Author: Admin

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. — A weeks-long investigation led by the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has resulted in the arrest of Elmer Adrian Ponce, 26, after authorities say he used social media to solicit explicit material from a local juvenile and attempted to initiate a sexual relationship.

The case began on August 26, 2025, when the Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Detectives immediately launched an investigation, which quickly identified both a juvenile victim and an adult suspect.

By September 4, 2025, search warrants executed on social media accounts confirmed that Ponce had been in direct communication with the juvenile. Investigators said that digital evidence revealed Ponce solicited sexually explicit material and made repeated attempts to engage the victim in a sexual relationship.

Following interviews with the victim and a review of the digital evidence, Ponce was taken into custody and formally charged with the following offenses:

1. Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child – F.S.S. 827.071(3)
2. Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor – F.S.S. 847.0138
3. Online Solicitation of a Minor – F.S.S. 847.0135(3)(a)
4. Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child – F.S.S. 827.04(1)(b)

However, investigators say Ponce’s efforts to obstruct justice did not end there. After being booked into jail, Ponce allegedly used the jail’s phone system to instruct a family member to access his social media accounts and delete or destroy potential evidence. Detectives documented the attempted interference and filed an additional charge of:

• Tampering with or Attempting to Tamper with Evidence – F.S.S. 918.13

As of now, the case remains active while forensic analysts continue to examine Ponce’s electronic devices for additional evidence. Officials say the review could uncover further criminal activity or additional victims.

Ponce’s bond has been set at $205,000 by order of a local judge. He remains in custody at the Okeechobee County Jail.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that crimes involving the exploitation of children remain one of their highest investigative priorities. They thanked the ICAC Task Force for their assistance and reminded parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activity.

“This case highlights the critical importance of internet safety education,” Sheriff’s officials said in a statement. “Parents should remain vigilant about who their children are communicating with online, and children should feel empowered to report suspicious behavior to a trusted adult.”

Community members with information related to this case—or any other suspected crimes against children—are urged to contact the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office or submit tips through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline.

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A tragic crash Wednesday morning has left the Lancaster County community in mourning after authorities confirmed that 19-year-old William Diamontoni of Lititz, the son of Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamontoni, was killed in a single-vehicle accident near Reidenbaugh Elementary School.

The fatal crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. on September 10 at the intersection of Snyder Road and Bluestone Drive, according to the Manheim Township Police Department. Emergency crews responding to the scene discovered that a vehicle had collided with a tree. Diamontoni, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials noted that the severity of the impact left little chance for any life-saving interventions.

Because the victim was the immediate family member of a county official, the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office was called in to assist with the response. Authorities explained that this measure was taken to ensure transparency and impartiality in the handling of the case while respecting the sensitive circumstances involving the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office.

At this time, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Police have not yet determined whether speed, road conditions, distraction, or another factor may have contributed. The site of the collision, located near a school zone, has heightened concerns among residents about traffic safety in the area. Fortunately, no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

Manheim Township Police are leading the investigation and have urged anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses or individuals who may have seen the vehicle prior to the collision are encouraged to contact the department at 717-569-6401 or submit tips anonymously online. Investigators are hopeful that additional community input may help piece together the moments leading up to the crash.

The sudden loss of William Diamontoni has deeply affected not only his family but also the wider Lititz and Lancaster County communities. At just 19 years old, his death represents a heartbreaking loss for friends, classmates, and peers who knew him. The tragedy is further amplified by his connection to a well-known county official, placing the family’s grief under a public spotlight.

Accidents involving young drivers often serve as a sobering reminder of the risks present on the road, particularly in residential and school areas. Safety advocates consistently stress the importance of safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, reducing distractions, and maintaining focus while behind the wheel. Wednesday’s tragedy underscores those concerns in a profoundly personal way for Lancaster County.

As word of his passing spread, an outpouring of condolences began to reach the Diamontoni family from across the county. Community members have expressed both grief and solidarity, recognizing the professional and personal burden now carried by Dr. Diamontoni and his loved ones. While funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, it is expected that support from across the region will continue to surround the family in the days and weeks ahead.

