Thursday, September 8, 2011

How do they KEEP missing the drive thru fire stations??

Hillsborough deputies shut down drive-through drug operation near University Mall, expect more arrests
By Jessica Vander Velde, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Thursday, September 8, 2011


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Hillsborough deputies stand in the courtyard of the Pines I Apartments, 11720 N 14th St., near University Mall in Tampa on Wednesday where a drug “drive-through” was discovered.
TAMPA — One by one, motorists arrived, rolling down windows and giving up cash, as they would at a fast-food restaurant.

This drive-through opened at 11 a.m. some days, but lunch was never on the menu.

Instead, customers could order cocaine, oxycodone, ecstasy and marijuana. Guns, too.

At a news conference Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced that it had broken up a drug trafficking ring that caught even investigators by surprise.

About 11 months ago, deputies began building cases against two men reputed to be dealing drugs in a neighborhood near University Mall.

Investigators thought Zavien Brand, 28, and Joseph Nurse, 35, might lead them to a few more people, maybe six or eight, said sheriff's Maj. J.R. Burton.

But the small undercover probe soon turned into a larger investigation — dubbed Operation Pandora's Box — as deputies realized the area's loose-knit group of dealers included dozens of people.

On Wednesday, sheriff's officials announced they had 54 warrants and, as of 4 p.m., 32 arrests, most on drug and gun possession charges.

"We had no idea this was going on," Burton said.

They focused on several addresses in the neighborhood near Nebraska and Fletcher avenues. The drive-through was at the Pines I Apartments at 11720 N 14th St., deputies said.

Deputies took 29 guns off the street, including seven assault rifles and two weapons believed to be linked to shootings in the area.

Also seized: about 1.3 pounds of crack cocaine, 0.64 ounces of powder cocaine, 0.25 ounces of oxycodone and some ecstasy — valued at about $75,000 total, Burton said.

Burton hopes the operation sends a message to an area that has long struggled with crime, and he wants residents to know that deputies aren't done.

Brand was charged with dealing crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a gun. Nurse was charged with dealing crack cocaine, marijuana and stolen property.

Deputies planned to continue executing search warrants until they arrest all 54 suspects.

Times news researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Jessica Vander Velde can be reached at (813) 226-3433 or jvandervelde@sptimes.com.


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Viewing 1 - 6 of 6 comments Oldest First Newest First Top Rated

Tampa Law Dog Sep 7, 2011 3:53 PM Yesterday Good to see that the TPD is finally getting this together... Whoops, excuse me, there is someone at my door.
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Report Abuse 0 2 Ya_Mad_Bro_COMEON Sep 8, 2011 2:34 PM About 3 hours ago LOL !!! That is the first funny thing you have ever said. Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 JoeInPinellasPark Sep 7, 2011 3:55 PM Yesterday I guess you have to have some kind of license to sell guns? Is that the way it works? Cus the way I understand it, you don't need anything to buy a gun.
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Report Abuse 2 1 Larry F. Sep 7, 2011 4:05 PM Yesterday Not from the B.A.T.F. anyway. Reply
Report Abuse 0 1 beakie Sep 8, 2011 8:13 AM About 9 hours ago Straight up cash money, holmes. Thank the NRA for our free wheeling 2nd Amendment bang-bang yee-haw utopia. Of course when a policeman or three gets shot it's someone else's fault. Reply
Report Abuse 1 1 TampaBayBob Sep 7, 2011 4:41 PM Yesterday B.A.T.F. was involved because convicted felons in the possession of firearms and/or ammunition is a 5-yr Federal Felony. Not to mention selling weapons in a drug trafficking operation. They also get 1st pick of the litter which puts them in the Federal Judiciary System ahead of any State charges. Guarantees a slam dunk with layers upon layers of charges to ensure something sticks. I also believe the Federal System does not have a Parole Board so you have to serve all of your sentence (correct me if I'm wrong on this). No early release for 'good behavior' or overcrowding.
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Report Abuse 0 1 carrymyownweight Sep 7, 2011 5:25 PM Yesterday That's not what he was referring to. He was referring to the sale of guns by BATF to Mexican gun runners in Arizona, the result of which was those guns being used to kill two American agents. You know, the investigation Obama and Holder are stonewalling?? Reply
Report Abuse 2 1 SonnyBurnett Sep 7, 2011 5:18 PM Yesterday More people.out of work, come gov Scott, legalize drugs and prostitutes
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Report Abuse 1 1 Ya_Mad_Bro_COMEON Sep 8, 2011 2:33 PM About 3 hours ago duh. Now come get the m'fers protected by the sheriff's boy earl howard harper in the hood bordered by waters, nebraska, florida and yukon. With an address in that hood you can get pulled over with a quarter pound under your seat and they will call someone to come pick up the car. While I DO appreciate that, I am sick of your nasty puerto rican gangsters, sheriff gee. Either tell them to leave the rest of us the F alone or get them out of there. I know that won't happen because you want the property. BUT THAT will not be happening either no matter how many times you 'copter back and forth over the house. Don't forget the faux homeless shelter on Waters. And people stop wondering why Mike Roberts was murdered inside job in front of another faux homeless shelter. By a puerto rican gangster. Delgado is no more homeless than I am.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

firefighters whiz by spt updates .... loser firepigs

He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital.

