Officer killed and ran over with a car by suspect

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A man trying to avoid arrest shot a Florida police officer and then ran him over early Sunday, killing the officer, police said. The Tarpon Springs Police Department said officer Charles "Charlie K" Kondek was shot and killed Sunday while responding to a call regarding a noise complaint about 2 a.m. Investigators say the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Marco Antonio Parilla Jr., was banging on doors in the community about 25 miles northwest of Tampa, looking for a neighbor who he said "dimed him out" to police. When Parilla saw Kondek, he fired multiple rounds at the officer, striking him once above his bullet-proof vest. The shooting did not appear to have any connection to the ambush-killings of two New York police officers a day earlier. "We know we have the right guy in custody," Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said. "This guy knew what he was doing, he killed a cop and he needs to be held accountable for that." Parilla was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder. Police say Parilla and a woman arrived at a home on Grand Boulevard. While Parilla was banging on doors, a neighbor asked the woman, who remained in the car, to lower the music in the car. When she refused, the neighbor called 911 with a noise complaint. Detectives said the woman then began to back out of the driveway. Kondek arrived and exited his vehicle.

 Detectives said Parilla walked toward him and opened fire. Kondek managed to return fire just before falling to the ground. Parilla ordered the woman out of the vehicle, took the wheel and as he fled the scene, ran over Kondek. Parilla fled in the vehicle. Tarpon Springs Police engaged in a brief pursuit before Parilla crashed into a pole and then into a parked vehicle. Parilla fled on foot and was apprehended short time later. Kondek was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. According to the Florida Department of Corrections, Parilla served more than two years in prison for several offenses, including drug charges, and was released in March. He was listed as a fugitive for violating his probation. It wasn't immediately clear what the violation was. The sheriff said Parilla told investigators that when he saw the officer he "felt like a caged rat" and didn't want to go back to prison. "I apologize to the family" of the officer, Parilla told media outlets while being escorted to jail. "That was not my intention." Kondek served the city of Tarpon Springs as a sworn law enforcement officer for 17 years, many of which were on the midnight shift. Originally from New York, he previously served for more than five years as a New York City police officer before moving to Florida. In a statement released Sunday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said, "We are saddened by the death of Officer Charles Kondek who was killed in the line of duty early this morning. Ann and I pray that God provides comfort to his loved ones and all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy." Florida Sen. Marco Rubio also released a statement Sunday. It read in part, "Earlier today my wife and I were saddened to hear of the killing of Tarpon Springs police officer Charles Kondek, just hours after the nation was shocked by the horrific murder of two NYPD officers. These killings are stark and somber reminders of the risks our men and women in law enforcement take each and every day to keep us and our families safe."

Police killer was a nomad who had been arrested more then 14 times

 Ismaaiyl Brinsley , the gunman who killed two NYPD officers sitting in their patrol car Saturday before running into a Brooklyn subway station and killing himself had made "very anti-police" statements on social media before the shootings, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said. Ismaaiyl Brinsley wrote in the caption of an Instagram post containing a photo of a handgun: "I'm putting wings on pigs today. They take 1 of ours, let's take 2 of theirs," officials said. He used the hashtags "Shootthepolice," "RIPErivGardner (sic)," and "RIPMikeBrown." Police said he approached the passenger window of a marked police car and opened fire, striking Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu in the head. The NYPD officers were on special patrol doing crime reduction in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Authorities said there is surveillance video of Brinsley walking up the street toward the squad car, but the shooting was off-camera. "They were, quite simply, assassinated — targeted for their uniform," said Bratton. Brinsley took off running as other officers pursued him down to a nearby subway station, where he shot himself in the head. A silver handgun was recovered at the scene, Bratton said. "This may be my final post," he wrote in the Instagram post, put online a few hours before the shooting. Bratton said they were trying to figure out why he killed the officers. Two city officials with direct knowledge of the case confirmed the posts to The Associated Press. Police say Brinsley had at least 15 prior arrests in the last 10 years in Georgia and Ohio.

The gun he used to kill the officers was bought in 1996 at a pawn shop in Georgia, but it's not clear who purchased it. Authorities are investigating how it came to be in Brinsley's possession. Brinsley is described as a nomad, given history in Georgia, Ohio and Baltimore. Law enforcement sources say his 11-month-old child lives in Bedford-Stuyvesant with the child's mother. Brinsley's mother is also thought to live in Crown Heights. Sources say that Brinsley's mother and sister both told investigators they were afraid of the man.

