SARASOTA, Fla. – November 30, 2015 – 10:30 a.m.

On Wednesday, December 2, 2015, the Sarasota Police Department and the Sarasota Police Foundation will unveil a one-of-a-kind hand painted wall mural on the 2nd floor of the Sarasota Police Department. Members of the media and public are invited to see the unveiling at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 on the 2nd floor of the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.

Chief Bernadette DiPino began working with the Sarasota Police Foundation on several projects earlier this year when the mural project was launched. Artist Joe Cuffaro donated his time and talent to the Police Department and the Foundation paid for the paint and supplies.

"We are so thankful to accept Joe’s contribution to our department," said Chief DiPino. "His spirit shines through this mural and his work of art captures the spirit of Sarasota. One act of kindness can make a huge difference in other people’s lives. I believe his mural will help bring our Officers and community together even more," said Chief DiPino.

"I was absolutely thrilled and honored to give back to our police department," said Joe Cuffaro, artist. "One of my sons is a police officer in West Palm Beach and I’ve gotten to know the life of law enforcement. To be able to capture a sense of our beautiful community and the work our Officers do and put it together, I can’t explain what that means in words," said Cuffaro.

Chief DiPino, Mike Evanoff, president of the Sarasota Police Foundation and artist Joe Cuffaro will be in attendance for the unveiling. Media will be provided with photos of the progression of the mural.

SARASOTA, Fla. – November 30, 2015 – 11:15 a.m.

Officers with the Sarasota Police Department are investigating a deadly single motorcycle crash that occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at the Sarasota Bayfront. The motorcycle was traveling northbound on South Tamiami Trail, just north of Selby Gardens, when the driver lost control for unknown reasons and hit a curb.

The driver, Michael Corbino, of Longboat Key, 27, died at the scene. The passenger, Jasmine Fraser, of Bradenton, 22, was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. She’s currently in critical condition.

The crash remains under investigation. It’s unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

Leonard Rubinstein, 61, was sentenced to seven (7) years in prison followed by nine (9) years probation by Judge Charles Roberts Wednesday, December 2, 2015 in Sarasota. 

This is in connection to a 2013 case where Rubinstein was found guilty on four (4) counts of practicing medicine with a revoked license.

The 2013 news release with information is below.

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Search warrant executed at Center for Integration in Cosmetic Surgery in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 10, 2013 – 8 a.m.

On Monday, December 9, 2013, the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at 1805 Siesta Drive.  This is the Center for Integration in Cosmetic Surgery and medical office of Dr. Leonard Rubinstein.

Rubinstein, 59, (DOB 9-3-1954) of Higel Avenue, Sarasota, has been charged with attempt or offer to practice medicine with a revoked medical license.

This investigation began due to numerous complaints to the Department of Health of Dr. Rubinstein practicing medicine despite having his medical license revoked.  The Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit conducted an undercover operation posing as a potential patient that subsequently resulted in one charge of Attempting or Offering to Practice Medicine with a Revoked License.

As a result of the search warrant, detectives seized numerous medical records and marketing materials that indicated Dr. Rubinstein was presently practicing medicine and evidence of illegally obtained controlled substance medication.  Following additional investigation into evidence seized, several additional charges are expected.

This investigation focused on patients or procedures that Dr. Rubinstein may have seen or performed at his Sarasota office after the date of his license revocation effective December 7, 2012.  This investigation is continuing.
 

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 3, 2015 – 9:30 a.m.

The 20th Annual Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 5th beginning at 7 p.m. at Main Street and US 301 in downtown Sarasota. The parade will end at J.D. Hamel Park which is located at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue. There will be several vehicle tow away zones and street closure notices in effect for the following times:

12 p.m. – Main Street closed from US 301 to School Avenue

2 p.m. - Main Street closed from Orange Avenue to US 41 & Osprey to US 301

5 p.m. – Gulfstream Avenue closed from US 41 to Church of the Redeemer (222 South Palm Avenue)

5:30 p.m. – Main Street closed from US 301 to US 41 & US 301 closed between Fruitville Road and Ringling Boulevard

6 p.m. – Hollywood 20 Garage will close. Main Street will be completely shut down

7 p.m. – Parade begins

Roads will re-open once the end of the parade reaches a two block distance from each road closure.

