were brought to the scene, where they positively identified the driver, Arevalo, as the man who had exposed his genitals to them as they walked home from school over the past few weeks.
Investigators interviewed Arevalo at the sheriff’s Immokaee substation, where they arrested him.
Arevalo was being booked into the Collier County jail Tuesday evening.
His mug shot will be posted when it becomes available.
Original news release, posted May 22, 2009
Deputies Seek Man Who Exposed Himself In Immokalee
Deputies are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man they say exposed himself to at least three schoolchildren in Immokalee.
Investigators said the man exposed himself to the children in separate incidents over the past two weeks as they walked home from Immokalee High School.
None of the reported incidents took place outside of the school, investigators said. The incidents were reported to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on Friday.
Two girls told investigators that over the past two weeks they noticed a dark blue sport utility vehicle drive by while they walked home from school. Several times the car stopped in the middle of the road, the man got out, opened the back hatch and stared at the girls. On one of the occasions the man showed the girls his genitals and the girls ran away, investigators said.
One of the girls told investigators that she was walking into the Oakhaven apartment complex after school Tuesday when the blue SUV pull up in front of her. The same man got out of the vehicle and opened the back hatch before showing her his genitals. The girl ran away.
Another girl told investigators that she was walking home from school Thursday when a man in a blue SUV stopped in the middle of the road and got out of the vehicle. The man reached inside of his pants through the zipper, which was open, and grabbed his genitals while looking at her. She ran away.
The girl told investigators that she had seen the man several before over the past week as she walked home from school. Each time he would stop the SUV in the middle of the road, get out and open the back hatch while staring at her.
Investigators said the suspect is described as Hispanic, 25 to 35 years old, around 5 feet 4 inches tall, with short black hair, brown eyes, medium skin tone, and small acne scars on his cheeks. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Investigators have released a composite of the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Teacher Charged With Having Sex With Student
Deputies arrested a 51-year-old Collier County School District teacher Tuesday on charges that he had sex with a student.
Robert A. Hamberg, 3544 El Verdado Court, North Naples, was charged with seven felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a child.
Hamberg is charged with having sex with a student at Gulf Coast High School, where he is the band director, and at his residence, according to sheriff’s reports.
All of the incidents happened this year, reports said.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is not releasing the victim’s identity due to the sexual nature of the charges.
Deputies executed a search warrant at Hamberg’s residence Tuesday and arrested him, reports said.
He was being booked into the Collier County jail late Tuesday afternoon.
His mug shot will be posted when it becomes available.
Robert A. Hamberg, 3544 El Verdado Court, North Naples, was charged with seven felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a child.
Hamberg is charged with having sex with a student at Gulf Coast High School, where he is the band director, and at his residence, according to sheriff’s reports.
All of the incidents happened this year, reports said.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is not releasing the victim’s identity due to the sexual nature of the charges.
Deputies executed a search warrant at Hamberg’s residence Tuesday and arrested him, reports said.
He was being booked into the Collier County jail late Tuesday afternoon.
His mug shot will be posted when it becomes available.
Hearty Donation Buys More AEDs
Thanks to the generosity of a North Naples couple and an ongoing partnership with the American Heart Association, every Collier County Sheriff’s Office patrol car will soon be equipped with a lifesaving AED.
Fritz and Kathy Friday recently donated $300,000 to the American Heart Association and designated that the money be used to buy automated external defibrillators, batteries and pads for CCSO patrol cars. The donation will pay for the purchase of 200 additional AEDs for the agency.
Many of the agency’s existing 339 AEDs are already assigned to the Patrol Unit. Reaching the 100 percent mark in the division is a goal that CCSO and the Heart Association have been working toward for the past five years. Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk believes that having an AED in every car, along with a deputy trained to use it, will enhance public safety.
“It means that help will be as close as the nearest deputy for anyone who has gone into sudden cardiac arrest,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “This enhancement to public safety was made possible through the partnership of the American Heart Association and generous donors like Kathy and Fritz Friday.”
AEDs are portable electronic devices that treat sudden cardiac arrest by using electrical therapy to re-establish an effective heart rhythm.
For a patient suffering from cardiac arrest, every minute that passes without cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by 7 percent to 10 percent, according to the American Heart Association.
Most of CCSO’s AEDs were purchased through the agency’s partnership with the American Heart Association and donations that have been made at the organization’s annual Heart Balls.
The Fridays know the value of AEDs firsthand. Kathy Friday went into sudden cardiac arrest while working out at Quail West Country Club three years ago. Her personal trainer revived her with the help of an AED.
Commissioners on Tuesday proclaimed June 1-7 as Kathy and Fritz Friday CPR and AED week in Collier County. The local event coincides with National CPR & AED Awareness Week.
Click here to watch our video about a CCSO deputy and the woman whose life he saved with an AED.
Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk, left, thanks Fritz and Kathy Friday, right, for their generous donation of $300,000 to the American Heart Association for the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for CCSO patrol cars during Tuesday's Collier County Commission meeting. Commissioners issued a proclamation designating June 1-7 as Kathy and Fritz Friday CPR and AED week in Collier County. Photo by Natalie Felber/CCSO
Fritz and Kathy Friday recently donated $300,000 to the American Heart Association and designated that the money be used to buy automated external defibrillators, batteries and pads for CCSO patrol cars. The donation will pay for the purchase of 200 additional AEDs for the agency.
Many of the agency’s existing 339 AEDs are already assigned to the Patrol Unit. Reaching the 100 percent mark in the division is a goal that CCSO and the Heart Association have been working toward for the past five years. Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk believes that having an AED in every car, along with a deputy trained to use it, will enhance public safety.
“It means that help will be as close as the nearest deputy for anyone who has gone into sudden cardiac arrest,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “This enhancement to public safety was made possible through the partnership of the American Heart Association and generous donors like Kathy and Fritz Friday.”
AEDs are portable electronic devices that treat sudden cardiac arrest by using electrical therapy to re-establish an effective heart rhythm.
For a patient suffering from cardiac arrest, every minute that passes without cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by 7 percent to 10 percent, according to the American Heart Association.
Most of CCSO’s AEDs were purchased through the agency’s partnership with the American Heart Association and donations that have been made at the organization’s annual Heart Balls.
The Fridays know the value of AEDs firsthand. Kathy Friday went into sudden cardiac arrest while working out at Quail West Country Club three years ago. Her personal trainer revived her with the help of an AED.
Commissioners on Tuesday proclaimed June 1-7 as Kathy and Fritz Friday CPR and AED week in Collier County. The local event coincides with National CPR & AED Awareness Week.
Click here to watch our video about a CCSO deputy and the woman whose life he saved with an AED.
Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk, left, thanks Fritz and Kathy Friday, right, for their generous donation of $300,000 to the American Heart Association for the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for CCSO patrol cars during Tuesday's Collier County Commission meeting. Commissioners issued a proclamation designating June 1-7 as Kathy and Fritz Friday CPR and AED week in Collier County. Photo by Natalie Felber/CCSO
Deputies: Man Pushed Stroller Into Traffic
A man was arrested on multiple felony charges after deputies say he attacked a couple walking with their children in Immokalee over the weekend.Lucila Pere-Roblero and Eusebio Avila-Cortezano were pushing their two children in a stroller on North 3rd Street on Saturday morning when they were approached by Modesto Mendoza, 50, 209 N. 3rd St., Immokalee, according to sheriff's reports.
