Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 11-3-17

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
NOELLE
This week, Noelle is our Spotlight feature, and we are honored to have her. Noelle understands what it takes to be successful, and although she’s not going to compromise on anything she feels she deserves, she’s willing to work hard to reach her goals. Con- gratulations to Noelle as this week’s Spotlight fea- ture.
Local
Ex-Boyfriend Charged With Attempted Murder
A 32-year-old man was ar- rested after he allegedly shot his former girlfriend. The woman is expected to recover from her injuries.
According to the Tampa Police Department, officers re- sponded to 8007 N. Mulberry in reference to a shooting early Monday. When they arrived, they discovered Ms. Jessica Coleman, 27, face down and bleeding in the backyard.
Emergency personnel ad- ministered first aid to Ms. Coleman and she was trans- ported to a local hospital as a trauma alert. The investigating officer was able to communi- cate with Ms. Coleman and was able to determine her in- juries were domestic related.
Ms. Coleman identified the person who had shot her as 32-year-old Patrick David Mejias, also known as
PATRICK MEJIAS
... Charged with attempted first-degree murder (photo taken off Facebook)
“Green Eyes,” of Tampa. Ms. Coleman is expected to survive her injuries, police
said.
Police said the motive for
the shooting appears to be jealousy.
The following day, a tipster
notified police that Mejias was possibly seen in the area. Police established a perimeter and an officer and his K9 part- ner began a yard-to-yard search of the area.
Mejias was located hiding in a shed in someone’s back- yard. He refused to come out and the dog was used to take him into custody Tuesday night. He was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.
Mejias was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail early Wednesday and charged with attempted first-degree murder, police said.
Man Injured In House Fire Dies
A man discovered in a burning house early Monday has died as a result of his in- juries. Investigators said the cause of the fire was deter- mined to be a heater.
Members of the Tampa Fire Department responded to 10016 N. 23rd Street around 7:45 a.m. When firemen ar- rived at the structure, they dis- covered smoke and fire coming from the structure.
After bringing the fire under control, they entered the home and discovered an adult male inside. He was trans- ported to Tampa General Hos- pital with fire-related injuries.
The man, identified as 54- year-old Gregory Alden Elledge, later died.
Officials said the space heater ignited combustibles that were too close to it and caused the fire. The house suf- fered heavy damage in the liv- ing room and heavy smoke damage throughout the other portion of the house. The dam- age is estimated at $90,000, officials said.
A spokesman for the Tampa Fire Department said there were no working smoke detectors in the home at the time of the fire.
The Tampa Fire Marshal encourages everyone to have working smoke detectors in- stalled in every bedroom, out- side each bedroom, and on every level of the home. He also suggests that the smoke detectors be tested each month.
Anyone who cannot afford smoke detectors and live within the City of Tampa can contact the Fire Marshal’s Of- fice. To receive the smoke de- tectors at no cost, call (813) 274-7000.
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017