**Note** Towing will begin at 5:30 p.m. Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense. For information on towed vehicles, please contact Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 3, 2015 – 3 p.m.

On Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 2:30 a.m., Sarasota Police Officers responded to 1146 Patterson Drive, Sarasota, for a possible burglary in progress. When Officers arrived, they found Jennifer Copeland, 43, deceased, inside the garage apartment.

Officers began a death investigation immediately. As a result of the investigation, Brian Wilson, 47, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Jennifer Copeland. Wilson was charged at the Hendy County Jail where he is currently being held on unrelated charges of Driving Under the Influence. Copeland was the girlfriend of Wilson.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Dan Riley at 941-954-7062 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 8, 2015 – 11 a.m.

This holiday season the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department are making sure the City of Sarasota and beyond stays safe. It’s why several Patrol Officers and Chief Bernadette DiPino teamed up to make a humorous holiday video that shares an important safety message. The Sarasota Police Department’s spin on ‘Jingle Bells’ shares the importance of hiding your valuables and locking up your vehicles to protect yourself from criminals.

In the safety video, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Qzjd8SxeB8s, several Officers from night shift share safety tips that rhyme which include, "Hide your gifts and cash so criminals don’t take your stash," and "Drop a dime if you see a crime, we’ll be there in no time."

To date, there have been 510 vehicle burglaries in the City of Sarasota in 2015. Of the 510 vehicle burglaries, 426 of those have happened to vehicles that have no signs of forced entry meaning they were unlocked. That’s an astounding 83.5% of vehicle burglaries in the City of Sarasota that have occurred to vehicles left unlocked.

This time of year is always special. Unfortunately it’s also a time of year when people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. During the holidays, make sure to follow a few simple safety tips to protect you and your loved ones.

 Keep all car doors locked & windows closed when you leave your vehicle

 If you shop a night, park in a well-lit area

 Don’t leave valuables or packages on the seat of your vehicle. If you have to leave something in your vehicle, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight

 When approaching your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings

 Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse

 If you see something suspicious, say something

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 10, 2015  – 11:30 a.m.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department are attempting to identify four suspects who were involved in an aggravated battery incident on November 12, 2015.  Detectives have attempted to identify the four suspects through investigation but have been unsuccessful and are now asking for the public’s help.

On November 12, 2015 at approximately 9 p.m., Sarasota Police Officers responded to the Exxon/Mobile Station, 2525 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in reference a battery.  Upon arrival, the clerk told Officers, four male suspects attempted to purchase a cigar.  The suspects were unable to provide any identification so the clerk denied the purchase.  The suspects argued with the clerk and left the store.

The suspects returned a short time later and confronted the clerk while he was taking garbage to the dumpster outside the store.  A verbal dispute occurred between the suspects and the clerk.  One of the suspects, an unknown black male, then punched the clerk in the face multiple times.  The clerk attempted to protect himself and wrestled the unknown subject to the ground.  The three other unknown black males then joined the physical altercation, punching and kicking the victim multiple times.

Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Anthony DeFranciscoat 941-954-7049 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com
 

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 11, 2015 – 9:30 a.m.

The Sarasota Housing Authority, Sarasota Police Department and Target are partnering for the fourth year to provide 100 underprivileged youths with a unique holiday experience in Sarasota.

Shop with a Cop will pair children with Sarasota Police officers to shop for holiday gifts at Target, 5350 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, prior to the store opening for the day on Saturday, December 19, 2015 from 6 a.m. until 8 a.m. **Media is invited to attend**

The 4th Annual Shop with a Cop is an initiative designed to help build mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and children of families living in Sarasota Housing Authority communities. The Sarasota Housing Authority, through donations received from the community, provides Target gift cards to officers for each child.

