City police have busy weekend

Public Information Officer Mark Samson updated Historic City News local reporters this morning on several recent police activities that occurred over the weekend within the City of St Augustine.

A Bed and Breakfast at 24 Avenida Menendez reports that during the night, someone pulled up $35.00 worth of planted flowers and placed them on a Ford Mustang parked on the street. Further investigation revealed that some of the flowers had been pulled from the Bayfront Hilton’s flower beds. A computer check for the vehicle’s owner did not reveal any contact information; however, The Casablanca Inn is reviewing video from their surveillance cameras to see if they can identify the person responsible for the damage. The Hilton did not wish to pursue and criminal charges.

Two DUI arrests were made over the weekend within the city.

Raka Shana Raychaudhuri, held almost 14 hours after the 45-year-old woman was booked into the St Johns County Detention Facility, on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. She was released Saturday afternoon at 2:46 p.m., after posting a $500 appearance bond. According to the jail log, she resides at 1500 Cummingwater Dr Apt 302 in Fleming Island.

A 23-year-old Jacksonville woman, Morgan Elizabeth Knight, was also taken into custody Saturday morning, and booked into the county jail at 4:00 a.m. and released less than twelve hours later at 3:49 p.m., after posting a $500 appearance bond. Knight resides at 7703 Mystic Point Court in Jacksonville, according to the jail log.

Three arrests made on people who had outstanding warrants and two were arrested by St Augustine Police for aggravated battery.

Still in custody this afternoon, held without bond, is 50-year-old Brian Matthew Sweeney; who resides 55 Florida Avenue in St Augustine. City police charged Sweeney with aggravated battery and he was booked into the St Johns County Detention Facility at the Neil J Perry Criminal Justice Complex at 5:47 p.m. Saturday. Bond on that offence was set at $50,000. While in custody, deputies filed additional charges against him for violation of the terms of Sweeney’s probation.

Police officers are still encountering bicycle thefts and theft from vehicles downtown. Sampson said, “You are the best advocate for the property that you own.” He asked Historic City News readers to practice these common sense methods to help prevent property crimes from occurring:

• Purchase a good lock for your bike and secure it to a strong, sturdy object.
• Leave your valuables at home, not in your car, whenever possible.
• Don’t invite a thief to steal your things by leaving them in plain sight.
• Don’t wait until you arrive at a parking lot to lock your things in your trunk.
• Park in well-lighted areas and away from shrubbery.
• Set the car alarm; don’t make it easier for a thief to steal your things.

In another call, eleven adults and two juveniles hopped a fence, pushed by the gate, and entered the Castillo around 3:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon. St Augustine police officers assisted the National Park Service in removing and warning the trespassers.