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Category: crime news

  • Charter Captain Arrested After Viral Boating Brawl in Florida

    Charter Captain Arrested After Viral Boating Brawl in Florida

    A charter captain has been arrested after a viral video captured a heated altercation with another boater in Florida last week, authorities confirmed.

    According to the Punta Gorda Police Department, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on April 1, when 40-year-old Brock Horner maneuvered his boat alongside another vessel and boarded it without permission.

    In the video, which quickly spread across social media, fisherman Gage Towles can be seen telling Horner he can’t speed underneath the 41 bridge in Punta Gorda, just about 10 feet away from Towles’ boat. Horner, appearing angry over a previous incident on March 30—where Towles and others were allegedly fishing in the dark without lights—begins shouting and using profanity. The confrontation escalates when Horner leaps onto Towles’ boat, grabs him by the shirt, and demands an apology for the earlier encounter.

    “The event has garnered significant attention on social media, and we are receiving numerous calls requesting action,” the police department said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

    Following interviews with Towles and multiple witnesses, authorities determined there was probable cause to arrest Horner. On Friday, he was charged under Florida Statute 810.02(2)(A) with burglary with assault or battery (non-forced entry). As of Friday night, Horner remained in custody at the Charlotte County Jail.

    The Punta Gorda Police Department addressed the viral incident again on Saturday morning.

    “This type of behavior will not be tolerated in our waterways—or anywhere else in our city,” said Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors, both on land and on the water.”

  • NSW Man Charged with Animal Cruelty After Disturbing Footage Surfaces

    NSW Man Charged with Animal Cruelty After Disturbing Footage Surfaces

     A 21-year-old man from rural New South Wales has been charged with multiple animal cruelty offences after distressing videos allegedly depicting acts of abuse surfaced on social media.

    The footage, described as “deeply disturbing,” was initially shared by reptile catcher and conservationist Ash McInnes on the Broken Hill Snake Catchers Facebook page. Mr. McInnes, who edited the clips to make them viewable, stated the videos appear to show a man running over an injured kangaroo’s head with a dirt bike, punching a kangaroo, and kicking baby animals.

    The man, whose identity cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, is believed to be a local who plays for North Broken Hill Football Club. Reports suggest he had been working across multiple properties during the period the clips were recorded. Following the public release of the footage, he has since deleted all his social media accounts.

    Mr. McInnes condemned the footage as “deplorable” and urged the public to report any instances of animal cruelty.

    “Please, I beg of you. If you know someone who behaves like this, report them to the police and the RSPCA. This kind of behaviour is sickening,” he stated.

    The post quickly gained traction online, amassing over 600 comments from outraged Australians demanding justice.

    The footage is believed to have been originally shared on the social media platform Snapchat over a span of three years. Mr. McInnes became aware of the alleged abuse when members of the community began saving and sharing the clips on Facebook.

    Fearing that the evidence would soon be erased, he made copies to ensure the footage was preserved, stating, “It has to get out.”

    “As someone who has spent 25 years of his life dedicated to conservation and animal education, it really is appalling to see defenceless and harmless animals (allegedly) being treated this way,” he added.

    The NSW Rural Crime Prevention Team, in conjunction with officers from the Barrier Police District, launched an investigation into the case.

    Following their inquiries, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Broken Hill at approximately 4:00 p.m. on April 1. The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with five counts of torturing, beating, and causing prolonged suffering to an animal.

    Authorities confirmed that the accused is scheduled to appear in Broken Hill Local Court on May 13.

    The case has reignited discussions around animal welfare laws in Australia, with calls for stricter penalties against offenders to deter such acts of cruelty in the future.

  • Major Security Breach at MCG As Armed Men Enter Stadium During AFL Clash

    Security measures at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) are under intense scrutiny after two men allegedly smuggled loaded firearms into the stadium during a high-profile AFL match between Carlton and Collingwood on Thursday night. With over 82,000 spectators in attendance, the incident has sparked a wave of concern and urgent calls for heightened security protocols.

    According to Victoria Police, both men are alleged to have carried separate loaded firearms hidden in their clothing. The breach occurred despite the MCG recently installing advanced AI-powered security scanners designed to detect dangerous items. It’s reported that the men managed to evade thorough inspection, even after initial screening flagged concerns.

    The Herald Sun reported that the men allegedly concealed the weapons in their pants. It wasn’t until around 8:30 p.m., when stadium security asked the men to leave due to inappropriate behavior, that the firearms were discovered during a police search.

    Both individuals were arrested on site and remain in custody. A significant police presence was noted at the venue following the incident. Victoria Police have laid multiple charges against the men:

    • A 27-year-old Broadmeadows man faces six charges, including possession of an unregistered handgun, ammunition without a license, an altered firearm serial number, and failing to appear on bail.

