Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect in Gas Station Attack Sheriff’s Office detectives have worked diligently to identify and arrest the suspect who attacked an elderly man at the Murphy Gas Station in Inverness on New Year’s Eve. Stephen Otten, 61, of 335 W. Pearson St., Hernando, was taken into custody at his home today without incident. He will be charged with battery on an elderly person over 65 years of age, which is a felony. On the morning of Dec. 31, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Johnson were at the gas station in front of the Inverness Wal-Mart before heading to church. Mr. Johnson noticed Otten smoking a cigarette near the gas pump and told him that he shouldn’t be smoking in that area. Otten then threw Mr. Johnson to the ground, causing numerous injuries. Mr. Johnson has been hospitalized since that time. “I know it’s frustrating to the community when we can’t share details about what’s happening in an investigation – particularly one that is so heart-wrenching– but we were working behind the scenes the entire time to track down and arrest who did this,” Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said after Otten was apprehended. “Sometimes that’s like finding a needle in a haystack, but I’m proud to say, we got him.” Intelligence analysts, community crimes and major crimes detectives worked around the clock to put together pieces of information provided by witnesses and scour surveillance video of surrounding businesses. “I continue to stress the important role the community plays in providing law enforcement with critical information,” Dawsy added. “Not only were our detectives hot on Otten’s trail, but social media and witness statements both played a huge part in getting this guy off the streets. I’m proud of my team, and proud of this community that is my home.” Booking photo will be posted when it becomes available.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 21:47:04 +0000
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