Chiefland man dies in crash
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 14, 2019 at 8:49 p.m.
     GILCHRIST COUNTY – A 64-year-old Chiefland man died early Sunday morning (April 14), the FHP said.

More Below This Ad

     Toby Keith Long, 24, of Trenton was driving a 2008 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck at 3:40 a.m. on April 14 in Gilchrist County, according to a press release by Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. M.  Hathcock, based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper Glen Ganus and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. James Smith.
     Roland Lewis Perry, 64, of Chiefland was driving a 1995 Lincoln Towncar, the FHP said
     The pickup truck was westbound on State Road 26 west of Gilchrist County Road 337 (with roadblock), the FHP said.
     The pickup truck crossed the centerline and struck the eastbound sedan, the FHP said.
     The sedan rotated clockwise and came to final rest in the eastbound lane of SR 26 facing west. The pickup left the road onto the southern shoulder and overturned, the FHP said.
     Perry was pronounced dead at the scene by Gilchrist County EMS, the FHP said.
     Long was transported to Shands UF in serious condition, the FHP said.
     Charges are pending completion of the traffic homicide investigation, the FHP said. Perry was wearing a seatbelt, the FHP said. Long was not wearing a seatbelt, the FHP said. As of the moment of the press release, it was unknown if either or both men involved in the crash were affected by alcohol, the FHP said.

Police chief shares
monthly activity report
with Chiefland City Commission
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 13, 2019 at 9:49 p.m.
     CHIEFLAND -- Police Chief Scott Anderson on Monday night (April 8) gave Chiefland City Commissioners the Chiefland police department (CPD) monthly activity report for March.
     The report showed the numbers of arrests; numbers of arrests directly related to drugs; the number of building checks; the calls answered; incidents where CPD helps other agencies; citations; warnings; traffic crashes; DUIs; trespass warnings issued; sworn complaints; and special investigative activity other team building checks.
     Following are the total amounts were each of these categories by the CPD in March: arrests - 35; arrests directly related to drugs - 12; building checks – 1,243; calls answered - 234; CPD assist other agencies - 22; citations - 12; warnings - 40; traffic crashes - 13; DUIs - zero; trespass warnings issued - 3; sworn complaints -2; and special investigative activity other team building checks - 62.
     Chiefland is one of three municipalities in Levy County with the police force.  The other two are Cedar Key and Williston.  They’ll the Levy County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services for the unincorporated part Of Levy County, as well as for the cities of Bronson, Fanning Springs, Inglis, Otter Creek and Yankeetown.
     In Gilchrist County, the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services for the unincorporated part of Gilchrist County as well as for the cities including Fanning Springs and Bell.  There it is a municipal law enforcement agency that serves Trenton.
     The Trenton Public Safety Department came to be when the city’s leaders chose to combine the Trenton Police Department with the Trenton Fire Department.
     In Dixie County, the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services for the unincorporated part of Dixie County as well as for all of the cities, to including Old Town and Suwannee.
     The Cross City Police Department is the only a municipal law enforcement agency in Dixie County.
     While Levy County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County each include municipal law enforcement agencies, the various sheriffs’ departments have jurisdiction within this municipalities is as well -- just as Florida state law enforcement agencies have authority in all parts of the state, and federal law enforcement agencies have power throughout the nation.

Tree hits school bus,
none uninjured
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 12 at 2:29 p.m.
     MARION COUNTY -- The combined efforts of several agencies on Friday morning (April 12) brought the best possible conclusion after an accident where nine special needs students were involved, the FHP said.
     On April 12 at approximately 8:20 a.m., the Florida Highway Patrol, Marion County Sheriff Office, Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion School Board and Marion County Road Department were dispatched to a traffic crash involving a Marion County School Bus and fallen tree, according to a press release by FHP Lt.  Riordan, based on information by crash investigator FHP Trooper W. Earnest.
     While northbound on Southeast 25th Avenue, near Marion County Road 484, a large oak tree began to fall across the roadway, the FHP said.
     While the tree was falling, the FHP said, bus driver Donald Tucker, 66, of Oc 2;29 P.M.ala, attempted to take evasive action by applying the brakes -- but was unsuccessful.
     The large tree and limbs fell across the front hood of the school
bus, the FHP said. The school bus became disable within the roadway, the FHP said.
     The school bus was carrying nine special needs students, including two who were in wheelchairs at the time of the crash, the FHP said. No injuries were reported.
     During a joint effort between several Marion County agencies, the FHP said, the children were cross-loaded into a different bus and continued to school.
     The Marion County Road Department arrived on scene with a large grapple truck to clean up the fallen oak tree, the FHP said. The roadway was eventually reopened, the FHP said. The disabled school bus was towed from the scene to the Marion County Transportation lot, the FHP said.

