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TRAFFIC CRASH

March 6, 2002

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating a serious traffic crash that has left a 55-year-old Fort Lauderdale woman in critical condition. The accident occurred at approximately 11:30 A.M., Thursday, February 28, 2002 in the 1100 block of North Federal Hwy.

The victim, Helen Conners, w/f, 8-6-46, operating a battery powered motorized wheel chair, was evidently attempting to cross westbound across N. Federal Hwy. A black 2002 Mercedes Benz operated by Norman McLean, w/m, 10-1-39, also of Fort Lauderdale, was exiting from the I-Hop parking lot on the west side of Federal Hwy and attempting to turn north. The two vehicles collided in the center median area at a very slow rate of speed. However, the impact turned Conners’ wheel chair over and threw her to the pavement. Conners received severe head injuries and was transported to Broward General Medical Center where she is still listed in critical condition.

Traffic Investigator Dan Nahum is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call him at (954) 828-5754.

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PHARMACISTS ARRESTED

March 8, 2002

Jeremiah Smalls

A multi-agency undercover investigation involving confidential informants and crime-stoppers tips has resulted in the arrests of two pharmacists and the closing of the 6th Street Pharmacy.

The investigation was conducted by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department had received information that the pharmacy located at 900 NW 6 Street in Fort Lauderdale was selling prescription drugs across the counter without a physician’s prescription. Using undercover confidential informants detectives began making purchases of prescription drugs from pharmacist Jeremiah Smalls and pharmacist and owner Leonard Kerstein in July of 2001. The informants would enter the pharmacy complaining of back pain or other ailments and request painkillers or other prescription drugs. The pharmacists would provide the informants with the drugs for cash. The informants would then hand over the drugs to detectives who placed them into evidence. Detectives made seven controlled purchases using this method over a period of seven months. Investigators also received several crime-stoppers tips related to the activities at the pharmacy.

On Thursday, March 7, 2002, officers went to the pharmacy where they arrested the owner, Leonard Kerstein, on four counts of Delivery of Legend Drug Without a Prescription. They then went to the residence of pharmacist Jeremiah Smalls and arrested him on three counts of Delivery of Legend Drug Without a Prescription. Both men immediately had their pharmacy licenses suspended by the Florida Department of Health. The pharmacy’s license was also suspended.

Arrested:
Leonard Kerstein, B/M, 5/6/29, 1763 Espanola Dr., Miami, FL
Jeremiah Smalls, B/M, 11/27/32, 1820 NW 28 Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

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OFFICER DRIVES INTO BRIDGE BARRIER

March 9, 2002

Fort Lauderdale police are investigating a traffic crash in which an officer struck a steel barrier at the Andrews Avenue Bridge over the New River.

Sergeant Frank Miller was assigned to supervise officers controlling traffic around the Riverwalk Run, a fund raising event for the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Operating a marked police pick-up truck Sergeant Miller was southbound on S. Andrews Ave. at approximately 9:35 A.M., on Saturday, March 9, 2002. Christopher Waleri, a representative of the Junior League, was a passenger in the vehicle. As the vehicle approached the bridge, the crossing gate came down. The vehicle swerved into the northbound lanes. The bridge is equipped with a steel barrier that raises out of the roadway to prevent vehicles from driving into the New River while the bridge is open. The front of the vehicle struck the steel barrier rupturing both front tires and setting off the vehicle’s air bags. The vehicle came to rest on top of the barrier. Sergeant Miller and Mr. Waleri were both transported to Broward General Medical Center complaining of back pain and minor abrasions. Both are expected to fully recover.

The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.

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ATTEMPTED MURDER TRIAL

March 11, 2002

On March 22, 2000, Fort Lauderdale Officer John Curry responded to the Nations Bank at 100 SE 3 Ave., in reference to a call of a white male attempting to cash a forged check. Upon entering the bank, employees pointed out Harutyun Arutyunyan who was at the cashier’s counter. As Officer Curry approached Arutyunyan, Arutyunyan produced a Semi-Automatic 45 Caliber Pistol from a briefcase and pointed it at Officer Curry. Officer Curry engaged in a physical struggle for control of Arutyunyan’s gun at the same time yelling at customers and bank employees to get down. Arutyunyan gained control of the gun and began firing at Officer Curry. Officer Curry returned fire, striking Arutyunyan server times. Due to Officer Curry alertness and courage no one else was injured. Arutyunyan survived his injuries and was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer.

