The Sergeant then goes to open his car door, and the incident escalated from there, as he tries to pull Stevens from the vehicle who refuses to comply. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to online court records. 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. READ: Mount Dora police chief fired after investigation into racially insensitive comments. 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. The officers Lieutenant wrote in this report that while deploying a taser on someone in physical control of a moving vehicle is normally against Mount Dora police department policy, I do believe that there were exigent circumstances involved in this case. He signed off on it, along with Chief Brett Meade, who resigned over disagreements with the City Manager about bringing in a third-party investigator to review two other incidents 9 Investigates has exposed, and now this one. Mount Dora retirees killed in violent attack, affidavit says Newly-released documents are sharing new details and information into the murders of two older Frank and Pat Blair said the day before the murders, a woman tried to get them to let her in their home. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Police have not released the cause of death. Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else. Watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse used to store fireworks. (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Mount Dora Police has seen half its staff turn over in the last two years, and are recruiting for new officers right now. 0:00. 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. Howell-Gonzalez was then transferred from her unit, the lawsuit states. Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. John Stevens will likely die in prison if hes convicted for any of the long list of felony charges he faces, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, leaving the scene of a crash and driving while license canceled suspended or revoked. TAVARES State prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Vickie Lynn Williams if she is convicted of killing Darrell and The tenant became panicked and pushed her emergency alarm button, police said. 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. "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. Howell-Gonzalez is represented by Christopher Pace of Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter Park. Video: Report notes toxic environment at Mount Dora PD: Whats being done to change that. Meade served as interim chief beginning in July 2020 and was named as the permanent replacement in April 2021. In August 2020, Channel 9 investigative reporter Karla Ray exposed a vote of no confidence against then-Chief Robert Bell, submitted to city staff just weeks before he suddenly retired. Police said she drove off in a silver Toyota Corolla. 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. Video: Report notes toxic environment at Mount Dora PD: Whats being done to change that Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. MOUNT DORA With the departure of Mount Dora City manager Robin Hayes, the city's search for a new police chief has been put on hold. She started her journalism career at LSSC, where she was editor of both student publications,The AnglerandTheOdyssey. The officer replied by saying shes Puerto Rican and OGrady said, same thing, according to the report. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Brett Meade announced his resignation Wednesday, according to a news release. MOUNT DORA, Fla. A man who was Tased by a Mount Dora Police Sergeant is only talking to Eyewitness News. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to352Tips@gmail.com. Her professional career began at the Daily Commercial in 2004 where she covered cops and courts the majority of her time there until she left in 2009. His car is visibly shaking in the video. Mount Dora police said a security guard had called 911 to report the suspicious activity. An investigation is ongoing, but law enforcement are confident the case will be solved. VIDEO: Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out, Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out, VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows, Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows, 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. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Born and raised in Lake County, she is a graduate of Umatilla High School and Lake-Sumter State College. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS On Oct. 3, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez was interviewed, and she identified a witness to support her claims. 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. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. [TRENDING: Tropical wave could bring heavy rain to parts of Florida for weekend | She shouldnt have hit my momma: Witnesses describe girl, 10, accused of fatally shooting Orlando woman | Become a News 6 Insider (its free!)]. 2023 Cox Media Group. We entered into an agreement with a third-party organization; however, the organization reconsidered and declined to move forward. The suspect put his vehicle in reverse while I was standing next to the vehicle with the drivers door open. MOUNT DORA, Florida Just two business days after meeting with Lake Legal News to create a better relationship with the media, Mount Dora Police Deputy Chief Michael Fewless was fired for meeting with Lake Legal News. Police in Mount Dora are investigating the deaths of a man and woman at a senior living community. Im not going to say it didnt happen. VIDEO: Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation, Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation, Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork. Stevens, at this point, was in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy highway. A woman has been taken into custody as a person of interest in the murders of a Florida husband and wife at a senior living community over New Year's weekend, police announced during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. 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. He was treated for serious injuries that forced him to be flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center in downtown Orlando. READ: Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation. According to the Mount Dora Police Department, officers MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A woman has been taken into custody as a person of interest in the murders of a Florida husband and wife at a senior living community over New Year's weekend, police announced during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Channel 9 spoke to a couple who said they have experienced multiple days of strange situations leading up to this homicide. According to interim police Chief Mike Gibson, a woman later identified as Williams was escorted from the complex by security the day before New Years Eve, though she was seen entering again that night. More than 600 citizens participated in the Information about criminal activity in the community is a matter of public concern, and the medias relationship with law enforcement is as well. More than 600 citizens participated in the assessment process. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a deceased man and woman. MOUNT DORA, Fla. After a little more than a year in his current position, Mount Doras police chief is resigning, effective Thursday. (City of Mount Dora) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Firefighters fought a raging house fire in Mount Dora Sunday afternoon, after a house was struck by lightning. LLN spoke with Fewless attorney Ryan Andrews of Andrews Law in Tallahassee Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. (WFTV/WFTV). A reward for information is being offered in a homicide investigation of a husband and wife found dead at a Mount Dora senior living community over the weekend, according to police. During the meeting, Fewless and LLN discussed working together to build a better relationship. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals at 1958 World Cup, dies, Tri-State could get 2-3 inches of rain late this week. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. Howell-Gonzalez complained to a MDPD sergeant, who always advised her he was told to leave Ofc. 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. Following the discussion, LLN inquired if there were any updates on either the murder or the double shooting and Fewless took LLN to the office of Capt. Howell-Gonzalez took her complaints to a lieutenant in the department three times in April 2019 and Severances alleged behavior continued. The officer and his supervisor never arrested the driver for suspicion of DUI, opting for an easier charge because they didnt want to do the paperwork involved. She said, I lost my car key and I need to call my husband, but my phone needs charging, could I come in and charge my phone? Frank Blair said. (WFTV). Shortly after learning about the homicides over the weekend, FOX 35 spoke with a neighbor who told us there was a strange woman who came to their door asking for help. Williams, 50, was arrested in Savannah, Georgia in the couples stolen car. The Sergeants Lieutenant, the former chief and interim chief - all signed off on the incident, though they agreed it was against department policy to tase someone sitting behind the wheel of a running vehicle. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Anyone with information on this theft is asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7130. 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. In a press conference on Sunday, police said the couples deaths are suspicious and they will investigate the case as a homicide. MOUNT DORA, Fla. After a little more than a year in his current position, Mount Doras police chief is resigning, effective Thursday. We will provide updates as we move through this process.. "They were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends. Jessica Howell-Gonzalez filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Mount Dora alleging violations of Floridas Whistleblower Act, Family Medical Leave Act and the First Amendment. The suit alleges Howell-Gonzalez complained of fellow officer Ivy Severance using city time for her personal errands and it being a chronic issue. (WFTV/WFTV) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. The report said a butcher-style knife was in Darryl's abdomen when detectives found him, and that he had defensive injuries. Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. Those arrests ranged from misdemeanors to felonies, including assault, criminal trespassing, theft, robbery, receiving stolen property, and domestic violence. The analysis noted the only category that most officers felt confident in their level of training was active shooter response, stating they feel insufficiently trained in all other categories. READ: Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police department. Pat Blair said two police agents wanted them to look at a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her. Officers said they followed her off the property and eventually lost sight of her. Read: Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of man and woman at senior living community. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. 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. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. T&N Market is on sale, once a community store is now the site of a painful reminder of a double homicide that took place last year. PUBLISHED 5:16 PM ET Jul. Vickie Williams was charged last month with first-degree murder and grand theft in the slayings of Darryl and Sharon Getman, a retired couple in their 80s. In the body camera video, we never hear the Sergeant tell Stevens why hes being pulled over, he approaches the car and immediately asks for his license and registration. 2023 FOX Television Stations, 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, This Florida gem is the state's oldest restaurant -- and it takes up an entire city block, 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. (Karla Ray, WFTV.com). Voters in Mount Dora will cast their ballots Tuesday for who will lead the city for the next two years. After her arrest in Georgia and subsequent extradition to Lake County, the person of interest in the slaying of a Mount Dora couple last weekend now faces first-degree murder charges. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. !#TeamTEGNA #ABC24 Liked by Steve Darrell, B.S./M.F.A ShoPros Live Event Service On The Road This Week! Pat Blair said two police agents wanted them to look at a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her. 1:07. READ: Police search for men shooting people with airsoft guns in downtown Mount Dora. Williams is currently being held on no bond at the Lake County jail. Read: Pedestrian killed in deadly Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle. Mount Dora Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said she was arrested out of state and will be extradited back to Florida in the coming days. Police said a security camera captured the Getman couple's vehicle leaving the Waterman Village senior living community during the early morning hours of Dec. 31, 2022, according to police. A captain on scene finally gave LLN information and Fewless assured LLN that in the future, getting information would not be a problem. 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. Meade was brought in as interim chief to lead the assessment, which found a critical need for enhanced training. The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. Police officers responded to the complex later Saturday afternoon after the couple was found dead. The vehicle accelerated while in reverse striking me with the drivers door open, the officer wrote in his report. 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. Police said they should be able to give more information Monday and they have been in contact with the victims son, but would not release any names until he arrives in town. 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