Mendoza was holding a chain and told Eusebio that he owed him $20. He then attacked the couple with the chain, reports said.
During the fight, Mendoza grabbed the stroller with the children inside and pushed it onto the street. A black truck came within 4 to 5 feet of hitting the stroller, reports said.
Mendoza took off walking and was located by deputies at his home.
Mendoza was charged with aggravated battery, three counts of aggravated assault and three counts of battery.
Monday, May 25, 2009
PIO Office Closed
The PIO office will be closed on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day.
Booking sheets will be made available through the Jail.
Have a safe and happy holiday.
Booking sheets will be made available through the Jail.
Have a safe and happy holiday.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Holiday Construction Site Safety
Thieves know that many construction sites and industrial park businesses shut down over long holiday weekends. That's why CCSO offers the following tips to keep work areas safe.
- Make your site or business as secure as possible before going home for the weekend.
- Don't leave tools, equipment or materials lying around unsecured- pay special attention to copper wire and fittings.
- Check all security hardware (doors, windows, locks, lights and alarm system), and make sure its working safely.
- Don't leave valuables in plain view inside parked vehicles.
- Remove all wheeled vehicles and equipment from site or disable them and keep them in place.
- Secure fuel storage tanks and use locking gas caps.
- Keep an inventory of all tools and equipment and mark it so it can be identified if it is stolen.
- Don't leave anything on a job site that you don't have to.
- Make sure your job site is free of debris to help reduce the potential of vandalism.
For more information on business and construction security, contact CCSO's crime prevention Section at 793-9391.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Woman Killed In 7-Car Accident
Deputies are investigating a seven-car accident on Pine Ridge Road near Interstate 75 that left one woman dead Saturday.
Deputies say the driver of a Chevrolet pickup traveling east on Pine Ridge Road near Whippoorwill Lane failed to stop for a red light around 10:45 a.m., striking six eastbound vehicles that were either stopped or slowing down to stop.
Tracy Cate, 32, 2217 Arbor Walk Circle, North Naples, the driver of one of the vehicles that was stopped or slowing down, died, deputies said.
The driver of the Chevrolet pickup, Riccardo Rivas II, 16, 2311 Pinewoods Circle, North Naples, was taken to a local hospital, deputies said.
An investigation continues.
Deputies say the driver of a Chevrolet pickup traveling east on Pine Ridge Road near Whippoorwill Lane failed to stop for a red light around 10:45 a.m., striking six eastbound vehicles that were either stopped or slowing down to stop.
Tracy Cate, 32, 2217 Arbor Walk Circle, North Naples, the driver of one of the vehicles that was stopped or slowing down, died, deputies said.
The driver of the Chevrolet pickup, Riccardo Rivas II, 16, 2311 Pinewoods Circle, North Naples, was taken to a local hospital, deputies said.
An investigation continues.
Boat Safe Memorial Day
CCSO wants you to have a safe and happy holiday weekend.
If you're going to be on the water, make sure you have enough life jackets for everyone aboard, follow all boating laws and be sure to watch out for vessels and swimmers.
If alcohol is being served, make sure to appoint a designated boat operator who is not drinking.
Click here to watch our boating safety video.
If you're going to be on the water, make sure you have enough life jackets for everyone aboard, follow all boating laws and be sure to watch out for vessels and swimmers.
If alcohol is being served, make sure to appoint a designated boat operator who is not drinking.
Click here to watch our boating safety video.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Deputies Seek Man Who Exposed Himself In Immokalee
Deputies are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man they say exposed himself to at least three schoolchildren in Immokalee.Investigators said the man exposed himself to the children in separate incidents over the past two weeks as they walked home from Immokalee High School.
None of the reported incidents took place outside of the school, investigators said. The incidents were reported to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on Friday.
Two girls told investigators that over the past two weeks they noticed a dark blue sport utility vehicle drive by while they walked home from school. Several times the car stopped in the middle of the road, the man got out, opened the back hatch and stared at the girls. On one of the occasions the man showed the girls his genitals and the girls ran away, investigators said.
One of the girls told investigators that she was walking into the Oakhaven apartment complex after school Tuesday when the blue SUV pull up in front of her. The same man got out of the vehicle and opened the back hatch before showing her his genitals. The girl ran away.
Another girl told investigators that she was walking home from school Thursday when a man in a blue SUV stopped in the middle of the road and got out of the vehicle. The man reached inside of his pants through the zipper, which was open, and grabbed his genitals while looking at her. She ran away.
The girl told investigators that she had seen the man several before over the past week as she walked home from school. Each time he would stop the SUV in the middle of the road, get out and open the back hatch while staring at her.
Investigators said the suspect is described as Hispanic, 25 to 35 years old, around 5 feet 4 inches tall, with short black hair, brown eyes, medium skin tone, and small acne scars on his cheeks. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Investigators have released this composite of the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Suspicious Incident in Golden Gate
Deputies are investigating a suspicious incident in Golden Gate which a man was standing near a 2 year-old girl while she was playing outside with her siblings late Thursday night.The children’s mother was allowing the girl and her other two children to play in front of their apartment at 4509 Coral Palms Lane #1 around 9:30 p.m.
The mother briefly went back inside to retrieve her glasses and when she returned, she saw a man she did not know standing next to the girl. When she asked the man what he was doing, he replied “Nada.”
The man got inside a parked car and drove away.
Deputies say that the man did not attempt to abduct the child at any time.
The man is described as Hispanic, 5’10” tall, 200 pounds. He was driving a new white luxury car with tinted windows.
Investigators have released this composite of the man.
Anyone with information is asked to call CCSO at 239-252-9300 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Drive Safe Over Memorial Day
CCSO wants you to drive safe over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend.
The Traffic Unit will be watching for impaired drivers.
If you're going to be drinking, designate a driver, or call a cab.
Deputies will also be patrolling to make sure drivers are obeying speed limits.
Watch your speed and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
Remember The Missing Children Monday
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office, along with the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children, will host a child safety event Monday.
The event is to honor National Missing Children’s Day which serves as a public reminder to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families, remember those who are still missing and make child protection a national priority.
National Missing Children’s Day is Monday and coincides with the three-day Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The child safety event is free and will take place at Coastland Center mall near Dillard’s from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Biometric fingerprinting will be provided by CCSO and the Naples Police Department. The event will also feature McGruff the crime dog, child safety literature, face painting and other activities for children.
On Monday the community will remember these local children who have gone missing:
Adji Desir, 6, was last seen Jan. 10 after he went outside to play in Farm Worker Village in Immokalee and disappeared. Adji is 3 feet tall and 45 pounds with short black hair and dark eyes. He is developmentally disabled and functions on a 2-year-old level. He has a limited vocabulary. He understands Creole, but cannot speak it. He knows his name, but cannot say it.
