Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 11-21-17

Feature
Police Chief Dispels Myths At NAACP Community Meeting
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last Thursday evening, representatives from a cross section of the community at- tended the Hillsborough County Branch NAACP’s Gen- eral Monthly Meeting. Brian Dugan, newly appointed Tampa Police Chief, was the guest speaker.
Ms. Yvette Lewis, Presi- dent of the Hillsborough County Branch NAACP said, “It was a good meeting and Chief Dugan dispels rumors that had been circulating. There was a good representa- tion of the community and he answered their questions.”
Ms. Lewis said one of the issues addressed was the “rid- ing while Black” issue with the bicycles. “He owned it, and I like that. He said they thought it was a good idea in the begin- ning, but they now realize it was wrong.
“He further talked about the number of arrests in the area. He told those in atten- dance that if someone makes a
BRIAN DUGAN Tampa Police Chief
rolling stop, to stop them, but he has instructed the officers not to give tickets for minor infractions. But, he said if a person was wanted, then that person would be arrested. He was very honest about that.”
Ms. Lewis said Chief Dugan also dispelled the rumor that people were searching homes without con- sent.
“Chief Dugan said when the officers go door-to-door, if a resident refuses to allow them inside, they don’t try to pressure the resident. They just move on to the next house. He was honest and
FRANK REDDICK City Council District 5 Representative
very helpful. He answered all of the questions asked. He wants to work with the com- munity and he wants everyone to come together.”
Leon Russell, National NAACP Board Chairman, Senator Darryl Rouson, and City Councilman Frank Reddick were also at the meeting.
Councilman Reddick
had issued an impassioned plea at City Council earlier in the day for citizens to come forward with information.
The area, which is part of Councilman Reddick’s dis-
MS. YVETTE LEWIS President, Hillsborough County Branch NAACP
trict, has been in the spotlight for several weeks. The reward for information leading to the identity and arrest of the sus- pect has risen to $100,000.
Councilman Reddick
said, “I simply wanted to en- courage brothers that live in the South East Seminole Heights neighborhood and surrounding areas to come forward with any information they may have.
“Someone has an idea or knows who this individual is. Four families will be celebrat- ing Thanksgiving with an open seat at the table where
their loved ones would be sit- ting and it is just not fair,” he said.
The Victims Benjamin Edward
Mitchell, 22, died on October 9th near the bus stop at N. 15th Street at Frierson Avenue on October 9th.
On October 13th, the body of Ms. Monica Caridad Hoffa, 32, in a vacant lot in the 1000 block of East New Orleans Avenue. She was last seen on October 11th.
Anthony Naiboa, 20, was walking north on 15th Street in the area of Wilder Avenue when he was killed.
Ronald Felton, 60, was killed November 14th. He was killed near the intersection of N. Nebraska Avenue and E. Caracas. Felton is the only victim not killed at night.
Anyone with information can report it anonymously and may be eligible for the reward by contacting Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873- TIPS or www.crimestopper- stb.com.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3