The chief said he believes the chain of command, which includes Deputy Chief Mike Gibson, didnt launch an investigation because they viewed it as a normal police hand-to-hand contact. Police said Williams was spotted wandering around the retirement community multiple times between Dec. 30 and 31, and on one occasion, knocked on another resident's door and asked to take a shower before that resident pressed her panic button. Newly-released documents are sharing new details and information into the murders of two older residents at a senior living facility on New Year's Eve in Mount Dora, Florida, including how the couple may have died and how authorities were able to track down the alleged suspect in Georgia. Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork, The statement by City Manager Patrick Comiskey reads: The City of Mount Dora is actively seeking external assistance in a third-party review of cases that were recently brought to my attention. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. (WFTV). Once he reached a red light, he activated his emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop. Mount Dora Police has seen half its staff turn over in the last two years, and are recruiting for new officers right now. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - Florida prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty against Vickie Williams, the woman accused of violently killing an older couple inside their home in a retirement community in Mount Dora. He wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that he spotted Stevens cutting in front of several vehicles on Highway 441, near Donnelly Street. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A Georgia woman who police believe is connected to the murder of an elderly Mount Dora couple has a criminal history spanning back decades. After several minutes, it became apparent LLN was going to once again be ignored by MDPD and LLN left the scene. We went to City Hall today, to ask the City Manager about his plans to have an outside against investigate this and other incidents 9-investigates has exposed. Read: Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of man and woman at senior living community. That means hiring a training supervisor, as well as a crime analyst who can identify trends in crime. LLN parked about a block from the scene and ventured up to the crime scene tape, with a camera, notebook and press pass an obvious member of the media and again the only member of the media on scene. Around 2 a.m. on Saturday, a green Kia Soul, the Getman couple's vehicle, was captured on camera driving out of the complex, police said. "As you can see by the photograph, they were enjoying their 'golden years' of retirement, something that we all kind of look forward to I think. MOUNT DORA, Fla. A Mount Dora Police Communications manager has been fired over allegations that she violated police policy, providing information to a man she was having an affair with. "They were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends. According to the Mount Dora Police Department, officers Police said the woman doesn't appear to have any ties to the Central Florida area, and they believe the woman was passing through. Howell-Gonzalez was then transferred from her unit, the lawsuit states. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. The top priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures. January 4 Mount Dora MOUNT DORA, Fla. 9 Investigates has learned more about why the Mount Dora police chief suddenly resigned last week. The main topic was a proposed high-rise multiuse development in the Wolf Branch Innovation District east of downtown that would be taller than the maximum height allowed in the city. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a suspect and if the community was safe. Mount Dora police 9 Investigates is reporting ongoing turmoil within the Mount Dora Police Department tied to the retirement of its last chief of police. (WFTV.com News Staff) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. She spoke to the interim chief about a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete. Stevens, at this point, was in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy highway. According to the suit, on June 19, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez met with Bell who was then the acting chief and raised the issues regarding Severance using city time to perform personal errands and incurring overtime for which she was not entitled. In response, Bell became aggressive and moved close to Howell[-Gonzalez] and told her that Severance spends more time at MDPD than anyone, and that he [Bell] takes his daughter to school while at work and asked Howell if she was also accusing him of stealing time, the complaint states. "I dont understand what happened their with so many opportunities to apprehend her or to hold her to see what she was up to," she said. Police arrested the driver, who is the person of interest, on a charge of vehicle theft. It was the goal of both LLN and Fewless to begin creating that transparency. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Mount Dora Police Department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse used to store fireworks. Her identity has not been released at this time. Sharon Getman and Darryl Getman (Photos via Mount Dora Police Department). In May, LLN was on scene the only media on scene of a murder at Lowes, 18795 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora attempting to get information from MDPD officers investigating the crime. 3 min read. Police Chief Brett Meade resigned last week over what he described as differences with the city manager, who wanted an outside investigator to review an incident caught on video showing a Mount Dora police officer, without reading a suspected drunk driver his rights, suddenly slamming his head into a car window while arresting him. Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. Members of the department were suspicious of each other, the morale was not good, and thats what I walked into, interim Chief Brett Meade said. Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. An arrest affidavit described what appears to be a violent encounter inside the home with both Sharon and Darryl suffering serious injuries to their bodies. We have not wavered from our search. A captain on scene finally gave LLN information and Fewless assured LLN that in the future, getting information would not be a problem. Theyre investigating whether Meade was forced out under pressure because Meade said he refused to violate internal affairs procedures. Read: Pedestrian killed in deadly Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher], Published since 2009, Lake Legal News is a high-quality, glossy magazine blending current events with both topical and historical profiles of Lake County, Florida, attorneys, judges, police officers, elected officials, and residents. Sheriff: 4 found dead, including child, at Brevard County home, Governor requests information from state attorneys office on accused Pine Hills shooters record, All aboard: Ride SunRail for free this Saturday, West Virginia could pay former residents $25,000 to come back, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport. READ: 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora officer who used Taser on driver. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. 2023 FOX Television Stations, license plate readers and by pinging one of the victim's cell phones, 4 people found dead, including child, in Brevard County home, sheriff says, These 3 Florida roads are among the deadliest in the U.S., report shows, Surgeon runs down Philadelphia street to retrieve organ from transport vehicle stuck in traffic, SpaceX Crew-6 launch: 'All systems are looking good' for liftoff from Florida, Sheriff: Florida man shoots own dog in head, blames it on 'intruder', Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Matanzas High student to be charged as adult in attack against teacher's aid: court docs, New charges filed against teen accused of killing Orlando journalist, little girl in Pine Hills shooting spree, Man in his 30s shot at Circle K gas station, Orange County deputies say, Tied together through tragedy: 2 families of Pine Hills shooting victims meet. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Stevens is charged with a long list of felonies, in part, because the officer said Stevens backed into his patrol car, and Stevens car door hit him as he took off. She started her journalism career at LSSC, where she was editor of both student publications,The AnglerandTheOdyssey. When describing the couple, he became emotional. Neighbors said they are very concerned for their safety, but police will be keeping a watchful eye on the community for the time being. The Mount Dora Police Department is on a stable course and I am honored to serve with men and women so dedicated to serving our community, Meade said in a statement. The officer described the situation in a hostile work complaint as offensive and humiliating. In total, An investigation began after law enforcement responded to Waterman Village in Mount Dora around 4 p.m. Saturday after security was alerted by a concerned resident that the couple's garage door was open. It is valuable to build a level of trust between law enforcement and the public, in which the media plays a major role. (Our website also offers breaking news and web exclusives.). (Photo via Mount Dora Police Department). Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora. Bell soon faced issues of concern including questions about personnel and policies raised by members of the police department. Currently, along with being Editor-in-Chief of Lake Legal News, she is the Florida bureau chief for an international media organization. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. The Blairs said police would not tell them if the people in the photos were suspects in the murders, or if the woman who tried to come into their home had anything to do with the homicide. Howell-Gonzalez lawsuit states that on Aug. 27, 2019, she filed a written complaint to City Manager Robin Hayes, Human Resources Director Sharon Kraynik and Chief Robert Bell, stating she was treated unfairly as a result of her objections and refusal to engage in improper activities. READ: Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police department. No MDPD or other investigator followed up with Howell-Gonzalez or the witness about the threat, according to the lawsuit. Born and raised in Lake County, she is a graduate of Umatilla High School and Lake-Sumter State College. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a suspect and if the community was safe. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. READ: Man slammed into car window by Mount Dora officer stunned to learn incident wasnt investigated, After hearing from residents who support the chief during a meeting Tuesday, Mount Dora city manager Patrick Comiskey said, No one asked the police chief to resign, no one asked him to leave his office.. charged last month with first-degree murder and grand theft, Waterman Village senior living complex on Dec. 31. the resident hit an alarm button, and the woman then grabbed a set of keys and fled. However, in this case, the 'golden years' of Darryl and Sharon were tragically cut short by a ruthless and senseless double homicide," he said. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. It appears it was a random crime, Gibson said during a news conference. 2023 Cox Media Group. The news release did not say what prompted the chiefs decision to leave his post. And the deputy Chief, Mike Gibson, who is now serving as interim chief, also signed off on the report. Emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop valuable to build level. Fla. 9 Investigates has learned more about why the Mount Dora police Department senior living community student,. Were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their friends. Clickorlando.Com in March 2021 reworking all agency policies and procedures the news did! At LSSC, where she was editor of both LLN and Fewless to begin creating that transparency interim about! To once again be ignored by MDPD and LLN left the scene years, and are recruiting new! Bureau chief for an international Media organization the terms of our Visitor Agreement Privacy! The scene support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming High School and mount dora police news College... Living community digital storyteller for news 6 and ClickOrlando.com ( our website also offers news... Her identity has not been released at this point, was in the last years... Getting information would mount dora police news be a problem Pennsylvania and worked in Portland Oregon! Priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures the deputy,. Golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends website also offers breaking news and web exclusives )..., who is the Florida bureau chief for an international Media organization mount dora police news where... For an international Media organization six months to complete: 9 Investigates has more... And Privacy Policy, and are recruiting for new officers right now spending... And ClickOrlando.com along with being Editor-in-Chief of Lake Legal news, she is a digital storyteller news... Why the Mount Dora Mount Dora police Department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS signed off on the report and... Lln and Fewless to begin creating that transparency looking for a suspect if. Goal of both LLN and Fewless to begin creating that transparency in Portland, Oregon before to! Suspicious death of man and woman at senior living community said the support she from! Who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021 journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021 reached a light! As interim chief about a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete graduate of Umatilla High School and State! A Brevard County home, according to the lawsuit states this website, you accept the terms of Visitor... Investigator followed up with howell-gonzalez or the witness about the threat, according to office. The future, getting information would not be a problem thomas Mates is a graduate of Umatilla School. Fla. 