ReportWire

Tag: Crime & Safety

  • 74-year-old Ohio woman charged in armed robbery was scam victim, family says

    74-year-old Ohio woman charged in armed robbery was scam victim, family says

    [ad_1]

    BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio — A 74-year-old woman charged in the armed robbery of an Ohio credit union last week is a victim of an online scam who may have been trying to solve her financial problems, according to her relatives.

    What You Need To Know

    • Relatives say a 74-year-old woman charged in the armed robbery of a credit union in Ohio last week is a victim of an online scam who may have been trying to solve her financial problems

    • Ann Mayers, who had no previous run-ins with the law, faces counts of aggravated robbery with a firearm and tampering with evidence stemming from Friday’s robbery in Fairfield Township, north of Cincinnati

    • She remains jailed on $100,000 bond pending an initial court appearance and court records don’t list an attorney for her

    • Mayers was arrested at her Hamilton home shortly after the robbery, and Fairfield police say officers found a handgun in her car that they think was used in the robbery

    Ann Mayers, who had no previous run-ins with the law, faces counts of aggravated robbery with a firearm and tampering with evidence in Friday’s robbery in Fairfield Township, north of Cincinnati. She remains jailed on $100,000 bond pending an initial court appearance, and court records don’t list an attorney for her.

    Officers arrested Mayers at her Hamilton home shortly after the robbery, Fairfield police said in a Facebook post. A handgun was found in her car, which police said she used in the robbery.

    Authorities have since learned Mayers may have been a scam victim. Her relatives told detectives that she had been sending money to an unidentified individual, The Columbus Dispatch reported Wednesday.

    “In that aspect, some may see her as a ‘victim,’” Sgt. Brandon McCroskey told the newspaper. “Unfortunately, Ann chose to victimize several other people in the bank by robbing it with a firearm as a remedy for her situation.”

    If what her relatives say is true, McCroskey called Mayers’ situation “very sad and unfortunate.” He said she reportedly spoke with family members about robbing banks in the days leading up to the holdup, but they didn’t take her comments seriously.

    [ad_2]

    Cody Thompson

    Source link

  • Two teens dead in apparent murder-suicide, Pinellas Co. Sheriff’s Office says

    Two teens dead in apparent murder-suicide, Pinellas Co. Sheriff’s Office says

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Two teenagers are dead in what the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says appears to be a murder-suicide.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies said a 17-year-old-boy shot a 14-year-old girl and then turned the gun on himself at a home on Grove Park Avenue North in an unincorporated area of St. Petersburg

    • Deputies believe a group of teens gathered at the home, consumed alcohol and drugs during the day, and at some point that evening, the 17-year-old located a gun belonging to the homeowner

    • Deputies said the four teens were playing with the gun and taking pictures with it, when an argument started between the group

    • It’s not clear if any charges have been filed

    The incident happened at a home on Grove Park Avenue North in an unincorporated area of St. Petersburg, near Lealman.

    Officials said around 8:45 p.m. last night, a 17-year-old-boy shot a 14-year-old girl and then turned the gun on himself.

    The preliminary investigation shows the 17-year-old was dog sitting at a home when he invited an 18-year-old friend and two teen girls he had recently met on social media.

    Deputies believe the group consumed alcohol and drugs during the day, and at some point that evening, the 17-year-old located a gun belonging to the homeowner. 

    Deputies said the four teens were playing with the gun and taking pictures with it, when an argument started between the group.

    That’s when investigators say the 17-year-old pointed the gun at the 14-year-old’s head, shooting and killing her.

    The 17-year-old then shot himself in the head.

    It’s not clear if any charges have been filed.

    This is a developing story. Follow Spectrum Bay News 9 on air, online, and with our app for the latest updates.

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • St. Petersburg shooting leaves 1 dead, teenager hurt

    St. Petersburg shooting leaves 1 dead, teenager hurt

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — One person is dead and another is injured after a shooting in St. Petersburg Saturday afternoon.

    Police identified the victim as 21-year-old Marcus Rivers. The other person injured is 17 years old and expected to survive.

