FHP and FWC capture
hit and run suspect

Joshua Edward Turner
Mug Shot By MCSO

By Jeff M. Hardison © May 22, 2018 at 10:08 p.m.
     MARION COUNTY -- The Florida Highway Patrol on Monday (May 20) arrested a man suspected of several felony and misdemeanor charges, according to information in a May 22 press release from FHP Sgt. Jamie Mulverhill.

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     A stolen 2012 Ford Explorer was eastbound on Southeast 175th Street approaching the intersection of 155th Avenue at 1:0 p.m. on May 20, the FHP said.
     That stolen vehicle, law enforcement officers later found, was being driven by Joshua Edward Turner, 28, of Weirsdale, with Andrea Fedore, 27, of Weirsdale as a passenger, the FHP said.
     Harlie Coppernoll, 24, of Weirsdale was driving a 2011 Dodge Ram, the FHP said, and that vehicle was northbound on Southeast 155th Avenue. Chris Cornelius, 38, of Weirsdale was a passenger in the Dodge Ram.
     The driver of the Ford Explorer failed to stop for the stop sign, the FHP said, and the Ford struck the left side of the Dodge.
     After the crash, the FHP said, Turner fled the scene on foot. Turner was said to possibly have been in possession of a handgun, the FHP said. A black BB gun was later located in the vehicle, the FHP said.
     Troopers obtained a good description of the driver and a possible identity, the FHP said.
     FHP troopers and state law enforcement officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set up a perimeter, the FHP said.
     Multiple FHP K-9 teams from Gainesville and Orlando and FWC Officers and FWC K-9 units were utilized to search for the suspect, the FHP said.
     At approximately 4:30 p.m. on May 21, an FWC officer patrolling Marion County Road 42 near the intersection of Southeast 150th Avenue Road located the suspect (wearing wet clothes and without shoes), the FHP said, and the officer took Turner into custody without incident.
     Turner denied any involvement in the crash or the stolen vehicle, the FHP said, but he was identified by several witnesses.
     Additionally, a search of the suspect revealed a Ford car key in the suspect's pocket, the FHP said, and the key fit in the ignition of the stolen vehicle.
     Coppernoll and Cornelius suffered minor injuries, the FHP said, and a 3-year-old passenger in that Dodge Ram was transported to the Villages Hospital for treatment of minor
injuries.
     Turner, was transported to the Marion County Jail, the FHP said.
     He is charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle (felony), possession of a stolen vehicle (felony), three counts of hit and run with a failure to stop or remain at a crash where an individual was injured (felony), and six counts of hit and run with a failure to stop or remain at a crash where damage occurred (misdemeanor), according to records.

Fleeing suspect allegedly causes
cruiser crash, injures bystander

Charles H. Roosa
Mug Shot By LCSO

CPD arrests suspect
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 22, 2018 at 7:38 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY -- Information from Levy County Sheriff Office spokesman Lt. Scott Tummond released in an email on Tuesday (May 22) shows a 38-year-old man from St. Petersburg landed in the Levy County Jail on May 19 as a person suspected of fleeing from a law enforcement officer.

