Coconut Creek Arbor Day event in 2025. {City of Coconut Creek}

The City of Coconut Creek will mark Arbor Day with a community-focused giveaway event offering free trees, plants, and environmental education for residents.

The city’s Arbor Day Tree Giveaway is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to noon at Coconut Creek City Hall. The event is free and open to all ages.

Each Coconut Creek household is eligible to receive one free tree and two free plants, while supplies last. Participants must show proof of residency to qualify for the giveaway.

In addition to the distribution, attendees can visit informational stations focused on sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship. Topics will include how to properly care for trees and plants, starting and maintaining a butterfly garden, selecting native plants, attracting beneficial insects, protecting water quality and composting.

Experts, including Master Gardeners, will be on-site to answer questions and provide guidance to residents interested in enhancing their home landscapes.

More information is available at CoconutCreek.gov/ArborDay.

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Anthony James Ackerman {BSO}

A man was arrested and charged with armed robbery after police said he pulled a gun and robbed a victim during a Facebook Marketplace meetup for a Dyson hair dryer.

According to a Coconut Creek Police Department arrest report, Anthony James Ackerman, 22, of Plantation,  was taken into custody on April 4 following an armed robbery at a Shell gas station located at 6330 North State Road 7.

Investigators say the victim arranged to meet Ackerman from Facebook Marketplace to purchase a Dyson Airwrap hairdryer for $250. When the victim and his fiancée arrived at the agreed-upon location, Ackerman allegedly exited a black Mercedes carrying a taped box but refused to show the contents when asked.

According to the report, the situation escalated when Ackerman lifted his shirt and displayed a firearm tucked into his waistband. The victim told deputies he feared for his life and handed over approximately $450 in cash before the suspect fled the scene in the vehicle.

The report shows the main break in the case was that the victim captured a photo of the suspect and the vehicle’s license plate, which was traced back to Ackerman. A BOLO was issued, and Fort Lauderdale Police later located the vehicle near I-95 and Sunrise Boulevard.

Authorities conducted a traffic stop near 1701 North University Drive in Plantation, where Ackerman was taken into custody. The victim was brought to the scene and positively identified him as the suspect, according to investigators.

Ackerman was transported to the Coconut Creek Police Department. He remains held without bond.

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Coconut Creek Police responded to various calls from March 31 to April 6, 2026.  Below is a detailed account of the incidents handled by local law enforcement during this period.

Crime Incidents

Battery – Dating Violence
A victim reported being struck during a domestic-related incident at Legacy Apartments on March 31.

Civil Complaint – School Email Incident
At Coconut Creek High School, a teacher reported that their medical records were emailed to the entire school by an unknown individual.

Lost Property
A report was filed for lost property at 6556 N State Road 7.

Elderly Neglect Investigation
Authorities investigated allegations of elderly neglect at Country Lakes Mobile Home Park; no removal was made.

Retail Theft – Walgreens
A suspect stole two cases of beer valued at about $37 and fled in a red Toyota Yaris.

Fraud – Counterfeit Bills
Walmart reported an incident involving counterfeit currency; the suspect remains unknown.

Retail Theft – Walmart
Merchandise valued at approximately $10 was stolen; the suspect was trespassed from the store.

Attempted Vehicle Burglary
An unlocked vehicle at Legacy Apartments was rummaged through; nothing was taken.

Domestic Disturbances
Several verbal domestic incidents were reported throughout the week, including at Tradewinds Apartments and Winston Park.

Threat Assessment – Child
Police investigated a reported threat involving a child on April 1.

Credit Card Fraud
A delayed fraud involving unauthorized card use was reported at a Publix in Westcreek Commons.

Fleeing and Eluding
Police responded to a fleeing vehicle incident on Coconut Creek Parkway.

Vehicle Thefts
Two vehicles were reported stolen overnight from separate locations, including Casa Palma and Coco Parc, with one valued at $1,000.

Missing Juvenile
An endangered runaway juvenile from Paloma Lakes was later located safely near a water treatment facility.

Criminal Mischief – Vehicle
A vehicle was vandalized in a Walmart parking lot.

Disorderly Conduct
A man was arrested at Cali Coffee for exposure of sexual organs and disorderly conduct.

Domestic Battery
A victim reported being struck during a domestic incident at Coco Lake.

Retail Theft – Publix & Walgreens
Two separate thefts were reported on April 3, totaling more than $2,800 in losses.

Package Theft
A package valued at $2,300 was reported stolen from Club Caribe; no prosecution was pursued.

Fraud – Elderly Victim
An 82-year-old woman reported losing $6,200 in a fraud scheme.

Armed Robbery – Shell Gas Station
An armed robbery occurred on April 4, with approximately $450 stolen.

K-9 Search
A police K-9 assisted Margate Police in searching for a burglary suspect.

Suspicious Incidents
Police investigated multiple suspicious incidents, including a misinterpreted WhatsApp video and unusual vehicle activity.

Baker Act Cases
Several individuals, including juveniles, were taken into custody under the Baker Act.

Arrests

Juwan Tait, 28 – Charged with dating violence battery at 4101 W Atlantic Blvd on March 31.

Jonathan Breedon Marion, 34 – Charged with possession/use of drug paraphernalia at 6100 Lyons Rd on March 31.

Kerven Harrigan, 32 – Charged with disorderly conduct (breach of peace) at 4599 W Hillsboro Blvd on April 2.

George R. John, 45 – Charged with retail theft over $750 (multiple locations) at two State Road 7 locations on April 3.

Anthony James Ackerman, 22 – Charged with robbery with a firearm at 6330 N State Road 7 on April 4.

Jimmie Anthony Jones, 36 – Charged with petit theft (second degree, first offense) at Walmart on April 5.

Aquilino Xavier Gonzalez, 30 – Charged with domestic battery on April 5.

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{Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber}

The Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce is inviting the business community to hit the links for networking and philanthropy at its 5th Annual Chamber Golf Classic on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The signature event, presented by Fiserv, will bring together local professionals, business leaders, and community members for a day of golf, camaraderie, and giving back. The tournament is scheduled to run from approximately 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering participants a full morning and early afternoon of play and networking opportunities.

As in previous years, the Golf Classic is expected to feature a shotgun start, allowing teams to begin play simultaneously from different holes, along with opportunities for friendly competition, prizes, and on-course activities.

Beyond the game, the event serves a larger purpose. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Chamber’s Education Foundation, which supports local students and schools through scholarships and programs.

Participants can register individually or as part of a foursome, while local businesses can gain visibility through sponsorships.

The event has become one of the Chamber’s premier annual gatherings, combining business networking with community impact.

Held at the Country Club of Coral Springs, 10800 West Sample Road in Coral Springs.

For more information or to register, visit the Chamber’s event page.

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Berman Jose Sanchez Thumas {BSO}

A Coconut Creek auto dealer was arrested after investigators say he kept more than $154,000 in sales tax collected from customers, leading to a first-degree felony charge.

