Archives: August2017

17 year old and two juveniles arrested for robbing Arabi man at gunpoint

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said a 17-year-old male from Arabi and two juvenile males from northern Louisiana were arrested after they escaped from a Baton Rouge facility for troubled youth, stole a car, drove to St. Bernard where they stole a handgun from a vehicle and then held up an Arabi man at gunpoint as he was taking an early morning jog.

Derek Cage, 17, of the 7200 block of W. Judge Perez Drive, was booked Aug. 28 with armed robbery after he confessed to committing the crimes two days earlier with the juveniles. He also was booked with resisting an officer, and for a warrant for juvenile escape and vehicle theft out of the Baton Rouge Office of Juvenile Justice.

A 16-year-old male from Cotton Valle who was involved in the incident was booked Aug. 26 with armed robbery, hit and run, possession of stolen property, and for a warrant for juvenile escape out of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.

A 14-year-old male from Shreveport who also was involved in the incident was booked Aug. 26 with armed robbery, hit and run, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile, and on a warrant for juvenile escape out of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.

Just after 6 a.m. on Aug. 26, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about an armed robbery that occurred near the intersection of Aycock and Patricia streets in Arabi.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they met with the victim at a nearby business where he had gone to report the incident. The victim, who is an active duty captain in the military, told deputies as he was jogging earlier along Aycock Street, a dark sedan occupied by three young males pulled up behind him, got out of the car, and one of them pointed a gun at him, demanding his possessions.

The victim said after he stated he did not have money or anything of value on him, he was ordered to lie face down on the ground and the three males, later identified as Cage and the two juveniles, fled in the vehicle.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the victim was not injured in the incident.

Shortly after 1 p.m. that same day, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about an abandoned, wrecked car near Lebeau Avenue and Bienvenue Street in Arabi.

Deputies who arrived on the scene discovered a black 2014 Honda Accord, later determined to be stolen out of Baton Rouge, wrecked in a ditch at the end of Lebeau Avenue. Witnesses said they observed two juvenile males running from the vehicle, eastbound toward Community Street.

Sheriff Pohlmann said deputies canvassed the area and came in contact with the two juveniles walking northbound in the 500 block of Center Street in Arabi. The subjects were subsequently apprehended and the stolen handgun found in their possession was recovered.

Cage was apprehended Aug. 28 when deputies discovered him hiding in the attic of his mother’s Arabi home. He was transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison where he is being held on a $151,000 bond.

Cage, who was serving a four-year sentence for crimes he committed as a juvenile in St. Bernard Parish, was being held at the Baton Rouge youth facility.

The two juveniles arrested in the case are being held at the St. Bernard Parish Juvenile Detention Center.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s office to distribute sandbags

Due to conditions from Tropical Storm Harvey, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with St. Bernard Parish government, will distribute free sandbags to parish residents on Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the sandbag barn in the old Kaiser facility at the rear of the Port of St. Bernard in Chalmette.

“We have sandbags that have been pre-made and are ready to be given to residents of St. Bernard,” Sheriff James Pohlmann said. Parish prisoners make the sandbags throughout the year in preparation for the next hurricane season.

St. Bernard residents must show proof of residency in order to receive sandbags, and there will be a limit of 15 per vehicle, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Motorists wishing to pick up the sandbags at the Port can enter the road to the port off West St. Bernard Highway at Keane Drive, next to the old Kaiser smokestack, and follow the road to the rear of the port, near the Mississippi River levee. Deputies will be there to assist, the Sheriff said.

The Sheriff’s Office is monitoring weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Harvey and are in constant contact with local parish government leaders, officials from surrounding parishes and the National Weather Service.

“We’re reviewing our plans and are ready for this rain event,” Sheriff James Pohlmann said. “We also are prepared to bring in extra manpower to help with traffic control and road closures if need be.”

Sheriff Pohlmann reminds residents to use caution when driving down residential streets with standing water. Residents who drive down flooded streets, endangering the property of others, can be fined up to $500.

Residents who would like to report any problems or suspicious activity in their neighborhood can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501.

“We are urging all residents and businesses to get prepared and stay informed,” Sheriff Pohlmann said.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office searching for Arabi woman reported missing Aug. 15

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding a 59-year-old Arabi woman who was last seen earlier this month.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said Denise Young left her home in the 600 block of Community Street in Arabi on Aug. 4, and has not returned home or been heard from since.

Young, who family members say has a history of mental health issues and has left before without notifying anyone, was reported missing by a family member on Aug. 15.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Young is asked to contact the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office (504) 271-2501.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office sobriety checkpoint results in several arrests

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies randomly stop vehicles during a sobriety checkpoint held Aug. 24.

Capt. Bret Bowen readies equipment prior to the start of a sobriety checkpoint on Aug. 24 in Arabi.	Agent Ryan Lopez of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division searches a vehicle for possible contraband during a sobriety checkpoint held Aug. 24 in Arabi.
Deputy Skyler Rauch performs a field sobriety test during a checkpoint held in Arabi on Aug. 24.	Deputies from the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, along with several from the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, work together during a sobriety checkpoint held in Arabi.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, along with the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, conducted a sobriety checkpoint in Arabi on Thursday, Aug. 24.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said officers randomly stopped vehicles to check for impaired drivers, which resulted in 3 narcotics arrests – all for marijuana possession – and another arrest for DWI, driving while intoxicated.

