A Key West woman was arrested on Monday after she allegedly crashed her car and left her 8-year-old daughter at the scene of the crash.

Frances Gonzalez, 46, was charged with child neglect, reckless driving and leaving the scene of a crash with greater than $50 damage.

Around 7:23 p.m., a Key West Police Department officer responded to a hit-and-run accident on 14th Street near Searstown Shopping Center. A witness told the officer that he was walking out of Sears when he heard a loud crash and saw a vehicle had just crashed head-on into a parked taxi cab, according to the report. The witness then said a little girl screamed, got out of a vehicle and ran toward Sears, while the driver of the vehicle backed out and drove away.

The officer arrived and identified the girl as the daughter of Gonzalez, and the child’s stepfather arrived shortly after. The child told police that her mother turned onto 14th Street and lost control, hitting the taxi head-on. She added she was scared and got out of the car, and her mother told her she was leaving so she didn’t get in trouble, according to the report.

Meanwhile, officers responded to Gonzalez’s home, where they detained her. Officers noted Gonzalez’s vehicle was severely damaged and the front airbags had deployed. They then arrested her and transported her to the Monroe County Detention Center. According to the report, officers believed she may have been driving under the influence, both by alcohol and prescription drugs, but couldn’t investigate since she had already entered her home before police arrived.

While being informed of her charges, Gonzalez asked, “Why am I being charged with child neglect?” Officers responded by telling her she left her child at the scene, and Gonzalez replied that her daughter didn’t want to go with her, according to the report.

Gonzalez was booked into jail, but she was released the next day. The Florida Department of Children and Families is also investigating the situation.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Key West man was arrested Wednesday after police found him with numerous stolen items that he allegedly stole from several vehicles, including more than $300 and 13 credit cards.

Elijah Paul Rivera, 18, was charged with 13 counts of credit-card theft, three counts burglary of a conveyance, four counts petit theft from a motor vehicle and one count of grand theft.

Around 2 a.m., a Key West Police Department officer responded to a reported burglary near Georgia Street and Truman Avenue. Dispatch advised the officer that a male subject was seen taking stuff out of a pool cleaning truck and carrying it away in a plastic bag. The officer located a man fitting the description about nine minutes later and stopped him.

The man, identified as Rivera, “appeared to be shaking and his voice quavered” as the officer spoke with him, according to the report. The officer searched the bag Rivera was carrying and found several small purses, women’s perfume and a stack of credit and debit cards in the bag. Rivera claimed the bag belonged to his girlfriend, but the officer noted the cards belonged to several people and detained Rivera.

The officer met with one of the cardholders, who only realized her property was missing when she went to retrieve it from her car. The officer also noted the victim’s car was unlocked, according to the report. After determining Rivera had likely broken into the vehicle, he placed Rivera under arrest.

In the bag, the officer found $322, sunglasses, perfume, driver’s licenses, credit cards, debit cards and coupons belonging to at least three people.

Rivera was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held without bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Key West woman who allegedly damaged four vehicles was arrested Friday on several DUI-related charges.

Deanna Lynn Lee, 47, was charged with four counts of DUI with property damage and one count of DUI with a blood alcohol level over .15.

Around 12:04 a.m., Key West Police Department officers responded to the SP+ parking lot at 411 Caroline St. for a hit-and-run investigation. The reporting person, whose vehicle was damaged, told officers on scene that she noticed another crash in the same parking lot, adding that a woman was asleep in one of the vehicles involved.

Officers found a woman, later identified as Lee, sleeping behind the wheel of a truck with the engine running. The truck was parked against the rear bumper of one vehicle, and the rear driver’s side was lodged against the rear passenger of a second vehicle, according to the report. After several attempts, officers were able to wake up Lee, and they reported immediately noticing signs of intoxication.

Lee agreed to a field sobriety test but ultimately failed each component. Officers then arrested her for DUI. At the Key West DUI room, Lee’s breath sample came back as .185. She declined to speak further with officers about the incident. In addition to her own vehicle, Lee allegedly damaged a total of three other vehicles.

Lee was booked into the Monroe County Detention Center, where she was being held without bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Marathon man and woman were arrested Friday for various drug-related charges after deputies pulled them over for having a tag light out.

