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BURGLARY ARREST

April 2, 2002

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has arrested and charged 43 year-old Danilo Codina and charged him with one count of Burglary-Business.

Codina was arrested at approximately 11:00 p.m. last night, April 1, 2002, after a witness observed him breaking out the window of the Lens Crafters located at 1744 North Federal Highway. Before police arrived, Codina fled the scene in a blue Ford with the witness following and updating police on their location. Codina was stopped in the 700 block of West Sunrise Blvd. where he was taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation Codina was found to have a laceration to his right arm, (blood was found at the scene) and several pairs of eyeglasses were found in the vehicle along with the object used to smash out the front window of the Lens Crafters.

Codina was transported to the fort Lauderdale Police Department where he spoke to Detectives. Detectives expect to charge Codina with several other burglaries in the city and have contacted other jurisdictions in Broward and Palm Beach County that have had similar smash and grab burglaries of eyeglass and optical businesses.

Additional charges are expected to follow.

The estimated loss of the Lens Crafters burglary from last night would have been in excess of $30,000.00.

ARRESTED: Danilo Codina, 09-04-58

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HOMICIDE

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred at 1109 NW 5 Avenue at approximately 5:19 PM, Saturday, April 06, 2002.

Officer responded to a call of a shooting and found 24 year-old Berry Elizor suffering from several gunshot wounds. Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Witnesses stated that the victim and several other subjects were on foot being chased by at least one suspect who was driving a newer-model blue Mitsubishi Monterro Sport. The suspect is identified as a heavy set, black male with a light complexion. At 1109 NW 5 Avenue the suspect fired several shots from a semi-automatic pistol striking the victim 3 or 4 times in the abdomen, chest and shoulder. The suspect then fled in the vehicle. Four 45-caliber pistol shell casings were found at the scene. Detectives also found blue headrest at the scene, which they believe came from the suspect’s vehicle.

Detectives have a partial tag number, which they’re trying to match with similar vehicles. Detectives would also like to speak a friend of the victim known only as “Pedro” who may have been with the victim and may have witnessed the crime.

Anyone who has any information about the crime or anyone who may have knowledge of the suspect vehicle is asked to call Detective John Curcio at (954) 828-5529 or Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.

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2002 AIR & SEA SHOW
PUBLIC ADVISORY

April 9, 2002

The 2002 McDonald’s Air & Sea Show is to be held on Fort Lauderdale Beach during the weekend of May 4 & 5, 2002. The show will extend along the four miles of beach, from the 1900 block of North A1A to the 1100 block south. Advisories will be issued to try and make commuting as easy as possible for spectators, and residents.

Traffic Restrictions for Spectators

• Traffic on A1A from East Sunrise Blvd. south to Vistamar St. will be one lane north bound, and one lane south bound from Midnight Wednesday, May 1st , until Tuesday morning May 7h.
• A1A will be closed to vehicular traffic at 12:01a.m. Tuesday, April 30th, from East Sunrise Blvd., north to the 1900 block of A1A, and will reopen Monday night May 6th at 11:59 p.m. There will be one lane north bound, and one lane south bound in this area for residents’ with passes. Residents in this area must enter from the north at N.E. 19 St.; there will be no access from East Sunrise Blvd.
• A1A will be closed from Bayshore Drive to N.E. 19 St during the show.
• East Sunrise Blvd. will be closed to vehicular traffic between Bayview Dr, and A1A during the show.
• Access to the beach for vehicles will be limited, and can only be made by way of S.E. 17 St., East Las Olas Blvd., and East Oakland Park Blvd.
• There will be no eastbound traffic allowed on East Sunrise Blvd. east of Gateway from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday. Traffic will be diverted north on US 1 at the Gateway intersection. This will expedite clearing the beach following the show.
• All businesses in the areas affected by the traffic restrictions will be open their normal hours during the weekend.

Residents and Business Employees

Vehicle passes will be issued to those individuals who live, or work within the restricted areas that will allow them to pass through the two checkpoints. Those checkpoints will be at East Sunrise Blvd and Bayview Drive, and at A1A and N.E. 19 St. Residents with questions about passes, or in need of passes can call (954) 828-6549.

Park & Ride Shuttle Service

A limited, continuous, Park & Ride shuttle bus service will be offered by the City of Fort Lauderdale and by Broward County Transit from downtown parking garages (blue line) and from Holiday Park (red line) to East Sunrise Blvd and the Intracoastal bridge area. There will be a $7.00 charge for parking, and a $3.00 per person charge for round-trip shuttle service. Shuttle service will begin at 8:00 a.m. each day, and will end one hour after the event. (Approximately 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday) Please have exact change.

Downtown Parking: The public may park in downtown city garages. Broward County Transit Buses will pick up, and drop off passengers along S.E. 1 Ave. between Broward Blvd., and S.E. 2 St.

