Digest

Mother-son tiff over lunch leads to arrest

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 30, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Julian "JuJu" Ford, 18, is charged with felony robbery and battery.

ZEPHYRHILLS

James Roope, 20 and unemployed, is accused of smacking his mother's arm, poking her neck and shoving her against the clothes dryer. It all started with ranch dressing, the Sheriff's Office said. Just after noon Sunday, according to an arrest report, Roope was in the kitchen, making lunch, when his mother asked him to use the ranch dressing that was already open. This perturbed the young man and led to the violence, the report said. Roope, of 2117 Hilda Ann Road, was arrested on a charge ofsimple domestic battery. He was held without bail Monday in the Land O'Lakes jail.

LACOOCHEE

Man arrested in stabbing incident

Authorities say Roland Thompson tried to stab another man in the throat during a heated argument Sunday night. But the victim raised his hand, blocking the strike, and got a cut that required several stitches. Thompson, 39, of 39849 State Road 575, had his own explanation for the wound, according the Sheriff's Office. He said the victim cut himself while preparing barbecue meat. Later, he said the victim was cut in a struggle with a dope dealer. Thompson was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery. He was held without bail Monday at the Land O'Lakes jail.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Gulf High senior's season hopes end

Suspended Gulf High School football player Julian "JuJu" Ford's senior season ended Monday when his trial on felony robbery and battery charges was pushed back to Jan. 7. Ford was 17 when he was arrested April 4, accused of helping break a man's jaw and stealing a $400 cross. He has been suspended from the team under school district rules. Ford had hoped to plead his case to a jury this week and, if he was acquitted, return to the field Friday with two regular season games left. But Monday the defense asked Circuit Judge Thane Covert for a continuance and, since the state had no objection, he granted it. The judge ruled Oct. 18 that a jury should be allowed to hear incriminating statements authorities said Ford made. Ford, now 18, has recanted and says he was shielding others.

[Last modified October 29, 2007, 22:01:00]