Vantrail Lee Moore, 29, and Kaitlyn Dinese Lanford, were both charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and tampering with evidence. Moore was also charged with cocaine trafficking.

Around 12 a.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over a Chrysler 300 on U.S. 1 in Marathon for not having a tag light. While speaking with the occupants, identified as Moore and Lanford, deputies reported smelling marijuana, according to the report. When asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, Moore reportedly said there was a partially smoked marijuana cigarette in the vehicle.

Deputies had Moore and Lanford exit the vehicle and then conducted a search. Inside the center console, deputies found 11.3 grams of powder cocaine, 1.3 grams of crack cocaine, 9.4 grams of marijuana, a package of razor blades and a large quantity of small jewelry bags commonly used in the sale of narcotics, according to the report. Deputies also found $110 in cash inside the sunglasses compartment.

As deputies arrested Moore and Lanford, one of them noticed Moore moving around suspiciously in the back of his patrol car. The deputy removed Moore and found an additional 24.5 grams of crack cocaine in his shoe and in the patrol car.

In total, 37.1 grams of cocaine were found.

Moore and Lanford were arrested and transported to the Marathon jail, where they were being held without bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A homeless Marathon man was arrested on Friday after running from deputies and later spitting on them and threatening them.

James Elisme, 34, was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, threats against a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and resisting arrest without violence. Additionally, Elisme had an out-of-county warrant for his arrest.

Around 2 p.m., a deputy responded to the 5400 block of Overseas Highway in Marathon after reports came in of an unconscious male having seizures on the ground. The deputy arrived to find the man, identified as Elisme, unresponsive on the ground with a Four Loko beverage nearby. The deputy began to roll him over, but it woke up Elisme, and he asked what the deputy was doing. The deputy explained he was responding to a reported medical emergency and was simply making sure he was OK. At this point, Elisme chugged the rest of his beverage and kicked away the can, according to the report.

Elisme refused to provide his name and eventually became aggressive, according to the report. He then grabbed his belongings and began to walk away onto U.S. 1, although he didn’t look before he stepped into the road. The deputy noticed cars driving toward him and pulled him away from the road, which further aggravated Elisme, according to the report. From there, Elisme adopted a fighting stance, and the deputy called for backup.

Elisme started to run from the deputy, but he was able to catch him. Other deputies arrived and together they arrested him and placed him in the patrol car. En route to jail, Elisme started threatening deputies, and later began spitting at them. He was so aggravated that medical workers had to use a sedative on him before they could medically evaluate him.

Elisme was medically cleared and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held on a $19,000 bond for local charges, and no bond for his out-of-county warrant.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

An Orlando, Florida man was arrested on Monday after he was spotted driving a stolen vehicle on U.S. 1.

Irvin James Lefere, 33, was charged with operating a vehicle without a license, grand theft of a motor vehicle and petit theft.

Around 12:03 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office dispatch notified deputies that a truck traveling southbound near Mile Marker 106 had a license plate that came back as stolen. A deputy spotted the suspected vehicle near Mile marker 102 and pulled over the vehicle. The deputy with met with the driver, identified as Lefere, who admitted to not having a driver’s license, according to the report.

Deputies were able to determine that not only was the license plate stolen, but the vehicle also was stolen. When asked, Lefere reportedly told deputies that the vehicle was a “rock car,” which Lefere explained as a vehicle borrowed from a “crack head.”

Dispatch confirmed the vehicle was stolen out of Lake County, Florida, and the license plate was stolen out of Louisiana.

Lefere was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held without bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

Three homeless Marathon men were arrested Tuesday after they allegedly broke into a Marathon home, where they drank beer and took showers.

Ramon Elio Diaz, 60, Reinel Garcia Castellanos, 37, and Benigno Cruz Torres, 57, were all charged with burglary and grand theft.

Around 8:12 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a burglary in progress on Sombrero Beach Road in Marathon. The reporting person provided a description of three suspects, and one deputy located two people matching the descriptions on their way to the scene, two identified as Castellanos and Diaz.

