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Titusville firefighter accused of putting poisonous substance inside co-worker's canteen

A firefighter accused of trying to poison a fellow firefighter has been arrested and charged with aggravated stalking and poisoning food or water. According to Titusville Police, firefighter paramedic Randy Moore admitted to putting a petroleum-based solvent known as "gunk" inside Lieutenant Phil Jones' canteen. Gunk is an aerosol cleaning substance commonly used as an engine degreaser. On the can, it warns the product is flammable and harmful or fatal if swallowed. Investigators said the canteen was used as part of Jones' wildland gear bag, which is carried while fighting brush fires. Jones is a decorated 28-year TFD Lieutenant and noticed the smell in his canteen and told supervisors, who called police. Moore admitted to investigators that he laced the canteen. According to police, Moore had targeted Jones for six months and this was just the latest prank. Moore said he did not intend to kill Jones. He said he was just upset over other issues. "I'm totally in shock. He's a good-hearted, decent human-being," said Moore's former neighbor who asked to not be named. "He's not a begrudging person. He's very much a joker. A silly, funny, happy guy." Moore, who is a 12-year TFD veteran, was booked into the Brevard County Jail at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday and police said he could face additional charges as the investigation continues. TFD officials would not comment about the arrest due to an on-going internal investigation, but released a statement saying, "Titusville Fire and Emergency Services does not condone any malicious activity that places it's employees or the public in harms way."

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:36:59 GMT

State leaders probing accident referral services like 411 Pain

When Jazzmil Rodriguez was in a car accident in Deltona last summer, she remembered a familiar jingle from television and radio commercials. It went something like, "1-800-411-PAIN." A phone number and a jingle in one. How easy, she thought. "I should have never called them," she said now. When she called 1-800-411 PAIN (we’ll just call it 411 Pain), she assumed she was calling a lawyer referral service. She was referred to an attorney, but she was sent directly to Florida Injury, a pain clinic, where a paralegal, not an attorney, met her. She said she was told by both the attorney and the clinic to return for daily treatments for ten days and, after that, three to four times a week. "I’m more frustrated because I was led to believe they were going to help me, and now I have more debt,” Rodriguez said. She has more debt because the treatment at Florida Injury exhausted her $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) in just over two months. PIP is required in every auto insurance policy in Florida. By the time her coverage was exhausted, the law firm that 411 Pain referred her to told Rodriguez she had no case. The other driver had no bodily injury coverage that she could sue for. "They waited until I wracked up almost $15,000 in chiropractor treatment," Rodriguez said. Now she’s left $5,000 in the hole to foot the rest of her medical bills. Her story sounds familiar to Maria and Jessica Velez of Kissimmee. They called 411 Pain after an accident, too. They, too, were referred to a lawyer, but sent directly to Florida Injury. "They told me I had to be there for three to four months before I could start a case," said Maria Velez. The women, however, stopped going when they felt better. Jessica said her attorney urged to continue treatment. "If I wanted to continue the case I had to go to the therapy for four months, even if I was feeling better," she recalls the lawyer telling her. Local 6 has been investigating the relationships between the lawyers, the pain clinics, and the referral services. State business records reveal a very clear relationship between Robert Lewin, who runs 411 Pain, and Kimberly Russo, who runs Florida Injury. Their names not only appear on their own businesses, but on each other’s as well. That might explain why all the women were sent to Florida Injury after calling 411 Pain. Local 6 found a 411 Pain van parked at the Orlando headquarters of Florida Injury, and followed the van as it seemingly transported individuals from the clinic to homes throughout the area. No one from Florida Injury or 411 Pain responded to inquiries about their business practices. An attorney representing Florida Injury did explain that 411 Pain is a business that sells off territories, like franchises, to medical clinics. Consequently, when an accident victim calls the 411 Pain lawyer referral service, that call essentially goes to a pain clinic hotline. "Florida consumers deserve better than this," said the state’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. He’s called for the Florida Bar to take action against referral services like Ask Gary and 411 Pain that don't disclose their for profit relationships with lawyers and clinics. "I think they should be banned," he said. "Those of us who are responsible for getting to the bottom of insurance fraud are going to leave no stone unturned to find out anywhere the scoundrels exist, and you can assume they exist everywhere. And we’re going to find them." Atwater is not alone in his concerns. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's office has launched an investigation into 411 Pain. "Our office reviews all the complaints and determines whether to open an investigation," says Jenn Meale, of the Attorney General’s office. "And we’re currently investigating 411 Pain for violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act." That’s exactly what Rodriguez has suspected about the referral service. "They are completely misleading on everything," she said. "I’m proof of that." The Attorney General’s office has received dozens of complaints against 411 Pain. The AG said the company is cooperating with the investigation. The Florida Bar has formed a committee to review the current practices of lawyer referral services like 411 Pain and Ask Gary. A state fraud investigator told the bar he’s looking into everything from kickbacks, to patient brokering, and other illegal activities. The Florida Bar maintains its own not-for-profit lawyer referral service (800- 342-8011) that consumers can use not only for car accidents but many other legal needs, as well.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:37:33 GMT