"This is what the holiday spirit is all about," said Chief Bernadette DiPino, Sarasota Police Department. "We want to help children in our community build relationships with our officers. Shop with a Cop is a chance to help form relationships and educate our local families about the role that our officers play in our community," said Chief DiPino.

"Having a safe and strong community begins with having mutual trust and respect between community members and the men and women sworn to protect them," said Sarasota Housing Authority CEO William Russell. "Shop with a Cop works to build trust and respect through a fun and positive experience," said Russell.

Those wishing to donate can do so through the Sarasota Housing Authority’s 501(c)3 affiliate, Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation (SHFC). Checks can be made payable to Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation with ‘Shop with a Cop’ in the memo line. Credit card donations can be made online at http://www.sarasotahousing.org/sarasota-housing-funding-corporation

For additional information contact the Sarasota Housing Authority (Andrea Keddell at 941-361-6210 x 221 or Ken Waters at 941-361-6210 x 261). 100% of donations will be spent on Target gift cards for the children.

2014 Shop with a Cop Event Video

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 15, 2015 – 9:30 a.m.

Three of the four men caught on camera beating a store clerk have been arrested and charged in connection to an aggravated battery case that occurred in November 2015.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department have arrested the following three men:
 

• Robert V. Smith IV, 22, 4630 61st Drive East, Sarasota / Charge:  Aggravated Battery
   

• Willie Jare Vegas, 26, 1115 26th Street Court East, Palmetto / Charge:  Aggravated Battery

   

• Zarirreon L. Milton, 22, 1240 31st Street, Sarasota / Charge: Simple Battery

   

  The fourth individual seen on camera has been identified by Detectives but not charged.  Detectives are working with him as a witness in the investigation.

   

  The original news release sent last week is below.

  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   

  SARASOTA, Fla. – December 10, 2015 – 11:30 a.m.

   

  Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department are attempting to identify four suspects who were involved in an aggravated battery incident on November 12, 2015. Detectives have attempted to identify the four suspects through investigation but have been unsuccessful and are now asking for the public’s help.

   

  On November 12, 2015 at approximately 9 p.m., Sarasota Police Officers responded to the Exxon/Mobile Station, 2525 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in reference a battery. Upon arrival, the clerk told Officers, four male suspects attempted to purchase a cigar. The suspects were unable to provide any identification so the clerk denied the purchase. The suspects argued with the clerk and left the store.

   

  The suspects returned a short time later and confronted the clerk while he was taking garbage to the dumpster outside the store. A verbal dispute occurred between the suspects and the clerk. One of the suspects, an unknown black male, then punched the clerk in the face multiple times.

   

  The clerk attempted to protect himself and wrestled the unknown subject to the ground. The three other unknown black males then joined the physical altercation, punching and kicking the victim multiple times. The altercation was caught on camera and can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Zyeq1NDQ15A 

   

  Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Anthony DeFrancisco at 941-954-7049 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

Zarirreon L. Milton

Robert V. Smith IV

Willie Jare Vegas

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 15, 2015  – 4 p.m.

On Friday, December 11, 2015, the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics, with the assistance of the Street Crimes Unit and SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at 2155 Maple Avenue, Sarasota.

The warrant was a result of complaints of narcotics sales from the residence.  As a result of the search warrant, two people were arrested with another subject having pending warrants.  Detectives seized 12.3 grams of rock cocaine, 1.2 grams of powder cocaine, 4.9 grams of heroin and 17 dosage units of Hydrocodone.

