Halloween Tips

Halloween is a fun time for kids, but it is also an important time to be extra vigilant for possible safety hazards so that your children have a fun and safe Halloween.  Some tips to make Halloween safe include: 

Motorists

·     Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.

·     Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

·     Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

·     At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parents

·     Make sure that an adult supervises the children.

·     Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.   

·     Instruct your children to stop only at houses that are well lit and to never enter a stranger's home.

·     Establish a return time.

·     Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.

·     Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.

Accessories

·     Knives, swords and other accessories should be made form cardboard or flexible materials.  Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.

·     Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.

·     Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.

 On the way

• Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
• Walk; do not run, from house to house. 
• Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
• Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.

Treats

·     Give children an early meal before going out.

·     Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.

·     Wash fruit and slice it into small pieces.

·     When in doubt, throw it out.

I hope this article has reminded you of some important safety tips for Halloween.  With some simple precautions, you can ensure that Halloween remains a safe and happy experience for the whole family.

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Two Bronson Men Robbed & Pistol Whipped

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:               October 29, 2009

Time:               11:00 AM

 

Bronson, Florida-On October 28, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office received a 9-1-1 call at 11251 NE 86 Lane in reference to a robbery.  The investigation revealed that a Levy County business man closed his restaurant at 9 p.m. and was enroute to his residence.  Prior to arriving at his residence, the victim received a phone call from a neighbor ascertaining if he was expecting company, and he replied no.  The caller stated that a dark in color in vehicle pulled up in the victim's driveway and struck the gate post when backing out of the driveway.

 

Upon the victim arriving at his residence, he was speaking to a friend in the front yard and noticed a dark in color car drive by the residence.  Approximately ten minutes later the victim and his friend were in the front yard and saw the same car pull in the victim's driveway.  The victim walked out to greet the subjects and thought it may be friends.  The victim stated that two male subjects jumped out of the car with masks covering their faces and armed with pistols.  The subjects said to the victims "Where is the money"?  The victim stated that the subjects pistol whipped him and his friend in the front yard.  The subjects robbed the victim at gun point of an undisclosed amount of money and left the victims on the ground bleeding.  Both victims were transported to the University of Florida Shands Hospital where they were treated and released for lacerations to the head. 

 

The suspects' car was last seen east bound at a high rate of speed on NE 86 Lane.  The suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Mike Narayan or you can remain anonymous by call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.

 

Suspects Description:

 

Possible black males.

5'10-6'03" Medium Build, Dark Clothing.

Medium size dark in color car.

The vehicle should have damage to the passenger rear quarter panel and a broken passenger tail light.

 

 

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David Smith Arrested For Grand Theft

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                October 28, 2009

Time:                1:45 PM

 

Morriston, Florida-On October 27, 2009 Detective Mike Narayan arrested David William Smith for grand theft.

 

Deputy Ken Maddux responded to 4091 SE State Road 121 in reference to a theft complaint on October 27, 2009.  The victim reported that person(s) stole $360.00 jewelry.  During the investigation Smith became a person of interest.  Deputy Allen Breeding was dispatched to a disturbance at the Inglis Kangaroo Gas Station and Smith was involved in the altercation.  Detective Narayan interviewed Smith about the theft and he confessed to stealing the jewelry and later pawned the stolen property at a Dunnellon pawn shop.  Smith was arrested and transported to the Levy County Jail.  

 

 

Defendant:

 

David William Smith

Homeless

White Male

05/12/63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Stephen Troy Arrested In High Speed Chase

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: October 27, 2009

Time: 7:15 PM

On October 19, 2009 Deputy Tonya Gainey arrested Stephen Michael Troy on a Levy County warrant for grand theft auto, fleeing attempting to elude a police officer, battery on a police dog, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and driving while license suspended.