Wendy Hudakoc of Golden Gate was 14 when she was last seen leaving a party with an adult male in the city of Naples on Nov. 15, 1998. She was 5 feet 6 inches and 130 pounds with light brown hair and hazel eyes when she disappeared. She has a scar on her left hand and a birthmark on the back of her neck.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-774-4434.
CCSO wants parents to know there are things they can do to keep their children safe and it urges parents to follow the National Center For Missing & Exploited Children’s recommendation to take 25 minutes to talk about safety with their child. The safety tips are a part of NCMEC's Take 25 national child safety campaign. Click here to view the safety tips, or go to www.missingkids.com.
The event is to honor National Missing Children’s Day which serves as a public reminder to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families, remember those who are still missing and make child protection a national priority.
National Missing Children’s Day is Monday and coincides with the three-day Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The child safety event is free and will take place at Coastland Center mall near Dillard’s from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Biometric fingerprinting will be provided by CCSO and the Naples Police Department. The event will also feature McGruff the crime dog, child safety literature, face painting and other activities for children.
On Monday the community will remember these local children who have gone missing:
Adji Desir, 6, was last seen Jan. 10 after he went outside to play in Farm Worker Village in Immokalee and disappeared. Adji is 3 feet tall and 45 pounds with short black hair and dark eyes. He is developmentally disabled and functions on a 2-year-old level. He has a limited vocabulary. He understands Creole, but cannot speak it. He knows his name, but cannot say it.
Brenda Ovalle of East Naples was 16 when she was last seen leaving her uncle’s home in eastern Collier on Feb. 3, 2004. She was 5 feet 8 inches tall and 165 pound with brown hair and brown eyes when she disappeared. Authorities believe she may be in Mexico with family.
Florinda Lopez of East Naples was 16 when she disappeared. She was last seen in Collier on June 18, 2001. She may have traveled to Immokalee or to Miami where she has family and friends. She did not take any identification when she left. At the time of her disappearance she was 5 feet tall and 100 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Mariazel Arreaga of Immokalee has been missing since April 30, 2007. She was 15 when she disappeared and was 4 feet 11 inches and 100 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She may still be in the Immokalee area, possibly with a boyfriend.
Wendy Hudakoc of Golden Gate was 14 when she was last seen leaving a party with an adult male in the city of Naples on Nov. 15, 1998. She was 5 feet 6 inches and 130 pounds with light brown hair and hazel eyes when she disappeared. She has a scar on her left hand and a birthmark on the back of her neck.
Neil Eddleman of Golden Gate was 13 when he disappeared while out on a fishing trip with his father and an adult on Oct. 17, 2003. The boat has since been located, along with the body of the adult male. Neil was 5 feet 6 inches tall and 120 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes when he disappeared. His ears are pierced and he has a scar on the right side of his abdomen.
Darwin Daniel Garcia, 16, of Immokalee ran away from home on June 13, 2008. He is 4 feet 10 inches tall and 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities believe he may be in Georgia, Tennessee or North Carolina. He may be in the company of a family member.
Adrian Gonzalez, 7, of Naples has been missing since Feb. 20, 2009. He is 3 feet tall and 50 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities believe he may be in the company of his parents, and they may be headed to Mexico.
Neida Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 2, of Naples has been missing since Feb. 20, 2009. She is 2 feet tall and 30 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She may be with her parents, and they may be headed to Mexico.
Wendy Ramirez-Beristain, 2, of Naples, disappeared Nov. 9, 2008. She was 3 feet tall and 50 pounds when she went missing. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She may be in the company of her father and they may be traveling to Mexico.
• Carmen Bautista (photo unavailable), 16, of Immokalee ran away from home in June 2008. She is 4 feet 11 inches tall and 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She may be in the company of her two young children Ana and Jemni.
• Jemni Bautista (photo unavailable), 3, of Immokalee has been missing since June 2008. She has black hair and brown eyes and may be in the company of her mother Carmen Bautista and 1-year-old sister Ana Maria.
• Ana Maria Jimenez-Bautista (photo unavailable), 1, of Immokalee has black hair and brown eyes. She may be with her mother Carmen Bautista and 3-year-old sister Jemni.
• Jemni Bautista (photo unavailable), 3, of Immokalee has been missing since June 2008. She has black hair and brown eyes and may be in the company of her mother Carmen Bautista and 1-year-old sister Ana Maria.
• Ana Maria Jimenez-Bautista (photo unavailable), 1, of Immokalee has black hair and brown eyes. She may be with her mother Carmen Bautista and 3-year-old sister Jemni.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-774-4434.
CCSO wants parents to know there are things they can do to keep their children safe and it urges parents to follow the National Center For Missing & Exploited Children’s recommendation to take 25 minutes to talk about safety with their child. The safety tips are a part of NCMEC's Take 25 national child safety campaign. Click here to view the safety tips, or go to www.missingkids.com.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots
Monday, May 25:
Immokalee and Airport-Pulling roads – Aggressive driving
Bayshore Drive - Speeding
Golden Gate Parkway - Speeding
Tuesday, May 26:
Collier Boulevard at I-75 NB exit – Red-light running
Rattlesnake Hammock and County Barn roads – Red-light running
Industrial Boulevard and Radio Road - Speeding
Wednesday, May 27:
Santa Barbara Boulevard at Calusa Park Elementary - Speeding
Collier Boulevard and Golden Gate Boulevard West – Aggressive driving
Lake Trafford Road – Speeding
Thursday, May 28:
Vanderbilt Drive - Speeding
Immokalee and Livingston roads – Red-light running
Oil Well Road and S.R. 29 South - Speeding
Friday, May 29:
North 15th Street – Aggressive driving
Airport-Pulling Road and J&C Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Tarpon Bay Boulevard and Immokalee Road – Red-light
Immokalee and Airport-Pulling roads – Aggressive driving
Bayshore Drive - Speeding
Golden Gate Parkway - Speeding
Tuesday, May 26:
Collier Boulevard at I-75 NB exit – Red-light running
Rattlesnake Hammock and County Barn roads – Red-light running
Industrial Boulevard and Radio Road - Speeding
Wednesday, May 27:
Santa Barbara Boulevard at Calusa Park Elementary - Speeding
Collier Boulevard and Golden Gate Boulevard West – Aggressive driving
Lake Trafford Road – Speeding
Thursday, May 28:
Vanderbilt Drive - Speeding
Immokalee and Livingston roads – Red-light running
Oil Well Road and S.R. 29 South - Speeding
Friday, May 29:
North 15th Street – Aggressive driving
Airport-Pulling Road and J&C Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Tarpon Bay Boulevard and Immokalee Road – Red-light
Don't Be Fooled By Distraction Burglars
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is cautioning residents -- especially senior citizens -- to be aware that distraction burglars are again at work.
These criminals generally target senior citizens by deceiving and distracting the victim. They typically pose as tree trimmers, appliance repair workers or contractors pointing to a problem with a roof.
Deputies are investigating a burglary this week in which two men posing as pest control workers tricked their way into a couple’s condo in the Bentley Village retirement community in North Naples.
Once inside, the thieves distracted the couple by “accidentally” spraying the woman with an unknown solution from a spray bottle and then instructing her to take off her rings and wash her hands. While she was in the kitchen washing her hands, her husband was in the bathroom, as instructed by the suspects, checking the water pressure in the shower.
