HCSO BEAT

K-9 Argo Retires

After seven years of dedicated service in Hernando County, K-9 Argo is retiring, set to enjoy his golden years with Deputy Greg Locke and his family. K-9 Argo joined the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 with Deputy Locke as his faithful handler. Throughout his tenure, K-9 Argo played a pivotal role in apprehending criminals, finding missing individuals, and seizing illicit drugs. His career boasts 84 apprehensions, 12 bites, and significant drug seizures, including 15 kilos of methamphetamine and 2.5 kilos of marijuana. K-9 Argo will enjoy retirement with the Locke family.
Deputy Locke’s new partner is K-9 Maverick, a Dutch Shepherd.

Suspected Tool Thieves Caught

On April 15, Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a theft in progress at Rural King in Spring Hill. Witnesses reported two males stealing power tools and loading them into a vehicle. Deputies stopped the suspects on Commercial Way. The suspects, claiming to work in construction, denied involvement but were found with stolen Milwaukee and Dewalt tools in their trunk, valued at $1,485.70. Surveillance footage confirmed the theft. Both suspects, Brandon Smith (age 37) and Reshon Addison (age 29) from Citrus County were arrested and charged with Felony Retail Theft, with a bond set at $2,000 each. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers anonymously by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or online, with the potential for a reward up to $5,000.

Missing Kayaker Found

On April 11, 2024, at around 7:30 p.m., Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a Missing Adult on Waverly Road in Weeki Wachee. The caller, on vacation with family, reported his adult son missing after a kayak trip down the Weeki Wachee River earlier in the day. Last seen near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 4 p.m., the experienced kayaker had likely become separated. The HCSO deployed the Aviation, Marine, and Drone Units for search and rescue. By 8:30 p.m., just an hour after the initial call, the Aviation Unit located the kayaker near Hospital Hole and guided patrol deputies to him. Within 10 minutes, he was safely reunited with his family, thanks to the coordinated efforts of multiple units.

Absconded Sex Offender

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is requesting public assistance in locating Donald Allen Waddy, a registered Sex Offender. Waddy, born on December 29, 1957, is described as a Black male, 5’7” tall, weighing 170 pounds, with grey receding hair and brown eyes. He is required to check-in every 30 days due to his transient status but is currently overdue, violating F.S.S. 943.0435. Waddy’s listed location is transient in the area of Commercial Way and Cortez Boulevard. An active warrant is issued for his arrest for Failure to Register. Anyone with information on Waddy’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6830 or remain anonymous by calling Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online, with the possibility of a $5,000 cash reward.

Proactive Patrols Yield Drug Arrests

On April 9, 2024, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit conducted proactive patrols across the county, resulting in two drug-related arrests. During traffic stops, detectives apprehended Brandon Nelson on Jayson Drive and Montour Street in Spring Hill for possession of methamphetamine. Nelson faced charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, with a bond set at $3,500. Another stop on Cortez Boulevard and Spring Lake Highway led to the arrest of Robert Miller, a convicted felon, for possession of cocaine, marijuana, and a firearm. Miller faced charges including Possession of Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, with his bond set at $45,000.