OPD SVU arrests suspect who allegedly exposed himself to a minor

Orlando detectives arrested a man who allegedly exposed himself to a minor.

Members of the Orlando Police Special Investigative Unit identified 34-year-old Gilmer Mauricio Medina as the suspect before the department’s Fugitive Investigative Unit arrested him, according to a press release from the Orlando Police Department.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, a student walked to school in the 200 block of North Eola Avenue at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Medina, driving a blue sedan, was naked and exposing himself while inside the car, according to officials.

The student was able to walk away.

Authorities charged him with lewd and lascivious behavior.

Detectives are still determining whether this was an isolated incident or if there are other potential victims.

If you or anyone you know was approached by this suspect, please call the Orlando Police Department or submit a tip anonymously to Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

—Garfield Hylton

Brightline ending monthly discounted passes, citing business growth

Business apparently is so good at Brightline, the Florida’s burgeoning high-speed railroad, that its discounted monthly passes designed to woo passengers are no longer needed.

The upscale train service, which serves a 235-mile segment between Miami and Orlando with four South Florida stations in between, has announced it is disposing of three passes aimed at incentivizing travelers. It plans to replace them with more expensive 10-ride passes for frequent travelers.

Sales of the following passes, introduced roughly six months ago, will cease effective June 1:

All-Station Shared: Sold for $1,199, the pass was designed for passengers to travel between Orlando and the South Florida stations. Riders could use it for 12 trips during a 90-day period, which translated into $99 s ride.

SoFlo Solo: Sold for $399, this monthly pass allowed for 40 rides to be used in a 30-day period, with fares starting at $10 per ride. The passes could be auto-renewed monthly at a 5% discount and included onboard food and beverage discounts.

SoFlo Shared: The passes started at $229 for economy fares. They could be used for 12 rides in 30 days at $19 a trip. It was the cheapest monthly pass of the three and was restricted to travel among the five South Florida stations. Orlando was not included.

According to a chart on the Brightline website, the 10-packs at the SMART or economy level will go for $350 for travel between Miami and West Palm Beach, and for $250 from Miami to Fort Lauderdale.

PREMIUM passes for a Miami-to-West Palm Beach run will sell for $550, while passes for rides between Miami and Fort Lauderdale will cost $350.

“In recent months, it has become increasingly difficult to accommodate all Guests as peak trains are reaching capacity,” the company says in a recently posted announcement that appears on its website. “We continue to evaluate the best approach to balance customer demand — and as a result, the sale of Train Passes will be discontinued effective June 1, 2024.”

“Current passholders may continue to use their pass until it expires,” the statement says.

—David Lyons

US service member shot and killed by Florida police identified by Air Force

FORT WALTON BEACH — The U.S. Air Force said an airman based at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, was shot and killed Friday during an incident involving a sheriff’s deputy.

Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, died at his off-base residence, the U.S. Air Force said in a statement released Monday.

A deputy responding to the call of a disturbance in progress “reacted in self defense after he encountered a 23-year old man armed with a gun,” the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release on Friday.

Fortson was taken to the hospital where he died, officials said.

Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron. In a statement, the Air Force’s 1st Special Operations Wing said its priorities are “providing casualty affairs service to the family, supporting the squadron during this tragic time, and ensuring resources are available for all who are impacted.”

The sheriff’s office said the deputy was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident.

—Associated Press