The reporting person, the caretaker of the home, arrived and positively identified the two as two of the three men who broke into the home, according to the report. She said she noticed lights on at the residence and went to investigate. When she got there, she saw the three men running through the backyard and riding away on bicycles. Further inspection of the house revealed that the shower had been used, as evident by wet towels and water on the bathroom floor. She added that she had just cleaned the house, and as it was a vacation rental, no one should have been there at that time.

The third man, Torres, was caught trying to pass by the scene during the investigation. Torres reportedly admitted that the three men had broken into the home, and also said he had been caught sneaking into the same home several days earlier. In that incident, he was also caught by the caretaker.

The caretaker said that a scheduled rental had to be cancelled due to the incident, costing the owners $500. She estimated an additional $400 for the cleanup and repair of the lock that was broken during the burglary.

All three men were arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where they were being held without bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Marathon liveaboard was arrested Tuesday after he threatened to shoot his father’s friend with an AK-47 rifle.

Joseph Allen Pennenga, 30, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery.

On Sunday, the 50-year-old victim flagged down a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy and told him he had just been hit in the head by Pennenga, according to the report. The victim explained that he had been staying on a boat with Pennenga’s father, where Pennenga also lives. The victim said he was leaving the boat around 3 a.m. when Pennenga got angry with him for turning on the light, and he subsequently threatened the victim by saying he would shoot him with an AK-47, although he didn’t have the gun in hand at the time.

Later on Sunday, the victim said he returned to the boat, where he was again confronted by Pennenga. This time, the victim said Pennenga was again threatening to shoot him, although now he was holding the AK-47. The suspect’s father tried to intervene in the argument, but Pennenga reportedly swung a cooking pot. The cooking pot’s lid was flung away and struck the victim in the head, according to the victim. Deputies noted the victim did have a contusion on his head.

Pennenga continued to threaten the victim, leading him to gather his belongings and leave the boat in fear for his life.

Detectives investigated further, with Pennenga and the father both admitting to an argument, but both also denied any threats or battery occurred. They also noted Pennenga has been convicted of battery in the past.

Due to the circumstances, Pennenga was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held on a $68,000 bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Big Pine Key man and woman were arrested on Wednesday after an altercation at a bar led them both to punch another man.

Drew R. Sterling, 34, and Zoe Masterson, 22, were both charged with battery. Masterson was additionally charged with resisting an officer with violence

Around 12:13 a.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Coconuts Bar and Liquor Store on Big Pine Key after receiving reports of a fight at the bar. They arrived to find Masterson acting hysterical, and several witnesses stated Masterson and Sterling had been arguing in the bar. The two were kicked out of the bar for their behavior, but they later returned and began arguing the parking lot, according to the report.

Sterling pushed the Masterson, leading several men to intervene, according to the witnesses. At this point, Sterling reportedly struck one of the men, knocking his tooth out. Sterling and the man began to fight when Masterson reportedly jumped in and struck the man in the face. Several witnesses gave the same story.

Deputies arrested the two and began to take them to jail. However, Masterson began resisting, eventually kicking a deputy in the chest as he tried to close the patrol car door.

Sterling was being held at the Monroe County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond. Masterson was released the same day after posting a $15,000 bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Homestead man was arrested Thursday after he charged at a deputy on the side of U.S. 1.

Alberto E. Sanchez, 29, was charged with resisting arrest, disorderly intoxication and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

Around 7:41 p.m., two Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Mile Marker 110 after reports came in of a medical emergency and possible DUI. The deputies arrived to find Sanchez and a 21-year-old-female standing near a pickup. Next to the truck was a large amount of vomit, reportedly where the female had gotten sick. Two off-duty officers were nearby, and they stated they stopped to render aid for the couple.

The deputies noticed Sanchez and the woman both had signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, according to the report. Sanchez stated they had been at Gilbert’s Resort and were on their way back to Homestead. Deputies asked the couple to contact someone to come retrieve them and their vehicle. In response, the woman lifted her right hand, made it into the shape of a telephone and began to have a “conversation” while speaking into her hand. The fictitious conversation was lengthy, leading deputies to believe she was hallucinating, reports state.

When asked who she was speaking to, Sanchez reportedly balled up his fists and charged at one of the deputies, but they were able to detain him with the help of the off-duty officers. Paramedics arrived and medically cleared the woman on scene, but she was taken into protective custody due to her intoxication.

