Citrus County pursuit ends in Sumter

A Bushnell man is said to have stolen a vehicle and then led deputies in a wild chase through Inverness and Floral City before eventually crashing in Sumter County.

Stock photo

No injuries were reported after a Bushnell man is said to have stolen a vehicle and then led deputies in a wild chase through Inverness and Floral City before eventually crashing in Sumter County.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that the Florida Highway Patrol took 22-year-old Travis Lovett into custody following a severe vehicle crash there.

Lovett led Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies on an extensive chase throughout the area of Inverness and Floral City, the CCSO said.

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Former CCSO employee Pate sentenced

Ashley Pate, a former Crime Scene Specialist with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced today after being convicted of sharing confidential information with someone outside the agency.

She appeared this afternoon before the Hon. Richard A. Howard, Administrative Judge,

She was sentenced to one-year of community control and one-year standard probation to be served consecutively. Judge Howard reflected on Pate’s career and letters of support from various community members prior to rendering his decision.

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CCSO warns of misleading ‘Go Fund Me’ page

On April 18, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was notified of a “Go Fund Me” page created by Keli Behnen, to solicit funds to purchase a K9 which was once assigned to her husband.

The page indicates that $8,000 would purchase CCSO’s K9 Krennic for Deputy John Behnen.

This page is not associated with the Sheriff’s Office and contains misleading information.

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State Attorney’s Office honors Citrus detective

CCSO Detective Bruce Arnold, left, is shown with State Attorney’s Office vVctim Witness Counselor Kari Thompson (CCSO photo)

Brittney Carman,
CCSO Community Relations Specialist

Every April, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office takes part in the observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW).

This dedicated week focuses on how the community, as a whole, can assist victims of crimes and empower those victims to move forward.

During this year’s ceremony on Arpil 11, the 5th Judicial Circuit of Florida State Attorney’s Office (SAO) presented their 2018 “Above and Beyond” certificate of appreciation to Detective Bruce Arnold of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. The certificate is in recognition of his exceptional work on behalf of victims.

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Smith announces he’ll run for new seat

Citrus County Commissioner Jimmie T. Smith, currently District 3 representative, announced today that he will be running for District 5 in the upcoming election.

Current District 5 Commissioner Brian Coleman has said he will not seek re-election.,

Below is an official announcement from his campaign headquarters.

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3 juveniles arrested in Ryder shooting case

Three youths have been charged in connection with a November 2018 case in which a woman, Sandra Ryder, 53, of Homosassa was found shot in the head at her home near Grover Cleveland Boulevard..

The Sheriff’s Office said that they were called to the woman’s home at 6143 W. Wayward Loop on Nov. 21, 2018 at about 12:43 pm.

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