Arrested:               Brittany J. Marshall  (07/18/88), 2155 Maple Avenue, Sarasota
                                Charges:  Trafficking in Heroin 4 – 14 Grams (Felony)
                                Possession of Cocaine with intent to sell within 1000 Feet of a Church (Felony)

                                Derick L. Brown   (06/20/83) 2155 Maple Avenue, Sarasota
                                Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
                                Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 21, 2015 – 8 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department’s Administrative Offices will be closed Thursday, December 24, 2015 – Sunday, December 27, 2015 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Sarasota Police Department Administrative Offices will re-open on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 8 a.m. Administrative Offices will also be closed on Friday, January 1, 2016 for the New Year’s Day holiday.

There will be no change in patrol functions of the Sarasota Police Department during the holidays. The Sarasota Police Department can be reached at (941) 316-1199 for non-emergencies. In case of an emergency, dial 911.

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 21, 2015  – 2:30 p.m.

In partnership with the Luhrsen Law Group, the Sarasota Police Department will hold another free “Blue + You” Movie Night on Sunday, December 27, 2015.  Field access begins at 6 p.m. and the movie, ‘The Polar Express,” begins at 7 p.m. on the west end field area of the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.

The community is welcome to bring blankets and chairs, invite neighbors, family members and friends and watch “The Polar Express.”  The movie will be projected on the wall of the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters.  Snacks and water will be provided.

“Blue + You” is an initiative that honors the local community and connects them with the Sarasota Police Department.  The “Blue + You” movie series begin in April 2014.

SARASOTA, Fla. – December 28, 2015 – 8:30 a.m.

The men and women of the Sarasota Police Department are working to make sure our community can enjoy a safe start to the New Year. To make sure our community stays safe, officers are encouraging people to avoid driving while intoxicated and refrain from discharging weapons in the air as a way of celebrating the arrival of 2016.

The annual Pineapple Drop will be held again in downtown Sarasota at Lemon Avenue and Main Street. The Sarasota Police Department is asking those planning to celebrate to please leave backpacks, coolers and alcohol at home.

Some individuals have celebrated the arrival of the New Year by firing a weapon into the air. This is known as celebratory gunfire and is dangerous and illegal. "What goes up, must come down." A bullet fired into the air is going to come down and the unintended consequences can be tragic. It is against the law to fire a weapon in the City of Sarasota; Violators can expect to be arrested. Please see our Public Service Announcement asking visitors and residents to refrain from celebratory gunfire at http://youtu.be/9MaODNzokxo

If part of your holiday celebrations include consuming alcoholic beverages, plan ahead by not driving while impaired. There are safer and less expensive ways of travel: Use a designated driver, take a taxi or take advantage of the free ‘Tow to Go’ service offered through AAA. For Tow to Go in Sarasota, you can call 1-855-2-TOW-2-GO (1-855-286-9246) The Sarasota Police Department will be out on New Year’s Eve and there will be no tolerance for the dangerous act of drinking and driving.

Several roads will be closed for the annual Pineapple Drop on December 31, 2015. Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense. For information on towed vehicles, please call Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.

 5 a.m., December 30, 2015 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2016: Lemon Avenue closed from Main St. to Pineapple Ave

 5 a.m., December 30, 2015 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2016: State Street closed from the Church of the Redeemer Parking Lot to State St. Garage

 6 a.m., December 31, 2015 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2016: Lemon Avenue closed from Main Street to 1st Street

 6 a.m., December 31, 2015 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2016: Main Street closed from Orange Avenue to Central Avenue

 6 a.m., December 31, 2015 – 9 a.m. January 1, 2016: 1st Street Closed from Lemon Avenue to Whole Foods

SARASOTA, Fla. – January 6, 2015 – 9 a.m.

The 18th Annual ‘Thunder by the Bay’ Motorcycle Festival begins Thursday, January 7, 2016 and will continue through Sunday, January 10, 2016 in downtown Sarasota. The Sarasota Police Department will be closing roads for the festival beginning Friday. The following road closures will be in effect between Friday and Sunday.

