Tampa Bay briefs

By Times staff reports
© St. Petersburg Times
published January 26, 2002

Toddler drowns in backyard pool

TAMPA -- A 22-month-old boy drowned Friday afternoon in a backyard swimming pool, fire officials said.

William Bazemore was home with his mother, 17-year-old Patience Owen, when he wandered outside and fell into the pool at 10936 N Lantana Ave., said fire Capt. Bill Wade.

The mother reported the child missing at 4:05 p.m. She told authorities she had changed his diaper and put him down for a nap before he disappeared.

An off-duty police detective in the area heard the call and went to the house to help.

He jumped into the pool and felt around for the boy, who could not be seen through the thick algae.

Another police officer grabbed a pole and searched the deep end, where he found the body.

The boy was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Man wanted in killing arrested in Texas

TAMPA -- Sheriff's deputies in Texas have arrested a man suspected in the October slaying of a co-worker outside a dry-cleaning supply company north of Hillsborough Avenue.

Vladimir Mesa, 39, was arrested Wednesday after U.S. Customs agents stopped him as he tried to cross into Laredo, Texas, from Mexico.

They discovered a warrant for his arrest during a routine check.

Mesa is accused of fatally shooting Michel Montesino after they got into a fight at work Oct. 24.

The men drove to 6401 Badger Drive, where Montesino was shot several times in the parking lot of Phenix Supply Company.

Mesa fled and Hillsborough County sheriff's officials issued a warrant for his arrest.

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