ReportWire

Tag: APP Crime

  • Victims injured in FSU mass shooting begin to recover physically, emotionally

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The nation is still reacting after officials say a gunman opened fired near the Florida State University Student Union, killing two people and injuring others on Thursday.

    At least two people were killed as a result of the active shooter attack and at least six people were injured, according to officials.

    According to the Tallahassee Police Department, all injured victims, and the suspect who was injured, are expected to survive. 

    Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare reported that two patients are expected to be discharged Friday. Three others who were sent to the operating room have improved and are in good condition. One remains in fair condition, they said.

    Officials at the hospital, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office all made it clear on Thursday that they would not be releasing any specific details regarding the victims at this time and that included clarification on whether or not those victims were students or staff at the university.

    “All of our victims, although some have serious injuries, they’re all in fair condition. They have various injuries but overall, in good spirits and are doing well,” said Dr. Brett Howard of the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on Thursday

    Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower said at a press conference on Thursday that the first shots were fired at 11:50 a.m.

    Videos were shared on social media that showed students running for their lives and others exiting the university with their hands up as law enforcement agencies responded and secured the school.

    Authorities identified the shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a FSU student and the stepson of a Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

    When asked about the weapon used during the shooting, officials shared that Ikner used his stepmother’s previous service weapon.

    “A lot of times many agencies, mine included, when we transition to a new handgun, the officers are allowed to purchase the handgun that they used prior. And correct me if I’m wrong, sheriff, but I believe that’s the case here,” said Tallahassee Police Department Police Chief Lawrence Revell.

    A memorial has been started on the Florida State University’s campus for all of those involved.

    The school will also hold a vigil Friday at 5 p.m. outside the Doak Campbell Stadium. 

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    Jaclyn Harold

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  • Six people in Ohio indicted for illegal voting

    Six people in Ohio indicted for illegal voting

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s Attorney General, Dave Yost, announced that grand juries have indicted six people on charges of illegal voting, a fourth-degree felony, in previous elections.

    What You Need To Know

    • Six Ohioans have been indicted by grand juries on charges of illegal voting

    • That is a fourth-degree felony

    • The individuals allegedly voted without having U.S. citizenship

    • A grand jury in Lorain County declined to charge a seventh person

    Yost called the right to vote sacred.

    “If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s illegal to vote – whether you thought you were allowed to or not – you will be held accountable,” he said in a press release.

    The grand juries indicted the following people for allegedly voting without having U.S. citizenship, according to the release:

    • Ramesh Patel, 68, of North Royalton
    • Lorinda Miller, 78, of Hudson
    • Nicholas Fontaine, 32, of Kent
    • Ahmed Aden, 35, of Columbus
    • Van Thuy Cooper, 53, of Hilliard
    • Maria Dearaujo, 62, of Columbus

    While the release states that many of these individuals were legal residents, it alleges they did not have U.S. citizenship when they voted.

    A Lorain County grand jury declined to charge a seventh person, an Oberlin College student.

    The release states that the cases were investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and that their investigations into voter fraud continue.

    “Irregularities like this are rare, and this is a small number of cases,” Yost said in the release. “We should all be confident in the upcoming election, knowing that the laws are being enforced and will continue to be enforced.”

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Former Ohio officer stands trial in the 2020 shooting death of Andre Hill

    Former Ohio officer stands trial in the 2020 shooting death of Andre Hill

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A white former Ohio police officer has gone on trial Monday in the killing of Andre Hill, a Black man who was shot as he emerged from a garage holding a cellphone nearly four years ago.

    What You Need To Know

    • Coy was fired after the shooting

    • He has pleaded not guilty to the charges

    • Jury selection begins Monday

    Officer Adam Coy, a 17-year veteran of the Columbus police force, fatally shot Hill while responding to a neighbor’s noise complaint. Coy, who was fired after the Dec. 22, 2020, shooting, has pleaded not guilty to murder, reckless homicide and related offenses. Coy’s attorney, Mark Collins, has said the officer thought he saw Hill with a silver revolver in his right hand.

    Jury selection in his trial began Monday.

    Coy had gone to the neighborhood to investigate a resident’s complaint about noise from a running car when he encountered Hill.

    Police body camera footage showed Hill emerging from the garage of a friend’s house holding up a cellphone in his left hand, his right hand not visible, seconds before he was fatally shot by Coy. About 10 minutes passed before officers at the scene began coming to the aid of Hill, who lay bleeding on the garage floor. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

    Weeks after the shooting, the mayor forced out the police chief amid a series of high-profile fatal police shootings of Black men and children. Columbus later reached a $10 million settlement with Hill’s family, the largest in city history. Columbus City Council also passed Andre’s Law, which requires police officers to render immediate medical attention to an injured suspect.