Troy's problems began on March 20, 2008 when he was driving a stolen vehicle and attempted to elude Levy County deputies. The high speed pursuit reached speeds to 90-100 Mph and Troy refused to stop on State Road 500. During the pursuit Deputy Marshall Smith attempted to deploy stop sticks prior to Troy entering the city of Chiefland. Troy evaded the stop sticks and attempted to run over Smith in the median. The pursuit ended when Corporal Wilburn Wells was able to deploy stop sticks and deflate Troy's front tires at Lebanon Station on State Road 55. Troy ignored deputies' orders and immediately fought deputies by violently punching and kicking K-9 Deputy Willie Barnes and Sergeant Zachary Knight. Sheriff's K-9 Taz a Belgian Malinois was released and apprehended Troy by biting him on his legs. During the arrest Troy struck K-9 Taz numerous times in the head with his fist and he was finally subdued. Troy was transported to University of Florida Shands hospital for K-9 bites. Upon Troy being released he was arrested and transported to Marion County on numerous felony charges where he was later sentenced to prison.

On July 23, 2008 Troy was sentenced to prison and currently housed at Columbia Correctional Institute. Troy was sentenced to two years and four months on multiple felony charges that occurred in Marion County. Due to Troy being sentenced on the Marion County charges he was never arrested on the Levy County charges until October 19, 2009.

Troy is scheduled to be released from prison on March 17, 2010 and he will answer to the Levy County charges.

Defendant:

Stephen Michael Troy

19289 NW 160 Ave

Williston, Florida

White Male

11/29/78

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Fundraiser

Basic Pistol Class
Hosted
By Levy County Sheriffs Office
will qualify for Florida Concealed weapons permit
Nov 7, 2009 8am Levy County Sheriffs Office Classroom
9150 NE 80th Ave Bronson Fl 32621
Cost $50 dollars
Fundraiser
For the Cates Family whose mother was struck by a truck while jogging outside of Bronson leaving Five kids behind to be raised by their grandparents
Please Sign up by calling 3524865111 call Patty Galyean or Scott Finnen or email sfinnen@levyso.com

Bruce Nichols Arrested For Breaking Into Ed's Auto Salvage

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                October 26, 2009

Time:                1:45 PM

 

Williston, Florida-On October 22, 2009 detectives from the Levy County Sheriff's Office arrested Bruce Nichols for burglary and grand theft.

 

The Levy County Sheriff's Office investigated a burglary and theft at Ed's Auto Salvage located at 2830 NE 200 Ave Williston, Florida.  The victim stated that on October 6, 2009 around 11 PM unknown person(s) entered the business by climbing over a six foot fence with three strands of barb wire.  Upon entry into the compound fifty radiators were stolen valued at $ 2000.00

 

On October 12, 2009 Ed's Salvage Yard was burglarized again and over $ 12,000 dollars of antique radiators and starters were stolen.  Detective Roger Bell and Detective Mike Narayan questioned Nichols on October 22, 2009 about the above two incidents.  Nichols admitted to the October 6 theft and stated that he participated by assisting others in stealing the radiators but did not enter the compound.  Nichols stated that on October 12, 2009 he entered the compound twice and loaded a van with the stolen radiators.

 

Nichols was arrested for two counts of burglary and two counts of grand theft.

 

Defendant:

 

Bruce Nichols

2791 NE 200 Ave

Williston, Florida

Black Male

09/08/62

 

 

 

 

 

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Operation Trick-Or-Treat Arrest In Chiefland

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                October 26, 2009

Time:                9:00 AM

 

Chiefland, Florida- On October 23, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office executed five search warrants in the city of Chiefland and arrested 13 people during the round up.

 

During a six month investigation, the Drug Task Force has been purchasing powder and crack cocaine and cannabis from several drug dealers in the Chiefland area.  At 5 p.m., Drug Task Force Investigator Burt Miller briefed "Operation Trick-Or-Treat" to law enforcement officers that participated from the Chiefland Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff's Office, Dixie County Sheriff's Office, Gainesville Police Department, US Marshals Office and Probation & Parole.

 

Halloween night came early in Chiefland with over 40 law enforcement officers knocking on doors in search for drug dealers and not candy.  Operation Trick-Or-Treat is the conclusion of a six month investigation that undercover agents purchased drugs from drug dealers.  This round up was a success arresting 13 people and no one was injured.  Agents confiscated approximately $5,000 dollars in cash, recovered seven guns and seized powder/crack cocaine and cannabis. 

