FAQs DOUGHERTY CASE

Information Released to the Press & Public

Regarding the Attempted Homicide of a Law Enforcement Officer Case #11-46436

Shooting occurred at 7:12 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2011

(Last Updated: August 12, 2011 10:31 a.m.)

New Information: 

Pasco Sheriff’s Office has released the Ryan Dougherty warrants.  See attached file:

https://www.mediaalert.com/listings/Person.aspx?id=34292

The PSO continues to investigate the shooting that occurred in Pasco County on August 2, 2011.  At this time, no additional warrants have been issued for the Dougherty’s.  The PSO is working closely with the FBI,  Zephyrhills Police Department, Pasco/Pinellas State Attorney’s Office and other agencies to determine what additional charges may be filed.

Traffic Stop:  Officer Kevin Widner, a six-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department went in pursuit of a white four-door vehicle. 

• The pursuit traveled in a westward direction on State Road 54 from the Zephyrhills city limits into Pasco County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction.    
• As the vehicle approached Allen Road, one of the occupants of the suspect vehicle fired numerous rounds from a firearm. 
• The pursuit continued west bound and when they reached Morris Bridge Road, the suspect vehicle drove through the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy on the southeast corner.  The officer followed the car through the parking lot.  At the south entrance to the parking lot one of the occupants of the suspect vehicle shot one of the tires of the patrol car. 
• The pursuit continued south on Morris Bridge Road and then turned west on Chancey Road.  The officer’s vehicle became disabled from a flat tire (it was later discovered one round went into the tire, deflating the front left tire.)  The suspect vehicle was last seen heading north bound on Oakwood Drive.
• The pursuit went five miles in length and reached speeds up to 100 miles per hour.
• There were no injuries to any law enforcement officer during the pursuit.
• According to Zephyrhills Police Chief,  David Shears, the speed limit where the initial traffic stop occurred was 30 miles per hour on 6th Street.  The suspect vehicle was clocked at 45 miles per hour.
• On August 8, 2011 a redacted version of the pursuit was released.  The redacted version was made at the request of Zephyrhills Police Department so they could complete their pursuit investigation. 

Suspect Vehicle:  2006 white Subaru Impreza, New York tag, F B E  5900, this vehicle is identified as Ryan Edward Dougherty’s vehicle.  The New York Plates Style:  Orange background, blue stripes and white lettering.

The following is an example of what the suspect vehicle looks like (not actual vehicle) https://www.media-alert.com/listings/Person.aspx?Id=34127

Suspects:   (3)  Three individuals are wanted for questioning related to the shooting,  Ryan Edward Dougherty, Dylan Dougherty Stanley, and Lee Grace E. Dougherty.  All three are siblings and Dylan is their half brother/sister.   Previously, the PSO believed Dylan was a half-brother/sister but now have confirmed he is a full brother to Ryan Dougherty and to Lee Grace. Dylan was adopted thus the last name Stanley.

RYAN EDWARD DOUGHERTY: 
Physical Description:  White male, age 21, height  5’ 10”, 180 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes.
Criminal Background: 14 felony arrests including:

• Sending Minor Harmful Information (2 counts) Sentenced on August 1, 2011
• Lewd and Lascivious (04/21/10)
• Obscenity (04/21/10)
• Probation Violation (05/20/08)
• Burglary -- Principal (05/10/08)
• Hit and Run (05/10/08)
• Destroying Evidence (01/25/08)
• Probation Violation (01/25/08)
• Burglary -- Principal (09/25/07)
• Felon in Possession of a Weapon (09/25/07)
• Destroying Evidence (09/08/07)
• Drug Possession (09/08/07)
• Burglary – Principal (06/30/07)
• Ryan’s girlfriend (unnamed) was living with the two brothers in Lacoochee, Florida. PSO has learned she has since moved out of the home.
• On Friday, August 05, 2011 Pasco Sheriff’s Office filed a warrant on Ryan for Grand Theft of his girlfriend’s car after failing to return it to her. 
• On Monday, August 8, 2011, Pasco Sheriff’s Office will seek a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender in Pasco County.
• Outstanding warrant for violation of probation (Volusia County)
•  Last known address: Renting at 21452 Oak Park Road, Lacoochee, Fl.
• Ryan’s girlfriend (unnamed) who owned the suspect vehicle said all three suspects listed above left in  her car from Lacoochee, Florida Tuesday morning, August 2.  

