Briefing Room	Press Releases	News Clips	Chief's Office
E-Mail the Information Officer

TRAFFIC CHECKPOINT

May 4, 2005

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has scheduled a traffic safety checkpoint for Friday, May 6, 2005. The checkpoint will be located in the 1200 block of North Atlantic Boulevard between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and noon.

The focus of the checkpoint is safety. Officers will be checking driver licenses, vehicle registrations and documents showing proof of insurance. Citations will also be issued for seatbelt violations. The Department does not expect traffic delays due to this operation.

TOP

SUSPECT WANTED

May 5, 2005

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person who committed a crime against the elderly.

On March 17, 2005, the suspect, a black male in his fifties with gray hair, forced the victim, a 69 year old black female, to cash a check in the amount of $1,000. The victim while riding in a vehicle with the suspect and a driver was driven to the Valley Bank located at 424 West Sunrise Boulevard and escorted inside with the suspect to cash the check. After the transaction, the suspect exited the bank with the victim and they drove away in the vehicle. The victim was then dropped off at another location where she was told to get out of the car and at this time the black male suspect took the money by force from the victim as she exited the car. The victim was not hurt. These suspects frequent the shopping center of NW 9 Ave and Sunrise Blvd in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

The suspect is wanted for robbery, kidnapping and faces increased penalties because of the crime against the elderly.

Valley Bank was able to capture a picture of the suspect. Anyone who may recognize the suspect or have information on this crime is asked to contact Fort Lauderdale Police Department Detective Lisa Cahir at 954-828-5964 or Broward County Crimestoppers at 954-493-T.I.P.S. Callers may remain anonymous.

TOP

FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE OFFICER CHOSEN AS SPEAKER FOR NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

May 9, 2005

Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Scott Russell has been chosen as a key speaker for the First Annual National Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Conference. The conference will take place May 11-12, 2005 at the Columbus, Ohio Convention Center. It will be held in conjunction with the Third Annual Conference on Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System.

The CIT is a highly successful program employed by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. CIT Officers receive a 40-hour specialized training course on how to handle the mentally ill in a crisis situation. When a CIT Officer becomes involved with a mentally ill person, the officer attempts to diffuse the situation and find proper placement in an approved facility or program. CIT Officers also work with the individual’s family to assist them with any counseling or assistance that they may need. The goal is to help the individual and his family on a long-term basis to avoid confrontation and violence with family, community, and authority figures.

Officer Russell was chosen because of his experience, dedication and hard work with the mental health community. Other speakers include Mental Health Court Judge Mark Speiser and Vince Tamburelli from the Henderson Mental Health Center. The original CIT program was developed by the Memphis, TN Police Department. Officer Russell was instrumental in implementing the CIT program for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

For more information on the conference, contact Norma Wagner, Director of Planning for the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. at 954-561-9681.

TOP

HOMICIDE

May 9, 2005

At approximately 8:40 AM this morning, a Fort Lauderdale Patrol officer was flagged down by a resident in the 800 block of NW 19 Terrace in reference to a possible homicide. The reportee advised that she had observed what appeared to be illegal trash dumped in a vacant field across from her residence. Upon closer examination of the rolled up blanket, a foot could be seen; which is when the officer had been passing by and stopped.

The officer quickly evaluated the body and found that she was deceased and was the victim of an obvious homicide. The scene was secured and Fort Lauderdale Homicide and Forensic Detectives responded to carry out the investigation. The victim had suffered trauma to her upper torso.

At this time little is known about what may have led up to the homicide, since it is believed that the body had been placed here and the actual murder committed at another location. It is believed that the victim was placed at this location sometime Sunday night into Monday morning.

The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office is also assisting in the investigation. The victim, whose identity is unknown, is described as a black female approximately 25-40 years of age, 5’-04”, 200#’s.

At this time, no further information is able to be released. Anyone with information regarding this incident or to the identity of the victim is encouraged to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Hot Line (954-828-5511), Homicide Detectives Shotwell (954-828-5517) or Jenkins (954-828-5263), or Broward County Crimestoppers (954-493-TIPS).

TOP

TRAFFIC FATALITY

May 10, 2005

At 8:22 this morning, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department responded to the 1500 Block of West Commercial Boulevard in reference to an accident involving one vehicle and a motorcycle.

Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue also responded to the accident. The driver of the vehicle was ultimately transported to North Ridge Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and released. The operator of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene.

All Westbound Commercial Boulevard traffic lanes were redirected for approximately 2 hours while the on scene investigation was conducted.

According to witnesses, the driver of the vehicle, a blue 2001 Kia was traveling east on Commercial Boulevard, preparing to turn left/north onto NW 15th Avenue. The operator of the motorcycle was traveling west on Commercial Boulevard. At the intersection of NW 15 Avenue and Commercial Blvd, the motorcycle collided with the right side of the vehicle as it was turning northbound.

