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DROWNING

January 4, 2005

On Tuesday, January 4th, at approximately 7:08 AM, Fort Lauderdale Police were called to 3410 Galt Ocean Drive in reference to a body found on the shoreline. Upon arrival, officers found the remains of Carmen Sousa, dob 4/13/25. Mrs. Sousa resided nearby at 3410 Galt Ocean Drive with her husband.

Mrs. Sousa’s death appears to be a drowning, though the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective David Jenkins at (954) 828-5263, or the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s confidential investigations hotline at (954) 828-5511.

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HOMICIDE

January 6, 2005

On December 26, 2004 at approximately 5 PM, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department received a 911 call from an anonymous person, advising that someone had just been jumped at NE 7 Street and NE 5 Terrace. The caller further advised that a male victim had just been hit in the head with a brick and was bleeding, by an unknown attacker who had fled the area.

Patrol units were immediately dispatched to the area and located Justin Cruz (W/M, 10-4-79) in a field at NE 7 Street and NE 5 Terrace, who had sustained a head injury. Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue also responded and attended to Cruz, then transported him to Broward General Medical Center in critical condition. Cruz was suffering from blunt head trauma, but it is unknown what type of object had been used to inflict the injury.

On January 3, 2005, Cruz passed away as a result of this injury, changing this incident from an Aggravated Battery to a Homicide. Based upon the injuries sustained that night, Fort Lauderdale Homicide and Forensic Detectives had already initiated an investigation.

At this time, very little is known about the sequence of events which lead up to the murder of Cruz. Witnesses advised that Cruz had been attacked by multiple black male subjects, who then fled to an awaiting car which contained several white male subjects. The car was described as “Volvo-type” and dark in color.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Hot Line (954-828-5511), Homicide Detectives Curcio (954-828-5529), or Breen (954-828-5708) or Broward County Crimestoppers (954-493-TIPS).

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HOMICIDE

January 7, 2005

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has made an arrest in the murder of Jimmy Flood, which occurred on December 2, 2004 in the 900 block of NW 14 Street. Today, Franklin Haynes (B/M, d/o/b 10/08/79) surrendered himself to the Broward County Main Jail, based upon a warrant for his arrest, for the murder of Jimmy Flood.

On December 2, 2004, Patrol Units responded to the 900 block of NW 14 Street to the report of several gunshots heard in the area. Upon arrival there were no victims or activity to be found. Approximately 20 minutes later, a gunshot victim had arrived at Broward General Medical Center, being driven there by his girlfriend and younger brother. It was confirmed that this was a victim of the gunfire on NW 14 Street. A crime scene was located in the roadway of NW 14 Street, and several bullet shell casings were discovered. Forensic and Homicide Detectives responded and recovered both .25 caliber and .9mm casings from the roadway.

Dr. Bell of the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy, and a .25 caliber projectile had been recovered from the victim. It was concluded that the cause of death was from this gunshot wound, and the manner of death to be a homicide.

Initially, the victim’s girlfriend, Michelle Cook advised that Flood and a subject identified as “Frank” had been involved in a verbal dispute. It was during this dispute when Haynes produced a firearm and shot Flood, then fled the area on foot. It was at this time that Flood re-entered the vehicle and was driven to the hospital. Haynes is known to the witness, who additionally positively identified him in a photographic lineup.

During the investigation, additional .9 mm casings were recovered from within the vehicle the victim had been in. It was determined that these casings had been fired from the same gun as the casings recovered in the roadway. An examination of other physical evidence suggests that several gunshots had been fired from inside the car where the victim’s brother, Bob Flood had been sitting. At the time of the original incident and subsequent investigation, Bob Flood was uncooperative and would not speak with investigators.

After the shooting, Haynes had left the area and was unable to be located by Law Enforcement until today. Communication had been established with his attorney and Arrangements made for Haynes to surrender if an arrest warrant was obtained.