Arutyunyan’s trial on the Attempted Murder charge begins today, March 11, 2002, in the courtroom of Judge Gardiner, room 4900 in the Broward County Courthouse.

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BANK ROBBERY

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating a bank robbery at the City National Bank at 6825 N. Power Line Rd.

At 10:45 A.M., Tuesday, March 12, 2002 three black males enter the bank wearing ski masks. There were no customers in the bank at the time. There were two male and two female employees. One of the culprits produced a silver colored handgun. The culprits systematically removed money from the vault, ATM machine and cash drawers. The contents of the ATM machine are two gray rectangular boxes with green handles. They also took one employee’s purse and one employee’s wallet and cellular phone. The money was placed in a beige canvas bag. After spending approximately 5 to 7 minutes inside the bank the culprits fled on foot in an unknown direction. The loss is estimated at $65,000.

The culprits are described as medium built black males approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. All three were wearing full cover ski type masks. One culprit was wearing a yellow long-sleeve pullover shirt, beige pants and white sneakers. The second culprit was wearing a purple shirt and the third subject was wearing all black and was armed with a gun.

Approximately 5 minutes prior to the robbery, a young black female entered the bank and asked to use the rest room. She is described as 17 to 18 years old, with a dark complexion and thin build, wearing a blue denim skirt and top. Investigators would very much like to talk to this person in hopes that she may have seen something that may aid in the investigation.

An unidentified citizen found some of the stolen personal property in the area of 3000 W. Commercial Blvd. at approximately 11:45 A.M.

Anyone who has any information about the crime is asked to call Det. Dave Jenkins at (954) 828-5263 or Crime-Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.

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ARRESTS FOR SELLING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO MINORS

March 18, 2002

On, Friday, March 15, 2002, Agents from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Vice Squad arrested four employees of the Mercury Lounge, 4000 North Federal Highway, for selling alcoholic beverages to minors.

Two Investigative Aides, both eighteen years of age, purchased a variety of alcoholic beverages from three bartenders, even though their hands were clearly stamped as being under twenty-one, Florida's legal drinking age.

In addition to the three bartenders, Brent Clark, the Mercury Lounge manager, was arrested and charged with allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors.

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TRAFFIC FATALITY

March 16, 2002

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is asking for assistance in reference to a fatal traffic accident early this morning. The accident occurred March 16, 2002, at approximately 12:24 a.m. in the intersection of Davie Boulevard and Southwest 9th Ave. Robie Cornelius 49. of Lauderdale Lakes was driving his 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier eastbound on Davie Boulevard and was turning left to head north onto Southwest 9th Avenue. Cornelius turned into the path of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle traveling westbound on Davie Boulevard. Steven Nagelberg, 45 of Plantation, was operating the motorcycle. Nagelberg apparently anticipating the crash, laid the motorcycle down. The, motorcycle, as it skidded along the pavement, avoided contact with Cornelius’ vehicle but Nagelberg impacted the right rear portion of the vehicle. Nagelberg died as a result of the impact and was not wearing a helmet.

Fort Lauderdale Police are asking anyone having witnessed this crash to call Fort Lauderdale Police Department Investigator Dan Nahum at (954) 828-5754 or Crimstoppers at (954) 493- TIPS.

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SKULL FOUND INBIRCH STATE PARK

March 21, 2002

Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating a human skull found in Birch State Park.

Victor Alvarez, a 19-year-old Peruvian in Florida on a student visa, was visiting the park with a friend. Alvarez was walking through a secluded area of the park adjacent to a nature trail when he saw a plastic grocery bag. Upon inspection Alvarez saw what appeared to be a skull. Not knowing what to do at the time, Alvarez returned to the beachside apartment where was staying and notified his roommate. The roommate immediately called police. Alvarez led police back to the park and pointed out what he had found. Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detectives gathered the skull and searched the area for additional evidence. The skull was taken to the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.

The medical examiner will attempt to determine as much information as possible to make an identification, such as, gender, race and age. This information will then be compared to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database in an attempt to find a match.

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VIN ETCH AND CLUB GIVEAWAY

March 22, 2002

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be conducting a vehicle VIN Etching, CAT Program and Club giveaway, Saturday, April 20, 2002, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. on the north side of the Coral Ridge Mall just east of Publix.

Citizens are invited to have their vehicle VIN etched on the window of their vehicle.

City residents can also register for the CAT (Combat Auto Theft) Program. This program is designed to deter auto thefts between 1:00 am and 5:00 am. Upon signing up for this program, a black and yellow sticker is placed in vehicle’s rear window. This sticker authorizes any police officer, in any city, to stop the car between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am for the purpose of making sure the driver is in legal possession of the car and the car isn't stolen.

