Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Child Left Unsupervised at Florida Rest Stop, Leads to Arrests
Three adults from Columbus, Ohio were arrested and face multiple criminal charges after Florida police officers were called about a 6-year-old boy being left unsupervised at a rest stop on Interstate 95. The young boy approached a woman in her vehicle when he could not find his grandparents. The woman contacted the police. About… Read More »
Individuals Charged With Fraud After Posing Online as Federal Agents
In July, six Florida residents were arrested and charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for posing online as Department of Homeland Security agents for nearly two years. These individuals created online dating profiles posing as adult women. Once they began communicating and exchanging photos with men, they would state they… Read More »
Fatal Crash Involving Tennis Star Illustrates the Importance of the Rules of the Road
Venus Williams, a celebrated tennis player, was involved in a fatal car crash in June. Witnesses state Williams ran a red light while in her Toyota SUV and was struck by a Hyundai sedan that had the green. The collision harmed Linda Barson, who was driving, and severely injured her husband and passenger, Jerome… Read More »
Florida Sees Multiple Dog Bite Claims This Summer
Dog bites and other animals attacks occur year-round in Florida and these cases are only two examples of the types of dog bite claims that head to court. In May, Arnaldo Daniel Rodriguez filed a suit against Jose and Reinaldo Montes alleging a violation of Florida’s dog bite statute and negligence. Rodriguez claims he… Read More »
Road Rage Can Lead to Criminal Charges
A man from Georgia was recently arrested for shooting at another vehicle while driving on the Florida Turnpike in Orange County. Kent Elkins, 52, was driving with his wife in their Chevy Equinox around 3:45 in the afternoon when a Mazda SUV driven by Reynold Sheltra, 48, and his family attempted to pass. Elkins… Read More »
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 »