Haynes surrendered to authorities today with his attorney, Ed Salantrie, however, has not provided any additional information or statement about the sequence of events on that day. Haynes was booked on one count of Second Degree Murder, and is currently being held at the Broward County Main Jail without bond.

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BUSINESS BURGLARY

January 12, 2005

This morning, at approximately 3:30 AM, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department received an alarm call for the Express Food Convenience Store, located at 3306 West Broward Blvd. Upon Patrol officers’ arrival, it was discovered that a burglary did occur, however the suspect had already fled. Further investigation revealed that the crafty burglar had moved a ‘dummy’ video camera so it would not capture his crime; meanwhile the actual real camera, which was hidden, was able to record the entire incident.

The suspect was able to enter the business through air conditioning duct work. He then covered his face while he moved the fake camera. Believing he was now undetectable, the suspect proceeded to go through the store taking specific items which included cigarettes and cash. When the burglar was finished filling his bag, he was able to leave the store prior to Police arrival. The suspect stole approximately $200 cash and 25 packs of cigarettes.

The Police Department is requesting that anyone with knowledge of the suspects identity or with information about this burglary, to please call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Detective Machurick @ 954-828-5898 or Broward County Crimestoppers @ 954-493-TIPS.

*VHS copies of video available @ FLPD*

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BUSINESS BURGLARY UPDATE

January 14, 2005

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has made an arrest in the burglary of the Express Food Convenience Store. Michael Anthony Thomas (B/M, DOB 11/11/63) was arrested Thursday, January 13, 2004 and was charged with one count of Burglary (Business). There was also a warrant for Thomas’ arrest for a violation of his probation. Thomas was on probation from a previous burglary, and was scheduled to be released from probation status on January 15, 2005.

This arrest was made possible due to numerous Crimestopper tips. As a result of the quality video which recorded the incident, and the media playing this video during several news broadcasts; within one day, the Police Department received six different tips, all specifically identifying Thomas as the culprit. All of the tips received, mentioned having seen the video of the burglary on various television stations.

Based on these tips, Fort Lauderdale Detectives responded to Thomas’ residence where he was outside. Detectives were able to positively identify Thomas as the person on the video committing the burglary. Thomas was taken into custody without incident, charged with burglary and the VOP warrant, and is currently being held without bond, at the Broward County Main Jail.

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MISSING PERSON

January 19, 2005

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public in an investigation of a missing person. The victim in this case is a 26 year old female, Kenyatta Montes (B/F, DOB 12/6/78). Kenyatta left her residence near Fort Lauderdale on Monday evening and was last seen departing a friend’s house in the early morning hours on Tuesday. This was in the area of the Melrose Park neighborhood in Ft. Lauderdale. Kenyatta may have left with another unknown acquaintance in a black Ford Explorer.

Over the past 24 hours however, Kenyatta has made numerous phone calls to friends. During these brief calls, Kenyatta claims to have been abducted from the Race Track Gas Station at 2200 W. Broward Blvd. Kenyatta could only describe her abductors as three black males, possibly driving a white Ford Aerostar. Kenyatta further advised that she is still currently being held against her will in an unknown hotel room in Dade or possibly Palm Beach County.

On the night Kenyatta left, she was driving her own 2000 brown Mazda Protégé. This vehicle has since been located and recovered from the 2700 block NW 55 Avenue in Lauderhill. This vehicle has been seized by the police department for further investigation.

At this time, the circumstances which lead up to Kenyatta’s disappearance are unknown. There have been no independent witnesses or evidence recovered relating to the abduction; but based upon the several phone calls made by Kenyatta, there is a concern for her safety and whereabouts.

It is requested that anyone who may have seen Kenyatta Montes, or may have knowledge about this incident, to please call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Detective Mark Shotwell @ 954-828-5517, FLPD Hotline @ 954-828-5511, or Broward County CrimeStoppers @ 954-493-TIPS.