Florida DMV photo:

DYLAN DOUGHERTY STANLEY:
Physical Description:  White male, age 26, height 6’ 1”, 185 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes.
Criminal Background:  Possession of Marijuana.
Last Known Address:  Dylan Dougherty Stanley and his brother Ryan Edward Dougherty have been living at a Lacoochee, Florida home in Pasco County for the past three years.  Last known address: Renting at 21452 Oak Park Road, Lacoochee, Fl.

Florida DMV photo:

LEE GRACE E. DOUGHERTY:
Physical Description:  White female, age 29, height 5’ 4”, 120 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes.
Criminal Background:  5 felonies, 6 misdemeanor charges. On May 17, 2011 she had a Hit and Run charge that is currently pending.  Out of the five felonies three are pending: Hit and Run, Hit & Run (facility) Hit and Run (battery) out of Cocoa Beach, Florida.  Other charges include:  Probation Violation (Brevard), Aggravated Battery and Simple Battery. 

• Lee Grace Dougherty was living with her boyfriend (unidentified) in the Orlando area prior to August 1, 2011.  She had been staying in Lacoochee, Florida since August 1, 2011.

Florida DMV photo:

Miscellaneous Dougherty Family Information:

• Father of Dougherty siblings is deceased.
• On February 1, 2011 Pasco Sheriff’s Office along with an undisclosed federal agency went out to a residence at 7142 Berry Road, Zephyrhills. Law Enforcement received a tip of criminal activity of possible underground room, there was not enough evidence for an arrest, nobody was home.  Ryan and Dylan Dougherty are listed as living at the address.
• Last known address: 21452 Oak Park Road, Lacoochee, Fl
• Pasco Sheriff’s Office has a report 11-6790 identifying Ryan and Dylan Dougherty as having stayed at 7124 Berry Road,  Zephyrhills.  The report was taken on February 1, 2011 where underground storage units had been buried in what appeared to be a marijuana growing operation.  There was no evidence to make an arrest in the case.
• The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is not releasing details about the whereabouts of the Dougherty mother or family. 

REWARD:

• Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay added the case to their program making anyone who contacts Crimestoppers eligible for a reward.    http://www.crimestopperstb.com/unsolved.aspx

Who do I call to report information about the Doughertys?

• If you see believe you have seen any of the Dougherty’s DO NOT APPROACH.  Call 911.
• If you want to report tips in the case call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
• For Tips to the Pasco  Sheriff’s Office call 1-800-706-2488.
• Pasco Sheriff’s Office communications:  727-844-7711.
• Tips: pascosheriff.com (look for the TIPS icon)

Miscellaneous Information:

• The GPS Ryan Dougherty was issued put him in the approximate area at the time and place of the Zephyrhills shooting and attempted murder of a Zephyrhills Police Officer.
• Based on statements, evidence at the scene and GPS monitoring the three individuals are wanted for questioning in connection to the shooting.
• Ryan’s GPS ankle bracelet was cut off at 6:59 a.m. on August 2.  The shooting occurred at 7:12 a.m.
• Witnesses saw at least two people in the suspect vehicle at the time of the shooting.
• All three siblings are full brother and sister,  Dylan was adopted.
• According to a witness, the following quote was told to a detective as a statement Ryan Dougherty had mentioned to his mother, “There’s a time for all of us to die.” This statement was allegedly made after his sentencing on August 1, 2011.
• 20, multiple high-caliber shell-casings were found at the scene of the shooting.  ATF took possession of the casings to give to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for processing.
• The suspects did not have any criminal arrests in Pasco County prior to the shooting.
• Dougherty suspects are suspected of having an “arsenal” of weapons with them, USE EXTREME CAUTION.
• Ryan is believed to have purchased an AK47 two years ago at a Zephyrhills, Florida pawnshop.
• Dylan is believed to be the owner of most of the weapons in their possession.
• SHELL CASINGS FOUND AT TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:  “There is no evidence to support that these are related to the shooting in Pasco County at this time. 
• The Pasco Sheriff’s Office along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Tampa International Airport Police Department and our federal partners continue to investigate the matter.
• TIA Police Dept. has told the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the trash was checked at 4 a.m. on August 3, 2011.  Weapons parts were found at 7:25 a.m. on August 3, 2011. 

Timeline:

Monday, August 1, 2011:

• Ryan Edward Dougherty is sentenced in Volusia County, Florida on two counts of Sending Minor Harmful Information, two felonies.
• Sentence:  Two years of community control monitoring and 10 years probation.
• Probation transferred to Tampa, Florida

 

Tuesday, August 2, 2011: 

• 6:30 a.m. Witness says all three suspects leave in white four door vehicle from their home in Lacoochee.
• 6:59 a.m.  Ryan Edward Dougherty’s g.p.s. monitoring bracelet is cut near Zephyrhills, Florida.
• 7:11 a.m. Radar has the suspect vehicle going 45 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone on 6th Street in Zephyrhills City limits. 
• 7:12 a.m.   Zephyrhills Police Department conducts pursuit of suspect vehicle.
• 10:30 a.m.  Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Zephyrhills Police Chief, David Shears hold first joint press conference.  They tell press results of preliminary investigation into the shooting and release suspect vehicle photo from the dash cam of the patrol car involved in the pursuit. 
• 12:19 p.m.  Bank robbery occurs in Valdosta, Georgia. Suspects are similar to Pasco County shooting suspects.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011:

• 11:00 a.m. Pasco  Sheriff Chris Nocco, Zephyrhills Police Chief, David Shears, and detectives from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office participate in joint press conference identifying three listed individuals as person’s of interest in the Zephyrhills shooting.

Thursday, August 4, 2011:

• Noon:  Florida Outdoor Advertising Association starts a billboard campaign showing suspects on billboards throughout the state of Florida.
• 5 p.m.   105 billboards posted statewide warning citizens and law enforcement agencies of the three individuals identified, to use extreme caution and call police if they are located.
  https://www.media-alert.com/listings/Person.aspx?id=34154
• 6 p.m.  Federal Bureau of Investigation releases press release stating the suspects in the Zephyrhills shooting are the same suspects in a Valdosta, Georgia bank robbery.
• Sheriff Chris Nocco and Zephyrhills Police Chief, David Shears release joint statement about the FBI joining the investigation.
  http://www.pascosheriff.com/websmart/pasco/releases/11-30.pdf

Friday, August 5, 2011:

• FBI activates the Outdoor Advertising Association of America’s (OAAA) national law enforcement alert system for the southeast region.  A new billboard is produced by the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) and billboards go up throughout the southeast including:  Florida,  Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and New York. See photo below:
  
• Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay added the case to their program making anyone who contacts Crimestoppers eligible for a reward.    http://www.crimestopperstb.com/unsolved.aspx
• National News organizations start reporting on the Dougherty family. 

Saturday, August 6, 2011:

• Sheriff Chris Nocco appears on Fox TV’s Judge Jeanine Pirro Show to make public and law enforcement officer’s aware of the danger to the public with the suspects on the run.

Monday, August 08, 2011:

• Pasco Sheriff’s Office and Zephyrhills Police Department jointly release 3 minutes of a nearly seven minute video of the pursuit.  The video is available at the following link:
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFkEe1Q5zG0
• The Officer in the video is identified as Kevin Widner, a six-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department.