The destroyed cruiser is seen here.
Photo provided by LCSO

     Charles H. Roosa, 38, of St. Petersburg is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond, according to records. The story of his alleged actions shows that he caused a deputy to wreck a cruiser, which injured an innocent motorist, and then Roosa allegedly attacked a staff member at the Levy County Jail.
     This Pinellas County resident opened the door to enter jail allegedly speeding, and then by allegedly failing to stop.
     It was during the early morning hours of Saturday (May 19), Lt. Tummond said, when LCSP Deputy M. Adams observed a southbound conversion van on U.S. Highway 19 traveling 20 miles an hour faster than the posted maximum speed limit.
     Deputy Adams attempted to stop the vehicle by activating his overhead lights, Tummond said, however the driver circled through a parking lot and then sped away crossing over the median of U.S. 19 in his attempt to elude Deputy Adams.
     Deputy Adams radioed for assistance as he continued his attempt to stop the driver who was now fleeing at speeds in excess of 80 miles an hour, Lt. Tummond said.
     The Chiefland Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to Deputy Adam’s calls for assistance as the driver of the fleeing vehicle approached the City of Chiefland, Tummond said.
     Deputy Adams reduced his speed as the pursuit neared the intersection of U.S. 19 and Levy County Road 320 East, Tummond said.
     Deputy Adams observed the driver of the fleeing vehicle run this red light, nearly causing a collision with a vehicle that was stopped at the light, Tummond said, and almost hitting another vehicle that was entering the intersection.
     As Deputy Adams entered this intersection, Tummond said, the cruiser he was driving hit a vehicle in the intersection.
     The driver of the vehicle Deputy Adams struck suffered minor injuries and was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment, Tummond said. Deputy Adams was not injured, Tummond added
     The vehicle Deputy Adams was pursing continued to flee, ultimately crashing at the intersection of U.S. 19 and U.S Highway 129 in Chiefland near the high school.
     No other vehicle was involved in this crash, Tummond said. Roosa was taken into custody by additional responding Chiefland Police Officers, until Deputy Adams took him to the Levy County Jail, Tummond said.
     This man’s action, which reflects a reckless disregard for life and property by fleeing from law enforcement officers continued with another act, Tummond said.
     On May 20, LCSO detention officers responded to the cell where Roosa was confined, Tummond said, because he was irate and cursing at staff members.
     Roosa refused to calm down and charged at a detention officer who was attempting to assist him, Tummond said. Roosa threw a punch at the detention officer, Tummond said, and then tackled him, pushing his way out of the confinement cell.
     LCSO patrol deputies responded to the Levy County Jail to assist detention staff, Tummond said. After reviewing the video surveillance, Roosa was additionally charged with felonious battery on a detention officer, Tummond said.

Head-on collision claims one life,
three other individuals injured
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 21, 2018 at 10:08 a.m.
     MARION COUNTY -- A head-on collision Sunday night (May 20) claimed the life of one man and resulted in injuries to three other individuals, the FHP said.
     Bobby J. Eiland, 48, of the City of Hernando (Citrus County) was driving a 1995 GMC Suburban SUV in Marion County on May 20 at 11:39 p.m., according to a press release by Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Daniel A. DeWeese, based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper Christopher DelRusso and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. Kristine Schultz.
     Kyle Thomas, 18, of the City of Silver Springs (Marion County) was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze passenger car, the FHP said. Passengers in the car with Thomas were Carolyn Scheib, 18, and Athena Scheib, 2, both of Silver Springs, the FHP said.
     The car was southbound on Northeast 58th Avenue, a two-lane roadway, the FHP said.
     The SUV was northbound on Northeast 58th Avenue, the FHP said.
     Per a witness traveling on Northeast 58th Avenue, the FHP said, the GMC Suburban was traveling northbound in the
southbound lane, causing the front of the GMC Suburban to collide with the front of the Chevrolet Cruz.
     Upon impact, the FHP said, the car was redirected rearward and came to final rest on the west shoulder facing south.
     The SUV was redirected northeasterly and came to final rest on the east shoulder facing northwesterly, the FHP said.
     Eiland, the driver of the GMC Suburban was pronounced dead on scene by Marion County Paramedics, the FHP said. Blood-alcohol content test results are pending on Eiland, the FHP said.
     Thomas was taken to Shands with serious injuries, the FHP said.
     Athena Scheib was taken to Shands with minor injuries, the FHP said.
     Carolyn Scheib was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, the FHP said. Of all people involved in the crash, only Carolyn Scheib was not wearing a seatbelt or child restraint, the FHP said.