The Department will also give “Club” theft deterrent locks to the owners of the top ten stolen cars.

All these programs are designed to reduce and prevent auto theft.

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ROBBERY SUSPECT WANTED

March 22, 2002

Fort Lauderdale Police are asking the public and media to assist in identifying a robbery suspect who was caught on videotape.

On Saturday, March 16, 2002, a black male entered the apartment of Walter Rainwater at 1014 NW 5 Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale. When Rainwater reached for his phone to call police, the black male struck him several time while screaming, “Give me your money.” A neighbor heard the commotion and came to Rainwater’s aid. The black male fled on foot.

Rainwater’s injuries were serious enough to require transportation to the hospital for treatment.

As police searched the area for evidence and witnesses, they learned that the suspect had been inside the grocery at 427 W. Sunrise Blvd. and had been captured on video surveillance tape. Copies of the tape are available for the media by contacting Sergeant James Wright at (954) 828-5424. The tape is being made available in hopes that someone may recognize the suspect and aid in taking a violent felon off the street. The suspect is facing charges of aggravated battery and attempted strong-armed robbery.

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to call Det. Jack Dicristofalo at (954) 828-6096 or Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.

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AUTO THEFT

March 22, 2002

Fort Lauderdale Police have arrested Stephen Paul Campbell after he stole a car and drove recklessly through a large part of Broward County.

At 1:00 pm, Fort Lauderdale Police responded to Sunshine Rent A Car, located at 321 SW 24 Street (SR 84). Police learned from employees that a white male on a bicycle had approached the business where a 2001 Chevrolet Impala was being washed. The white male took the car and drove away. The stolen car is equipped with an On-Star tracking system. On-Star was notified and activated the tracking system. At approximately 1:45 pm, On-Star located the vehicle in the area of 600 S. Cypress Rd. in Pompano Beach and notified the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s helicopter was dispatched and located the vehicle. Because the vehicle was being operated very erratically and the helicopter was tracking its movements, no officers on the ground attempted to stop the vehicle. At approximately 2:50 pm, the driver abandoned the vehicle in the Victoria Park area of Fort Lauderdale, after driving over much of Broward County. The driver fled on foot and attempted to hide in the neighborhood.

Fort Lauderdale Officer Doug Hartman was circulating the area when a citizen flagged him down. At the citizen’s directions Officer Hartman found Stephen Paul Campbell hiding between apartment buildings at 1611 and 1613 NE 4 Court. Campbell was taken into custody without incident. Campbell was suffering some medical condition unrelated to the theft or apprehension and was transported to Broward General Medical Center for treatment.

Arrested – Stephen Paul Campbell, w/m, DOB 8/10/68, 908 SW 1 Street, Ft. Lauderdale, charged with:

• Auto Theft
• Violation of Probation
• Escape (Warrant)
• Reckless Driving
• Resisting An Officer Without Violence
• Possible Drug Violations

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MISSING PERSON

March 22, 2002

Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating the whereabouts of Gertrude Maus. Mrs. Maus is a 90 years of age, an elderly white female whose life revolves strictly around her church visits and volunteer duties at Holy Cross Hospital. It is extremely unusual and suspicious that Mrs. Maus’ whereabouts is unknown. She was last seen today (Friday) at 8:00a.m at her home in the 3300 block of NE 17th Court. Her vehicle a 2000 Mercury Sable, bearing Florida Tag D39-QPQ station wagon silver in color is also missing. Family members contacted Police at 8:40 this evening after their personal search was fruitless.

The Fort Lauderdale Police will greatly appreciate any information as to the whereabouts of Mrs. Maus. Anyone with any information is urged to call (954) 828-5700 or Crimestoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.

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WANTED FOR EXPLOITATION

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is looking for Paul J. Edwards who is wanted for exploiting an elderly woman.

Det Joe Roubicek has obtained a warrant for Edwards for Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person. Edwards committed over $10,000 worth of credit card frauds while caring for an 84-year-old legally blind woman. Bond for the warrant has been set at $10,000. Edwards is also wanted for questioning in another investigation of a $650,000 fraud complaint involving the same victim. Edwards is an immigrant from the Czech Republic but has been in the south Florida area for the past 20 years and is believed to still be in the area. Edwards is a white male 6’ 1” tall of medium build with a birth date of June 13, 1945.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts Paul J. Edwards should contact Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS or Det. Joe Roubicek at (954) 828-5570.

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