The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two men for their roles in a road rage incident Tuesday afternoon in North Port.

During the investigation, detectives learned that despite what was initially reported to law enforcement, the confrontation actually began over driving behavior near River Road and US 41. At that time both drivers stopped on the side of the road and Brandon Nelson, DOB 6/3/89, 360 Albatross Road, Rotonda West, walked around to the rear of his Mercury, retrieved a Mossberg Pump Action Shotgun and cycled the pump action while arguing with Jason Aitchison, DOB 5/6/83, 12658 Kenwood Lane #A, Ft. Myers.

Aitchison retreated to his Geo Tracker and armed himself with a short, pistol grip 20 gauge single shot shotgun and approached Nelson’s driver side window. Nelson put his vehicle in gear and fled the scene. Aitchison followed and as both vehicles approached El Prado Blvd., Aitchison fired a single birdshot round into the rear passenger side window of Nelson’s vehicle, injuring Nelson and his 17-year-old passenger.

Aitchison is charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Shooting into a Vehicle and Discharging a Firearm in Public. He was arrested last night and booked into the Sarasota County Jail where he is currently being held on $22,500 bond.

Nelson was arrested this evening and booked into the Sarasota County Jail charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. 

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has published its 2012 Annual Report. The publication, available in print and online, recognizes agency-wide milestones and achievements in 2012, Sheriff Tom Knight’s fourth year in office.

In addition to providing an overview of the annual budget, crime statistics and the agency’s three divisions – Administration, Law Enforcement and Courts/Corrections - the annual report provides insight into the agency programs, community activities and other initiatives that help propel the agency forward all year long.

“I am incredibly proud of what the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office achieved through innovative programs and public safety initiatives last year,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “By looking at our crime reduction alone, citizens can see the measurable impact that our intelligence led policing philosophy ‘Intelligence to Action,’ is having on this community. They will learn more about how we are implementing this concept in the annual report.”

To view or download a copy of the 2012 Annual Report, visit www.SarasotaSheriff.org and under the “News” tab click “Notices and Publications.” Printed copies are also available at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office locations in Venice and Sarasota.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to help crack down on vehicle burglaries – a crime of opportunity that can be stopped in a few simple steps.

It takes less than a minute for a thief to break your car window and snatch a purse or valuable electronics that are left in plain view. It takes even less time to reach into a vehicle that’s left unlocked and steal the cash in your console or other belongings.

The top five common sense tips to prevent vehicle burglaries are:

1. Keep windows closed and doors locked. The majority of local vehicle burglaries are to unlocked cars and the crime wouldn’t happen if the door didn’t open.

2. Hide your valuables. Stash your things out of sight, preferably in a locked trunk. Even criminals know to check the glove box, under a towel or beneath the seat.

3. If you have an SUV or another model with an open cargo area, get a retractable fitted cover to keep items hidden.

4. Stow your items before you park. Experienced thieves stake out parking lots to watch for people putting items in their trunk.

5. Trust your instincts. Avoid parking in unlit or overly concealed areas. If you see someone suspicious, tell security or contact local law enforcement.

The best defense is to not have valuables in your vehicle, so plan ahead. Think about where you are going, what items you absolutely need and what you could leave at the office or at home.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Robert Kulsar, DOB 04/01/95, 2541 Englewood Road, Englewood, on child pornography charges.

Detectives learned that a computer user in Sarasota County was downloading and sharing child pornography on the Internet using peer-to-peer software from a specific IP address. After viewing an extensive list of files available from that address detectives determined many of the titles suggested content including sexual abuse of sexual exploitation of children.

Detectives executed a search warrant today at the location for that IP address, which is Kulsar’s residence. A forensic examination of his computer revealed more than 32 images containing children involved in sexual conduct.

Kulsar is charged with 18 counts of Promotion of Sexual Performance by a Child and 32 counts of Possession of Sexual Performance by a Child. He is currently being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.