The suspects made off with the woman’s rings, along with other jewelry and a safe.
CCSO urges all residents to take certain precautions if there is a stranger at the door.
CCSO’s Crime Prevention Bureau offers these safety tips:
* Be suspicious of workers who arrive unannounced.
* Never allow a stranger to come into your house.
* Don’t be rushed into emergency repairs. Discuss the problem with a relative, trusted friend or a reputable business by getting a second estimate and confirming the problem.
* Do not provide deposits for work before work is started.
* Do not pay the service until all work is complete and correct.
* Ask for identification and call the company. When calling, have the employee wait outside of your residence and use a number from the phone book and not a number given to you by the worker.
* Always notify CCSO if persons are going from door to door trying to sell you a service or a product , even if they appear to be legitimate. Let deputies confirm their occupational license or the validity of their company. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone worried about a suspicious stranger should call 911 immediately with a description of the individual. Don’t put off calling. Deputies need to know what is happening on your street right away.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Watch the CCSO video:
These criminals generally target senior citizens by deceiving and distracting the victim. They typically pose as tree trimmers, appliance repair workers or contractors pointing to a problem with a roof.
Deputies are investigating a burglary this week in which two men posing as pest control workers tricked their way into a couple’s condo in the Bentley Village retirement community in North Naples.
Once inside, the thieves distracted the couple by “accidentally” spraying the woman with an unknown solution from a spray bottle and then instructing her to take off her rings and wash her hands. While she was in the kitchen washing her hands, her husband was in the bathroom, as instructed by the suspects, checking the water pressure in the shower.
The suspects made off with the woman’s rings, along with other jewelry and a safe.
CCSO urges all residents to take certain precautions if there is a stranger at the door.
CCSO’s Crime Prevention Bureau offers these safety tips:
* Be suspicious of workers who arrive unannounced.
* Never allow a stranger to come into your house.
* Don’t be rushed into emergency repairs. Discuss the problem with a relative, trusted friend or a reputable business by getting a second estimate and confirming the problem.
* Do not provide deposits for work before work is started.
* Do not pay the service until all work is complete and correct.
* Ask for identification and call the company. When calling, have the employee wait outside of your residence and use a number from the phone book and not a number given to you by the worker.
* Always notify CCSO if persons are going from door to door trying to sell you a service or a product , even if they appear to be legitimate. Let deputies confirm their occupational license or the validity of their company. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone worried about a suspicious stranger should call 911 immediately with a description of the individual. Don’t put off calling. Deputies need to know what is happening on your street right away.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Watch the CCSO video:
Men Caught Stealing Tires
Two men were arrested after reports say they stole $1,020 worth of tires late Wednesday night.
East Naples deputies saw a white van leaving Your Choice Tire & Auto Inc., 2795 U.S. 41 E., from behind the building after the shop was already closed for the day.
They followed the van and pulled it over after the driver failed to make a proper stop at the intersection of Francis Avenue and Shadowlawn Drive.
Deputies spoke with Jesus M. Diaz-Camacho, 28, and Jose Arnaldo Cardona-Bonilla, 38, both of 4052 Bayshore Drive #523, East Naples, and discovered 51 soaking wet tires inside the van.
Also inside the van between the two front seats were a hammer, tire iron and a bolt with washer.
Reports say that the store owner confirmed the tires were missing from his business and he did not give anyone permission to take them.
Both were charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools and grand theft.
East Naples deputies saw a white van leaving Your Choice Tire & Auto Inc., 2795 U.S. 41 E., from behind the building after the shop was already closed for the day.
They followed the van and pulled it over after the driver failed to make a proper stop at the intersection of Francis Avenue and Shadowlawn Drive.
Deputies spoke with Jesus M. Diaz-Camacho, 28, and Jose Arnaldo Cardona-Bonilla, 38, both of 4052 Bayshore Drive #523, East Naples, and discovered 51 soaking wet tires inside the van.
Also inside the van between the two front seats were a hammer, tire iron and a bolt with washer.
Reports say that the store owner confirmed the tires were missing from his business and he did not give anyone permission to take them.
Both were charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools and grand theft.
Diaz-Camacho, Jesus
Cordona-Bonilla, Jose Arnaldo
Cordona-Bonilla, Jose Arnaldo
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Deputies Seek ID in Vandalizing Incident
Deputies are asking the public to help identify four young men that vandalized a door at a Planned Parenthood on Saturday, April 25 around 3:05 a.m.
The entrance doors at the Planned Parenthood, 1425 Creech Road, were found to be cemented at the bottom. The doors’ locks were filled in with a silicone mixture.
Surveillance video showed that four men, around their late teen’s or early 20s, approaching the doors with a bucket full of cement.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Distraction Burglary In North Naples
WHAT: Distraction burglary
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
LOCATION: 1821 Village Lane, Bentley Village, North Naples
TIME: 4 p.m.
SUMMARY: Deputies are investigating a burglary involving an elderly couple who were tricked into letting two men posing as pest control workers into their condominium in this retirement community.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigators gave this account:
The couple arrived at their condo around 4 p.m. to find the suspects, who they didn’t know, standing outside their door with a spray bottle. The suspects told the couple they were spraying for ants.
The suspects asked the couple if they had an ant problem inside their condo and the couple said they did. The suspects then entered the condo with the couple.
They instructed the 88-year-old man to empty out the bathroom cabinets, which he began to do. They asked his wife, 87, to get into the shower and turn on the water to check the pressure, but she declined.
One of the suspects then “accidentally” sprayed her with an unknown solution from his spray bottle. He took her into the kitchen, where he told her to take off her rings and to keep scrubbing her hands in the kitchen sink.
While the woman was in the kitchen, her husband was in the bathroom checking the water pressure in the shower.
The suspects then left abruptly.
After they left, the woman noticed her rings were missing from where she placed them in the kitchen. Other jewelry was missing from her jewelry box.
The couple’s small safe was also missing.
Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.
Investigators said both suspects are described as white, about 40 years old and 5 feet 9 inches.
One suspect is heavier, about 185 pounds, and was wearing a long-sleeve white work shirt, long pants and a hat. The other suspect is about 160 pounds with a crew cut and a mustache..
An investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
CCSO wants residents to be aware of these types of distraction burglars.
These criminals generally target senior citizens by deceiving and distracting the victim. In recent crimes, the suspects have posed as tree trimmers, appliance repair workers or contractors pointing to a problem with a roof.
All residents should take certain precautions if there is a stranger at the door.
CCSO’s Crime Prevention Bureau offers these safety tips:
* Be suspicious of workers who arrive unannounced.
* Never allow a stranger to come into your house.
* Don’t be rushed into emergency repairs. Discuss the problem with a relative, trusted friend or a reputable business by getting a second estimate and confirming the problem.
* Do not provide deposits for work before work is started.
* Do not pay the service until all work is complete and correct.
* Ask for identification and call the company. When calling, have the employee wait outside of your residence and use a number from the phone book and not a number given to you by the worker.
