Florida Man Arrested for 647 911 Calls: Neighbors in Terror!

Volusia County, Florida, USA - In a concerning display of obsession and disregard for community peace, a 72-year-old man from Florida, Samuel Lee Thomas, was arrested for stalking and filing false claims after a staggering 647 calls to 911 in just 2023. This isn’t just a one-off incident; Thomas managed to make over 3,400 calls to the emergency services within the first five months alone. His repeated calls included a particularly alarming report about gunfire, which turned out to be nothing more than a family barbecue. Neighbors reported that Thomas often yelled obscenities at them, contributing to a climate of fear and tension in the community.

One of Thomas’s neighbors even considered pressing charges but hesitated, fearing that it could escalate the situation. The growing concern culminated in police involvement, leading to Thomas being charged with stalking, a false report of a crime, and resisting arrest following a confrontation with deputies. His criminal history isn’t light either; it includes multiple charges related to battery, DUI, and even bad checks. Clearly, Thomas exhibits troubling behavior that raises issues about public safety and mental health intervention.

Another Case of Stalking

Meanwhile, another case of disturbing behavior emerged in Florida, this time involving 20-year-old Jalen Vallejos. Arrested for aggravated stalking, Vallejos admitted to secretly watching his ex-girlfriend sleep for the past six to eight months. Caught prowling in a Volusia County neighborhood, he was found dressed in a ski mask and dark clothing, equipped with gloves, a knife, and lock-picking tools.

What’s more shocking is Vallejos’s admission about his intentions. When questioned by deputies, he initially claimed he was dealing with insomnia but later expressed uncertainty about his behavior, acknowledging it might escalate. The young man even confessed to vandalizing his ex-girlfriend’s home in April, and his backpack contained tools potentially intended for breaking and entering. Currently, Vallejos is being held without bond in the Volusia County jail, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.

Domestic Violence Context

These incidents of stalking are alarming reminders of a broader issue—domestic violence in Florida. In 2020 alone, the state reported a staggering 106,515 crimes of domestic violence, resulting in over 63,000 arrests. Numerous victims do not report their abusers for various reasons, including fear and stigma, leading to significant underreporting of the actual extent of these crimes.

Florida’s certified domestic violence centers provided essential services during the fiscal year 2020-21, offering emergency shelter to thousands and handling over 72,000 hotline calls for help. However, the need for awareness and prevention remains crucial. Many survivors face overwhelming barriers when seeking help, making it all the more important for communities to foster a supportive environment.

Both Thomas’s and Vallejos’s actions throw a spotlight on the need for increased vigilance and intervention in such behaviors. As a community, we must remain alert and supportive, understanding that behind these alarming headlines lie serious issues affecting the safety and well-being of our neighbors.

For further details on Samuel Lee Thomas’s case, visit Rock 929. To learn more about Jalen Vallejos’s alarming behavior, read the full story on Fox 35 Orlando. Additionally, to understand the statistics and support available for domestic violence victims, check out the resources on My Florida Families.