Osprey Woman Charged with 18 Counts of Aggravated Assault

                             NEWS RELEASE #: 17-081 - MARCH 28, 2017

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested a 62-year-old Osprey woman on a slew of felony charges after she threatened a group of teens and young adults with a rifle.

Deputies responded to 400 Palmetto Avenue on Monday evening around 5:30 p.m., for reports of a woman standing on a dock, aiming a weapon at members of a rowing team practicing on the water. According to several victims, Donna Betts, DOB 3/19/55, pointed a rifle at team members and coaches while threatening to shoot them if they came onto her property. Betts later tossed the weapon in the water before retreating inside her home. The rifle was recovered. Betts was taken into custody just after 10:00 a.m., Tuesday morning.

Betts, of 325 Palmetto Avenue, is charged with 18 counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. She remains in custody today without bond.

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Donna Betts