    Police say the shooting happened around the 100 Block of 80th Avenue Northeast near Riverside Drive.

    St. Petersburg Police Assistant Chief Anthony Gilliam says they believe the shooting is not a random act and it’s unclear why the two were targeted.

    “We have no reason to believe that the residents in the area are in any sort of danger,” said Gillam. “We have no reason to believe the suspects are still present in the area.”

    There’s still information that police say they’re working to figure out including a possible motive.

    Police have not clarified if they’re looking for one or multiple suspects.

    Anyone with information or possible surveillance video is asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Police raid suspected gambling operations in Charlotte and Raleigh

    Police raid suspected gambling operations in Charlotte and Raleigh

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Photos shared by police show a dark room with neon lights, crowded with chairs around gaming tables. Police, along with state and federal officers, raided illegal gaming arcades in Raleigh and around the Charlotte area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

    What You Need To Know

    • The raids happened in Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia and Matthews, producing over 800 charges
    • The illegal fish arcades consist of games where customers are given credits for winning, which they’ll later trade-in for cash
    • In Charlotte, law enforcment seized 177 gaming stations, $18,000 and two guns

    The warrants to search the properties included 800 different charges for people accused of illegal gambling in the Charlotte area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

    The illegal fish arcades consist of games where customers are given credits for winning, which they’ll later trade in for cash, police said.

    Locations of Charlotte-based raids included the 4800 block of Albermarle Road and the 5000 block of Providence Road Law enforcement seized 177 gaming stations, $18,000 and two guns. Raleigh’s raid was on the 3000 block of Wilmington Street.

    “Often the most vulnerable members of our communities are targeted to gamble at these locations. We are very thankful for our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to help us send a message that we will not tolerate these establishments preying on our citizens,” said CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings.

    Khalil Okasha was arrested and charged with gambling-related crimes.

    A group of others face different charges as well. In a release, it was reported that Mecklenburg County filed 496 charges and Gastonia filed 304 charges.

    “Apparently, these suspects never heard the adage that crime doesn’t pay, but thanks to this investigation they will learn that lesson and face the consequences of their criminal actions,” said Kyle Burns, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Polk man, 21, says he fatally stabbed mother because ‘she got on his nerves’

    Polk man, 21, says he fatally stabbed mother because ‘she got on his nerves’

    [ad_1]

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 21-year-old Frostproof man is in custody after authorities said he drove from Gainesville on Saturday and stabbed his mother to death, claiming that “she got on his nerves.”

    According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Emmanuel Espinoza stabbed his mother Elvia Espinoza when she answered the door upon his arrival.

    What You Need To Know

    • Emmanuel Espinoza stabbed his mother Elvia Espinoza when she answered the door at her Frostproof home, say officials

    • Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Emmanuel Espinoza, a 21-year-old UF student, called 911 after stabbing his mother

    • Elvia Espinoza, 46, was a beloved second grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School

    Elvia Espinoza, 46, was a second-grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School in Frostproof.

    Emmanuel Espinoza, who is facing first-degree murder charges, remains in custody.

    Meanwhile, grief counselors will be at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary on Monday.

    School district officials said Elvia Espinoza was loved by her students and colleagues, and her death is a devastating loss.

    Also, the school has called the parents of the kids in her class.

    According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Emmanuel Espinoza called 911 to confess after stabbing his mother, saying he had wanted to kill her for years because “she got on his nerves.”

    “We talked to him and he confessed,” Judd said. “‘You know, I have wanted to kill my mother for many, many years because she got on my nerves.” We asked him, ‘What’s your relationship with your mother?’ and, he said about an eight out of 10, that he really loved her, but she irritated him.

    “This is a horrible event. It’s a very sad day with an inexplicable, vicious murder.” 

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Missing person identification gives hope to other Tampa Bay cases

    Missing person identification gives hope to other Tampa Bay cases

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — Last week, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were able to bring closure to the family of Kelly Vazquez.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a missing persons case update, the remains found in September of 2023 were that of Kelly Vazquez, who had been missing since 2021
    • The case is revitalizing hope for Canitha Taylor, whose daughter, Cieha, went missing in 2020
    • She runs a Facebook page giving updates on her daughter’s case and other missing persons cases

    According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, remains were found in September of last year. Those remains were later identified as that of Vazquez, who was deemed missing since 2021.

