SARASOTA, Fla. -- April 27, 2016 - 11:30 a.m.

On Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Sarasota Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are partnering to give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. 

Residents and citizens are asked to bring pills for disposal to the front lobby of the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.  (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps; only pills or patches.)  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Other Law Enforcement Drop Off Locations in Sarasota County:
• 2071 Ringling Boulevard (Sarasota); Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
• 2099 Adams Lane; Sarasota Police Department
• 501 College Drive; New College Police Department
• 1350 Ridgewood Avenue; Venice Police Department
• 4531 State Road 776 (Venice); Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
• 4980 City Hall Boulevard; North Port Police Department

All locations with the exception of New College Police Department have permanent drop boxes.  Several photos of the permanent drop-box at Sarasota Police Department Headquarters are below.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- April 27, 2016 -- 3 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 26, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Narcotics Unit and Patrol Division, conducted a prostitution operation targeting individuals soliciting prostitutes.  These individuals are known as “Johns.”

The operation was conducted in the 4700 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Four (4) men were arrested and charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.  One vehicle was also seized under City Code 33-271.

Donald R. Mandel, 71

2320 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

Charge: Solicitation for Prostitution   

Humberto S. Aguirre, 22

315 60th Avenue East, Bradenton

Charge:  Solicitation for Prostitution     

David J Yoder, 61
3869 TR 162, Sugar Creek, Ohio
Charge:  Solicitation for Prostitution

Garry F. McCulloch, 70

800 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota

Charge:  Solicitation for Prostitution

SARASOTA, Fla -- April 28, 2016 -- 8:30 a.m.

At Brookside Middle School, Sarasota Police School Resource Officer Todd Perna works with students twice a month to hold a KAB meeting = Kids Against Bullying.  The KAB acronym was created by Officer Perna.  On Friday, April 29, 2016 at 10:30 a.m., members of the media are invited to attend the last meeting of the school year at Brookside Middle, 3636 South Shade Avenue, Sarasota.

During KAB meetings, Officer Perna and students speak to victims and offenders of bullying and students have an opportunity to speak about the effects and consequences of bullying.  Students take an active role in combating bullying through peer counseling during the meetings.

“Our club members are the eyes and ears of the Brookside Middle School campus,” said Officer Todd Perna.  “Our club members bring any issues to the meetings for discussion and reach out to those students who are involved.  We started this club with the intent to curb the amount of bullying happening on campus and it is working.”

Students share incidents that occur on social media and on campus face to face.  Since KAB formed in January 2016, Officer Perna has seen a dramatic reduction in the amount of reported incidents on and off campus with students.

KAB has 17 student members and two adult Brookside staff members.  The team wears shirts every Friday at school with the KAB logo on them, designed by students.  The shirts identify members of KAB so other students can talk with them about bullying or any other conflicts they might have seen or heard about.  KAB is working to recruit additional members for the next school year. 

SARASOTA, Fla. -- April 29, 2016 -- 1 p.m.

This morning, Herbert Earl Stilley, III, was found guilty on charges of Sexual Battery and Robbery in connection to a case in February 2015.  Stilley was arrested in May 2015 by Sarasota Police Department Detectives after they received DNA evidence linking Stilley to the crime.  The original charges were Armed Home Invasion and Armed Sexual Battery. 

“This conviction is a direct result of the diligent and thorough investigation conducted by Sarasota Police Department Detectives Kim Laster and Steve McDowell.  They did an excellent job,” said Sergeant Johnathan Todd, Criminal Investigations Division.

A sentencing date for Stilley has not been set.  The news release from May 2015 is below.

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MAY 21, 2015

On Wednesday, Herbert Earl Stilley, III, 27, of Sarasota, was arrested and taken into custody in the 2100 block of Dixie Avenue in Sarasota.  Stilley was wanted on charges of Felony Armed Home Invasion and Felony Armed Sexual Battery in connection to an incident that occurred in February 2015.