According to a Coconut Creek Police Department investigation report, Berman Jose Sanchez Thumas, 31, was arrested on March 31 at his home near the 5200 block of Northwest 55th Boulevard. Investigators allege that while operating Evo Auto Sales LLC in Margate, Sanchez Thumas collected sales tax from customers between 2021 and 2024 but failed to remit the full amount to the State of Florida. 

Authorities say more than $154,000 in tax revenue was withheld, resulting in a theft of state funds charge, a first-degree felony.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Florida Department of Revenue, the business collected approximately $246,470 in sales tax during that period but remitted only about $91,787.

Investigators say Sanchez Thumas was the managing member of the business and had direct responsibility for collecting and remitting taxes. Records show he filed sales tax returns during the period in question, indicating awareness of the obligation, but allegedly failed to pay the full amounts due.

Efforts by the Department of Revenue to obtain records and secure voluntary compliance were unsuccessful, and communication through legal representation did not resolve the outstanding balance, according to investigators.

A warrant for Sanchez Thumas’ arrest was issued on March 25, and he was taken into custody and transported to the Broward County Main Jail days later. He is currently being held without bond pending a court appearance.

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Briana Julmiste- Business and Entrepreneurship, Julian Panza- Applied Information Technology, and Jayda Washington- Applied Information Technology. {Coconut Creek High School}

Coconut Creek High School students were honored at Broward County Public Schools’ 2026 CTE Scholar Banquet, recognizing top achievers in career and technical education programs.

Hosted by Broward County Public Schools’ Career, Technical, Adult & Community Education Department, the banquet took place April 2 at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, bringing together School Board members, administrators, educators, families, and community partners.

Several Coconut Creek High School students earned top honors for their achievements across multiple disciplines. Julian Panza was recognized in Applied Information Technology, Briana Julmiste earned honors in Business and Entrepreneurship, and Jayda Washington was also recognized in Applied Information Technology.

District officials said the awards celebrate students who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and commitment within their chosen CTE pathways. 

Selections were made by district leadership, including Mr. Michael Fridel and his team.

Career and Technical Education programs in Broward County Public Schools are designed to prepare students for high-demand careers through a combination of hands-on learning, industry certifications, and innovative academic pathways.

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Coconut Creek Police responded to various calls from March 24 to March 30, 2026.  Below is a detailed account of the incidents handled by local law enforcement during this period.

Crime Incidents

Incidents

Background Investigation: Reported at 4800 W. Copans Road.

Traffic Stop / Warrants: At 6200 N. State Road 7, a passenger was arrested on outstanding warrants.

Violation of Protection Order: Domestic disturbance at 4205 W. Atlantic Blvd resulted in a violation of an injunction and a warrant arrest.

Sex Offender Checks: Conducted at multiple locations including Sawgrass Village and South Creek.

Domestic Disturbance: Verbal incident reported at Coral Tree Circle.

Weapons Arrest: Traffic stop at 4600 Wiles Road led to felony weapons and traffic charges.

Retail Theft:

Publix, W. Hillsboro Blvd — $67 loss; subject trespassed.

Publix, Coconut Creek Parkway — misdemeanor theft; subject issued notice to appear.

Walmart, W. Hillsboro Blvd — multiple incidents totaling over $1,300; arrests made.

Animal Bite Incidents: Reported at Cayman Way and NW 9th Street.

Vehicle Burglaries:

Home Depot, N. State Road 7 — stolen firearm from vehicle ($239).

Tradewinds Park — wallet stolen.

Sample Road — additional wallet theft reported.

Property Incidents:

Lost property reported on NW 75th Place.

Found firearm recovered after crash on W. Sample Road.

Cracked windshield reported on W. Copans Road.

Trespass: Individual trespassed from Publix on Coconut Creek Parkway.

Juvenile Disturbances:

Monarch High School — concerning TikTok message.

Additional student incident involving threats.

Battery / Domestic Violence: Domestic battery reported at Carambola Circle South.

Aggravated Assault: Altercation between brothers at Coconut Creek High School.

Criminal Mischief: Damage reported in Long Pine North neighborhood.

Narcotics Arrest: Traffic stop at W. Atlantic Blvd led to marijuana possession arrest.

Elderly Neglect: Self-neglect investigation in the Wynmoor community.

Fraud: Victim lost $10,000 in a wire transfer scam.

Theft:

Generator stolen from Tradewinds Elementary ($1,200).

E-scooter stolen from Publix ($168).

Theft during open house on NW 62nd Court ($20,000).

DUI Arrest: Traffic stop on Lyons Road resulted in DUI charge.

Animal Complaint: Animal cruelty complaint investigated and deemed unfounded.

Baker Act: Possible attempted suicide reported on NW 42nd Avenue.

Arrests

Sandra White, 75: Charged with grand theft over $100,000.

Kaleb Sandow, 22: Charged with committing a third-degree felony with a weapon.

Flornise Joseph, 32: Charged with child neglect without great bodily harm.

Gregory Bowman, 59: Charged with trespass after failing to leave property.

Joslynn Davis, 19: Charged with domestic battery.

Kevin Gordillo, 31: Charged with possession of cannabis under 20 grams and synthetic cannabis.

Julius White, 45: Charged with operating without a valid license.

Christopher Rodriguez, 22: Charged with petit theft (second degree, first offense).

Steve Hernandez, 54: Charged twice with petit theft (second degree).

Lovinsky Etienne, 37: Charged with DUI (first offense).

Diana Eleazard, 25: Charged with violation of probation (DUI).

Benjamin Harrison, 56: Charged with violating a domestic violence injunction.

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The Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Coral Springs, is launching its Spring 2026 Biz Academy Series, a complimentary four-part workshop program designed to help local professionals and business owners strengthen and grow their operations.

The series, which is open to the public, will feature expert-led sessions focused on key areas of business development, including networking, human resources, financial literacy, and access to capital.

“Supporting the growth and success of our local business community is at the heart of everything we do,” said Charinus Davis, president and CEO of the chamber. “Through this Biz Academy series, we’re providing accessible, high-impact education that empowers professionals at every stage of their business journey.”

All sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Art Plumbing A/C & Electric, located at 4151 NW 124th Ave in Coral Springs.

The workshop lineup includes:

• “Be The Person They Remember” on Thursday, April 9, presented by Leandro Figuereo of Performance Title.
• “Scaling Your HR Strategy” on Thursday, April 16, presented by Rose Farone of P&H Interiors.
• “Understanding Your Financial Statements” on Tuesday, May 5, presented by Lois Margolin of Lois Margolin, LLC.
• “Cash Flow & Access to Capital,” a panel discussion on Thursday, May 14, featuring Donna Denton of Flagstar Bank, James Lozano of Bank OZK and Ken Sinclair of KMS Financial Consulting.

Each session is designed to be interactive and provide attendees with practical strategies they can immediately apply within their organizations.

Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. Participants can register at www.csccrchamber.com.

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State Rep Christine Hunschofsky.

