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THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Proclamation honors BBPD In honor of Law Enforcement Officers Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day, the Bradenton Beach Police Department was honored with a city proclamaJOE HENDRICKS | SUN tion read aloud Officers Roy Joslin, Devon Straight and by Mayor John John Tsakiri join Police Chief John Cosby Chappie on May and Lt. Lenard Diaz as the city proclama5. According to tion is read aloud. the proclamation: “Congress and the President of the United States have designated a national Peace Officers Memorial Day during Law Enforcement Officers Week. The members of Bradenton Beach Police play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedom of the citizens of the city. Members of law enforcement recognize their duty to serve the people of Bradenton Beach by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation. During Law Enforcement Officers Week, and throughout the year, the city of Bradenton Beach recognizes and appreciates the critical contributions and sacrifices made by members of law enforcement at all levels and honors their courage and dedication. The Bradenton Beach City Commission hereby proclaims May 15-21 as Law Enforcement Officers Week and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Bradenton Beach and commends its observance to all citizens.”
Hurricane Preparedness Expo May 17 The Manatee County Emergency Management Department will present the Second Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Tuesday, May 17 from 4-7 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto. The free, educational, family-friendly event will cover insurance, evacuation levels and much more. Vendors, an emergency vehicle showcase, door prizes and giveaways are scheduled. For more information, call 941-749-3507 or email steve.litschauer@mymanatee.org. Hurricane season in Florida begins June 1.
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MAY 11, 2022
Incident sheds light on city’s policing challenges
The events of April 26 raise larger questions about the increased demands and financial challenges faced by the Bradenton Beach Police Department. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – A recent incident involving a stolen car, a stolen gun and a skirmish brought residents and police to city hall to tell commissioners about fear and inadequate funding. On April 26 at 8:50 p.m., Bradenton Beach Police Officer Kyle Orms responded to a report of a possible fight in progress at the Summer Sands condominium complex near the 1100 block of Gulf Drive North. On the way, Orms was advised that a gun and 10 or more people were involved. “Upon arrival, I observed approximately 10 subjects gathered in the street around one male subject on the ground. The male subject, later identified as Jonathan France, 17 years old, appeared to be being held down by a female subject later identified as Laketa Taylor. After the group parted and Mrs. Taylor let Mr. France go, Mrs. Taylor began yelling that Mr. France had stolen her vehicle and a gun and was trying to get away; and that she had been holding him there for the police,” Orms stated in his report. While speaking with Taylor, Orms learned she had previously filed a report with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in which she alleged France stole her vehicle and a gun from her residence. “While attempting to detain Mr. France, he began slamming his head
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Resident Ken McDonough described the April 26 incident to the city commission. into a nearby vehicle. I then took Mr. France to the ground and was able to secure him in handcuffs. After securing Mr. France, multiple subjects began getting into their vehicles and leaving the scene,” Orms stated in his report. Officers from the Holmes Beach Police Department arrived to provide additional assistance. Bradenton Beach Police Officer Thomas Ferrara also later responded to the scene. Taylor had learned on Facebook that France was on the Island and brought several people with her to confront him, according to the report. When confronted, France tried to run, the group stopped him and he fell, "yelling that he wanted to kill himself" and slamming his head into the concrete. Taylor held him down while her husband, Dwight Evans Jr., grabbed a gun that was laying on the ground. Evans left, returning when Orms asked Taylor to have him bring the gun back to the scene, according to the report.
According to Ferrara’s report, Taylor’s husband found his stolen handgun – a loaded 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol – while searching for the stolen vehicle that was found parked at the nearby Bridgeport condominium complex. Ferrara’s report notes Taylor’s car had a dead battery but was otherwise undamaged. Orms ran a check that revealed France had been reported as missing and was the subject of multiple arrest warrants issued by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and one warrant issued in Sarasota. France was placed under arrest and transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. After being medically cleared, he was transported to the juvenile assessment center. “I was advised that due to Mr. France’s statements, he would need to be transported to Centerstone for Baker Act,” Orms stated in his report. SEE POLICING, PAGE 19