* Always notify CCSO if persons are going from door to door trying to sell you a service or a product , even if they appear to be legitimate. Let deputies confirm their occupational license or the validity of their company. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
* Anyone worried about a suspicious stranger should call 911 immediately with a description of the individual. Don’t put off calling. Deputies need to know what is happening on your street right away.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
LOCATION: 1821 Village Lane, Bentley Village, North Naples
TIME: 4 p.m.
SUMMARY: Deputies are investigating a burglary involving an elderly couple who were tricked into letting two men posing as pest control workers into their condominium in this retirement community.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office investigators gave this account:
The couple arrived at their condo around 4 p.m. to find the suspects, who they didn’t know, standing outside their door with a spray bottle. The suspects told the couple they were spraying for ants.
The suspects asked the couple if they had an ant problem inside their condo and the couple said they did. The suspects then entered the condo with the couple.
They instructed the 88-year-old man to empty out the bathroom cabinets, which he began to do. They asked his wife, 87, to get into the shower and turn on the water to check the pressure, but she declined.
One of the suspects then “accidentally” sprayed her with an unknown solution from his spray bottle. He took her into the kitchen, where he told her to take off her rings and to keep scrubbing her hands in the kitchen sink.
While the woman was in the kitchen, her husband was in the bathroom checking the water pressure in the shower.
The suspects then left abruptly.
After they left, the woman noticed her rings were missing from where she placed them in the kitchen. Other jewelry was missing from her jewelry box.
The couple’s small safe was also missing.
Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.
Investigators said both suspects are described as white, about 40 years old and 5 feet 9 inches.
One suspect is heavier, about 185 pounds, and was wearing a long-sleeve white work shirt, long pants and a hat. The other suspect is about 160 pounds with a crew cut and a mustache..
An investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 252-9300, or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
CCSO wants residents to be aware of these types of distraction burglars.
These criminals generally target senior citizens by deceiving and distracting the victim. In recent crimes, the suspects have posed as tree trimmers, appliance repair workers or contractors pointing to a problem with a roof.
All residents should take certain precautions if there is a stranger at the door.
CCSO’s Crime Prevention Bureau offers these safety tips:
* Be suspicious of workers who arrive unannounced.
* Never allow a stranger to come into your house.
* Don’t be rushed into emergency repairs. Discuss the problem with a relative, trusted friend or a reputable business by getting a second estimate and confirming the problem.
* Do not provide deposits for work before work is started.
* Do not pay the service until all work is complete and correct.
* Ask for identification and call the company. When calling, have the employee wait outside of your residence and use a number from the phone book and not a number given to you by the worker.
* Always notify CCSO if persons are going from door to door trying to sell you a service or a product , even if they appear to be legitimate. Let deputies confirm their occupational license or the validity of their company. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
* Anyone worried about a suspicious stranger should call 911 immediately with a description of the individual. Don’t put off calling. Deputies need to know what is happening on your street right away.
Check Mates - Kids Learning Through Chess
A group of kids at Immokalee’s Farm Worker’s Village love to play, but their game of choice can’t be found on a Wii, PS2 or even a PS3.
About 20 kids meet regularly with some Immokalee deputies to play chess. Deputies say the game helps strengthen the children’s intellect and strategy-making skills while teaching them life lessons about sportsmanship. Cpl. Michael Taylor, who initiated the program, said he saw chess as an opportunity for kids to bond with deputies and engage in an activity the would make them think.
The group meets from 3 to 5 p.m. every other Wednesday at the FWV community center. Most of the kids are 10 years or older but any child with a desire to play is welcome.
Deputies are planning to start another session aimed at beginners. That group will meet every other Thursday starting sometime in June. Once a child understands the rules in the beginner sessions, they will be invited to join the Wednesday group.
The deputies also host occasional movie nights for children too young to play chess to get them involved with law enforcement in a positive setting.
And whether the kids are playing chess or watching a movie, deputies take the time to talk to them about what is going on in their lives and provide safety tips.
For more information on the program, contact Lt. Mike Dolan at the Immokalee substation at 239-530-9959.
About 20 kids meet regularly with some Immokalee deputies to play chess. Deputies say the game helps strengthen the children’s intellect and strategy-making skills while teaching them life lessons about sportsmanship. Cpl. Michael Taylor, who initiated the program, said he saw chess as an opportunity for kids to bond with deputies and engage in an activity the would make them think.
The group meets from 3 to 5 p.m. every other Wednesday at the FWV community center. Most of the kids are 10 years or older but any child with a desire to play is welcome.
Deputies are planning to start another session aimed at beginners. That group will meet every other Thursday starting sometime in June. Once a child understands the rules in the beginner sessions, they will be invited to join the Wednesday group.
The deputies also host occasional movie nights for children too young to play chess to get them involved with law enforcement in a positive setting.
And whether the kids are playing chess or watching a movie, deputies take the time to talk to them about what is going on in their lives and provide safety tips.
For more information on the program, contact Lt. Mike Dolan at the Immokalee substation at 239-530-9959.
Cpl. Ana Russell discusses strategy and the rules with some of the kids participating in a chess gaming event at the Farm Worker’s Village community center.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Safe Boating Week Launched in Collier
Being out on the water can be fun but it can also be dangerous.
It’s Safe Boating Week in Collier County, and CCSO’s Marine Unit wants boaters to have a great time on our waterways while staying safe.
CCSO reminds boaters to always put safety first and offers these tips:
* Take a boating safety course. Courses are offered through the U.S. Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
* Wear a life jacket.
* Have all your safety gear onboard and serviceable.
* Don’t operate a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
* For extended or out-of-the ordinary excursions, file a float plan with a loved one or close friend. Click here for a CCSO-recommended float plan that you can print and fill out.
* Take a fully charged cell phone.
Did you know that boating accidents are most often caused by operator-controllable factors such as carelessness, inattention, and navigation-rule violations, poor choices during bad weather, inexperience, and alcohol consumption?
Here are some other important boating safety facts to keep in mind:
* Any boat operator who is 21 or younger and operates a vessel with 10-horsepower or more must do the following: take a state and NASBLA-approved boating safety course send proof of course completion to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and carry their FWCC-issued boating safety ID card and photo ID with them while operating the vessel.
* Wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 90 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket in 2007. Drowning is the reported cause of death in two-thirds of all boating fatalities.
* It is a violation of Florida law to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. A vessel operator suspected of boating under the influence must submit to sobriety tests and a physical or chemical test to determine blood- or breath-alcohol content. In Florida, a vessel operator is presumed to be under the influence if his blood- or breath-alcohol level is at or above .08.
* A vessel owner or operator is responsible to carry, store, maintain and use the safety equipment required by the Coast Guard. All vessels are required to have onboard a wearable Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person. PFDs must be the appropriate size for each intended wearer, be in serviceable condition and be easily accessible. Children younger than 6 must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD while onboard a vessel under 26 feet in length while the vessel is operating.
* Vessels with built-in fuel tanks or enclosed compartments where gasoline fumes can accumulate are required to carry at least one fire extinguisher (depending on vessel) which is approved for marine use.
* Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and
Sunrise during periods of reduced visibility such as rain, fog and haze. The Coast Guard’s navigation rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft on its Web site www.uscgboating.org.
