Crime Journal

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 11, 2007

TAMPA

2 caught with semitrailer owned by state

Two men were arrested after stealing an empty state-owned semitrailer during an undercover cargo theft operation. Carlos M. Alvarez, 38, of Miami Lakes and Ernesto Carcache, 34, of Hialeah were charged with grand theft and resisting arrest without violence after they took a trailer parked at 6501 U.S. 301. Deputies stopped the semi at Interstate 75 and Gibsonton Drive after conducting a traffic stop. The men fled but were found with the help of the sheriff's canine unit. For several months, the Florida Highway Patrol, National Insurance Crime Bureau, the state Department of Transportation, the state Commercial Vehicle & Cargo Theft Task Force have been working with the sheriff's offices in Hillsborough and St. Lucie counties to stem the number of trailer thefts, sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter. Often, the stolen trailers are shipped overseas and sold, Carter said.

SEFFNER

Profanity sprayed on new ballfield

Vandals spray-painted the baseball field at Seffner Christian Academy over the weekend, a sheriff's spokeswoman said. Sometime between Friday and Sunday, someone sprayed gang graffiti and profanity on the wall of the new baseball field, newly painted grass field, chairs and parts of the dugout, a sheriff's report said. Deputies were called to the school, 11605 U.S. 92, at 4 p.m. Sunday, after someone discovered the destruction. Anyone with information is asked to call (813) 247-8200 or 1-800-873-8477.

SOUTH PASADENA

Wachovia robber wore a toupee

A man in his late 30s with a gray toupee robbed a Wachovia Bank in South Pasadena Monday morning. The man entered the bank at 1101 Pasadena Ave. S, about 9 a.m. and presented a note to a teller demanding cash, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. He is described as a white male in his late 30s, between 5 feet 7 and 5 feet 9 and weighing about 150 pounds. He was wearing a dark gray tweed sports coat and sunglasses. Anyone with information is asked to call (727) 582-6200.

ST. PETERSBURG

Ex-USF instructor accused of threat

A former University of South Florida geography instructor Friday was accused of threatening to explode a destructive device, police said. Henry Aruffo, 58, was arrested is being held in jail on $50,000 bond. A former geography instructor, Aruffo participated in relief efforts after tsunamis devastated Southeast Asia in 2004. According to an affidavit, he complained of medical problems he incurred while aiding relief efforts.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Sheriff's spokesman accused of battery

Kevin Doll, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office spokesman, has been accused of misdemeanor battery against his 16-year-old stepdaughter. Doll, who lives in Hernando County, was placed on paid administrative leave.

[Last modified December 10, 2007, 23:22:30]