    The discovery is helping to bring hope to many other cases in Hillsborough County.

    One of those cases is that of Cieha Taylor. Her mother, Canitha Taylor, said her daughter was fun, loving and had a contagious smile.

    It’s been four years since her daughter was last seen in Plant City.

    On Feb. 6, 2020 Cieha was at a home with her boyfriend. Later that evening, her car was found on railroad tracks in Plant City.

    The car was abandoned, left running with the door open. Cieha’s phone was on the ground, her wallet still inside the car.

    “It feels like you separate yourself from reality,” Canitha said of the aftermath of her daughter’s disappearance. “Everything is going in slow motion and fast forwarding at the same time. It’s a nightmare.”

    According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the case is still open and active.

    Canitha says since then they haven’t given up their hope to see Cieha again.

    “We’ll retell the story of what happened and just keep her name out there so that it stays in people’s minds,” she said.

    Through a Facebook page known as Finding Cieha, the family shares updates about her disappearance and that of other young women in Hillsborough County.

    The family has even offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who might know where Cieha is.

    “To not know, the not knowing is worse,” said Canitha.

    Now, as she holds on to memories with her daughter, Canitha says she’s thankful for the community support that’s kept her going through this dark time.

    The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says every contribution, no matter how small, plays a pivotal role in bringing closure to families and ensuring a swift resolution.

    [ad_2]

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

    Source link

  • Family of man left paralyzed while in St. Pete police custody files lawsuit

    Family of man left paralyzed while in St. Pete police custody files lawsuit

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — A federal civil rights complaint was filed Monday against the city of St. Petersburg and two St. Pete police officers, for what one victim’s family says was an unlawful arrest and in their words, brutality.

    What You Need To Know

    • Elsa Hernandez filed a lawsuit against the city of St. Petersburg and two police officers

    • The civil rights complaint was filed for her brother Heriberto Sanchez-Mayen after Elsa says his unlawful arrest led to him becoming quadriplegic

    • St. Petersburg Police Department released a statement saying they deny the claims made

    The incident happened back in June of last year, and relatives of Heriberto Sanchez-Mayen say it left him with a severe cervical spinal injury that required both his legs to be amputated. 

    Now his sister is speaking out along with her attorneys.

    “It was very bad to see my brother like this,” Elsa Hernandez said.

    Through tears, Hernandez details the moment she saw her brother in the hospital after what she says was brutal treatment from St. Petersburg police officers.

    Now, she says, “He is unable to work and unable to take care of himself. I would like to see justice done and hope no one ever has to go through the pain my brother has been put through.”

    Video provided by St. Petersburg police shows what unfolded June 8 when the police were called about someone trespassing on property.

    The video shows Mayen being taken into custody and put in a police transport van.

    At one point, Mayen can be seen without any restraints or a seatbelt, falling over and hitting his head after an abrupt stop.

    Once the van stopped, you see one of the officers trying to wake Mayen, who is unconscious, before seeing an officer drag him out of the van by his ankles. The officers then tried to provide further assistance and performed CPR outside of the vehicle.

    The attorney on this case, Thomas Scolaro, said at the time of the arrest, Mayen was cooperative.

    “What happened to Heriberto is cruel. Rather than simply give him a ticket, they belly chain this man so he couldn’t protect himself and move his hands or arms,” said Scolaro.

    The St. Petersburg Police Department responded to this incident, saying, “They deny the claims and trust in the judicial process.”

    Elsa said this incident has changed not only her brother’s life but her whole family’s life. “In less than five days, he has two big surgeries. One for the spinal cord and the other one for the amputation, for his legs.”

    Now, she says her brother is in a rehabilitation center.

    Mayen does have several prior arrests for trespassing and open containers, according to officials. His attorneys say they’re waiting on a court date and will look into police department processes of handling cases like this.