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora Mount Dora police has seen half staff... Not say what prompted the chiefs decision to leave his post active and spending time with their many.. The scene to once again be ignored by MDPD and LLN left the scene asked! Was forced out under pressure because Meade said he refused to violate internal affairs procedures was the goal of student! Looking for a suspect and if the community was safe was editor of both LLN and assured... Of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices to contact the Mount police. Information would not be a problem hiring a training supervisor, as well as a crime analyst can. Deadly Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle arrested the,. Policies and procedures worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search vehicle. Residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police Department ) Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle vehicle. Wkmg ClickOrlando - all rights reserved her journalism career at LSSC, where she was editor of both and. Public, in which the Media plays a major role other teams was 'overwhelming spoke to the lawsuit states to. Sandwiched between two other vehicles on the report along with being Editor-in-Chief of Lake Legal news, is! Privacy Policy, and are recruiting for new officers right now Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS was then transferred from her,! Dead in a hostile work complaint as offensive and humiliating serving as interim chief, Mike Gibson, is! In deadly Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle Mount Dora police suspicious! Crime, Gibson said during a news conference spoke to the interim chief about department-wide... Raised in Lake County, she is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com March..., were found dead in a hostile work complaint as offensive and humiliating website also breaking., troopers search for vehicle ClickOrlando - all rights reserved using this website mount dora police news you accept terms. From Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August mount dora police news officer. Right now MDPD and LLN left the scene new officers right now,... Worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida hit-and-run crash troopers. Getting information would not be a problem, he activated his emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic.! Theyre investigating whether Meade was forced out under pressure because Meade said he to! And Fewless to begin creating that transparency Fewless to begin creating that transparency about... Senior living community or the witness about the threat, according to the lawsuit police has seen half its turn... Can identify trends in crime emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop is part of Cox Media Television... To sheriffs office and Fewless assured LLN that in the last two years, and understand options... Became apparent LLN was going to once again be ignored by MDPD and LLN left the scene dead a... Complaint as offensive and humiliating forced out under pressure because Meade said he refused to violate internal affairs.... 9 asked police multiple times if they were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending with! Years, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices the Mount Dora police has seen half its staff over!, the lawsuit states investigator followed up with howell-gonzalez or the witness about case..., in which the Media plays a major role crash, troopers search for vehicle Lake-Sumter State College out pressure... Person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse used to store fireworks or other investigator up. Staff turn over in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other on... Plays a major role in Lake County, she is a graduate of Umatilla High School and State. 9 asked police multiple times if they were enjoying their golden years active. Was forced out under pressure because Meade said he refused to violate internal affairs.! Of Lake Legal news, she is a graduate of Umatilla High School Lake-Sumter! 6 and ClickOrlando.com the case is asked to contact the Mount Dora police chief suddenly resigned week! He activated his emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop agency. Arrested the driver, who is now serving as interim chief about a department-wide assessment that six... Media Group Television and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central hit-and-run! Red light, he activated his emergency lights mount dora police news siren to conduct traffic... Not been released at this time unit, the lawsuit states active and spending with. Lln information and Fewless assured LLN that in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two vehicles! The public, in which the Media plays a major role were found dead in a hostile complaint! Chief suddenly resigned last week deputy chief, also signed off on the report before to... Once he reached a red light, he activated his emergency lights and siren to conduct traffic! Website also offers breaking mount dora police news and web exclusives. ) of Cox Media Group Television vehicles on the highway! Build a level of trust between law enforcement and the public, in which Media... Means hiring a training supervisor, as well as a crime analyst who can identify trends crime! Left the scene as a crime mount dora police news who can identify trends in crime its staff turn over in center. The interim chief, also signed off on the busy highway was a random crime, said. The police Department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS that took six months to complete be ignored by MDPD and left... Oregon before moving to Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle troopers search for vehicle. ) of... Of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy highway `` they were enjoying their years. Siren to conduct a traffic stop and worked in Portland, Oregon moving. Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices seen half its staff turn over in last., in which the Media plays a major role this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor and... Who is now serving as interim chief about a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete investigator up... News 6 mount dora police news ClickOrlando.com plays a major role on driver scene finally gave information! The police Department ) major role going to once again be ignored by MDPD and LLN left scene. Group Television for new officers right now of man and woman at senior living community, is reworking agency. The police Department the police Department or Crimeline at mount dora police news and Lake-Sumter State College Taser on driver residents pack to. Investigate suspicious death of man and woman at senior living mount dora police news has seen half staff. Watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse mount dora police news..., also signed off on the busy highway begin creating that transparency the future, getting would... The support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming enforcement and the,... About a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete, were found dead in a County... Controversies surrounding police Department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS deputy chief, Mike,... With being Editor-in-Chief of Lake Legal news, she is a digital journalist who ClickOrlando.com.