From State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky:

As we enter April and the spring season, it is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy our surroundings, celebrating the bright season. In the upcoming months, I will provide legislative updates on bills signed by the Governor and appropriations in the budget, as well as our successes and missed opportunities that we need to address. We will send out information via our email newsletter and post updates on social media regarding upcoming legislative events. Please reach out to us at HD095@FLHouse.gov to subscribe to our email list or for more information.

This month, we observe many holidays. Passover begins on April 2nd. Easter is on April 5th. I personally want to wish a Happy Passover—Chag Sameach—and Happy Easter to all who celebrate. We are blessed to live in an area with diverse religions, making this month special. It is also a wonderful opportunity to learn about our own and other religious traditions from our families, friends, and neighbors.

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22nd, and Arbor Day is Friday, April 24th. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing collective action to protect the environment and promote sustainability. While we are doing better with using reusable items and bags, there is still more we can do. Please look forward to the multiple events cities within our district are hosting to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. The City of Margate is hosting its tree giveaway on April 25th at the northwest corner of State Road 7 and Margate Blvd from 8 am to 12 pm for residents only. The City of Coconut Creek will have its tree giveaway on April 25th from 10 am to 12 pm at their Government Center, 4800 West Copans Road, for residents only. The City of Parkland is hosting an environmental expo at the Parkland Farmer’s Market on April 26th from 9 am to 1 pm at 8350 Ranch Rd. Parkland. The City of Coral Springs will host their Earthfest from 9 am to 12 pm at the Sawgrass Nature Center, 3000 Sportsplex Dr, Coral Springs.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concerns, comments, questions, and support. I appreciate the honor of representing you. To reach us for assistance with state agencies or to share your thoughts, please call 954-953-2760. To receive our email updates, subscribe by emailing HD095@FLHouse.gov with “subscribe” in the subject line. Also, follow me on Facebook at @RepChristineHunschofsky and X at @RepHunschofsky for regular updates. I look forward to staying in touch!

Christine Hunschofsky

District 95 includes Coconut Creek, Parkland, Margate, and a portion of Coral Springs.

Teachers and administrators in Coral Springs and Coconut Creek are invited to apply for a new round of classroom funding through the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber Education Foundation’s Micro Grant Program.

The foundation is offering grants of up to $500 to support innovative classroom projects designed to enhance student learning. The program is open to educators at public and charter schools within both cities.

According to the foundation, the initiative aims to encourage creativity in the classroom by helping fund projects, materials, and activities that may not otherwise be covered through traditional school budgets.

Eligible educators are encouraged to submit their applications now. Funding will be awarded to projects that demonstrate a clear benefit to students and align with the program’s goal of enriching educational experiences.

Application Period is March 25th – May 15th.  Apply Here.

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Flornise Joseph {BSO}

A Coconut Creek mother was arrested after police say her child was found wandering a parking lot after being left with a disabled adult she was hired to care for.

According to a Coconut Creek Police Department arrest report, Flornise Joseph, 32, was arrested on March 24 following an investigation that began with a concerned neighbor reporting a child screaming in a parking lot near the 3900 block of Coral Tree Circle. 

The report says when officers arrived, they escorted the child back toward his apartment, where they found the front door wide open and no responsible adult responding inside.

Inside the residence, officers discovered an adult male described as having special needs, who was sitting in a chair, rocking back and forth, and unable to communicate or respond to questions. Police later determined the man was blind, deaf, and incapable of caring for himself or supervising a child.

Investigators then made contact with the child’s mother, Joseph, through a Ring camera system. During that interaction, officers noted her speech appeared slow, and she was unable to clearly explain where she was or why she had left the residence. She told officers she had gone to pick up medication but could not provide a specific location.

Police also confirmed Joseph was employed as a caregiver for the disabled adult through Angel Care home care service.

Joseph later returned to the scene on foot from a different apartment building, not in a vehicle as she had initially claimed. Officers observed that she appeared unsteady and continued to provide conflicting explanations about her whereabouts.

Police reviewed Ring camera footage from the residence, which showed Joseph leaving the apartment with another adult around 6:37 p.m. Roughly an hour later, the child was seen opening the front door and walking outside unsupervised, calling out “Mommy” multiple times.

Investigators say the child had been roaming a dimly lit parking lot with active vehicle traffic and was near a body of water.

Joseph was arrested on charges of child neglect and neglect of an elderly or disabled adult, both felony offenses. She was transported to the Broward County Main Jail.

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Coconut Creek Police responded to various calls from March 17 to March 23, 2026.  Below is a detailed account of the incidents handled by local law enforcement during this period.

Crime Incidents

Suspicious Incident
4800 W. Copans Road
A cybertip was reported with no victims listed.

Vehicle Theft
5291 W. Hillsboro Blvd
A vehicle was reported stolen overnight. No suspects identified.

Fraud – Theft of Service
4455 Lyons Road (My Phone Lab)
An estimated $120 loss was reported.

Traffic Stop / Vehicle Towed
W. Hillsboro Blvd and Lyons Road
Vehicle towed due to driving with a suspended license and no insurance.

Recovered Vehicle
100 S. Lyons Road
Vehicle recovered from canal.

Theft from Building
4800 W. Hillsboro Blvd (Coco Park Animal Hospital)
Delayed theft reported; estimated loss $128.

Civil Complaint
4500 W. Sample Road
Child custody-related matter.

Attempted Fraud – Impersonation
3547 Wiles Road
Attempted scam reported; no suspect information.

Domestic Disturbance
3964 Devenshire Court
Verbal disturbance reported.

Baker Act
1100 Wynmoor Drive
Individual taken under Baker Act.

Vehicle Burglaries
4405–4407 W. Atlantic Blvd (Legacy Apartments)
Multiple vehicle burglaries; three suspects arrested for burglary, possession of burglary tools, resisting without violence, and probation violation.

Package Theft
1821 Lyons Road
Stolen package valued at $239.

Retail Theft
6950 N. State Road 7 (Kohl’s)
Two delayed thefts reported totaling approximately $853.

Elderly Neglect
Wynmoor
Investigation into alleged neglect.

Fraud – Rental Vehicle
3784 Cocoplum Circle
Failure to return rental vehicle.

Domestic Disturbance
3430 W. Hillsboro Blvd (Bell Apartments)
Verbal domestic incident.

Lost Property
4800 W. Copans Road

Property Damage
4400 NW 22nd Road

Domestic Disturbance
3841 Coral Tree Circle
Incident referred to DCF.

Grand Theft
4100 NW 74th Street
City of Coconut Creek reported approximately $25,000 in stolen property.

Retail Theft
4449 Lyons Road (Guitar Center)
Stolen guitar valued at $2,799.

Injured Person / Welfare Concern
4820 N. State Road 7
Elderly woman found wandering; identity initially unknown.

Fraud – Worthless Check
4731 W. Sample Road

Narcotics Arrest (Traffic Stop)
4200 W. Atlantic Blvd
Marijuana over 20 grams.

Vehicle Theft
5201 W. Sample Road (Toyota of Coconut Creek)

Theft
5500 N. State Road 7 (Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet)
Loss of $15.