DUI arrest upgraded after death

Angenette Marie Missett (left mug shot on May 10 - right mug shot on May 19)
Mug Shots By MCSO
~
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 11, 2018 at 4:28 p.m.
* Updated May 20, 2018 at 7:08 a.m.
     MARION COUNTY -- A three-vehicle crash late on the morning of May 10 resulted in an arrest on charges from one of the drivers allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the FHP said.
     * After the death of one victim, the suspect now faces a charge of DUI manslaughter, according to a May 19 update from Florida Highway Patrol Lt. P.V. Riordan.
     * (Due to a recent marriage Angenette Marie Welk's last name has changed to Angenette Marie Missett).
     * On May 19 at 2:30 p.m., Missett was placed under arrest by the Florida Highway Patrol for the charge of DUI manslaughter (an upgraded charge from the original charge of DUI with serious bodily injury) due to her involvement in the crash that resulted in the death of Sandra Clarkston.
     Angenette Marie Missett, 44, of Ocala was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche at 11:54 a.m. on May 10 in Marion County, according to a press release by Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Connie McNeill.
     Shiyanne Kroll, 18, of Seattle, Wash., was driving a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, the FHP said. Sandra Clarkson, 60, of Sarasota was a passenger in the Hyundai, the FHP said.
     Kevin McMinn, 65, of Ocala was driving a 2016 Freightliner semi-tractor trailer, the FHP said.
     The Freightliner was stopped, the FHP said, facing east on U.S. Highway 27, in the outside lane, just east of Northwest 60th Avenue.
     The Hyundai) was stopped facing east on U.S. 27, the FHP said, directly behind the Freightliner.
     The Chevrolet was eastbound on U.S. 27 in the outside lane approaching the
rear of the Hyundai, the FHP said, where all of the vehicles were at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Northwest 60th Avenue.
     The Chevrolet continued on its travel path until the front end of the Chevrolet collided with the rear end of the Hyundai, the FHP said. Due to the initial collision with the Chevrolet, the FHP said, the Hyundai went east until the front end of the Hyundai collided with the rear end of the Freightliner’s trailer.
     Missett, the driver of the Chevrolet, suffered minor injuries that did not require transport to a hospital, the FHP said.
     Kroll, the driver of the Hyundai, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center, and Clarkson, the passenger of the Hyundai, was transported to ORMC with critical injuries, the FHP said.
     During the course of the investigation, the FHP said, Missett was taken to the Marion County Jail for driving under the influence (DUI).
     The FHP cleared the crash scene without any major delay with the assistance of the Marion County Sherriff’s Office and the Marion County Fire Rescue.
     Missett was later charged by FHP with one count of DUI serious bodily injury and two counts of DUI with property damage, the FHP said. And now she faces the charge of DUI manslaughter, the FHP said.

Safe boating saves lives

FWC photo

Published May 19, 2018 at 3:38 p.m.
     TALLAHASSEE -- Although Florida’s boating season never really ends, the traditional start is marked by National Safe Boating Week – a time for boaters to focus on simple and effective steps that make boating safer.
     Leading the nation with nearly 1 million registered vessels across the state, Florida is the boating capital of the world and is world-renowned as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors. Each year, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers respond to far too many tragic and preventable boating accidents, so they want all boaters to remember to boat safely.
     “Florida is an incredible boating destination,” said Maj. Rob Rowe, leader of the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section. “The upcoming Memorial Day holiday and National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, present an opportunity to emphasize the importance of remaining safe while boating.
     “Our officers are committed to keeping people as safe as possible, but we need the public’s help,” Rowe said. “We want to reach as many boaters as we can to help them understand that most boating accidents are preventable.”
     Boaters can enjoy their time on the water even more by taking a few safety precautions such as wearing a life jacket, using an engine cut-off switch lanyard, designating a sober boat operator, paying attention and keeping a proper lookout, having an emergency locator beacon, filing a float plan, and taking a boating safety class.
     The FWC’s 2017 Boating Accident Statistical Report indicates there were 766 reportable boating accidents in Florida last year, resulting in 67 fatalities. This represents a 7 percent increase in the number of accidents, but the same number of fatalities as compared to 2016. The leading cause attributed to boating accidents in 2017 was the operator's inattention or lack of a proper lookout (24 percent). Falls overboard has been the leading type of fatal accident since 2003, with drowning as the leading cause of death.
     Accidents can often be prevented if boat operators pay attention to everything going on around their vessel, maintain a proper lookout and if everyone on board is wearing a life jacket. Fifty-two percent of boating-related deaths last year were attributed to drowning, which life jackets are designed to prevent.
     “A lot of people say they don’t wear life jackets because they are uncomfortable,” said Rowe. “But with newer inflatable models that are belt packs or suspenders, you hardly know you’re wearing one. FWC officers wear inflatable life jackets all the time while on the water.”
     The FWC has released compelling life jacket testimonials from three north Florida families whose lives have been changed by wearing – or not wearing – a life jacket when things went wrong on the water. These dramatic accounts provide vital information and a call to action for every boater to enjoy Florida’s beautiful waters safely while wearing a life jacket.
     An engine cut-off switch lanyard is a safety device that is attached from the boat operator to the ignition. If it is disconnected, the engine will shut down, potentially preventing a boater who has fallen overboard from being injured by the moving propeller of a runaway boat.
     Boating education is critical. In 2017, 67 percent of boat operators involved in fatal accidents had no formal boater education. Florida’s current boating safety education law applies to boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and who operate a vessel of 10 horsepower or greater.
     “Safe boating is really the key to enjoying your time on the water, and education is a major component.” said Rowe. “2018 marks the year that if a boater is age 30 or younger, they are required to have a boating safety education card in order to operate a vessel of 10 horsepower or greater.”
     FWC officers patrol our waterways in an effort to keep all boaters safe by checking that they have the required equipment and are operating safely. Ensure your encounters with FWC officers are positive ones by planning ahead and paying attention while on the water.
     To report people who are operating boats dangerously, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com. More information can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating.