GCSO catches suspected burglar

Stephen Michael Kennedy
Mug Shot By GCSO
 

Published April 11, 2019
at 10:39 p.m.
     GILCHRIST COUNTY -- On Monday (April 8), the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call from a residence near Northwest 55th Avenue in Bell, according to information from the GCSO.
     The caller reported that an unknown white male had been caught breaking into a vehicle on their property. After being confronted by the homeowner, the suspect entered the residence, took additional property from inside the residence and then fled the area on foot, according to information from the GCSO.
     Among the items reported stolen was a handgun. GCSO units arrived in the area within minutes and located an individual walking in the immediate area. One of the units responding was School Resource Deputy Bryant Davidson, who attempted to question the individual, according to information from the GCSO.
     When Deputy Davidson observed a handgun tucked in the individual's waistband, the individual immediately dropped the handgun on the ground and fled the area, according to information from the GCSO.
     K-9 Deputy Dean Watson arrived on scene within a couple minutes and he and his K-9 Partner “Axel” began tracking the suspect with the assistance of Deputy Garth Frier and Deputy Austin Ritchey. The GCSO Bloodhound Unit (Lt. Todd Holley, Correctional Officer Matthew Cruse, and Correctional Officer Austin Colson) was called to the scene and assisted in tracking the suspect, according to information from the GCSO.
     Patrol Lt. Scotty Douglas, investigative sergeants Edwin Jenkins, Stephen Stalvey and Windy Ponce, along with Chief Deputy Jeff Manning and Sheriff Bobby Schultz, also responded to the area and assisted in the search, according to information from the GCSO.
     During the investigation, individuals from the area began calling in tips and possible locations of the suspect, who was later identified as Stephen Michael Kennedy, 33 of Bell, according to information from the GCSO.
     Kennedy was found and subsequently arrested near the Rock Bluff Store on Gilchrist County Road 340, according to information from the GCSO.
     His charges and bond amounts follow: possession of a firearm by convicted felon, bond $25,000; destroying evidence, bond $15,000; grand theft more than $5,000 but less than $10,000, bond $15,000; burglary of structure or conveyance unarmed with a person inside, bond $50,000; armed burglary, bond $50,000;
obstruction without violence, bond $10,000, according to information from the GCSO.
     The total of these bonds is $165,000, according to common arithmetic.

Woman injured, man cited
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 10, 2019 at 11:39 a.m.
     BRONSON – A 49-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and a 26-year-old man was cited for improper passing as the result of a crash Tuesday (April 9), the FHP said.
     Trey Austin Lord, 26, of Chiefland, was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry at 5:10 a.m. on April 9 in Levy County, according to information in a press release by FHP Sgt. W.  Ernst, based on a report from crash investigator FHP Trooper Glen Ganus.
     Loretta Ann Emmons, 49, of Saint Cloud was driving a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo SUV, the FHP said.
     Both vehicles, the FHP said, were southbound on U.S. Alt 27, south of Bronson (north of Northeast 101st Court).  Lord was driving the Camry faster than Emmons was driving the Rodeo, the FHP said.
     The Camry struck the left rear of the SUV, the FHP said.
     The Camry left the road and went onto the east shoulder, the FHP said, and came to final rest the grassy median area.
     The SUV left the road onto the west shoulder, made three complete rollover events, and came to rest on its top, the FHP said.
     Emmons suffered a non- life-threatening injuries and was taken to Shands UF, the FHP said.
     Lord, who was not injured, was cited for improper passing, the FHP said.

Man dies in ATV crash
By Jeff M Hardison © April 10, 2019 at
     ALACHUA COUNTY – A 55-year-old Hawthorne man died as a result of injuries suffered in an ATV crash Tuesday night (April 9), the FHP said.
     Andrew Wayne Simmons, 55, of Hawthorne, was driving a 2008 Honda ATV at 9 p.m. on April 9 in Alachua County, according to information in a press release from FHP Sgt. W.  Ernst, based on information from crash investigator and homicide investigator FHP corporal James Smith.
     The ATV was southbound on Southeast 225th drive near 120th Place, the FHP said.
     Simmons lost control of the ATV, the FHP said, causing the vehicle to overturn several times. Subsequent to the crash, the driver was pronounced dead on scene by Alachua County Fire Rescue, the FHP said.