Check out the top ten American beaches by Travel channel

If you fancy a bit of time out at the beach when the season allows for it take a look at these wonderful beaches. The list was compiled by Travel Channel. This would surely be helpful to you. 



 10. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

Stretching for 72 miles along the Atlantic coast on the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a skinny strip of barrier islands from Nags Head to Ocracoke Island. The beach’s hallmark high, sandy dunes front frothy surf perfect for swimming, beachcombing and body-surfing. Visitors can climb up 248 steps to the top of the nation's tallest lighthouse -- towering at an impressive 196 feet -- for a spectacular view of the seashore.

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9. East Hampton, New York

Strolling along the broad stretches of white sand, listening to roaring waves and passing the glorious mansions of Lily Pond, it's easy to see why East Hampton is a beloved New York destination any time of year. The picturesque town is a favorite with A-listers, and at the end of Main Street ,past sprawling yards and fences surrounding huge homes, is Main Beach, where perfect white beaches and incredibly tasty lobster rolls await.
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 8. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

As summer commences, crowds swarm Martha's Vineyard in droves, but respite can be found in the Vineyard's far eastern reaches -- up-island, as it's known locally -- at Moshup Beach. Tucked beneath the infamous Gay Head Cliffs, Moshup Beach is an unspoiled paradise of soft, white sand framed by red, brown and tan striated cliffs looming from above.
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 7. Cape May, New Jersey

As the farthest point south on the Shore, Cape May is the crown jewel of the region with gorgeous beaches and a quaint town center filled with gingerbread Victorians and colorful bed and breakfasts. Bring your binoculars to the beach to spy the playful dolphins jumping in the wake.
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6. Coronado, California

Coronado Central Beach, stretches 1.5 miles behind the great houses along Ocean Boulevard in front of the glamorous Hotel Del Coronado. Swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie boarders, sand sculptors, tide poolers and, from December through February, whale watchers all take to the sand and sea. North Beach attracts surfers in the morning, and at the extreme north is Dog Beach, where leashless canines can frolic in the surf. ____________________________________________________________



5. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater Beach has lured countless families and couples to its broad, sandy shores and beachfront hotels. Spread along a narrow, 3-mile stretch of the Pinellas Peninsula on the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach straddles the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and tranquil Tampa Bay to the east. Visitors enjoy sunbathing on white sandy beaches, diving into a game of beach volleyball, renting fishing boats, taking a dolphin-watching cruise, parasailing or heading to a mainland museum or aquarium. Clearwater Beach has lured countless families and couples to its broad, sandy shores and beachfront hotels. Spread along a narrow, 3-mile stretch of the Pinellas Peninsula on the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach straddles the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and tranquil Tampa Bay to the east. Visitors enjoy sunbathing on white sandy beaches, diving into a game of beach volleyball, renting fishing boats, taking a dolphin-watching cruise, parasailing or heading to a mainland museum or aquarium.
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 4. Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii

Picture Hawaii and you're probably conjuring images of Kauna'oa Bay without even realizing it. Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha-state's Big Island, Kauna'oa Bay is quintessential, picture-postcard Hawaii. With its abundant white sand, palm trees and clear, calm blue water, the crescent-shaped beach is a natural draw for sun worshipers, water sport enthusiasts and families in search of safe, sandy fun.
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 3. Nantucket, Massachusetts

 A trip to Nantucket is like visiting a faraway fairytale land -- one set against a bright blue backdrop of ocean and bay in a community of simple, weathered white cottages surrounded by wild roses. This former whaling community has quaint neighborhoods and a beach for everyone, including Surfside Beach and Children's Beach, both of which feature calm waters and no shortage of sandcastles.
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 2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

As the largest resort along South Carolina's 60-mile Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is the East Coast's ultimate vacation hub. The town teems with summertime action: beaches dotting the Strand, amusement and water parks, restaurants and live entertainment. Myrtle Beach's actual beach is an extensive stretch of silky white sand, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, sailing and surfing.
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 1. Manele Bay, Hawaii 

Hulopo'e Beach on the island of Lana'i, long considered one of the world's most perfect stretches of sand, lies at the base of the Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay. The resort overlooks the bay, a designated marine preserve filled with colorful fish and the occasional spinner dolphin. In fact, snorkeling and diving spots here are considered some of the finest in Hawaii, making a swim in the 70-degree water all the more tempting.

Cuba - "No to capitalism''

NOT SO FAST

Cuban President Raul Castro told his National Assembly Saturday that detente with U.S. President Barack Obama doesn't mean Cuba will bend to U.S. efforts to change his communist government. "No one should pretend that in order to improve its relations with the United States, Cuba would renounce the ideas it has fought for," Castro said.

