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Man in stable condition after shooting himself

By Times Staff
Published August 23, 2005

HUDSON - A 34-year-old man accidentally shot himself in the thigh Sunday while cleaning a 9mm pistol at a friend's house, Pasco County sheriff's deputies said.

According to a sheriff's report, Derrick Dewayne Latson of 12913 Cedar Ridge Drive in Hudson and a friend, 32-year-old Samuel Spicer, went target shooting Sunday and were cleaning their guns about 5:21 p.m. at Spicer's home in Shadow Ridge Estates.

Spicer told deputies he warned Latson not to try to take apart the semiautomatic pistol while it was loaded.

A moment later the gun went off and a bullet tore into Latson's left thigh. Spicer told deputies he tried to control the bleeding until medics arrived.

Latson was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg by helicopter. Latson was in stable condition in the intensive care unit late Monday.

Man hospitalized with head injuries after fight

HUDSON - Harsh words between strangers at a bar late Saturday ended with a brutal parking lot beating that sent a 42-year-old man to the hospital with serious head injuries.

Charles Clark of 16108 U.S. 19 in Hudson was flown to Bayfront Medical Center shortly before midnight Saturday. His condition was not available late Monday.

Clark's brother, 39-year-old Andrew Clark, also of Hudson, told deputies he and his brother intervened in an argument between three men and other patrons at the Blue Lagoon Bar and Grill, 13228 U.S. 19 in Hudson about 11:20 p.m. He said they told the men to leave the bar.

Charles Clark followed the men out, a Pasco County sheriff's report said. When Andrew Clark went to check on his brother, all three men were hitting Charles Clark, knocking him to the ground.

A deputy found Charles Clark bloody and unconscious when he arrived at 11:25 p.m.

Andrew Clark said the suspects fled in a black Chevrolet Cavalier. Charles Clark woke up, but paramedics decided to call in a helicopter because of the head injury.

The suspects remain at large.

Laborer jailed on charges of aggravated battery

NEW PORT RICHEY - A 22-year-old laborer was jailed early Sunday on charges he cut another man's neck with a knife during an argument.

Shamus Martin Lally of 5344 James St. in New Port Richey was charged with aggravated battery and was being held in the county jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

According to an arrest report, Thomas J. Fredenburg, age and address unknown, told New Port Richey police he was arguing with Lally at his James Street home. Lally is accused of grabbing a knife, following Fredenburg into the front yard and cutting his neck.

Fredenburg was treated for a cut at North Bay Hospital.

Lally "stated that he did fight with the victim and he does not remember using a knife," an arrest report said.

Deputies arrest janitor on child abuse charge

LAND O'LAKES - Pasco County sheriff's deputies arrested a middle school custodian on charges he held down a 16-year-old family member Saturday night and slapped her hard enough to cause swelling, bruising and a bloody nose.

Deputies arrested George Budulanovic, 48, of 23114 Dinhurst Court in Land O'Lakes on a charge of child abuse about 3 p.m. Sunday. He was released later that day on $5,000 bail.

Chris Dunning, Pasco County schools supervisor of employee relations, said Budulanovic did not report to work at Pine View Middle School on Monday and that the incident is under investigation. Dunning said Budulanovic worked at the school for six months.

According to an arrest report, family members broke up a fight between the 16-year-old and a 23-year-old relative about 9:37 p.m. Saturday. The teen, whose name and relationship to the suspect are being withheld by deputies, was pinned on her bed. Budulanovic is accused of hitting her face with an open hand, the report said. She was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. Deputies said one witness confirmed her account of the altercation.

Budulanovic denied the allegations and said red marks on his hand were caused by an earlier altercation with a nonfamily member, the arrest report said. Five family members also told deputies that Budulanovic and the girl did not have a physical altercation.

Broomstick ends fight between housemates

DADE CITY - A Saturday night altercation that started with booze, bricks and broken windows ended with a broom handle to the face, Pasco County sheriff's deputies said.

According to an arrest report, the arguement started when a friend of 30-year-old Demetrio Hernandez threw a brick through the window of a house at 15015 Marion Ave. in Dade City. Hernandez and the suspect, Geyner Lopes, 30, both live at the home, a report said.

Lopes and Hernandez argued. Lopes and several witnesses told deputies that Hernandez reached for a knife so Lopes hit him in the face with a broom handle.

Lopes was charged with aggravated battery. He was free on $1,000 bail late Monday.

Deputies say teen robs man offering handout

DADE CITY - A man offering a handout of small change lost more than he bargained for when a teen snatched a $100 bill from his hand, a Pasco County sheriff's report said.

Alejandro Ramon, 46, of 37807 Lock St. in Dade City told deputies he often gave the 17-year-old suspect loose change but did not know his name. When the teen asked for money Saturday night, Ramon pulled out change and a $100 bill. He said the teen snatched the bill and ran.

The sheriff's report said Ramon's friend said they chased the teen but could not catch him. If caught, the teen could face felony robbery charges.

[Last modified August 23, 2005, 11:41:35]