    • A 21-year-old Roxburgh Park man was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possessing ammunition without a license, and committing an indictable offense while on bail.

    Both men were on bail at the time and are scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday. No injuries were reported.

    Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Chief Executive Stuart Fox addressed the breach Friday morning, confirming a failure in the manual secondary screening process despite initial alerts from security scanning units.

    “Last night’s incident is extremely disappointing and highlights why we continue to invest in advanced technologies to maintain safety,” Fox stated. “There was a breakdown in follow-up procedures after scanners identified items of concern.”

    In response, the MCC is enhancing its secondary security checks, warning patrons of potential delays during future events. A full review of security operations at the MCG is now underway in collaboration with Victoria Police and the AFL.

    AFL CEO Andrew Dillon echoed these concerns, confirming lifetime bans for both men and announcing additional security measures for Saturday’s game between Richmond and the Swans. “We will work closely with authorities to ensure venues remain safe and welcoming for all fans,” he said.

    This alarming incident raises questions about the effectiveness of stadium security nationwide. The MCG had only recently implemented AI-based security scanning systems to reduce reliance on physical checks. However, this event highlights the need for manual follow-up and stricter enforcement.

    Despite this serious security breach, the game proceeded without incident. Collingwood emerged victorious, defeating Carlton by 17 points. However, off the field, the conversation now shifts to how such a lapse could have occurred in one of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues.

    With more than 1.2 million fans attending AFL games so far this season, league officials now face pressure to restore public confidence in the safety of its events. Enhanced screening, increased security personnel, and a thorough internal review are expected in the coming weeks.

    As the investigation continues, the AFL community and law enforcement remain committed to ensuring such an event never happens again.

  • Sydney School Evacuated After Bomb Threat

     A Sydney school was evacuated on Friday morning following an anonymous bomb threat, prompting a swift police response and raising concerns over the recurrence of similar incidents across the country.

    St Charbel’s College in Punchbowl received the threatening call at approximately 8:20 a.m. as students from kindergarten to Year 12 were arriving for the day. The school immediately enacted its emergency protocols, ensuring the safety of students and staff.

    Parents were quickly notified via an official message stating, “The school received an anonymous bomb threat this morning.” The message further reassured them, saying, “The police are on site and as far as I know, the school has been evacuated to Roberts Park. There is no bomb on site, but the school is taking necessary precautions to keep our kids safe.”

    The message concluded with a statement of support: “St Charbel is with our kids and school community always.”

    NSW Police confirmed that a section of the school was evacuated as a precaution. However, after a thorough search, no explosive device was found, and students and staff were allowed to return to class. “There is no threat to the community,” a police spokesman said.

    This incident is part of a concerning trend of bomb threats targeting Australian schools in recent years. Authorities have responded to several similar hoaxes, which not only disrupt education but also instill fear within school communities.

    • NSW Schools Targeted in Coordinated Threats (2016)
      In early 2016, multiple schools across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland received bomb threats within a span of days, forcing mass evacuations. The threats, later linked to overseas prank calls, caused widespread panic and significant police investigations.

    • Melbourne Schools Locked Down (2022)
      Several Melbourne schools went into lockdown following bomb and active shooter threats in a suspected cyberattack. Authorities later determined the threats were a hoax, but the events left many students and parents shaken.

    • Brisbane High School Evacuated (2023)
      A Brisbane high school was forced to evacuate after receiving a similar anonymous call, leading to a police bomb squad sweeping the premises. No device was found, and the threat was declared a hoax.

    Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the source of these threats and work to prevent future incidents. Schools have been urged to review their emergency protocols and remain vigilant. Cybersecurity experts warn that anonymous threats, often made using untraceable internet-based calls, pose an increasing challenge for authorities.

    While Friday’s threat at St Charbel’s College turned out to be false, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for strong communication between schools, law enforcement, and parents.

    Authorities are urging anyone with information on such threats to come forward and report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

  • Pensacola Man Sentenced for Mother’s Death

    A Pensacola man who fatally shot his mother was sentenced to just over a decade in prison.

    David Allan Ohlson, 19, initially faced charges of second-degree murder for the death of his mother, Adrianna Ohlson, after shooting her with a shotgun on April 8, 2022, in front of his father.

    Despite Ohlson’s attorney arguing that he suffers from severe mental illness requiring medical care outside of prison, Circuit Judge John Simon sentenced him to 124.5 months in the Florida Department of Corrections. After serving his sentence, Ohlson will complete two years of community control followed by 15 years of probation, according to Assistant State Attorney Trey Myers.