"OBAMA, TRAITOR"

Several-hundred anti-Castro protesters waved Cuban and American flags and chanted "Obama, traitor" Saturday in Little Havana, expressing their anger that the U.S. president used executive orders to declare an end to a half-century's efforts to isolate Cuba.

POLITICAL GAMBIT

Democratic and Republican analysts alike see Obama's overtures to Cuba as an effort to break the GOP's claim on the Cuban-American vote, saying that if tensions ease between the two countries, Florida's Cubans will be more likely to focus on other issues that Democrats use to appeal to Hispanics nationwide.

A FUTURE IN CUBA?

Cuban law forbids foreigners from buying property on the island, but once diplomatic ties are re-established, some Cuban-Americans hope this will change as well. "This could completely change my future expectations about my relationship with Cuba, says Jovan Rodriguez, a young architect in Miami. "The truth is, I hope to be able to return soon."

A FUTURE IN OIL?

The thaw raises the possibility of Cuba getting its share of offshore oil in the Gulf of Mexico. There's real potential just off the island's northwest coast and Cubans desperate for economic growth welcome the opportunity, but analysts say a Cuban oil boom is unlikely anytime soon because of low oil prices and better drilling opportunities elsewhere.

SPLIT OPINIONS:

A poll published Saturday shows Cuban-Americans almost evenly split on re-establishing US ties to Cuba: 48 percent disagree with Obama and 44 percent agree. It also shows wide divisions: U.S.-born Cubans strongly support Obama's plan, while those born on the island strongly oppose it. Cuban-Americans under 65 widely support it, while those over 65 strongly oppose. The phone survey of 400 Cuban-American adults, done Wednesday and Thursday by Bendixen & Amandi International for the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times, has an error margin of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

North Korea denies US cyber attacks

North Korea says it can prove it is not behind the massive Sony Pictures cyber attack that has led to several e-mail leaks, threats on movie theaters and the cancellation of the release of the movie “The Interview.”
The country has also said it proposes a joint investigation with the U.S. on the attack and if the U.S. does not agree, North Korea warns of “grave consequences,” state media says.

The announcement comes as a response to the FBI's statement saying it has enough information to “conclude that the North Korean government is responsible” for the actions.
The bureau said its findings were the result of an investigation that involved multiple departments and agencies, and were based in part on technical analysis of the malware used in the attack. The FBI said the malware "revealed links to other malware that the FBI knows North Korean actors previously developed."

 

Further, the FBI noticed "significant overlap between the infrastructure used in this attack and other malicious cyber activity the U.S. government has previously linked directly to North Korea." For instance, the FBI said several IP addresses with "known North Korean infrastructure" communicated with IP addresses "hardcoded" into the malware that ripped through Sony's systems, deleting data and swiping sensitive
The FBI also said the "tools" used in the attack are similar to those in a North Korea-led attack against South Korean banks and media outlets last year.
"We are deeply concerned about the destructive nature of this attack on a private sector entity and the ordinary citizens who worked there," the FBI said in its statement. "Further, North Korea's attack on SPE reaffirms that cyber threats pose one of the gravest national security dangers to the United States. Though the FBI has seen a wide variety and increasing number of cyber intrusions, the destructive nature of this attack, coupled with its coercive nature, sets it apart.

"North Korea's actions were intended to inflict significant harm on a U.S. business and suppress the right of American citizens to express themselves. Such acts of intimidation fall outside the bounds of acceptable state behavior."
Obama said in a press conference Friday that there was no indication that points to any other country working with North Korea in the attack.
Obama vowed Friday: “We will respond.’

Is North Korea telling the truth or a blatant lie? Let us hear from you

European court orders compensation payments to Somali pirates

 Europe's top human rights court has ordered Paris to pay damages to Somali pirates who hijacked two French ships in 2008 for failing to present them to a judge “without delay,” as soon as they were captured and delivered to France. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has accused France of "violation of [the pirates’] rights to freedom and security." According to the Strasbourg-based court, French authorities shouldn’t have kept the pirates in custody for an additional 48 hours before bringing them before a judge. France has been ordered to pay between $6114.75  and $2445.90 to each pirate for "moral damages," plus amounts varying from  to $11006.55  to $ 7337.70 to cover legal costs, AFP reported. The arrests took place kilometers from French territory.

