This just in from TJ Hart, we are still looking for additions information and will be issuing updates when we have them – Simon
Ronald Cummings, the father of a missing 5-year-old Satsuma girl, was arrested overnight and booked into the Putnam County Jail on felony charges of burglary and assault.
Stay tuned to News Talk 97.3 The Sky for udpates on this story.
Ronald Cummings is the custodial parent of HaLeigh Cummings who was abducted from her father’s home in Hermit’s Cove near Satsuma, FL February 10, 2009. Cummings was reportedly at work on the late shift at PDM in Palatka when the child was taken while in the care of Cummings’ 17-year-old babysitter-now bride, Misty Croslin-Cummings.
August 10 marks 6 months since HaLeigh was reported missing. HaLeigh’s 6th birthday is August 17.
The report by Deputy Nicole Quintiere:
“On August 5th, 2009 I was dispatched to the parking lot of the Welaka Kangaroo in reference to the report of a battery. When I arrived on scene, I met with Hank Croslin Jr and Hank Croslin Sr and also Lisa Croslin. Upon initial assessment of the situation I gathered that Hank Croslin Jr had been battered by Ronald Cummings.
Upon further investigation into the incident, I spoke with Hank Croslin Jr on his own. Hank stated that he, Lisa and Hank Sr had gotten a phone call from Misty who was crying and yelling. He said that Misty asked for them to come to her residence and pick her up because she no longer wanted to be at the residence with Ronald. In an attempt to obtain his sister, he, Lisa and Hank Sr drove to her residence on 4th Avenue. He stated that when he arrived at the residence on 4th Avenue Ronald came out and was acting crazy. He said that Ronald came out and began “swinging on him”. He said that he was hit in the head and neck several times. He said that after they got in their physical altercation, he entered his vehicle in an attempt to drive away and Ronald entered the vehicle on the passenger side and began striking him again. He said that at that time, he drove away and went to the Kangaroo in Welaka to call 911. Hank Jr completed a written statement in reference to the incident. He also signed a charging affidavit against Ronald Cummings for Burglary with Battery. Hank Jr was transported to Putnam Community Medical Center complaining of injury to his neck and head.
After speaking with Hank Jr, I spoke with Lisa Croslin. Lisa stated that she was not sure what Ronald was on but he was not in the right state of mind. She said that up until now she never knew him as being violent. She said that they had received a phone call from her daughter Misty screaming and crying. She said that she was worried about her daughter and went to the residence to check on her. She said that when they arrived on scene Ronald went crazy. She said that when they were in the driveway of the residence Ronald came to the vehicle and hit her son. Lisa completed a written sworn statement in reference to the incident.
It should be noted that Hank Sr was at the scene as well. He stated that he did not wish to complete a written or recorded statement. He said that he did not want his daughter to be mad at him so he did not want to take any action. He did state though that he was at the residence when the fight occurred. He said that Ronald went crazy on his son. He said that they arrived and Ronald came out irate. He said that Ronald hit his son several times and then was forced back into the residence. He stated that after a few more minutes Ronald came back out and initiated another fight. He said that they got into three separate physical altercations before leaving the residence to call 911. No written or recorded statement was provided. He stated that he would be willing to speak in court if a subpoena was issued for him.
After speaking with all three of those subjects, I located Ronald Cummings at 216 4th Avenue. Upon initial contact, I detained Ronald Cummings for my safety and the safety of all others at the scene. It should be noted that Ronald Cummings is usually in possession of some sort of hand gun and it was mentioned that he may have been in possession of it at the current time. Ronald was taken outside of the residence by me and Deputy Nelson. Sgt Cecil Manning stayed in the residence with Misty Croslin and Ronald’s grandmother Annette Sykes. Ronald was asked to explain what happened with Hank Croslin Jr. He stated to me that he did not wish to speak that it was his right to remain silent. At that time, I asked Deputy Nelson to stay with Ronald while I spoke with Misty and Annette.