 

Operation Trick-Or-Treat round up will continue this week in arresting drug dealers that remain at large.  The Drug Task Force Agents have 85 felony charges and 15 misdemeanor charges to file on the subjects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Leon Wiggins Arrested For Strangling Bronson Woman

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:                October 22, 2009

Bronson, Florida- On October 22, 2009 Deputy Ella Anderson arrested Leon Wiggins for felony battery and he was transported to the Levy County Jail.

The victim reported that she went to 450 Alvin Road in Bronson to purchase drugs from Wiggins on October 22, 2009 around two in the morning.  Upon arriving Wiggins wanted to exchange drugs for sex and the victim refused.  This infuriated Wiggins and threw the victim on the ground and started strangling her with both hands.  The victim reported that she fought Wiggins and he covered her nose and mouth and she lost unconscious on two different occasions.  The victim was able to free herself from Wiggins and fled the scene on foot.  Deputy Anderson observed bruising around the victim's throat, face and shoulders and she was upset.

Patrol deputies located Wiggins at 550 Hurst Street in Bronson sleeping in a vehicle and he was arrested without incident.

Defendant:

Leon Wiggins

550 Hurst Street

Bronson, Florida

Black Male 10/28/65

 

 

 

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Two Bronson Men Arrested On Drug Charges

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:                October 19, 2009

Time:               8:00 PM

 

Bronson, Florida-On October 14, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force arrested Larry Greenlee and Johnny Welch for multiple drug charges.

 

On August 21, 2009 the Drug Task Force utilized a confidential informant for the purpose to buying narcotics in the city of Bronson.  The confidential informant purchased crack cocaine from Greenlee, also known as Pee-Wee at 242 Pine Street on two different occasions.  During the undercover buys the purchases was less than 500 feet from the Bronson High School football field.

 

During the arrest Sgt. Knight located two metal pipes used for smoking crack cocaine on Greenlee.  The pipes were tested positive for cocaine.  Greenlee was arrested for two counts of sale of cocaine within 1000 feet of a school, one count of possession of crack cocaine within 1000 feet of a school, possession of crack cocaine and possession drug paraphernalia.  Greenlee has a $120,000 bond.

 

On September 3, 2009 the Drug Task Force purchased crack cocaine from Johnny Welch, also known as "Blade & Razor".  Through the investigation a total of three crack cocaine purchases were made at 418 North Pine Street and behind the Bronson Post Office.  The drug buys were within 1000 feet from a public housing authority which can enhance the sentencing, if Welch is convicted.  Welch was charged with three counts of sale of crack cocaine within 1000 feet of a public housing, two counts of possession of crack cocaine within 1000 feet of a public housing and one count of possession of crack cocaine.  Welch is lodged in the Levy County Jail on a $165,000 bond.

 

Defendant:

 

Larry Greenlee

386 Pine Street

Bronson, Florida

Black Male

02/2250

 

Johnny Lee Welch

P.O. Box 2644

Chiefland, Florida

Black Male

09/22/79

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Deputy Forced To Use Taser & Pepper Spray During An Arrest

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:                October 18, 2009

Time:                9:00 PM

 

Bronson, Florida-On October 17, 2009 Deputy Ella Anderson arrested Matthew Edward Devers for two counts of domestic battery and resisting arrest without violence. 

 

Deputy Anderson responded to 11711 NE 106^th Court in reference to a domestic disturbance.  Upon arrival victim # 2 stated that Devers was mad at a relative and spit on the victim when they walked past him in the kitchen.  Devers was mad at victim # 2 from an argument that occurred a few days prior.  Devers then began striking victim # 1 repeatedly with a closed fist in the face, chest and arms.  Victim # 2 stated that she attempted to intervene and Devers directed his anger at victim # 2 by shoving her several times in the stove and kitchen counters.  Deputy Anderson observed red marks and bruising on both victims and they were extremely upset and crying.  The victims stated that Devers was hiding in the laundry room and to be careful because he will be extremely violent and explosive. 