Alleged speed and time
violations lead to citation for
possession of marijuana
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 17, 2018 at 10:58 a.m.
     CHIEFLAND -- A 27-year-old Lake Butler man received a notice to appear in court, according to records, because he was going too fast through Chiefland with an expired license tag.     Joshua Chase Lynch, 27, of Lake Butler was driving a 2010 Ford 150 that is red in color on Saturday (May 12) at 3:20 p.m. within the city limits of Chiefland, according to an incident report by Chiefland Police Officer M. Watkins.
     Officer Watkins was on routine patrol when she observed the Ford going northbound on Northwest 14th Street in the 1500 block of the city, according to records. She estimated the truck visually to be going 45 mph in a 35-mph zone.
     At that time, she initiated the laser to measure the speed and the machine said he was going 46 mph, according to records. She drove the cruiser behind the truck and checked the license tag number, which showed it had expired more than a week earlier on May 1, according to records.
     Allegedly going 11 miles per hour faster than the maximum speed limit and allegedly having a tag that expired on May 1, Lynch was stopped by Officer Watkins at the 1500 block of Northwest 19th Avenue, according to records.
     Upon contact with the driver, the officer reported detecting the strong odor of marijuana, records showed. She asked if he had marijuana in the vehicle, records showed. He said "Yes" and produced a clear, plastic bag with a green leafy substance in it, according to records.
     He was taken to the Chiefland Police Department on East Park Avenue, where he signed a notice to appear in court on the charge of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, according to records. He was then transported back to his Ford pickup truck and released, according to records.
     The marijuana and body camera video from this arrest have been placed into areas where that type of evidence is stored until it can be properly disposed of in the future, according to records.

SUV crashes into cruiser
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 16, 2018 at 7:48 a.m.
     MARION COUNTY -- A Marion County Sheriff's Office cruiser hit an SUV on Tuesday evening (May 15) and the three occupants in the two vehicles suffered minor injuries that required transportation to hospitals, the FHP said.
     Joseph Soucey, 25, of Ocala was driving a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria that is a marked MCSO patrol vehicle at 6:05 p.m. on May 15 in Marion County, according to a press release by crash investigator Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Weber.
     Margaret Segarra, 45, of Ocala was driving a 2003 Suzuki SUV, the FHP said. Jose Segarra-Moreno, 47, of Ocala was a passenger in the Suzuki, the FHP said.
     The MCSO cruiser was in emergency operation due to a call for service, traveling south on Southwest 140th Avenue, the FHP said.
     The Suzuki SUV was westbound on Marion County Road 484, the FHP said. The roadways were wet due to intermittent rain throughout the day, the FHP said.
     As the patrol vehicle approached the intersection of CR 484, Soucey failed to slow-stop in time, the FHP said, and that vehicle traveled into the SUV's lane of travel.
     Segarra did not have time to avoid collision with the patrol vehicle, the FHP said, and the SUV struck the cruiser's left side with its front section.
     After the crash, the FHP said, the Crown Victoria rotated and came to rest obstructing
the westbound lane of CR 484.
     The Suzuki exited the roadway and struck a residential fence on the north grass shoulder, the FHP said, where it came to rest. All occupants sustained non-incapacitating injuries
and were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment, the FHP said, with Soucey going to Ocala Regional Medical Center, and Segarra and Segarra-Moreno going to West Marion Hospital.
     Charges are pending completion of the investigation, the FHP said.