Upon speaking with Misty she stated that she had talked to her brother on the telephone. She said that she asked him why he had been calling her residence all day. She said that he asked her if he could come over and she said no because it was too late. She said that he then made a big ordeal about not being able to see her and said he was coming over anyway. She said that when he arrived at the residence, he began a verbal altercation with Ronald. She then said that Hank Jr came at Ronald and a physical altercation began. She said that Ronald went into the residence as instructed by his grandmother. When Hank did not leave the residence Ronald came back out and another physical altercation began. Misty said that she was trying to break up the fight and got hit in the face two times by Hank Jr and her dad Hank Sr because she was in the middle of the fight.  She said that they fought for a little while longer and then her brother and mom and dad left.  Misty completed a sworn written statement in reference to the incident.
After speaking with Misty I spoke with Ronald’s grandmother Annette Sykes. Annette stated that she was in bed and heard a racket outside of her house. She said she got up and opened the door. She said she saw a group of people outside in her front yard. She said she saw three men in a crowd screaming and yelling. She realized that the men were Ronald Cummings, Hank Croslin Jr and Hank Croslin Sr. She said that they were fighting and Misty and her mother were trying to get them to stop. Misty told them to leave the residence. She said that she attempted to break up the fight and told Ronald to go into the residence and everyone else to leave. She said that she separated Ronald and Hank Jr and sent Ronald in the house. She said she pushed Hank Jr, Sr and Lisa into their van and told them to leave. She said that Hank Jr continued to yell at Ronald. She said that Ronald came back out and they went to fighting again. She said that Hank Jr was in the van and Ronald reached in again after him to continue the altercation. She said that again she sent Ronald into the residence and slammed the van door shut so that Hank, Hank and Lisa would leave. She said that Hank Jr was going to the handy way to call the sheriffs office. Annette completed a sworn written statement in reference to the incident.
It should be noted that Ronald Cummings made it very clear at the scene that he had a right to remain silent and did not wish to speak about the incident without a lawyer. Ronald was placed in the rear seating area of my patrol vehicle. He was advised that he was being charged with Burglary with battery. Ronald was transported to the jail without incident. When we arrived at the jail he advised that he wished to “fill out a statement just like everyone else did against him”. He stated also that he wanted to sign charging affidavits in reference to battery against Hank Croslin Jr and Hank Croslin Sr.
In Ronald’s statement he stated that three people Hank Croslin Jr, Sr and Lisa Croslin showed up at his grandma’s house after they were told not to come there by his wife Misty Cummings. He said that Hank Jr and Sr got out of the van and approached in an “aggressive” manner. He said that he asked Hank Jr to get out of his face and he then came closer. He thought he was going to hit him so he pushed him out of the way. He said that Hank Jr then hit him after Ronald pushed him and the physical altercation began. He said that Hank Sr then entered the fight and held him while Hank Jr hit him. Ronald completed a sworn written statement in reference to the incident and also signed charging affidavits against Hank Croslin Jr and Sr for battery.
Ronald was booked without incident on the charge of Burglary with Battery. His bond is set at $12,504.00. Photographs were taken of Ronald Cummings and Hank Croslin Jr’s injuries. The photographs have been uploaded onto the PCSO website for further review. At this time, the charging affidavits against Hank Croslin Jr and Sr will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for further review. Any further reports or supplements will be completed and submitted in a timely manner.”
Update: 12:00 Eastern – TJ will be on HLN at 5pm Eastern and Nancy Grace at 8pm Eastern to discuss this turn of events – simon
Update: 14:00 Eastern – Ronald Cummings bonded out, still checking out which firm, but rumor has it Chucks Bail Bonds Correction, news just in, Misty payed the bond. Where did she get the money from? – Simon
37 users commented in " Father of Missing Haleigh Cummings Arrested "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackAnd so it begins…..
No one knew of his violent side but he was know for carying a gun?
Here we go…
Another typical night in Bugtussel only this time those involved are names we know.
thanks for the news simon.
maybe now someone will start talking about the night little haleigh went missing.
i hope jr wasnt there and had to witness yet another screaming match.
please keep us updated.
You’ve got to be faster than this if you want to pretend you’re all over this case. Old news by the time you posted this.
I am sure the Croslin’s know something about the night HaLeigh went missing.