Domestic Disturbance
2935 Carambola Circle S

Trespassing
4855 Coconut Creek Parkway (Johnny Pies)
Notice to appear issued.

Retail Theft
5571 SR 810 (Walmart)
$22 loss.

Elderly Abuse Investigation
Ongoing investigation reported.

Suspicious Death
2900 Carambola Circle S
Unattended death under investigation.

Package Theft
3844 Lyons Road
Loss of $89.

Domestic Disturbance
2113 NW 49th Avenue

Property Damage
Lyons Road and Winston Park Blvd

Arrests

Adrian Tristin Allen, 22
Charged with petit theft (property $100–$300) at 4455 Lyons Road on March 17.

Ladarious X. Walker, 20
Charged with battery at 4431 Lyons Road on March 17.

Labrent Corwin Neal, 22
Charged with resisting officer without violence and burglary of an unoccupied conveyance on March 18.

R. Anthony Herr, 45
Charged with driving with a suspended license on March 18.

Javed Adrian Ayube, 36
Charged with trespassing after failing to leave property on March 20.

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Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott. {David Volz}

A push for stricter voter identification requirements,  including the use of Real ID, took center stage at a Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce breakfast on March 24, where local leaders also announced a new business expo and recognized a final donation from a longtime community arts festival.

The Broward County Supervisor of Elections, Joe Scott, made a presentation emphasizing the importance of a Real ID.

Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign legislation that its supporters say will protect the integrity of elections. Senate Bill 1334 and House Bill 991 require high standards of proof for U.S. citizenship, and the Real ID is one of the strongest proofs, according to Scott.

Federal documents, such as a passport or a state-issued birth certificate, may also be accepted.

This new legislation will align Florida law with the federal Safeguard America Voter Eligibility Act, also referred to as the “SAVE America Act.” The legislation will not be in effect for the upcoming midterm election, but it will be for the 2028 election, according to Scott.

He encouraged residents to become educated about upcoming elections and to participate in the electoral process as much as possible.

The Coral Springs Festival of the Arts presented a $1,500 check to the Chamber’s Education Fund. The Festival, which hosted a large art show for the community, is no longer in operation and is distributing its reserves to local non-profit organizations.

Festival leader Jose Morera said the art show brought many residents together, but there were not enough volunteers willing to work, and it became unsustainable.

Chamber President Charinus Davis announced that the Coral Springs Economic Development Office will host the first Coral Springs Business Expo on Friday, May 1, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Coral Springs.

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Labrent Corwin Neal Jr {BSO}

Coconut Creek police arrested a man and detained two juveniles accused of wearing masks, burglarizing vehicles, and hiding in bushes after an early-morning crime spree at Legacy Apartment Complex.

According to a Coconut Creek Police Department arrest report, Labrent Corwin Neal Jr., 22, of Pompano Beach, was arrested on March 18 on multiple charges tied to a string of vehicle burglaries reported at the Legacy apartment complex located at 4301 West Atlantic Boulevard. 

Police said the investigation began around 4:31 a.m., when a 911 caller reported seeing three males wearing hoodies walking between parked cars outside the apartment building before they ran deeper into the community. Officers responded to the complex, established a perimeter, and began canvassing the area.

According to the affidavits, officers found signs that at least two vehicles had been rummaged through. Multiple victims claimed items ranging from credit cards to a North Broward Hospital nursing identification card had been taken.

Police said officers later saw three suspects jump a fence separating the complex from Atlantic Boulevard and run southbound across the roadway toward the Florida Turnpike on-ramp, where they attempted to hide in bushes.

Neal was found hiding inside a bush and was taken into custody, according to police. Officers said a search of Neal turned up a purple FedEx balaclava and black rubber gloves. Two other juvenile suspects, a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old, were also detained nearby. 

Police said both juvenile suspects were also wearing balaclavas and black rubber gloves. 

One of the juveniles told officers that he, Neal, and the third suspect went to the apartment complex to break into vehicles, according to one affidavit. In another affidavit, he allegedly told police he had been “up to no good” and admitted he had broken into one vehicle.

Neal was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail. He is charged with two counts of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, two counts of contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child, two counts of possession of burglary tools with intent to use, and two counts of resisting an officer without violence. 

The two juveniles were transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center after receiving medical clearance.

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Touch a Truck Event {City of Coconut Creek}

Coconut Creek families are invited to an exciting Touch-A-Truck event to explore a diverse lineup of police cars, fire-rescue vehicles, public works trucks, and buses.

It will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Butterfly Lot, 5280 NW 40th Street. The first hour will be sensory-friendly, with no loud noises.

Touch-A-Truck will be free to the public, and attendees will be encouraged to touch and climb aboard a variety of vehicles in a safe, comfortable environment. Children will be allowed to sit in a fire truck cab and then talk with firefighters. They will have the opportunity to learn about how utility and construction vehicles work. According to the city, there will be children’s activities, a DJ, and food vendors.

“It is a great event to bring the families so they can see what is involved in maintaining a city and meeting the employees that operate the vehicles,” said Mayor Jackie Railey.

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Jacqueline Arias {BSO}

A woman is facing multiple felony charges after police said a months-long investigation uncovered what detectives described as a prostitution operation and money laundering scheme run out of a Coconut Creek apartment.

According to Coconut Creek Police Department investigative records, Jacqueline Arias, 49, was charged on March 19 with racketeering, money laundering, deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, owning or operating a space for prostitution, and renting space for prostitution-related activity.

Investigators allege the operation was based in an apartment at Vista Verde Apartments, located at 4768 West Atlantic Boulevard.

According to police, the investigation began last September after the property manager at Vista Verde Apartments received an anonymous call claiming a woman was being trafficked at the complex. The manager then contacted Coconut Creek police. 

During the investigation, detectives learned that leasing office staff and a maintenance worker had previously entered the apartment during a maintenance visit in February 2025 and found what they described as two booth-like stalls built inside the living room. Police said the area had partitions, massage tables, and windows covered with sheets or fabric. Staff did not initially report it because they said they did not see obvious criminal activity or anyone appearing to be in distress.

Detectives determined the apartment was leased solely to Arias. Investigators noted that, despite several businesses being tied to her name, wage records showed no income reported since 2017.

As the investigation progressed, surveillance became a major part of the case, and detectives watched the apartment and reported seeing Arias repeatedly come and go, but said she did not appear to live there full-time. According to police, she often left in the early evening and was believed to return to her Miami-Dade address overnight, then come back to Coconut Creek the next day. 

Police also said Arias appeared to be transporting women connected to the operation. On September 30 and October 1, detectives reported seeing her pick up two Hispanic women from the apartment and drive them around throughout the day, which investigators said they believed were out-call sex appointments. Detectives added that the women were never seen leaving the apartment on their own and appeared to rely on Arias for transportation.

