There have been two dog "attack" incidents with questionable response and action from our local sheriff.
The first story made a lot of rounds in the Facebook circles with the WCSO ultimately choosing to attempt to discredit the "third party" complainant, as opposed to really looking at the situation and taking action. Although it did make local media, it was not heavily reported.
The more recent story has gained the attention of the NW FL Daily News and in the article today, we now see some questionable actions on the part of the sheriffs office and a local judge.
Judge holds off signing warrant in dog fight case
In the Draper Lake Facebook Incident, two dogs were running free OFF LEASHES on the beach. Although the man the sheriff's office claims was defending himself, no one thought it was odd that this man, who was reported to be jogging, was concealing a baseball bat in his pants...really? Additionally, if he was so concerned about the loose dogs, why not call the WCSO and report them? (That's sort of a rhetorical question as most of you who have called WCSO to report dogs on the beach see little if any response...).
None the less, where is the ENFORCEMENT OF THE LEASH LAW?
Now, in an incident that is being reported to have a local pastor in the hospital with a "severely broken jaw" is also bringing forth the issue of UNLEASHED AND LOOSE DOGS. You don't let your animals off leashes, its commonsense. There is a County ordinance and if someone actually enforced it, we might not have these issues.
The more disturbing issue here is a man with a "severely broken jaw" and no arrest has been made. This is a very straight forward case of Felony Battery with great injury. Why is this such a hard thing to resolve?
Why is the Suspects Name not being released in the media but the victim's is?
Why is the sheriff making excuses such as "It was clearly the result of mass confusion" and "Fur and leashes were flying", instead of enforcing the laws that already exist (Leash Law and Felony Battery)?
Now a local judge wants to "make sure the victim wanted to proceed"? Is this normal practice for a judge or is does this have something to do with WHO the suspect is or that the victim is a pastor?
In closing, I have to wonder... Why was this same scenario not played out on the Beaches of Miramar Beach this past summer when a private property owner was immediately arrested for slapping away a tourists cell phone that was filling her on her property? I'm sure "there was mass confusion over the private beach" and that "sand was flying".
But no such comments from the sheriff. Just off to jail for the homeowner trying to defend her private property.
Replies
108
Beach Fanatic
Very confusing post. I'm sure what you're trying to say is your usual 'sheriff sux".
Care to make a different point?
Care to make a different point?
Beach Fanatic
I really don't think it hurts anything for the Judge to make sure the case will proceed before expending resources to make an arrest on a case that will be dropped later. Take a little time to make sure is not unreasonable. If the other case you refer to is the photos that have circulated on Facebook, that guy looked like the unibomber and for the safety and well-being of the community the incident should be further investigated.
Beach Fanatic
Danny
The States Attorney filed for the warrant, not sure why the judge would have hindered the process.
The States Attorney filed for the warrant, not sure why the judge would have hindered the process.
SoWal Insider
The man who broke Father Tom's jaw is the same man who shut down Butler Elementary School last year because he thought it would be a good idea to shoot a snake near a school. Witnesses say he sucker punched the priest as he was trying to get up after he was knocked down by the dogs and then threatened everyone before fleeing. This isn't the first time his dogs have been involved in an incident. The dogs are Rhodesian Ridgebacks and are agressive towards other animals. Neighbors have witnessed the wife being dragged face down across the yard by these two large animals. She claimed that falling down is a tactic to control them when they become agitated. The husband has also pointed a gun in the face of a neighbor who knocked on his door to welcome his family to neighborhood and tried to pick a fight with another neighbor on the day he moved in. His neighbors describe him as being constantly "on edge". No one in the area is surprised by this man's actions.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Bob, Legally a law enforcement officer can take a warrant directly to a judge. The step of taking a warrant to the State Attorney was added several years ago in an effort to make the system more efficient by not clogging the system with cases the SA would not prosecute anyways. One of the elements they wanted back then was to make sure the victim wished to pursue the case. A signed affidavit of complaint was generally required. So I don't see the big deal in taking a little time to find out the wishes of the victim.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Mike Jones, I think the comments that came after your "Sheriff sux" comment pretty much sum it up... Lots of good info, no?
There is MORE to this and until you wise up to the way the game is played in town, you'll continue to have blind faith in your elected official and believe all the local media has to say.
On another point, WHO is the Suspect? Someone please post name.
There is MORE to this and until you wise up to the way the game is played in town, you'll continue to have blind faith in your elected official and believe all the local media has to say.
