Crime & Public Safety
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 · Columbia County
Florida Bill Expands 'Gang Member' Label After Just 2 Sightings
A Florida Senate bill slashing the threshold to label someone a gang member from multiple to just two associations has cleared its final committee. Sponsored by Ft. Myers Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin, SB 536 adds online posts and spouse testimony to the mix. If passed, it takes effect Oct. 1 amid rising gang concerns statewide.
FBI's Most Wanted Fugitive Captured in High Springs After Just 24 Hours on List
KaShawn Nicola Roper, wanted for a deadly 2020 Kansas City shooting, was arrested in High Springs on Wednesday—less than a day after the FBI placed her on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and offered a $1 million reward. Multiple tips from Florida residents led law enforcement to quickly locate and apprehend the 50-year-old fugitive, marking a significant victory for citizen cooperation in federal law enforcement.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Braves Minor Leaguer Arrested in Deadly I-75 Hit-and-Run Near Bradenton
An 18-year-old Atlanta Braves minor league catcher from Cocoa faces vehicular homicide charges after a fatal hit-and-run on I-75 in Manatee County that killed a 34-year-old truck driver and father of four. The Braves organization identified and turned him in to Florida Highway Patrol after spotting his damaged Ford Mustang. Jonathan Matos Morales remains held on $200,000 bond in Manatee County Jail.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026