Latest news with #ClermontPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Clermont names new police chief
Clermont has a new police chief who's no stranger to law enforcement. John Graczyk has been acting as interim chief since April. He joined the Clermont Police Department in 2005. He became a sergeant in the patrol division and the crime suppression unit, as well as captain of the uniform service division. He was named deputy chief in January 2022. Graczyk will replace former Chief Charles Broadway, who stepped down to take a job at another agency eariler this year. 'Chief Graczyk is a dedicated officer who has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to lead the Clermont Police Department,' interim city manager Rick Van Wagner said. 'Our City Council, our staff, and our community have made it very clear who they believe should be Clermont's next Police Chief. It was an easy decision and we are pleased to have him.' He is also a former Marine who served in Iraqi Freedom. 'Clermont is my home and I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead this outstanding staff of sworn officers, civilian staff and volunteers,' Graczyk said. 'I am grateful for the overwhelming support of this community, our City Council, Interim City Manager and staff, my family and the entire department. I am excited and eager to continue to find new and better ways to protect and serve our community,' Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Clermont police officers arrest suspect in attempted bank robbery, bomb threat
The Brief Clermont Police have arrested Damian Martinez, an Orlando man accused of attempting to rob a Truist Bank while threatening he had a bomb. Martinez was captured in Brevard County within 48 hours, thanks to coordinated efforts from multiple law enforcement agencies. ORLANDO, Fla. - A suspect accused of attempting to rob a Clermont bank and threatening to detonate a bomb has been arrested, police announced Friday. What we know Damian Martinez, of Orlando, was taken into custody in Brevard County without incident, according to the Clermont Police Department. He faces a charge of attempted armed robbery. The incident occurred around 10:23 a.m. on Wednesday at the Truist Bank located at 2665 E. Highway 50. Police said Martinez entered the bank, demanded money, and claimed to have a bomb. By the time officers arrived, he had already fled the scene in a vehicle. A perimeter was established, and detectives launched a multi-agency investigation. Authorities said collaboration with the Winter Garden Police Department, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Osceola County Sheriff's Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement led to Martinez's identification and arrest within 48 hours. What they're saying "This case demonstrates the swift and coordinated efforts of our officers and detectives, as well as the importance of inter-agency cooperation," said Clermont Police Chief John Graczyk. "Through their quick response and team work, this suspect was able to be taken into custody in less than 48 hours" No injuries were reported in the incident. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source The information in this article comes from the Clermont Police Department.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Clermont police looking to expand drone program
Leaders within the Clermont Police Department are already talking about ways to expand the agency's fledgling drone program after finding quick success with its small team. The department first launched its two American-made drones last year after years of training and delays due to changing regulations, including a ban on the more cost-effective Chinese-made drones. Their first success was a search-and-rescue where someone had broken their leg. They've since tracked down burglars and bike thieves, watched over standoffs and assessed hurricane damage. One of the six pilots analyzed his flights and found that a third of all his launches resulted in a major contribution toward the case's resolution, according to a late-April report to commanders. 'It's changing the game,' said pilot and detective Jonathan Mangual. Mangual showed off the capabilities of his drone, which included the ability to exceed 30 mph, maneuver around objects on its own and give voice commands, which other officers jokingly described as something out of a 'Robocop' scene. The department made sure the chosen pilots were spread out geographically and on different shifts so that the drones would always be available to fly. 'It's been really, really effective,' Capt. Malcom Draper said. 'We're doing our homework. We know we're doing our research. We're trying to look at these advances of technology, and we're trying to utilize them.' Mangual also talked about where drones could help the department in the future. He described scenarios of drones launching from the police department's roof to analyze scenes remotely before officers arrive, and – in the more immediate future – using indoor drones in tense situations like standoffs or potential ambushes so officers aren't put in harm's way. 'I think every department should get one, just for officer safety,' Mangual said. 'If we could get to someone and get to the scene first and get that feedback to officers, it's going to definitely change the game.' Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man attacks 2 elderly victims who allow him into their home when weather is bad: Officials
The Brief A Florida homeless man was recently found guilty of attacking two elderly individuals. The two victims said they let the man occasionally stay in their home if the weather was bad. Darin Kirkpatrick Starks, 55, claimed self-defense during the incident. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida homeless man was recently found guilty of attacking two elderly individuals who allowed him to occasionally stay in their home if the weather was bad, officials said. The man claimed self-defense. Darin Kirkpatrick Starks, 55, was charged with two counts of battery of a person over the age of 65. What we know On April 22, jurors returned a guilty verdict in the case against Starks, who was accused of attacking two victims aged 70 and 72. Starks was remanded into custody to await his sentencing hearing. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys La Toya Jackson and Chelsey Omega. The backstory In April 2024, the Clermont Police Department said they were contacted by an elderly person who said they had just been attacked by a friend, identified as Starks. The victim told authorities that Starks was homeless, and they would allow him to come into their home from time to time if there was inclement weather. The victim said when Starks came over, they noticed items going missing. Officials said when the victim confronted Starks about the items, they began to argue, and Starks pushed the victim. During the physical altercation, authorities said a roommate of the victim attempted to intervene when Starks also began attacking them. Court records show the physical confrontation moved out to the backyard, where Starks continued to hit and kick both victims. The first victim was able to run away and contact law enforcement. In doing so, Starks took off from the location, with officers eventually locating him a short time later down the road. The other side When questioned about the battery on both victims, authorities said Starks told them he became upset after being accused of stealing, and he felt the two victims were getting in his face. However, he admitted to pushing, punching and kicking the victims. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by William M. Gladson, state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, in a news release on April 24, 2025.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Real Life Christian Academy gets a special visit from the Clermont Police Department
On Monday, the Clermont Police Department visited the Real Life Christian Academy to offer an educational and hands-on demonstration with senior class members. Officers from the Clermont Police Department posted on social media to highlight the educational and fun experiences shared with the senior class members. The demonstration performed by the Police Department aimed to educate the students on the life-saving potential of seatbelts. Using a Seatbelt Convincer, a machine designed to simulate a low-impact 5-10 mph vehicle collision, to provide a practical demonstration of transportation safety. The demonstration shows viewers how life-saving seatbelts can be, even at a slow-speed impact. Below is a video the CPD posted to their Twitter, sharing a special account of the educational demonstration. The Officers who participated in the memorable visit send a special thank you to the Real Life Christian Academy and the exceptional members of their senior class. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