For now, the focus remains on the police investigation, which may eventually provide answers about what led to the crash. Still, officials acknowledge that no findings can ease the profound loss endured by the Diamontoni family. As Lancaster County mourns, authorities are also reminding all drivers to remain vigilant, especially in areas where children and families are present, in hopes of preventing future tragedies.

COLUMBIA, Tenn. — The Columbia Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance as detectives investigate a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 63-year-old Teresa Nelson, a local resident, early Thursday morning.

Just before 5:00 a.m. on September 11, officers responded to reports of a pedestrian lying in the roadway on Tom J. Hitch Parkway near the River Highlands Apartments. Upon arrival, police discovered Nelson deceased at the scene. Authorities say the driver involved fled immediately after the collision, leaving her in the roadway.

Detectives have since pieced together a preliminary timeline. Nelson was last seen at her residence at approximately 4:30 a.m. Emergency services were alerted to the incident just 20 minutes later, at 4:50 a.m., narrowing the window in which the fatal crash occurred. Investigators believe the driver may have been traveling through the area during the predawn hours and are working to identify the vehicle involved.

The Columbia Police Department, in partnership with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, is actively examining evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and seeking witnesses who may have been in the area at the time. Authorities emphasized that even seemingly minor observations—such as unusual vehicle damage, erratic driving behavior, or information about cars recently seen near Tom J. Hitch Parkway—could prove crucial in solving the case.

“The loss of Teresa Nelson is a devastating tragedy for her family, friends, and our community,” the Columbia Police Department said in a statement. “We are committed to bringing accountability and justice in this case, and we urge anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.”

Community members with information are encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department by phone at (931) 388-2727, by email at safetips@columbiatn.gov, or through a direct message on the department’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/columbiapdtn. Callers may remain anonymous if they choose.

The department also extended its condolences to Nelson’s family and loved ones, assuring them that every available resource is being dedicated to the investigation.

The case remains open and under active investigation.

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. — A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of Miguel Ethan Soto Trader, 25, outside a Royal Farms convenience store in Accomack County, authorities announced Thursday. The fatal incident occurred late Tuesday night, September 10, 2025, and has left the community of New Church shaken.

According to the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:24 p.m. to the Royal Farms located at 33620 Chincoteague Road after the county’s 9-1-1 Center received multiple reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim has since been identified as 25-year-old Miguel Ethan Soto Trader of New Church. His body was transported to the Norfolk Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause and manner of death.

An immediate investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from partner agencies, quickly identified a suspect. By Wednesday, authorities had obtained warrants for David Dean Bowden Jr., 19, also of New Church. Bowden was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Accomack County Jail without bond.

He faces multiple charges, including:

• Second-degree murder
• Discharge of a firearm within a building
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
• Unlawful wounding

Sheriff Todd Wessells expressed gratitude for the swift cooperation among responding agencies, noting that the Virginia State Police, Wallops Flight Facility Fire Department, Oak Hall Rescue, and the Accomack County Department of Public Safety all provided critical support in both the emergency response and ongoing investigation.

“This was a tragic act of violence that has left a family grieving and a community seeking answers,” Sheriff Wessells said in a statement. “Our deputies and partner agencies worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend the suspect in order to bring some measure of justice to the victim’s loved ones.”

Residents in the New Church area described the incident as deeply unsettling, noting that while Royal Farms is a popular gathering spot for travelers and locals alike, violent incidents of this magnitude are rare in the community.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and speak with witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the shooting—or any other crime in the area—to contact them at (757) 787-1131 or (757) 824-5666. Tips can also be submitted online through the department’s official website at accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.

As the case moves forward, Bowden is expected to appear in court for arraignment in the coming days. Meanwhile, Miguel Ethan Soto Trader’s death marks yet another tragic instance of gun violence in Virginia’s Eastern Shore, a region where officials continue to stress the importance of community engagement and vigilance in preventing future acts of violence.

MANHEIM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities have confirmed new details in the aftermath of a fatal crash that claimed the life of a Lancaster County family member. The victim has been identified as 19-year-old William Diamantoni of Lititz, the son of Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni.

