FWC Law Enforcement Report
December 8, 2016
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the period November 18 through December 1 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
While on water patrol in Pensacola Bay, Officer Cushing conducted a resource inspection of a recreational vessel returning from a fishing trip. While alongside, Officer Cushing asked the persons on board if they had any fish. The operator/owner of the vessel responded that they had ten mahogany snapper. Upon further inspection, it was revealed that they had eleven undersized red snapper during closed season. The appropriate action was taken for the violation.
Lieutenant Lambert was working in the area of Salter’s Lake in the Escambia River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) when he heard a gunshot nearby. Several hours later, he spoke to a hunter exiting the area who witnessed two individuals dragging a deer. Lieutenant Lambert responded to the area and spoke to two individuals who were at their truck in the parking area. Both subjects denied shooting anything. One of the subject’s boots had a large smear on it. The subject explained the blood was from cleaning a squirrel the day before. After interviewing the subjects, one of them admitted to killing a deer. Both subjects led Lieutenant Lambert to a small buck with spikes approximately one inch in length. The deer had been gutted and left approximately 500 yards away. A notice to appear citation was issued for the illegal deer.
Officer Clark responded to a call in which the complainant advised that there was an owl caught on a line on an adjacent piece of property. The complainant escorted the officer around the property, where a dead barred owl was seen caught in a steel trap, one of three which were set on top of wooden poles. There were also more than 100 chickens on the 2‑acre piece of property, housed in a variety of containers and some roaming free, with little sign of food and water. The small amount of food and water was mixed with feces and appeared old. The landowner claimed the chickens belonged to her son and he must have set the steel traps. Officer Clark interviewed the suspect and confirmed he set the traps. The subject was cited accordingly for setting steel traps in an attempt to take wildlife and for killing the owl. The officer also contacted animal control regarding the chickens. The animal control officer responded and issued both subjects citations for 79 counts of animal cruelty.
Officers Long, Manning and Allgood conducted a fisheries inspection on the commercial fishing vessel, Family Feud, where they discovered 28 undersized vermillion snapper, two undersized red snapper, and one undersized gray triggerfish. The fish were seized and the captain of the vessel was issued notice to appear citations for possession of undersized vermillion snapper, red snapper, and gray triggerfish. The captain will also be subject to enhanced penalties due to similar citations previously issued within the last six months.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officers Clark and Hutchinson received a complaint from a resident that someone had shot an 8‑point buck on his property the night before. The complainant reported that the suspect was driving a white truck with a loud exhaust and the deer was left in the field. Later that evening, the officers observed a white pickup traveling at slow speed and displaying a light out the driver side window in a manner capable of disclosing the presence of deer. They followed the vehicle a short distance and observed the vehicle turn off the road and park in tall brush as if trying to conceal the vehicle. The officers initiated a stop and found the driver in possession of a loaded rifle. In the truck, a cooler with fresh deer meat and the head of a 6‑point buck were found. The suspect claimed he hit the deer with his truck although the truck had no apparent damage. While being questioned, the suspect admitted he shot the buck a couple nights before. The suspect then led the officers to the location of the deer carcass. Only the back strap meat had been removed. The cooler in the suspect’s truck contained meat from an entire deer. The suspect then admitted to killing a doe deer a few days before – also at night with a rifle. The officers asked the suspect if he had any pictures of the deer he shot. He voluntarily showed the officers several photos, some of which were other bucks. Additional questioning revealed the suspect had shot five deer over the past couple of weeks. Two of the deer were shot in daylight hours and three were not. All of the deer were shot with a rifle. Upon completion of the interview, the officers seized a six‑point deer, seven‑point deer, eight‑point deer, nine‑point deer, a glass pipe with drug residue, 270 rifle with scope, 270 caliber bullets, sim card from phone, spotlight, and deer meat. The suspect was issued a notice to appear citation for attempting to take a deer with a gun and light and possession of drug paraphernalia. Warrants will be obtained for the additional charges of taking a deer with a gun and light along with taking a deer by illegal methods.