Another major break in the case came through interviews with men who visited the unit. Detectives said they observed multiple men entering and leaving the apartment, usually staying for 15 to 30 minutes. One man stopped after leaving told police he had paid $180 for 30 minutes of sex and provided phone numbers connected to women he said he met there. Detectives later linked those numbers to online escort ads for women in the Atlantic Boulevard, Margate, and Coconut Creek areas.

In December 2025, three more men were stopped and interviewed after visiting the apartment. According to police, one said he paid $120 in cash for sex. Another told detectives he found an online escort ad using the same phone number and paid $80 cash for oral sex. A third said he located an ad through Google that led him to List Crawler and paid $120 for oral sex. All three described similar encounters involving a blonde Hispanic woman.

Investigators then turned to the money trail. After learning from one of the men that Zelle had been used for payments, detectives subpoenaed account records tied to Arias and another woman. Police said the records showed payments coming from numerous unrelated accounts, many appearing to belong to men, often in amounts ranging from about $60 to $200. Detectives also alleged Arias moved money repeatedly between Citibank, Chase, and business accounts to disguise the source of the funds.

According to police, Arias also paid the apartment’s rent with money orders, which detectives said was consistent with attempts to conceal banking activity. Investigators ultimately alleged that she engaged in $176,752.40 in transactions believed to be tied to unlawful proceeds over a 12-month period.

Arias was taken into custody on March 19 following a routine traffic stop and transported to the Broward County Main Jail. 

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Coconut Creek police spokesman Scotty Leamon is warning residents about a scam after he says he was personally targeted by a caller posing as law enforcement.

Leamon shared that he received a call on his cell phone from a blocked caller ID, noting that this is not unusual given his role as a public information officer for both a police department and a fire rescue agency.

According to Leamon, he answered the call, and the person on the other end claimed to be a sheriff’s deputy.

“He even quoted me a badge number without me asking,” Leamon said.

He added that the caller mispronounced his name, calling him “Lee-moan” instead of “Lee-mon,” which he initially did not find unusual.

Leamon said he asked how he could help, and the caller responded by claiming he had missed jury duty earlier that morning.

“He said I missed jury duty at 9 o’clock that morning and wanted to know why,” Leamon said.

Leamon emphasized that he had no jury duty scheduled and noted that official jury notifications are sent through the mail, not by phone or email.

“I never had jury duty. If I did, I would’ve been notified via mail. Not the kind that land in my email inbox. I mean the kind that I have to get out of the mailbox in front of my house,” he said.

He said he immediately hung up.

Leamon is now warning the public that the call was part of a broader scam tactic designed to pressure victims into sending money.

“The bad guys want to frighten you into running to the store and buying gift cards and then giving all the numbers on the cards to them. That way, they take control of the money,” he said.

He stressed that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not request payment in this way.

“No police department or sheriff’s office would do anything like that,” Leamon said.

Leamon’s advice to residents is simple.

“So, if what happened to me happens to you, just hang up.”

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Mitchell Gerard Guest {BSO}

A Coconut Creek man was arrested and faces felony gun and child abuse charges after police say he pointed a gun at a woman and threatened to kill her in the presence of a young child. 

According to a Coconut Creek Police Department arrest report, Mitchell Gerard Guest, 30, was taken into custody on March 15 following an incident that began near Windmill Park and continued at a residence in the 4700 block of Northwest 7th Manor.

Records show officers responded to a 911 call around 8:50 p.m., where the victim reported that an argument between her and Guest escalated into death threats and near gunfire. 

The report stated that Guest allegedly grabbed the woman by the throat before pulling out a gun from his waistband and pressing it against her stomach while commenting that he would shoot her and “bury her alive.”

The victim told police that a young child witnessed the incident and began crying. After the incident, the victim left the residence and called 911 from a nearby location.

Responding officers later located Guest and detained him. According to the report, Guest denied that anything had occurred but admitted to owning a firearm. Officers say they recovered a Smith & Wesson handgun from a vehicle associated with him.

Guest was arrested and booked into the Broward County Main Jail.

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Coconut Creek Police responded to various calls from March 10 to March 16, 2026.  Below is a detailed account of the incidents handled by local law enforcement during this period.

Crime Incidents

Baker Act

3631 NW 19th St

March 10, 1:10 a.m.

Individual taken into custody under the Baker Act at Centura Parc.

Aggravated Assault/Battery – Elderly

Wynmoor

March 10, 3:50 a.m.

Woman charged with battery and tampering with a witness.

Battery / Aggravated Assault (Related Cases)

6800 NW 39th Ave (Country Lakes MHP)

Reported March 10

Incident involved a 14-year-old; related aggravated assault case reported.

Fire Incident

Lyons Creek Middle School, 4333 Sol Press Blvd

March 10, 3:20 p.m.

Student lit paper on fire in a bathroom sink.

Fleeing and Eluding Police

Lyons Road and Wiles Road

March 10, 10:45 p.m.

Driver fled from law enforcement.

Trespassing

Publix, 4849 Coconut Creek Parkway

March 11

Woman issued notice to appear.

Weapon on School Property

Tradewinds Elementary, 5400 Johnson Rd

March 11

Student found in possession of a knife.

Domestic Disturbances

Multiple locations including Coral Tree Circle, Mimosa Terrace, Sleepy Orange Lane, Hillsboro Blvd, and Monarch Station

March 11–15

Incidents involved verbal disputes; parties separated.

Criminal Mischief

Julia Gardens

March 12

Property damage to gate; no prosecution at this time.

Battery (Multiple Incidents)

Cypress Shores and Country Club Lakes

March 12

Domestic-related incidents; no arrests reported.

DUI / Traffic-Related Incidents

3600 W Sample Rd and 5430 Lyons Rd

March 12–14

Traffic stops resulted in DUI investigations and arrests.

Theft from Vehicle (Firearm)

Lincoln of Coconut Creek

Reported March 13

Firearm stolen; estimated loss $385.

Retail Theft

Key Food, 4301 W Hillsboro Blvd

March 13

Delayed shoplifting reported; estimated loss $2,381.

Property Damage (Multiple Incidents)

Locations include NW 42nd Terrace, Regency Lakes, and Winston Park Blvd

March 13–14

Reports include residential and vehicle-related damage.

Aggravated Assault / Domestic Incident

4799 NW 7th Manor (Coco Palms)

March 15

Incident involved aggravated assault, child neglect, and domestic battery.

Suspicious Incidents

Locations include Avalon Apartments and Walgreens

March 14–15

Investigations conducted; details limited.

Arrests

Tiffany Amber Williams, 46

Charge: Battery on a person 65 or older (Felony)

Date: March 10

Brandon E. Benedetto, 34

Charge: Petit theft (third or subsequent offense) (Felony)

Date: March 10

Virginia Lee Sullivan, 41

Charge: Trespass after warning (Misdemeanor)

Date: March 11

Mackentoche Philius, 44

Charge: Driving with a license suspended (third or subsequent offense) (Felony)

Date: March 12

Michael A. Bentivegna, 37

Charge: DUI (Misdemeanor)

Date: March 12

Edward Stanley Blakely, 58

Charge: DUI (Misdemeanor)

Date: March 14

Mitchell Gerard Guest, 30

Charge: Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (dating violence) (Felony)

Date: March 15

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Yard Sale {City of Coconut Creek}

Bargain hunters and community treasure seekers are invited to the City of Coconut Creek’s Spring Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Butterfly Lot, 5280 NW 40th Street, just east of the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.