Watch our boating safety video.
It’s Safe Boating Week in Collier County, and CCSO’s Marine Unit wants boaters to have a great time on our waterways while staying safe.
CCSO reminds boaters to always put safety first and offers these tips:
* Take a boating safety course. Courses are offered through the U.S. Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
* Wear a life jacket.
* Have all your safety gear onboard and serviceable.
* Don’t operate a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
* For extended or out-of-the ordinary excursions, file a float plan with a loved one or close friend. Click here for a CCSO-recommended float plan that you can print and fill out.
* Take a fully charged cell phone.
Did you know that boating accidents are most often caused by operator-controllable factors such as carelessness, inattention, and navigation-rule violations, poor choices during bad weather, inexperience, and alcohol consumption?
Here are some other important boating safety facts to keep in mind:
* Any boat operator who is 21 or younger and operates a vessel with 10-horsepower or more must do the following: take a state and NASBLA-approved boating safety course send proof of course completion to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and carry their FWCC-issued boating safety ID card and photo ID with them while operating the vessel.
* Wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 90 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket in 2007. Drowning is the reported cause of death in two-thirds of all boating fatalities.
* It is a violation of Florida law to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. A vessel operator suspected of boating under the influence must submit to sobriety tests and a physical or chemical test to determine blood- or breath-alcohol content. In Florida, a vessel operator is presumed to be under the influence if his blood- or breath-alcohol level is at or above .08.
* A vessel owner or operator is responsible to carry, store, maintain and use the safety equipment required by the Coast Guard. All vessels are required to have onboard a wearable Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person. PFDs must be the appropriate size for each intended wearer, be in serviceable condition and be easily accessible. Children younger than 6 must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD while onboard a vessel under 26 feet in length while the vessel is operating.
* Vessels with built-in fuel tanks or enclosed compartments where gasoline fumes can accumulate are required to carry at least one fire extinguisher (depending on vessel) which is approved for marine use.
* Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and
Sunrise during periods of reduced visibility such as rain, fog and haze. The Coast Guard’s navigation rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft on its Web site www.uscgboating.org.
Watch our boating safety video.
Deputies Nab Suspected Car Burglar
Deputies arrested a 19-year-old man early Tuesday as he was leaving an East Naples gated community where they say he had just broken into at least two vehicles.Danny Heu Jr., 8103 Sanctuary Drive, Unit 2, East Naples, was charged with burglary, grand theft and possession of burglary tools.
Arrest reports gave this account:
A 54-year-old woman told deputies that she was walking her dog in the 7500 block of Firenze Lane around 3:45 a.m. when she saw a dark sedan with a taped window pull up near her vehicle.
She said Heu and a woman got out of the sedan and looked inside her vehicle. Heu and the woman then walked across the street and went up to a 2005 white Jeep Laredo that was parked and opened the door. Heu went inside the Jeep for about 30 seconds before getting out. He walked down the street with the sedan following him, looking inside vehicles and trying door handles.
Deputies arrived as Heu was driving out of Verona Walk. Deputies conducted a traffic stop at Verona Walk and Collier boulevards.
Heu and his female passenger told deputies that they were at Verona Walk visiting a friend named Emily, however, they did not know her address or phone number. They said they entered the community by following another vehicle through the gate.
A search of Heu’s car turned up burglary tools such as wire cutters, pruning shears, a black glove and a hammer, and multiple items that appeared to be stolen.
The owner of the Jeep told deputies that he found his glove box open and papers were strewn about his vehicle. His global positioning system and car charger were missing from his vehicle. Deputies recovered the GPS unit in Heu’s car.
The Jeep owner told deputies that many of the items found in Heu’s car appeared to have the initials of a friend. He called the friend, who confirmed that his white Ford F-150 pickup had been burglarized and that multiple items, mostly tools such as drills and saws, were missing.
Heu was arrested and charged in connection with both vehicle break-ins, reports said.
CCSO reminds residents to lock their vehicles – even when they’re parked in the driveway – and to always take valuables with you.
Click here to watch a video about protecting your car from thieves.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Missing Sisters Found Safe
2nd UPDATE: Both sisters have been located and are safe.
UPDATE: Photos of Victoria and Jade Denton are now available:
Original Release:
Deputies are looking for two North Naples sisters who were last seen Sunday afternoon.
Jade Benton, 9, has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a multi-colored striped shirt and pink striped shorts. She was riding a purple Huffy bicycle, reports said.
Jade was with her 14-year-old sister, Victoria Benton, who has brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing green shorts and a sea green shirt. She was riding a purple Schwinn bike when she was last seen. Victoria Benton has run away in the past.
The sisters were last seen in the area of 8th Street and 96th Avenue in Naples Park.
Photographs of the sisters are not yet available.
UPDATE: Photos of Victoria and Jade Denton are now available:
Original Release:
Deputies are looking for two North Naples sisters who were last seen Sunday afternoon.
Jade Benton, 9, has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a multi-colored striped shirt and pink striped shorts. She was riding a purple Huffy bicycle, reports said.
Jade was with her 14-year-old sister, Victoria Benton, who has brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing green shorts and a sea green shirt. She was riding a purple Schwinn bike when she was last seen. Victoria Benton has run away in the past.
The sisters were last seen in the area of 8th Street and 96th Avenue in Naples Park.
Photographs of the sisters are not yet available.
Click It Or Ticket Under Way
WHAT: Click It Or TicketWHEN: May 18-31
SUMMARY: Deputies will be watching Collier County motorists to make sure everyone is properly buckled up in cars when Click It Or Ticket gets under way Monday.
All vehicles will be a target during the annual nationwide safety belt enforcement campaign.
The purpose of the two-week campaign is to increase safety belt use and reduce fatalities on Florida's roadways.
The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $98 in Collier County.
During Click It Or Ticket CCSO deputies will be conducting various countywide heightened enforcement details and efforts to draw attention to the importance of safety restraint use.
Deputies will also be teaming up with the Florida Highway Patrol, Bonita Springs Fire & Rescue, and Safekids Worldwide to offer Collier and Lee County professionals training on child passenger safety and safety seat installation.
Collier County has the highest safety belt compliance rate – 92 percent – in the state, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
CCSO is joining forces with other law enforcement agencies across the state, along with the FDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to crack down on drivers and passengers who fail to buckle up.
Click here to watch a CCSO video on seat belt safety.
North Naples Sisters Missing
Deputies are looking for two North Naples sisters who were last seen Sunday afternoon.
Jade Denton, 9, has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a multi-colored striped shirt and pink striped shorts. She was riding a purple Huffy bicycle, reports said. Jade was with her 14-year-old sister, Victoria Denton, who has brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing green shorts and a sea green shirt. She was riding a purple Schwinn bike when she was last seen.
Victoria Denton has run away in the past.
The sisters were last seen in the area of 8th Street and 96th Avenue in Naples Park.
Denton, Victoria
Denton, Jade
Man Charged In Shooting
UPDATE: Deputies have arrested Mohammed A. Roche, 18, of Fort Myers, in connection with this shooting. Roche is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm. Roche is going through the booking process at this time. His photograph is not yet available.
