Osceola County Sheriff's Office

Another successful Active Shooter Training was conducted yesterday at Northbridge University in Kissimmee, bringing important preparedness training to staff and faculty. The session covered the Run, Hide, Fight response protocol and included hands-on instruction on tourniquet application and basic defensive techniques for emergency situations. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with schools, universities, and community partners to provide this training at no cost, supporting safer environments across Osceola County. Organizations interested in scheduling a presentation can contact our Community Services Division at 407 348 1190.

Impaired driving destroys lives in an instant. One reckless decision behind the wheel can leave lasting consequences for victims, families, and entire communities. In April, deputies with the Traffic Unit at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36 impaired drivers. Every DUI investigation requires hours of detailed work, but every arrest also represents a potential tragedy prevented and another step toward safer roadways. As part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, and in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving Central Florida, Sheriff Christopher A. Blackmon commends our Traffic Unit and all deputies who remain committed to protecting our community through proactive enforcement and education. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your quick action could save a life.

During National Police Week, a team from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office is participating in the Law Enforcement United 2026 Road To Hope in Washington, D.C., alongside law enforcement officers from across the country. Their mission is to raise awareness of officers who have fallen in the line of duty, honor their sacrifice, and support their families. As they travel to the nation’s capital, we join in expressing remembrance, gratitude, and steadfast support for the law enforcement community.

🚨 MISSING ADULT – PLEASE SHARE 🚨 The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office asks for the community’s help locating a missing person. Name: Akop Kafkadzhyan Age: 41 DOB: 10/23/1984 Sex: Male Race: White Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Height: 5′08″ Weight: 160 Missing From: Missing from the vicinity of Castleford Way, Kissimmee. If you have any information on this person’s whereabouts, don’t hesitate to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222 or dial 911 immediately. osceolasheriff.org/akop-kafkadzhy…

As May is recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, our SMART Basic Course highlights the importance of proper training in building safer habits and stronger rider awareness. This past Saturday, another SMART Basic Course was successfully completed. The SMART Basic Course shows how hands-on training helps riders build control skills and confidence. Participants worked with our Motor Unit on key techniques that improve balance, braking, turning, and overall awareness, all essential for safer riding. If you’re interested in becoming a safer, more confident rider, we encourage you to visit our events page to view upcoming SMART Basic and SMART Advanced course dates: osceolasheriff.org/events/ About the course: osceolasheriff.org/s-m-a-r-t-moto… We remain committed to providing training opportunities that improve rider skills and help make our roads safer throughout our community.

📣 Proud Announcement from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office! 🚔 Today, Sheriff Christopher Blackmon had the privilege of swearing in Devarjaye “D.J.” Daniel as an Honorary Deputy Sheriff with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. DJ, a courageous 14-year-old from Texas who has been bravely battling brain and spinal cancer since 2018, continues to inspire the nation with his strength, resilience, and lifelong dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. Despite facing unimaginable challenges—including multiple surgeries, he has turned his journey into one of hope, determination, and service. We join hundreds of other agencies across the country in welcoming Deputy DJ to the team. His positive spirit and unwavering dedication remind us all what true heroism looks like. Welcome to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office family, Deputy Daniel! Thank you to DJ and his father, Theodis, for allowing us to be part of this special moment. Your courage lifts up our entire community and every first responder who stands with you.

A dedicated team of Osceola County Sheriff’s Office deputies is preparing to join law enforcement officers from across Central Florida for the Road to Hope bicycle ride. This journey, held during National Police Week in Washington, D.C., honors fallen officers and provides vital support to the families they leave behind. Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office were proud to present a donation to support the team’s meaningful mission. We also extend a special thank you to Commissioners Viviana Janer and Cheryl Grieb for their generous contributions and steadfast support. Every donation ensures we continue to honor the fallen and care for the survivors.

It was a privilege for Sheriff Christopher Blackmon to address safety partners from across the state at the 3rd Annual Central Florida Safety Summit. This event brings together safety partners from across the state to share strategies and support the "Target Zero" mission to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. At the summit, the Sheriff reaffirmed our agency’s commitment to the Central Florida Safety Strategic Plan. This collaborative plan focuses on safer street engineering, public education, and proactive enforcement. Since July 1, 2025, Osceola County deputies have arrested 384 impaired drivers. Each arrest represents a potential tragedy prevented and a life saved in our community. Safety is our daily mission. Let’s remain vigilant and keep Osceola safe.

Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office congratulate Major Alejandro Guevara on graduating from the 155th Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute. We are proud of Major Guevara’s achievement and his ongoing commitment to leadership, professionalism, integrity, and service to Osceola County. Completing this prestigious program demonstrates the dedication and character essential to effective law enforcement leadership. Major Guevara was one of 43 law enforcement professionals from 39 agencies in 17 states selected for this nationally recognized executive leadership program. Congratulations, Major Guevara, on this outstanding achievement and important milestone in your law enforcement career.

Earlier today, Sheriff Blackmon and deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office delivered 35 fresh watermelons to the Osceola Council on Aging. This donation is part of an ongoing effort to support local seniors and help ensure they continue to have access to fresh, healthy food options. Special thanks to Mick Farms for their support in making this delivery possible.

Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, together with members of the community, faith leaders, and law enforcement partners, came together yesterday for the National Day of Prayer. Local faith leaders led a time of reflection and prayer, bringing everyone into a shared moment focused on unity, service, and community support. We appreciate everyone who participated and helped make the event meaningful.

Homicide Investigation Arrest On May 6, 2026, at approximately 8:40 PM, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2691 Chatham Circle in Kissimmee, Florida, in reference to a shooting incident. Upon arrival, a male individual, later identified as Orlando Jose Canizales, was located with a gunshot wound. Mr. Canizales was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Through the investigative efforts of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit, it was determined that Mr. Canizales was shot by his friend, Carlos Garcia, while Mr. Garcia was mishandling the loaded weapon. Based on the circumstances of the case, Mr. Garcia was arrested and charged with manslaughter with a firearm and was booked into the Osceola County Jail. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to serving our community and increasing public safety. There have been other unrelated homicides in this area and anyone with information related to these cases or any other similar incidents, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 348-2222.

SEXUAL PREDATOR COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION Name: CHARLES WILLIAM MCSHANE osceolasheriff.org/charles-willia…

Sheriff Christopher A. Blackmon spoke this morning about the growing dangers posed by illegal house parties in our community, following multiple recent incidents investigated by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. In recent weeks, detectives have investigated shootings linked to illegal house parties, including two homicides involving teenagers and another incident where a 17-year-old was shot. They have also arrested several individuals accused of promoting and organizing these gatherings. Yesterday, 19-year-old Jeremiah Kelly-Alexander Richmond, of Kissimmee, was arrested by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit and the U.S. Marshals on charges including contributing to the delinquency of a minor and tampering with evidence. Detectives found Richmond promoted and ran two illegal open house parties linked to separate homicide investigations involving 17-year-old Qvarious McCloud and Daesean Anthony Moctezuma. Over the weekend, 18-year-olds Katty Francois and Neika St. Louis, both of Orlando, were arrested for promoting and running an illegal open house party and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Deputies responded to a large party on Thunderbird Road in Kissimmee, where a shooting occurred. A 19-year-old male, Robert David White, of Orlando, was also arrested on drug and weapons charges related to that investigation. Sheriff Blackmon also addressed the upcoming Rolling Loud weekend in Central Florida. In partnership with the Florida Highway Patrol, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office will increase law enforcement presence throughout the tourist corridor, especially in areas with many short-term vacation homes. This aims to deter illegal parties, criminal activity, and violence. These are not harmless parties. They create dangerous environments involving underage drinking, firearms, violence, and criminal activity that put lives at risk. The Sheriff also emphasized the critical role parents play in keeping young people safe by knowing where their children are and who they are with, and by maintaining an active presence in their lives. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively investigate those responsible for organizing and promoting illegal house parties and hold offenders accountable. Anyone with information related to these investigations is encouraged to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline.

Join Us Live at 10:30 AM Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office will host a press conference today at 10:30 AM regarding recent arrests connected to illegal parties at vacation rental properties in Osceola County. facebook.com/osceolasheriff

Happy Cinco de Mayo! As you celebrate today, we hope you have a great time and stay safe. If you plan to drink, make sure to choose a sober driver or use a rideshare service. Please don’t drink and drive. Let’s make today safe, fun, and memorable for all the right reasons.

The Force is strong with Deputy SRO C. Mitchell. From a starfighter-style desk to Darth Vader standing guard, his office is fully mission-ready. Students walk in for support and leave feeling like they just stepped into a galaxy far, far away. Protecting the campus, one Jedi move at a time. May the 4th be with you.

The threat is real, even if it seems like something out of a galaxy far, far away. Scammers—real-life scoundrels—are using texts, calls, and emails to try to steal your information. Our deputies are working on it, but your awareness is still the best defense. Stay alert. Don’t respond to suspicious messages. Always check before you act. Keep your information safe. Guard your credits. May the 4th be with you.