On February 10, 2015 at approximately 2 a.m., a female reported being the victim of an armed home invasion and armed sexual battery.  The crime happened at the victim’s home.  The victim told Officers she was sitting at home with her husband when Stilley entered her home with a small firearm and pointed the firearm at the victim’s face and demanded her phone.  Her husband was outside at the time.  Stilley then asked “Where is the money?”  Both the victim and her husband are deaf but can read lips.  The couple’s children were asleep in a nearby bedroom.

In fear for children’s safety, the victim took Stilley back to her bedroom and gave Stilley her purse.  Stilley then sexually battered the victim.  Due to Stilley having a firearm and being in fear, the victim did not resist.  Following the incident, Stilley ran out of the bedroom and was chased out of the home by the victim’s husband.

Sarasota Police Officers have been actively working on this investigation since February and based on newly received DNA evidence, a warrant was issued for Stilley’s arrest.  Stilley was arrested on Wednesday morning and charged with Felony Armed Home Invasion and Felony Armed Sexual Battery.  He remains in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

SARASOTA, FL. – May 3, 2016   – 10:30 a.m.

The next New Beginnings II community meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th Street, Sarasota, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This meeting is an opportunity to have an open discussion about Community Orientated & Partnership Policing as well as quality of life issues. This meeting is a continuation from several other neighborhood meetings which were held in July 2014, September 2014, January 2015, May 2015, September 2015 and January 2016.

“These meetings are a chance to continue the conversation about public and officer safety. We will continue to work together to keep our community safe, build relationships and trust and partner with our community to keep the city of Sarasota a safe place to live, work and play,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino.

Residents, community members, business owners and media are invited to attend the meeting.

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SARASOTA, Fla. -- May 10, 2016 -- 2:30 p.m.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department want to alert the public about counterfeit currency that has been found in the City of Sarasota.  Detectives are investigating five different cases that have occurred since January 1, 2016.

The counterfeit currency is stamped with the words “For Motion Picture Use Only” and is being passed as real currency.  This has also occurred in other parts of the United States. 

The main difference between the counterfeit bills and the real bills are:  1) Benjamin Franklin has a raised eyebrow.   2) Instead of “United States of America” it says “For Motion Picture Use Only.”  3)  The top of the bill says “One hundred” instead of “One Hundred Dollars.”

The currency can be purchased online for a low cost.  If anyone comes in contact with this counterfeit currency, contact the Sarasota Police Department at 941-366-8000 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, FL. – May 16, 2016   – 11:30 a.m.

On Thursday, May 12, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Narcotics Unit and Patrol Division, conducted a prostitution operation targeting individuals soliciting prostitutes.  These individuals are known as “Johns.”

The operation was conducted along North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.  Four (4) men were arrested and charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.  One (1) man is wanted after fleeing from Officers.  One vehicle was also seized under City Code 33-271.

WANTED:  Thomas Maddox, Jr., 29
                     Last known address:  Venice, FL
                     Pending Charges:  Solicitation of Prostitution, Fleeing to Elude, Possession of     Cocaine, DWLS (Driving While License Suspended)
No booking photo available

Charles Laver, 59
303 Weslyean Road, Venice, FL
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution

Justin Uffinger, 42
911 32nd Street, Sarasota, FL
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution

Rodney Aldrich, 67
7599 West Riverbend Road, Dunellon, FL
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution

Sanford Roth, 56
1760 South Camilla, Safford, Arizona
Charge:  Solicitation of Prostitution

SARASOTA, Fla. -- May 17, 2016 -- 2:30 p.m.

On Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Sarasota Police Department and the Civilian Volunteer Marine Program will team up with the United States Coast Guard Flotilla 84, Longboat Key Police Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission for an Interagency Boating Safety Inspection Day at Centennial Park, 1059 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (also known as the 10th Street Boat Ramp).

“According to the United States Coast Guard, each year, hundreds of lives are lost, thousands are injured and millions of dollars in property damage happens because of preventable recreational boating accidents on our waterways. The Sarasota Police Department wants to make sure everyone has a safe boating season,” said Sergeant Bruce King, Sarasota Police Department.