Woman arrested for
possession of meth

Makayla Harris
Mug Shot By DCSO

By DCSO major Scott Harden
Published April 10, 2019 at 11:09 a.m.
Provided April 8, 2019
     CROSS CITY -- On the night of April 3, a deputy with The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the area of Northeast 151st Avenue due to a license plate violation.
     During the course of the traffic stop and contact with the driver and two female passengers, the deputy located two syringes whose contents tested positive for methamphetamine.
     After locating these items, one of the passengers, Makayla Harris, told the deputy that the two syringes were hers.
     Harris, 23, of Fort White (Columbia County), was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug equipment. 
 

RAD class offered in Williston
Published April 8, 2019 at 9:49 a.m.
     WILLISTON – A Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class is being offered April 26 and 27, and May 3 and 4, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church in Williston, 339 E. Noble Ave. (U.S. Alt. 27).
     The RAD women’s physical defense program was designed with the needs and strength of women in mind.
     In the class, participants will learn practical safety tips and risk reduction strategies; have the chance to practice specialized techniques; and utilize those techniques in dynamic situations simulations.
     Most importantly, RAD classes are fun and provide students with the knowledge and techniques to avoid potentially dangerous situations.  These classes help learners to defend themselves when a violent encounter occurs.
     Attendance of dates are required in consecutive order.
     To sign up, please contact Christa Parmerlee at willistonrad@outlook.com.

One allegedly stabbed,
one definitely arrested

Anna Gonzalez
Mug Shot By LCSO
 

By Jeff M. Hardison © April 9, 2019 at 3:39 p.m.
     WILLISTON -- A 27-year-old Williston woman is in the Levy County Jail after allegedly attacking people, which reportedly included stabbing one person and fighting with law enforcement officers.
     Anna Gonzalez, 27, is charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence, according to information in a press release Tuesday afternoon (April 9) from Levy County Sheriff's Office Lt. Scott Tummond, public information officer.
     Records show she was booked in the wee hours of this morning (Tuesday, April 9) and her bonds are $276,000 on those charges.
     Gonzalez’s arrest started as a result of deputies with the LCSO responding to a home at 16031 N.E. Second Place in Williston to a 9-1-1 call, Tummond said.
     The caller stated Gonzalez had attacked her brother with a knife, Tummond said, and in the caller’s attempt to intervene, she was stabbed. This alleged victim told 9-1-1 operators that Gonzalez was going crazy and acting irrational as she was coming down after recently abusing heroin, Tummond said.
     Deputies arrived to find blood in the kitchen area of the home, Tummond said, and the alleged victim bleeding from a knife wound on her hand.
     Gonzalez was located in the home, Tummond said, and she threatened deputies when they told her she was being arrested. Gonzalez fought with deputies, Tummond said, kicking and hitting them as she was being taken into custody.

Sleeping man busted in car

James Lamar Boyington
Mug Shot By DCSO
 

By Jeff M. Hardison April 9, 2019 at 4:19 p.m.
     DIXIE COUNTY -- A week ago Tuesday (April 2), a deputy with the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office discovered a man asleep in the driver’s seat of a car at the intersection of Northeast 246th Avenue and U.S. Highway 19, DCSO Major Scott Harden said in an April 5 press release.
     As the deputy approached the car, he observed a small silver container lying just outside the driver’s door, Harden said.
     The deputy contacted and identified the driver as James Lamar Boyington, 59, of Perry, Maj. Harden said.
     Boyington was awakened, Maj. Harden said, and during the course of the investigation, deputies located Alprozolam and methamphetamine on Boyington’s person and in the car.
     Boyington was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
     Bond was set at $15,000, according to records.
 

Pickup truck hits motorcycle;
Motorcyclist critically injured;
Truck driver kills himself
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 8, 2019 at 8:19 p.m.
     GILCHRIST COUNTY -- One man is dead and another is critically injured after a crash Saturday night (April 6), according to a Monday evening (April 8) press release from the Florida Highway Patrol.
     Dustin Smith, 28, of Fort White was driving a 2002 Chevrolet model 1500 pickup truck in Gilchrist County on April 6 at 8:30 p.m., according to a press release from FHP Lt. P.V. Riordan, based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper Earl Mash and homicide investigator FHP Cpl. Ethan Sumner.
     Jeffrey Turner, 58, of Branford was driving a 2014 Kawasaki motorcycle, the FHP said.
     Both vehicles were traveling west on Gilchrist County Road 138 near 25th Avenue, the FHP said, with the motorcycle in front of the pickup truck.
    For unknown reasons, the FHP said, the pickup truck's front struck the rear of the motorcycle, the FHP said.
     After being struck by the truck, the Kawasaki became lodged with Chevrolet's front, the FHP said.
     Subsequent to the collision, Smith shot himself and died at the scene from his self-inflicted injuries, the FHP said.
     The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office is conducting the death investigation of Smith, and the Florida Highway Patrol is conducting the traffic crash investigation of this incident, the FHP said.