    [ad_2]

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

    Source link

  • Two arrested in shooting of Longleaf homes

    Two arrested in shooting of Longleaf homes

    [ad_1]

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said Monday night it arrested two suspects in connection with a shooting that left homes in the Longleaf neighborhood peppered with bullets.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested two people in connection with a Sunday night shooting in New Port Richey’s Longleaf neighborhood

    • Anthony Calderon, 31, and Giacomo Bonacasa, Jr., 19, were taken into custody 

    • The sheriff’s office said about 20 shots were fired at 11:45 Sunday night. No injuries were reported

    • PCSO says the car involved was also located

    Anthony Calderon, 31, and Giacomo Bonacasa, Jr., 19, were taken into custody and the car used in the shooting was recovered.

    The sheriff’s office said about 20 shots were fired around 11:45 p.m. Sunday night along Town Avenue, with no injuries reported.

    Spectrum News was told by repair crews and homeowners that two homes were fired at during the incident, and a third resident said a shot was fired into her 17-year-old son’s bedroom while he was in it.

    Another neighbor who didn’t want her name to be published said she heard the shots.

    “I was kind of like, ‘Oh, my goodness.’ I didn’t know if it was kids playing with fireworks,” she said.

    Neighbors said crime like this doesn’t happen in Longleaf.

    “We should be worried about alligators and stuff, not people coming in, shooting up our houses,” the resident said.

    She said the outcome of the shooting could’ve been worse. Right across the street from the homes that were hit is Pioneer Green, a park area. She said that the night before the shooting, the HOA hosted an overnight camp-out there for the neighborhood’s kids.

    “Kids and teenagers were just enjoying themselves. It could have been a lot worse. So, we’re all grateful,” she said.

    The sheriff’s office said all parties are accounted for, and there is no public safety threat.

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • Boyfriend charged in death of 23-month-old Lakeland boy

    Boyfriend charged in death of 23-month-old Lakeland boy

    [ad_1]

    LAKELAND, Fla. — A 20-year-old Lakeland man is facing first degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges after a 23-month-old in his care was found “unresponsive, without a pulse and lying on the bathroom floor,” according to the Lakeland Police Department.

    Police Chief Sam Taylor said during a news conference Monday morning that Bobby Curry Jr. was babysitting while the boy’s mom was at work on March 5.

    According to Chief Taylor, Curry and the boy’s mom have been in a relationship for four months and he had been living with them for only two weeks.

    During Monday’s news conference, Taylor said Curry told police that he had just given Ezekiel Cotto-Saintfleur a bath when one of their dogs knocked the boy backward, causing him to hit the back of his head against the tub.

    However, Taylor said Curry’s story was inconsistent with Cotto-Saintfleur’s injuries, which occurred mainly to the front of his head.

    According to officials, Curry said Cotto-Saintfleur began having trouble breathing after he supposedly hit his head against the tub, so Curry placed the baby in his bed to rest.

    During that time, Curry was messaging with the boy’s mom on Instagram about his injuries and asking her what to do. At some point, Curry checked on the boy again and found him unresponsive. He then took the boy out of his bed and placed him on the bathroom floor again and began chest compressions, Taylor explained.

    Taylor said two and a half hours went by before Curry called 911 after the first signs of distress. However, there were over 60 Instagram messages between Curry and the boy’s mom during that time.

    Cotto-Saintfleur was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he died three days later on March 8. His cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.

    Chief Taylor said during the news conference that he believes Curry became overwhelmed with babysitting a toddler, plus having two dogs and two ducks inside the home, and lost his temper.

    Taylor said Curry does not have a criminal history and urges people to ask for help before reaching that point of frustration.