On another point, WHO is the Suspect? Someone please post name.
SoWal Insider
SoWal Insider
Bob, Legally a law enforcement officer can take a warrant directly to a judge. The step of taking a warrant to the State Attorney was added several years ago in an effort to make the system more efficient by not clogging the system with cases the SA would not prosecute anyways. One of the elements they wanted back then was to make sure the victim wished to pursue the case. A signed affidavit of complaint was generally required. So I don't see the big deal in taking a little time to find out the wishes of the victim.Would you care about the wishes of the victim if he had been shot or stabbed? This innocent individual has been assaulted!
Beach Comber
His name is Torey Geile and everything written about him above is accurate. The Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very aggressive and have gone after other dogs in the neighborhood. Father Tom and Bridgette were minding their own business enjoying an early morning walk when the dogs attacked Bridgette. Father Tom did nothing to deserve being sucker punched as he was trying to get up after being knocked down. In fact, he was punched so hard his jaw is shattered and he now has 4 metal plates in. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable.
Beach Comber
Also, a police report was filed previously when the dogs went after another dog and Torey pulled a gun on the other dog owner afterward.
Beach Comber
In the earlier parts of its history, the Rhodesian ridgeback has also been known as Van Rooyen's lion dog, the African lion hound or African lion dog—simba inja in Ndebele, shumba imbwa in Shona—because of its ability to keep a lion at bay while awaiting its master to make the kill.
This dignified, muscular dog, a combination of scenthound and sighthound, needs brisk walking every day and the chance to run as often as possible.
This is not a breed to sit quietly in your yard all day. Young Rhodesian Ridgebacks are especially rambunctious, bore easily, and can excavate vast holes.
The most territorial of the hounds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is aloof with strangers and should be accustomed to people at an early age so that his guarding instinct remains controlled rather than indiscriminate.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be dominant with other animals, especially with other dogs of the same sex. Some individuals are fine with the family cat, while others are predatory chasers of anything that runs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks: What's Good About 'Em? What's Bad About 'Em?
This dignified, muscular dog, a combination of scenthound and sighthound, needs brisk walking every day and the chance to run as often as possible.
This is not a breed to sit quietly in your yard all day. Young Rhodesian Ridgebacks are especially rambunctious, bore easily, and can excavate vast holes.
The most territorial of the hounds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is aloof with strangers and should be accustomed to people at an early age so that his guarding instinct remains controlled rather than indiscriminate.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be dominant with other animals, especially with other dogs of the same sex. Some individuals are fine with the family cat, while others are predatory chasers of anything that runs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks: What's Good About 'Em? What's Bad About 'Em?
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
Mike Jones, you there?
Sounds like the suspect may be receiving some favorable assistance in this and possibly the past incident.
Next question is WHO is this suspect possibly related to or connected to that he can shatter a Priests jaw (reportedly sucker punched) and not be arrested on scene?
Sounds like the suspect may be receiving some favorable assistance in this and possibly the past incident.
Next question is WHO is this suspect possibly related to or connected to that he can shatter a Priests jaw (reportedly sucker punched) and not be arrested on scene?
SoWal Insider
A quick Google search shows that Torey Geile works for Destin Roofing Inc. Think about that the next time you need roofing work done.
Beach Fanatic
Would you care about the wishes of the victim if he had been shot or stabbed? This innocent individual has been assaulted!
Poppaj, I don't have a dog in this hunt. (pun intended) And John G raises a good point as to why the suspect was not arrested at the scene. Did he flee? All I said was since he was not arrested without a warrant, there is no harm in taking time and making sure everything is right. And to answer your question, the victim's wishes play a part even in stabbing and shooting cases. There have been numerous cases where charges have been dropped/reduced due to the victim refusing to cooperate or requesting this result. Often it is because they do not wish to testify or the suspect is family/friend.
Beach Comber
PoppaJ- I am wondering the same thing. Nothing was done when the first police report was filed for pointing a gun with a silencer in the neighbors face. WCSO became aware of that prior report within 3 hours after the incident with Father Tom. And yet nothing has been done. If anyone else in this world was caught with a gun outside of Butler they would've been arrested first and questioned later. But shooting a rattlesnake is ok?
Beach Fanatic
Depends on where the rattlesnake is in relation to your foot. 