    Coy had a lengthy history of complaints from residents, with more than three dozen filed against him since he joined the department in 2002, according to his personnel file. A dozen of the complaints were for use of force. All but a few were marked “unfounded” or “not sustained.”

    Coy’s legal team tried unsuccessfully to have the case moved out of Columbus, citing heavy publicity. A message was left for Collins, the defense lawyer, ahead of the trial.

    Hill, a father and grandfather, was remembered for his devotion to family and as a skilled chef and restaurant manager who dreamed of owning his own eatery.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Vigil held tonight for teen killed in Citrus Park shooting

    Vigil held tonight for teen killed in Citrus Park shooting

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Family and friends of 16-year-old Peter “PJ” Hyman, Jr. will honor his life at a vigil tonight.

    Hyman was killed in a shooting outside Citrus Park Town Center mall earlier this month.

    The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has since arrested 15-year-old Samuel Oquendo shot and killed Hyman Jr. after a “slapboxing” match outside the mall escalated into violence.

    Oquendo is being charged as an adult facing second degree homicide charges. Officials said he’s already appeared in juvenile court, but it could take a couple of weeks before his first appearance in adult court.

    Hyman Jr.’s mother, Bianca Cooper, said she is relieved an arrest was made, but said her son had much more to give.

    “My heart is heavy, but it’s not as heavy,” she said. “I feel like he’ll be able to rest in peace now that we’ve found who this person is. He just was full of life, and he had so much of his life ahead of him, and he was going to be something great.”

    The vigil will be held tonight at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park at 6 p.m.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Parents voice concerns over threats to schools in Manatee County

    Parents voice concerns over threats to schools in Manatee County

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    TAMPA, Fla. — One month into the school year, districts across the Bay Area — and the state — say they are dealing with a massive uptick in school threats.

    Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says schools in Manatee County have received 250 threats. And Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that 24 students have been arrested in the first 28 days of school.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says it’s received more than 250 school related threats so far this school year

    • Of the 250 school threats, Manatee County investigators say they have arrested four juveniles

    • County officials say they will provide additional security at all schools when threats come in 



    Judd said he doesn’t think the kids realize the widespread impact threats can have.  

    “It’s one of these things like ‘seller beware’ — you sell us a threat, you’re not only going to get felony charges, but mom and dad are going to get hefty bills, and it’s in the thousands of dollars,” he said.

    Earlier this week, three Manatee County students were charged with felonies after being accused of making violent threats. Four students total have been arrested in Manatee County so far this school year after being accused of making threats.

    Manatee County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Randy Warren said most of the threats come from social media.

    “They don’t think they’re going to get caught, and they just assume that they’re going to get away with it,” he said. “And they enjoy some kind of, you know, joke. It’s a game. It’s not a game. As we know, these are serious threats. A written threat to kill is a second-degree felony.”

    As more parents see these threats through the Fortify app and online, some say they have concerns about sending their kids to school.

    “There could actually, at some point, be a kid that brings a weapon to school,” said parent Danika von Muegge.

    She said she gets an uneasy feeling each time there’s a threat at one of the schools in Manatee County. She has one daughter in 11th grade who attends Parrish Community High School.

    “I tend to have my alert up a little higher — maybe more than average — just because I know the threat is very real,” she said.

    In 2010, von Muegge said her family experienced an active shooter incident at her son’s school in Colorado.

    “He came to the school, parked in the parking lot, took out his shotgun, and kind of hid behind the school sign,” she said. “He just started shooting kids at the end of the school day. My son literally walked right past the shooter. We were walking distance from the school, so he walked home every day. He did not get shot, thankfully.”

    She said there have been threats in the district since moving to Parrish in 2021.

    “So I think it’s excellent that they are showing the kids on the news,” von Muegge saud, “I think it’s awesome that they are putting their names out there. Nobody wants that to be their kid. But you certainly don’t want kids to actually come to school and cause harm to other kids.”

    But she says she feels safe sending her daughter to school.

    “Generally, I feel pretty safe,” she said. “Parrish just put some metal detectors in the school. They’ve got increased security there, and they make it very difficult to get into the school.”

    But she does have concerns.

    “My concern with my daughter is just that she’s going to be caught in the middle of something — that she’s going to have to make a decision,” she said. “You know, at school, she’s not really allowed to have her phone. If there was ever an emergency, she wouldn’t really be able to reach me.”

    County officials say they will provide additional security at all schools when threats come in. But for now, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office wants parents to explain to their kids how serious it is to have a felony on their record.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Cult leaders convicted of forcing children to work 16-hour days without pay

    Cult leaders convicted of forcing children to work 16-hour days without pay

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    KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Six members of a Kansas-based cult have been convicted in a scheme to house children in overcrowded, rodent-infested facilities and force them to work up to 16 hours a day without pay while subjecting them to beatings and other abuse.