 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011:

• Sheriff Chris Nocco goes on national television (Good Morning America, CBS The Early Show, Inside Edition, CNN and Fox News) to talk about the danger of the suspects, after the videotape of the initial traffic stop had been released.
• On Tuesday, August 9, 2011, The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released the following statement:

  At about 1:30 p.m. (mountain time) the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) received a report that people were spotted in the area of Woodmen and I-25 that matched the description of the Dougherty siblings that began a crime spree in Florida. The trio has been connected to crimes in Florida and Georgia where they allegedly fired shots at an officer that tried to stop the vehicle.
  
  It is unknown if the people spotted in the area of Woodmen and I-25 are the Dougherty suspects, but we (FBI) are encouraging all residents to be on the lookout and implore residents to exercise extreme caution and to not approach the suspects if seen. The Dougherty suspects should be considered armed and very dangerous.
  
  The individuals from the area of Woodmen and I-25 were last seen driving a small white vehicle with Texas license plates LCS 909. Those plates have been reported stolen out of Texas. The vehicle may have different plates by now.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011:

• The Dougherty’s, Ryan, Lee Grace and Dylan are captured in Colorado on August 10, 2011.  The Colorado State Patrol releases this statement:
• COLORADO STATE PATROL AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPREHEND FLORIDA FUGITIVES
•  On 08/10/11 approximately 9:02 a.m. (Mountain)  Colorado State Troopers received a tip from a citizen that the three sibling fugitives from Florida were in the area of Colorado City.  After a short pursuit all three fugitives were apprehended.
•  The vehicle was spotted at a camp ground on Hwy 165 near Colorado City.  When the Deputies arrived the vehicle had left the camp ground.  A Pueblo County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the vehicle at a gas station near exit 74 on I-25.  The Colorado State Patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop at this location.  The suspect vehicle failed to yield to law enforcement and a pursuit ensued.  Preliminary investigation determined that shots were fired from the suspect’s vehicle at troopers during the pursuit.  The vehicle crashed shortly after Colorado State Troopers deployed stop sticks on southbound I-25 at mile marker 52, near Walsenburg.  Two suspects, one male and one female were apprehended by Huerfano County Sheriff’s Deputies and Walsenburg Police Department Officers shortly after the crash.  The third male suspect fled on foot and was apprehended by CSP a short time later in Walsenburg. 
•  The three in custody have been identified as:
• Lee Grace Dougherty 5/29/82
• Dylan Dougherty 02/26/85
• Ryan Dougherty 08/21/89
• No officers were injured during this incident. 
• 2  p.m. (Eastern) Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Zephyrhills Police Chief David Shears hold joint press conference reacting to the capture of the Dougherty’s.

http://www.youtube.com/user/pascosheriff?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/-81UKzcbfrM

Thursday, August 11, 2011:

• Ryan, Lee Grace and Dylan Dougherty appear in a Pueblo County, Colorado Courtroom. Bail is set at $1.25 million for each defendant.

Friday, August 12, 2011:

• Pasco Sheriff’s Office releases copies of the Ryan Dougherty warrants for Grand Theft of his girlfriend’s car and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

https://www.mediaalert.com/listings/Person.aspx?id=34292
 

Pronunciations for non-local media:
Sheriff Chris Nocco  (knock-oh)
Zephyrhills  (zeff-er-hills)
Pasco (Pa-skoh)
Lacoochee (la-koo-chee)
Dougherty –  The family tells the PSO’s their last name, Dougherty, is pronounced, DOCK-ER-TY.
 
Media Contact Information:  See the “online resources” section at www.pascosheriff.com. Look for the “Media Information” drop down.