Getting Hitched Or Ditched?: Funniest "Just Married" Signs

You see them hanging from the cars of newlyweds, but sometimes "Just Married" signs need a little help before walking down the aisle.

Published: Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:37:50 GMT

5 worst astrological pairings for romance

When the moon is in the seventh house, maybe you'll find the right astrological love match, but there are signs of the zodiac that no matter how the planets align, it just isn't in the stars. Just like the elements they represent, fire (Aries, Sagittarius, Leo) and water (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) signs many times don't mix, and clashes of titans from the air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) signs have been known to move heaven and earth, and not in a good way. But remember, this isn't an exact science. Sometimes fire and fire burn out too quickly (just ask Britney Spears and Kevin Federline) or earth plus water in the end just turns into ... well, mud (see Jim Carrey (Capricorn) and Jenny McCarthy (Scorpio) or perhaps even the recently wed royal couple of Prince William, a Cancer, and Kate Middleton, a Capricorn). So before you jump feet first into an astrological love match nightmare, here are five of the absolute worst astrological pairings on the planet. No. 5: Gemini and Aries Gemini is the sign of the twin, so take that into consideration first and foremost. Known for their split personalities, they need a submissive companion sign to handle their on again, off again moods. That submissiveness isn't something they are likely to find in large amounts should they find themselves falling for Aries. Rather, when the chameleon-like Gemini has changed his/her personality one too many times, you can bet your lucky ram's horn keychain that the surefooted Aries is going to fly. Gemini also has a deficit in the "seeing what's right in front of them" department, while Aries is prone to infidelity (Mr. Jesse James, I presume?). This love match, in most cases, will be more volatile than a pinball machine. Tilt. Famous Gemini-Aries couples: Sandra Bullock (Gemini) and Jesse James (Aries), and Warren Beatty (Aries) and Annette Bening (Gemini). No. 4: Cancer and Aquarius Out and about Aquarius and couch potato Cancer will clash on many levels, but none more than intimacy and settling down. The Aquarian's cool, almost iciness, demeanor will frustrate the emotional touchy feely Cancer, and it is difficult for the two to connect as Aquarius is guarded while Cancer pleads for openness. Aquarius likes their freedom, while clingy Cancer prefers to remain isolated in its hard crab shell. While Aquarians are sexual adventure seekers, conservative Cancers lean more to the cuddly, sensual side of the bed. Family, home and stability are the three things that Cancers seek, while aloof Aquarius just lives to be the life of the party. No one is saying the Crab and the Waterbearer can't find common ground, but let's just say that it's going to take a lotta love to change the way things are. Famous Cancer-Aquarius couples: Natalie Wood (Cancer) and Robert Wagner (Aquarius), Nancy (Cancer) and Ronald Reagan (Aquarius), and Lindsay Lohan and Wilmer Valderama. No. 3: Scorpio and Leo Imagine a lion and a scorpion fighting to the death and this is exactly how the chemistry between a Leo and Scorpio would be. Leo the lion is controlling as is the possessive Scorpio, and if you expect that sparks will fly in the bedroom, it will probably be more like pairs of shoes hurled at each other because of an explosive argument. One astrologist said that many of these love matches end up in crimes of passion as Leo's tendency to keep secrets, especially about sexual attractions, won't fare well with the Scorpion's sting. Scorpios will also grow tired of Leo's constant need for ego stroking. Famous Scorpio-Leo couples: Hillary (Scorpio) and Bill (Leo) Clinton, Maria Shriver (Scorpio) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Leo), and Diana Krall (Scorpio) and Elvis Costello (Leo). No. 2: Virgo and Sagittarius The free-spirited Archer's arrow will pierce the stable heart of the Virgo, but watch as Virgo turns the arrow on Sadge to burst his dream bubble. These two signs will find themselves frequently at a crossroads, a stand off, and even arguing about the color of the sky. While Sadge will point out dreamy flecks of pink during a sensual sunset, Virgo will remain down to earth and discuss dominant blue. When Sagittarius is ready to leap to the bottom of the deep blue sea, Virgo studies its practicality, putting much thought before putting one foot in front of the other. In love and bedroom antics, it's much the same. Virgo's virgin-like caution will take the sparks out of the moment for the eager Archer. The only thing these two will agree on is that they disagree on just about everything. Famous Virgo-Sagittarius couple: Beyonce (Virgo) and Jay Z (Sagittarius). No. 1: Pisces and Taurus In the world of opposites attracting, nothing could be closer to the truth with this pairing, and their differences are so polar opposite that there isn't much common ground. Stubborn Taurus finds the impracticality of Pisces annoying, while the fish continually has to swim upstream to be heard by the bull who is perpetually right all the time. The dual Fish is always pulled in opposite directions when trying to make a decision; the frustrated Bull stomps its foot, flares its nostril and loses its temper. Add to that Pisces bad habit of having an opinion about everything and the Bull's short fuse, and you have enough combustion for an implosion. In the bedroom, Taurus is a tease, while Pisces wants things done right away when they want it. While the Bull will try to trample all over the Fish, Pisces will wriggle its way out of its tight grip. This is perhaps the most stressful love pairing in the entire zodiac. Famous Pisces-Taurus couples: Eva Longoria (Pisces) and Tony Parker (Taurus), and Jennifer Love Hewitt (Pisces) and Enrique Iglesias (Taurus).