Families enjoying the Memorial Day weekend may head out for a day on a boat that has seen very little use during the winter. In the excitement of the holiday weekend, safety equipment checks are often overlooked. Families may later find themselves without the necessary equipment in an emergency or be upset when they are cited for violations for local law enforcement.

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SARASOTA, Fla. -- May 18, 2016 - 9:30 a.m.

Officers with the Sarasota Police Department are attempting to identify a subject who caused approximately $31,000 in damages to a parking garage gate at 1390 Main Street, Sarasota.

On May 8, 2016 at approximately 2:15 a.m., Sarasota Police Officers responded to 1390 Main Street after a security guard heard a large crash and noticed an unknown vehicle driving away from the gate area on Mira Mar Court, approximately 250 feet east of Main Street.  The gate is connected to the Zenith Insurance building.  The vehicle in question arrived at the valet at the building the night before at approximately 7:30 p.m. on May 7, 2016.

Video of the vehicle arriving at the valet and the driver along with video of the hit and run can be viewed at https://youtu.be/PREG37k8pF8

Anyone with information on this case, please call Officer Bryan Lundstrom at 941-366-8000 Ext 7929 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, FL. – May 23, 2016 – 8 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies from around the state of Florida and around the country to step up ‘Click It or Ticket’ activities. Research shows that lap/shoulder belts, when used, reduce the risk of fatal injuries to front-seat passengers by 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"We want more people wearing their seat belts. Statistics show that seat belts save lives," said Sarasota Police Traffic Officer Tim Bales. "There are too many people dying on the road and many of those deaths could have been prevented if people took the time to buckle up. We will continue to give citations year-round to those people who still haven’t gotten the message," said Officer Bales.

May 23, 2016 through June 5, 2016, Officers will increase patrols to look for impaired or intoxicated drivers, seat belt and child restraint violators, aggressive drivers, speeding violations, texting violations and every day traffic violations.

In an effort to remind drivers and passengers to buckle up year round, the Sarasota Police Department also created a Public Service Announcement which can be viewed on our YouTube page at http://youtu.be/3piuZh6I7mc

SARASOTA, FL. – May 24, 2016  – 8:30 a.m.

The Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 30, 2016 starting at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Osprey Avenue in downtown Sarasota.  There will be several tow away zones and street closure notices will be in place for the following times:

Monday, May 30, 2016 Street Closures:

• 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Main Street from U.S. 301 to Mira Mar Court

• 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Links Avenue from Fruitville Road to Ringling Boulevard

• 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Osprey Avenue from Fruitville Road to Ringling Boulevard

• 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Central Avenue from Main Street to 1st Street

• 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. – First Street from Pineapple Avenue to Central Avenue

• 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Pineapple Avenue from State Street to First Street

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.

The Memorial Day holiday weekend begins on Friday.  The National Safety Council estimates 383 traffic fatalities and another 46,300 medically consulted injuries may happen over the traditional summer kick-off weekend from motor vehicle crashes.

The Sarasota Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down, buckle up and drive safely.  Currently the Sarasota Police Department is joining law enforcement from around the country for ‘Click It or Ticket’ through June 5, 2016.  In Florida, all motorists are required to wear a seat belt when riding in the front seat and passengers under the age of 18 must use proper seat restraints.  When traveling this weekend, remember these safety tips:

• Reduce your speed.  More speeding-related fatalities happen during the summer months than any other time of the year.

• Refrain from using cell phones or devices when driving.

• Designate a sober driver or take alternate transportation if you consume alcohol.

• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during bad weather.

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SARASOTA, Fla. -- May 24, 2016 -- 2 p.m.

In partnership with Culver's, the Sarasota Police Department will hold another free “Blue + You” Movie Night on Sunday, May, 29, 2016 at 8 p.m.  There is no school the next day, Monday, May 30, 2016. 

Field access begins at 7 p.m.  The movie ‘Norm of the North' will begin at 8 p.m. on the west end field area of the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.