    Taylor also said the baby’s mom is cooperating with law enforcement.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Pasco Sheriff: one man dead in deputy-involved shooting

    Pasco Sheriff: one man dead in deputy-involved shooting

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A man is dead after being shot by a deputy at U.S. 19 and New York Avenue in Hudson, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

    What You Need To Know

    • One man is dead after an altercation at U.S. 19 and New York Avenue in Hudson, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

    • A Pasco Sheriff’s deputy thought he recognized a suspect wanted in a battery by strangulation case

    • The suspect, 40-year-old Paul Smith, attempted to drive away from the scene with the deputy hanging from the suspect’s car door. Smith was tased and then eventually shot when he refused to stop his car
    • The investigation is ongoing

    The investigation led to the closure of U.S. 19 between New York Avenue and Bolton Avenue.

    The sheriff’s office says no deputies were injured during the altercation and that there is no threat to the public.

    Pasco County Colonel Jeff Harrington said the incident began around 5:30 p.m. Saturday when one of his deputies thought he recognized a suspect wanted in a battery by strangulation case.

    The deputy spoke to the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Paul Smith, at a 7-Eleven and instructed him to get out of the car, in which Smith refused.

    Pasco Sheriff’s officials said Smith started to drive away with the deputy hanging from the open door of the car. The deputy told Smith to stop multiple times before deploying his taser. 

    “The suspect then decides he’s going to drive away from the scene with the deputy inside and at that point, the deputy is fighting for his life,” said Harrington during a press conference. “During the course of this incident, the deputy sheriff continues to yell, continues to give commands to the suspect to stop, to stop, stop the car repeatedly.”

    After the deployment of the taser, officials said the deputy warned Smith that he would shoot if he did not stop the car. Smith ignored the commands before the deputy shot him. 

    Following the shooting, officials said the deputy rendered aid to Smith, but he later died from his injuries.

    Harrington says the entire incident lasted around one-and-a-half minutes.

    The shooting is currently under investigation. 

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Treasure Island Police warn against jumping off John’s Pass Bridge

    Treasure Island Police warn against jumping off John’s Pass Bridge

    [ad_1]

    TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — With spring break well underway in Tampa Bay, Treasure Island police are getting the word out about a spot they say poses a particular risk all year long: The area under the John’s Pass Bridge.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Treasure Island Police are cautioning visitors and residents about the dangers of jumping off the John’s Pass Bridge

    •  A city spokesperson said police have responded to 18 calls at the bridge in the last year

    •  A marine patrol officer with TIPD said dangers include low water levels and strong currents in the area of the bridge

    • The officer said injuries range from scrapes to broken bones to spinal fractures

    “We have a lot of juveniles yearly that like to jump off the bridge, and we understand that they mean well, that they’re trying to have fun,” said TIPD Marine Patrol Officer Cody Malander. “They don’t realize it’s not only a city ordinance and a state law that you’re prohibited from jumping from any public bridges, but it’s also a danger.” 

    Malander said part of the issue is water depth: While high tide can bring depths of 5-6 feet, low tide levels are around 2-3 feet.

    “If they’re jumping on a low tide, you’d be jumping into two feet of water and probably the better part of a 30-foot drop,” said Malander.

    He said the consequences in that scenario can be devastating.

    “Everything from superficial injuries to, we’ve had broken bones and permanent, disabling injuries like spinal fractures,” Malander said.

    A city spokesperson said TIPD responded to 18 calls at the bridge within the last year for juvenile trouble, water rescues, or people jumping from the bridge. That does not include instances where officers responded and people may have left the scene.

    Malander said water levels aren’t the only danger.

    “The current is very strong in our incoming and outgoing tides, and people don’t realize that when they jump off the bridge that in a matter of a few seconds, you could be sitting out here at the waterline, the mile markers, that you’re 500-1,000 feet out from shore in just a few seconds,” he said.

    Malander urged visitors and residents alike to know the local waterways, know the rules, and know the laws to stay safe during spring break and all year long. He said people can also reach out to local law enforcement to learn about safe places to swim and enjoy the water. 

    [ad_2]

    Sarah Blazonis

    Source link

  • Ocoee police chief says officer shot at oncoming vehicle during traffic stop

    Ocoee police chief says officer shot at oncoming vehicle during traffic stop

    [ad_1]

    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla — The Ocoee Police Deaprtment confirmed that an officer discharged a number of shots at a vehicle that was driving toward the officer’s cruiser on Tuesday afternoon. 

