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OFFICER INVOLVED/INJURED SHOOTING UPDATE

September 2, 2000

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is releasing additional in reference to the police involved shooting that occurred yesterday, September 1st,shortly before 4:00 p.m. in front of 1201 N. Federal.

Officers’ Sam Bryant and Robert Norvis had stopped a Chevy Truck driven by David Royce Truman for an expired tag (February 2000) and as both officers and Truman exited their vehicles, Truman produced a handgun and opened fire on the officers. The officers returned fire. Officer Bryant was struck in the neck and arm, Officer Norvis was stuck in the hand, and the suspect was struck several times.

Officer Bryant was transported to Broward General Medical Center in critical condition, Officer Norvis in good condition and Truman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, David Royce Truman, 02-08-41, resided at 2414 NE 7 Place in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Truman was known to have weapons at his home, along with the possibility of explosive devices. Because of this the Fort Lauderdale Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene of the shooting to secure the vehicle as well as the home to make sure that there were no explosive devices.

Inside Truman’s vehicle was found a 12-gauge shotgun along with over 40 rounds of ammunition. On Truman’s person following the shooting there were 3 handguns, a 38 caliber along with two 44 magnums, and a knife.

Inside of Truman’s home there were “low grade explosives” but no homemade, or purchased explosive devices, along with an antique rifle, two handguns (41 and 44 caliber) a small caliber one shot “pen gun”, a 308 rifle and a shotgun. The weapons and explosives were removed from the home along with ammunition for the weapons.

Truman was struck at least five times by the Officers however the investigation is still continuing into exactly the number of shots fired by each officer and the sequence of firing.

A time line of the sequences leading up to the shooting has been established. At 3:49 p.m. officers first attempt to stop the vehicle in the 2400 block of NE 9 Street. The vehicle continues to the intersection of Middle River Drive and East Sunrise Blvd where the vehicle stops and then continues west at a slow rate of speed, there was no contact with the suspect, this is at 3:51 p.m. At 3:54 the vehicle again stops at 1000 N. Federal Highway, but again no contact. The vehicle turns left into the shopping center at 1201 N. Federal Highway at 3:56 p.m. and two minutes later at 3:58 there is a report of “shots fired” from the scene.

The suspects motive for the shooting is unknown at this time and investigation is continuing.

At this time (1:30 p.m., 9-02-2000) the Officers are still at Broward General Medical Center. Officer Sam Bryant is in I.C.U. in serious but stable condition. Officer Robert Norvis is in fair and stable condition.

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ARMED ROBBERY ARREST

September 5, 2000

Fred Ross, in custody Antwon Knowels, in custody

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has arrested and charged two subjects in connection with the armed robbery of the Subway Sandwich Shop, 201 East Sunrise Blvd. on Tuesday, August 29, 2000.

Fred Ross, 06-16-80, and Tiquon Patterson were arrested Monday September 4th after detectives developed them as suspects and both were identified as two of the three culprits in the robbery.

The third suspect has been identified as Antwon Knowels, black male, 01-12-81, and is still at large. Knowels was armed at the time of the robbery.

All three remain suspects in the shooting of Andrea Stella that also occurred Tuesday night, August 29th, but have not been charged at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective John Curcio at 761-5529, Detective Mark Breen at 761-5708 or Crime Stoppers at 493-T.I.P.S.

*** There is a photo of Knowels to be copied in the lobby of the station or can be accessed through our web-site at www.cityfort.com/police.***

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MISSING JUVENILES

September 6, 2000

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is attempting to locate two missing juveniles. The two boys are brothers that have been missing since late last night or early this morning.

The missing boy’s grand mother called police to the residence at 1524 NW 15 Place shortly after 7:00 a.m. when she awoke to find the boys missing. She had last seen them at approximately 11:00 p.m.Tuesday when she went to bed. There are no signs of foul play at the residence.

The missing children are Mandlito Sewel, 08-22-88, and his brother Marcello Grace, 01-02-92. The grand mother states that Mandalito has been know to run away in the past but never with 8 year-old Marcello. An area check by police along with a check of friends and relatives has not located the children.

Mandalito is described as a black male, 5’3”, 100 pounds, short black hair and Marcello is described as a black male 4’0”, 85 pounds, and short black hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bonnie Veltri Missing Persons Investigator at 761-5547.

*** There is a photo of the brothers to be copied in the lobby of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department***

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COMPOSITE SKETCH IN HOMICIDE CASE

September 25, 2000

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is releasing a composite sketch of a suspect in the homicide case of Marvin Coakley. Coakley was found dead on Sunday, June 18th, shortly after 11:00 p.m. in an apartment at 1014 NW 5 Ave. Coakley died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

The suspect is described as a black male, 20-25 years of age, 5’4”-5’6”, 125 pounds, slim build, and a small go-tee. The suspect was last seen driving a dark blue Ford or Mercury with rear- end damage and dark tinted windows.

There is still no motive for the shooting.

A copy of the sketch is attached or can be seen on the Fort Lauderdale Police web-site at www.cityfort.com/police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Al Stone at 761-5512, Detective John King at 761-5544 or Crime Stoppers at 493-T.I.P.S.

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