Suspect vehicle information released in Zephyrhills Shooting

PSO and Zephyrhills Police Department hold joint press conference

DADE CITY –   The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) and Zephyrhills Police Department held a joint press conference this morning to release details of a suspect vehicle in connection with the investigation of an attempted homicide of a Zephyrhills Police Officer early this morning.

The vehicle that fled from police is described as a 2006 white Subaru Impreza, New York tag, F B E  5900.   Anyone with information about this vehicle is asked to contact the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Zephyrhills Police Department or local authorities.

The public is urged not to approach this vehicle as the occupants are considered armed and dangerous.

The vehicle was involved in a shooting where multiple gunshots were fired at the police officer.  There were no injuries reported in the shooting and at least one round hit the front tire of the officer’s patrol car.

Names released of those wanted for questioning related to Zephyrhills shooting

Three suspects from Pasco County identified

DADE CITY –   The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) and Zephyrhills Police Department held a joint press conference on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 to announce those wanted for questioning related to the attempted murder of a Zephyrhills Police Officer on Tuesday morning.

The Zephyrhills Police Department was in pursuit of a 4-door, white vehicle on August 2, 2011 at 7:12 a.m.   The suspects in the vehicle began to shoot at the patrol officer and disabled the cruiser. Multiple calibers shell casings were located.

The suspect vehicle is being described as a 2006 white Subaru Impreza with New York tag FBE5900. These individuals are persons of interest and should be considered Armed and Dangerous.

They are identified as Ryan Edward Dougherty, white male dob 8.21.1959, 5-feet 10, 180 pounds, brown hair and brown eyes. (See photos below)

Dylan Dougherty Stanley, white male, dob 2.26.85, 6-foot one, 185 pounds, brown hair, blue  eyes. 

Lee Grace E. Dougherty, white female dob 5.29.82, 5-foot, 4-inches tall, 120 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes.

Photos of suspects and the suspect vehicle below:

August 04, 2011

For Immediate Release

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Atlanta – Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, in conjunction with Police Chief Charles F. Simons, Valdosta Police Department, provides the following information concerning the August 2, 2011 armed robbery of the Certus Bank, located at 460 Norman Drive, Valdosta, Georgia:

On 08/04/2011, the United States Magistrate, Middle District of Georgia, Macon, Georgia, issued warrants for the arrest of Ryan Edward Dougherty, Stanley Dylan Dougherty and Grace Lee E. Dougherty for the crime of armed bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, Section 2113  (a) and (d).

These subjects should be considered armed and dangerous.

These individuals were last seen operating a white, 4 door,  2006 Subaru Impreza, bearing New York license tag “FBE 5900”.

On August 2, 2011 at approximately 12:24 p.m., the Valdosta Police Department along with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Remerton Police Department, responded to an armed robbery at Certus Bank, 460 Norman Drive. Officers arrived on scene and were advised that three individuals, dressed in black with masks, entered the bank through the front entrance. The suspects are believed to be 2 white males and 1 white female. As the robbers entered the bank, shots were fired towards the ceiling and everyone in the bank was instructed to get down. At least two of the robbers brandished weapons, one described as being an AK-47 type assault rifle and the other appearing to be a machine pistol, while other robber obtained an undisclosed amount of money.  All three robbers then departed the bank and were observed departing in an older model white, 4 door sedan. Detectives from the Valdosta Police Department, Crime Scene Technicians from the Valdosta-Lowndes County Crime Laboratory, and the FBI responded to the scene to investigate.

It should be noted that these individuals are also suspects in the attempted murder of a Zephyrhills, Florida police officer earlier that same day.  On August 2, 2011, at 7:00 a.m., a patrol officer for that department was in pursuit of a four door white vehicle.  The suspects in the vehicle began to shoot at the patrol officer and subsequently disabled the patrol vehicle.  Multiple calibers were used in that shooting.  The suspect vehicle was described as being a 2006 white Subaru Impreza, New York license plate FBE5900.