 The ECHR acknowledged that there were "completely exceptional circumstances" to justify a long detention without the case being heard before a judge. Apart for the 48 hours in France, one group was held at sea for almost five days, and the other for nearly a week. "Nothing justifies such an additional delay," the ECHR stated in its verdict, which came as a surprise to many. According to a court statement, the convention's Article 5.3 was not meant to “give the authorities the opportunity to step up their investigations for the purpose of bringing formal charges against the suspects.” In 2008, French luxury yacht the Ponant was hijacked off the coast of Somalia by a dozen men armed with rocket launchers. They kept about 30 hostages for a week until they received a $2 million ransom. The day the ransom was delivered to the port town of Garacad, six Somalis were arrested and detained for a week in mid-April. In another accident in September, the French yacht Carre d'As was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden and two French citizens kidnapped, with the pirates demanding another $2 million in ransom. They had originally demanded $4 million, but subsequently halved their price, demanding the release of six other pirates held in Paris. Ten days later, a French commando squad freed the hostages and arrested six suspects. Those men were held from September 16 to September 25, before formally being brought before a judge in France. Nine of the 12 suspects were convicted in the hijackings. At their peak of their activity, in January 2011, Somali pirates held 736 hostages, some onshore and others aboard their vessels, as well as 32 seized boats, according to AFP. In the last three years Somali piracy has declined thanks to armed international vessels conducting anti-piracy patrols off the Somali coast.

Australia faces terrorism threats

 THE siege on December 15th in the Lindt Chocolate Café in Martin Place, in the heart of Sydney’s business district, was the first terrorist act in Australia based on a political message about Islam. The morning had started with regulars queuing for coffee on their way to work. Shortly before 10am the doors were locked from the inside. For the next 16 hours, a gunman held 17 staff and customers hostage, forcing them to display a black flag with an Islamic creed against the window. Some but not all managed to slip out. In the early hours of the following morning, police stormed the café, apparently responding to shots inside. In a heavy exchange of gunfire, the gunman and two hostages died. For some time Australian authorities have warned of a possible terrorist event. Islam has been a fast-growing religion. The number of Muslims in the country grew by two-thirds in the decade to 2011. Muslims now account for just over 2% of the country’s population of 23m, many of them in the outer suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne. In a recent speech to journalists David Irvine, a former head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the country’s domestic spy agency, insisted that violent extremists comprise a tiny minority—“a few hundred aberrant souls”.

ASIO and police, he claimed, have thwarted plans for “a number of mass-casualty attacks on our soil”. But his “recurring nightmare” had always been an attack by a “lone wolf”: someone who had failed to come “across our radar”. As it happened, the gunman in the Sydney siege was well-known to the authorities—who nevertheless underestimated his danger to society. Man Haron Monis, aged 50, was born in Iran and moved to Australia after receiving political asylum more than a decade ago. Via a website, Mr Monis had recently announced his conversion from Shia to Sunni Islam. Greg Barton, a terrorism expert at Monash University in Melbourne, believes Mr Monis was attracted by the way Islamic State (IS), the jihadist group in Iraq and Syria, encourages lone-wolf attacks against Westerners. But he doubts that IS would have recruited such a lost, disturbed individual. Mr Monis was facing charges of sexual and indecent assault, and of being an accessory to the murder of his former wife last year, for which he was out on bail. He had also been convicted of sending offensive letters to the families of Australian soldiers who had died in Afghanistan; a few days before the siege Australia’s High Court had refused his bid to appeal against the conviction. For many Australians absorbing the shock of the siege, questions may centre less on Mr Monis’s jihadism and more on how he was out on bail for his various charges, as well as how he had access to weapons. The prime minister,

 Tony Abbott, says it will take time to find out exactly what happened at Martin Place, and why. Political debate is certain to be stirred about tough anti-terror laws that the conservative coalition government has passed, as well as about its hard approach towards asylum-seekers making for Australia by boat. The anti-terror laws expand ASIO’s powers, including its ability to demand access to computers, while journalists disclosing intelligence operations face up to ten years in prison. Constitutional and human-rights lawyers are uneasy over the laws. Others will question the impact of the siege on disaffected young Muslims, some of whom may see themselves as targets of the tougher security laws. But with Mr Monis’s refugee background, the Sydney siege is also likely to entrench some Australians in their views that asylum policy is bound up with security. ASIO has identified about 60 Australians fighting with IS and Jabhat-al-Nusra, another extremist group, in Iraq and Syria; another 100 people in Australia are said to be supporting them and recruiting new fighters. Whether by a lone wolf or not, another attack in broad daylight is now a new worry for Sydneysiders.