The free event brings residents of all ages to browse a wide variety of secondhand goods, clothing, books, household items, toys, and more.

Individuals interested in selling their items must register in advance. Vendors must be at least 18 years old and register by Friday, March 20. The vendor fee is $20 for Coconut Creek residents and $30 for non-residents.

Proof of Coconut Creek residency, such as a state-issued ID and a recent utility or voter registration card, is required to qualify for the resident rate.

Registration is available online through the city’s WebTrac portal at CoconutCreek.gov/Webtrac for those with existing accounts.

Vendors also may register in person at the Coconut Creek Community Center, 1100 Lyons Road, or the Recreation Complex, 4455 Sol Press Boulevard. Those needing help setting up a WebTrac account can call the Community Center at 954-545-6670.

For more details, visit Spring Yard Sale.

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Aloha Pizza. {Photos by Han Okcuoglu}

Little Mike’s Pizza finally made its way north to Coconut Creek. This is the 4th location in the franchise, and, having not been to any other location besides the Plantation one, I would say this one is bleeding New York City from every pore.

The decor is just a giant love letter to the city. Real traffic signs, traffic lights, road signs, glossy, oversized black-and-white pics of New York, with a great jazz soundtrack playing throughout our meal… the nostalgia was in overdrive.

Garlic Knots

For starters, get the garlic rolls ($8.99 for 12). Just do it. Perfectly airy, crisp where it needed to be, pillowly soft everywhere else. You’ll find yourself scooping the olive oil-drenched garlic bits and enjoying every second.

Their large Caesar salad ($12.99) had me longing for the green, leafy parts, since I was mostly getting less colorful, chunky hearts of romaine. But the Caesar dressing was snappy and lemony, and like most items on the menu, above average for a pizza joint.

Ceasar Salad

For a food review, the Little Bit of Italy ($21.99) is perfect because you get the Chicken Parmesan, Meat Lasagna, and two Meatballs all on the same plate.

Unfortunately, they ran out of their batch of meat lasagna, but were kind enough to substitute the baked ziti instead and gave us an entree-sized portion.

Everything feels like sharing in portions, since they’re pretty big. However, this is primarily a pizza place, and like most pizza places, you’ll find better entrees at a proper Italian dinner restaurant. Not to say anything was bad; on the contrary, everything here was far above average compared to other larger chains like Amicis or Rotellis.

For any of the entrees with marinara sauce, I found myself hunting for the mozzarella cheese that needed an extra burst of flavor. The marinara was a bit sweet, like traditional New York marinara, but a tiny bit bland. There was some deeper pepper flavors coming through on the baked ziti, but overall, the marinara was good, not great.

Baked Ziti

For example, when I took a bite of the very moist, well-cooked Chicken Parm, the marinara diluted the enjoyment slightly and made the breading a bit soggy, since everything was swimming in it. The breading of the Eggplant Parmesan ($19.99) suffered the same soggy fate. The meatballs, however, were tasty and kept their structure.

The quality of the ingredients was still evident, and overall, the entrees I would still give a solid 7 out of 10 despite my misgivings or slight criticisms.

Forgetaboutit Wings

The pizza and wings are why you come here, though. I’m someone who prefers lots of sauce on my pizza, not too little, so I was happy to see a place that doesn’t skimp. Combine that with more quality mozzarella and a great, crunchy crust, and it was far and away the best New York slice I’ve had in the area.

The wings ($20.99 for 10) were a smash as well. We wanted a sauce that’s unique, so we ordered their award-winning Forgetaboutit with a side of Blue Cheese. The wings were clearly fried and baked, and I find myself more and more enjoying double and triple-cooked wings. The Forgetaboutit is earthy and rich, blending bits of garlic and onion with a medley of herbs. I kept spooning as much as I could onto each fantastic, juicy bite of wings.

Many places advertise as authentic, but once you walk through their door, you’ll know this is as close to New York City as you can get. There are some good options in the area, but when that piece of New York urge comes, we’ll happily be ordering Little Mike’s.

Little Mike’s Pizza
4631 FL-7 #26
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954-775-0021

Mon – Sun 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

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{Toyota of Coconut Creek}

Toyota of Coconut Creek is one step closer to commission approval for zoning changes needed to expand its dealership at 5201 West Sample Road.

On March 11, the city’s planning and zoning board approved an ordinance to amend the land development code for the Planned Mainstreet Development District (PMDD). If adopted, this would allow the dealership to add 60,260 square feet and 4,431 square feet of car wash space, according to city information.

The board approved a rezoning application from a Regional Shopping District to the Planned Mainstreet Development District to allow the redevelopment of the dealership.

To implement the Toyota of Coconut Creek PMDD, the City’s Land Development Code must be amended. This amendment allows permitted and special land uses for the new district.

The board, as the local planning agency, determined that the ordinance changes align with the comprehensive plan and will guide future development. The ordinance will then go to the commission for final approval.

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Monarch JROTC {John Acevedo}

Monarch High School Army JROTC cadets captured second place at the Broward County JROTC District Competition State Qualifier held March 7 at Boyd Anderson.

Composed of seven cadets, the mixed exhibition squad performed a five-minute rifle drill routine of their own creation. Among approximately 20 JROTC units from across Broward, the Knights Battalion stood out. By clinching second place, the mixed squad earned the opportunity to compete in the state competition in Davenport, Florida, on April 11. Leading the squad was Cadet Command Sergeant Major Reece Seeram.

Anamaria Valencia earned fourth place in the female solo exhibition, where an individual performs a pre-set routine using a rifle, according to John Acevedo, senior Army instructor.

The first-year cadets, led by Cadet Corporal Daniel Garcia, participated in a drill competition and placed fourth. However, since the competitors are in their first year, they are not eligible for the state competition, Acevedo explained.

Acevedo praised the cadets, saying, “All the cadets worked very hard on their drill routines, and they practiced three or four times a week. I am proud of them.”

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Coconut Creek City Hall. {Google Maps}

The commission is seeking federal funding to support various projects in Coconut Creek.

During the March 12 meeting, the commission passed a resolution to support the city’s request for federal community project funding for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a facility for coordinating emergency response, and the community staging area project, which provides a designated space for emergency resources and personnel. Both projects support the City’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan and goals addressing safety, quality of life, and a strong government.

The commission approved a resolution supporting a request for federal community project funding for the EOC HVAC and technology system project, which also supports the strategic plan.

Additionally, the commission approved a resolution supporting a request for federal funding for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, which involves installing automated water meters to improve efficiency and monitor water usage throughout the city.

To advance these projects, the city will request advocacy from Congressman Jared Moskowitz for the funding, according to city information.

City Manager Sheila Rose expressed hope that the city will receive funding, emphasizing the importance of these projects to the community.