Original Release:
Deputies are investigating a shooting that took place at 6:27 p.m. Sunday at the Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway. The shooting happened during a Haitian Flag Day celebration. Investigators say the victim, who is about 19 years old, was transported by helicopter to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers. Additional details will be released as they become available.
Original Release:
Deputies are investigating a shooting that took place at 6:27 p.m. Sunday at the Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway. The shooting happened during a Haitian Flag Day celebration. Investigators say the victim, who is about 19 years old, was transported by helicopter to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers. Additional details will be released as they become available.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
County Barn Road Accident Claims 2
Two people are dead following a three-car accident on County Barn Road on Sunday afternoon, according to Collier County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Reports say two vehicles where northbound on County Barn near Davis Boulevard at 4:23 p.m. when a southbound vehicle lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic.
Antonio Intravia, 7, a passenger in one of the vehicles, died, according to reports. The driver of another car involved in the accident also died, however next of kin has not yet been notified.
Reports say two vehicles where northbound on County Barn near Davis Boulevard at 4:23 p.m. when a southbound vehicle lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic.
Antonio Intravia, 7, a passenger in one of the vehicles, died, according to reports. The driver of another car involved in the accident also died, however next of kin has not yet been notified.
Deputies Investigating Shooting
Deputies are investigating a shooting that took place at 6:27 p.m. at the Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway. The shooting happened during a Haitian Flag Day celebration.
Investigators say the victim, who is about 19 years old, was transported by helicopter to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers.
Additional details will be released as they become available.
Investigators say the victim, who is about 19 years old, was transported by helicopter to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers.
Additional details will be released as they become available.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Staying Ahead Of Crime
Every two weeks Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk and his deputies meet to discuss crime trends.The sheriff demands that all deputies in districts be held accountable for crime in their areas. This meeting, which uses the COMSTAT method of crime-fighting, allows the leaders in each district to tell the sheriff about their plans to tackle car burglaries, home break-ins and business robberies. Their efforts have resulted in a steady decrease in reported crimes.
Go to “News” and then click on your area of the county.
Deputies: Man Used Child To Help Him Steal
A 47-year-old man was arrested Thursday after deputies say he used a child to help him steal electronics from a Target store in April.Leonardo Jesus Nunez, 6475 College Park Circle, Unit 108, East Naples, was charged with grand theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Arrest reports say Nunez stole electronic items including MP3 players and global positioning systems from Target Superstore, 2415 Tarpon Bay Blvd., Golden Gate, on April 22.
Nunez removed the items from their packaging, concealed them and then left the store without paying for them. The items were valued at $539.96.
Nunez returned to the store on April 23 and took GPS units and MP3 players, which he removed from their packaging and concealed inside a purse. He then gave the purse to a child who left the store without paying for the items, reports said. The items were valued at $599.96.
Buckle Up And Stay Alive
Click it and you won’t get a ticket.The Collier County Sheriff’s Office will join law enforcement agencies around Florida in watching drivers to make sure everyone is properly buckled up when the Click It Or Ticket seat belt campaign gets under way.
This year’s Click It Or Ticket campaign is May 18-31
The purpose of the annual campaign is to increase safety belt use and reduce fatalities on Florida's roadways.
The campaign will kick off ahead of Memorial Day, the holiday weekend traditionally with the highest annual traffic death toll.
Deputies will be conducting various countywide heightened enforcement details and efforts to draw attention to the importance of safety restraint use.
“The proper use of a safety belt is the single most important action one can take to increase the chances of surviving a vehicle crash,” said Sgt. Chris Gonzalez of CCSO’s Traffic Safety Enforcement Bureau. “The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking that every driver make certain all front and back seat passengers are properly buckled up. A simple click can be the difference between life and death.”
In addition, CCSO we will be teaming up with the Florida Highway Patrol, Bonita Springs Fire & Rescue, and Safekids Worldwide to offer Collier and Lee County professionals training on child passenger safety and safety seat installation.
Collier County has the highest safety belt compliance rate – 92 percent – in the state, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
CCSO deputies wrote fewer tickets for safety belt violations during 2008’s Click It or Ticket campaign than in 2007, proof that motorists are buckling up.
During last year’s Click It Or Ticket campaign from May 19 to June 1, deputies wrote 1,931 seat belt tickets and 82 child restraint tickets. During the 2007 campaign, deputies wrote 2,605 seat belt tickets and 126 child restraint tickets.
Failure to regularly use a seat belt can be deadly.
There were 1,201 fatalities due to a lack of seat belt use in Florida in 2007, the most recent year for which crash statistics are available, according to FDOT. Of those fatalities, 26 were in Collier County.
Once the campaign is over, drivers who don’t buckle up will face tougher seat belt laws.
Beginning June 30, Florida drivers can get pulled over and ticketed for failing to buckle up – as a primary offense, under a new law signed by Gov. Charlie Crist earlier this month. In the past, law enforcement officers had to have another reason to pull drivers over.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 142 lives will be saved by the new law every year.
Seat belt safety basics:
* The driver and front seat passenger must wear a seat belt.
* Anyone younger than 18 must wear a seat belt no matter where they are sitting.
* Children 12 and younger should ride in the back seat for safety.
* Children from birth to 80 pounds and 4 feet 9 inches tall should ride either in a car seat or a booster seat, depending on their age.
* Getting a ticket for not wearing a seat belt will cost you $98. A ticket for a violation of child restraint violations will cost you $148.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
CCSO Traffic Enforcement Spots
Monday, May 18:
Airport-Pulling Road and Davis Boulevard – Red-light running
Wilson Boulevard North - Speeding
U.S. 41 North and Old U.S. 41 – Red-light running
Tuesday, May 19:
Livingston Road and Orange Blossom Boulevard – Aggressive driving
U.S. 41 East and Lakewood Boulevard – Red-light running
Radio Road and Donna Street - Speeding
Wednesday, May 20:
Sunshine Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Pine Ridge Road and Logan Boulevard South - Speeding
Naples Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Thursday, May 21:
Pine Ridge and Taylor roads - Speeding
Collier Boulevard at Verona Walk - Speeding
Barefoot Williams Road - Speeding
Friday, May 22:
Vanderbilt Beach Road and U.S. 41 North – Red-light running
Euclid Avenue and Piper Boulevard - Speeding
Immokalee and Camp Keais roads - Speeding
Airport-Pulling Road and Davis Boulevard – Red-light running
Wilson Boulevard North - Speeding
U.S. 41 North and Old U.S. 41 – Red-light running
Tuesday, May 19:
Livingston Road and Orange Blossom Boulevard – Aggressive driving
U.S. 41 East and Lakewood Boulevard – Red-light running
Radio Road and Donna Street - Speeding
Wednesday, May 20:
Sunshine Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Pine Ridge Road and Logan Boulevard South - Speeding
Naples Boulevard – Aggressive driving
Thursday, May 21:
Pine Ridge and Taylor roads - Speeding
Collier Boulevard at Verona Walk - Speeding
Barefoot Williams Road - Speeding
Friday, May 22:
Vanderbilt Beach Road and U.S. 41 North – Red-light running
Euclid Avenue and Piper Boulevard - Speeding
Immokalee and Camp Keais roads - Speeding
Man Charged With Stealing Boat
Deputies arrested a 24-year-old man Wednesday night and charged him with stealing a boat in April.Patrick Eugene Hall, 781 Palm Drive, was charged with grand theft.