 

Deputy Anderson removed her taser from the holster and ordered Devers to lie face down on the ground.  Devers was hesitant but finally complied with the order.  Deputy Anderson told Devers not to move or he would be tazed.  When Deputy Anderson attempted to handcuff Devers he rolled over and yelled to "Shoot Me" and attempted to get up.  Deputy Anderson deployed her taser and Devers screamed and pulled the probes out and ran out of the residence.  Devers ran down the road and Deputy Anderson apprehended Devers one block from the residence and ordered Devers to the ground several times.  Devers refused the lawful orders, and he was pepper sprayed and told to lie face down on the ground.  Devers complied and went to the ground but then continued to get up.  Devers was held at gun point until back up arrived on the scene and he was arrested.

 

Devers was treated on the scene by Levy County medics for the chemical spray and he was transported to the Levy County Jail.                 

 

Defendant:

 

Matthew Edward Devers

11711 NE 106^th Court

Bronson, Florida

White Male

09/11/84

 

 

 

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Scam & Theft In Williston Highlands Area

MEDIA RELEASE

Williston, Florida- On October 15, 2009 two white males approached a residence in the Williston Highlands Neighborhood, knocked on the door, and then opened it and walked inside saying "Hello?, Hello?" The owner then said "who is it?" and they replied that their father had put the roof on this house and they were there to inspect the shingles. They advised the elderly woman that she needed to put on a pot of boiling water so they could test the shingles. The subject then asked the woman to walk around and tap on all the walls to make sure they were structurally sound.  The younger of the two men stayed with her the whole time and was advising her that his partner was on the roof checking the shingles. It appears that while the one man was with the woman, the other was going through her home stealing items. By her knocking on the walls, the second man always knew where she was--giving him free rein of the house. The men then left in a white pick-up or a white panel van. Around the same time, the same men went across the street and attempted to enter another residence. They knocked on the door, the owner came to door and was told the same story about the roof. The owner told him that his roof had not been put on by the subject's father as he had stated, and denied the men entry into the home. The men left. The younger of the two appeared to do all the talking.


Description of subjects:
1. White male, approximately 20 years old, 5'5 to  5'6, dark short hair, medium to heavy build

2. White male, approximately 60 years old,  approximately 5'9, salt and pepper hair, muscular build

There were conflicting descriptions of the vehicle.  One described it as a white pick-up, unknown year or make. The other described the vehicle as a white panel van.  Please remember all of the basic crime prevention tips that will make your house less attractive to would-be burglars or thieves and remember to lock your doors at all times and not lot anyone in your home and not to open the front door if you do not know them.

 As always, if you see anything suspicious, please immediately call the Levy County Sheriffs Office at 486-5111.  If you witness a crime in progress, please dial 911.  Neighborhood residents are our best defense against criminals.  Please stay alert for suspicious activity,look out your windows and pass this information to others.

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Bronson Woman Arrested For Kicking Deputies

MEDIA RELEASE

Date:                October 12, 2009

Time:                4:00 PM

 

Bronson, Florida-On October 9, 2009 Deputy Wilburn Wells arrested Karon Creal for battery, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest without violence and resisting arrest with violence.

 

On October 9, 2009 Deputy Wells responded to 621 Mashburn Drive in reference to a disturbance.  Upon arrival Deputy Wells met with the victim and she stated that her roommate Karon Creal was throwing her belongings out of the residence.  The victim stated that Creal grabbed the telephone from her and she was struck on the arm.  Deputy Wells informed Creal that she could not throw the victim's personal property from the residence without a court eviction.  Deputy Wells attempted to talk to Creal but she refused to listen and walked away stating that she was getting her shoes.  Deputy Wells advised Creal to stop but she ignored his lawful order and ran into the woods. 

 

A short time later Creal was located at the neighbor's residence and she ran into the woods when she saw law enforcement.  Deputy Wells ordered her to stop several times but she refused to stop until Deputy Wells advised Creal that he would contact her probation officer.  Creal turned around and walked back to Deputy Wells. When Creal was told that she was under arrest she jerked away and attempted to spit on Deputy Wells.  Creal was placed on the ground and Creal resisted arrest with violence by kicking Deputy Joseph Sabbag in the chest and face. 

