PAGE 3 - January 28, 2009
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Citrus County Man Dies in Crash Child Abuse Charges
- Continued from page 1
friend's house and gave the deputy information for contacting her. Meanwhile, a BOLO (be on
A 60 year old Beverly Hills man died in a two car crash a week ago Tuesday January
the lookout) was issued for McGahen, and the Department of Children and Families was
20th on County Road 486 east of North Knoll Rd. in Citrus County. According to the FHP
contacted about the incident.
report Robert F. Wohlitka was traveling westbound in a 2003 Dodge Pickup truck while a 2000
On Jan. 21, a Child Protection Investigator contacted McGahen and interviewed him
Ford Suv was traveling east. The report states that for some unknown reason the SUV driven
in his office. Meanwhile, a sheriff's office unit was enroute to the office to arrest him. The
by 75 year old Alexandra E. Garrison abruptly swerved to the left and into the path of the
investigator told deputies, that as the child had been caught up in tthe fight, the child had
pickup truck.
been taken to Shand's Hospital in Gainesville for an examimation, and it was determined that
The report also stated that the pickup truck came to rest on the northern grass
the child had sustained physical abuse and injuries. McGahen was arrested and charged with
should facing southwest. The FHP report states that the victim died at the scene and the
child abuse, domestic battery and violation of probation (for a previous charge of obstruction
accident remains under investigation.
without violence). He was held without bond.
At the Citrus County Detention Facility, McGahen agreed to an interview. He said
Man Arrested for Carrying
that no physical abuse had transpired between he and the woman, that they'd had an argu-
ment that had escalated to the point that the victim was about to leave the residence, but he
Concealed Weapon
did not want her to take the child with her, so he had reached into the vehicle and grabbed the
child under the arms to pull the child out of the child safety seat. He said that the woman had
Fanning Springs--On January 9, 2009 Deputy Jimmy Anderson arrested James Michael Johnson
grabbed the child by a leg, and a tug of war had ensued with the child. He said that the child
for carrying a concealed firearm and aggravated assault. The Levy County Sheriff’s Office
was pulled from his grasp, causing the child's back to strike the car seat and the child's head
received numerous 9-1-1 calls that a man was armed with a handgun inside the Tackle Box
to strike the child safety seat's arm rest. As the child was pulled further, the child's head had
Convenience store located at 17976 Hwy 19 in Fanning Springs. Upon arrival the investiga-
struck the other arm rest on the child safety seat.
tion revealed that a patron observed James Michael Johnson concealing a Debbie snack cake
He said that he'd been greatly concerned for the child's safety, as the woman had
in his pants. When Johnson walked out the store the patron stated to Johnson that he should
sped out of the driveway, running over a puppy, and "peeling out." The report stated that the
not steal from the store.
deputy asked McGahen why he hadn't called law enforcement, if he had been so greatly
Johnson reached in his waistline and the witness noticed that the Johnson had a gun
concerned for the child's safety, and that McGahen had replied that the woman dislikes it
concealed in his pants. The witness physical wrestled Johnson to the ground and was able to
when he "calls the cops." In response to questioning, McGahey told the deputy that he had
disarm Johnson prior to Deputies arriving on the scene. Deputy Anderson confiscated a
not been drinking, the night of the incident.
loaded 22 caliber loaded revolver and transported Johnson to the Levy County Jail. Johnson
Road closure near Citronelle Feb. 7
did not have a conceal firearm permit and it is unknown why Johnson had the loaded gun.
Homosassa boat ramp reopened
W. Dunklin Avenue will be closed to traffic on February 7 for repairs to the railroad
crossing in the Citronelle Area. The closing will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents are advised
to seek an alternate route during this closing. A detour route will be set up with signs to direct
The county’s Homosassa boat ramp, the only public ramp on the Homosassa River,
residents from County Road 495 to C.R. 488 to U.S. 41 during the closure period.
was reopened Thursday. The deteriorating ramp was closed Jan. 5 for critical repairs which
Important Toll Free Numbers
were done in a special, expedited construction process. Boaters had been using the adjacent
Homosassa Riverside Resort boat ramp at no charge through an arrangement with the county.
Citrus Cty Govt. Citrus Springs & Dunnellon 489-2120
County Commissioner Gary Bartell, who represents Homosassa, was pleased the carefully
Levy Cty Govt. 800-733-5389
planned project finished a day ahead of schedule. The improved ramp was widened for safety.
Levy Cty Sheriff 800-538-9767
Restrooms associated with the adjacent bait shop will be rebuilt and available to the public in
a public/private partnership. A pump-out station for larger boats will also be added at the
dock, with the state paying for 75 percent of the project.
River Lodge R.V. Resort
CCVC Monthly Yard Sale Benefits Vets
NOW OPEN
The Citrus County Veterans Coalition monthly Yard Sale is back in business on Satur-
day, February 7th from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 550 U.S. 41
13790 W. Foss Grove Path
S. in Inverness. The Coalition will also be accepting donations of non perishable food prod-
Inglis, Florida 34449
ucts and donations in the change bank parking meter at the entrance to the yard sale to
supplement the purchase of food.
at U.S. Hwy. 19, just north of the Barge Canal
The Veterans Benefit Yard Sale is scheduled for the first Saturday of the month through
For Information Call 352-447-2900
May and has expanded to over 100 booths offering treasures and collectables of all descrip-
Large Lots • New 20/30/50 AMP Electrical Service
tions. Plenty of activities are available throughout the sale with food venders on site, restroom
facilities, plenty of free parking and a play area for the children while mom and dad shop.
Rentals: Daily-$30 • Weekly-$200 • Monthly-$350
Booths are available by reservation for $10 per space, $5 for veterans’ organizations and free
Includes Electric
to charitable organizations by calling Richard Floyd at 352-726-5031 between 5 and 7 p.m.
A.B.A.
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Carting
Shopping Center
“Your Electric Bill Reduction Specialists”
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Hwy. 40E, Inglis
Roll-Off Container Service
• 100% Financing
• Commercial
(352) 212-0405
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Refrigeration
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Call for Appointment
• 30 Years Experience
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Walk-Ins Welcome
Dumpsters
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Ask Us About
Construction Debris
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Ultra Violet Air Filtering
Yard Waste
Removes nearly 100%
of germs & dust
Family Salon
Reduce Sickness & Allergies
Men • Women • Kids
Family Owned & Operated
Perms • Color • Hi-Lites
Locally Owned & Operated
Starting at $45
Licensed & Insured
352-447-3040
Licensed & Insured
Womens Cuts - $12
352-465-5020
Clipper Cuts - $8
License #CACO 57707