Holiday Park: There will be limited parking available at Holiday Park. Access can be made at Federal Highway and Nininger Drive. Broward County Transit will pick up passengers at Parker Playhouse.

When leaving the beach foe your return trip remember:

• Blue Line = Downtown garages
• Red Line = Holiday Park

Disabled/ Handicapped Access

Information provided in cooperation with the Access Now Organization

Recommended Parking – Located at the Galleria Mall in the Open Blue lot. From I-95 take Sunrise Blvd. exit east to Bayview Drive and proceed Disabled Accommodations Information south (right) and follow signs back around Lord & Taylors to Open Blue Lot at the east end of the Galleria Mall. This lot will accommodate disabled individual’s vehicles. The Galleria Mall will charge a parking fee of $15.

Transportation Accommodations – From 8:00am to 7:00pm on May 4th and 5th Broward County Transit will provide, free of charge, two (2) wheelchair shuttle vans to transport disabled individuals from the designated pick-up/drop-off area at the intersection of NE 26th Avenue and Sunrise Blvd located near the Open Blue Lot of the Galleria Mall Parking. A designated shuttle drop-off and return area will be located at the Fire Station just over the Sunrise Blvd. intracoastal bridge. Please follow the informational and directional signage posted in the parking lot and at the Fire Station to the designated shuttle areas.

Disabled Seating Area – Located on A1A just north of Sunrise. A special fenced off area for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers or other instruments for assistance in mobility will be located at the Sunrise and A1A north location. Service guide dogs will be permitted in this area. Local enforcement officers will secure this area.

Accessible Bathroom Facilities – Located on Sunrise & AIA just opposite the disabled seating section. The first aid station adjacent to the bathroom facilities will make appropriate sanitary materials available.

Beach Access and Parking

Spectators who choose to drive to the beach during show hours will only be able to do so along the 17th Street Causeway, East Las Olas Blvd., and Oakland Park Blvd. No vehicles will be permitted to travel on A1A north of Bayshore Drive, nor will they be permitted south of N.E. 19 St..

Parking beachside will be limited, and parking lots are expected to fill early.

All parking laws will be strictly enforced. Violators will be ticketed, and towed. Use of the park, and ride shuttle service is strongly encouraged.

Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters

Bicycles, skateboards, and electric/gas scooters will all be prohibited in the area of “Show Center” at East Sunrise Blvd., and A1A. Bicycle lock-up areas will be provided at the following locations:

• West of Show Center: South of Sunrise Blvd. NE 9 Ct. & Birch Rd.
• South of Show Center: on A1A between Auramar and Terramer streets
• North of Show Center: along A1A between NE 14ct & NE 19 St.

Pets:

It is a violation of city ordinance 6-4 to have pets on “ any sidewalk or public property on either the west or east side of State Road A1A (including the roadway itself)” or “in the sandy portion of the beach”. Officers will be enforcing the ordinance, asking for voluntary compliance.

Boating Advisory

If you plan to attend the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show by boat, please be advised of the following safety restrictions

There will be a restricted safety zone four miles long, north to south, beginning north of Oakland Park Boulevard and extending south to the Port Everglades Inlet. The restricted area will extend from shore out to 4,000 feet and will be well marked with buoys. The Port Everglades Channel will remain open for traffic, however all vessels must proceed east past the 4,000 foot marker before heading north.

The restricted safety zone will be strictly enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Florida Marine Patrol, Fort Lauderdale Police Department Marine Unit, Broward County Sheriff Marine Unit, and other local law enforcement agencies. Boaters are strongly reminded that boating and drinking don’t mix.

There also will be several waterway closures in Port Everglades throughout McDonald’s Fleet Week. U. S. Coast Guard, Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Broward Sheriff's Office vessels will close Port Everglades during the following dates and times to allow the Navy vessels to safely enter and exit the port:

• Monday, April 29, 2002 - 7:30 a.m. To 10:30 a.m.
• Friday, May 3, 2002 - 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Intracoastal Waterway will be closed to all traffic from the Dania Cut Off Canal (South) to the tip of Burt and Jack’s Restaurant (North) on Thursday, May 2, 2002, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending at midnight.

Recreational and commercial traffic are advised that from April 29 through May 3 the portion of the Intracoastal Waterway from Dania Cut Off Canal (south) to the tip of Burt and Jack’s Restaurant (north) will be partially restricted due to existing U.S. Naval Vessel Security Zones. Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence along this portion of the Intracoastal Waterway to assist boaters in staying well to the east while transiting the area.

Due to federal security regulations, boaters are not allowed to come within 100-yards of U.S. Naval vessels without authorization, and are required to maintain a minimum safe speed when within 500-yards of U.S. Naval vessels.

Boaters are reminded to monitor channel-16 for updates and information regarding the Port and Intracoastal Waterway and closures. All boaters are advised to transit this area with caution during the period of April 29th through May 3, 2002.

Health and Safety

Spectators should prepare for a day in the sun by wearing sunscreen as well as a hat, and sunglasses. They should also drink an adequate amount of water to avoid dehydration. There will be well- marked first aid stations along the three- mile viewing area, courtesy of the North Broward Hospital District.

ALL OPEN CONTAINER LAWS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL ON THE BEACH IS PROHIBITED BY CITY ORDINANCE, AND WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IN DESIGNATED FOOD COURTS.

PLEASE, NO GLASS CONTAINERS.

Lost Children

Parents are advised to take extra care during the show. Last year there were numerous lost children. With the large crowds expected, and being along the water’s edge, a lost child can be very hard to find. If you are taking children tell them if they get lost to find a police officer, firefighter, or lifeguard. Efforts to reunite them with parents, or guardians will be coordinated through the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept.’s Command Center located at E. Sunrise Blvd, and Breakers Ave.

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HOMICIDE UPDATE

April 10, 2002

Marc Sorel

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has recovered the vehicle used in the homicide of 24-year-old Berry Elizor. Elizor was found with several gunshot wounds in front of 1109 NW 5 Avenue on Saturday April 6, 2002 shortly after 5:00 p.m. Paramedics pronounced Elizor dead at the scene.

According to witnesses the suspects fled in a newer model SUV. On Sunday night, April 7, 2002 the vehicle, a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder was recovered abandoned and burned in the 4700 block of NW 24 Court in Lauderdale Lakes. The vehicle was registered to Budget Rental Car.

Homicide Detectives have identified 31 year-old Marc Sorel as the last person to be in possession of the Nissan. Sorel is described as a black male, 5’7”, 170 pounds, black hair, and brown eyes. There is a photo of Sorel on the Fort Lauderdale Police web site at www.flpd.org

Sorel is not a suspect at this time however detectives would like to talk to him.

Anyone with information on Sorel or any witnesses to the shooting are asked to call Detective John Curcio at 954-828-5529, Detective Mark Breen at 954-828-5708, or Crime Stoppers at 954-493-T.I.P.S.

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ARREST MADE IN HOMICIDE

April 26, 2002

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has made an arrest in the homicide of Kenneth Walker.

At approximately 4:30 am, Thursday, April 18, 2002, Walker was at 1300 NE 4 Avenue in Fort Lauderdale waiting for a bus to take him to work when he was approached by a subject riding a bicycle. The subject told Walker to leave. Walker refused. After a short argument the subject left. He returned moments later and shot Walker several times with a handgun. A witness, who was with Walker, fled in fear of his own life. When police arrived they found Walker near death. Walker was transported to Broward General Medical Center where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room. The cause of death seems to be a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

On April 25, 2002, after an extensive investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Charles Paul. Paul was located at his residence and taken into custody on one count of homicide at approximately 1:15 pm. Paul has a length criminal history including other violent crimes.

Victim:
Kenneth Walker, black male, DOB 7/19/80

Arrested:
Charles Paul, black male, DOB 4/20/84
1129 NE 6 Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Charge:
Homicide

Investigators:
Detective Al Stone
Detective Mark Shotwell

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HOMICIDE FUGITIVE ARRESTED

April 26, 2002

Today at approximately 4:30pm Detective Chuck Morrow of the Fugitive Task Force located and arrested b/m George Williams of the Bahamas. Williams is known locally as Omar Brown.

Detective Morrow became involved in the hunt for George Williams after Williams was identified as the shooter in an aggravated assault at 846 NW 4th Ave on 04/19/02. Williams had been involved in a disturbance at this address and as a result, opened fire into the residence occupied by several persons, shooting through windows and the front door. No one was injured in this incident. While questioning persons in the area victims knew the shooter as Omar Brown. Area residents were frightened of Brown and told Detective Morrow that Brown was bad; that they had heard he was wanted for murder in Freeport, Bahamas.

Detective Morrow requested that the Royal Bahamian Police send fingerprints and photographs of any and all individuals wanted for Homicide in their jurisdiction. After going through 4 sets of prints from 4 different individuals George Williams was a match for Detective Morrow’s Omar Brown. George Williams was in fact a fugitive from the Bahamas and had apparently stolen the identity of Omar Brown. Computer checks advised that Omar Brown was also wanted by BSO for a narcotics arrest in February. Brown bonded out and failed to appear for court in April. BSO then issued warrants for Omar Brown still unaware that Brown was actually George Williams.

Information was constantly coming in to Detective Morrow as Omar Brown sightings. Each one was checked out in vain until this afternoon. While in the area of NW 8 Street and 10th Terrace, Morrow spotted Williams. Williams immediately took flight and a foot pursuit ensued. Detective Morrow along with numerous Patrol officers cordoned off the area until Williams was taken into custody to the rear 921 NW 9th Avenue.

Williams is now jailed for the murder warrant from the Bahamas, Aggravated Assault with a firearm, BSO warrants (felony) for possession, sale, delivery of cannabis-no bond and an INS detention order for violation of US immigration laws.

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