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Four pets survive house fire after receiving oxygen

St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department were able to put out house fire late Tuesday and rescued two dogs and two cats. About 7 p.m., St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department responded to a structure fire in the 3000 block of Cypress Point Circle in St. Cloud. Firefighters said the resident was visiting a neighbor while he was heating oil on the stove. He said when he looked back, he saw his house on fire. Firefighters said they were able to put out the fire quickly then treated two dogs and two cats they found in the house. All four animals were given oxygen with special masks. All four pets survived the fire. The occupant suffered mild smoke inhalation and was treated with oxygen on the scene, according to firefighters. The structure was deemed uninhabitable due to the extensive fire damage in the kitchen area and smoke damage throughout the house.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:27:12 GMT

Deputies: Woman held captive, stripped naked, beaten

Volusia County deputies have arrested a man they said held his girlfriend hostage and beat her up at their home. Deputies said Christopher Nill, 36, stripped off all of the victim's clothes, held her down on the bed with a knife, pulled her hair so hard she had two bald spots on her head, and attempted to strangle her. She told deputies a fight escalated Saturday at their home on South Woodland Boulevard in Deland and she wasn't able to leave until Monday. "I thought I was going to die," the victim told Local 6. She didn't want to be identified. Deputies said she tried to yell for help but Nill grabbed her jaw and twisted her neck, cutting her lip, deputies said. He then threatened her with a knife and told her that he was going to kill her, her friends, and himself if she told anyone, according to deputies. When Nill left the home on Monday, she called authorities, according to the arrest report. "It was the hardest thing I've ever gone through," the victim told Local 6. "I thought I was going to die," she added. The victim said she now has a restraining order. Nill was arrested at his mother's house. He told deputies he pushed the victim down, pulled her hair and slapped her, but said he never threatened her with a knife. He has been booked into the Volusia County Jail and faces charges of domestic battery by strangulation, aggravated assault with deadly weapon and false imprisonment.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:55:48 GMT