     

    What You Need To Know

    Six members of a Kansas-based cult have been convicted in a scheme to house children in overcrowded, rodent-infested facilities and force them to work up to 16 hours a day without pay

    Prosecutors say the children were also subject to beatings and other abuse

    The U.S. Department of Justice said Monday that the defendants were either high-ranking members of the organization formerly known as the United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators, or were wives of the late founder, Royall Jenkins. A federal judge labeled the group a cult in 2018

    Some of the child victims worked in businesses in Kansas City, while others were trafficked to businesses in other states, including New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia and North Carolina, the indictment alleges

     

    The defendants were either high-ranking members of the organization formerly known as the United Nation of Islam and the Value Creators, or were wives of the late founder, Royall Jenkins, the U.S. Department of Justice said Monday in announcing the verdict.

    After a 26-day trial, jurors convicted all six defendants of conspiracy to commit forced labor. One of the six, Kaaba Majeed, 50, also was convicted of five counts of forced labor.

    “Under the guise of false pretenses and coercion, these victims, some of whom were as young as eight years old, endured inhumane and abhorrent conditions,” FBI Special Agent Stephen Cyrus said in a written statement.

    Prosecutors said the group, which was labeled a cult by a federal judge in 2018, beat children and imposed severe dietary restrictions. One of the victims was held upside down over train tracks because he would not admit to stealing food when he was hungry, prosecutors said. Another victim resorted to drinking water from a toilet because she was so thirsty.

    Jenkins, who died in 2021, had been a member of the Nation of Islam until 1978, when he founded the separate United Nation of Islam. He persuaded his followers that he was shown the proper way to rule the Earth after being “taken through the galaxy by aliens on a spaceship,” according to the indictment. At one point, the group had hundreds of followers.

    Prosecutors said that beginning in October 2000, the organization ran businesses such as gas stations, bakeries and restaurants in several states using unpaid labor from group members and their children.

    Parents were encouraged to send their children to an unlicensed school in Kansas City, Kansas, called the University of Arts and Logistics of Civilization, which did not provide appropriate instruction in most subjects.

    Instead, some of the child victims worked in businesses in Kansas City, while others were trafficked to businesses in other states, including New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Georgia and North Carolina, the indictment alleges.

    Prosecutors said the children lived in overcrowded facilities often overrun with mold, mice and rats. There were strict rules about what they could read, how they dressed and what they ate. Some were forced to undergo colonics. Punishments included being locked in a dark, frightening basement, prosecutors said.

    They were told they would burn in “eternal hellfire” if they left.

    In May 2018, U.S. Judge Daniel Crabtree called the group a cult and ordered it to pay $8 million to a woman who said she spent 10 years performing unpaid labor.

    Sentencing hearings are set for February in the child labor case. The convictions carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison for Majeed and up to five years for the other defendants: Yunus Rassoul, 39; James Staton, 62; Randolph Rodney Hadley, 49; Daniel Aubrey Jenkins, 43; and Dana Peach, 60.

    Emails seeking comment were sent Tuesday to attorneys for all six defendants.

    Two other co-defendants previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit forced labor.

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    Associated Press

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  • Classes to resume Monday at Newsome High School with increased security

    Classes to resume Monday at Newsome High School with increased security

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    HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Classes at Newsome High School in Lithia will resume Monday morning after the school was placed on a lockdown last Friday for a majority of the day.

    What You Need To Know

    • Students will go through metal detectors
    • Their backpacks searched upon arrival

    Hillsborough County School District officials say as many as eight threats were made at Newsome High School, including a threat by someone to shoot a teacher and a bomb threat.

    Students are being asked to arrive at campus at 7:45 a.m., Monday, where they will have their backpacks searched and walk through metal detectors as part of increased security.

    Principal Katie Rocha said in a message to parents, “All students will go through metal detectors and will have their backpacks searched upon arrival. The process may take some time, and we ask for patience as we ensure the safety of our campus.”

    There have been more than 100 threats to schools in Florida since Sept. 4, the day of a deadly shooting at a Georgia high school.

    The Hillsborough County Sherif’s Office stated a majority of threats are being made through the Fortify Florida app, which may have recently been hacked.

    Sheriff Chad Chronister explained his frustration Friday, as the lockdown at Newsome was underway.

    “The reason I have such a zero tolerance on school threats is look at the turmoil. Look at the hell these parents are going through,” he said.

    Students at Newsome High School were locked in classrooms for a majority of the school day Friday, beginning at around 10 in the morning until school dismissed for the day.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Columbus reaches preliminary agreement in data breach lawsuit

    Columbus reaches preliminary agreement in data breach lawsuit

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The city of Columbus’ attorney’s office reached a preliminary agreement with an IT expert who claimed to have downloaded hacked information from the dark web that was stolen during the city’s cybersecurity incident in July.

