On March 9th, 2010 at approximately 9:20 am, an unidentified white male entered the Wachovia Bank located at 4041 Nova Road in Port Orange and advised the bank teller that he had a firearm and demanded money. Although the firearm was implied and not seen, the bank teller handed an undisclosed amount of money to the male along with a dye pack. The suspect was last observed walking away from the bank towards the area of the Winn Dixie Plaza. A passerby advised responding officers that the suspect leaving the bank walked out of the bank, across the street towards the plaza and was last seen entering Castle Dry Cleaners. Officers surrounded this location and verified the individual was inside the business. Officers ordered the suspect to exit the business. The suspect complied, walked out the front door and was taken into custody without incident. He identified himself as Gregory W. Osoniak and admitted to the bank robbery. Additionally, the bank teller made a positive identification of Osoniak. Port Orange Police placed Gregory Osoniak under arrest for robbery and grand theft and after processing, he was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail under a $15,000.00 bond. The stolen bank money was recovered outside the bank and additionally inside of Castle Cleaners. There were no injuries involved. Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact Detective Jeff Wenzel at (386) 506-5884.
The Port Orange Police Athletic League has announced the winners of the 14th Annual Motorcycle Fundraiser prizes. This years Grand Prize was a 2010 Vivid Black Harley Davidson Street Glide Motorcycle OR $14,000.00 in CASH. The winner was Ralph Leahy. Second Place Winner of $500.00 in CASH was Bill Mabee. The Third Place Winner of $500.00 in CASH was Peter Gray. Only 2,500 tickets were sold for this fundraiser and all the monies raised in this fundraiser go directly to and exclusively support the Port Orange Police Athletic League. The Port Orange P.A.L. sets forth a positive image, encourages team play, builds self-esteem, and encourages positive activity for youth within our community. The Port Orange Police Athletic League would like to thank all those individuals that purchased tickets to support the quality programs, activities, and interaction between law enforcement, community leaders with juveniles in our community.
The Volusia League of Cities announced that Mayor Allen Green was the recipient of the League's 2010 President's Award and Fire & Rescue's Division Chief Russ Rafferty was a finalist for the Employee of the Year. Mayor Green was one of three to receive the President's Award along with Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno and Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey. Chief Rafferty is one of the three finalists for the Employee of the Year Award. Mary Swiderski, Executive Director of the Volusia League of Cities, released the recipients and finalists names as part of the League's annual Distinguished Service Awards. The President's Award winners and final selection of the Service Award winners will be recognized and announced at the League's Annual Banquet scheduled for May 27, 2010.
With the influx of thousands of motorcycles to the area for the 69th Annual Bike Week, The Port Orange Police Department wishes to remind our citizens to "Look Twice and Save A Life". There are many individuals visiting our city on motorcycles that are unfamiliar with their destination and our citizens are urged to avoid any type of "Road Rage" situation or aggressive driving which could cause an accident, injury, death or arrest. Officers are encouraging our citizens to obey the stop signs, speed limits, and red lights. Leave early, stay calm, buckle up, and watch for motorcyle riders in the area. Look Twice and Save A Life, Motorcycles are Everywhere.
Periodically, e-mails warning of a scam involving calls from the 809 area code, 284 area code, and 876 area code. The e-mails contend that there has been fraud associated with unscrupulous scammers in these area codes. However, the message contains some misinformation, especially the highly exaggerated cost of a phone call to the 809 (Dominican Republic), 284 (British Virgin Islands), and 876 (Jamaica) area codes. This scam is less prevalent in recent years as the result of work done by United States phone carriers to eliminate access to fraudulent scammers. Most calls to these areas require the international prefix of 011 or the individual will receive a message that this call will have international call rates.. The victims usually received a telephone call from these area codes that they had won a prize and the victim needed to call them right away or to find out information on a sick relative and the victim would assume this was a legitimate call. Unfortunately, victims sometimes don't find out that they have been charged higher international call rates until they receive their bills. A crime prevention tip is as a general rule, return calls from recognizable area codes or call your directory assiatance or long distance operator to check the area code location. You may also file a complaint on-line with the Federal Communication Commission about this scam.