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Ryan Sankar Narain {BSO}

Coconut Creek police arrested a man suspected of brandishing a machete during a heated dispute over construction at a residential complex, according to an arrest report.

According to a Coconut Creek Police Department arrest report, Ryan Sankar Narain, 38, was taken into custody on March 6 at his home near the 4700 block of Northwest 22nd Street and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to police, officers responded to the residence after receiving reports of a man attempting to attack people with a machete. Investigators said the incident began as a verbal dispute between Narain and another man over construction work near a parking lot at the complex. 

During the argument, police say Narain went inside his residence and later returned holding a machete. The victim told officers Narain removed the machete from its sheath and raised it while shouting, “What are you going to do?”

Records show Narain acknowledged the argument but denied having a machete. Narain told officers he felt scared during the altercation and claimed he was “standing his ground.”

Officers later recovered a machete matching the victim’s description from inside Narain’s home, where it was wedged between a mattress and box spring in a bedroom.

Narain was transported by Coconut Creek Fire Rescue to Northwest Medical Center for medical clearance before being transferred to the Broward County Jail.

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Coconut Creek Police responded to various calls from March 3 to March 9, 2026.  Below is a detailed account of the incidents handled by local law enforcement during this period.

Crime Incidents

• Aggravated Assault: A victim reported an aggravated assault that occurred on March 3 in the 4500 block of West Atlantic Boulevard. The incident occurred over a brief period, and the victim declined to pursue prosecution.

• Missing Person: Police investigated a report of a missing adult connected to a location on Coconut Creek Parkway. The report was filed March 3.

• Theft from Vehicle: A victim reported that items valued at about $60 were stolen from a vehicle near Cusanos Baking Company on March 3.

• Suspicious Death Investigation: Officers responded to a residence in the 5200 block of Northwest 55th Boulevard on March 4, where a woman was found deceased. The death was classified as suspicious pending further investigation.

• Possible Narcotics Overdose: Emergency responders were called to a Wendy’s on State Road 7 on March 4 regarding a possible opioid overdose.

• Drug Investigation: Officers reported a narcotics investigation in the 1900 block of Lyons Road involving fentanyl and cannabis.

• Lost Property: A backpack containing a biostatic E-Mister was reported lost at Tradewinds Elementary School on Johnson Road.

• Juvenile Disturbance: Police investigated a situation at Monarch High School after a student reportedly made concerning comments in text messages several months earlier.

• Identity Theft: A resident of Northwest 65th Street reported a case of identity theft connected to activity between September and December 2025.

• Retail Theft: Baby formula valued at about $850 was reported stolen from Publix at Coral Creek Shoppes.

• Theft from Building: A Wynmoor resident reported the theft of a diamond ring valued at about $1,000.

• Vehicle Theft: Two separate vehicle thefts were reported overnight between March 5 and March 6 in the Windsor neighborhood.

• Elder Neglect Allegation: Police investigated allegations of elderly neglect in the Country Lakes area. Authorities reported no removal was required.

• Aggravated Assault with a Weapon: Officers responded to an aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon in the Bayview Village II community.

• Traffic Offense: Police investigated a driver accused of operating a vehicle while their license was suspended near Coconut Creek Parkway.

• Vehicle Burglary: A resident of Northwest 61st Street reported a theft from a vehicle with an estimated loss of $100.

• Retail Theft: Merchandise valued at about $1,673 was reported stolen from Kohl’s on State Road 7.

• Retail Theft: A shoplifting incident was reported at Walmart on Hillsboro Boulevard with an estimated loss of $62.

• Retail Theft: A second shoplifting incident at the same Walmart later that evening resulted in an estimated loss of $234.

• Fraud: A resident of Lyons Road reported a wire/computer fraud incident involving approximately $233.

• Property Damage: A vehicle windshield was reported smashed in the Paloma Lakes community.

• Domestic Disturbance: Officers responded to a verbal domestic disturbance in the Elliot South community.

Arrests

• Davarioous Lashard Devoe, 29, was arrested on March 4 on a charge of possession with intent to sell or deliver cannabis at 1911 Lyons Road.

• Ryan Sankar Narain, 38, was arrested March 6 on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.

• Christopher Lee Bevins, 45, was arrested March 7 on a charge of driving while license suspended (third or subsequent offense) near Coconut Creek Parkway.

• Vladislav Plazinskiy, 45, was arrested March 7 and charged with petit theft (second degree, first offense) at Walmart on West Hillsboro Boulevard.

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The City of Coconut Creek is inviting residents to step into a healthier routine this spring with its Footsteps in the Parks Walking Club, a six-week program designed to encourage fitness and community connection.

Open to adults ages 18 and older, the walking club will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m., beginning April 8 and continuing through May 13.

Each session will challenge participants to reach 4,000 steps — roughly two miles. Walkers who meet or exceed the goal will receive a commemorative walking club shirt.

The program will rotate between three city locations. Sessions on April 8 and April 15 will take place at the outdoor track at Lyons Creek Middle School behind the Recreation Complex, 4455 Sol Press Boulevard. Walks on April 22 and April 29 will be held at Sabal Pines Park, 5005 NW 39th Avenue, with participants meeting in front of the roller hockey rink bathrooms. The final two sessions on May 6 and May 13 will take place at Windmill Park, 700 Lyons Road, meeting in front of the office building.

Registration is $25 for Coconut Creek residents and $35 for non-residents, and space is limited to 15 participants. Registration is open until the program reaches capacity.

Participants can register online at CoconutCreek.gov/WebTrac or in person at the Recreation Complex or the Community Center, 1100 Lyons Road. A WebTrac account is required for online registration. For help setting up an account, residents can contact the Recreation Complex at 954-956-1580.

To qualify for the resident rate, participants must present a state-issued driver’s license or passport along with proof of Coconut Creek residency, such as a voter registration card or a recent utility bill dated within the past two months.

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Coconut Creek Mayors’ Chess Challenge. {City of Coconut Creek}

The City of Coconut Creek is all set to host the 11th Annual Mayors’ Chess Challenge.

This fun and friendly chess competition allows players of all ages and skill levels, novices and experts alike, to compete against elected officials, community leaders, and fellow participants.

Whether you’re a seasoned chess player or just learning the game, the Mayors’ Chess Challenge is an inclusive event designed for everyone. All ages are welcome, and a parent or guardian must accompany participants under 17.

The event takes place on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Recreation Complex, located at 4455 Sol Press Boulevard. It’s free to attend, and no pre-registration is required.

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Mabensky Jean Mary and Isaiah Louis Jacques.{David Volz}

The Coconut Creek High School chess team earned first place in the Chess4Life competition hosted at J.P. Taravella High School on March 7.

The Cougars brought a small but effective team that achieved success, winning in a field of nine teams. Mabensky Jean Mary was proud of the victory and hopes to improve as a chess player. “I am excited, and it was a great feeling to win,” he said.

