KISSIMMEE, FL. – Osceola County Sheriff’s Office shut down two illegal house parties over the Independence Day holiday weekend, resulting in six arrests, including a 16-year-old who deputies say was found carrying a handgun.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the first party occurred on July 4 at a VRBO rental home located at 5115 Crown Haven Road in Kissimmee. Deputies responded after the property’s manager reported an illegal open house party. Investigators said at least 20 people were inside the home, violating the rental agreement.
During the investigation, deputies arrested a 16-year-old male who was allegedly in possession of a handgun and multiple hollow-point bullets. Authorities also arrested Efrain Manases Martinez, 20, on charges of possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail.
The second party took place around 1:52 a.m. on July 5 at 1847 Harbor Road in Kissimmee after deputies responded to a 911 hang-up call. When deputies arrived, they found what appeared to be another illegal open house party. Several attendees reportedly ran into nearby woods in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. Deputies said multiple people appeared to be impaired and that most of those at the party were under the legal drinking age of 21.
Four people were arrested at the second location. David Mateo Canas-Romero, Alejandro Quintero-Escalante, and Jose Miguel Oraa-Perez were each charged with resisting an officer without violence. Diego Abraham Ledezma-Otto, 20, was arrested and charged with promoting an open house party.
Sheriff Chris Blackmon said his office is following through on its commitment to crack down on illegal house parties. The Sheriff’s Office also said it has been working with Airbnb following recent meetings aimed at preventing unauthorized parties at short-term rental properties.
Authorities are encouraging residents to report suspected illegal open house parties to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
SOURCE: OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