I think it is time for them to OPEN UP…
I believe Misty can really lie when she has too…Its clear that she is the one that was calling her family to come get her, why would they just show up all of a sudden like that,doesnt make sense, she wanted them there and then lied because she is scared of Ronald, now maybe if he stay in jail for awhile she will finally talk…
Watch the Croslins (the Hank’s) get arrested next. Chuck’s Bail Bonds will probably get Ron out and the revolving Putnum County Jail will then include the “Hanks.”
Ron needs to be drug tested!! Now!! So much for the loving father. Bet poor Jr. witnessed the whole thing!!
And, has Misty now left Ron? Bet she hasn’t. He will get out and the “Honeymoon Phase” will re-start. Ugh!! These people make me sick!! Where is Haleigh??
why wait till 1:00 in the morning to go pick her up? did the croslins wait for the bars to close?
imo ron should have stayed in the house and called le.
isnt that what a law abidding citizen does?
is it correct that some of mistys family has already moved to where ever?
by the way good morning to all.
They need to revoke ron’s bond and arrest the rest of the family and begin interragations. Treat them like terrorists. Pick at their weaknesses and torture them till they spit out the truth. Till they reveal what happened that night. No more of the nice guy “united nations” way of resolvement. Time to bear down and get the answers we all NOW deserve. A little precious girl is missing and everyone is lollygagging and not applying pressure to negletful family in question. If these a**holes killed this little girl and they’ve been hidding it all along, a lot of officials and gov. figures will have alot of questions to answer as well for their lack of EFFORT!
If proven what we all know that they had something to do with Haleigh missing
they all should recieve death penalties.
Sorry for my anger but this s**t is getting out of control.
Lets find Haleigh! I got my balloons!!!!!
Let’s find Haleigh by any means.
has ron been bonded out yet?
does anyone believe misty will write statements agianst her family?
hopefully haleigh will be brought home for her birthday.
praying for haleigh ann marie cummings.
i too have my ballons, and they all have the nicknames of EVERYBODY on the blog site on them.
and when i say everybody i mean everybody,for i feel this has been a joint effort in finding her.
How reSponsible to get arrested right before his daughters birthday. His mug shot everywhere before balloons for Haleigh.
I’m fed up!
how will this effect his custody of jr i wonder? isnt ron suppose to obstain from any violence or altercations?
poor jr, first he loses his sissy now his dad.
thank god he still has his mother,regardless of what people may think, at least you dont hear of front yard brawls and never ending arguments when jr is with his mother.
thinking of haleigh ann marie cummings.
WHAT!
Ive seen both of their recent mugshots and sorry but none looked like the worry parents of a missing child!
“thank god he still has his mother” wow! I hope this little boy is not next. Someone better protect him.
thinking of haleigh and concerned for jr
Mj2:
Had it on my station and station site at about 4:30am
TJ
tj, good afternoon.
how do i get your station site?
is it 97.3fm?
Sounds like the newlywed couple aren’t very happy…well at least not Misty. Maybe after Ron hits her a few times it will knock some sense into her and she will head right to LE. ( I’m certainly am against any type of violence) but history does repeat itself.
We love you Haleigh!
I think Misty did call her family and Ron then threatened to spill the beans. I have said from the get-go that he killed her by accident as he was livid at Misty for the 3-day bender and Haleigh got in the way, hit her head and either was comatose or dead. Ron & Misty, IMO, know what happened to Haleigh.
Hi, ksue!
You wrote: “at least you dont hear of front yard brawls and never ending arguments when jr is with his mother.”
I think the operative words are “you don’t hear of.” Doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. IMO neither Crystal nor Ron offer much in the way of parenting. Poor jr.
This is in part sarcastic and part serious – instead of or among the balloons released over Satsuma I think it would be a good idea to include a whole lot of those special “balloons” – the kind that help prevent pregnancy. Of course they would have to include directions. And then someone would have to provide remedial reading courses for the citizens. But it would be a step in the right direction. IMO
Who are we to judge how other people parent their children? They may have issues, but so does everbody else…ours just don’t happen to be spread all over the media. One little girl is missing, and instead of trying to figure out what’s going on, we are downing her parents. You think Haleigh would LOVE to hear all the nasty things people are saying about her mommy and daddy? What if one day she is found and comes back to read all of this bs??????? Think about it people!
loveydove..do you think Haleigh doesn’t know all this about her parents? When people parent their children in a way that they do…it should be discussed and reported. Now, fly away.
loveydove: I understand what you are saying in a way. And if little Haleigh comes back (pray heaven) and later reads about her parents – well by then she’ll be old enough to know what they’re really like for herself. It won’t be news to her. And hopefully she will also read and know about how many people truly cared about finding her and prayed for her everyday.
