This afternoon around 3:30 p.m. a report came into dispatch of an armed man in the vicinity of the Vineland Elementary School. Both Vineland Elementary and nearby LA Ainger Middle Schiol were both put on lockdown immediately. Within 12 minutes of learning of the incident Roy Wathen (04-27-1984 ) was located and detained for questioning.... Continue Reading →
UPDATE: Fatal shooting at Port Charlotte bar
UPDATE: 1/26/2020 Two have been arrested in the fatal shooting incident at Over the Bridge.KEVENS LAGUERRE charged with SECOND-DEGREE MURDERKYRSHA TAYLOR charged with ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACTMore information regarding these arrests will be forthcoming. Detectives are still seeking information surrounding the incident. If you have any information please call 921-639-0013 or send an anonymous tip... Continue Reading →
Domestic Violence Unit Launches Initiative to Educate Offenders and Empower Survivors
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) has launched Operation End the Silence & Stop the Violence, an initiative focused on educating offenders and preventing future violence in their homes. Last week, domestic violence offenders were served by deputies with letters from the Sheriff's Office that advised them of the zero-tolerance policy for... Continue Reading →
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Preparing for 2019 Shop With a Cop Events
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for the 15th Annual Shop with a Cop events. Shop with a Cop provides children with positive interaction and one-on-one time with law enforcement during the holidays. Shopping is done each year by deputies from the Sheriff’s Office along with officers from the Punta Gorda Police Department and... Continue Reading →
Juvenile Unit Conducts Compliance Checks for Tobacco Sales
Members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Unit teamed up on November 17th for an enforcement sweep targeting the sale of tobacco, nicotine products, and nicotine dispensing devices to minors. The operation included compliance checks on 18 commercial establishments licensed to sell tobacco products throughout Charlotte County. One establishment was found in non-compliance for... Continue Reading →
Burglar, Shot by Homeowner, Calls Law Enforcement for Medical Assistance
A suspect in an occupied burglary was shot by the homeowner during a physical struggle Thursday evening on the 100 block of Strasburg Drive. The suspect, identified as Jessica Gutzler (DOB 10/3/79), fled the scene but later called 911 asking for medical assistance. She was taken into custody for medical treatment at that time, and... Continue Reading →
Florida Sheriffs Task Force Operation Hallowed Streets Focused on Children Safety During Halloween Activities
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (November 12, 2019) – Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Task Force released the results of Operation Hallowed Streets, a strategic initiative in 18 Florida counties that focused on Halloween activites throughout Florida. The operation targeted sexual offenders/predators to ensure they are compliant with their obligations and the Florida State Statutes. This involved... Continue Reading →
Child Pornography Investigation in Canada Leads to Arrest of Suspect in Charlotte County
A child pornography investigation in Canada led to the arrest of a suspect in Charlotte County on Tuesday. The suspect, Nathan Potter (DOB 10/21/82), was arrested at a Punta Gorda motel while in the process of packing his belongings into a U-Haul truck. Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Detective Don Woelke, assigned to the FBI Child... Continue Reading →
Motor Unit Competes in Skills Challenge; Brings Home Top Awards
Members of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Motor Unit competed in the 5th Annual Volusia County Sheriff's Office Motorcycle Skills Challenge this weekend, earning top awards for their efforts. Deputy First Class Leamon Combs and Deputy First Class William Weisspfennig placed 1st and 2nd (respectively) in their division, which was for all non-Harley motorcycles. DFC... Continue Reading →
Juvenile Unit Conducts Checks for Underage Alcohol Sales
Members of the Juvenile Unit teamed up on Saturday, October 26th, for an enforcement sweep targeting the sale of alcohol to minors. The operation included compliance checks on fourteen commercial establishments licensed to sell alcohol products throughout Charlotte County. All of the businesses checked were in compliance, properly requesting identification from the underage person. Establishments... Continue Reading →