Digest

Man, 29, arrested in shooting outside home

By TIMES WIRES
Published August 19, 2007

LAND O'LAKES

A 29-year-old man was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery in connection to a shooting Friday afternoon. But now authorities say both the victim and his alleged assailant were armed.

Randall Roy Young, of 6640 Lake Irene Dr., was arrested at 5:35 p.m. Friday and booked into the Pasco County jail. He was released early Saturday morning after posting $10,000 baiil.

Their argument turned physical, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, then turned to gunplay.

The victim, who was not identified, told Pasco sheriff's deputies that he and Young got into it on his driveway at 21019 Third St. around noon Friday.

The victim told Young to get off his property, he said. Then he went into his home and got a semi-automatic pistol. The victim said he shot into the ground.

But Young had a gun, too, according to a sheriff's report.

The victim said Young went to his truck, got his gun, and shot him in the chest and arm.

Young told deputies the victim approached him and pointed a gun.

The victim was flown to Tampa General Hospital with life-threatening injuries on Friday, according to the Sheriff's Office. His condition Saturday was not known.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Sting leads to drug, solicitation charges

Authorities say they made 11 arrests in this week's Operation "Get the Girls," targeting prostitutes along U.S. 19.

This time, it was their customers' turn.

Operation "Get Johnny" netted 12 arrests late Friday and early Saturday, authorities say, targeting johns in front of the Davis Center at 6640 U.S. 19.

Undercover male officers solicited prostitutes in the first sting from Holiday to Tarpon Springs on Thursday.

This time, undercover female officers posed as prostitutes and were solicited by johns, authorities say.

The operations were jointly run by the New Port Richey Police Department and the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, aimed at curbing a growing problem.

"When we see it building back up," said New Port Richey police Assistant Chief Darryl Garman, "We'll be going back out to do these operations."

One man had his oxygen bottle with him. Another offered a convenience-store gift card, police say. Their vehicles were towed by police.

Those arrested on charges of solicitation of prostitution are: Leonard Brown, 43; James Kelly, 55; Edward Nassar, 71; James Ristano, 33; Alan Hirshfield, 53; Manuel Gomez, 28; Charles Cook, 63; Robert Miller, 58; and Zalmai Salehi, 51. Hirshfield was also arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. Salehi was arrested on a charge of possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.

Brandy Mullins, 39, was arrested on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia. Police say she knew who the undercover officers were and was flagging down johns to tell them.

Two more were arrested on drug charges. Douglas Hollabaugh, 46, was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia and for failing to appear in court on a charge of petty theft. Mark Banaciski, 36, was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

[Last modified August 18, 2007, 21:05:58]