    The altercation took place while the officer was checking speed enforcement along Clarcona Ocoee Road. According to police, the officer initiated a traffic stop, and the suspect’s vehicle turned down a side road. When the officer followed, he saw the suspect’s vehicle driving toward him and shot at the car multiple times. 

    Police also indicated the suspect didn’t fire a gun during the altercation. 

    The suspect is still at large, and police are searching for a silver vehicle. 

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Palmetto city commission hears public concerns over man’s death

    Palmetto city commission hears public concerns over man’s death

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Palmetto city commissioners heard from about a dozen people at Monday night’s meeting calling for justice for Breonte Johnson-Davis.

    The 36-year-old Johnson-Davis died in police custody in November. He was shot with a taser multiple times.


    On Monday night, commissioners heard from speakers, including Johnson-Davis’s mother, about changes they want to see.

    Speakers also told commissioners Johnson-Davis’s death could’ve been prevented and that they’re frustrated with city officials’ response.

    Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler told reporters last week officers responded to reports of someone acting aggressively at a convenience store on Nov. 1.

    Tyler said Johnson-Davis ran onto a cruiser and kept acting aggressively, leading to officers shooting him with a taser.

    The chief said toxicology reports and an FDLE investigation found Johnson-Davis was on drugs and suffered a medical emergency.

    Johnson-Davis died in the hospital a day later.

    His death was ruled accidental, and FDLE found officers acted reasonably.

    Speakers at the meeting disagreed, saying this was a mental health call and officers used unnecessary force. 

    Johnson-Davis’s mother said she’s unhappy Palmetto’s mayor has been silent on her son’s death and she wants to see Tyler fired.

    “No matter what Breonte was going through, he did not deserve to die,” said Tracey Washington, Breonte Johnson-Davis’ mother. “He was not armed. He was not combative or aggressive. See, right now, the community is going on a narrative that the chief painted and we’re supposed to abide by that. Not me. Not his mother.”

    A number of speakers said they want to see Palmetto police adopt a program similar to St. Pete police’s “call program.”

    It stands for “community assistance and life liaison.”

    “The State Attorney’s office reviewed everything. Reviewed the medical examiner’s report, reviewed the toxicology reports,” said Tyler. “Reviewed the FDLE investigation and they have concluded that our officers acted reasonably, and their actions were justified that night. And they have concluded that our officers’ actions had nothing to do with his death.”

    Dispatchers will send social workers to some calls to improve responses to some situations, including those involving a mental health crisis.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Florida found to be 5th state with most scam losses in 2023

    Florida found to be 5th state with most scam losses in 2023

    [ad_1]

    In a recent survey of fraud and fraud-related losses across the country, Florida was ranked No. 5 in losses to scams in 2023.

    What You Need To Know

    • A recent survey found that Florida was fifth in the country for fraud losses in 2023
    • Of the $451.8 million lost, the average amount lost per fraud report was $1,567

    • Across the nation, consumers filed 1.8 million fraud reports within the first nine months of 2023, citing a loss of $7 billion

    • Investment-related and imposter frauds were are some of the most reported crimes

    LendingTree’s team found that Florida residents lost nearly $451.8 million to scams within the first nine months of 2023, or $20.88 per capita. They also reported Florida residents filled out 288,263 fraud reports, or 1,332 reports per 100,000 residents. The average amount lost per fraud report was $1,567.

    When looking at things on a bigger scale, Florida saw a 5.2% increase in fraud losses from 2022-2023, the survey found. Nationwide, consumers filed 1.8 million fraud reports within the first nine months of 2023, citing a loss of $7 billion.

    Of the scams reported, “investment-related fraud” accounted for $3.2 billion in losses, and represented nearly 4.2% of fraud reports over the same period.

    “Imposter scams” on the other hand, accounted for 33.5% of fraud reports. “Social media scams” were found to be the fifth-most commonly reported contact method, which caused victims to lose $1 billion, the highest amount by contact method.