The community is invited to this free event and are welcome to bring blankets and chairs, invite neighbors, family members and friends and watch ‘Norm of the North.’ The movie will be projected on the wall of the Sarasota Police Department Headquarters. Snacks and water will be provided.

Other sponsors of 'Norm of the North' include Regal Cinemas, Ringling College of Art and Design and Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition.

“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, FL. – June 7, 2016   – 10 a.m.

On Friday, June 10, 2016, Chief Bernadette DiPino will hold a swearing-in ceremony and promotional ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the 2nd Floor Community Room at the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.  One (1) new Sarasota Police Officer will be sworn in and a Sergeant will be promoted to Lieutenant.  

The following Officer will join the Sarasota Police Department as 2nd Class Probation:

• Officer Gustavo Lux

  • Officer Lux was born and raised in Colombia and moved to Florida in 2013.  He speaks English and Spanish.  He graduated from Brick Township High School and attended Ocean County College in New Jersey.  He received his LEO training from Manatee Technical College, Florida Law Enforcement Academy.  He’s a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 10 years of military service in the U.S. Army.  Officer Lux chose a career in law enforcement since it’s similar to the military.  He wants to help the Sarasota Police Department build a positive relationship with our community.

The following Sergeant will be promoted to Lieutenant:

• Lieutenant Demetri Konstantopoulos

Friends, family, community members and media are welcome to attend the ceremony.

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SARASOTA, FL. – June 8, 2016   – 1:30 p.m.

Tomorrow, Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 9 a.m., Officers with the Sarasota Police Department will compete against the Sarasota County Fire Department for a charity ‘Hoagies for Heroes’ event at Wawa’s grand opening located at 3703 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota.

‘Hoagies for Heroes’ puts local heroes against each other in a hoagie building battle of bravery, skill and sandwich making expertise.  After going through a brief hoagie-building training course, each team is challenged to build as many hoagies as possible in three minutes in the traditional ‘Wawa way.’  While the winning team will receive bragging rights and a trophy, both teams will receive checks in the amount of $1,000 from Wawa towards the charity of their choice.

Chief Bernadette DiPino has chosen Special Olympics of Sarasota County as the local charity for the Sarasota Police Department.  The Firefighters Benevolent Fund is the charity for the Sarasota County Fire Department.

Media is welcome to attend the ‘Hoagies for Heroes’ Competition.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- June 17, 2016 -- 3:15 p.m.

This morning, Ronald McBride, 22, of Sarasota, was found guilty on six (6) felony charges including Human Trafficking (sexual).  This is the first case, locally, where a suspect has been found guilty of Human Trafficking.

 All charges stem from a December 2015 case.  McBride was found guilty this morning of Human Trafficking (sexual), Aggravated Assault with a Weapon, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery with a Firearm, False Imprisonment and Sexual Battery.  The Probable Cause Affidavit (PCA) with information regarding the December 2015 arrest is attached.

 “This is a victory for the Sarasota Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit and our partners Selah Freedom on behalf of all victims of human trafficking,” said Captain Corinne Stannish, Criminal Investigations Division.  Human beings being sexually exploited is inexcusable and we are proud to have worked hard to put Ronald McBride behind bars for his crimes.  Prostitution is not the world’s oldest profession, it’s the world’s oldest abuse story.” Said Captain Stannish.

“The intensity with which we are coming against drug trafficking is also how we are coming against human trafficking.  Survivors of sex trafficking are the most vulnerable in our community,” said Kindsey Pentecost, Law Enforcement Liaison for Selah Freedom.  “Predators know exactly how to prey upon them.  Our collaboration with the Sarasota Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office is helping to stop that.”

 McBride is expected to be sentenced in September. 

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SARASOTA, FL. – June 20, 2016   – 11:30 a.m.

On Sunday, June 19, 2016 at approximately 3 a.m., Sarasota Police Officers responded to the area of Mound Street and Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, for a single motorcycle crash.  The motorcyclist, Ryan Pignatelli, 32, of 5611 47th Court East, Bradenton, struck the guardrail and was ejected from the motorcycle. 