    City Attorney Zach Klein said the agreement was reached Wednesday with David Ross, also known as Connor Goodwolf, in a preliminary injunction submitted to the court.

    What You Need To Know

    • City Attorney Zach Klein said the agreement was reached Wednesday with David Ross, also known as Connor Goodwolf, in a preliminary injunction submitted to the court

    • Within the agreement, Ross will be able to dialogue with the city regarding the breach while protecting the exposed sensitive data from being shared

    • Through the agreement, Ross is not allowed to share city data obtained that identifies Personal Identifiable Information, including Social Security Numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank account information, credit card numbers, medical information or other sensitive material

    • Ross cannot share data from Columbus’ MATRIX prosecutor or crime databases

    Within the agreement, Ross will be able to dialogue with the city regarding the breach while protecting the exposed sensitive data from being shared. Klein said in a news release the agreement does not affect Ross’ ability to discuss the cyberbreach and the kinds of data exposed, including to media.

    “The City and our counsel met with Mr. Ross several times over the past week. While the content of these conversations is confidential, I can say that these discussions were positive and led to an agreement submitted to the Court that prevents sensitive data from being disseminated, protects public safety and respects free speech,” Klein said in a news release. “Like many, I remain concerned about anyone having access to this sensitive data, and as this investigation into the cyber intrusion continues, the City Attorney’s Office will continue to keep the best interest of residents, victims, police officers and our city at heart. That remains our top priority.”

    Through the agreement, Ross is not allowed to share city data obtained that identifies Personal Identifiable Information, including Social Security Numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank account information, credit card numbers, medical information or other sensitive material. Ross cannot share data from Columbus’ MATRIX prosecutor or crime databases.

    “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been extremely supportive. I’ve heard from concerned and caring individuals, ranging from the community at large to those in the cybersecurity, engineering and technology sectors,” Ross said. “From the beginning, my goal has been to inform the public and ensure everyone’s safety. I firmly believe individuals impacted by a cybersecurity incident should be informed immediately, rather than waiting months, to know if their personal information has been leaked to the dark web.”

    Ross said the agreement is a good first step and that he looks forward to future discussions with the city. He said his ultimate goal is to have the case dismissed with prejudice.

    Klein’s office agreed to extend the response date to the lawsuit by 28 days to Oct. 30.

     

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Arrest made in Euclid shooting that killed 1 teen, wounded 4

    Arrest made in Euclid shooting that killed 1 teen, wounded 4

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    EUCLID, Ohio — A 15-year-old suspect has been arrested in a shooting that killed another teenager and wounded four others near an Ohio high school campus

    Police identified Sincere Rowdy, 17, as the teenager who died from his injuries.

    Euclid police arrested the suspect, a 15-year-old boy, without incident on Saturday night. The suspect is in custody at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center.

    What You Need To Know

    • Five teenagers were shot Friday night in Euclid, and one has died due to his injuries, according to the Euclid Police Department

    • Police said the shootings occurred off campus at 10:15 p.m., about an hour after a Euclid High School football game, on Nicholas Avenue around East 222nd Street

    • The victims are all boys and range in age from 16- to 17-years-old

    • The suspect is in custody at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center

    Police said the shootings occurred off campus at 10:15 p.m., about an hour after a Euclid High School football game, on Nicholas Avenue around East 222nd Street. They said in a press release that police had been in the area at the time of the shootings for crowd control after the game.

    The victims are all boys ranging in age from 16- to 17-years-old. They were taken to local hospitals, and police said the four injured are expected to survive. Authorities said the names of the survivors would not be released.

    “We ask that you keep all of the families and friends forever affected by this horrible tragedy in your thoughts and prayers,” police said in a statement.

    The Euclid City School District said on a social media site that the victims included some Euclid students and some teenagers from other local schools. The post said Rowdy wasn’t enrolled in the city’s schools but “we mourn the loss of a young life and extend our deepest condolences to the family and community.”

    Counselors are to be available at each school beginning Tuesday, officials said.

    Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact the EPD Detective Bureau at 216-289-8505.

    The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • St. Pete PD: Car thefts down, 144 guns stolen so far this year

    St. Pete PD: Car thefts down, 144 guns stolen so far this year

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway is preparing to update city council members on gun violence and recent crime within the city.

    According to a quarterly report from St. Pete Police, auto thefts were down 41% between April and June of 2024. The city also had seven homicides take place during the three-month stretch taking the total for the year to 10 as of mid-August.

    What You Need To Know

    • Of the 144 guns stolen so far this year, 110 were from vehicles and 32 from homes 

    • 55 guns have been recovered

    • 10 homicides investigated so far this year

    • The highest number of guns stolen in one year was 452 in 2016


    Data from St. Pete Police shows that between Jan. 1 and July 31, 144 guns have been reported stolen in the city. Of that, 110 were stolen from vehicles. Roughly 55 guns have been recovered to date.

    Those numbers are on trend with previous years, with 251 guns reported stolen in 2023 and 274 the year prior.

    Holloway says the department’s G.R.I.T team, which stands for Gun Response Investigation Team, has worked a total of 100 cases so far this year and works to connect the dots when the department receives a shots fired call.

    “When we send detectives out there, they do a canvas and they see if they can locate any type of shell casings in that area,” he said. “We’re very fortunate we have a machine that can link that shell casing to a weapon or we can tell how many times that weapon has been used throughout the city and we’re able to close out a lot of cases.”

    During the three-month span, St. Pete Police have made 20 arrests for robbery, 116 for burglary, and another 97 for car related thefts.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Franklin County approves $7M settlement in death of Casey Goodson Jr.

    Franklin County approves $7M settlement in death of Casey Goodson Jr.

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Franklin County Commissioners on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the $7 million settlement in the case of Casey Goodson Jr. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Goodson, a Black man, was shot and killed in December of 2020 by former Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Meade

    • Meade was put on trial earlier this year, but it ended in a mistrial after the jury couldn’t come to a verdict; he faces a retrial on Oct. 31 

    • Meade faces one charge of murder and one charged of reckless homicide

    Goodson, a Black man, was shot and killed On Dec. 4, 2020 by former Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Meade. Meade said he was serving a warrant in the area that was not related to Goodson. During the trial, Meade testified that Goodson had waved a gun at hime when they drove past each other. Because of this, Meade said he pursued Goodson, saying he “feared for his life.” He then shot Goodson in the doorway of his grandmother’s home. 

    Goodson’s family as well as prosecutors claimed he was holding a sandwich bag in one hand and keys in the other when he was shot, but not a gun. However, they haven’t disputed that he may have been carrying a gun, as he was licensed to carry a firearm. The settlement was brought to the commissioners at the request of the prosecutor’s office because the settlement money came from the county general fund. According to the resolution, the settlement dismisses all civil claims by Goodson’s family without liability.

    “We commend Casey’s family and the community that has stood by them for their resilience and determination,” a statement from the Goodson family attorneys read. “Their strength and unwavering commitment to justice serve as an inspiration to us all. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to supporting the family in their continued pursuit of accountability and to ensuring that Casey’s legacy leads to meaningful change.”

    Meade was put on trial earlier this year, but it ended in a mistrial after the jury couldn’t come to a verdict. He faces a retrial on Oct. 31 for one charge of murder and one charge of felonious assault. 

    “Our focus now turns to the criminal justice system and the retrial of Michael Jason Meade,” Goodson family attorneys said in a statement. “We are determined to see justice served and will continue to advocate tirelessly for the conviction and accountability that Casey deserves. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have stood by Casey’s family during this difficult time. Your support has been invaluable and will continue to be so as we seek accountability for Casey Goodson Jr.”

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Early morning fire guts Fresh Kitchen restaurant in South Tampa

    Early morning fire guts Fresh Kitchen restaurant in South Tampa

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Fire investigators are trying to determine what sparked a fire that destroyed a South Tampa restaurant early Monday.

    Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at the Fresh Kitchen, located in the 1300 block of S. Howard Ave., at 4:45 a.m.

    Officials said firefighters found heavy smoke pouring out of the two-story structure.

    After initially going into the building, crews were pulled out of the building out of caution.

    Due to the intensity of the fire, a second alarm was called for additional resources. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians reported at the scene.

    A primary and secondary search was completed with no occupants in the building.

    Due to the location of the building, northbound and southbound lanes of S. Howard Avenue were shut down for several hours for the safety of first responders.

    Tampa Fire Rescue arrived earlier Monday and are continuing to investigate the fire.


     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Arrests made in multi-agency narcotics operation and dog fighting ring bust

    Arrests made in multi-agency narcotics operation and dog fighting ring bust

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — More than a dozen people are facing serious charges in a multi-agency narcotics operation and dog fighting ring bust.

    What You Need To Know

    • A total of 13 people were arrested on drug trafficking charges and quite a large supply of narcotics were seized in a drug bust

    • More than 100 dogs were also recovered in a dog fighting ring bust

    • ‘Operation Snow Cap’ and ‘Operation Pedigree’ began last summer when the Pinellas Sheriff’s Office received a tip of drug trafficking in the area

    • This investigation is ongoing and Sheriff Bob Gualtieri anticipates more arrests to be made


    The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and St. Pete Police held a press conference on the year long investigations known as known as ‘Operation Snow Cap’ and ‘Operation Pedigree.’

    Detectives say the year-long investigation has also led to the seizure of drugs, guns and dogs.

    A total of 13 people were arrested on drug trafficking charges.

    It began last summer when the sheriff’s office received a tip of drug trafficking in the Pinellas County area, but detectives say the whole operation goes way further across county lines. The source of supply, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri says, came from Los Angeles.

    Drugs — including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl — were being shipped via FedEx and UPS to an address in Brandon.

    Deputies say this investigation led to the discovery of a dog-fighting ring connected to the drug trafficking. These dog fights took place in Hillsborough and Manatee counties, as well as in the state of Georgia. A total of 111 dogs were recovered during the operation.

    “It shows that we’ve got a really, really serious drug problem in this country and, what it comes from, is there’s too many drugs coming in and we know where they’re coming from,” said Gualtieri. “They’re coming, primarily, from the border. This is a significant issue that we face throughout the country.”

    “We got time on our side,” said St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway. “What I mean by that is- we may not get you today, we may not get you tomorrow but sooner or later we’re going to come knocking on your door or we’re going to flashbang your door and we’re going to take you out of Pinellas County because we do not want that in our area.”

    The sheriff mentioned fentanyl was the main connector between these two operations. And those dogs that were recovered, Holloway said, will be put up for adoption.

    This investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff anticipates more arrests to be made.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Cleveland announces results of Operation Heat Wave

    Cleveland announces results of Operation Heat Wave

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    CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Division of Police has released the data following their Operation Heat Wave, which is part of their Summer Safety Plan meant to reduce crime across the city.

    According to a release from the police department, the safety plan “analyzed multiple years of violent crime data which was used to develop a solution-based operation to reduce stressors directly linked with criminal activity in the City of Cleveland.”

    Here’s the results of Operation Heat Wave from May 1 to July 8 this year:

    • Uniform Traffic Tickets – 1576
    • Parking Infraction Notices – 2,937
    • Minor Misdemeanor Citations – 247
    • Guns Confiscated – 384
    • Fentanyl Pills – 600,000
    • Fentanyl (grams) – 84.00
    • Cocaine (grams) – 2,761.00
    • Meth (grams) – 5,501.00
    • Heroin – 3,001.00
    • Felony Arrests – 577
    • Misdemeanor Arrests – 168
    • Warrant Arrests – 284
    • United States Currency Seized – $12,666
    • Search Warrants – 42
    • Summons – 141
    • OVI – 32
    • Curfew – 54

    “We know, based on research, that approximately 4% of geography accounts for nearly half of all crime. We are taking a targeted, data-driven approach to narrow in on neighborhoods across the city that have historically been affected by violence during the summer months,” Mayor Justin Bibb said at the announcement of the Summer Safety Plan. “Our comprehensive strategy goes beyond just law enforcement, as various departments will be prioritizing the delivery of city services in these hotspots — which will be combined with our violence prevention efforts — with the goal of creating a ripple effect in reducing crime citywide.”     

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    Cody Thompson

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  • $10 million bond set for suspect in death of Cleveland officer Jamieson Ritter

    $10 million bond set for suspect in death of Cleveland officer Jamieson Ritter

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    CLEVELAND — De’Lawnte Hardy, 24, appeared in court Monday morning for his arraignment.

    Hardy is charged with the aggravated murders of his grandmother, Beatrice Porter, and Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter. 

    Hardy entered a not guilty plea.

    The state asked for bond to be set at $10 million.

    “The state gives notice that it will be filing a motion to have him held without bond. Once we know who the trial judge is,” said Kevin Filiatraut, assistant prosecuting attorney for the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. “The reason for that is this, there are no circumstances under which, if this defendant is released to the public to safe.”

    Filatraut said on June 28, Hardy stole a gun from his grandmother, Beatrice Porter and shot her in the head. Porter remained on life support before succumbing to her injury.

    On July 4, Cleveland Police were trying to arrest Hardy on a warrant for felonious assault as he fled on his grandfather’s bike with two swords and a gun taken from his grandmother’s house. Hardy fired four shots killing Cleveland Officer Jamieson Ritter.

    “This defendent poses an immense risk to the public and should not be released,” Filatraut said.

    Hardy’s next court date is set for July 24 at 9 a.m.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Lead detective in Alec Baldwin case to testify in ‘Rust’ trial

    Lead detective in Alec Baldwin case to testify in ‘Rust’ trial

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    SANTA FE, N.M. — The lead detective in the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” is likely to be on the stand for most of Friday at Alec Baldwin‘s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico, as prosecutors try to cast the movie star as a reckless cavalier with a gun in his hand and the defense seeks to portray him as a working actor just doing his job.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cpl. Alexandria Hancock of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office was on the stand briefly at the end of the day Thursday and will continue her direct examination by the prosecution Friday
    • Before Hancock took the stand, Italian gunmaker Alessandro Pietta testified Thursday about quality control in the manufacturing process for the gun
    • Baldwin has claimed the gun fired accidentally after he followed instructions to point it toward Hutchins
    • “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney said they have been informed prosecutors will try to call her to testify

    Cpl. Alexandria Hancock of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office didn’t become the chief investigator until two weeks after the October 2021 shooting, but she conducted the first interviews of Baldwin, “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and assistant director David Halls, the three people criminally charged in the case.

    Hancock was on the stand briefly at the end of the day Thursday and will continue her direct examination by the prosecution Friday before undergoing what’s likely to be a long cross-examination by the defense as they look to poke holes in an investigation they have suggested unfairly focused on Baldwin.

    Before Hancock took the stand, Italian gunmaker Alessandro Pietta testified Thursday about quality control in the manufacturing process for the gun eventually acquired by an Albuquerque-based gun and ammunition supplier to “Rust” and handled by Baldwin in the fatal shooting. It was shipped in 2017, and Pietta last examined the gun in 2018 through a sales and distribution company.

    The provenance of the gun and its use for several years in trade shows are under the microscope as defense attorneys raise concerns that the gun might have been modified or might otherwise discharge under some circumstances without a trigger pull.

    Baldwin has claimed the gun fired accidentally after he followed instructions to point it toward Hutchins, who was behind the camera. Unaware that it was loaded with a live round, he said he pulled back the hammer — not the trigger — and it fired.

    Both Pietta and a sales distributor who handled the gun as recently as September 2021 testified that the revolver was in good working order and had not been modified.

    Pietta testified that the hammer on the gun will only drop with a trigger pull.

    “If you want to release the hammer, you have to pull the trigger,” he told the courtroom.

    But Pietta also noted that standard practice is to only load the gun — a remake of a 19th century revolver — with five rounds, and not six, to ensure the firing pin does not rest on a live round. Gun experts, including an FBI forensic expert, acknowledge that the revolver can discharge if pressure is applied to the hammer while resting on a live round.

    Before Hancock returns to the stand, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer will consider striking testimony from Thursday about a “good Samaritan” who walked into a sheriff’s station with what he told authorities was the supply of ammunition that the bullet that killed Hutchins came from, after the conviction early this year of Gutierrez-Reed for involuntary manslaughter.

    The issue came up during defense questioning of sheriff’s crime scene technician Marissa Poppell. Baldwin lawyer Alex Spiro suggested with his questions that Poppell and other authorities had been overly cozy with the film’s firearms supplier Seth Kenney and had insufficiently investigated whether he was responsible for the fatal ammunition reaching the set.

    Spiro asked Poppell whether the “good Samaritan” had brought the ammunition into the sheriff’s department, and she said he had and she had written a report on it, denying that she had “buried it” to keep it from the defense.

    Spiro asked whether the man “told you you all had been duped by Seth Kenney.” Poppell said she had no recollection of that.

    The prosecution reacted with contempt for the suggestion that the man’s claims were legitimate.

    Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey established in her questioning that the source of the ammunition was Troy Teske, a friend of Gutierrez-Reed’s father with motivations to redirect the blame, and despite similarities the bullets were not the same size as the live rounds found on the “Rust” set, including the one that killed Hutchins.

    Morrissey sought to further defend Kenney’s role in her questioning of Hancock.

    “Did you ever discover any evidence throughout your entire investigation that Seth Kenney supplied live rounds to the set of ‘Rust?’” Morrissey asked. Hancock said, “No.”

    Kenney has not been charged with any wrongdoing. An email sent to his attorney seeking comment was not immediately returned.

    Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney said they have been informed prosecutors will try to call her to testify.

    The lawyer, Jason Bowles, told The Associated Press in an email that Gutierrez-Reed will assert her Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination if she is called because she has an appeal of her conviction pending.

    The judge declined to grant a pretrial request from prosecutors to give Gutierrez-Reed immunity for her testimony.

    She is serving an 18-month sentence, the same penalty Baldwin faces if he’s convicted.

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    Associated Press

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  • Ohio mom killed while trying to stop theft of car with 6-year-old son inside

    Ohio mom killed while trying to stop theft of car with 6-year-old son inside

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio mother who tried to stop two men from stealing her car with her 6-year-old son inside was killed when the vehicle struck her.

    What You Need To Know

    • An Ohio mother who tried to stop two men from stealing her car with her 6-year-old son inside was killed when she was struck by the vehicle and suffered a fatal head injury

    • Columbus police say 29-year-old Alexa Stakely was at an apartment complex in the city to pickup her son from a babysitter around 1:30 a.m. Thursday

    • The Pickerington resident initially brought the sleeping boy to her car, which she had left running, then returned to the babysitter’s unit to get his belongings

    • As she returned to her vehicle, Stakely saw someone starting to back it out onto the roadway and she ran toward the car, screaming for her son and telling the driver to stop

    The boy was unharmed, police said, and no other injuries were reported.

