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Tennessee man charged in 1992 Gary double slaying of mom, 4-year-old girl: FBI

“This was a horrific crime that shocked our local community in 1992,” Hobart Police Detective Lt. Nicholas Wardrip said in a statement. “Lofton was born in East Chicago, but moved to Tennessee at an early age. Lofton was interviewed by investigators in September 2020; however, he denied knowing either victim or even being in Indiana at the time of the murders. Investigators utilized DNA technology and interviewed witnesses to bring the case together against Lofton.”

chicagotribune.com

OPD investigates shooting that left 1 injured

Published: May 29, 2020, 9:34 amORLANDO, Fla. The Orlando Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred in the 200 block of Hills Place. According to officials, a suspect and a victim got into a physical fight. The suspect then pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the leg, authorities said. The victim was taken to a hospital and is said to be in stable condition. At this time, units are on scene working to locate the suspect, officials added.

Surveillance video shows murder suspects truck near location slain St. Cloud mothers car was found

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. Recently released evidence shows someone driving a murder suspects truck in the area near the location a missing St. Her husband, Angel Rivera, and her son, Christopher Otero-Rivera, remain behind bars on murder and other related charges. Montalvos vehicle could only be located in footage from 4:20 p.m. on Oct. 21 that showed her Honda heading toward the Rivera property on Hixon Avenue. Deputies say Nicole Montalvo's car was seen heading toward the Rivera residence shortly before she went missing. I believe Angel used this learned information during the murder of Nicole Montalvo.

Body found in Lake Orlando canal identified as 50-year-old woman

ORLANDO, Fla. The body of a woman found in a canal has been identified, and detectives have determined her death to be a homicide, according to the Orlando Police Department. The womans body was found in a canal of Lake Orlando around 8:40 a.m. Tuesday along North Lake Orlando Parkway and Rosamond Drive. Police on Thursday identified the woman as Deana Lynn Polanco, 50, according to an update from the department. Officers said the investigation into the homicide is ongoing and that more details would be released as they become available. Police are asking anyone with information about Polancos death to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Pool contractors accused of defrauding customers, never completing work

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. A dozen victims of two pool contractors were left with thousands of dollars wasted and incomplete in-ground pools as part of what Flagler County deputies are calling an organized scheme to defreaud. All in all, De Longo and Longo cashed $455,745.03 for work that was never completed, records show. Meanwhile, the victims were forced to pay another contractor to finish the work on their pools, a news release said. At least these fraudsters are in jail where they belong, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. De Longo and Longo were arrested Wednesday at their home in Palm Coast.

Naked man spends day vandalizing Florida high school, police say

MIRAMAR, Fla. Florida police are looking for a man they say broke into a high school and spent an entire day vandalizing the campus, all while naked. Miramar Police officer Tanya Ruiz told CBS Miami the man entered Miramar High Schools campus this week and spent an entire day destroying computers, television sets and more. She told the South Florida TV station that she hopes someone will recognize the mans photo and come forward. Although the incident was caught on surveillance video, that footage has not been released. Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call detective Melinda Kimkowski at 954-602-4018 or Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

He pointed the gun at me: 911 calls released in Daytona Beach officer-involved shooting

Instead, with James still pointing the gun at her, she put the vehicle in drive and sped off to safety, officers said. She called 911 as she followed James across the street to a nearby Walgreens. I was parked outside my job at Popeyes and he walked up outside my window and he pointed the gun at me. Another woman saw the attempted carjacking and also called 911. The other witness who called 911 also saw the officer-involved shooting.

Report: Man died of asphyxiation after girlfriend locked him in suitcase for up to 11 hours'

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. A medical examiner has determined a Florida man died of asphyxiation, citing the manner of death as a homicide, after his girlfriend locked him in a suitcase, according to a report released Wednesday. Oh, thats what I feel like when you cheat on me, Boone said in the video, according to court records. The first video showed the suitcase facing downward with Torres pushing on the suitcase in an attempt to get out. The second video showed the suitcase in another position as if it had been moved. Boone told Torres this was for everything youve done to me, according to the video.

Do you recognize this man? Deputies search for person of interest in fatal Kissimmee shooting

KISSIMMEE, Fla. The Osceola County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in identifying a man they are calling a person of interest in a Kissimmee shooting death. On May 10 deputies responded to reports of a shooting at 2317 Old Dixie Highway around 10:30 p.m. When they arrived at the scene, deputies said they found a man dead inside the home, later identified as 38-year-old Cornel Briggy Clarke. The Sheriffs Office said security camera footage captured who they are calling a person of interest walking in the area of the shooting. According to deputies and the security video the person of interest is described as a light-skinned black or Hispanic male, athletic or thin build, in his late teens to early 20s, wearing a hat backwards, T-shirt and basketball shorts.According to a news release, the Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information concerning this case to call (407) 348- 2222 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477, where information leading to a felony arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 dollars.

Armed woman who was killed in Avalon Park deputy-involved shooting identified

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. A woman who was fatally shot by deputies in Avalon Park after she pointed a gun at them has been identified, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Office. Officials identified the suspect as 42-year-old Tracy Drowne while the deputies who fired their weapons were identified as Nathan Henley and Joseph ONeil. Both patrol deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates, which is standard procedure. OCSO @SheriffMina describes the events that led up to a deputy-involved shooting this afternoon on Fountain Coin Loop in Avalon Park. When deputies confronted the woman, they said she came out of her house armed with a gun that she pointed at them, prompting Henley and ONeil to open fire.

Report: University baseball coach battered elderly man after confrontation over illegal dumping

LAKELAND, Fla. The head baseball coach for Southeastern University was arrested Tuesday after he battered an elderly man following a confrontation over illegal dumping, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. The victim told deputies he owns the property where the incident occurred, which is an active construction site for Verizon. The victim said that he caught Dinkel dumping trash into a dumpster on his property and confronted him as Dinkel was dumping and trespassing illegally. The victims wife was in a car at the scene and began recording the incident when she noticed it became heated. It was not immediately clear if Dinkel faced any repercussions from Southeastern University.

Woman accused of spitting on groceries, threatening Publix customers

LARGO, Fla. A woman was caught spitting on groceries at a Florida Publix Saturday afternoon, according to the Largo Police Department. Police said they were called to the Largo Mall around noon because Sharon Turpin, 58, was spitting on groceries, threatening to beat up customers in the bathroom and arguing with the store manager. Records show Turpin had already been trespassed from the property in 2014, so she wasnt allowed to be at the store. The deadly respiratory illness is spread from person to person through close contact, which is why members of the public are urged to wear face masks and practice social distancing. Turpin was arrested on charges of trespassing after warning and providing a false name to a law enforcement officer.

Florida man who expressed admiration for Pulse Nightclub shooter accused of trying to supply materials to ISIS

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. A Florida man is in custody after a complaint indicated he attempted to supply the terrorist group ISIS with materials to carry out attacks as well as planned acts of terrorism locally, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari, 23, of Tampa, was arrested by federal agents Sunday and faces up to 20 years in prison, should he be found guilty. FBI officials said Al-Azhari was an ISIS supporter who planned and attempted to carry out an attack on behalf of the terrorist organization. Officials also said Al-Azhari was in possession of weapons he intended to use in those attacks at the time of his arrest. FBI officials said Al-Azhari had even rehearsed the means in which he would conduct the acts of terrorism.

Volusia deputies seek information in drive-by shooting that injured 60-year-old man

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. Volusia County deputies are investigating a drive-by shooting that left a 60-year-old man injured Tuesday morning. Deputies said the victim, who is homeless, was shot twice in the leg on the 1000 block of South Clara Avenue. Two nearby homes and vehicles were also damaged during the shooting, records show. Deputies are asking anyone with information about the crime to call the Criminal Investigations Division at 386-717-0741 and reference VCSO case #20-9689. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477 (TIPS) or go to NEFCrimestoppers.com.

Florida man accused of kicking chicken like a football player would kick a field goal

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. A Florida man who was upset about the noise a chicken was making grabbed the bird and kicked it like a football player would kick a field goal, according to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said 43-year-old Nicholas Kevin Chews girlfriend called them on March 22 to report that he kicked a chicken while they were arguing and she was worried the birds leg was broken. The Rhode Island Red chicken named Huhn was found standing nearby on one leg. It was taken to an animal hospital where a veterinarian determined it had suffered four broken ribs, according to a news release. The bird has since been reunited with its owner, who chose to press charges.

Missing teen linked to murder investigation after man found dead in brush fire, deputies say

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. Three suspects are in custody, including a teenage girl who was reported missing, after a man who was involved in a shooting was found dead in an Ocala brush fire, according to the Osceola County Sheriffs Office. The next morning, the Ocala Police Department responded to a brush fire and found a man identified as Malik Brown dead, records show. Deputies said they determined that Brown was linked to the shooting investigation on Bonita Circle. Velez-Amador, 24, and Warrington, 19, are both facing first-degree murder charges while the girl is accused of accessory after the fact. Deputies are asking anyone with information about the crime to call the Osceola County Sheriffs Office at 407-348-2222.

US nears 100,000 pandemic deaths: Does Trump feel your pain?

Now there is another, a still-growing American casualty list that has exceeded deaths from the Vietnam and Korean wars combined. Actual deaths from COVID-19 are almost certainly higher than the numbers show, an undercount to be corrected in time. It is well beyond what he told people to expect even as his public-health authorities started bracing the country in early April for at least 100,000 deaths. Unlike his emotional vice president, Joe Biden, Obama practiced his own kind of social distancing, to the point of aloofness. This, too, is not Trump's way.

Armed felon accused of spitting, exposing himself to battery victims at Florida spring

Deputies said 25yearold Bradley Dewayne Eibach was at Salt Springs on Friday when he was involved in some type of altercation. Eibach then walked over to the woman and hit her across the chest and arms, according to the affidavit. A manager heard what was happening and came to the area to find Eibach making shooting threats and spitting at victims, according to the report. Records show deputies found Eibach walking toward the campground area when they arrived and ordered him to the ground. Eibach, of Jacksonville, is facing charges of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, indecent exposure, battery and possession of marijuana.

Man arrested after appearing on Facebook Live, deputies say

VOLUSIA COUNTY A man wanted by the Marion County Sheriffs Office was taken into custody by the Volusia County Sheriffs Office after appearing on Facebook Live, deputies said. Timothy Munford, 25, was taken into custody after it was discovered he was streaming live on Facebook at 3226 Riverview Lane in Daytona Beach, deputies said. Upon searching Mumfords vehicle, deputies discovered two handguns and ammunition, two bags of marijuana and a bag that was tested presumptive for fentanyl, deputies said. Munford was charged with three counts of possession of a weapon/ammunition by a convicted felon, trafficking in fentanyl and possession of narcotics paraphernalia, deputies said. Munford had a warrant out on him for violation of probation.

Woman charged with manslaughter claims victim fell on knife

MARION COUNTY, Fla. A woman has been charged with negligent manslaughter after a man was found dead in a home in the Micanopy area, officials said. Marion County Fire Rescue responded to a cardiac arrest call Saturday and found Lillian Patterson, 19, and several small children inside. Patterson told investigators that Collins had fallen onto a knife held by one of the children in the home. Patterson told investigators she pushed Collins with her left hand, causing him to fall onto the knife in her right hand. Records show Patterson is being held at the Marion County Jail and is awaiting her first appearance in court.

Deputies respond to shooting in Osceola County

Published: May 23, 2020, 10:45 am Updated: May 23, 2020, 11:13 amOSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. The Osceola County Sheriffs Office is investigating reports of a shooting. Deputies responded to the area of 2902 Bonita Circle in Kissimmee Saturday morning. It is very early in the investigation, officials said. This is an isolated incident and more information will be provided as it becomes available, officials added. Stay with News 6 as we update this developing story

Second arrest made in fatal shooting at Vacation Lodge

ORLANDO, Fla. A second arrest has been made four months after a man was fatally shot at Vacation Lodge hotel on Orange Blossom Trail, according to the Orlando Police Department. Officers said Anthony Manso had been wanted since the Jan. 22 shooting but he was evading arrest up until OPDs fugitive investigative unit recently located. He is facing a first-degree murder charge while Deundre Jerome Davis, who has been in custody since January, is charged with second-degree murder, according to jail records. Police said charges are pending against a third person, who is already in custody due to an unrelated matter. According to the report, officers went to Vacation Lodge around 8:30 p.m. Jan. 22 and found Richard Lee Bailey II, 48, on the second floor outside of a hotel room suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Florida man nicknamed 'Glock lures kidnapping victim through Instagram, deputies say

The victim told deputies his friend who he knew as Glock, later identified as 25-year-old Brian Nixon, asked if he wanted to hang out via Instagram chat. The victim told deputies he agreed to meet Nixon. According to a report, Nixon picked the victim up in his vehicle with three other men inside. Nixon told the victim he would drive to a gas station, but passed the location, and pulled into a neighborhood unknown to the victim. A report stated that Nixon told the victim he would shoot his family if he told law enforcement about the crime.

Man beaten to death at Orlando gas station, deputies say

ORLANDO, Fla. A man is facing murder charges after he beat a man during an altercation, resulting in the victims death, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Office. Deputies responded to the Sunoco Gas Station at 5500 Beggs Road on April 29 after receiving reports of an unresponsive man at the business. When they arrived, deputies said they found Mark Stagaard, 64, and transported him to a hospital, where he died on May 6. Investigators found that Stagaard and the suspect, Julian Howe, 49, got into a physical altercation that resulted in Stagaards fatal injuries. According to the Sheriffs Office, Howe was arrested on a warrant for second-degree murder onThursday and is being held at the Orange County Jail without bond.

16 puppies worth $100,000 stolen from Orlando pet store, deputies say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Orange County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in identifying two people who were caught on camera stealing 16 puppies, worth over $100,000, from an Orlando pet store. STOLEN PUPPIES: Please take a close look at the people in this video. On 5/21, at 3:43 a.m., they broke in and stole 16 puppies from Petland on Alafaya Trail. pic.twitter.com/GfbxuxNOzd Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) May 21, 2020Deputies said two people broke in Petland along Alafaya Trail just before 4 a.m. Thursday morning and stole 16 puppies. According to an incident report, the pair stole six English bulldog puppies, six French bulldog puppies, two yorkie puppies, a dachshund puppy and a poodle puppy.

Sexual battery suspect arrested months after standoff outside Orange County apartment complex

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. A man who earlier this year was involved in an incident that caused a fearful woman to jump out of a window with an infant in her arms has been arrested months after a standoff at a local apartment complex, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said Thursday that 39-year-old Terrance Givens was arrested on sexual battery and false imprisonment charges in connection with the incident at Tzadik Millennium Apartments off Rio Grande Avenue. Around noon on Feb. 20, witnesses called 911 after seeing a woman jump from an apartment window and then hide under a truck with a baby in her arms, records show. Deputies arrived within minutes and surrounded the unit until about 5 p.m., when they realized Givens was no longer inside. Deputies said in February that the woman required treatment at a hospital while the baby boy was not injured.

COVID-19 testing site announced in Spring Hill where block party sparked debate

While the numbers continue to advance, we are adamant about the protection of those within the Spring Hill community and all communities throughout Volusia County, the statement read. We are happy to announce that here in Spring Hill, we have a testing site that will open from [9 a.m. to 1 p.m.] every day, Wright said. One Volusia County deputy suffered a minor knee injury, while a DeLand police officer had a minor head injury. The Sheriffs Office said more arrests related to the block party were likely. We understand that [that the block party] started out as something small, something they had for the last 9 years, to commemorate someone who passed away in this area, Wright said.

This is a textbook arsonist: Flagler County deputies arrest man in connection with dumpster fires

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. The Flagler County Sheriffs Office say they have arrested the man behind two dumpster fires ignited behind businesses. As deputies were conducting the traffic stop, FCSO units were called to another dumpster fire behind a nearby Pizza Hut and Kawa Sushi. Investigators later made contact with the 26-year-old, where he initially denied involvement in the fires, according to a news release. He later admitted to setting the two fires, deputies learning the lighters he used to ignite the flames were still in his pockets. He could have easily caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage due to his criminal actions.Staly attributed the deputies traffic stop for a quick arrest in the case.

2 shot, 1 in critical condition after altercation in Titusville, officials say

TITTUSVILLE, Fla. Authorities in Titusville are investigating a shooting that left two men injured Tuesday. According to investigators, the shooting happened around 10:45 p.m. in the area of Alpine Lane and Knox McRae Drive after two men got into an altercation. The preliminary investigation reveals that when officers arrived and secured the scene, they found a gunshot victim lying in the road on Alpine Lane, officials said. The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition, a news release said. Approximately 30 minutes after the initial call, police were notified that an adult male was at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries consistent with a gunshot wound., officials added.

Family of teen fatally shot during attempted burglary in Sanford seeks answers

SANFORD, Fla. The family of a teen shot and killed by a homeowner in Sanford during a burglary attempt is asking police and state prosecutors for more answers. Greens family lawyer provided News 6 with a letter he said he sent to the Sanford police chief and state attorney Phil Archer a few days ago. State prosecutors and Sanford police are looking into the case. When asked about the letter sent by Greens family lawyer, police said no comment, but theyre waiting for autopsy results in this case. Public records in any case our office reviews become available after a filing decision is reached according to provisions in FS Chapter 119.

Hit pause and take a second to cool off: Volusia County law enforcement addresses mixed reactions to block party video

The video, which was posted to the Volusia County Sheriffs Office Facebook page, shows a huge crowd attending a block party near Delaware Avenue, despite social distancing guidelines still in effect throughout Florida amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The primary gathering spot took place in unincorporated Volusia County but in very close proximity to the city limits. One Volusia County deputy suffered a minor knee injury, while a DeLand police officer had a minor head injury. Its not true, and its not a fair conclusion from the video, Chitwood said. The way through stuff like this is together, not divided.The Volusia County Sheriffs Office posted a video of the large crowds from the beginning of the day to night time, and you can see the videos here.

Brevard sheriff: Problem Port St. John house causing neighbors to live in fear

The sheriff said neighbors on Delespine Road no longer allow their children to play outside out of fear for their safety. Congratulations, you are now on the sheriffs office HIT list, Ivey said. Ivey said the HIT list is a pet project of his targeting people who commit crimes at the problem home. We are sick and tired of you causing your neighbors to live in constant fear for themselves and their children, the sheriff said. News 6 has requested reports for the address Ivey mentioned in his video and for more details from the Sheriffs Office.

Florida man kills pet bird perched on sisters shoulder, holds gun to her head, deputies say

PALM BAY, Fla. A Palm Bay man is facing charges of attempted murder and felony animal cruelty after he held a gun to his sisters head, fired shots at her, then killed a pet bird perched on her shoulder, according to the Brevard County Sheriffs Office. As his sister took the dead bird back to its cage, Morgan grabbed a firearm and fired rounds at his sister, striking the floor just behind the area where she was standing, a report showed. Morgan then put the barrel of the firearm to his sisters head and told her he would kill her, according to deputies. Investigators found that Morgans sister was eventually able to call for help, but after a call to 911 was placed, Morgan once again shot at his sister, put her in a headlock, then held the gun to her neck. Once deputies arrived at the home, Morgans sister was able to escape the house, a reported showed.

2 injured in shooting at Parliament House, police say

ORLANDO, Fla. Orlando police detectives are investigating a shooting that left two men injured at a popular Orlando nightclub and hotel over the weekend. Police responded to Parliament Houe on Orange Blossom Trail at 8:30 p.m. Friday for reports of an armed person outside the gay nightclub venue and hotel. When officers arrived they were flagged down by multiple people who said someone was shooting on the west side of the motel, according to the police report. Officers also found 9 mm shell casings near the door of a motel room and two shooting victims inside the room, according to the report. One victim had injuries to his feet while the second victim suffered serious injuries to his leg, officers said.

Florida man accused of exposing himself claims he needed to air out, deputies say

POLK COUNTY, Fla. An Avon Park man who was caught exposing himself to women while driving says he airs it out sometimes because he gets hot, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. She looked over to see the mans penis completely exposed and then saw him begin to touch himself inappropriately, records show. Photos the victim took and a description she was able to provide helped deputies identify 32-year-old Justin Mosser as a suspect in the case, according to authorities. He said hes done this before, so were asking for his other victims to contact the Sheriffs Office," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. Mosser is facing three counts of indecent exposure and two counts of committing a lewd act.

12-year-old shot at Windsor Cove Apartments, officers say

Published: May 17, 2020, 7:37 am Updated: May 17, 2020, 2:45 pmORLANDO, Fla. A 12-year-old was shot Saturday night, according to officers. The shooting happened just before midnight. Officers said the shooting happened at the Windsor Cove Apartments in Orlando. Officials did not say what led up to the shooting or give specific details on the juvenile. According to a news release, the juvenile is in stable condition and there is currently no suspect information.

NFL players accused of armed robbery at South Florida party

MIAMI Police in South Florida are trying to find New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar after multiple witnesses accused them of an armed robbery at a party, authorities said Thursday. Miramar police issued arrest warrants for both men Thursday on four counts each of armed robbery with a firearm. Baker, Dunbar and two other men began robbing other people at the party of thousands of dollars in cash, watches and other valuables, witnesses told investigators. Witnesses said the vehicles were parked in a way that would make it easy to leave quickly, leading detectives to believe the robbery was planned. I just hope to repay them with the way I carry myself as a person, Dunbar said on the video conference.

Florida woman who tried to kiss strangers calls 911 about lack of social distancing, police say

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. A Florida woman who kept trying to randomly kiss strangers at a local bar repeatedly called 911 to complain about the business not practicing coronavirus social distancing guidelines, according to the Melbourne Police Department. Police said Audra Adams, 32, called 911 a total of five times from Monkey Bar and Grille in Indialantic, which is open serving both food and drinks as is allowed under phase one of reopening Florida. During the fourth time she called, officers were already at the business and on the fifth time, officers were speaking to her, records show. Police said Adams repeatedly tried to pull away as she was being escorted to the patrol vehicle. She was arrested on charges of trespassing after warning, disorderly conduct, resisting an officer without violence and misuse of a 911 system.