Bar fight in Fanning Springs
leads to arrest for felony battery

Hank Williams
Mug Shot By LCSO

By LCSO Lt. Scott Tummond
Sent Via Email on May 15, 2018
Published May 15, 2018 at 2:28 p.m.
     FANNING SPRINGS -- Deputies with the Levy County Sheriff's Office and EMS personnel with the Levy County Department of Public Safety responded to Bubba’s Place on U.S. Highway 19 in Fanning Springs on May 5, to a reported bar fight.
     Arriving deputies found an alleged victim unconscious on the sidewalk outside the bar with very few witnesses in the area. The alleged suspect fled prior to the deputies' arrival.
     The unconscious man had suffered a cut on top of his head, and he was bleeding from the mouth. He was transported by helicopter to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
     The on-scene investigation revealed the victim approached the suspect standing outside the bar and was able to positively identify him as Hank Williams, 27, from Fanning Springs. A witness described a brief verbal altercation between the two men.
     Williams, allegedly unprovoked, struck the victim in the face with two closed fist blows. The initial strike immediately rendered the victim unconscious and as he was falling the second strike was thrown. The victim reportedly had his hands in his pockets the entire time.
     The LCSO Criminal Investigations Division discovered Williams has a history as an MMA fighter and is registered as an amateur. Investigators requested a warrant for his arrest after gathering additional evidence. A warrant was issued for one count of felony battery with a bond of $100,000.
     Earlier this morning (Tuesday, May 15), investigators located Williams on Levy County Road 341 in Chiefland near the Chiefland Elementary School. Williams was arrested and taken into custody without difficulty. Based on Williams’s history as a fighter, multiple units were involved in this arrest.
     The LCSO wants to ensure the public that they were safe, as the LCSO used the utmost caution.
     "We WILL continue to make our community safer for everyone," LCSO Lt. Scott Tummond said. "We regret this person had to be arrested in the same general area where our children go to school, but again the safety of our children and citizens are of our utmost concern. In addition, for the few students who saw the arrest, they may now want to be law enforcement officers."

Buckle up every time;
There's no second chance


By FHP Capt. Thomas Pikul
Published May 14, 2018 at 3:08 p.m.                                                                                         
     TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) joins law enforcement and highway safety partners in participating in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign May 14 through June 3. During the campaign, drivers will see increased education and enforcement on buckling up to help motorists avoid serious injury and death.
     “FHP is committed to raising awareness and educating the public. Not wearing a seat belt is deadly.” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “FHP will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to ensure everyone’s safety on Florida’s roadways."
     In 2017, more than 600 people that chose not to wear their seat belt were killed in a vehicle crash. FHP reminds everyone that Florida law requires the use of seat belts by drivers and passengers in the front seat and all children under the age of 18 in the front or back seat of a motor vehicle.
     "Wearing a seat belt is a quick and easy way to stay safer on the road. No matter how far you're going, the Florida Police Chiefs Association encourages all Floridians to buckle up," said Miami Shores Police Chief Kevin Lystad, President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.
     “Our Florida Sheriffs are committed to protecting and ensuring the safety of the citizens that we proudly serve.  The “Click it or Ticket” initiative is an outstanding way or reminding our citizens to protect those they love by insisting they wear seat belts. On behalf of our Florida Sheriffs, I proudly endorse this Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles initiative,” stated Sheriff Mike Adkinson, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association.
     ● During your travels, no matter where it takes you, follow these safety tips to help you and your family Arrive Alive:
     ● Buckle up, every time. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s best safety feature. Set the example.
     ● Make sure your rear-seat passengers are also buckled. They are more likely to injure themselves and other passengers in a crash, if not buckled up.
     ● Seat belts plus air bags provide the greatest protection for adults. However, air bags are not a substitute for seat belts.
     ● Obey all speed limits. Traffic congestion and construction zones may require driving more slowly.
     ● Drive sober. One drink is one too many. 
     ● Don’t drive distracted: Anything that takes your full attention off the road, even for a second, could be deadly.
     ● Use caution when driving around bicycles or large commercial vehicles and always look twice for motorcycles. Safety on the road is a shared responsibility.

