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Digest

For 2nd time, deputies arrest pretend officer

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 24, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG

For the second time in two months, 19-year-old Hai Hoang was caught impersonating a police officer, sheriff's officials said. Hoang was arrested just after 10 a.m. Friday after trying to pull over a real undercover detective in the 5700 block of 49th Street N. The detective yielded to Hoang, who was driving a white 2002 Ford Crown Victoria, and requested backup from sheriff's deputies. Hoang was arrested and charged with two counts of impersonating an officer, officials said. Hoang was arrested on Dec. 22 after trailing an ambulance en route to an emergency call. In that arrest, detectives recovered fake badges, pepper spray, a .22-caliber handgun and radio scanners tuned to emergency frequencies.

LAND O'LAKES

Tampa man killed in hit-and-run

Authorities have identified the pedestrian who died after a hit-and-run crash on U.S. 41 early Wednesday morning as Anthony G. Robinson, 31, of 4916 W Wishart Blvd. in Tampa. He was identified by his fingerprints, Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Larry Coggins said Friday. The patrol said Michael A. Velardocchia, 21, of 6045 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel was driving south on U.S. 41 near Little Lake Road about 3 a.m. Wednesday when he lost control of his 2005 Ford Expedition, crossed the highway and struck Robinson, who was walking along the shoulder.

ST. PETERSBURG

Man to serve life for girlfriend's death

A man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for shooting to death his girlfriend in 2004. A jury found John Jermain Wilson, 27, guilty of killing Sierra Wilson, 18. Police said John Jermain Wilson shot Sierra Wilson in the head, then called 911 and said it was an accident. She died at the hospital 11 hours later. He turned himself in to police the next day and was charged with second-degree murder.

CLEARWATER

Girl, 5, darts into van's path, dies

A 5-year-old girl died Friday afternoon after dashing in front of a van in the driveway of a mobile home park on U.S. 19, authorities said. Esmeralda Donu had just gotten off a school bus about 2:45 p.m. and was walking near the entrance of Southern Comfort mobile home park at 24479 U.S. 19, authorities and residents said. Just then, Aucencio Quezada-Oriano, 34, who also lives in the park, was driving to the entrance to drop off trash. His 1989 Ford Aerostar van struck Esmeralda in the middle of the roadway and veered onto the sidewalk, troopers said. Residents rushed to her aid, before paramedics arrived.

TARPON SPRINGS

Man accused of trying to rob bank

Tarpon Springs police Friday arrested Robert Jose Queirolo Jr., 47, of 130 N Grosse Ave. on charges of attempted robbery. Police said Queirolo entered Bank of America at 116 E Tarpon Ave. shortly after 10 a.m., implied he had a weapon and requested a specific amount of cash. But when the employee said she didn't have that amount, he fled. Police arrested Queirolo about two blocks away.

[Last modified February 24, 2007, 01:13:38]