    Attorney Sharon Wilson had planned to use the insanity defense, but Ohlson ultimately signed a plea agreement on May 17, 2023, pleading no contest to one count of manslaughter with a firearm instead of facing a murder charge. The case hinged on whether Ohlson’s mental health met the criteria for legal insanity. Pensacola psychologist Dr. Stephen Zieman testified that while Ohlson had “the most severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder” he had ever encountered, it did not meet the legal standard for insanity.

    “Do you have an opinion as to whether this incident would have occurred had David not been mentally ill?” Wilson asked Zieman.

    “I think the mental illness directly contributed to his actions,” Zieman replied. He explained that Ohlson’s severe OCD had also caused attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and an anxiety disorder since birth, leading to intrusive thoughts and difficulty maintaining a normal life. Wilson argued that Ohlson had never experienced a “normal” or “successful” life. “Just because he doesn’t suffer from the legal definition of insanity doesn’t mean he’s OK,” Wilson told the judge.

    Since Zieman’s evaluation indicated Ohlson did not meet the legal threshold for insanity, Myers maintained that mental health issues were not an excuse for the crime.

    “This is a tragic case. It was a killing that was not necessary,” Myers said. “It was not justifiable and certainly not excusable. Judge, the state recognizes his mental conditions, and as such, we made a plea offer reflecting it. Although this is a tragic event and the defendant may be a sympathetic person … his mental deficiencies are not an excuse for this crime. He deserves to be punished with a sentence not less than 20 years in state prison.”

    During the hearing, Ohlson expressed remorse, acknowledging his need for mental health treatment.

    “Your honor, I would like to say what happened that night — I’m very sorry that happened. It is my fault that everything happened,” Ohlson told the judge. “I’m very willing to receive help, mental help. I know I need it. I’ve always known I needed it, and I really feel like I need mental help.”

    Ohlson attributed his state of mind on April 8, 2022, to the stress and confusion caused by his parents’ divorce announcement three weeks prior.

    His father, David Aaron Ohlson, testified about the family’s struggles and his son’s lifelong battle with mental illness. Through tears, he described the challenges they faced and his love for his son.

    “He is my only child. Neither one of us really had a life,” the elder Ohlson said with a trembling voice. “(Adrianna) tried really hard. He’s a great kid, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my son.

    “I love my family. I never had one. It was the first time I had a family,” he continued. “I love my son, and I’m proud of him. I always just wanted him to love himself and be proud of himself.”

  • NSW Police Appeal for Clues in Miranda Stabbing Incident

    NSW Police Force logo

    Police are appealing for a public assistance after a man was stabbed in Sydney’s south last year.

    Officers attached to Sutherland Shire Police Area Command were called to an underground carpark on Kiora Road, Miranda, about 4.50am on Thursday 7 December 2023, where they found a man with stab wounds to his torso.

    Police were told that the 44-year-old was confronted by an unknown man before being stabbed.

    He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to St George Hospital in a serious condition. He has since been released and is recovering after surgery.

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    Detectives have established Strike Force Ditzy to investigate the incident.

    As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Sutherland Shire Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

  • Bundaberg Woman Charged in Shocking Random Stabbing Incident Involving Teen Victim

    Queensland Police

    A 15-year-old girl was reportedly stabbed in what authorities describe as a random attack, resulting in the apprehension of a 34-year-old woman.

    The alleged stabbing occurred outside a dance studio in Bundaberg, located approximately four hours north of Brisbane. According to police statements released on Tuesday, around 4:30 pm, the woman engaged in conversation with the teenage girl, whom she did not know, at a business along Water St.

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    During the interaction, the woman purportedly produced a knife and inflicted wounds upon the 15-year-old. Subsequently, the assailant fled the scene on foot. Emergency services were called, and paramedics transported the Avoca girl, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries to her back, to Bundaberg Hospital. Fortunately, she remained in stable condition for further medical attention.

    Law enforcement successfully located and apprehended the suspect in a nearby unit block. The woman, identified as a resident of Bundaberg South, faces a charge of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. Denied police bail, she was scheduled to appear at Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday to address the allegations.

  • Australian Writer Yang Hengjun Receives Death Sentence from Chinese Court

    Australian writer Yang Hengjun, currently held in detention, has been handed a death sentence by a Chinese court, a verdict that could potentially be commuted to life imprisonment after two years if he demonstrates good behavior during his incarceration.

    Characterizing the court’s decision as “harrowing” and “appalling,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed the government’s strong response. Wong emphasized the necessity of making their position clear publicly, stating, “There are times you speak privately, and there are also times we have to make our position very clear publicly, and today is one of them.”


    Maintaining his innocence throughout, Yang Hengjun faced a highly secretive closed-door trial in Beijing. The pro-democracy writer now faces the prospect of spending the remainder of his life behind bars unless a successful appeal is made.

    In reaction to the news, a spokesperson for Dr. Yang’s family conveyed shock and devastation, asserting, “We know our father has done nothing wrong. He is in jail because he represents truth, democracy, respectful exchange of rational ideas.”

