Latest news with #FloridaDepartmentofLawEnforcement
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Man shot by Broward deputy after hitting 2 officers faces several felony charges
The man who punched a Broward Sheriff's Office deputy in the face before a second deputy shot him Sunday is facing felony charges, according to authorities. Joshua Gullatt, 22, was identified Monday as the man who BSO officers shot the day before on the 4000 block of Southwest 26th Street. Gullatt faces a slew of charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. READ MORE: BSO deputy shot man after he punched another officer in the face, officials say Around 12:20 p.m., BSO spokesman Carey Codd said deputies went to 4017 Southwest 26th Street in West Park to respond to a call of a 'disturbance involving a weapon.' When they arrived, Gullatt punched one of the deputies and knocked him to the ground. Another deputy tried to subdue Gullatt with a Taser stun gun, Codd added. Gullatt then hit that deputy and ran into a bedroom, arming himself with a 'deadly weapon,' according to the sheriff's office, which did not specify the weapon. Codd said that's when one of the deputies opened fire and shot Gullatt. BSO deputies provided first aid before paramedics took him to the hospital. As of Monday evening, he remained in the hospital and his condition was not immediately. There's also no available information on his legal representation. Paramedics also took the deputy who was hit to the ground to the hospital, where Codd noted he was treated for his injuries and released. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting by the deputies. BSO's Internal Affairs Unit is also conducting an administrative review of the shooting, according to Codd. The sheriff's Office Homicide and Crime Scene detectives are investigating the circumstances that led to deputies being called to the scene. The deputy who fired his weapon is on administrative assignment pending the investigation, Codd said.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Missing Child Alert issued for 15-year-old Zephyrhills girl
ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida Missing Child Alert was issued Thursday for a 15-year-old girl who disappeared from Zephyrhills. Xzavieanna Tierney was last seen near 12th Street in Zephyrhills, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Purple Alert issued for missing 71-year-old Lakeland man At the time, Tierney was wearing a white and blue shirt, blue baggy pants, and white shoes. Authorities said Tierney is about 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs around 110 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. She also has multiple face piercings and may have blue highlights in her hair. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Pasco County Sheriff's Office at 727-847-5878 or 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Florida enacts Dexter's and Trooper's Law to combat animal abuse
TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — Two new state laws aimed at protecting animals and increasing accountability for abusers are set to take effect in Florida, following the recent signing of Dexter's Law and Trooper's Law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Dexter's Law, named after a dog found brutally decapitated and stuffed into a plastic bag days after being adopted in 2023, strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and creates Florida's first-ever public registry of convicted animal abusers. The law takes effect July 1. The measure introduces a 1.25 sentencing multiplier in cases of aggravated animal cruelty and requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to maintain a searchable database identifying individuals convicted of such offenses. Supporters say the law is a critical tool for transparency, deterrence, and prevention. 'Making the identities of convicted abusers public will empower shelters, rescue groups, and adopters to protect vulnerable animals,' said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Campaign Director for In Defense of Animals. 'Dexter's Law is justice for Dexter — and a powerful safeguard for other animals statewide.' In Defense of Animals, a national nonprofit, led advocacy efforts with more than 14,000 signatures pushing for justice in Dexter's case and over 1,000 Floridians contacting lawmakers to demand legislative change. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Linda Chaney, Sen. Tom Leek, and Rep. Meg Weinberger, and championed by Port Orange resident Debbie Darino, also behind 2018's Ponce's Law. Gov. DeSantis also signed Trooper's Law, which makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or mandatory evacuation. Named after a bull terrier rescued by Florida Highway Patrol during Hurricane Milton, the law goes into effect Oct. 1. The new laws are especially relevant to the Tampa Bay area, where hurricanes and tropical storms are regular threats. Local animal advocates say Trooper's Law could be lifesaving for pets and first responders alike during future emergencies. 'These are commonsense protections that reflect how seriously Floridians value the safety of animals,' said Amy Rondeau, a longtime Tampa Bay volunteer with rescue organizations. 'Trooper's Law will encourage more people to think twice before leaving dogs behind when a storm hits.' Experts note that these laws go beyond animal welfare. Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, a psychiatrist and president of In Defense of Animals, says cruelty to animals often correlates with human violence. 'Dexter's Law is not just about protecting dogs — it's a public safety measure,' Kroplick said. 'Identifying abusers can help prevent further trauma and violence in our communities.' With the enactment of both laws, Florida becomes one of the few states with a public animal abuse registry — a move animal rights groups hope other states will emulate. For Tampa Bay residents, the laws offer reassurance that abusers will face greater consequences and that pets, particularly during the state's tumultuous hurricane season, will have stronger protections. More information and resources are available through In Defense of Animals at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pensacola man, woman arrested on fentanyl charges: FDLE
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — A Pensacola man and woman were arrested Wednesday on fentanyl-related charges among others. Todd and Julie Chrisley have been released from federal prison (live updates) According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Darius Andreas Brooks, 37, and Jennifer Lynn Beck, 53, were arrested. Brooks is accused of trafficking fentanyl, trafficking heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Beck is accused of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl and possession of controlled substances without a prescription. 'Today's arrests highlight FDLE's unwavering commitment to fighting fentanyl traffickers in Florida,' FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams said. 'I am proud of the dedicated FDLE agents and crime analysts who continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure drug traffickers are held accountable.' An investigation began in July 2024 when FDLE was tipped off about fentnayl distribution in Pensacola. Brooks and Beck were named in the tip. Further investigation revealed both were trafficking drugs along with David Ryan Thompson, who was arrested in February, according to the FDLE. Law enforcement served search warrants Wednesday in Pensacola, Molino and Cantonment. They seized about one kilogram (or over 2.2 pounds) of fentanyl, trafficking amounts of heroine, trafficking amounts of methampetamine, trafficking amounts of MDMA, about one pound of cannabis, an AR-15 rifle, a stolen AK-47 rifle, cash, several cell phones and a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro. Brooks and Beck were taken into custody and booked into the Escambia County Jail without incident. The First Judicial Circuit Office of the State Attorney will prosecute the case. Biloxi man sets Mississippi saltwater fishing record This investigation included FDLE, the Pensacola Police Department, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Kendra Day contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Tampa man arrested on 100 counts of child porn charges following cyber-tip
The Brief A Tampa man was arrested on 100 counts of child pornography charges. Detectives with the Tampa Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 25-year-old Jose Guerrero, Jr. after investigating a cyber-tip. Anyone with information about child exploitation is asked to report it immediately to NCMEC at or to your local law enforcement agency. TAMPA, Fla. - A cyber-tip investigation landed a Tampa man behind bars, facing 100 counts of child pornography charges. The backstory The Tampa Police Department got a cyber-tip on February 20, 2025, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about the possession and distribution of suspected child pornography. The report indicated a consistent pattern of activity between November 2024 and January 2025. Detectives with TPD worked with the cyber crimes unit of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate and identified 25-year-old Jose Guerrero, Jr. as the suspect. READ: Hillsborough assistant state attorney arrested for child porn after 10-month investigation After executing a search warrant at Guerrero's home on Wednesday morning, Guerrero was arrested and charged with 100 counts of possession of child pornography (10 or more images and content of images). What they're saying "The seriousness of this crime cannot be overstated; it represents the brutal harming and exploitation of children," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "Let this arrest serve as a powerful warning to those who choose to possess and distribute child pornography - you will be relentlessly pursued and held accountable for your heinous actions. We are committed to protecting our most vulnerable and these vigilant detectives have proven they remain tireless in their commitment to this effort." "Our partnerships with law enforcement agencies such as the Tampa Police Department are crucial in bringing these vile crimes to a stop and bringing the offenders to justice," says FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell. "The work that our agents and officers did in this case was top notch, and an example of how our agencies work to protect the community from the criminals and offenders in shadows and in plain sight." What you can do Anyone with information about child exploitation is asked to report it immediately to NCMEC at or to your local law enforcement agency. The Source This story was written with information provided by the Tampa Police Department. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
