Florida man uses Web to snare a suspect
Driver in traffic fatality awaits trial; anonymous tipster sent e-mail
09:02 AM CDT on Saturday, May 15, 2004
TAMPA, Fla. – A business consultant who was angered when the suspect in his brother-in-law's traffic death didn't appear for trial started a Web site devoted to the suspect's capture – and it worked.
Rolando Pozo said he knew it was a long shot when he created the Web site as a diversion from the helplessness and anger he felt when suspect Carlos Giddings failed to appear in court for his trial. But recently, Mr. Pozo received an e-mail telling him where Mr. Giddings could be found. Hours later, Mr. Giddings was arrested.
"I never thought it would lead to an arrest," said Mr. Pozo, 34. "For me, I was kind of going through the motions with the Web site. Because I just had to do something, you know?"
Mr. Giddings faces vehicular homicide charges in the September death of James Robert Burton, 45. Authorities say Mr. Giddings was speeding when he hit Mr. Burton's motorcycle on Interstate 4. Mr. Burton was married to the sister of Mr. Pozo's wife.
Mr. Giddings is being held without bail and faces additional charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, possessing cocaine and driving with a suspended license in a case involving death.
Mr. Pozo is the owner of a business consulting firm that often makes Web sites for clients. He posted pictures and descriptions of Mr. Giddings and photos of people who might know where he was.
Mr. Pozo's efforts were featured on local television news. He woke up the next day to find an anonymous e-mail that said authorities could find Mr. Giddings at a particular house in neighboring Clearwater. Mr. Pozo gave the information to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Trooper Larry Coggins, spokesman for the FHP, said that when troopers arrived at the house where Mr. Giddings was hiding, the adults there said they knew nothing.
"Then the trooper saw a small child inside, and he asked where Carlos was," Trooper Coggins said. "Kids don't lie. He pointed down the hall, and sure enough, Carlos was trying to go out a window. ...
"Between law enforcement, technology and a good-hearted person from the community coming forward, we made this happen."
Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/051604dnnatwebarrestdog.4379c.html
