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TRAFFIC FATALITY HIT & RUN

May 08, 2004

On May 7, 2004, at 9:05 PM, Sara Thompson (12/25/35), of Fort Lauderdale, was walking west across the southbound lanes of 3800 N. AIA. Ms. Thompson was struck by a black Harley Davison motorcycle, which had been driven by Philip Micalizzi (8/11/45), of Pompano Beach.

The crash caused Micalizzi, who was wearing a helmet, to lose control of the motorcycle, which then went down. A second vehicle then struck Tompson. This vehicle is described as a dark colored, possibly burgundy or black 2 door square vehicle. The driver is described as a white male with dark hair, in his 50s. He was last seen wearing a dark shirt and unknown colored pants. Witnesses say that the driver stopped momentarily, and then left the scene, traveling south on A1A. Damage to vehicle # 2 should be isolated to the undercarriage.

Both Thompson and Micalizzi were transported to Broward General Medical Center, where Thompson died from her injuries. Micalizzi is currently listed in serious, but stable condition.

From witness accounts, investigators believe that driver # 2 had knowledge of his part in this crash, and knew that he struck Thompson. We ask the driver, or anyone with information on his, or the vehicle’s whereabouts, contact Traffic Homicide Investigator Jill Hirsch, at (954) 828-5753. The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.

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HOMICIDE SUSPECT SURRENDERS TO FLPD FUGITIVE DETECTIVE

May 13, 2004

On Sunday May 9, 2004, Officers from the Lauderhill Police Department responded to the Olive Tree Apartment Complex, located in the 2000 block of NW 43rd Terrace, where they found gunshot victim Ralph Polycarpe, 4/28/62. Polycarpe had been shot several times, and was transported to Broward General Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The subsequent homicide investigation developed Rene Desantus, 4/3/81 as a suspect, prompting the issuance of a first-degree murder warrant.

On Thursday May 13, 2004, Fugitive Squad Detective Chuck Morrow, and Detective Keith Rohloff received several calls throughout the day. The callers, Desantus’ friends and relatives, informed the well-respected detectives that Desantus was concerned for his safety, and wanted to surrender.

After several hours of negotiations, Desantus, relatives, and his attorney, Lisa Stewart, arrived as decided at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Desantus was charged with four outstanding warrants, including First Degree Murder, 2 counts of Possession of cannabis, and Trespass.

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CITGO ARMED ROBBERY

Fort Lauderdale detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the culprit of a robbery at the Citgo mini-mart, located at 1300 NE 4 Avenue.

He is described as a bearded black male, approximately 35 years of age, 5’8”, and 240 pounds. He had stretched a white t-shirt over his head prior to entering the business, telling the clerk that his face had been scratched during a fight with his girlfriend. Moments later, the culprit produced a silver semi-automatic gun, demanding cash from the register. The clerk complied and the robber exited the store.

As the culprit exited he told the clerk, “Have a nice day” and ran out of the business. He was last seen jumping into a waiting blue Ford Explorer, driven by an unidentified accomplice.

Videotape, with sound, is available at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

Anyone with information on the identify of this culprit is asked to contact Detective Jack DiCristofalo at (954) 828-6096, or Broward CrimeStoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477). Persons providing anonymous information leading to the culprit’s arrest could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.

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POLICE MEMORIAL SERVICES

May 19, 2004

On Thursday May 20th, 2004, in recognition of the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Week, the Fort Lauderdale Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 31 will host the annual Fort Lauderdale Police Officer’s Memorial Service. This service is to honor the memory of Fort Lauderdale Police Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The service begins at 1:00 PM and will be held at the Fort Lauderdale Police Officer’s Memorial, which is located inside Esplanade Park, 500 Southwest 2nd Street (east of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts).

The Police Honor Guard will present the colors, along with a performance by the Police Pipe & Drum Corps. There will also be remarks by Chief Bruce G. Roberts and F.O.P. President Tom Mangefesta. The service will conclude with a 21-gun salute, and the playing of taps.

For additional information, please contact FOP Lodge 31 President Tom Mangefesta at (954) 609-9926.

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CARJACKING / KIDNAPPING

May 20, 2004

On Thursday May 20th, at about 7:45 AM, Jennifer Crosse, of Pompano Beach, arrived at the New Beginnings Christian Preschool, located at 1500 NW 11th Street, to drop off her 2-year-old son. As Crosse walked away from the vehicle, an unidentified black male jumped into the running vehicle. This occurred as Crosse’s boyfriend’s 9-year-old son sat waiting in the back seat.

The culprit sped west onto NW 11th Street in the maroon 2000 Mitsubishi Gallant. Immediately, the 9-year-old child pled with the culprit, asking to be released as he had to go to school and did not want to be late. The robber acquiesced, releasing the child. The youngster was able to grab his book bag, and ran back to the preschool, where he was reunited with Crosse.

The vehicle has since been recovered by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and is being processed by the Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Attached is an artist rendering of the culprit. Anyone with information on the culprit’s identity or his location, is asked to please contact Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Chuck Sierra at (954) 828-5676, or Broward County Crime Stoppers.

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KIDNAPPING/ARMED ROBBERY

May 25, 2004

Fort Lauderdale Police Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating and identifying two culprits of a kidnapping and armed robbery of the Miami Subs Restaurant located at 2201 W. Davie Boulevard.

On Tuesday May 18th, at approximately 11:20 PM two armed suspects forced their way into the restaurant as an employee emptied the trash. One of the gunmen forced an employee to show him where the safe was, while the other gunmen grabbed a 1-½ year old baby girl, who was in the restaurant with relatives. He held the child hostage, as he demanded that the employees open the register.

An employee complied with the gunman’s demands, handing over the cash drawers with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspects backed out of the restaurant, safely putting the child down as they fled the store. There were no injuries during this incident.

Suspect #1 is described as a black male in his late 20 to early 30s 5’9” 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black ski mask, a long sleeved shirt and black pants. Suspect # 2 is described as a black male in his 20s, wearing a black ski mask (no other clothing description). Both culprits were wearing gloves during the robbery.

A digital surveillance cd is available in the lobby of the Fort Lauderdale Police department.

Anyone with information on the culprits of this incident is asked to contact Det. Charlie Stack at (954) 828-5515, or Broward County CrimeStoppers.

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TRAFFIC CHECKPOINT

May 26, 2004

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has scheduled a traffic checkpoint for Thursday, June 6, 2004. The checkpoint will be located at East Evanston Circle and Indiana Avenue, in the Melrose Park Community of Ft. Lauderdale. The checkpoint will run from 9 A.M. until 12 Noon.

Officers will be focusing their efforts on safety checks, along with checking driver licenses, vehicle registrations and proof of insurance. Citations may also be issued for safety belt violations in support of the statewide “Click it or Ticket” campaign. The Department does not expect traffic delays due to this operation.

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