But the answer to “who are we to judge how other people parent their children?” Well, we are “society” who ends up paying for how people raise their children in many more ways than just money – although that is a big factor.
For example, “we” are the people who provide foster homes, shelters, and adoptive homes for children who are finally removed (usually way too late) from bad parents. We are the people who often pay for the emergency personnel, medical care, law enforcement and legal “rights” of those involved when a child goes missing, is injured/abused or killed.
“We” are the people who do not understand and won’t tolerate children being abused or neglected. We love children and believe they all have a right to a healthy, safe childhood.
In this case, people are very concerned about Haleigh’s disappearance and I think it’s understandable for people to also be concerned about Jr’s. Personally I don’t confine my concern to just one side of the family. I hope both sides are taking very good care of all their children.
And my feelings extend to the care that all children are receiving. You can’t look at the news even one day without seeing some horrific crime or completely avoidable accident happening to a child. It confounds me.
So yes I am concerned and it IS my business because I CARE. And caring brings attention and attention brings media, enforcement of laws and better laws and systems to care for children.
How in the heck else is anything supposed to ever improve?
blogbs-how would you like for your life to be put under a microscope if a child of yours went missing? I understand that while I don’t agree with the way the families raise their children or their lifestyle, it isn’t my life to lead and it isn’t my life to dictate and discuss. I see pictures of the little ones and never see them unhappy or poorly dressed. Haleigh looked like she had wonderful presents to open..as did JR. I have a son of my own, and I would never imagine leaving him with anyone that had been on a previous drug benge. But to them, that’s life. I’m sure it’s how they have all grown up. Do the children deserve better? YES! but don’t we all deserve better then we recieved in our childhood’s likewise? I’m not defending them by any means on how their life is lived. Just that I don’t believe criticizing either side of the family is going to do anything. How about look at life from their point of view and see what kind of results you end up with????
loveydove, I’ve never seen a case like this one, where there is so much disfunction,abuse and who knows what else. RC has brought all of this on himself. I feel awful that his daughter is missing but WTH was he thinking. I don’t care if that’s how they were raised…they know right from wrong. I know plenty of people growing up from the wrong side of the tracks with IQ’s too embarrasing to mention but geez …they had more common sense. Haleigh sweet child didn’t have a chance and I cry for junior. I will continue to speak up for children raised in these horrible conditions. You should too. Too many people like you turn their backs and act like nothing is wrong. Shame on you.
Newsflash: Ron speaks out!!….or does he? In an interview which was supposed to be related to this interview, Mr. Cummings made it clear he would not answer questions regarding the incident with the Croslin family.
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=32888
Pay close attention to those pupils…um, man he is definately in need of some drug testing.
I heard rumor that the investigation of Haleighs disappearence was handed back to the original LEO on the scene….Um, would that be Merchant?…….OY!
I’m afraid Haleigh Cummings is forever lost…they all have failed this child…LE, DCF and many many members of her own family.
Thoughts on Ronalds exclusive interview after his arrest:
Well that’s a neat whitewash style of article. “Ronald Cummings speaks for the first time since his arrest” and not a word about the arrest, not a word about “what the he** were you thinking?”, just the grieved father spiel. “I’m never going to give up on my child. What father can give up on their child” Didn’t he say this almost verbatim on that first falling on the ground video already? “I just try to stay strong for Haleigh”… yeah, trying to beat people up is very supportive of Haleigh. At least it got her in the news. And getting arrested is one heck of a way to make life exciting for little Junior too…
This comment rings true in the heart of most, who like me, think this punk’s days are numbered. He may be able to fool many, but not all. And one day, for his precious little girls sake, he may just have to face some consequences of his actions, or lack thereof.
He and Misty both know what happened that night. Nice diversion Ronald, but it wont work. Especially if enough of us pull together to continue writing Florida Officials and encourage them to look into this case with fresh eyes.