On April 8, marine patrol deputies gave Hall and another man a ride to Marco Island from Keewaydin Island after Hall told deputies they had been left behind by friends during a camping outing on the island, according to sheriff’s reports.
Also on April 8, deputies discovered an abandoned boat in a patch of mangroves off Keewaydin Island. The 2001 Godfrey Hurricane deck boat had been reported stolen earlier in the day from its dock at Holiday Manor Boat Dock.
Further investigation by deputies led them to Hall, whose fingerprints matched latent prints recovered from the stolen boat, reports said.
Deputies located Hall around 9:30 p.m. in the 2600 block of Airport-Pulling Road in East Naples on Wednesday and arrested him, reports said.
21st Annual Candlelight Vigil
The 21st annual Police Unity Tour candlelight vigil was a moving experience for all of us from CCSO.The morning of the vigil we finally got a few free hours to relax. All Florida Chapter members rallied in the hotel lobby at 3:15 p.m., looking sharp in their class A uniforms. We left as a group to walk the three blocks to the Metro station that would take us to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Upon our arrival at the memorial we were briefed on the procedures of escorting surviving family members into the ceremony. The survivors arrive by bus and the process takes almost three hours. Bus after bus pulled up to the memorial, the sheer number of "first year" survivors was sobering. Each survivor was handed a rose and escorted by a member of the Police Unity Tour to their seat.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder delivered the keynote address at the vigil. Then, along with Jennifer Thacker, national president of Concerns of Police Survivors, he led the lighting of thousands of candles in honor of America's fallen law enforcement officers. The names of 387 officers killed in the line of duty were read aloud and formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Memorial during the ceremony. There were 133 officers killed in 2008, and 254 officers who died in previous years but whose stories had not been previously known or recognized.
Service To Honor Fallen Deputies Friday
WHAT: Law Enforcement Memorial Service
WHEN: Friday, May 15, 2009
TIME: 8:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Law Enforcement Memorial in front of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, 3301 U.S. 41 E., Bldg. J
SUMMARY: As a part of National Law Enforcement Week from May 11-17, 2009, CCSO will take the time to honor and pay respect to fellow comrades who died while in the line of duty.
The memorial service will include an address from Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk, the presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance and playing of taps. The guest speaker will be Wayne O. Smith, a retired United States Air Force captain who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.
While members of the Harp and Thistle Pipe Band perform Amazing Grace following Sheriff Rambosk’s address, family members of fallen loved ones will be able to light a candle and place flowers on the memoriam table.
CCSO would like to give special thanks to everyone who will contribute and participate in this memorial. The following members will never be forgotten.
In Memoriam:
Deputy W.B. Richardson
Deputy William Irwin
Deputy William E. Hutto
Deputy Maurice Eugene Anglin
Investigator Arthur Allen Amos
Cpl. Amedicus “Med’ Quincy Howell III
Cpl. Mark Caperton
Sgt. Roy Arthur Williams
Sgt. Joe Nathan Jones
Deputy Raul “Rudy” Dimas Sr.
Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Friday, May 15, 2009
TIME: 8:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Law Enforcement Memorial in front of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, 3301 U.S. 41 E., Bldg. J
SUMMARY: As a part of National Law Enforcement Week from May 11-17, 2009, CCSO will take the time to honor and pay respect to fellow comrades who died while in the line of duty.
The memorial service will include an address from Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk, the presentation of colors, Pledge of Allegiance and playing of taps. The guest speaker will be Wayne O. Smith, a retired United States Air Force captain who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.
While members of the Harp and Thistle Pipe Band perform Amazing Grace following Sheriff Rambosk’s address, family members of fallen loved ones will be able to light a candle and place flowers on the memoriam table.
CCSO would like to give special thanks to everyone who will contribute and participate in this memorial. The following members will never be forgotten.
In Memoriam:
Deputy W.B. Richardson
Deputy William Irwin
Deputy William E. Hutto
Deputy Maurice Eugene Anglin
Investigator Arthur Allen Amos
Cpl. Amedicus “Med’ Quincy Howell III
Cpl. Mark Caperton
Sgt. Roy Arthur Williams
Sgt. Joe Nathan Jones
Deputy Raul “Rudy” Dimas Sr.
Click here to learn more.
Sidewalk Safety
Walking saves gas and improves your health, but pedestrians need to be vigilant in order to avoid becoming a traffic statistic.
We have advice that can keep you safe when you go for a walk.
Watch our video about pedestrian safety.
We have advice that can keep you safe when you go for a walk.
Watch our video about pedestrian safety.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Immokalee Shooting Accidental
UPDATE: Investigators have determined that this shooting was accidental. The investigation revealed that the gunshot was the result of Simone and another juvenile playing with a revolver.
No charges are being filed at this time.
The investigation is continuing.
UPDATE: Investigators have identified the boy as Simone Rios, 10, of 1302 Apple St., Immokalee.The boy’s age was incorrect in initial reports based on information given to investigators. His birth date is 9/6/1998.
The boy is in stable but serious condition at Lee Memorial Hospital.An investigation is continuing.
Original news release, posted May 12, 2009:
Boy, 7, Shot In Immokalee
Deputies are investigating the shooting of a 7-year-old boy in Immokalee.
Reports say the child was playing in the yard in front of 1302 Apple St. when the shooting happened at 5:56 p.m. He was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Additional details will be released as they become available.
No charges are being filed at this time.
The investigation is continuing.
UPDATE: Investigators have identified the boy as Simone Rios, 10, of 1302 Apple St., Immokalee.The boy’s age was incorrect in initial reports based on information given to investigators. His birth date is 9/6/1998.
The boy is in stable but serious condition at Lee Memorial Hospital.An investigation is continuing.
Original news release, posted May 12, 2009:
Boy, 7, Shot In Immokalee
Deputies are investigating the shooting of a 7-year-old boy in Immokalee.
Reports say the child was playing in the yard in front of 1302 Apple St. when the shooting happened at 5:56 p.m. He was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Additional details will be released as they become available.
Deputies: EN Man Had Child Porn On Computer
A CCSO investigation into child pornography trafficking on the Internet led to the arrest of a 68-year-old East Naples man on multiple felony child pornography charges Wednesday.Gerald DaGata, 4497 Beechwood Lake Drive, was charged with 10 counts possession of obscene material depicting sexual performance of a child.
DaGata’s arrest stems from an undercover investigation that began in March into the use of peer-to-peer software on the Internet to traffic in child pornography, according to sheriff’s reports.
During the investigation a detective in the Special Crimes Bureau was able to identify DaGata’s Internet protocol, or IP, address and that there were child pornography files on his computer, reports said.
The files were videos showing male children ages 6 to 14 engaged in various sex acts with each other, reports said.
Detectives executed a search warrant at DaGata’s residence on Wednesday morning and arrested him.
More charges are expected pending further forensic analysis of DaGata’s computer, investigators said.
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