Author Archives: Jay Butchko
2 of 4 Suspects Linked to Fraud and Theft Ring Arrested
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced in early June it arrested two people who were part of an organized cellphone and identity theft ring that extended throughout Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Mississippi. Edouard Fleurant, 36, and Carlos Milan, 28, both of Kissimmee, have been charged with organized fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and… Read More »
SUV Involved in Fatal Hit and Run in Osceola County Found
On June 1, Amelia Nucum, 62, was struck by a vehicle while crossing West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway around 9:30 at night. She and her boyfriend were walking back to their motel from Target. Her boyfriend described hearing a loud sound and then turning around to see Nucum on the ground of the motel… Read More »
Osceola County Officers Arrest Man for Drawing Gun on Car Accident Victim
What began as a minor vehicle accident ended with criminal charges for aggravated assault and grand theft auto. Carlos Luis Mercado was involved in a minor collision yet failed to stop to exchange information. After pulling into a Publix parking lot followed by the other driver involved in the crash, Mercado exited his vehicle… Read More »
Kissimmee Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident
As we head into summer, more motorcycle riders are going to hit the roads. While it is thrilling to head around town or travel on the highways on two wheels, motorcycles present a serious risk for riders who are not careful. Motorcycles offer no protection from the elements or traffic accidents, which is why… Read More »
Kissimmee Firefighter Arrested for Second DUI While her Child Was in the car
In early May, a Kissimmee firefighter was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) with a child in the car. Samantha Lopez, 37, was stopped by a police officer after that officer witnessed her nearly causing multiple accidents on Eudora Road prior to pulling into a Walmart parking lot. According to initial reports, Lopez… Read More »
When The Police Can Pull You Over: Understanding Reasonable Suspicion
Somedays it feels like police officers have all of the power. It can seem like they have the ability to stop and question you whenever they like. However, this is not true. You have essential Constitutional rights that officers cannot violate without serious consequences. Because of your Constitutional rights to privacy and to be… Read More »
Last “Cocaine Cowboy” Arrested Near Kissimmee
One of the last of the men known as Miami’s “Cocaine Cowboys” has been arrested near Kissimmee, Florida, and jailed in Miami. The term Cocaine Cowboys refers to drug traffickers and dealers from a period of time beginning in the last 1970s and ending in the early 1990s, during which Colombian drug traffickers become… Read More »
How You Teach Your Teen to Drive Can Have Major Consequences
A 14-year-old was practicing his driving with his family in the car when he caused a one-vehicle accident on Interstate-4 in mid-April. The teen was driving a 2000 Ford Explorer with six other individuals in the vehicle when he attempted to change lanes, over-corrected to avoid a collision, lost control of the vehicle and… Read More »
Former Osceola County Commissioner Killed in Bicycle Accident in April
Frank Attkisson was killed after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bike down Kissimmee Park Road around 7 p.m. on April 6. Emergency responders took him to a local hospital where he later passed away. Attkisson was active in politics throughout his life, serving as Kissimmee Mayor, Osceola County Commissioner, and a… Read More »
Florida Appeals Court Decides Police Need Warrant to Download a Vehicle’s “Black Box”
The Fourth District Court of Appeals in Florida recently determined that law enforcement agencies need a warrant to retrieve and download information from a vehicle’s “black box.” These types of digital recorders, also known an event data recorders or modules, are no longer just for planes. Commercial trucks gained them in recent years and… Read More »