    [ad_2]

    Reina Nieves

    Source link

  • K-9 hurt in shootout that left Silver Springs man dead, says sheriff’s office

    K-9 hurt in shootout that left Silver Springs man dead, says sheriff’s office

    [ad_1]

    SILVER SPRINGS, Fla. — A Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 is being treated for injuries sustained during a deadly shootout Saturday.

    The incident happened around 9 a.m. in Silver Springs, where the sheriff’s office says deputies were responding to a situation involving a man accused of battery by strangulation.

    The sheriff’s office says when the man was located, he shot at deputies, hurting police K-9 Leo.

    The man was shot during return fire by deputies and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

    He was identified Sunday as Jeremy Bradsher by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

    As of Sunday, the police K-9 is still being treated at UF Veterinary Hospital, where the sheriff’s office says he is “stable with good vitals.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Vigil held in Polk County for victims of alleged murderer

    Vigil held in Polk County for victims of alleged murderer

    [ad_1]

    BARTOW, Fla. — Saturday, the Polk County community came together to remember Sierra Hernandez.

    What You Need To Know

    • People gathered at Mary Holland Park in Bartow to hold a candlelight vigil in the memory of Sierra Hernandez and Edil Fernando Rodriguez, Jr.

    • Both are alleged murder victims of Enrique “KiKi” Martinez, who was detained by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in January

    • Martinez is facing a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Sierra Hernandez

    The 20-year-old’s remains were found in January after her family reported her missing.

    Arrest reports for others involved in the case suggest Sierra was tied up and tortured in a Winter Haven home before she died.

    People gathered at Mary Holland Park in Bartow to hold a candlelight vigil and release balloons in her memory.

    “This is something we’re going to have to deal with for the rest of our lives, but having the community stand up behind us as much as they have has definitely helped us get through this,” said Christopher Hernandez, who is Sierra’s father. “They’ve shown us so much love already.”

    Enrique “KiKi” Martinez, 26, is facing a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Sierra Hernandez.

    Martinez had been wanted for first-degree murder since November, when he allegedly killed a 33-year-old homeless man, Edil Fernando Rodriguez, Jr.

    Rodriguez Jr.’s life was also honored at the vigil on Saturday evening.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • New street lights installed in Manatee County’s underlit areas

    New street lights installed in Manatee County’s underlit areas

    [ad_1]

    PALMETTO, Fla. — Manatee County is installing street lights in underlit areas as part of a project that was passed by commissioners in August.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn, 90% of the county does not have proper street lighting

    • Light Up Manatee plans to install 9,000 solar operated LED street lights in low-income and underlit neighborhoods in Districts 2, 3 and 4

    • The county is partnering with the Sheriff’s Office to install Raven Sound Detection Systems throughout these neighborhoods as well

    Installations are taking place throughout Districts 2, 3, and 4. Workers recently completed the first neighborhood in Palmetto.

    Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn, who is spearheading the Light Up Manatee project, says it’s all an effort to give residents light and to reduce the crime rate in low-income neighborhoods.

    A total of $3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act will be used to install 9,000 solar-operated LED street lights.

    “It came to my attention through my research that 90 percent of Manatee County is without lighting,” Rahn said. “I believe when you light up neighborhoods, they become safer, stronger, and it chases all the bad elements out of the way.”

    Essick and Janiell Johnson, who have been living in Palmetto since 1972, recently noticed the new lights illuminating their street.

    “He said it’s the streetlight; we got a streetlight now,” Janiell Johnson said. “It was so bright, like I was in heaven. It was gorgeous.”

    The two say they can’t remember a time their street has been lit in the past 50 years.

    “We feel much safer with my daughter coming home at night, especially if I’m not here; she can see a larger area that’s brightened up,” Essick Johnson said. “It gets dark out here, especially when the sun goes down early.”

    Feeling that sense of safety is the goal of these new lights as officials aim to bring a brighter future for neighborhoods.

    According to Rahn, the county also is partnering with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to install Raven Sound Detection Systems throughout these neighborhoods.

    The audio device works to detect and locate gunshots before 911 is called.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link