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MISSING PERSON UPDATE

January 21, 2005

Kenyatta Montes, who was reported as missing and possibly abducted on Monday evening, has been safely located. Kenyatta had been reported as missing by her boyfriend, when she did not return home from a trip to the store. Over the next several days, numerous phone calls had been made from Kenyatta to friends and family, however different circumstances about her disappearance were told. Some stories included that she had been abducted from a gas station on Broward Blvd., and was being held against her will in an unknown hotel room.

Fort Lauderdale Detectives were able to make contact with Kenyatta on her cell phone. Kenyatta would not advise over the phone about her circumstance or if she was being held against her will or had ever been abducted. Kenyatta was explained the facts that had been relayed to the Police, and the seriousness in which her disappearance was being handled; and if this was in fact not true, that she needed to confirm her well-being with the Police Department.

Within an hour, Kenyatta responded to the Police Department and advised that there had never been an abduction, and that she had been staying with friends for personal reasons. Kenyatta was in good physical and mental condition, and has since been removed from a missing person status.

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HOMICIDE

January 23, 2005

Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating a homicide, which occurred at 1312 Guava Isle. Authorities received a call from a concerned neighbor who had stopped by to check on the victim, who hadn’t been seen since Friday evening.

Upon peering into the home, neighbors saw the victim lying unresponsive in the residence. Fearing a medical emergency, they dialed 911. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and Police personnel arrived at the scene and discovered the victim had in fact been murdered. Investigators have identified the victim, but are withholding his identity, pending notification of next of kin.

The victim’s vehicle, which is missing from the scene, was last observed leaving the residence late Friday night. It is described as a black 2005 Volkswagen Touareg SUV, bearing a Florida tag of UFX-7R.

Investigators are asking that anyone with information on this homicide, or who may know of the vehicle’s whereabouts, contact Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detective Mark Shotwell at (954) 828 5517, Detective John Curcio at (954) 828-5529, or Broward County Crime Stoppers.

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HOMICIDE UPDATE

January 24, 2005

Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating a homicide, which occurred at 1312 Guava Isle. Authorities received a call from a concerned neighbor who had stopped by to check on the victim, who hadn’t been seen since Friday evening.

Upon peering into the home, neighbors saw the victim lying unresponsive in the residence. Fearing a medical emergency, they dialed 911. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and Police personnel arrived at the scene and discovered the victim had in fact been murdered. Investigators have identified the victim, but are withholding his identity, pending notification of next of kin.

The victim’s vehicle, which is missing from the scene, was last observed leaving the residence late Friday night. It is described as a black 2005 Volkswagen Touareg SUV, bearing a Florida tag of UFX-7R.

Investigators are asking that anyone with information on this homicide, or who may know of the vehicle’s whereabouts, contact Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detective Mark Shotwell at (954) 828 5517, Detective John Curcio at (954) 828-5529, or Broward County Crime Stoppers.

Update-

The victim of this homicide has been identified as Harry T. Grossman, of 1312 Guava Isle, Fort Lauderdale (W/M DOB, 9/13/53). The victim’s vehicle was located early this morning by patrol officers, abandoned in an alley in the area of NE 11 Street and NE 6 Avenue. The vehicle has been seized and is being processed by forensic detectives. No further information is being released at this time.

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FOP AWARDS

January 25, 2005

Fort Lauderdale Police Officers of the Year Named

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #31 held its Annual Police Officers Award Banquet on Saturday, January 22, 2005. Officers along with family and friends attended the banquet and awards ceremony held at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Community Center.

Officers from throughout the year 2004 were honored. The ceremony culminated with the naming of the 2004 Police Officers of the Year, Officer Luis Alvarez and Officer Brian Kaplan. Officers Alvarez and Kaplan were chosen from approximately 500 officers because of their work in apprehending an international fugitive.

