Thank the good Lord for his many blessings, especially the ones He has provided for your local Police Department personnel, as things have been rather slow in the "policing business" this month, and we certainly hope this trend continues for a long, long time. We, your friendly police officers, want to thank each and every one of you for this "slow down" period. We still continue to be on guard, but it is nice to relax and pay attention to the smaller problems that each and every one of you encounters on a daily basis. We encourage you to call our local number anytime you have problems, regardless of how minor you may think they are, as responding to something minor may prevent the problem from escalating into something greater. Please remember, if the call rings through to the Levy County Sheriffs Office do not hang up as they will contact us by radio and we will respond to your needs. May 26, 2007, approximately 7:30PM Officer David Perry conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of SR24 and Whiddon Avenue. Officer Perry, upon receiving permission to conduct a search of vehicle, found less than 20 grams of marijuana and rolling papers in a cigarette pack. The passenger, a juvenile, upon being questioned by Officer Perry, admitted the marijuana and the papers was his. The juvenile was transported to the police department, his parents were notified, and upon their arrival he was released in to their custody. A sworn complaint was filed with the juvenile authorities and the young male awaits their decision. .June 2, 2007, approximately 1:30AM, Corporal Eddie Merritt, traveling northbound on SR24, observed a white Chevrolet pickup traveling at what appeared to be at a speed in excess of the posted 35MPH speed zone. Cpt. Merritt, while pace clocking the vehicle with his cruiser clocked the suspect vehicle at 54MPH, 19 miles an hour over the posted speed limit. Cpl Merritt finally stopped the vehicle at Number Four (4) Bridge, making contact with the driver, Mr. Michael .Joseph Harvey of Williston, FL, asking him for his driver`s license, proof of
insurance and registration. While speaking to Mr. Harvey Cpt. Merritt observed slurred speech, bloodshot, water eyes, slow motor movements and detected what appeared to be the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle and Mr. Harvey`:; breath. Mr. Harvey agreed to submit to a battery of Field Sobriety Tests, normally submitted by the officer to determine ones ability to drive a vehicle; when consumption of alcohol is suspected. Mr. Harvey failed the tests and was arrested by Cpt. Merritt for driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage; transported to the Levy County .Jail where he refused to submit to an Intoxilizer Breath Test used to determine an individual`s Blood Alcohol Content. Mr. Harvey was booked into the jail and awaited first appearance on the DUI charge. .June 13, 2007, approximately 2:00PM, Officer David Perry responded to the Fenimore Mill Condos reference a Criminal Mischief complaint in one of condos. Upon Officer Perry`s arrival the complainant stated that over the previous weekend the condo had been vandalized by the occupants, who had resided there. Almost the
entire condo had either been covered with human feces, or vomit, including some of the walls and the furniture. Officer Perry photographed the entire area an,d was advised by the complainant, who made contact with the individual renting the condo for friends, and he advised he would be responsible for all damages. I cannot begin to imagine any normal adult performing such acts as this, especially when a friend provided them w_th an excellent place to stay. Oh well, I guess it takes all kinds of people to make this old world go `round. June 14,2007, approximately 10:20PM, Officer David Perry observed Mr. William G. Buesing, Cedar Key, drive by the Island Jiffy Store, SR24 and Whiddon Avenue, and was knowledgeable of an outstanding arrest warrant for Mr. Buesing out of
South Carolina. Officer Perry initiated a traffic stop on Mr. Buesing and confirmed the warrant through Levy County Sheriffs Office Communications. Upon receiving confirmation, Officer Perry arrested Mr. Buesing; transported him to the Levy County Jail where he awaits extradition to South Carolina for the violation of probation warrant. June 14, 2007, approximately 10:33PM, Corporal Eddie Merritt served a warrant on Mr. Victor G. Stahl, Chiefland, FL, for Failure to Pay Child Support. He was transported to the Levy County Jail and booked in on the aforementioned charge. Purge amount for the warrant is $1090.00. June 14, 2007, approximately 2:00AM, CpI. Eddie Merritt made contact with a green colored Mercury vehicle, after the driver made an abrupt turn off 3rd Street on to SR24, and the vehicle began to accelerate northbound. CpI. Merritt initiated a stop on the Mercury after the vehicle appeared to be` driven in a careless manner. The driver, Mr. Joseph Stephen Torres, Newberry, FL, appeared to have been drinking and was only 19 years of age. Cpl. Merritt asked Mr. Torres where he had been served alcohol, due to his young age? Mr. Torres advised he had been shooting pool at Coconuts Bar, when he purchased a beer, but was never asked for any type of ID. Mr. Torres was asked by Cpl Merritt if he would submit to a battery of tests to determine if he had consumed too much alcohol to be driving. After Mr. Torres passed these tests he was asked by CpI. Merritt if he would accompany him to Coconuts, and attempt to identify the person who served him the beer. He agreed to go with CpI. Merritt and upon their arrival at Coconuts Mr. Torres identified the bartender, known by Cpl. Merritt as Mr. Michael C. Gordon, Cedar Key, as the individual who served the minor the beer. Cpl. Merritt advised Mr. Gordon that a sworn complaint would be filed against him with the States Attorney in Bronson, alleging the sale of alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The City sponsored Summer Program is in full swing now and the children are having a fun time. They have attended a movie; participated in daily activities at the School Gym, and enjoy a daily routine as provided by their sponsors; Ms. Kathy Polk and Ms. Elaine Rains. Please continue to use caution while driving around town, since the children will be walking to the City Library, and the City Park, once the construction there is completed.
Don`t forget the CLAMERICA Celebration on July 4th, as it will be a full day of on activities, including good food, entertainment and the Grand Finale as always; the Fireworks. It will again be supervised this year by our courageous Cedar Key Firemen, who continue to volunteer their time in an effort to protect our homes, and lives, with very little compensation. They are very well trained and are continually attending classes to become State Certified in all aspects of firefighting. Most of these courageous men and women maintain their daily employment while fighting fires, as well as assisting our EMS personnel in the capacity of First Responder. Too, we appreciate their Employers being so understanding and supporting this fine group of men and women, who never waiver regardless of the dangers involved in their firefighting profession. If you see them around town, at the Fire Station, or in their activity of fighting fires, please give them an "Atta-Boy," as they all deserve to be recognized and congratulated for a job well done. Well, it appears that our Legislature has failed to do their assigned tasks; returning their incompleted task of "tax reduction" back to their constituents instead of biting the bullet and passing the lower taxation themselves. We elect them to do a job and in turn they want us, as voters, to keep the heat off them by passing "tax reduction legislation" ourselves. This way they can always say: "Well we gave you a choice and you apparently made a wrong one," if things do not work out the way we wanted it to. The wrong choice, if one is made, is the fact they failed to make the choice they were elected to do in the first place. Until next time, continue to be safe, work hard and in spite of what some want us to believe; I for one did not come from an amphibian, monkey or any other animal. I was created in the likeness of One much more powerful than anyone promoting evolution. May God continue to bless you, keeping you and yours healthy at all times. |