The subjects, all siblings, are described as follows:

Name: Ryan Edward Dougherty, w/m, age 21, 5’10” height, 180 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes.

Name: Dylan Dougherty Stanley, w/m, age 26, 6’1” height, 185 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes.

Name: Lee Grace E. Dougherty, w/f, age 29, 5’4” height, 120 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes.

Anyone having any further information regarding this matter should contact the FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000 or the Valdosta Police Department at 229-293-3145 or can remain anonymous by calling tel. 229-293-3091.

Florida Outdoor Billboard Association joins search for suspects

More than 100 billboards statewide

NEW PORT RICHEY –   The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO), Zephyrhills Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would like to thank the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) for assisting us in getting the word out about the suspects wanted in the attempted murder of a  Zephyrhills Police Officer on Tuesday, August 2.

On Thursday morning the FOAA asked its members to include a billboard with the suspect's photos and urged the public to call 911 if they see the suspects.  The FOAA has already received confirmation the billboards are running in Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Pensacola.

More than 100 billboards have been dedicated to this effort in the state of Florida.

An example of one of the billboards:

Joint Statement: PSO and Zephyrhills Police Department

Welcomes additional resources of the FBI into the investigation

NEW PORT RICHEY –   The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) and the Zephyrhills Police Department released the following statement to the media in reaction to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assisting with the Zephyrhills attempted homicide of a police officer case.

------------------------------

  JOINT STATEMENT FROM PASCO SHERIFF CHRIS NOCCO AND

ZEPHRYHILLS POLICE CHIEF DAVID SHEARS

"The Pasco Sheriff's Office and Zephyrhills Police Department have gained another lead in hunting down these criminals. We welcome the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the ATF into bringing these suspects to justice.

"We hope for a peaceful resolution and the suspects turn themselves in, but understand that these fugitives are on a violent mission and must be stopped by any means possible before they harm another innocent person or a law enforcement officer.”

Billboard campaign search for suspects goes regional

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) adds additional resources

NEW PORT RICHEY –   The Pasco Sheriff’s Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and the Zephyrhills Police Department welcome the new billboards produced by the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association (FOAA) that went up across the southeast today.

When the FBI became involved in assisting our agencies, that allowed for the billboard campaign to be expanded into other states including:  Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and New York.

Attached is a picture of the new artwork that is now up on the FOAA billboard network.

The FBI elected to activate the Outdoor Advertising Association of America's (OAAA) national law enforcement alert system for the southeast region.    FOAA tells the Pasco Sheriff's Office they are now working in conjunction with OAAA on this alert activation.

PSO releases details about suspect’s license plate

Media urged to use correct version of New York Plate

NEW PORT RICHEY –   The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) is urging media outlets to utilize the correct version of the suspect's license plate.   It has come to our attention that many media outlets are using the old style blue New York license plate. 

The suspect vehicle wanted in connect with the Zephyrhills shooting had a newer style New York plate.  That plate has orange background, blue stripe and blue lettering. 

Example:

Media statement from Sheriff Chris Nocco

NEW PORT RICHEY –   "Although we continue to seek a peaceful resolution, the actions of the Dougherty family prove this will end otherwise.  I ask that everyone pray for the law enforcement officers who will eventually engage these suspects for they will have to do everything possible to ensure that the Dougherty's violent rampage comes to an end." 

New warrant issued for Ryan Dougherty

NEW PORT RICHEY –   The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has obtained a warrant for the arrest of Ryan Edward Dougherty for grand theft auto.  The PSO received a complaint from Ryan Edward Dougherty's girlfriend who we have not identified. 

The arrest warrant was filed in Pasco county and is for Grand Theft Auto.

Ryan Dougherty’s girlfriend said she loaned the car to Ryan and when he did not return the vehicle she filed a complaint.

Sheriff Chris Nocco also plans to seek an additional warrant next week on Ryan Dougherty for failure to register as a sexual offender in Pasco County.