Crime Journal

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 7, 2007

TAMPA

Trying to flee, man jumps from 3rd floor

A man remained in critical condition Thursday at Tampa General Hospital after leaping from a third-floor balcony while trying to run from deputies. Norris Nathaniel Mincey Jr., 31, of 9407 Channing Circle, Apt. 2601, got physical during an argument with his girlfriend at In Town Suites, 8207 E Adamo Drive, a sheriff's report said. After he left, his girlfriend called 911, and he returned as deputies arrived. A report said one deputy saw a plastic bag with a green leafy substance in it. Mincey pushed the deputy and ran before falling on the floor. He pushed off a deputy who was trying to pin him down, reports said. The deputy fired his Taser but missed, officials said. Mincey said "I give up" then rushed the deputy and leaped from the balcony onto the grass below. Charges against Mincey include trafficking in cocaine, marijuana possession, battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest with violence.

HOLIDAY

Suspect sought in abduction

A 49-year-old woman was found alive in her car in the Ocala National Forest on Wednesday evening and told deputies she was abducted from her job at a Holiday McDonald's. According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, the woman left the restaurant about 7 a.m. Wednesday to make a bank deposit. When she didn't return, employees became concerned. Tellers at the bank said they hadn't seen her. Investigators tracked her cell phone along Interstate 75 into Lake County, Pasco spokesman Doug Tobin said. Then they zeroed in on the forest. Pasco authorities are not releasing her name. Tobin said she was being interviewed by detectives Thursday. The suspect was still at large. Anyone with information was asked to call 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7473.

LARGO

Police think robber hit second bank

Largo police said a man robbed the Fifth Third Bank at 705 Eighth Ave. SW about 3 p.m., Thursday. The man covered his face with a green bandana and was wearing a black ball cap, black leather jacket, dark pants and white running shoes. Police said he coughed profusely. Police think the man also robbed Whitney Bank at 14040 Walsingham Road on Nov. 30.

[Last modified December 7, 2007, 00:23:08]