Street closures will be as follows – Friday, January 8, 2016 at 2 p.m. – Midnight for ‘Hogs on Hillview’

 Hillview Street: US 41 to Osprey Avenue

Street closures will be as follows – Friday, January 8, 2016 at 8 a.m. – Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

 Frist Street: Central Avenue to Pineapple Avenue

Street closures will be as follows – Friday, January 8, 2016 at 2 p.m. – Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 8 p.m.

 Main Street: US41 to the 1300 block of West of Alley

 Gulfstream Avenue (east side of the median): Main Street to Gulfstream Towers Garage

 Gulfstream Avenue (west side of the median): Main Street to McAnsh

 Gulfstream Avenue (east side of the median): Main Street to Cocoanut Avenue

 Gulfstream Avenue (west side of the median): Main Street to Banana Court

    Gulfstream Avenue (east side of the median):  Cocoanut to Banana Court

Street closures will be as follows – Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 6 a.m. – Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

 Main Street: Pineapple to east of 1300 block of Alley

 Gulfstream Avenue (east side of the median) Cocoanut to Banana Court

 Central Avenue: Main Street to First Street

 Main Street: Central Avenue to Lemon Avenue (roundabout will be open)

 Main Street: Lemon Avenue to Orange Avenue

 South Palm Avenue: Main Street to McAnsh

 North Palm Avenue: Main Street to Alleyway by Epicure

 Lemon Avenue: First Street to State Street

Vehicles not removed by the posted times will be towed at the owner’s expense. For information on towed vehicles, please contact Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.

SARASOTA, Fla. – January 6, 2015 – 10 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is informing the public that Willie Brown has registered as a Sexual Predator living in the City of Sarasota. Willie Brown has a new transient address of Martin Luther King Way and North Orange Avenue, Sarasota.

Brown was designated as a Sexual Predator January 12, 2006 in Pinellas County, Florida. His past charges include sexual battery of a victim under 12. Brown is a black male, 5'10 feet tall, 170 pounds, brown hair and grey eyes.

Photographs and additional information on sexual offenders and predators can be retrieved on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website at www.fdle.state.fl.us Residents can also sign up to receive notifications from FDLE of sex offender and predator registrations and address changes.

The Sarasota Police Department distributes this information to area schools, state registered daycare centers and posts the information on all social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Sarasota Police Department website, www.sarasotapd.org

SARASOTA, Fla. – January 8, 2015  – 9 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is taking you on another “virtual ride-along.”  On Tuesday, January 12, 2016 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Twitter users can “ride along” for another ‘Tweet from the Beat.’ 

To join the Sarasota Police Department in the virtual ride along:  If you already have a Twitter account, follow the Sarasota Police Department under the handle @SarasotaPD.  If you aren’t on Twitter, you can go to www.twitter.com and sign up.  It’s easy, quick and free.  Once an account is created, you can follow @SarasotaPD.

Throughout the shift, Patrol Officer Kevin Schafer and other Patrol Officers will share what they see and do through texts, videos and photos.  The Partnership Policing Communications Coordinator will tweet on behalf of the Officers.  People following @SarasotaPD will be able to ask questions and interact with Officers on the road.

“This event is a great opportunity for our local and virtual community to communicate and interact with our Officers in the city we protect and serve,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino.  “Our ‘Tweet from the Beat’ program has been very successful with residents and law enforcement from here in the City of Sarasota and all over the country as they interact with us.”

Sarasota Police Department’s ‘Tweet from the Beat’ program started in November 2013.

SARASOTA, Fla. – January 11, 2016 – 8:45 a.m.

For the third year in a row, the Sarasota Police Department is collecting jeans for the ‘Teens for Jeans’ campaign. The collection is part of the ‘Teens for Jeans’ campaign promoted by Aeropostale stores and www.DoSomething.org

The Sarasota Police Department lobby has a yellow bin and our department will serve as one of the collection points for donated jeans. More than 1.5 million teenagers and children are homeless in the United States. ‘Teens for Jeans’ is a campaign that helps those children and teens needing it the most.