Felon arrested after being
suspected of possessing firearms

Kenneth A. Everts


A cache of weapons was stored with a friend by Everts, according to investigators.
Photos by LCSO

By LCSO Lt. Scott Tummond
Provided on May 14, 2018 at 3:08 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY -- On May 5, deputies with the Levy County Sheriff's Office responded to a family disturbance at a home in Inglis.
     Deputies spoke to family members who described Kenneth A. Everts, 42, as brandishing a firearm and making non-specific threats. Family members said Everts took several firearms and placed them inside of his truck then fled the home prior to the deputy’s arrival.
     Everts returned to the home shortly after deputies began their investigation and was taken into custody. Deputies discovered a bullet proof vest inside his vehicle. Everts was questioned about the firearms family members said he had, and he denied ever possessing a gun. He told deputies he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from owning one.
     These statements did not deter deputies, and eventually Everts confessed to dropping several guns off at a friend’s home before returning to his home. Everts told deputies how to find the friend’s home and deputies recovered two AK 47’s, a shotgun, and two pistols. In addition to these guns, Everts also dropped off ammunition, large knives, smoke grenades, brass knuckles, holsters and a mask at the residence.
     Everts was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and transported to the Levy County Jail. He is currently being held on a $200,000 bond for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and a bond reduction hearing is scheduled for May 16, according to records.
 

Dixie County man busted
for possession of child porn

Keith David Hancock

Mug Shot By DCSO
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 14, 2018 at 2:18 p.m.
     DIXIE COUNTY -- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement with assistance from the Dixie County Sheriff's Office arrested a Dixie County man on 14 counts of possession of child pornography, according to records.
     Keith David Hancock, 66, of Jena, was arrested by FDLE agents and was then booked into the Dixie County Jail on 14 counts of child pornography on May 10, DCSO Maj. Harden said Monday (May 14) in an information release.
     This was an FDLE investigation and the Dixie County Sheriff's Office assisted the FDLE with a search warrant at the residence on that Thursday (May 10), Harden said.
     Hancock's bond was set at $210,000, according to records.
     (This story may be updated if the FDLE provides more information. Sometimes the FDLE provides information. Sometimes it does not.)

Pickup truck hits car,
driver arrested as DUI suspect
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 14, 2018 at 8:48 a.m.
     DIXIE COUNTY -- A Saturday night (May 12) crash in Old Town led to an arrest for driving while under the influence of alcohol, the FHP said in a Monday morning (May 14).
     Connie Sue Lewis, 61, of Old Town was driving a 1995 GMC S15 pickup truck in Dixie County at 8:55 p.m. on May 12, according to a press release from Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Robert H. Williams, based on information from FHP Trooper K. Skelly.
     Donna Oretha Boyette, no listed age, of Old Town was driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla, the FHP said.
     Boyette was sitting in her car at the red light on U.S. Highway 19 and State Road 349 in Old Town, the FHP said, although it did not say which way the car was facing or on which road it sat.
     Lewis hit the back of the Toyota with the front of the GMC, the FHP said.
     Neither driver suffered injuries, the FHP said.
     Lewis was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the FHP said. She was taken to the Dixie County Jail, the FHP said.

Motorcyclist dies in crash;
Passenger suffers serious injuries
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 14, 2018 at 7:18 a.m.
     ALACHUA COUNTY -- A motorcyclist died in a crash Sunday afternoon (May 13) in Alachua County, the FHP said.
     Freddie Lee Slater, 50, of Ocala was driving a 1998 Lincoln Continental at 12:54 p.m. in Alachua County on May 13, according to a press release by Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. W. Ernst, based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper S. Xavier and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. Nathan Morgan.
     Jeffrey Martin Delong, 28, of Clermont was driving a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle, the FHP said.
     Alaina Danielle Johnson, 25, of Fort McCoy was a passenger on the Suzuki, the FHP.
     The motorcycle was southbound on U.S. Highway 441, the FHP said, when at the intersection with Alachua County Road 234, Delong drove the motorcycle across the southbound lanes of U.S. 441 as he drove east when he left the stop sign at CR 234.
     As Slater was driving the car southbound on U.S. 441, the car hit the left side of the motorcycle, the FHP said.
     Delong was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, the FHP said.
     Johnson was listed with serious injuries, although the FHP listed no hospital where she was taken. Two likely hospitals in Alachua County for treating traumatic injuries such as those from a severe motorcycle crash would be Shands or North Florida Regional Medical Center.

One dead, two injured in crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 13, 2018 at 9:08 p.m.
     CITRUS COUNTY -- One woman died and two suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash very early Sunday morning (May 13), the FHP said.
     Cheryl Lynn Reese, 59, of Auburndale was driving a 2007 Pontiac Vibe in Citrus County at 2:55 a.m. on May 13, according to a press release from Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins, based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper E. Kjekstad and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. M. Meier.
     Pamela Jean Allen, 56, of Homosassa was a passenger in the Vibe, the FHP said.
     Kaitlin Jean Carroll-Cruz, 23, of Beverly Hills was driving a 2004 Toyota Camry, the FHP said.
     The Pontiac, driven by Reese, was eastbound in the westbound inside lane of State Road 44, the FHP said, approaching South Thayer Avenue.
     The Toyota, driven by Carroll-Cruz, was westbound in the inside westbound lane of SR 44, the FHP said.
     The Pontiac and the Toyota collided head-on, the FHP said.
     Reese was taken to Regional Medical Center-Bayonet Point in Hudson and was listed with serious injuries, the FHP said.
     Carroll-Cruz was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, the FHP said.
     Allen suffered fatal injuries at the crash scene, the FHP said.
     Charges are pending completion of the accident investigation, the FHP said.

Deputy catches suspected
heroin trafficker in Bronson

Tommie D. Neal
Mug Shot By LCSO

By LCSO Lt. Scott Tummond
Published May 12, 2018 at 4:48 p.m.
     BRONSON -- Tommie D. Neal, 33, also known as “Yogi” is a lifelong Bronson native.

Confiscated Material
Photo By LCSO

     Neal is known to us at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office as a person we frequently encounter when he makes poor life choices. Neal has been arrested and booked into the Levy County Jail 16 times, beginning in 2003, with charges ranging from driving without a license, to resisting arrest and drug possession.
     May 10 was no different.
     Deputy Mike Sinclair saw Neal standing next to a red car parked at a gas pump at a local filling station. Deputy Sinclair knows Neal does not have a valid driver’s license but at the moment, Neal wasn’t driving.
     However, knowing Neal makes poor decisions, Deputy Sinclair checked to verify Neal’s license was still suspended. It was, and has been, since 2005.
     Deputy Sinclair saw the red car depart the gas station and there was only one person in the vehicle, Neal. Deputy Sinclair followed the vehicle and as required requested information on the tag that was attached to the car. This tag was reported stolen in December of 2017.
     After being stopped, Neal told Deputy Sinclair he didn’t have a driver’s license. Because we put safety first, Deputy Sinclair searched Neal and discovered drug paraphernalia in his pockets. And as we most often do when we arrest someone who is driving illegally, we tow the car. But first, make sure there aren’t illegal substances in the vehicle and we must inventory the contents of the vehicle.
     Deputy Sinclair found approximately four grams of heroin, prescription Dilaudid and prescription Suboxone; all which are illegal to possess without a prescription. And additionally, possession of four grams or more of heroin equates to a trafficking amount.
     Neal was booked into the Levy County Jail and was charged with trafficking in heroin, two counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended or revoked (habitual offender) and a moving traffic violation (driving while license suspended - third or subsequent offense). His bond has been assigned and is $87,000.