I-Team: One year after officers murdered, law enforcement aims at felons with guns

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - January 24, 2012 marks the one year anniversary of the shooting deaths of St. Petersburg Police Officer Jeff Yaslowitz and Sergeant Thomas Baitinger.

They were shot and killed while trying to apprehend a fugitive hiding in an attic. The fugitive was Hydra Lacy, a convicted felon in possession of a gun legally purchased by his wife. The murders highlighted how easy it is for felons to get their hands on firearms.

Of all the shooting deaths of Tampa Bay officers in the last 5 years, 6 of the 9 murders were committed by felons who should never have had guns in the first place. Law enforcement agencies have recognized that, and they are taking action.

In November of 2010, Karey Taylor was recorded by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives during a gun and drug deal.

“Check this out,” Taylor says in the video. Detectives say he handed over a .25 caliber semi-automatic weapon hidden in a sock.

Taylor even jokes about the weapon.

“That’s something, you’re going to hit (someone), you’re going to think a firecracker went off,” Taylor said.

Taylor was arrested after the deal.  This was the 26th time he’d been arrested. His case highlights the issue of criminals receiving short sentences, earning release after a few days or months, and getting their hands on guns.

After so many recent tragedies, the families of slain officers pleaded for a solution last year.  “It just seems it’s out of control. So whatever we can do, the general public, whatever we do, we’ve got to stand behind our law enforcement officers,” said Sandy Kocab, mother of slain Tampa Police Officer Jeffrey Kocab, in an interview in May of 2011.

Over the last 15 months, HCSO detectives have put the pressure on illegal gun sales. They’ve gotten more than 100 illegal weapons off the streets and arrested dozens of sellers like Karey Taylor. But for law enforcement, it doesn’t end there.

“We need to get them off the street and we need to get them off the street for a long time,” said Duval County Sheriff John Rutherford, speaking on behalf of the Florida Sheriffs Association.

Rutherford says the Sheriffs Association will aggressively fight for two bills that would double the penalties for violent felons arrested with guns. If passed, they would receive a 10-year minimum sentence.

“Not only will our officers be more safe, the public will be more safe,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford believes the bills will receive the support necessary to pass this year.