"When children run away or are taken to a shelter for immediate assistance, it’s often without any personal belongings. They’re sent to school with borrowed items and feel like they stick out. Children that are able to have a pair of jeans to wear to school, it helps them fit in and it doesn’t make them feel like attention is being immediately drawn to them by what they are wearing," said Captain Corinne Stannish, Criminal Investigations Division, Sarasota Police Department. Captain Stannish is heading up the campaign.

Donations of new or gently used jeans can be dropped off from today, Monday, January 11, 2016 through Monday, January 25, 2016 at the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters located at 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237.

For more information about the program, visit http://www.dosomething.org/teensforjeans

SARASOTA, Fla. -- January 11, 2016 -- 11 a.m.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department have arrested a father and mother for felony child abuse and felony child neglect after learning they were not feeding their children and beating them. Kimberly Haygood, 27, of Sarasota and Anthony Jones, 30, of Sarasota have both been arrested. The children in this case are a 6-year-old boy and a set of twins, a 4-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl.

Sarasota Police Detectives received a call from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) about a child abuse case they were investigating on Thursday. Sarasota Police discovered Haygood and Jones were not feeding the three children and they were extremely malnourished and dehydrated. The 4-year-old boy weighed only 22 pounds when he was checked into All Children’s Hospital. The 4-year-old girl only weighed 26 pounds. Doctors told investigators 22 pounds is the average weight of an 11-month old baby. Investigators also discovered multiple markings and scars constant with inflicted injury from a belt on two of the children.

Detective Megan Buck said, "The sight of the 4-year-old boy took my breath away. My description of him when I saw him was that he looked like a skeleton. His body was skin and bones. He has no hair because of lack of nutrients. He has a skin rash and marks from the lack of nutrients. He is non-verbal and cannot talk."

Haygood has been charged with 5 felony counts: Aggravated Child Abuse (2 counts), Child Neglect – Greatly Bodily Harm (2 counts) and Child Neglect. Jones has been charged with 5 felony counts: Aggravated Child Abuse (2 counts), Child Neglect – Greatly Bodily Harm (2 counts) and Child Abuse.

Both Haygood and Jones were at first appearance on Saturday. Haygood is being held on a $50,000 bond with no contact with the victims and no contact with Jones. Jones is being held on a $60,000 bond with no contact with victims or minors. Additional charges for both Haygood and Jones are pending.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- January 20, 2015 -- 3:30 p.m.

Sarasota Police Officers working with the United States Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Taskforce have arrested Rufus L. Adams, 34 (date of birth 4/29/1981).  Rufus Adams has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder in connection to the death of William B. Shipp which occurred on January 15, 2016.  At about noon today, Adams was arrested without incident as a result of a traffic stop which occurred in the 5900 block of North Shade Avenue, Sarasota.

This arrest was in reference to the homicide which occurred on Friday, January 15, 2016 where Sarasota Police Officers responded to 1524 25th Street, Sarasota, at approximately 6 a.m. for a shooting.  When they arrived, they found Shipp with gunshot wounds.  Shipp was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where he died several hours later.

The motive and case remains under investigation.  Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Detective Maria Llovio at 941-364-7336 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, Fla. – January 22, 2016 – 10:30 a.m.

On Tuesday, Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino will host ‘Tea with the Chief’ at the Bijou Café in Sarasota. ‘Tea with the Chief’ is an opportunity for residents, visitors, local business owners and members of the media to speak with Chief DiPino as well as several Patrol Officers about any issues or concerns they may have.

"This is the first ‘Tea with the Chief’ we’re holding. It’s to expand on our other community outreach program, ‘Coffee with a Cop,’ said Chief DiPino. "We encourage our community to meet with us, bring concerns or just take time to get to know the members of our agency. These types of interactions are the foundation of community policing and community partnership."

‘Tea with the Chief’ will be held at the Bijou Café, 1287 1st Street, Sarasota from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone.