Police briefs

Investigation continues into shooting death

SEBRING - Police are asking for information into the death of a Sebring man found shot to death on Feb. 1 in the Washington Heights area.

Alton Ashley Perry, aka "Sarge," 30, was the victim in the shooting. So far, no suspects have been arrested.

Those with information should contact Investigator Timothy Ritenour with the Sebring Police Department at (863) 471-5182 or (863) 381-2613. Those who wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

Police: Man's spit proves he swallowed cocaine

AVON PARK - David Bautista, 21, was arrested Friday and charged with destroying evidence, a third-degree felony, after being stopped by law enforcement after running a stop sign at the intersection of Garrett Road and Cummings Avenue.

Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan McLean reportedly observed Bautista sitting in the vehicle and moving his tongue around inside his mouth as if he were trying to hide something.

The suspect was ordered out of the car and told to open his mouth. The deputy saw nothing inside, according to the arrest report.

Bautista then spit on a blade of grass near the deputy's feet, the report stated. The saliva sample was retrieved, tested and reportedly came back positive for the presence of cocaine.

Argument leads to man's arrest for assault and battery, police say

SEBRING - Tyrone James Nichols, 18, of Sebring, was arrested Thursday and charged with assault and felony battery.

The victim said she had given Nichols, her boyfriend, money to go to the store. When he returned, she asked for the leftover change and he told her no, according to the arrest report.

This led to an argument that eventually ended with Nichols choking the victim and throwing a glass filled with water at her, the report stated.

The glass missed her and shattered, causing fragments to hit her.

Sebring Police Officer Mike Cutolo made the arrest.