McCoy, an 11-year veteran of the agency, was assigned to administrative duties.

In 2008, McCoy was awarded the Governor's Medal of Heroism, an award presented to first responders who knowingly risk their lives in the line of duty.

On June 7, McCoy shot and killed murder suspect Jorge Bello Garcia, 54, as Garcia struggled to wrestle the gun away from a wounded deputy.

Deputies surrounded Garcia's truck at Linebaugh Avenue and Henderson Road after being warned that he had just killed three people. Garcia shot and injured Deputies Ray Wilson and Arthur "Art" Lence before McCoy fired the fatal shot.

In September, McCoy received the Sheriff's Office Medal of Honor from Sheriff David Gee for his actions.

McCoy is an expert marksman.

When McCoy joined the force in 2000, he wrote on his application that he has "high proficiency" in firearm use. Then-Sheriff Cal Henderson praised him for getting the "Top Gun" award for his handgun proficiency at the law enforcement academy.


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WTFIUWSPT Sep 7, 2011 10:24 AM About 18 minutes ago A LEXUS?? I am never shocked anymore at the high end vehicles and multiple million dollar properties owned by our "civl" "servants". This is the guy who shot the guy who shot the firefighter folks, Bello and the two Ginas, whose family also owned the home (gina) the Brito kids were killed in. While I considered him brave his later comments about "carrying the shield of the Lord" (tbo.com) while being a deputy were strange. Nonetheless, I do hope he will be OK. Wonder why he was on administrative?? You're welcome, SPT. I'll go make another user name. Speedy recovery, deputy !! Those crappy lexus just fold up. Get a different car, people if you own one of those.
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Report Abuse 0 1 luvstpete Sep 7, 2011 10:39 AM About 3 minutes ago It's a 12 year old Lexis. Get over yourself. Reply
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WTFIUWSPT Sep 7, 2011 10:43 AM Less than a minute ago do you have one?

Firefighter ties to Murder are near constant

Hillsborough sheriff's deputy in critical condition after crash
By Danny Valentine, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Sep 07, 2011 09:49 AM


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TAMPA — A Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy was in critical condition Wednesday morning after he struck a tree in his personal vehicle while on his way to work, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Malachi McCoy, 32, was southbound about 6:15 a.m. on Gunn Highway near Tamarind Avenue when he hit a large puddle of water, lost control and left the roadway. His 1999 Lexus then struck a tree on the west side of the road, deputies said.

He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital.

McCoy, an 11-year veteran of the agency, was assigned to administrative duties.


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WTFIUWSPT Sep 7, 2011 10:24 AM Less than a minute ago A LEXUS?? I am never shocked anymore at the high end vehicles and multiple million dollar properties owned by our "civl" "servants". This is the guy who shot the guy who shot the firefighter folks, Bello and the two Ginas, whose family also owned the home (gina) the Brito kids were killed in. While I considered him brave his later comments about "carrying the shield of the Lord" (tbo.com) while being a deputy were strange. Nonetheless, I do hope he will be OK. Wonder why he was on administrative?? You're welcome, SPT. I'll go make another user name. Speedy recovery, deputy !! Those crappy lexus just fold up. Get a different car, people if you own one of those

Monday, September 5, 2011

Typical Firefighter MEDIC death penalty THUG

I find it VERY uncomfortable a medic having such death wishes for his fellow citizens. It's a short leap from being judge jury and executioner in the back of an ambulance.

You DO SEE these thugs, right? Look at the people at your fire station and in your ambulances.... THUGS. Make no mistake. And many are also short clearly opening the door for short guy syndrome.

BEWARE and read down to south suwannee county.

Man shot by Tampa police
By David DeCamp, Times staff writer
Posted: Sep 04, 2011 09:59 PM


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A Tampa man was wounded Sunday night after he pointed a shotgun at officers who responded to a domestic dispute, police said.

The officers approached a home in the 1300 block of W Grace Street about 9:15 p.m. after a woman's 911 call, Assistant Police Chief Marc Hamlin said. During the 911 call, the woman was whispering into the phone and said someone in the house had a gun.

Three officers went to the house, and the woman came outside. That's when the officers saw a man with a shotgun, Hamlin said. The man pointed it at one of the officers, who shot him in the arm, Hamlin added.

Christopher Labrado, 34, suffered wounds that aren't life threatening, police said. It was Labrado's wife who made the 911 call, according to Hamlin.

Hamlin identified the officer involved as Carlos Houston, a six-year veteran who has been a Tampa officer for three years.



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Viewing 1 - 12 of 12 comments Oldest First Newest First Top Rated

lvnthedream Sep 5, 2011 2:39 AM About 12 hours ago Terrible tragedy that a man was killed most likely because he was drunk, high, or stoned. I feel bad for the officers, family, girlfriend, and all involved. I am glad that no police, or anyone else involved was injured or hurt. Condolences to the family.
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Report Abuse 9 0 LiberalDem Sep 5, 2011 1:37 PM About 1 hour ago Drunk, high stoned and/or stupid are some of the best reasons I know to shoot a man aiming a shotgun at you. Heck just the fact he aimed the shot gun would be good enuff for me. Reply
Report Abuse 1 0 Mr Kitty Sep 5, 2011 3:17 AM About 11 hours ago It's nice to know that people who comment on articles are continuing in the fine tradition of not actually reading the articles. It's says that his injuries are not life threatening. AND you mind numbing twit, it was his wife not his girlfriend. And to automatically assume that the person was high, drunk or stoned (by the way being high and stoned are the same thing genius)just displays your own preconceived bias and ignorance.
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Report Abuse 0 12 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 4:01 AM About 10 hours ago Mr. Kitty, don't hold back none here at the st pete times, it's a free for all ... (wink wink) Reply
Report Abuse 2 3 inthekeyofebminor Sep 5, 2011 6:49 AM About 8 hours ago LOL on that! Reply
Report Abuse 0 3 hardraada Sep 5, 2011 10:10 AM About 4 hours ago Mr Kitty, don't be too hard on lvnthedream. We all know there will be stupid comments here. There will be ignorance displayed. Lack of reading skills. Bigotry. But, thanks to lvnthedream, we got all that out of the way right off! He's done us a great service. I'll do us two more: HITLER and OBAMA. There. Whew! Can we move on now? Reply
Report Abuse 0 2 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 4:04 AM About 10 hours ago Officer Houston, thank you for not killing this man. I know it may have been an accident but if not, I appreciate that you could have and did not. People make stupid mistakes, they should not die for them and hopefully we'll never hear from Mr. Labrado again .... hope he learned a lesson and was not suicidal and that everything will turn out well for him. Take your fellow officers up to the range and show them the other parts on the body target to go for. Don't let them leave until they can go for something that is NOT a vital organ every time..
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Report Abuse 9 2 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 4:05 AM About 10 hours ago Officer Houston, thank you for not killing this man. I know it may have been an accident but if not, I appreciate that you could have and did not. People make stupid mistakes, they should not die for them and hopefully we'll never hear from Mr. Labrado again .... hope he learned a lesson and was not suicidal and that everything will turn out well for him. Take your fellow officers up to the range and show them the other parts on the body target to go for. Don't let them leave until they can go for something that is NOT a vital organ every time..
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Report Abuse 4 0 Nightbiker Sep 5, 2011 8:08 AM About 6 hours ago Are you serious? What song would you be singing if the dimwit had pulled HIS trigger first? Close range to a shotgun, the cop wouldn't have stood much of a chance. I hope that the only reason he didn't hit him in the chest is because his arm was in the way (holding his shotgun). Reply
Report Abuse 1 4 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 12:43 PM About 2 hours ago At or towards?? Big difference. To wit: "she came outside to talk and that's when officers saw man with shotgun." Did he see THEM? Or turn to look towards them? ergo gun moved with him? TPD cops are in serious need of more training. I've read their manual searching for why they don't know what drug houses look like. I've seen little tiny cops like bill dill call out nine cops over a boundary dispute where no one was armed or even angry. WTF? Only three cops here for a shot gun?The lady was walking around freely and using the phone. Something more to this story. It's a bad neighborhood and street but labrado has no record. Houston is a six year vet but only 3 years as an officer? I agree it was probably an accidental shooting in the arm. But there is much hyperbole when guns are involved. Get a grip. The man if distraught, did not deserve to die for being stupid or troubled. Reply
Report Abuse 0 2 Nightbiker Sep 5, 2011 8:08 AM About 6 hours ago Are you serious? What song would you be singing if the dimwit had pulled HIS trigger first? Close range to a shotgun, the cop wouldn't have stood much of a chance. I hope that the only reason he didn't hit him in the chest is because his arm was in the way (holding his shotgun). Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 hardraada Sep 5, 2011 10:13 AM About 4 hours ago heh. I did not say so in my own post (below) but if Officer Houston did NOT hit the man's arm because - as both you and I speculate - the arm was in front of his chest, then Officer Houston needs to go to the shooting range all right. To practice more. Reply
Report Abuse 1 1 beakie Sep 5, 2011 6:16 AM About 8 hours ago That's strange, usually the angry guy with the gun doesn't let the wife use the phone and go outside to talk to people.
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Report Abuse 0 4 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 12:45 PM About 2 hours ago beakie, I know the story as written does not add up. I also disagree he pointed the gun "at" them... chances are he did not see them and just turned towards them. He has no record at all and that's pretty significant at his age. Reply
Report Abuse 0 3 hardraada Sep 5, 2011 6:26 AM About 8 hours ago WTFIUWSPT "...People make stupid mistakes, they should not die for them..."

Perhaps you're just a much nicer person than I am. I don't think pointing a shotgun at a law enforcement officer is just "a stupid mistake" and yes, you SHOULD have to die for it. The man got off lucky. I assume the officer was shooting at center-mass but a man holding a shotgun has his arms in front of his chest.
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Report Abuse 2 5 SlantedTimes Sep 5, 2011 8:26 AM About 6 hours ago Honey, that fool above is voxy. She is anything BUT a nice person. Reply
Report Abuse 1 2 hardraada Sep 5, 2011 10:04 AM About 4 hours ago I know. I was trying to be polite. I do that once a day. Reply
Report Abuse 1 2 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 12:28 PM About 2 hours ago hardraada, it's not wasted. Try it as often as five times a day. Reply
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WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 2:30 PM Less than a minute ago Do you know me, slanted times? Ever spoken to me? If not then you know what you are doing, correct? Fabricating. Kindly stuff it.
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Report Abuse luvstpete Sep 5, 2011 7:42 AM About 7 hours ago I hope his wife has the good sense to leave him and never look back. Next time he may kill her.
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Report Abuse 0 4 repete Sep 5, 2011 9:26 AM About 5 hours ago 3 Officers Dead news at 11, this should have been quick 3 Officers respond to domestic battery call warned by wife man has gun, man with gun point it at officers,all 3 Officers open fire at gunman, gunman dead on sceen of multiple gunshot wounds news at 11.
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Report Abuse 1 0 south suwannee county Sep 5, 2011 9:30 AM About 5 hours ago WTFIUWSPT how about calling the hospital he is on and agree to pay his medical bills, he pointed a gun at a officer he should be dead not having the tax payors taking care of him a few years in prison and will right back out to start over rehab does not work
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Report Abuse 2 0 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 12:53 PM About 2 hours ago ssc, nice user name?? Aren't you the same one calling for the death penalty for the kid who left his car running by accident? So perhaps you enjoy some bias towards death. As well, wtf you talkin bout? Florida prisons have no rehab. Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 south suwannee county Sep 5, 2011 1:57 PM About 1 hour ago you need to reread my post on the kid he should be charge i have no problem with the death penalty should be use faster Reply
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WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 2:36 PM Less than a minute ago mr/ms ssc, I am normally the last one to point out spelling. I just wonder if you are aware of your very frequent misspellings? I wonder where you were a ff/medic because here in tampa they require at LEAST a GED. Please don't take this as an insult as I said I don't personally care if y ou misspell your own name. I just wonder if there is a place for ff/medics where the standards are even lower than Tampa and Hillsborough County? As well, are you employed again? Just curious. And not in a mean way. Please don't misconstrue my comments.
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Report Abuse south suwannee county Sep 5, 2011 1:59 PM About 1 hour ago as for as my user name that is were i retired to after 27 years as a ff/medic Reply
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WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 2:31 PM Less than a minute ago whoo. BIG surprise there. I love that lust for the death penalty from a supposed "first responder" responsible for "saving lives". So incongruous.
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Report Abuse Mr Kitty Sep 5, 2011 1:11 PM About 1 hour ago Now why assume he can't pay his own bills? Reply
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WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 2:33 PM Less than a minute ago Mr. Kitty and also assuming I haven't already called and given them my debit card ...
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Report Abuse lanienus Sep 5, 2011 10:35 AM About 4 hours ago It's always smart to be walking around with a SHOTGUN when police arrive on domestic calls. Perhaps a machette in the other hand would add to the fashion statement. This keeps officers alert and lets hem know you are not just another brick in the wall.
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Report Abuse 1 0 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 12:53 PM About 2 hours ago that is kind of a funny statement. lol. Reply
Report Abuse 0 0 lillapoyka Sep 5, 2011 10:41 AM About 4 hours ago too bad the cops didn't kill him. I'm sure I'm footing the bill for his healthcare.
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Report Abuse 2 0 WTFIUWSPT Sep 5, 2011 12:55 PM About 2 hours ago wait, hardraada, you display so much common sense on the "drano teen" (could see that one coming .. what kid has more than what's under the kitchen sink?) but this guy deserves to die? What? For losing it once in 34 years ?