According to Manheim Township Police, the crash occurred on the 500 block of Snyder Road when William’s vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Officers and emergency crews were dispatched to the scene, where they found the heavily damaged vehicle and immediately attempted lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, William was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police reported that the accident happened during the late evening hours and forced the temporary closure of Snyder Road for several hours as investigators worked to reconstruct the crash and gather evidence. The cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and investigators are examining factors such as speed, road conditions, and possible mechanical issues with the vehicle.

The Diamantoni family has long been known in Lancaster County through Dr. Diamantoni’s decades of service as the county coroner. News of William’s passing has rippled across the community, with many expressing shock and sympathy. Friends described William as a young man with a bright future, deeply rooted in his hometown of Lititz.

Manheim Township Police said their investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be released once they are available. Authorities are also asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed William’s vehicle prior to the collision to contact the department.

Community members and colleagues of the Diamantoni family have already begun offering condolences and support. Local officials have noted that the tragic loss underscores the importance of safe driving and awareness on Lancaster County’s roadways, which have seen several serious accidents in recent months.

Funeral arrangements for William Diamantoni have not yet been announced.

OREM, Utah — Federal investigators have released new images of a person of interest connected to the fatal sniper attack that occurred during a public event at Utah Valley University, renewing appeals for assistance from the public as the search intensifies.

The attack, which shocked the Orem community and beyond, took place during a university-hosted gathering attended by students, faculty, and local residents. Shots were fired from a concealed position, striking multiple individuals and leaving one person dead. Authorities have not released the identity of the victim pending notification of family members, but they confirmed the fatality was the result of a gunshot wound sustained during the chaos. Several others sustained injuries as attendees fled for safety.

Federal officials, working in coordination with local law enforcement and Utah Valley University police, said the newly released photos show a person who was spotted near the campus before and after the attack. The individual’s actions and presence in the area have led investigators to consider them a person of interest in the case. Officials stressed that the person is not yet considered a suspect but may have information vital to the investigation.

The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have joined the investigation, bringing in forensic experts and ballistics analysts to determine the type of weapon used and how the attack was carried out. Authorities believe the shooter used a long-range rifle from a hidden vantage point, though they have not confirmed the precise location.

Law enforcement officers locked down the UVU campus immediately following the shooting, securing buildings and escorting students and staff to safety. A reunification center was set up nearby, allowing families to reconnect with loved ones after hours of uncertainty. Classes and campus events were temporarily suspended while investigators conducted a thorough sweep of the grounds.

Community members expressed grief and shock as details of the incident unfolded. Utah Valley University President [Name] issued a statement condemning the violence and extending condolences to the victim’s family. “This act of senseless violence has shaken our university family. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our campus community and provide resources for those impacted,” the statement read.

The release of the photos marks a critical point in the investigation. Federal authorities are asking anyone who recognizes the individual or who may have relevant information to contact the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office or submit tips online. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from the campus and surrounding neighborhoods.

While officials have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, the incident has raised concerns about security at large gatherings in Utah and across the nation. Local leaders are calling for calm and cooperation as the investigation continues.

The identity of the person of interest has not been disclosed, and no arrests have been made. Authorities say further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

EVERGREEN, Colo. — A devastating incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon at Evergreen High School, where a student opened fire on his peers before turning the weapon on himself, authorities confirmed. The shooting left two students injured and the alleged shooter dead.

According to Jefferson County officials, the shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. MST at Evergreen High School, located roughly 40 minutes southwest of Denver. Law enforcement responded within minutes of being alerted to the situation. Upon arrival, officers located the alleged shooter, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect later succumbed to his injuries, authorities reported.

The county sheriff’s office stated that the shootings took place both inside and outside the school building. Early reports indicated that two students were shot by their classmate. Both victims were initially listed in critical condition, according to St. Anthony Hospital CEO Kevin Cullinan, though their ages have not been released. By early evening, hospital officials reported that one teen had stabilized, with trauma director Dr. Brian Blackwood describing the injuries as non-life-threatening. Further medical details were not disclosed.