3 arrested in hate-crime beating of autistic boy

Three juveniles have been arrested in Brevard County on hate crime charges in the beating of an autistic boy. Police said the victim, Jacob Appel, was waiting at his bus stop on Wyoming Drive and San Filipo Drive on Friday when he was approached by three boys, 15-year-old Deon Marky Clipsy and 16-year-olds Tyjuan Tyrell English and Joeleon Alexander Abel. The teens were videotaping the victim and were trying to provoke him to fight them by saying racial remarks, according to police. When the victim tried to run away, he was nearly hit by a motorcycle and a pickup truck, police said. "I was kind of scared and whatever the car was coming you know," Jacob Appel said. "He still wanted to fight me. He hit me in my face a couple of times, kicked me, slapped me" The trio continued to follow and harass Jacob, saying they were going to put the video on Facebook, according to Palm Bay police. When they all got on the bus, the teens continued to bully Jacob and hit him in the face, police said. The video was later posted on Facebook, police said. The teens face charges of aggravated stalking and hate crime. Two of them were charged with violation of probation. Police said all three boys knew Jacob. The teens all went to an Alternative Learning Center in Brevard County. Jacob's mother, Teresa Appel, said her son is currently sedated because he was suicidal and homicidal after the attack. "I'm hurt, I'm angry I want justice seen," Teresa Appel said. "It was very disturbing, it was malice, it was vicious because it's my son. I could have lost him that day. He could have committed suicide. He could have gotten hit by a car."

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:53:51 GMT

Shaq: Howard leaving Orlando would be 'travesty'

Shaquille O'Neal said Tuesday it would be a "travesty" if Dwight Howard leaves the Orlando Magic. O'Neal also said Howard's situation is not like his was when he left for the Lakers in 1996, because he said he wanted to stay with the Magic but had a better option. That's no longer possible, since the collective bargaining agreement allows the home team to offer the largest contract. So O'Neal thinks there may be an "underlying problem" that makes Howard reluctant to sign a contract extension there. "I think they have to be a little bit worried that he hasn't committed to signing, so there may be an underlying problem of what's really going on," O'Neal said. "I don't know if he doesn't like the organization, I don't know if he wants to go to a bigger city where he can get more endorsement deals, he can do movies. No one really knows the problem." Howard has told the Magic he wants to be traded, and the team has given his agent permission to discuss deals with the Nets, Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. The Magic have to decide by March 15, this season's trade deadline, if they will trade Howard or risk losing him for nothing when he can become a free agent in July. "I'm sure they would probably like to move him so they don't lose him," O'Neal said. But O'Neal, speaking on a Turner Sports conference call, said the Feb. 26 All-Star game in Orlando will still be a great event even with Howard's desire to be traded looming over the weekend. Plus, there's always a chance Howard changes his mind and decides to stay. O'Neal noted that Orlando has become a better city with a better building since it hosted the All-Star game in 1992, shortly before drafting him. "You know hopefully he stays, because that arena there is one of the best arenas in the country," O'Neal said. "If he leaves, it'll be a travesty." O'Neal's departure, and the damage it did to the franchise, is often cited as the reason the Magic may have no choice but to trade Howard. But TNT analyst Steve Kerr, the former Phoenix general manager, said his preference would be to not deal the All-Star center. "I would be inclined towards playing it out and trying to keep Dwight, because it's so hard to get equal value, and given that Dwight seems to say something new every week, I think there's still a chance that they could re-sign him," Kerr said. "I think you have to exhaust every opportunity or every possibility before you make a trade that you might later regret."

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:09:39 GMT

Man kidnapped, forced to withdraw money at ATM

A man was kidnapped in his own car by a robber, who forced the victim at gunpoint to drive to an ATM to withdraw money, deputies told Local 6. Brevard County Sheriff's deputies released a photo showing the suspect at the Space Coast Credit Union ATM machine near Fay Blvd., following the incident Tuesday afternoon. After the robbery at the ATM, deputies said the robber forced the victim to drive to a remote area of Port St. John to drop off the suspect near Carol Ave. The victim was not hurt during the crime, according to deputies. The robbery suspect is described as a white man, standing 6' and in his early 20's. He was wearing a black hoodie with a white star-like design, black shorts and tennis shoes. They're asking anyone with information to call CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:40:42 GMT

Always a nominee, never a winner

Some actors are lucky enough to repeatedly be nominated for an Academy Award, but they never get the statuette.

Published: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Orlando-area mug shot hall of shame

UPDATED DAILY: Here's a look at some of the individuals who have been arrested recently in Central Florida.

Published: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:11:24 GMT

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