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Hillsborough briefs

News of note.

By Times Staff
Published September 30, 2006

Search on for serial robber

TAMPA - He's struck seven Publix stores, one CVS, one Toys-R-Us and robbed other establishments outside Hillsborough County limits.

Investigators want to stop him before he robs again. He is described as a tall man - about 6 feet 6 - weighing 160 to 180 pounds with sandy blond and graying, collar-length hair.

He has a skinny build, medium complexion and possibly drives a black Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck.

The robberies investigators believe he committed took place from July 10 to Sept. 14. In most of the robberies, he approached the counter as if he was about to make a purchase, then revealed a weapon and demanded money from the cashier.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 873-8477.

Two hurt in car-van wreck

VALRICO - Two people were hurt when a car crashed into a van on Lithia-Pinecrest Road on Friday.

Pamela J. Ward, 42, of 5818 Falcon Creek Place, Lithia, was driving south about 11:30 a.m. Coming the other way was Rachel Watson, 29, of 20040 Heritage Point Drive.

Rob Harris, who was driving behind Ward, saw the crash. He said Watson suddenly jerked her wheel to the left, hitting Ward head on.

When they came to rest, he got out and ran to Ward, in the van. She was alert, he said, and told him to check on the other driver. "She was more worried about them," he said.

Ward and Watson were both taken by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital. According to the Sheriff's Office, Watson was listed in critical condition and Ward was listed as stable.

The accident is still being investigated.

More sex crime charges filed

TAMPA - Police have added more charges to a man accused of sex offenses, including child pornography.

Vonelle Cook, 62, faces an additional six charges of unlawful sex with a minor, arrest records show. Cook offered a 16-year-old boy money, cigarettes and adult pornography in exchange for sexual favors, police say.

Cook was first arrested in May after police searched his home near University Mall and found photographs of naked boys and what appeared to be a film studio set up in a bedroom.

Cook was placed on house arrest, but he didn't show up for a court date Sept. 7. He was found days later at a LaQuinta Inn in Ocala, where he had been living since Sept. 10, police say.

[Last modified September 30, 2006, 06:30:45]