But in fairness to the Sheriff's Office, once they did not arrest at the scene, they were at the mercy of the SA. And the SA is at the mercy of the Judge. If the victim wants to press charges I would bet a good bit of money that the warrant will be signed. When I was a deputy I was often frustrated with the slowness of the process, but over the years I learned patience.
But in fairness to the Sheriff's Office, once they did not arrest at the scene, they were at the mercy of the SA. And the SA is at the mercy of the Judge. If the victim wants to press charges I would bet a good bit of money that the warrant will be signed. When I was a deputy I was often frustrated with the slowness of the process, but over the years I learned patience.SoWal Insider
Poppaj, I don't have a dog in this hunt. (pun intended) And John G raises a good point as to why the suspect was not arrested at the scene. Did he flee? All I said was since he was not arrested without a warrant, there is no harm in taking time and making sure everything is right. And to answer your question, the victim's wishes play a part even in stabbing and shooting cases. There have been numerous cases where charges have been dropped/reduced due to the victim refusing to cooperate or requesting this result. Often it is because they do not wish to testify or the suspect is family/friend.You're thinking about when the Mafia threatens the victims into dropping charges or the perp is heavily connected. Nah, just kidding Danny, I understand what you're saying. It's just a shame when a highly volatile individual like this gets to walk and then feels emboldened. If he gets away with this he will surely strike again and I pity his next victim.
Beach Fanatic
I don't know anyone involved and am not familiar with the incidents. But, I don't blame you for being concerned and would make sure everything has been documented for the future.
SoWal Insider
I realize this is going to sound political but this is the type of person I fear the most, emboldened armed angry white male, not some random Muslim terrorist the Presidential candidates would have you freaking out about.
Beach Comber
I realize this is going to sound political but this is the type of person I fear the most, emboldened armed angry white male, not some random Muslim terrorist the Presidential candidates would have you freaking out about.
This is the 4th violent incidence he has had with people in the neighborhood. The guy has major anger issues and each time the violence escalates. If there is a next time it won't be pretty.
Beach FanaticAuthor
I realize this is going to sound political but this is the type of person I fear the most, emboldened armed angry white male, not some random Muslim terrorist the Presidential candidates would have you freaking out about.Bingo, you win!
Beach Fanatic
Would you care about the wishes of the victim if he had been shot or stabbed? This innocent individual has been assaulted!Actually I think the guy should have been arrested for assault with great bodily harm and then allow the judicial system work it out after the arrest. I will also tel, you about this, in the past I had a child attacked by a dog and I regret not killing it right then and there. The law was of no help as was animal control. Although I was told if something happened to the dog they would be coming to speak to me. As some folks know the type of job I do, I carry a tool and am not afraid to protect myself, my crew or my patients from aggressive animals.
Beach Fanatic
I love how some people think they are required to threaten the victim because the system failed them. I understand where you are coming from Bob Wells.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Another sheriff ADKINSON quote:
The case is a difficult one for investigators, according to Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, because “it’s pretty clear no one involved meant for what happened to happen.”
“It was clearly the result of mass confusion,” Adkinson said.
Are you kidding me???
Four plates in a pastors jaw and witness to back up the story?
It sure seems as if the suspect is being protected. He's an engineer and should know better.
Neighborhood folks have opined on SoWal and nw FL Facebook. All the same story.
If he ever does get arrested, Clayton ADKINSON will probably be his attorney, if he's not already on retainer.
Unreal Sheriff Mike, unreal.
Looks like another Ruder Case brewing.
The case is a difficult one for investigators, according to Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, because “it’s pretty clear no one involved meant for what happened to happen.”
“It was clearly the result of mass confusion,” Adkinson said.
Are you kidding me???
Four plates in a pastors jaw and witness to back up the story?
It sure seems as if the suspect is being protected. He's an engineer and should know better.
Neighborhood folks have opined on SoWal and nw FL Facebook. All the same story.
If he ever does get arrested, Clayton ADKINSON will probably be his attorney, if he's not already on retainer.
Unreal Sheriff Mike, unreal.
Looks like another Ruder Case brewing.
SoWal Insider
Sounds like he is going to walk. This guy is a first class chickensh*t. He claims he was protecting his wife when he sucker punched a priest who was in a defensless position and then threatens onlookers before running home and leaving the wife he was supposely protecting at the scene. I've heard hints through a third party account that he may be trying to mount a PTSD defense. Can't vouch for the accuracy of this info. It may just be a rumor.
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.