Deputies located a marijuana pen prior to Sanchez’s arrest. Sanchez was taken to the Plantation Key jail, where he was being held without bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Hialeah, Florida ride-share driver was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly struck a streetlight twice and then left the scene.

Yeinier Perez Pozo, 30, was charged with hit-and-run.

Around 10:20 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported hit-and-run accident in Marathon. A witness reported seeing an Uber/Lyft driver back up, hit something, pull forward, and then back up into the same object again, according to the report. The witness then went outside, and confirmed the vehicle had struck a light pole while backing up.

Deputies examined the scene of the accident, with a representative of the Overseas Village Homeowners Association stating that the damage was approximately $300 and that they would like to press charges against the driver, according to the report. Meanwhile, another deputy spotted a vehicle that matched the description of the suspect.

The deputy confirmed the suspect, identified as Perez Pozo, was in the area of the accident. They also confirmed there was damage to his vehicle that appeared to match the described accident, including green paint that was identical to the paint on the street light.

Deputies arrested Perez Pozo and transported him to the Marathon jail, but he was released the next day after posting a $5,000 bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Columbus, Ohio man was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly crashed into four vehicles over the course of three crashes in the Old Town section of Key West.

Richard Keith Lawwell, 52, was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving injury.

Around 10:45 p.m., Key West Police Department officers responded to a crash involving three vehicles at the intersection of Simonton and Southard streets. A red Chevrolet truck had crashed head-on into a white, six-passenger electric car, which was, in turn, rear-ended by a Nissan car, according to the report.

While investigating the crash, officers were informed of two additional traffic incidents involving a red truck that had just occurred, according to the report. A victim reported that he was parallel parked in an off-street parking spot on Caroline Street when a red truck rear-ended his left bumper. The victim of the second incident told officers a red truck had sideswiped him while he was driving east on Caroline Street. In both instances, the time, location and description of the vehicle and driver matched the initial incident with Lawwell.

Officers asked Lawwell if he remembered being in three separate crashes. Lawwell replied that he “messed up,” and repeatedly asked if officers had located his dog, according to the report.

Lawwell was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held on a $10,000 bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Miami woman was arrested Saturday after she allegedly offered marijuana to the 15-year-old son of a Florida Highway Patrol trooper.

Nora Elena Castrillon Ochoa, 40, was charged with DUI, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, distributing a narcotic within 1,000 feet of a public park and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Around 6:25 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Key Largo Community Park after an off-duty FHP trooper reported that a woman offered marijuana to his son, according to the police report. Deputies arrived and met with the suspect, identified as Castrillon Ochoa, who was sitting in her car in the parking lot of the park.

Castrillon Ochoa reportedly refused to get out of the car, and deputies ultimately handcuffed her due to aggressive behavior. Deputies also noted the smell of marijuana and alcohol on her breath. Meanwhile, deputies spoke with the victim, who stated Castrillon Ochoa pulled into the parking lot and asked what a nearby flag represented. While the minor was explaining it, she allegedly pulled out a vape pen and asked him if he wanted marijuana, according to the report.

A search revealed three small pipes, two sertraline hydrocholoride (Zoloft) pills, one gram of marijuana and an electric vape pen with .5 grams of THC oil.

Castrillon Ochoa was taken to the Plantation Key DUI room, where she refused to submit a breath sample. She was then booked into jail, but she was released two days later after posting her $40,000 bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Key West man was arrested Tuesday after he fled police when they attempted to pull him over under the suspicion that he was dealing drugs.

Lazaro Delvalle, 47, was charged with cocaine trafficking, tampering with evidence and fleeing from police officers.

Around 7:58 p.m., a Key West Police Department detective in an unmarked vehicle spotted Delvalle, whom he knew from previous narcotics investigations, driving a vehicle near the Higgs Beach area. Delvalle pulled into a parking spot, and a second vehicle parked next to him, leading the detective to believe there was about to be a narcotics transaction, according to the report.

