Urgent: Community Help Needed to Locate Dangerous Trafficking Suspect in Kissimmee Area
If you’ve been around Kissimmee lately, your awareness could make a crucial difference in public safety. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has issued an important alert that should be on every Melbourne and Central Florida resident’s radar.
Law enforcement is actively searching for Efren Berumen, a man wanted on serious charges of Trafficking Amphetamines. This isn’t just another routine case – authorities consider apprehending this individual a priority for community safety.
Who is Efren Berumen?
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Berumen is likely still in the Kissimmee area. He may be working as a tattoo artist, potentially using this profession to maintain a low profile while remaining in the community. Investigators believe he has relatives in the local area who might be providing support.
If you encounter him, be aware that his appearance may have changed. Reports indicate he may now have a beard, a common tactic suspects use to alter their appearance while evading law enforcement.
Why This Matters to Melbourne Residents
I know what you might be thinking – “Kissimmee is in Osceola County, why should I care about this in Melbourne?” The reality is that drug trafficking operations rarely respect county lines. With Melbourne just a short drive away, suspects often move between our communities, making this a regional safety concern.
Amphetamine trafficking brings serious consequences to our neighborhoods:
- Increased property crime rates
- Greater risk to youth exposed to dangerous substances
- Strain on local emergency services and healthcare systems
- General deterioration of community safety
How You Can Help
This is where community vigilance becomes crucial. Authorities are asking for public assistance in locating Berumen. If you patronize tattoo shops in the Kissimmee area or have connections to the tattoo artist community, you might have encountered him without realizing his background.
The Osceola Sheriff’s Office, alongside their law enforcement partners, has partnered with Crimeline to facilitate anonymous tips. This means you can provide information without personal involvement in the case.
| Reporting Options | Contact Method | Anonymity |
|---|---|---|
| Crimeline | 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) | Yes – 100% Anonymous |
| Osceola Sheriff’s Office | Non-Emergency Line | Your information will be recorded |
Safety First: Important Reminder
If you do spot Berumen, remember this crucial safety advice: do not approach him yourself. Individuals wanted for drug trafficking may be dangerous or desperate to avoid capture. Instead, immediately contact law enforcement with your information.
The safest and most effective action you can take is to observe from a distance, note details that might help authorities (location, clothing, companions, vehicle information), and promptly report through official channels.
Community Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility
This case highlights how interconnected our Central Florida communities truly are. While Melbourne and Kissimmee may seem separate, what affects one area ultimately impacts us all. Drug trafficking operations create ripple effects across county lines, affecting families, businesses, and quality of life throughout the region.
By staying aware and reporting suspicious activity, you’re not just being a good neighbor – you’re actively participating in keeping Central Florida safe for everyone.
Have You Seen Something?
Remember, even small details can make a crucial difference in cases like these. If you’ve noticed anything suspicious, don’t assume it’s insignificant or that someone else has already reported it. Your observation could be the missing piece that helps authorities locate this wanted individual.
Together, we can help make our communities safer by staying vigilant and supporting our law enforcement agencies in their important work.
Source: Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Crimeline