    Alexa Stakely, 29, of Pickerington, was at an apartment complex in Columbus to pick up her son from a babysitter around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. A single mother who was a speech-language pathologist for the Canal Winchester Local Schools district, Stakely also worked as a waitress and had just finished a shift for that job, Columbus police said.

    Stakely initially brought the sleeping boy to her car, which she had left running, then returned to the babysitter’s unit to get the child’s belongings, police said. As she returned to her vehicle, Stakely saw someone starting to back it out onto the roadway and she ran toward the car, screaming for her son and telling the driver to stop.

    Stakely was struck by the car and knocked to the pavement, suffering a head injury. She was pronounced dead at a hospital.

    The two men abandoned the car a short distance away from where Stakely was struck, then ran past her as they fled by jumping a fence and heading into a neighboring apartment complex, police said. They remained at large Friday.

    Surveillance video had recorded a group of men looking into apartments in another nearby complex earlier that morning, according to police, who said they matched the description of the men later seen running past Stakely.

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    Associated Press

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  • Suspended District 5 commissioner Regina Hill heads back to court

    Suspended District 5 commissioner Regina Hill heads back to court

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Suspended District 5 Commissioner Regina Hill is expected back in an Orange County court room on Tuesday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hill was charged in March following several allegations against her including fraud and elder exploitation

    • A civil case was also filed against Hill to block the power of attorney access, it was granted by a judge in April
    • Despite Shaniqua Rose winning the special election and taking over the District 5 commissioner seat for the time being, Hill could potentially regain her position if her legal issues are resolved before her term ends in 2026


    Hill was suspended from her position by Gov. Ron DeSantis after being charged and later indicted on charges of elder exploitation and fraud.

    Hill is accused of gaining power of attorney over a 96-year-old woman’s finances and then using them for her own benefit. A civil case was filed against Hill in April, requesting a permanent injunction to block her power of attorney privileges. The injunction was upheld by a judge, but Hill has maintained that she’s done nothing wrong.

    Spectrum News 13 spoke to Hill the day before a special election was held to temporarily fill her position. She talked about her hopes to regain her position as District 5 commissioner, the upcoming election and her trust in the judicial system.

    “Folks can have charges or allegations brought against them,” said Hill. “But I do believe in the judicial system and due process. As any other citizen, I’m going to be given the opportunity to tell my truth.”

    While Shaniqua “Shan” Rose won the special election, it is still considered temporary. Rose’s induction into the city commissioner seat would still end at the end of Hill’s original term which is January 2026.

    “The true election isn’t until 2025 in November, and my prayers are that this will be resolved way before then,” Hill said.

    If resolved before the end of her term, Hill could potentially regain her seat as District 5 commissioner.

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    Jaclyn Harold

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  • Arrest made in connection to Akron shooting

    Arrest made in connection to Akron shooting

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    AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department said Tuesday it has made an arrest in connection to a shooting in Akron Saturday night, which injured four people, including a 4-year-old child. 

    The department said it has arrested Delrico Thomas, 25, of Canton at his home on Sunday. He’s been charged with four counts of felonious assault. 

    Additionally, the department gave an update on the victims. Three of them sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while a 33-year-old woman is in critical condition. 

    “Detectives are following up on leads and working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the release from over the weekend stated. “There is no other information available at this time.”

    The shooting occurred at the 800 block of Morningview Avenue around 7:41 p.m. Saturday. The investigation is ongoing, and police urge anyone with more information to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. They can also contact the Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS, text TIPSCO with tips to 274637 or submit info on the Akron PD app.

    Digital Producer Cody Thompson contributed to this report. 

     

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent pleads guilty

    Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent pleads guilty

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    DELAWARE, Ohio — Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent Tracy Murnane has pleaded guilty to six felonies and two misdemeanors, and is obligated to pay $90,000 in restitution the zoo, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

    What You Need To Know

    • Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent Tracy Murnane has pleaded guilty to six felonies and two misdemeanors

    • Murnane, who was charged in a bill of information filed on May 23, will be sentenced on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m.

    • Fingerhut and two other former zoo executives were indicted in September 2023 on charges of stealing more than $2.29 million in public funds for their own benefit

    Murnane, 65, of Westerville, has pleaded guilty to the following in Delaware County Common Pleas Court:

    • One count of grand theft (F4)
    • One count of complicity in the commission of an offense (F4)
    • Two counts of forgery (F4)
    • One count of telecommunications fraud (F5)
    • One count of filing incomplete, false and fraudulent tax returns (F5)
    • Two counts of certificate of title (unclassified misdemeanors)

    Murnane, who was charged in a bill of information filed on May 23, will be sentenced on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. 

    Last week, Marketing Director Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty to 16 felonies and is ordered to pay $675,572.65 in restitution.

    Fingerhut and two other former zoo executives were indicted in September 2023 on charges of stealing more than $2.29 million in public funds for their own benefit. 

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    Nathan Sharman

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