Beautifully written MZ Wickers!
loveydove – It doesn’t look like you read my 11:43 am comment yesterday (just above your last one).
Who is going to teach the next generation that doing drugs is not okay? Apparently it’s okay with you for them not to be taught by their parents – and it’s no one else’s job either.
Great idea. Let’s ALL abandon these children to their fate and make no effort to improve their lives now or in the future. I’m sure Haleigh – if she comes back – will appreciate knowing that you don’t give a good gosh darn about her or her brother.
Her mother, by the way, missed taking her to about a dozen doctors appointments. I guess that’s okay with you too? None of your business. Fine. Then it’s OUR business. You can go off and live a carefree life -only caring about yourself. Fine by me. But don’t criticize the rest of us for caring about ALL children.
I’m not criticizing you for you caring about children M2C. I am simply stating that while there is a missing girl out there, you guys are sitting around gossiping about her parents’ lifestyle! That’s what really grates on my nerve strings. Yes, her parents lead less then an acceptable life. But where is the proof (other then heresay from whomever wanted their 5 min of fame on t.v.) that these two children were abused? The only evidence is being neglected by a father who let them stay with a teenager who had been on a previous drug benge. And no, that’s not alright and I DO NOT by any means defend that aspect of the situation. I do however strongly believe that us sitting here talking about how badly these children were treated isn’t doing a thing. The pictures the reports from friends and family do not indicate that they are treated poorly. I do not believe that Crystal should have the kids because she’s the one that was missing all of Haliegh’s doctor’s appointments. In numerous pictures you see Ronald giving Haleigh her treatments when she needed them. Abusive? I think not!!!!!
loveydove: I agree about gossiping and I think both parents need parenting classes (among other improvements) so I’m not interested in arguing about who should have custody. I only wish that was all we had to worry about instead of Haleigh’s well-being. However I was primarily responding to these two comments of yours:
“I understand that while I don’t agree with the way the families raise their children or their lifestyle, it isn’t my life to lead and it isn’t my life to dictate and discuss.”
And
“Who are we to judge how other people parent their children?”
So that’s why I wrote what I did.
M2c-I do stand by comments that I made. I won’t back down from them. I believe that you may have Haleigh’s best interest in your heart. But please, don’t get caught up in gossiping about what’s going on with her parents. I believe that I have stated what I feel on the situation and you understand. So I won’t repeat myself. Please, keep Haleigh in your prayers…she needs them. I’m sure she misses her family. (however terrible some people think they are)
loveydove, That really grates on my nerve strings????? OMG TN said the VERY same thing in a video. I see why you are so upset. OMG!!!! I’m outta words!!!!
Well, blogbs-I’m glad you are outta words 🙂 It never ceases to amaze me how much some people will throw out there and criticize other people while they think what they are saying should be exalted to some sort of God-like status. And are you implying that I am TN? Well partner, no luck there. Just a good ol’ fashion person that said a very common phrase. BUT, while you’re sitting there mocking me, I’m actually trying to do something to bring Haleigh home. What are you doing sweetheart?
Have a wonderful day loveydove!
good morning all.
blstarke and gunny i will call the show today and tell gunny i love him.
now on to haleigh. good morning little angel.
hopefully you are one day closer to coming home. the sky is bright and it gives me great hope knowing that your still out there ready to come see your daddy and bubby.
love you haleigh ann marie cummings and thinking of you every minute.
Well blogbs-
You have a wonderful day also. Hopefully the sun is shining brightly in your area of this country…mine however, is pouring down rain…same with my heart and soul. Is Haleigh ever going to be found? Where is she? Why are there no clues anywhere as to where she is? I’m losing hope and I don’t want to. I need some clear cut answers.~
Omg! I am so upset, I just read at Art Harris were Ronald said he did not put the rat in Hank’s mailbox be cause he was at Grandms’ partying! How can he afford that. I like to have a drink too but have stopped buying it because of cost of living etc. plus cigs and I hAVE A JOB! What does Misty do watch? I guess she is sitting with butterbean! I am so upset! TN always tells everyone they need to be looking for Her baby girl. When will HER son!!!!
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