OMG PD: Woman Accidentally Shot at Starbucks

We compile the odd, unusual "oh my gosh" police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Forget the shot of espresso. A woman having coffee at Starbucks in Tyrone Square Mall in St. Petersburg this past weekend was shot in the calf when her friend's gun discharged from inside her purse. According to an article in the Tampa Bay Times, 38-year-old Amiee Peterson of Pinellas Park did not even realize that she had been shot until she saw blood oozing from her leg. Her friend, 51-year-old Pamela Back, also of Pinellas Park, told police that she kept the gun in her purse, but had never taken it out or cleaned it, since her father had given her the .25 caliber firearm. Jeffrey Lannon Porter, a habitual offender who has been arrested and charged multiple times for DUI and driving on a suspended or revoked license, was arrested again …

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Update: Bomb Threat Reported at USF’s Beta Hall

An all-clear has been given at this time.

Update May 19 5:05 p.m.: Lt. Charlotte Domingo from the USF Police Department has confirmed the investigation at Beta Hall was related to a bomb threat. Domingo said the police department received an anonymous threat around 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, and immediately set up a perimeter around the building. The threat also led to a full search inside and outside of Beta Hall, which is currently unoccupied for the summer term. “No explosives” were found, Domingo said. A criminal investigation, however, continues. Earlier: A possible bomb threat at the University of South Florida’s Beta Hall has sparked an investigation on campus. According to The Oracle, the USF Police Department has confirmed a bomb threat. "DEVELOPING: University Police …

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Temple Terrace Recognizes 'Emergency Medical Services Week'

It's being celebrated May 19-25 this year.

On Tuesday, Mayor Frank Chillura proclaimed May 19-25, 2013 as Emergency medical Services Week in Temple Terrace. Dr. Brooke Shepard, medical director for the Temple Terrace Fire Department, and Charlie Wathen, training officer for TTFD, accepted the proclamation. Celebrated nationally, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week is meant to recognize the role that EMS practitioners have in improving health in communities throughout the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, EMS professionals across the country cared for more than 36 million patients in 2011. Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast, sign…

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Do You Know The Temple Terrace 'Officer of the Year?'

She's been with the office for five years.

Do You Know The Temple Terrace 'Officer of the Year?'

She's been with the office for five years.

Officer Tiffany Morris was named the Officer of the Year by the Temple Terrace Police Department earlier this month. Morris, a five-year-veteran of the department, has been a major contributor to department’s traffic safety and crime prevention initiatives, issuing 329 traffic citations in 2012, said Police Chief Kenneth Albano in a City of Temple Terrace press release. In one stop, the 31-year-old’s vigilance and interaction with the driver helped uncover an ongoing tax fraud. For more information and photos from a special awards ceremony where Morris was conferred, read this full report from Examiner.com. Morris and Temple Terrace Firefighter/Engineer Benjamin Blethen will be honored May 23 at the annual Our Heroes Luncheon in downtown …

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Alligator Captured Under Car On Terrace Ridge Drive

Reserve Officer Ken Stanton is also a licensed trapper.

Temple Terrace Police Officer Marcus Hildebrand and Reserve Officer Ken Stanton were returning to the city from an auction facility on U.S. 301 Wednesday morning when they got an unusual call. Temple Terrace Public Works employees had found a nearly 6-foot alligator under a car on Terrace Ridge Drive. Lucky for nearby residents, Stanton is a licensed nuisance alligator trapper with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in addition to his police duties. Because of his expertise, he and Hildebrand took the call. Stanton captured the gator and released it at another location. He said Temple Terrace residents might see gators out and about this time of year because it’s mating season. He encouraged people not to feed them…

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Local Man Charged in Human Trafficking Ring Bust

Two men were arrested and charged with racketeering and conspiracy for their role in a prostitution ring that stretched from Tampa to Sarasota and included a brothel in Pinellas.

Two men were arrested and charged with racketeering and conspiracy for their role in a prostitution ring that stretched from Tampa to Sarasota and included a brothel in Pinellas County. Peter D. Kitt, 41, of  8410 N 40th St., Tampa, and Shawn D. Franklin, 42, of St. Petersburg were arrested and charged with racketeering and conspiracy for their participation in the sex trafficking of approximately 16 women, according to officials Friday. Kitt's address is near the Terrace Park area. "These arrests are the first step in bringing justice and peace to the victims of this alleged sex trafficking ring," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a release. "Florida is a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking, and any individuals engaged in this …

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