At this time, there have been citations issued as the investigation into the cause of the accident is on going. Any witnesses to this morning’s accident are encouraged to call Traffic Homicide investigator Dan Nahum at 954-828-5754.

The driver of the Kia was identified as Jonathan Laverentz (9-23-67) of Ft. Lauderdale. The driver of the motorcycle, also from Ft. Lauderdale, has been identified as James Gonzalez (10-31-63).

TOP

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

May 12, 2005

At approximately 6:40 this morning, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department responded to the 400 Block of West State Road 84 in reference to an accident involving one vehicle and a motorcycle.

Upon arrival, it was quickly determined that the operator of the motorcycle had suffered a serious injury. Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue transported the victim to Broward General Medical Center, where he is undergoing surgery. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the vehicle, a 1992 Ford Tempo was traveling west on S.R. 84 preparing to turn left/south onto SW 4th Avenue. The operator of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling east on S.R. 84. At the intersection of SW 4th Avenue and S.R. 84, the motorcycle and vehicle collided. The motorcycle continued a short distance and the operator had been objected.

At this time, the investigation continues as to the cause of the accident. Potential witnesses who may not have stayed on scene are being sought for their assistance. Any person who may have knowledge about this accident is encouraged to call Traffic Homicide Investigator Cindy Wilburn at 954-828-5755.

The driver of the Ford Tempo was 44 year-old Donald Brooks of Ft. Lauderdale. The driver of the motorcycle has been identified as George Hernandez, 52 years of age, also from Ft. Lauderdale.

TOP

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

May 12, 2005

On Monday evening at approximately 8:34 PM, there was a vehicular accident at Andrews Avenue & S.R. 84 involving a Fort Lauderdale Police vehicle.

The marked police vehicle was traveling south on Andrews Avenue approaching S.R. 84. At the same time, a white Oldsmobile minivan was traveling west on S.R. 84. As both vehicles entered the intersection, the front end of the police vehicle collided with the right rear of the van.

Both operators were transported the Broward General Medical Center with minor injuries.

The operator of the 1991 Oldsmobile van was Brucie Garrett (11-07-55) from Fort Lauderdale. The operator of the Police vehicle has been identified as Officer Tony Gnisci.

At this point, the crash is under investigation and charges are pending. Anyone who may have witnessed this accident is encouraged to call FLPD Traffic Homicide Investigator Hirsch @ 954-828-5753.

TOP

FUGITIVE ARREST

May 15, 2005

Fort Lauderdale Police Department Fugitive Unit Detective Chuck Morrow has located cop killer Andrew Valentino Williams, black male, age 31, from the Bahamas.

On February 28, 2000, Williams, armed with a gun, entered the Royal Bank of Canada in Gray’s, Long Island, Bahamas, pointed a gun at a customer and demanded that bank tellers give him cash. A second gunman joined him, at which time they forced the bank manager to provide money from the safe. Chief Inspector William Moss from the Royal Bahamas Police Force arrived at the bank at which time both men fired several gunshots hitting Chief Inspector Moss. Inspector Moss sustained a gunshot injury to the abdomen from which he died the following month.

Williams was arrested in Thompson Bay, Long Island, in the Bahamas and confessed to his involvement in the armed robbery however was released on bail. While released on bail, Williams was involved in a bar room fight, where he stabbed and killed Fabrice Jeudi in Nassau, Bahamas. Now facing an additional murder charge, Williams fled the Bahamas and became a fugitive.

Detective Morrow learned of the fugitive and has been working the case for the past two years. Detective Morrow received information the suspect was frequenting South Florida, in particular Broward and Dade Counties. He had been seen at various island concerts and gatherings as well as traveling the I-95 corridor, possibly trafficking narcotics. Through further investigation, Morrow learned Williams may have been arrested using a false identity in another state. With this information, Detective Morrow instructed Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Chief Latent Fingerprint Examiner to search for the suspect’s prints in local, state and national FBI data bases. A match was found on the suspect’s prints to an arrest made in South Carolina, in August of 2004.

Williams had recently been incarcerated in Spartanburg Detention Center, South Carolina under the alias Joseph Thomas. Williams, a.k.a. “Joseph Thomas”, was being held on a charge of narcotics trafficking. After learning this, Morrow immediately notified the Spartanburg authorities and informed them to detain Williams for the murder of the Bahamian Police Officer.

While being detained in Spartanburg, a plot was uncovered by the FBI in which Williams was planning a prison break. Williams, along with several other inmates and assisting persons outside of the jail were arrested and additionally charged. Williams and his codefendants were charged in Federal Court in January 2005 for Conspiracy to escape from a Correctional Facility.