In the wake of the shooting, authorities established a reunification center at Bergen Meadows Elementary School to assist parents in locating their children. Evergreen High School serves over 900 students. The center has since closed, and parents who have not yet been able to locate their children are encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 911 or 303-980-7300.

This incident comes as yet another reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding school safety nationwide. Local authorities, school officials, and mental health professionals are working together to support students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy. Counseling services have been made available for students and families grappling with the aftermath.

As the investigation continues, Jefferson County authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward. Law enforcement also stressed the importance of community vigilance and communication to prevent future tragedies.

No further updates regarding the condition of the injured students or the motives behind the shooting have been released. The community of Evergreen remains in shock, mourning the lives affected by Wednesday’s events.

JACKSONVILLE— Jacksonville Police Department (JPD) officers are actively investigating a shooting that occurred in the Broadmoor area earlier today. Authorities say they responded to reports of a shooting and, upon arrival, located a victim who required medical attention. The individual was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Officials have not released details about the victim’s condition, and no further information regarding the circumstances of the shooting has been provided. At this time, JPD has indicated that there are no suspects being sought in connection with the incident.

Investigators are continuing to work the scene and gather information to determine the cause of the shooting and whether any additional persons may have been involved. Police urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and contact the Jacksonville Police Department.

Residents in the Broadmoor area expressed concern following the incident, noting that while violent incidents are relatively rare in the neighborhood, any act of gun violence can be unsettling. Law enforcement officials have reassured the public that they are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of the community.

The Jacksonville Police Department continues to emphasize the importance of community cooperation in ongoing investigations, reminding citizens that even small details or observations can be crucial in resolving cases.

No further updates have been released at this time, and authorities have not yet disclosed a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation.

BENTON COUNTY, MO — A Warsaw man sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle crash Wednesday evening, according to authorities. The accident occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 10 on Route H, prompting an urgent response from emergency personnel.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported that the 44-year-old motorcyclist was traveling eastbound on a 2004 Suzuki Motorcycle when he lost control and traveled off the right side of the roadway. The motorcycle overturned, causing the rider to be ejected from the vehicle.

Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, where the man was found seriously injured. He was transported via medevac to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. Authorities noted that the rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which may have helped reduce the severity of head injuries.

Details regarding the cause of the accident remain under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. At this time, it is unclear whether speed, road conditions, or other factors played a role in the crash.

Local officials are reminding motorists to exercise caution, especially when traveling on rural routes where curves, narrow shoulders, and other hazards may pose risks to both drivers and motorcyclists.

No other vehicles were reported to be involved in the crash, and there are no further updates on the condition of the injured man. Authorities continue to urge drivers to remain vigilant and follow traffic safety laws to help prevent accidents.

ABILENE, Texas — September 10, 2025 — A tragic motor vehicle collision on eastbound I-20 near exit 292A has claimed the life of Bryan Newsom, 41, of Weatherford, according to the Abilene Police Department. The collision occurred on Wednesday afternoon when a white 2016 Toyota Camry, operated by Newsom, collided with a white 2018 Freightliner box truck driven by Khua Ling, 56, of Dallas.

Witnesses at the scene reported that both vehicles were traveling eastbound in the outside lane, with the box truck ahead of the Toyota. Observers stated that the Toyota appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed before it struck the rear of the box truck, pushing it a significant distance down the roadway. The impact trapped Newsom inside his vehicle, and despite the rapid response of emergency crews, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Khua Ling, the truck operator, was unharmed, though the collision caused considerable damage to both vehicles. The Abilene Police Department’s Traffic Division was called to the scene to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary findings indicate that speed may have been a contributing factor. Authorities are also investigating whether intoxication, distracted driving, or other factors played a role in the collision.

The news of Newsom’s passing has sent shockwaves through his community and loved ones. Next-of-kin has been notified, and the family is mourning the sudden and devastating loss.

The Abilene Police Department emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional information will be released as it becomes available. Officers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact the Traffic Division to assist in their investigation.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of high-speed travel and the importance of remaining vigilant behind the wheel. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Bryan Newsom during this difficult time.