Five hurt when
minivan hits semi
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 8, 2019 at 5:19 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY -- Five people were injured Sunday evening (April 7) when a minivan ran into the back of a semi's trailer, the FHP said.
     Maria Ruiz, 33, of Fanning Springs was driving a 2011 Nissan Quest on U.S. Highway 19 at 6:30 p.m. on April 7 in Levy County, according to a press release by Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Kevin M. Pace.
     Cuahtemo Ruiz, 12, Kayla Ruiz, 9, Alejandro Ruiz, 4, and Alan Lopez Ruiz, 3, were passengers in the minivan, the FHP said.
     Tony Jackson, 54, of Dade City, Alabama, was driving a 2007 semi tractor-trailer of an unknown make and model, the FHP said.
     The southbound minivan, the FHP said, ran into the rear end of the empty semi car-hauler (that was slowing to make a turn into a business) near Northwest 140th Street on U.S. Highway 19, the FHP said.
     Jackson did not suffer any injuries, the FHP said.
     The driver of the minivan and three passengers suffered serious injuries and were taken UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, the FHP said.
     One of the children suffered life-threatening injuries, the FHP said, and was airlifted to the hospital. The crash is still under investigation and charges are pending completion of the investigation, the FHP said.

Little Red Store burns down
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 8, 2019 at 11:09 a.m.
     DIXIE COUNTY -- A well-established convenience store located between Cross City and Horseshoe Beach was destroyed by fire in the wee hours of Wednesday (April 3), according to records.
     Known as The Little Red Store, and located at 1492 SW 351 Highway, Cross City, the store served customers for many years.
     It is owned by Matt and Krystal Parker of Cross City, according to records.
     Dixie County Fire Service was paged at 3:28 a.m. on April 3 to the above address for a fully-involved structure fire, according to records. The first unit was on scene within four minutes, according to records.
      Squad-1, and EMS units 1, 3, and 6 responded, along with Engine 21 and Engine 24, according to records.
     S1 arrived on scene with EMS 1 to find the single-story wood frame structure 80 percent involved, according to records.
     EMS 1 called for the power company, according to records, because by that point the electrical lines had burned off of the building and were arcing on the ground.
     While awaiting the arrival of Engine-41, something vented near one corner of the structure causing a small fireball, according to records.
     Upon the arrival of E41, a line was laid-in from the fire hydrant, and two handlines were deployed. Squad-1 took the first handline to a corner -- at an open door, and began an interior fire attack. The second handline was stretched to a side of the structure and a defensive attack was used, according to records, due to the structural collapse on that side.
     Squad-1 moved all along the “A side” trying to knock down the fire from the exterior, because the structure was unstable at this point and fire conditions would not allow an interior attack, according to records.
     Upon the arrival of Engine-21, a third handline was deployed and they began working the “AB” and “BC” corners of the structure, according to records.
     All fire was knocked down and overhaul began at this point, according to records.
     The store owners stated that 20 minutes prior to the fire they received a burglar alarm from the alarm company. The owners arrived on scene and found the building on fire, according to records, and at the same time someone had driven by and saw the fire.
     Firefighters determined there was possible foul play and called for the State Fire Marshal (SFM), according to records.
     Overhaul was completed and all fire crews were released back in service except for Squad-1 who would remain on scene until the SFM arrived. Upon the arrival of the SFM, apparently the owners had pulled up at the same time and were walking around the “AB side” of the structure when the SFM asked them to step away from the scene, according to records. The investigation is ongoing, according to records.
     Paid and volunteer personnel who responded to this call for help were Matt Salmons, Chief Darian Brown, Chief Scott Garner, Scott Pendarvis, Mike Walker, Brendon Sites, Will Garner, Chase Gardner, Danny Liles, Chuck Elton and Zack Thomas, according to records.
     Other agencies responding were the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Cross City Volunteer Fire Department provided mutual aid, according to records.