The motorcycle continued southbound on Mound Street and came to a rest at the intersection of Palm Avenue and Mound Street.  Pignatelli was awake, alert and speaking when Officers and paramedics arrived on scene.  He was transported as a non-trauma status to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Later in the shift, Sarasota Police Officers responded to Sarasota Memorial Hospital to check on the status of Pignatelli and learned he had severe internal injuries.  Pignatelli died at approximately 5 a.m. at SMH.

Pignatelli’s next of kin has been notified.  It’s unknown at this time if alcohol, drugs or speed were a factor in the crash.

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SARASOTA, FL. – June 20, 2016   – 1:30 p.m.

Lamarcus A. Slydell, 27, of 2504 Booker Avenue, Sarasota, has been arrested after being in possession of three fully loaded firearms Monday at approximately 6:30 a.m. in the 1900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Sarasota.  Slydell is a convicted felon with a felony conviction date of 2006.

Patrol Officers were contacted by Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division after they received information through investigations reference a male who was a convicted felon and in possession of multiple firearms; a revolver and two semi-automatic pistols.  Officers approached Slydell and noticed at least one of the firearms in a pocket.  Slydell told Officers he bought the firearms in West Palm Beach and the only reason he had them was because he had been shot at five times.

The three firearms recovered from Slydell were:

• Smith & Wesson .32 caliber six shot revolver

  • The Smith and Wesson was fully loaded with six Aguila bullets in the cylinder

• Jennings 22 caliber semi-automatic pistol

  • The Jennings semi-automatic had five 22 caliber long rifle bullets in the magazine and none chambered

• Talon 9mm semi-automatic pistol

  • The Talon semi-automatic had 10 9mm luger bullets in the magazine and none chambered

“It’s obvious that this individual was heavily armed for a purpose.  It is unknown, at this time, what that purpose was, but the citizens in our community can be assured that we took a very dangerous individual off the streets today,” Lieutenant. Randy Boyd, Criminal Investigations Division.  “Anytime a person arms themselves in such a manner, knowing they are a convicted felon, causes concern about their intent.”

Slydell has been charged with three (3) counts of Carrying a Concealed Firearm - Felony; Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon due to having three different firearms on his person- Felony;  Possession of a Ammunition by a Convicted Felon – Felony.

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SARASOTA, Fla. -- June 24, 2016 -- 12:30 p.m.

This morning at approximately 8 a.m., Sarasota Police Officers responded to the intersection of 10th Street and Central Avenue, Sarasota, for a three vehicle crash involving a vehicle, tow truck and 18-wheeler.

The tow truck, driven by Michael Aprill, date of birth 12/27/1978, of Bradenton, was driving westbound on 10th Street when it rear ended a green Toyota.  The Toyota crashed into a nearby cement pole.  The driver of the Toyota was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

 The tow truck continued westbound on 10th Street and then rear-ended an 18-wheeler.  During the crashes, diesel fuel was leaked from the tow truck causing the westbound lanes of 10th Street to be closed for about an hour.

Aprill has two warrants for uttering a forged instrument (fraud).  He was arrested and charged with three (3) counts of DUI with property damage, one (1) count of DUI personal injury and received a citation for driving with a license suspended without knowledge.

Michael Aprill

SARASOTA, Fla. -- 3:30 a.m. -- June 24, 2016

At approximately 1:46am, Sarasota Police Officers responded to Main Street and Orange Avenue, Sarasota, in reference to a single motorcycle crash.  

The motorcycle was traveling east bound on Main Street and failed to negotiate the roundabout at Orange and Main.  The rider struck the roundabout and was ejected off of the motorcycle and died as a result of injuries.  The next of kin has been notified.  The victim is Aleksandr V. Vasilevskiy, of Delta Junction, Alaska, age 27. 

The intersection of Main and Orange was closed for several hours.  Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.  It's unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.  The investigation is ongoing.