Officer Hutchinson was on foot patrol near a baited hunting site within the Blackwater State Forest. As he was walking towards the baited site, he observed two subjects in camouflage standing near a parked vehicle in close proximity to the trail leading to the bait. Officer Hutchinson crawled towards the vehicle for approximately 75 yards until he was within 10 yards of the vehicle. After watching the subjects for a while, he observed another subject walking towards the vehicle coming from the area of the trail leading to the baited site. After the subject reached the parked vehicle, another vehicle drove up and the third subject got in it. Officer Hutchinson made contact with all subjects and questioned them about the baited site. The third subject was untruthful at first. Officer Hutchinson checked the tread on the subject’s boots and then followed his tracks in the sand to the baited site while the subject accompanied him. He then admitted to placing the bait and the hunting stand on the management area. He was issued a notice to appear citation for placing bait in a management area.
Officer Hutchinson received a complaint regarding a subject who had dumped two deer carcasses on the side of the road. The complainant informed him that the subject drove a small truck with an Alabama license plate and was traveling south along the road. After several minutes, the complainant contacted Officer Hutchinson again and informed him of the location of the suspect’s vehicle. Officer Hutchinson drove to where the deer were dumped and discovered an antlerless deer and a spotted fawn carcass dumped along the right of way. He then drove to the suspect’s location and observed fresh deer blood, hide and pieces of the fawn in the back of the truck. After questioning, the suspect admitted to harvesting the deer in Alabama and dumping the carcasses on the side of the road. After checking the subject’s Alabama hunting license, Officer Hutchinson discovered that he didn’t list either one of the deer on his license and he didn’t report harvesting the deer, which is a requirement in Alabama. The subject was issued a notice to appear citation for littering in excess of 15 pounds and for possession of a spotted fawn. The subject removed the carcasses from the right of way. Alabama Game and Fish officers were notified of the violation in Alabama.
During the opening week of archery season, Officer Ramos discovered signs of illegal hunting over bait in the Eglin WMA. Over the course of several weeks, he conducted patrol and surveillance of the baited area, but found no one hunting over the bait. This past Saturday, he returned to the area and found a subject hunting from a tree stand near the bait. After an interview, the man admitted to placing bait in the management area and was charged accordingly. In addition to several criminal charges, the suspect’s hunting and fishing privileges in Eglin WMA were revoked for one year.
Officer Hutchinson was patrolling in Blackwater State Forest when he made contact with a male subject parked along one of the forest roads. The subject informed the officer about a shot he just heard from what sounded like a high-powered rifle. With more details, he determined that the shot came from a large piece of property surrounded by state forest. He drove to the private property and observed a mobile home and a camper parked under a shed approximately 300 yards away from the mobile home. A male subject walked out from behind the shed and Officer Hutchinson made contact with the subject, who appeared very nervous. While questioning the subject about the gun shot, he admitted shooting a doe deer with a high-powered rifle. He showed Officer Hutchinson the deer which was inside of a tractor bucket behind the shed. After further questioning, Officer Hutchinson discovered the subject was a convicted felon. The subject took Officer Hutchinson to where he placed the firearm after shooting the deer. Officer Hutchinson then discovered that the deer was shot on the Blackwater State Forest and the subject did not have a valid Florida hunting license or a WMA permit. After further investigation, Officer Hutchinson discovered another firearm that belonged to the subject. After seizing both firearms for evidence, the subject was issued a notice to appear citation for taking a deer during archery season with a firearm. He was issued a citation for hunting without a valid hunting license. Other charges are pending for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Lieutenant Clark was on land patrol in Navarre when he observed billowing black smoke drifting over the highway and into surrounding communities. He located the source of the black smoke and fire at a residence off Highway 98, where the homeowner was spraying water on the fire with a garden hose. Prohibited material was being burned: a bed mattress, particle board type furniture and a PVC pipe. The homeowner was cited and issued a notice to appear environmental citation.
Officers Hoomes and Long were working archery season in Eglin WMA when they observed a truck parked near an area Officer Hoomes had previously located baited with corn. The officers walked to the area and observed a subject hunting from a tree stand approximately 15 yards from the corn. The subject denied placing the corn but did say he knew it was there. The subject was issued a citation for hunting over bait in a WMA.
Officer Lewis attended College and Career Day at Jay High School. He spoke with the students on how to become an FWC officer and what to expect from a career as an FWC officer. Officer Lewis also answered many fish and wildlife related questions during the event.
Officer Lewis spoke with approximately 75 fourth grade students, teachers, and parents of Bagdad Elementary School at Blackwater River State Park. He explained FWC’s mission, duties of an FWC officer, and the importance of conservation.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
Man Charged With Ramming Vehicle Carrying His Children
December 8, 2016
An Escambia County man has been charged with ramming a vehicle occupied by four children and their mother.
Derrick Hemphill, 47, was charged with four counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated child abuse and once count of resisting arrest.
The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of North Ninth Avenue and Airport Boulevard.
According to police reports, Hemphill’s 2008 Ford Fusion intentionally rammed a 2002 Mitsubishi SUV in which the victims were riding as they traveled south on Ninth Avenue toward Airport Boulevard. When the victims’ vehicle turned east onto Airport Boulevard, Hemphill’s vehicle rammed them again, which caused the Mitsubishi to flip and roll multiple times before coming to rest in the Krystal’s parking lot.
Hemphill then fled northbound on Ninth Avenue in his vehicle; police found him near Spink Lane and Ninth Avenue. The suspect then fled on foot toward Schwab Drive. He was found hiding underneath a house at Schwab Drive and Langley Avenue.
The suspect and a 48-year-old female in the Mitsubishi are parents of two children – ages seven and ten – who were injured. The 38-year-old female driver of the Mitsubishi and the 48-year-old female also were injured.
Hemphill was not injured in the incident.
Campus Carry Proposal Emerges In Florida House
December 8, 2016
A controversial measure that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to pack heat while on college and university campuses was filed Wednesday by state Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood.
The proposal (HB 6005) is filed for the 2017 legislative session, which starts in March.
Second Amendment groups backed such legislation during the 2016 session, while it was opposed by many faculty members, university and college presidents, and campus law enforcement. The 2016 measure was approved in the House but did not get through the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sen. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican who was a primary sponsor of the House campus-carry measure during the 2016 session, is expected to file a bill that includes similar language in the Senate. Steube also was named last month as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
A separate measure (HB 6001) that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to bring guns into the passenger terminals of airports also has been filed in the House for the 2017 session. A version of that bill failed to pass during the 2016 session.
by The News Service of Florida
Two Escambia Deputies Honored For Saving Six Lives
December 8, 2016
Two Escambia County deputies, Darren Robinson and Stefan Chamlis, were honored by Gov. Rick Scott with the Medal of Heroism for their bravery and courage when they saved six people from drowning in the Gulf of Mexico off Pensacola Beach.
“These brave deputies did not hesitate to put their lives on the line to save the lives of six individuals, including two children, from drowning. Their selfless actions show the commitment these officers have to their communities and to the safety of others. It is important to remember the hard work and dedication of these deputies and I am proud to present them with the Medal of Heroism today,” Scott said during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet.
Robinson and Chamblis were patrolling the beach on July 26th on ATV’s near Avenida 19, when they heard a group of people two women, two men, and five young children, calling for help from the water. Both jumped into action, while Chamblis was able to push the women and children out of the rip current, where Robinson was able to reach the children and women and pull them to safety.
One of the male swimmers was able to escape the rip current and swim to shore. Lifeguards, EMS, and Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and assisted the last remaining male out of the water.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Girls Weightlifting: Northview Defeats Jay, Tate
December 8, 2016
In girls weightlifting, Northview defeated Jay 66 point to 22 on Wednesday. On Monday, Northview defeated Tate 61 to 27.
Northview 66 Jay 22
Top lifters from classes with their combined score:
- Audriene Odom 230-Northview
- Lexxi Broadhead 155-Northview
- Myishia Syria 205 –Northview
- Jessica Muse 225-Northview
- Hayley Watson 310 –Jay
- S. Edwards 225 –Jay
- Mallory Gibson 220 –Northview
- Aubree Love 235-Northview
- C. Capps 195-Northview
- Summer Hodo -280-Northview
Northview 61 Tate 27
Top lifters from classes with their combined score:
- Audriene Odom 225-Northview
- Lexxi Broadhead 150-Northview
- Attaway, K. 215-Tate
- Jessica Muse 210-Northview
- Valen Shelly 215-Northview
- Gloria Jones 295-Tate
- Mallory Gibson 225-Northview
- Aubree Love 230-Northview
- Bray 210-Tate
- Summer Hodo -270 Northview
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ruby Joe Bonds Baggett
December 8, 2016
Mrs. Ruby Joe Bonds Baggett went home to be with our Lord on November 30, 2016.
Mrs. Baggett was born in Flomaton, Alabama on September 22, 1934. She was a resident of Pensacola, Florida. She married Mr. Clifford K. Baggett, Sr. on July 19, 1953. Mrs. Baggett retired from Bellsouth as a maintenance administrator after 38 years of service.
Her entire life has been one of service to God, her church, family and friends. She has served as a member of Pine Forrest Assembly of God Church for many years.
Her passing will leave a huge void and she will be greatly missed by many. She is preceded in death by her father, Mr. Joel Richardson Bonds; her mother, Mrs. Sara Bell Pittman Bonds; her husband, Clifford K. Baggett, Sr.; four brothers, Jessie Joel Bonds, Willie Ray “Bill” Bonds, Clarence E. Bonds, and Jewel R. Bonds; sister, Sallie Mae Bonds Moye; and her granddaughter Chloe M. Baggett.
She is survived by her brother, Thomas Bonds of Pensacola; sons, Clifford K. (Stacie) Baggett and Charles R. Colwell; five grandchildren, Seabrin (Hanna) Blocker, Blayne Blocker, Jessica (Jeff) Warren, Bryce Baggett and Savannah Baggett; five great-grandsons, Bradley Henderson, Ace and Zayden Blocker, Lincoln and Carson Warren; and numerous nieces and nephews; life-long friends, Laura Vaughn (Niece), Dolly Williams, Mary Lou Jernigan and Sara Fillingim.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Gene Hudson officiating.
Family would like to thank Sacred Heart ICU for their long-term, loving care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.
Three Injured In North Century Boulevard Crash
December 7, 2016
Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Century.
The accident happened just before 7 p.m. at the intersection of North Century Boulevard and West Highway 4 and involved two passenger vehicles. The driver and two juvenile occupants of one vehicle were injured, one being airlifted by LifeGuard helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
The names of those injured and other details have not yet been released by the Florida Highway Patrol as the continue their investigation.
Reports indicated that the injured parties in the crash included a Jay High School junior varsity basketball team member, his mother and a sibling. They had just left a basketball game at Northview High School and were returning home when the cash occurred.
NorthEcambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Showband Performs Today At Pearl Harbor
December 7, 2016
The Tate High School Showband of the South is in Hawaii to take part in the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band today. They will join bands from around the United States and Japan in a concert commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The mass band, including the Tate Showband, will perform on the pier of the U.S.S Battleship Missouri in a worldwide live webcast “Gift of Music” concert this afternoon.
To watch the performance live from Hawaii at 4 p.m., click here.
The Tate Showband in Hawaii. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Update: Man Arrested For Attempted Murder For Shooting At Police Officer
December 7, 2016
UPDATE: A man who allegedly shot at a Pensacola Police officer last Friday night has been arrested.
Tijuan Deonte Johnson, 23, of the 4300 block of Acacia Drive, Pensacola, turned himself in at the Escambia County Jail about 6 a.m. He was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. He was held without bond.
Sgt. Stephen Bauer said Johnson was identified as the suspect during the investigation. Bauer said as part of the investigation, police department SWAT members and detectives served a search warrant at Johnson’s home Monday in an attempt to find him and evidence. Johnson was not home at the time. However, evidence was found that will assist in the investigation. The type of evidence recovered is not being released at this time.
Around 10:30 p.m. Friday, officers responded to Highland Drive after a male was seen holding a handgun while riding a bicycle. A woman said the male approached her vehicle after she backed out of a driveway. Fearing for her safety, she accelerated her vehicle to escape and the man fled.
Officer Matthew Mercado found the suspect riding the bicycle south on Sixth Avenue near Tunis Street. The suspect dismounted the bicycle at Torres Avenue and Tunis Street, turned toward Mercado, fired one shot, and fled the area. Mercado was not injured.
Sewage Spill May Have Reached Eleven Mile Creek
December 7, 2016
A sewage spill occurred Monday at an ECUA lift station at 1421 Highway 297A after a telecommunications contractor bored through a sewer main.
The spill was estimated at 19,500 gallons that may have reached Eleven Mile Creek, according to an ECUA news release issued Tuesday.
Because the spill may have reached the creek, ECUA determined that a potential health risk may exist and door hanger noticeswere distributed to area residents. Bacteriological sampling of the area and Crescent Lake have been initiated.
ECUA crews repaired the main and ensured that the overflow area was cleaned and disinfected with a biocide agent that removed any contamination concerns, per state protocol.