In July 2004, Officers Alvarez and Kaplan received an anonymous tip on a homicide that occurred in Honduras. The informant had stated that a sexual predator had murdered a 13 year old boy in Honduras, and fled to the United States to escape capture and was now possibly residing in Pompano Beach. Officers Alvarez and Kaplan immediately investigated and verified the information. The officers coordinated their efforts with the United States State Department and United States Marshal Service, obtained a copy of the Honduran homicide warrant, and assisted in the arrest of the culprit. On October 1, 2004, the culprit was arrested, and while in custody, admitted to the murder of the 13 year old boy. The accused is being held at the Krome Detention Facility while he awaits extradition to Honduras.

The following officers were also honored as Officers of the Month because of their exemplary efforts while working in the line of duty. The 2004 Officers of the Month are:

• January 2004 – Phil Seguin
• February 2004 – Jon Conti
• March 2004 – John Curry and Charles Morrow
• April 2004 – Steven Bellerose
• May 2004 – Shane Calvey, Christopher Chambers, Hugo Fontalvo, and Kim Hancock
• June 2004 – Jose Diaz, Kim DiCristofalo, Matthew Finstad, and Carl Hannold
• July 2004– Jason Mammarelli
• August 2004 – Edgar Cruz
• September 2004 – Nicky Bruce and Darian Burkholder
• October 2004 – William Spodnick
• November 2004– Michael DiMaggio, Denis Kernodle, Stephen Raabe, and Joseph Ryan
• December 2004 – Luis Alvarez and Brian Kaplan

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is proud of these officers and commends them for a job well done.

From left to right: Police Chief Bruce G. Roberts, Sergeant Luis Alvarez, Officer Brian Kaplan, and Fort Lauderdale Police Department FOP President Tom Mangifesta

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department Officers of the Month

From left to right: Top-Brian Kaplan, Steven Bellerose, Nicky Bruce, Kim Hancock, Matt Finstad, Darian Burkholder, Michael DiMaggio; Bottom-Edgar Cruz, Christopher Chambers, John Curry, Shane Calvey, Jason Mammarelli, Steve Raabe, Denis Kernodle, Luis Alvarez

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FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE OFFICER CHOSEN AS ROTARY CLUB PUBLIC SERVICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

January 26, 2005

The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek has named Fort Lauderdale Police Department Detective Joel Maney as their Public Service Officer of the Year. Detective Maney, a 20 year veteran of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, was chosen out of several finalists from local law enforcement agencies because of his elimination and enforcement of street prostitutes in business areas.

Detective Maney, assigned to the Special Investigations Division/Vice Unit, has worked tirelessly over the past year to combat street prostitution. Armed with a new Florida State Statute, which provides for twice convicted prostitutes to be charge with a felony, he implemented an initiative to identify prostitutes that qualify for the felony charge. Detective Maney arrested the first prostitute charged with the felony stature in Broward County. He is personally responsible for more prostitutes being charged with the felony and in drug rehabilitation than any other police department’s entire Vice Unit in Broward County. His numerous arrests also led to the increased number of misdemeanor convictions.

In addition to Detective Maney’s prostitution enforcement efforts, he works with first-time offenders known as “Johns” in the educational program JOHN-E designed to educate about the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases, other health concerns with prostitutes, and the negative financial impact on the community. Through an agreement with the City Prosecutor, first-time offenders are offered the opportunity to have their arrest nullified once completing the education program. There has not been a repeat offender of the “Johns” which have attended the program.

Detective Maney was honored with a presentation and recognition ceremony on January 25, 2005, 12:00 pm at the Fort Lauderdale Westin Cypress Creek. In addition to a plaque commemorating his selection, the Rotary Club donated $500 to the charity of Detective Maney’s choice in his name. Detective Maney had the money donated to the Miami Children’s Hospital-Pediatric Cardiology Division. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is proud of this officer to be honored by the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek.

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January 27, 2005

HOMICIDE ARRESTS

On Sunday evening, January 23, 2005, Fort Lauderdale Police responded to 1312 Guava Isle, where the murder of Harry Grossman was discovered. Concerned neighbors, who had not seen Harry over the weekend, located him unresponsive on the floor inside of his residence and summoned the police.

