Cat slips onto porch, attacks Northdale couple

Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 16, 2000

TAMPA -- A Northdale couple were scratched, bitten and worried about rabies Tuesday after a cat attacked them on their porch.

"My husband's leg is badly torn up, and I have bites and claw marks all over my hand," Patricia Krieger said.

Mrs. Krieger said she and her husband, Julius, were sitting on their screened-in porch about 7 p.m. when a small cat she had seen around the neighborhood came in through a door left ajar.

When it attacked, she ran inside and got a handgun.

"Our main concern was not to harm the cat, but to scare it and keep it here so we can make sure it doesn't have rabies," she said.

At the sound of the gunshot, the cat retreated to a corner of the porch, and the couple ran inside to call the Sheriff's Office.

A deputy came to the home at 16605 Meadow Grove Drive, and county animal control officials came to get the cat so it could be tested for rabies. Mrs. Krieger said she thinks the cat is a stray.

Impaled boy still in critical condition

KENNETH CITY -- A 15-year-old who fell from a treehouse and was impaled on a fence remained in critical condition Tuesday, authorities said. Jared Raible of 7744 Bristol Court was 20 feet up when he lost his balance Saturday. He fell onto a wood fence, which pierced his neck.

Three more arrested in heroin investigation

Authorities say they have broken up a ring of at least eight heroin dealers who operated on both sides of Tampa Bay.

Three people were arrested Tuesday in Tampa and Pinellas Park, and two others remained at large, the FBI said. Three others already had been arrested.

Since last summer, investigators have confiscated heroin worth tens of thousands of dollars, the FBI said.

The three arrested Tuesday were Albert Guecia Jr., 48, and Edward P. McGee, 43, both of Pinellas Park, and Cecilia Villa de Jimenez, 33, of Tampa.

Arrest warrants were issued for Arnaldo Jose Dilone, 18, of 8421 N Edison Ave., Tampa, and Kenneth McGhan, 56, whose last listed address was in Seminole.

All are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. Jimenez and Dilone also are charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Pedestrian seriously hurt in hit-and-run accident

TREASURE ISLAND -- A woman walking on Gulf Boulevard was severely injured Tuesday by a black Ford pickup that hit her and didn't stop, police said.

She was hit about 6:30 p.m. in the 11700 block, police said. She was taken to Palms of Pasadena Hospital for treatment. Her name and condition weren't available.

The vehicle's license tag might bear the numbers 1171, police said. It continued north on Gulf after the collision. Call the Treasure Island Police Department at (727) 547-4592 with information.

Investigators convinced John's Pass fire was arson

MADEIRA BEACH -- Fire investigators know this much: The blaze that drew in 100 firefighters and claimed several businesses in John's Pass Village was arson.

Madeira Beach fire Chief Brian Turini said the sheriff's arson task force has no suspects.

The Monday morning fire claimed at least 11 businesses and damaged as many as five more.

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