The Peace River Tribune

10/11/2025

Update 9:30pm // Roadway is open.

Traffic Crash Road Closure

The westbound lanes of State Road 64 West at County Road 665 are closed due to a traffic crash with injuries. Please use an alternate route.

10/08/2025

10/08/2025

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10/08/2025

**Suspect Arrested for Kidnapping and Assault in Okeechobee County Domestic Incident**

– On Monday, October 6, 2025, deputies from the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported domestic-related incident at 1659 Highway 70 West, Lot 38, located in the Kings Mobile Home Park.

Upon arrival, Deputy J. Benjamin spoke with the victim, who stated that around 11:00 p.m. the previous night, her ex-boyfriend, identified as Jesus Santiago Cortes Merida, allegedly ambushed her outside her residence. According to the victim, the suspect grabbed her, covered her mouth, and forcibly dragged her to a nearby abandoned trailer.

Inside the trailer, Cortes Merida reportedly locked the door, restrained the victim, and made repeated threats to her life over the course of several hours before eventually allowing her to leave. Once safe, the victim contacted law enforcement. By the time deputies arrived, the suspect had already fled the scene.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. the same day, members of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Community Action Team (CAT) conducted surveillance in the area and located Cortes Merida at the residence. During the arrest attempt, the suspect resisted and engaged deputies physically. A Taser was deployed to gain compliance, after which Cortes Merida was taken into custody.

He now faces the following charges:

* Kidnapping – F.S.S. 787.01(1)(a)(1)
* False Imprisonment – F.S.S. 787.02(1)(a)
* Aggravated Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony – F.S.S. 784.021(1)(b)
* Domestic Battery (Touch or Strike) – F.S.S. 784.03(1)(a)(1)

A follow-up investigation by the Sheriff’s Office 287(g) Task Force Officer revealed that Cortes Merida had overstayed his visa, which expired on July 10, 2025. As a result, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued an immigration detainer pending removal proceedings following the conclusion of the criminal case.

Cortes Merida remains in custody at the Okeechobee County Jail awaiting judicial proceedings.



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10/08/2025

**🚔 ARREST MADE IN FATAL OVERDOSE CASE FOLLOWING NINE-MONTH INVESTIGATION**

- After a nine-month investigation, the Venice Police Department arrested 41-year-old Justin Companion of Venice on October 6, 2025, in connection with the he**in-related death of James Harrington III, which occurred on January 17, 2025.

The arrest was carried out by the department’s Special Investigations Unit with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. Detectives concluded that the he**in allegedly distributed by Companion directly led to Harrington’s fatal overdose.

Companion faces a charge of Second-Degree Homicide under Florida’s Drug-Induced Homicide Law (Statute 782.04(2)), which allows for the prosecution of drug distributors when a fatality results from the sale or delivery of a controlled substance. Additional charges include the Sale of a Schedule I Narcotic (He**in) and Criminal Use of a Two-Way Communication Device.

He is currently being held without bond at the Sarasota County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the 12th Judicial Circuit.

Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity to contact the Venice Police Department at 941-486-2444 or submit an anonymous tip through Sarasota County Crime Stoppers at 941-366-8477.



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10/08/2025

SWFL Crime Stoppers

Our is Emily Michaud, wanted in Lee County for failure to appear on a charge of grand theft. If you know where she is, please call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com. Cash reward possible!

10/08/2025

Hardee Help Center

Exciting news for local pet owners!
Southwest Florida Spay Neuter Services will be in the Hardee Help Center parking lot every other Tuesday offering affordable pet care services.

Appointments are required. Call (941) 889-6777 or visit swflspay.org for details.
Please note, this service is not provided by Hardee Help Center, but we are happy to host this opportunity for our community. Prices are listed on the flyer and set by SWFL Spay Neuter. The Help Center cannot change fees or provide financial assistance.

10/08/2025

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10/08/2025

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10/07/2025

SWFL Crime Stoppers

UPDATE: Corey Bullock is in custody in the Collier County Jail.

Our is Corey Bullock, wanted for violation of probation on aggravated battery. If you know where he’s at, call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS, submit online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or use the P3 Tips mobile app.