 

Defendant:

 

Karon Creal

621 Mashburn Drive

Bronson, Florida

White Female

10/13/68

 

Charges:

 

Battery

Two Counts Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

Resisting Arrest Without Violence

Resisting Arrest With Violence

 

 

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Bronson Man Arrested For Undercover Drug Buys

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Date:                October 12, 2009

Time:                11:45 AM

 

Bronson, Florida-On October 9, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force arrested Kurtis Lorenzo Daniels for multiple felony drug charges in the City of Bronson.

 

Drug Agent Joey Barrera conducted an investigation on September 4, 2009 in the illegal narcotic transactions behind the Bronson Post Office.  Through the investigation a confidential informant was used to purchase crack cocaine from Daniels from September 4 through September 14, 2009.  Out of the four crack cocaine purchases two drug transactions were made within 1000 feet of public housing.  If Daniels is convicted for the sale and possession of crack cocaine within 1000 feet of public housing it does enhance the sentencing phase.  Daniels has a previous criminal past with law enforcement and has been convicted two times for felony drug charges.

 

Defendant:

 

Kurtis Lorenzo Daniels

5051 NW 61 Court

Ocala, Florida

Black Male

09/07/85

 

Charges:

 

Two Counts Sale of Crack Cocaine within 1000 Feet of Public Housing

Two Counts Possession of Crack Cocaine within 1000 Feet of Public Housing

Two Counts Sale of Crack Cocaine

Two Counts Possession of Crack Cocaine

 

Bond:

 

$ 65,000

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Retired Police Officer Qualification Course

The Levy County Sheriffs office is proud to announce that on Oct 23 at 9am we will be qualifying retired police officers on the Florida State Qualification course to meet the National HR 214 requirement to carry a weapon nationally. The cost for this is free but the following is required.

1. Resident of Levy County by drivers license or alternate document
2. 50 rounds and your handgun to qualify
3. Eye and ear protection

Please call the Sheriffs office at 3524865111 to reserve your slot and ask for Lt Scott Finnen or email sfinnen@levyso.com. Thank you for your attention in this matter

Grow House Rainbow Lakes Estates

MEDIA RELEASE
Date: Oct 5, 2009
Time: 10:30 AM
Rainbow Lakes Estates, Florida-On Oct 1, 2009, the Levy County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force received information that subjects may be operating an indoor marijuana grow house at 11471 SE 136th Ter. in Dunnellon. After an initial investigation, information for a search warrant was obtained. The search warrant was then executed on Oct 1, 2009 in the late afternoon. Upon entry, the task force discovered 3 hidden rooms through a passageway located behind a refrigerator. These rooms were used for the cultivation and processing of marijuana. They had an intricate support mechanism made up of an advanced watering system, several grow lights and air conditioning needed to make this facility work. Agents state that it appeared that they had already harvested one marijuana crop since moving in early this year. As a result of this investigation, 4.5 pounds of processed marijuana was seized along with 105 marijuana plants. This makes the total seizure have a street value of over $100,000.

Arrested in the investigation were:

Duniesky Alfonso Soccorro
20255 SW122 Ave 103
Miami Florida 33177
Wm dob 1/8/76 born Cuba

Charges
Conspiracy to Traffic Marijuana
Possession of Marijuana More than 20 grams

Abelardo mesa Rojas
11471 SE 136th Terrace
Dunnellon, Florida
Wm dob 4/22/53 born Cuba

Charges
Conspiracy to traffic Marijuana
Cultivation of Marijuana
Possession of Marijuana More than 20 gms
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Maintaining a Drug Dwelling

Rocio I. Mesa is married to Abelardo Mesa Rojas
703 south west 100 court cir
Miami Fl 33274
Dob 8/21/1964 born Columbia
Charged
Conspiracy to Traffic Marijuana
Cultivation of Marijuana

Andres Camilo Gonzales
8842 W Flagler St Apt 208
Miami FL 33174
Dob 6/25/89 Born Columbia
Charged
Conspiracy to Traffic Marijuana
DWLSR