Isaiah Louis-Jacques was pleased with the victory. “It takes dedication and consistent effort to become a good chess player. I love chess, and I want to keep playing,” he said.

Elliott Neff, the Executive Director of Chess4Life, said that chess is a good game for young people to learn because it teaches problem-solving skills.

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Coconut Creek Police responded to various calls from February 24 to March 2, 2026.  Below is a detailed account of the incidents handled by local law enforcement during this period.

Crime Incidents

• Driving Under the Influence: Police reported a DUI incident after a driver was observed traveling at a high rate of speed through a red light near West Sample Road and Lyons Road on Feb. 24.

• Retail Theft: Cosmetics valued at about $433 were stolen from CVS at 4550 Lyons Road on Feb. 24. Multiple suspects were reported.

• Theft: A pink iPhone 16 valued at about $1,600 was stolen at Coconut Creek Plaza near Publix on Feb. 24.

• Property Damage: Officers responded to a report of property damage near 4800 W. Copans Road on Feb. 25.

• Retail Theft: Walgreens at 4529 W. Hillsboro Boulevard reported a delayed theft totaling about $1,400, reported Feb. 25.

• Weapon on School Property: Juveniles disrupted a school function during dismissal at Coconut Creek High School on Feb. 25.

• Aggravated Assault: Police investigated an aggravated assault at a church near 5000 W. Hillsboro Boulevard on Feb. 25.

• Missing Juvenile: A 15-year-old runaway was reported missing from Monarch High School on Feb. 25.

• Battery: A simple battery was reported at 1201 Bahama Bend in Wynmoor on Feb. 25. The victim declined to press charges.

• Animal Bite: Police responded to a dog-versus-dog bite incident near Northwest 42 Avenue and Carambola Circle North on Feb. 25.

• Missing Child: A 4-year-old child reported missing from Karanda Village VI on Feb. 25 was later located.

• Crash and DUI: A crash on Lyons Road on Feb. 25 resulted in the arrest of the at-fault driver for DUI and DUI property damage.

• Battery: A simple battery was reported at Bar Louie on Feb. 26. The victim was provided a misdemeanor criminal complaint packet.

• Retail Theft: A retail theft totaling $14 occurred at a 7-Eleven early Feb. 27.

• Suspicious Death: Police responded to a suspicious or unknown death in the Olivine area on Coral Tree Circle on Feb. 27.

• Vehicle Theft: A vehicle was reported stolen from the Casa Palma area on Feb. 27.

• Aggravated Battery: Officers reported that a suspect in a stolen vehicle rammed on-duty officers while attempting to evade arrest on Feb. 26. The suspect was later arrested by Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies.

• Trespass: A subject was issued a notice to appear for trespassing at West Creek Plaza on Feb. 27.

• Missing Juvenile: A habitual runaway juvenile was reported missing from the Karanda community on Feb. 27.

• Domestic Disturbance: Police responded to a verbal dispute between a grandmother and grandson at Carambola Circle South early Feb. 28.

• Bank Fraud: A victim reported $4,109.80 wired out of a bank account through computer access in the Casa Palma area on Feb. 28.

• Animal Bite: A dog bite was reported at Regency Lakes Village Center on Feb. 28.

• Property Damage: A vehicle was damaged at Walmart on West Hillsboro Boulevard on March 1.

• Domestic Disturbance: Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at Country Lakes on March 1.

Arrests

• Mark David Sullivan, 43, was arrested on Feb. 24 near Sample Road and Lyons Road on a charge of DUI – alcohol or drugs, first offense.

• Rikens Comete, 27, was arrested on Feb. 24 at 4200 W. Sample Road on a charge of possession of cannabis under 20 grams.

• Tyrike Mickail Whitley, 24, was arrested on Feb. 25 at Cocoplum Circle on a warrant for possession of cathinone.

• Myra K. Diblasio, 68, was arrested on Feb. 25 on DUI, first offense, following a crash on Lyons Road.

• Alberto Simeon Aguilar, 23, was arrested on Feb. 26 near Coconut Creek Parkway on DUI – alcohol or drugs, first offense.

• Anthony Kyle Barothy, 31, was arrested Feb. 27 on trespassing in an unoccupied structure or conveyance at West Hillsboro Boulevard.

• Berek Timothy Sylvestre, 18, was arrested Feb. 28 on possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

• Felisca Barthelmy, 53, was arrested Feb. 28 near Lyons Road on a charge of driving under the influence.

• Louis Seth Kaye, 54, was arrested Feb. 28 at Walmart on felony larceny charges.

• Tara Lynn Fonseca, 32, was arrested March 1 near West Hillsboro Boulevard on driving under the influence, first offense.

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Louis Seth Kaye {BSO}

A man wanted by law enforcement for stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of LEGO sets from a Broward County Walmart was arrested at a Coconut Creek location and charged with crimes related to a broader string of LEGO thefts.

According to a Coconut Creek Police Department report, Louis Seth Kaye, 54, of Fort Lauderdale, was arrested on February 28 by officers near the Walmart at 5571 West Hillsboro Boulevard. 

According to the report, Investigators say the arrest stems from a series of LEGO thefts at a Walmart in Pembroke Pines, located at 12800 Pines Boulevard, in which Kaye and an unidentified accomplice entered the store on multiple occasions, selected LEGO sets, placed them in a shipping cart, and exited without paying. 

Records show Kaye has previously been arrested for similar retail theft incidents. In 2025, he was arrested in connection with other Walmart thefts, and in 2024, he was arrested for a similar case involving theft from a Lowe’s store.

Following his arrest in Coconut Creek, Kaye was booked into the Broward County jail and held on a $2,500 bond.

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{City of Coconut Creek}

Families in Coconut Creek can celebrate the spring season with a festive Spring Egg Hunt hosted by the Coconut Creek Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, April 4, at the Community Center.

The event will feature age-specific egg hunts, where children can search for colorful eggs in a fun, organized setting. Each session is designed for a different age group to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants.

The schedule includes three sessions:

• Session I: Ages 18 months to 3 years, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Session II: Ages 4 to 6 years, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Session III: Ages 7 to 9 years, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Registration is required to participate. The cost is $15 for Coconut Creek residents and $20 for non-residents.

Families can register online at coconutcreek.gov/webtrac or call 954-545-6670 for additional information.

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The Coconut Creek Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam in which fraudsters pose as bank representatives, following a 73-year-old woman’s recent report of being victimized.

According to police, the scam begins with a phone call from someone claiming to work for the victim’s bank. In the recent case, the caller told the woman that someone had hacked into her Zelle account and that he needed to fix the issue.

The caller instructed the woman to log onto her bank’s website while he remained on the phone. He then convinced her to allow him to remotely access her computer so he could supposedly correct the problem.

Police said the entire situation was a scam.

Instead of fixing anything, the caller used the access to transfer money to himself. Authorities said there had never been any issue with the woman’s accounts.

The Coconut Creek Police Department reminded residents that banks do not contact customers by phone and ask for access to their accounts or computers to resolve issues.

Police say anyone who receives a similar call should hang up immediately.

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