Detective Morrow worked in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office, FBI Miami, United States Marshall’s Service in Miami and South Carolina, the International Affairs in Washington, D.C. and the Royal Bahamas Police Force to ultimately capture the fugitive and ensure he was not released again.

Andrew Valentino Williams is wanted by the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for two counts of murder and one count of armed robbery. Williams is a Bahamian national, now being held without bail awaiting extradition to the Bahamas.

TOP

HOMICIDE

May 23, 2005

On Sunday night at approximately 9PM, Fort Lauderdale Police Officers were dispatched to 701 NW 14 Way in reference to a possible shooting. Upon arrival in the area, victim Jeffrey Lewis (B/M DOB 5/13/66) was located as neighbors were attempting CPR on him. Police officers assisted in rendering medical aid until the arrival of Ft. Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Paramedics transported Lewis to Broward General Hospital, suffering from several stab wounds in his torso. Lewis succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital at 9:48 PM.

A crime scene was secured and an investigation had immediately been initiated. Contact was made with several witnesses, and it was learned that Lewis had been involved in a fight with his girlfriend’s father, Willie Benjamin (B/M DOB 11/23/60). It was determined that Benjamin lives around the corner at 636 NW 14 Terrace and that the stabbing had occurred at this location.

Benjamin was contacted at his residence where a second crime scene was secured. It was immediately evident that Benjamin had been involved in a physical altercation, as he was wearing blood stained clothes and had advised that he had just been in a fight with Lewis.

After detectives interviewed several witnesses and Willie Benjamin, he was taken into custody without incident and charged with 1st degree Murder. Benjamin was turned over to the Broward County Jail where he is being held without bond.

TOP

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

May 23, 2005

On May 20th, 21st and the 22nd, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department conducted a successful traffic enforcement action plan. This action plan is an example of one more tool available to law enforcement to make an impact on crime reduction, making streets safer and to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Ft. Lauderdale.

This action plan was devised in response to numerous citizen complaints concerning unlawful driving practices. There has been a noticeable increase in this activity and local residents and vehicular traffic has been negatively affected. The goal of this high visibility enforcement was to aid in the reduction of crime, reduce unlawful speeding, reduce excessive noise created by unlawful equipment installed on vehicles, educate offenders who are committing violations and to improve the quality of life for residents.

Over this three-day time frame, a total of four locations were addressed, with three separate operations being conducted simultaneously. The four locations affected during this initial operation were the 2700 block of North Federal Highway, A1A @ SE 5th Street, 3700 block of North A1A, and Federal Highway @ Broward Blvd.

During this extended operation, the following results were obtained:

• 592 Citations
• 3 Felony Arrests
• 5 misdemeanor Arrests
• 6 traffic offense Arrests
• 1 Wanted person Arrest
• 1 DUI Arrest
• 60 grams of cannabis seized
• 10 crack cocaine rocks seized
• $400 and 2 vehicles were seized for civil forfeiture for being utilized to commit a felony

A total of 25 Officers and 6 Police Service Aides were utilized for this operation; it is important to note that there were no injuries or incidents to Officers or the public. Due to the success of this operation, similar action plans are pending

TOP

SUSPICIOUS DEATH

May 24, 2005

At approximately 12:44 am on May 24th, 2005, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire in the 900 block of N.E. 3 Avenue. Officers found one deceased occupant in the vehicle, seated in the driver’s seat. The deceased white male was later identified as William L. Jones, DOB 06/15/56. The vehicle was a 1999 BMW 4-door, 740iL, white in color.

At this time, Police are looking for any witnesses who may have observed the incident. Police are urging anyone who may have any information relating to this case to please contact Detective Dave Jenkins @ 954-828-5263 or contact Broward County Crime Stoppers @ 954-493-TIPS.

At this time, no further information about this on going investigation is available for release.

.

TOP

AGGRAVATED BATTERY

May 31, 2005

At approximately 6:05 pm on May 31st, 2005, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department responded to a report of a shot fired at 21 Isle of Venice. Officers found one white male victim, Terry Ballard (DOB 03-11-46), who had sustained a gun shot wound to his right shoulder. The suspect, Robert Betz (DOB 10-07-43), was also on scene and was taken into immediate custody without incident.

According to the victim, Betz rents a dock space from him for his approximately 33’ cabin cruiser style boat and Betz had not paid rent for six to nine months. The victim confronted Betz about the lack of payment and, a short time later, the victim stated Betz exited his boat with a 12-gauge shotgun and fired one shot. The shot partially struck the victim’s right shoulder. He was transported by Fort Lauderdale Fire/Rescue to Broward General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The victim was released from the hospital in the late evening. The suspect was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery.

TOP

Briefing Room

E-Mail the Information Officer

Chief's Office