    Senator Wong affirmed that there are avenues of appeal available to Yang, and Australia will persist in advocating for his release. Emphasizing the consistent call for basic standards of justice and humane treatment, Wong stated, “We will continue to provide consular assistance to him and his family. All Australians want to see Dr. Yang reunited with his family.”

    Concerns about Yang’s health have been raised by his family in recent months, with a letter from the writer last year expressing fears about inadequate treatment for a worsening kidney cyst. Senator Wong pledged to press for Yang’s access to appropriate medical care, saying, “His health and what he requires has been a topic of discussion at many levels with the Chinese authorities.”

    Contrary to reports, Beijing’s top diplomat in Australia, Xiao Qian, played down the severity of Yang’s health condition and minimized the likelihood of his release, echoing a similar stance taken regarding detained journalist Cheng Lei. In response, Jan Adams, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, summoned China’s Ambassador Xiao Qian to express the government’s objection to the sentence.

    Despite the diplomatic tensions arising from the situation, Senator Wong clarified that recalling Australia’s ambassador to China is not under consideration. Emphasizing the importance of stabilization in diplomatic relations, she stated, “I have said stabilisation means we cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and we engage in the national interest. I will make the point this is a decision within China’s legal system. Clearly this is an occasion which we disagree.”

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  • Teenager Charged in Connection to Tragic Stabbing at Redbank Plains Shopping Centre

     A 70-year-old grandmother, identified as Vyleen White, met a tragic end over the weekend when she was fatally stabbed in the chest at Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre’s underground car park around 6 pm on Saturday. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.

    Police released CCTV footage of four people believed to be involved in the crime. Three depicted in the footage have not yet been identified and remain on the run. Picture: Queensland Police

    The Queensland police have charged a 15-year-old boy in connection with the crime, and three other individuals are currently on the run. The victim’s blue 2009 Hyundai Getz was allegedly used as the getaway car and was later found abandoned at Springfield Lakes.

    The arrest of the 15-year-old suspect was made after he presented himself at Ipswich Police Station around 9:30 pm on Sunday. He has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, pertaining to the alleged stealing of the victim’s car. The teenager is scheduled to appear at Ipswich Children’s Court on Monday.

    Authorities released CCTV footage on Sunday, depicting four individuals believed to be involved in the crime. As of now, the three others shown in the footage remain unidentified, leaving the community anxious for answers.

    The family of the deceased is demanding justice for their lost loved one, as the community grapples with the shock of this horrific incident. The tragic scenes unfolded at a place meant for shopping, turning a routine weekend outing into a nightmare for both the victim’s family and the witnesses at the shopping center.

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  • Top Witness Unveils Startling Details in Madeleine McCann Mystery

    An update has emerged in the long-standing Madeleine McCann case, nearly 17 years after her disappearance from a Portuguese beach resort. The primary suspect in the British girl’s vanishing, Christian Brueckner, is set to face a crucial witness against him in a child rape case scheduled for February.

    The 45-year-old is slated to stand trial next month, facing accusations of raping and sexually assaulting multiple women and a young girl. These incidents are reported to have occurred between 2000 and 2017 when he resided on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the same area where Madeleine was abducted in May 2007 at the age of three.

    Brueckner’s attorney has contested the testimony of Helge Busching, a former friend turned police informant, who played a key role in his prior conviction. Despite claims of falsehood by Brueckner’s lawyer, a German judge has dismissed these assertions.

    Busching, labeled the “most important witness” against the McCann suspect, is anticipated to play a crucial role in another case against the convicted rapist next month. With Busching’s assistance, Brueckner became the prime suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance in 2018.

    Busching had alleged that he stole a camcorder containing video tapes showing Brueckner sexually assaulting several women, leading to his imprisonment for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman. Notably, this incident occurred a year before Madeleine was abducted from a resort in the same town while on holiday with her family.

    Busching informed investigators in Germany about a conversation with Brueckner in which he allegedly remarked on the absence of screams during the discussion of Madeleine’s kidnapping. In 2017, around the 10th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance, Busching provided Brueckner’s name to Scotland Yard’s Operation Grange team.

    Furthermore, Busching asserted that Brueckner disclosed his involvement in Madeleine’s abduction during a Spanish kite festival in 2008. Expressing his belief in Brueckner’s guilt in 2020, Busching stated that he would reveal the truth during the upcoming trial.

    Despite these developments, Brueckner has not faced charges related to Madeleine McCann’s disappearance. Madeleine went missing from her bed in a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007, while her parents were dining nearby. If alive today, she would be 20 years old. Kate and Gerry McCann, aged 55, remain committed to finding their missing daughter, with 18-year-old twins Sean and Amelie.