Delvalle reportedly exited his own vehicle, got inside the second one and then returned to his vehicle shortly after. At this point, he began to leave the scene, and the detective continued to follow him. The detective also noted he had a faulty reverse light. As Delvalle turned onto Leon Street, the detective activated his lights and sirens in an attempt to pull him over, according to the report.

Delvalle reportedly turned abruptly, drove through a stop sign and began to flee. Shortly after the chase began, Delvalle slowed to a stop and threw out a piece of tissue paper with a baggie inside. The detective then radioed for assistance, located the baggie and resumed the chase. Delvalle led officers and detectives on chase through Old Town before he stopped on Seminary Street.

Officers detained him without incident, and Delvalle denied from fleeing from law enforcement or from throwing out the baggie. The contents of the baggie tested positive for cocaine, with 73.7 grams of powder cocaine inside. The street value of that amount of cocaine is approximately $7,300. Officers also located $890 in cash on Delvalle.

After he was taken to jail, Delvalle reportedly confessed to throwing the cocaine from his vehicle because he’s been in trouble before.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A dispute between roommates allegedly escalated from a verbal argument to a physical confrontation and concluded with the burglarizing the bedroom of one of the roommate and leading to the arrest of a Ramrod Key man.

Alex Jordan Hirst, 32, was charged with simple assault, battery, damaging property in excess of $1,000 and burglary.

Around 10:15 a.m. on Monday, a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a residence in Key Largo after receiving reports of a disorderly, intoxicated male who had damaged property in the home. The deputy met with the victim and the suspect, identified as Hirst, who gave their sides of the story.

The victim stated Hirst was revving his motorbike under the house around 4:30 a.m., and the victim asked him to stop and went to bed, according to the report. About an hour later, the victim said he awoke to hear a fight between Hirst and another tenant, and the victim asked Hirst to “sleep it off.” Hirst reportedly pushed the victim, leading the victim to push him back and call the police. Hirst was ultimately taken to his girlfriend’s house, according to the report.

Around 10 a.m., the victim returned home to find his locked bedroom had been broken into, with holes in his door, his walls and the hallway. Additionally, a safe in the victim’s room had been knocked over, damaging numerous items inside. The estimate of damages to the items in the safe totaled about $1,400.

Deputies noted Hirst appeared intoxicated. Additionally, he admitted to damaging the victim’s door and belongings, and he stated several times he wanted to “beat up” the victim, according to the report.

Hirst was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center, but he was released Wednesday after posting a $35,000 bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Lake Stevens, Washington man was arrested on Friday after witnesses reported a man on North Roosevelt Boulevard had exposed himself.

James Todd Vandecoevering, 52, was charged with indecent exposure and resisting an officer without violence.

Around 4:30 a.m., a Key West Police Department officer responded to the intersection of North Roosevelt and Fourth Street in response to a report of indecent exposure. On the way to the area, the officer noticed a man, later identified as Vandecoevering, walking on the sidewalk wearing only a shirt. The officer stated the man’s shirt would occasionally slide up, exposing Vandecoevering’s genitals.

When asked for his name, Vandecoevering reportedly did not provide his full name. He later said he didn’t give the correct name because he was embarrassed.

A different officer spoke with the reporting person, and they stated Vandecoevering was moving his genitals “in a circular motion as cars were driving by him.” Based on this information, the officer arrested Vandecoevering and transported him to the Monroe County Detention Center. When read his Miranda warning, Vandecoevering stated he didn’t understand it, leading the officer to refrain from asking any more questions.

Vandecoevering was booked into the detention center, where he was being held on a $3,000 bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Grassy Key man was arrested early Sunday morning after threatening a woman with knives, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

There were no reported serious injuries.

Lazaro Morales Gomez, 35, was charged with battery.

Deputy Cristian Santos responded to the 59000 block of Paradise Place about 2 a.m. where he met a woman who said her boyfriend threw a cellphone at her and threatened to cut her into pieces while holding a machete. The woman stated she feared for her life. Deputy Santos detained Morales Gomez, who was also present. Sgt. Mark Jones arrived on scene and retrieved four knives total with which the woman said Morales Gomez threatened her.