Three juveniles arrested
in Sandra Ryder death case
By Brittney Patel
Community Relations Specialist
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
Published April 6, 2019 at 9:09 a.m.
     CITRUS COUNTY -- At approximately 12:43 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2018, Citrus County Sheriff's deputies responded to 6143 W. Wayward Wind Loop, in reference to a shooting.
     Upon arrival, deputies noticed 58-year-old Sandra Ryder laying on the ground with an apparent head injury. Deputies quickly started cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived. Upon arrival of EMS, Ryder was pronounced deceased at 12:55 p.m.
     During the search for possible suspects and evidence, detectives discovered that several residents in the area heard what they believed to be gunfire and pointed out a possible residence in proximity of this incident where they believed the gunfire originated.
     At that time, detectives made contact with a group of juveniles at the residence, who were then questioned. It was later determined that the juveniles were shooting in the wooded area behind the Ryder's residence. Firearms, as well as several spent ammunition cartridges, were collected for evidentiary processing.  
     After gathering and analyzing the forensic evidence for this case and communicating with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, on April 2, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office arrested three juveniles for the manslaughter of Sandra Ryder and for possession of a firearm by a minor.
    Arrested were Zoey Ellan Andersen, 13; Joseph Shane Finn, 14; and Jason Byron Simms, 14.
     "The loss of Sandra Ryder the day before Thanksgiving was devastating. Now, the futures of the three juveniles responsible for her death hang in the balance as prosecutors prepare to bring the case to court," Sheriff Mike Prendergast said. "Teenagers can be impulsive and reckless. Unfortunately, for these three, their careless actions took another person's life and will carry harsher consequences. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Mrs. Ryder."

Helicopter crash claims
pickup truck passenger's life


This is a 2019 Robinson R44 II helicopter, according to FAA records. It is very similar to the one that flew this past weekend in Trenton (Gilchrist County), giving rides to people during the Mosquito Helicopter Fly-In.
Photos are courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol.

By Jeff M. Hardison © April 5, 2019 at 7:39 a.m.
     HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY -- A helicopter crash on Thursday afternoon (April 4) resulted in the passenger a pickup truck dying, while the truck driver, and the helicopter pilot and copilot escaped any injury, the FHP said.


Assisting the FHP with traffic control were the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Department (including Hazardous Incidents Team) and other first responders.



     On April 4, at 2:21 p.m., a helicopter with two occupants suffered engine failure and crashed onto 50th Street at Palm River Road in Hillsborough County, Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins said.
     A Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was northbound on 50th Street approaching Palm River Road and was struck by one of the turning rotor blades of the helicopter, the FHP said.
     Ryan Anthony Persaud, 35, of Dover, Florida, was driving the truck, the FHP said. He was not injured, the FHP said.
     Deodat Persaud Gangapersaud, 72, of Plant City, the passenger in the truck suffered fatal injuries as a result of the incident, the FHP said.
     The pilot of the helicopter was Bryant Thomas Messick, 39, of Bradenton, the FHP said.
     The copilot of the helicopter was Joshua James Wells, 21, of Pinellas Park, the FHP said.
     While the FHP investigated the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the helicopter’s part in the fatal incident.   
 

FHP searches
for hit-and-run driver;
Probably a black Ford F-150
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 1, 2019 at 9:39 a.m.
     MARION COUNTY -- The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for a black pickup truck that hit a Ford Escape and caused serious injuries to two people Sunday night (March 31).
     Anselmo Barreto, 68, of Ocala was driving a 2004 Ford Escape at 7:10 p.m. on March 31 in Marion County, according to a press release by FHP Sgt. W.  Ernst, based on information from crash investigator FHP Trooper Cody Ball.
     Maria Barreto, 60, of Ocala was a passenger in the Ford, the FHP said.
     This traffic crash happened on Pine Road and Pine Trace, the FHP said.
     The Ford was southbound on Pine Road entering the intersection of Pine Trace, when a black pickup truck was eastbound on Pine Trace, the FHP said. 
     The pickup truck ran the stop sign, causing the crash, the FHP said.
     The black pickup truck’s front bumper collided with the passenger side of the Ford Escape, the FHP said.
     The force of the collision caused the Ford to overturn onto its top, where it came to final rest in the intersection, the FHP said.
     Both occupants of the Ford, were listed with serious injuries when they were taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center, the FHP said. 
     Multiple witnesses said the black pickup truck fled the scene of the crash headed eastbound on Pine Street, the FHP said.
     Multiple witnesses reported the truck to be a Ford F-150 with furniture in the bed of the truck at the time of the crash, the FHP said.
     The front of the vehicle should have damage and possibly to its tinted front headlights, the FHP said.  Pieces of the hit-and-run vehicle were recovered at the scene of the crash, the FHP said.
     People with any information about this vehicle or its driver are asked to contact Trooper Cody Ball at 352-672-3658 or at codyball@flhsmv.gov.