PAGE 8 - August 12, 2009
THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
Deputies Investigate Occupied Armed Traffic Infractions Can Cost You…
and Others
Burglary & Theft Of A Firearm
Special to The Newscaster by Gail Tierney, PIO Citrus County Sheriff Dept.
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed burglary at 19650 SE
Believe it or not, the 2009-10 school year is almost ready to kick
Vicki Street in Inglis. During the night of August 2, 2009 an unknown person(s) entered
off. Expect to see students either riding their bicycles or walking to and
the residence and stole a firearm. The victim did not discover the burglary until he located
from school, or waiting at bus stops. School buses will be everywhere, and
an item left at the scene by the suspect(s), which will not be disclosed at this time.
lights will be flashing by designated school zones. It’s time to put lazy sum-
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind you to lock your doors,
mer days aside and stay alert while driving.
leave an exterior security light on and call 9-1-1 if you see or hear any suspicious activity.
It seems like every year, Citrus County drivers are stymied by that
Anyone with information is asked to call the Levy County Sheriff’s Office or you
age-old question: On a divided highway, do I need to stop for a school bus
can remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.
that’s loading or discharging passengers if I’m traveling in the opposite direction?
According to Florida law, the driver of a vehicle on a divided highway that’s
Update on Device Found in Inverness
separated by an unpaved space of at least five (5) feet, a raised median or a physical barrier
is not required to stop when traveling in the opposite direction of a school bus displaying
Members of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office bomb unit described the suspicious
warning lights and stop signals.
cylindrical device they retrieved from outside an Inverness residence at 3507 S. Fairway
However, if none of these conditions exists (or if the only “divider” is a paved
Terrace Monday evening as one-inch PVC pipe. The item was 10 to 12 inches in length,
center turning lane), then the driver MUST come to a full stop while the bus is either load-
and was filled with automotive lug nuts. The device was completely wrapped in electrical
ing or discharging children. What’s more, the driver must remain stopped until such time
tape.
as the stop signals are withdrawn.
Given the weight of the object, bomb unit members are inclined to think it was
One familiar stretch of highway where deputies consistently find drivers violat-
used as a tool of vandalism. The victim said he heard it strike his front door. Whether or
ing this important safety law is along W. Gulf to Lake Highway (SR 44), between CR 486
not the device had any explosive capabilities is still pending lab results.
and N. Turkey Oak Drive, in Crystal River. Every school day, buses routinely pick up and
Sheriff’s Office deputies are on the lookout for a white, four-door Ford Explorer
discharge children at several different locations on this route, and many of the drivers trav-
that was seen leaving the area about the same time the suspicious device was reported. Any
eling on the opposite side of the highway fail to stop. Seeing as the only divider is a paved
view of the SUV’s tag number was blocked by the vehicle’s trailer hitch and ball. Deputies
center turning lane, the exemptions to stopping for a school bus displaying warning lights
are interested in questioning the two subjects who were seen inside the vehicle.
and stop signals that are outlined above simply don’t apply.
Anyone with information about this suspicious incident or the white Explorer
No one wants to put youngsters in danger purposely. Therefore, drivers are ad-
seen in the area is asked to call 911 or 352-726-1121.
vised to avoid a warning or possible $191 fine by coming to a complete stop whenever
Lewd Charge  - Continued from page 1
buses are loading or discharging children.
Unless the exemptions exist, drivers approaching any school bus displaying warn-
girl cried during the interview and had to stop talking “quite a few times.”
ings lights and stop signals must come to a full stop. Also, they may not pass the bus until
The girl’s 11-year-old sister was also interviewed. She told detectives that Siebe
the signals are withdrawn.
had taken several (clothed) photographs of her sister, and that he’d used a backdrop, as in
It’s critical to remember that whenever a school bus is displaying a stop signal,
a photography studio.
drivers are prohibited from passing the bus on the side that children enter and exit.
On August 7, detectives went to Siebe’s residence with a search warrant. Siebe
The tragic consequences are clearly evident. Additionally, a citation for passing
denied all the allegations. He admitted to having 3 computers, but stated that no one had
a stopped school bus on the wrong side means a mandatory court appearance for the of-
the password except himself and that he had always been present when children were on
fender. At that time, the hearing officer may impose a maximum penalty of $500, not to
his computer. He admitted to having adult pornography on his computer, but denied having
mention the four points that’ll be added to your driving record.
child pornography on them. The computers were seized, along with additional media stor-
Drivers often fail to grasp that points on their driving record may affect their
age devices.
insurance rates or lead to canceling their policy. If court costs also are imposed, a citation
Siebe was place under arrest and transported to the Citrus County Detention Fa-
could wind up costing the offender hundreds of dollars.
cility in Lecanto where his bond was set at $39,000 on three charges: lewd and lascivious
Motorists also are reminded to pay close attention to reduced speed limits in des-
molestation of a person under the age of 12, lewd and lascivious exhibition, and showing
ignated school zones by schools and their campuses. According to Florida law, school
obscene material to a minor.
zone speed limits stand at 20 miles per hour.
Permanent signs designating school zones and school zone speed limits typically
Arrests made in smash n grab crimes
display clearly to drivers the times during which the restrictive speed limit is enforced. In
many cases, these signs feature flashing lights to further alert drivers to slow down, and
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office has made a couple arrests,
school crossing guards also may be evident.
and more arrests expected, in a series of “smash n grab” crimes where
Keep in mind that driving at a speed greater than the one posted in a designated
the thieves targeted cartons of cigarettes and packs of beer.
school zone not only can result in tragedy, but also translate into a hefty traffic fine for the
Burglarized businesses include the Texaco gas station located
offender. For instance, driving 10 miles over the posted speed limit may cost you $291;
at 9548 N. Citrus Springs Blvd. in Citrus Springs on July 23; the Kwik
driving 20 miles over the posted speed limit bumps the cost up to $441.
King gas station located at 9709 W. Fort Island Tr. in Crystal River on
So, be on the lookout for children walking to and from school or waiting at bus
July 24; and the Kwik King gas station located at 1121 N. Florida Ave. in
stops. Observe all school zone speed limits, and slow down when you see crossing guards
Hernando on July 28.
Lawyer
on the street. By keeping your eyes open and your mind focused, you, too, can help keep
Arrests, so far, include Dean Mauricemichael Lawyer, 18, 6701
Citrus County’s schoolchildren safe.
Mallards Cove Rd. in Jupiter, Florida, who was charged with 3 counts
of burglary and Angel Luis Ramos, 18, 9305 N. Citrus Springs Blvd. in
Newscaster by the Numbers:
Dunnellon, who was charged with 1 count of burglary (the Texaco gas
352 447-4588 352-621-4588 Fax: 800-385-6736
station).
Details were not available, but according to Gail Tierney,
Public Information Officer with the sheriff’s office, “Lots of good police
w! email news to: news@thenewscaster.com
work in these investigations!”
Ne
Ramos
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