8 arrested in drug bust, suspect flees robbery, fatal pedestrian crash

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Here are the stories with the most viewed photos this week.

Illegal gambling attack in Indian River County intended to set an example

VERO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) – While illegal arcade raids became a common occurrence in 2023, they have become fewer and fewer this year – through Wednesday.

At that point, officers from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) showed up at the Panda arcade, arrested two men and began confiscating slot machines. The suspects, identified as Jinquan Lin and Jing Guo Yang, were each booked on charges of extortion and illegal gambling. They each face millions of dollars in bonds.

The Vero Beach arcade, just off US 1 and 8th Street, was robbed Wednesday morning and officers, along with members of the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), were present as slot machines were taken away. The investigation that led to the raid actually started over a year ago.

“They were well aware that illegal gambling was already being reported,” said IRCSO Capt. Joe Abollo. ‘We don’t want that stuff here. We don’t want that kind of rubbish here. We will not tolerate these types of arcades because they only bring poison into our community.”

Read the full story here.

25-year-old motorcyclist in critical condition after collision on Lantana Road

LAKE WORTH, Fla. (CBS12) – A 25-year-old motorcyclist was left in critical condition after a crash on Lantana Road in the Lake Worth Corridor.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) crash report, the motorcyclist was traveling east on Lantana Road near South Jog Road on Saturday when a driver in a Lincoln, traveling westbound, attempted to turn left into the Pinewood Square shopping plaza.

Officials said the motorcycle collided with the left side of the car at the intersection, throwing the motorcyclist from his bicycle.

The 25-year-old man was transported to Delray Medical Center with serious injuries.

Read the full story here.

Vero Beach police release video of suspect fleeing after Mulligan’s robbery

VERO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) – Video surveillance has been released of a man fleeing a crime scene after being accused of robbing an employee of Mulligan’s Beach House.

The Vero Beach Police Department (VBPD) released the surveillance video Monday after officers arrested Sederick Upton for the crime on Oct. 16.

According to the Vero Beach Police Department (VBPD), officers responded to Mulligan’s Beach House at 1025 Beachland Boulevard, where one of the employees was the victim of a robbery. The victim told officers she was in a locked room handling company money when a black man wearing a mask entered the office.

Officers say the suspect pointed his gun at the victim and made several threats, while also demanding money. The officer alleges the suspect tied the victim’s hands and feet with shoelaces and continued making threats toward the victim if she did not remain quiet.

The suspect then fled and stole approximately $4,900, a watch and a silver bracelet, police say.

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WATCH: SWAT seizes guns, drugs in major raid that leads to 8 arrests

TAMPA, Fla. (CBS12) – After a six-month investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said it has dismantled a drug trafficking operation, resulting in the arrest of eight people.

The investigation focused primarily on seven-time convicted felon Alphonso Guice, 46, the sheriff’s office said. Detectives identified a significant drug operation at a home on South 51st Street, near Palm River Road, where large quantities of cannabinoids, fentanyl, methamphetamine and other controlled substances were being trafficked.

On October 24, detectives executed a search warrant. Body camera video captures the moment HCSO investigators discovered eight people in the home, 27 pounds of cannabinoids, an AK-47 rifle, several rounds of ammunition and multiple structures on the property used for drug-related activities.

Read the full story here.

Pedestrian dies after being struck while crossing road in Greenacres

GREENACRES, Fla. (CBS12) – A pedestrian died early Wednesday morning after being struck by an SUV while crossing a main road in Greenacres.

The pedestrian was crossing Lantana Road, between Brentwood Boulevard and Jog Road, shortly before 7 a.m. when he was struck by a westbound Acura MDX, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office explained.

The crash report showed the Lake Worth man, identified as Aldes Merancier, crossed in the middle of the block and went in front of the SUV.

Merancier, 65, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to PBSO.

Read the full story here.

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