Investigation revealed that Mr. Grossman may have been killed as early as Friday evening. The Broward County Medical Examiners Office ruled the death a homicide and noted that Grossman had been beaten and choked.

Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detectives were able to identify two suspects based upon a tip that was received. This tip identified the suspects based upon their clothing, which had been discarded after the murder. Information was relayed to patrol units, that these two individuals were being sought for questioning only. At approximately 7 PM last night, patrol units were able to locate one of the individuals who is a juvenile (17 YOA) who’s name is not being released at this time.

It was confirmed that this individual knew Mr. Grossman, as he has worked for him doing yard work and maintenance around his Guava Isle residence. While speaking with Detectives, this juvenile advised that he and a second individual (Joseph Fleischer, DOB 12/14/86) had planned to rob the victim at his residence. During this robbery however, Grossman began to resist his attackers, which is when they began to beat and choke him, ultimately killing him.

After the robbery and subsequent killing, the suspects fled with approximately $2000 cash and the victim’s vehicle. The pair drove to the Fort Lauderdale beach where they discarded their blood stained clothing and a wallet belonging to Grossman. It was this clothing that the suspects were identified by. The victim’s vehicle was then left abandoned in the area of NE 11 Street and NE 6 Avenue.

Information was then developed that Fleischer was staying at an apartment, near where the victim’s vehicle had been left. Police responded to this apartment at approximately 9 PM, made contact with and detained Fleischer without incident. Fleischer confirmed the pairs’ intent of planning to rob Grossman at his home, and then beating Grossman while restraining him during the robbery.

Fleischman was charged with First Degree Murder and Robbery/Home Invasion and is being held at the Broward County Jail, without bond. The juvenile was also charged with First Degree Murder and is being detained at the Broward County Juvenile Assessment Center.

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ILLEGAL DUMPING

January 31, 2005

Since the end of October, the Police department has taken an active role in the City-wide NEAT Program (Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team), a coordinated effort to improve the quality of life in our community and enhance the neighborhood. Since the Police Departments annual shift-change which occurred January 15th, there has been the addition of the District II, Special Problems Unit concentrating efforts in the NEAT areas.

Since October 24, 2004, the Police Department has made over 200 arrests, many of which involved narcotic violations, prostitution, and quality-of-life issues. Additionally, Officers have made numerous placements of homeless individuals into rehabilitation programs; to not only deal with a problem on a short-term basis, but to hopefully make a more permanent change within the community and the individual’s life.

One major concern of residents and business owners in the NEAT Project area is that of illegal trash dumping. On January 28th, Officer Clay Barrett, of the District II Special Problems Unit, arrested Mitchell Higgs for illegal dumping. Higgs was hired by a property owner to dispose of a large amount of waste, including old furniture, toilets, and other trash. Higgs loaded up his pick up truck full of trash, but instead of delivering it to a proper receiving facility, he unloaded the garbage in a vacant field in the 900 block of NW 8 Avenue. This type of activity is obviously illegal, but also has a profound negative impact on the community and its residents.

Officer Barrett, with little to go on, was able to identify where the trash had originated. During his follow-up investigation, Officer Barrett was able to learn that Higgs had been paid $150 to dispose of the trash properly, however chose to dump it illegally. On January 28th, Officer Barrett was able to locate Higgs and take him into custody without incident. Higgs was charged with prohibited Dumping and Possession of Cocaine, as he had some residue and narcotic paraphernalia on his person at the time of his arrest. Higgs’ 1993 Ford pick-up was also seized for civil forfeiture, as it was property used to commit a felony offense. Ultimately, the trash will be removed by City Public Services, the cost of which will possibly be recovered from the violator during the court proceedings.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is proud of Officer Barrett’s efforts, and the continuing progress of the NEAT Program. All citizens are encouraged to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to report illegal dumping or any other criminal activity, 954-828-5700.

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