While Morales Gomez was en route to jail, he was able to move the handcuffs to the front of his body. Sgt. Jones placed Morales Gomez in a restraint device. Morales Gomez then began to bang his head against the divider in the patrol car, causing a cut to his head. Morales Gomez was able to remove or partially remove the restraint device and attempted to choke himself with it. Sgt. Jones stopped to render aid, but Morales Gomez was combative. Sgt. Jones shocked Morales Gomez with a Taser to gain compliance.

Morales Gomez was taken to Fishermen’s Hospital, where he was medically cleared, then was taken to jail without further incident.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Key Largo man was arrested on Monday after he allegedly brandished a handgun during a road rage incident near Founder’s Park in Islamorada.

Jose A. Gongora, 47, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and improper exhibition of a firearm.

Around 7:50 a.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported road rage incident in which one of the driver’s brandished a gun, according to the police report.

Deputies met with the victim, who said he was taking his children to summer camp at Founder’s Park when he noticed a man in a blue SUV tailgating him. As the victim pulled off the highway, he said he showed his middle finger to the suspect, later identified as Gongora.

The victim said Gongora immediately pulled in front of him, leading the victim to drive around the SUV. As he passed the vehicle, the victim said Gongora pulled out a black handgun and began to yell at him in Spanish. The victim drove away, dropped off his children and then called the police, according to the report.

MCSO detectives spotted Gongora driving southbound near Mile Marker 78 and pulled him over. After detaining Gongora, detectives found a black Glock 19 handgun in the glove box. Gongora told his side of the story, confirming the victim showed him the middle finger.

However, Gongora said he merely pulled in front of him and argued with him. When asked about the gun, Gongora said he keeps his cell phone in the glove box, and the victim must have seen the gun when he went to grab his phone, according to the report.

Based on the circumstances, detectives arrested Gongora and transported him to the Plantation Key jail, where he was being held without bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Key West man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly stole a vehicle because he wanted a “joy ride.”

Jason Aaron Gibson, 40, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle.

Around 3:30 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies were investigating a hit-and-run accident involving an orange Jeep when they spotted a matching vehicle at the Chevron gas station in Marathon. The Jeep was parked and running on the side of the gas station, but it was unoccupied, according to the report. A witness told the deputies that an intoxicated white male with no shirt was walking around, although one of the deputies had spoken to him and the man said he didn’t know anything about the Jeep.

While searching the Jeep for the contact information of the owner, the deputies noticed the man walking away from the gas station. The deputies stopped him, identified him as Gibson, and asked where he was going. Gibson said he was waiting for a ride, according to the report.

Meanwhile, deputies made contact with the Jeep’s owner, who didn’t realize it had been stolen. The owner said the vehicle was new and shouldn’t have any damage, but deputies noted the Jeep had scratches, dents and damage to the front wheel, consistent with a crash.

Gibson reportedly placed his hands behind his back and told deputies to arrest him. He later hesitantly admitted to stealing the Jeep, adding that he stole it from a job site and simply wanted to have a “joy ride” that morning.

Deputies arrested Gibson and transported him to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held without bond.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.

A Salem, South Carolina man was arrested Wednesday night after grabbing the buttocks of two 11-year-old girls at an area campground, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Gregory David Cameron, 47, was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior/molestation in which the victim(s) is younger than 12 and the offender is older than 18.

Deputies Anthony Wales and Timothy Oggeri were called to Boyd’s Key West RV Campground on Stock Island at 10:30 p.m. where they were directed to bathrooms. Cameron was located there, where he was identified by the father of one of the girls. Cameron appeared highly intoxicated, the report states. Deputy Oggeri stayed with Cameron while Deputy Wales interviewed the girls.

Both girls gave the same version of events: They said they noticed an older man (whom both later identified as Cameron) hanging around or near them prior to the incident. They were standing near the water at one point when Cameron began speaking to them. Cameron told the girls he had some snails in a bucket and left to retrieve them. He returned with nothing. Cameron got closer and grabbed one of the victims in the buttocks. There were other children present who were not touched, and the victim told them to run away from the suspect. The other victim said Cameron also grabbed her in the buttocks. Both girls ran away and told their parents. Deputy Wales noted both victims were very upset and appeared very scared by the incident.

Cameron was placed under arrest and taken to jail.

Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.

If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.