Update: 3rd Man Charged in Soldier's Beating Caught on Camera

Jared J. Richardson, 18, of Brandon, is the third to be arrested in connection with the violent attack and robbery of U.S. Army Sgt. Johnny Aparicio, Tampa Police said.

Update, 3:08 p.m.: Charges have been filed against Jared J. Richardson, 18, of Brandon, in connection with the recent attack on a U.S. Army soldier in South Tampa. Richardson was arrested late Sunday night on charges of aggravated battery, robbery and possession of marijuana. According to TBO.com, officers also seized Richardson's gold 2002 Chevrolet Impala, which they say was used during the beating. Richardson is being held on $15,500 bail, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office records.   Earlier: Detectives have arrested a third suspect in the vicious beating and robbery of a U.S. Army soldier in South Tampa, Tampa Police said Monday morning. The suspect, Jared Richardson, 18, of 868 Bayou View Dr., Brandon, is the third man…

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Two Suspects Arrested in Violent Attack on MacDill Air Force Base Soldier, Police Say

Tampa Police detectives have arrested two suspects in the attack on the MacDill Air Force Base serviceman.

Tampa Police detectives have arrested two suspects in the attack on the MacDill Air Force Base serviceman, according to a media release. Tampa Police say Johnny Aparicio, 24, was walking eastbound on Iowa Avenue near Renellie Drive South around 3:30 a.m. Sunday when the four suspects approached him and one asked him for a dollar. "As he replied, three of the suspects began to hit him in the face and upper body causing him to fall to the ground," Tampa Police spokesperson Andrea Davis said in a media release. Once on the ground, all four suspects hit and kicked the Aparicio. They went through his pockets and took his cell phone and wallet before fleeing south on Renellie Drive, according to police. The beating was captured on video. …

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$16,250 Reward Offered in Attack on MacDill Serviceman

A law firm, a local church and two private citizens have posted the reward money for information that leads to the arrest of suspects accused of violently robbing a soldier Sunday in South Tampa.

Update, 4:58 p.m.: The reward money for the arrest and prosecution of suspects in Sunday's violent attack on a U.S. serviceman is now up to a total of $16,250, Tampa Police said Wednesay. The law firm of Winters & Yonker is offering $10,000; Without Walls Church is offering $5,000; and citizens from Virginia ($1,000) and New Jersey ($250) have also put up rewards. The victim, Johnny Aparicio, was released from the hospital, Tampa Police officials said Wednesday afternoon.   Earlier: An area church is offering a $5,000 reward in the hopes of helping law enforcement find the men responsible for beating and robbing a U.S. serviceman Sunday in South Tampa. Tampa Police say Johnny Aparicio, 24, was walking eastbound on Iowa Avenue near Renellie…

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Fire Reported at B.J.'s BBQ in South Tampa

Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the restaurant on South Dale Mabry Highway Wednesday, May 16.

Tampa Fire Rescue crews responded to a fire reported at the B.J.'s BBQ located at 3307 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in South Tampa on Wednesday, May 16.  The 911 call came in at 9:46 a.m., with Tampa Fire Rescue units having the fire under control by 9:56 a.m., a press release said. All occupants have been reported out of the building and nobody was injured, according to Tampa Fire Rescue. Tampa Fire investigators are on scene investigating at this time. Further information will be provided as available.

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Crime Blotter

Pickup Truck, Golf Cart, Scooter, and $19,000 in Jewelry Reported Stolen

Recent reports from Tampa Police District 1's crime blotter.

Wednesday, May 9 Thursday, May 10 Friday, May 11 Saturday, May 12 Sunday, May 13

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Detectives Still Searching for South Tampa Burglar

Mitchell Reddin, 25, of Port Tampa City, is believed to be responsible for seven South Tampa home burglaries in the past two months, according to Tampa Police Department.

Tampa Police are still searching for a suspect they believe is responsible for seven South Tampa home burglaries in the past two months. The burglaries have occurred in and around the Sun Bay South area between sunset and sunrise. The burglar entered the residences through open windows or sliding doors while the victims were home. “The suspect enters through various means and in three instances has targeted purses. During the latest burglary, the suspect entered the victim’s room and took the cash from the dresser drawer,” said Tampa Police Department District I crime analyst Ashley Gehrig in a release. Police believe the suspect is Mitchell Reddin, 25, listed as living at 7403 S. Obrien St. in Port Tampa City. He drives a 2002 Silver …

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From the Tampa Police Department

Crime Prevention Tips from Tampa Police

Maryanne Hunsberger, crime prevention practitioner at Tampa Police Department District I, says that the heat is here and with it can come an increase in property crimes.

From Tampa Police Department District I: Summer is here and with it can come an increase in property crimes. The Tampa Police Department would like to remind our residents to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim by taking proactive steps to prevent crimes such as vehicle burglary, vehicle theft, residential burglary and vandalism. The following steps can help insure you have a safe and secure summer: Stay safe!

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