Also, Sheriff Pohlmann said, an individual wanted on warrants out of Jefferson Parish and Gretna for 8 traffic violations was apprehended, and a citation was written for an open container violation.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office celebrates Citizens Police Academy’s 19th year

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann speaks to Citizens Police Academy participants on opening night of the course’s 19th session. The free, 10-week program is offered by the Sheriff’s Office so residents can learn about various aspects of police work.

Capt. Charles Borchers speaks to Citizens Police Academy participants on opening night of this year’s course. Also pictured are Lt. Daniel Bostic, center, and Sgt. Eric Eilers, right.

The 19th season of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 23 with nearly 30 residents ready and eager to learn about the multiple aspects of police work.

Participants heard from Sheriff James Pohlmann who said the program will provide them with the opportunity to learn more about what the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office do on a day-to-day basis to keep their community safe.

“This course will give you an insight on how and why things are handled in a certain manner,” Sheriff Pohlmann said to the participants. “Its purpose is to foster a positive relationship between our citizens and our officers.”

Coordinated by Capt. Charles Borchers and Sgt. Eric Eilers, the 10-week course will include visits from veteran representatives of each division of the Sheriff’s Office who will speak on the various phases of law enforcement, including patrol work, narcotics enforcement, detective duties, and SWAT team demonstrations.

Participants also will visit the Parish Courthouse and Prison to see what those environments are like. A graduation ceremony will be held Oct. 25 for participants who complete the course.

Capt. Borchers said more than 700 parish residents have participated in the Citizens Police Academy since its inception in 1998.

“It’s really become a popular course among adults,” he said. “This program gives residents a real feel for what police work entails and it’s about as realistic as we can make it for them.”

For more information about the program, call Capt. Borchers at (504) 278-7628 or Sgt. Eilers at (504) 278-7799.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office To Hold Sobriety Checkpoint

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint in St. Bernard Parish on Thursday, Aug. 24, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and continuing through 12:30 a.m. on the morning of Friday, Aug. 25.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said officers will set up on an undisclosed roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers. Anyone found driving impaired from alcohol or drugs will be arrested.

The location of the checkpoint will not be disclosed.

Rotary Club of St. Bernard learns about St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Addiction Resource Program

Stanley Simeon, Addiction Resource Program coordinator, left, and Capt. Charles Borchers, center, spoke to members of the Rotary Club of St. Bernard Aug. 10 about the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office newly-formed program for individuals suffering from addiction. With Simeon and Capt. Borchers is Brenda Breakfield, Rotary Club president.

Capt. Charles Borchers, seated, and Stanley Simeon, Addiction Resource Program coordinator, standing left, spoke to members of the Rotary Club of St. Bernard Aug. 10 about the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office newly-formed program for individuals suffering from addiction.

Capt. Charles Borchers and Stanley Simeon, Addiction Resource Program coordinator, spoke to members of the Rotary Club of St. Bernard Aug. 10 about the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office newly-formed program for individuals suffering from addiction.

“The program is designed to help residents struggling with an addiction, whether it be substance abuse, or even gambling related, find the resources they need to better cope with their situation,” Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Spearheaded by Simeon, along with assistance from Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Aaron Johnson, the program provides individuals and/or their families with information on resources available to them, such as rehabilitation programs, detox centers, therapeutic plans of action and faith-based assistance. Participation in the program is kept confidential.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program and would like more information, call Simeon at (504) 517-2944 or (504) 278-7659.

School Is back in session, drive safely

St. Bernard Parish schools kicked off the 2017-18 school year today, Aug. 7, and Sheriff James Pohlmann is reminding motorists to drive safely, and obey school zone speed limits in the mornings and afternoons.

“In addition to watching your speed near schools, be on the lookout for students walking in the areas near schools and be prepared for school buses to make frequent stops to pick up or drop off students,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Sheriff’s Office deputies will make extra patrols in school areas, especially during the first week of school, he said.

Most school zone speed limits are 20 MPH, Sheriff Pohlmann said, and drivers should start slowing down well before they reach the posted school zone area.

Also, parents are reminded to buckle children in seats appropriate for their ages.

“The back seat is the safest place for young kids,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children up to age 12 are safest riding in the back seat, buckled in place. Auto accidents remain the leading cause of death of children 5-15 years of age.

For full child passenger safety information, including where to find safety seat inspection stations, visit nhtsa.gov to learn more.

Heroin, Cocaine, Marijuana and Firearm seized during several arrests

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents seized more than an ounce of cocaine, as well as heroin, marijuana, other narcotics, and drug paraphernalia during the execution of a search warrant on July 27 at a residence in the 3000 block of Daniel Drive in Violet, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Frank Williams, 26, of 3015 Daniel Drive, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine (38 grams), possession of suboxone, possession of hydrocodone, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Williams was released from St. Bernard Parish Prison July 29 on a $20,000 bond.

Jared Lewis, 25, of 2818 Daniel Drive, was booked with possession of marijuana and resisting an officer. Lewis was released from St. Bernard Parish Prison July 28 on a $3,000 bond.

Edward Richard, 31, of 3106 Daniel Drive, was booked with possession of marijuana. Richard was released from St. Bernard Parish Prison July 28 on a $1,250 bond.

Quartraine Washington, 38, of 6414 Louis Elam in Violet, was booked with possession of marijuana. Washington was released from St. Bernard Parish Prison July 28 on a $1,250 bond.

Hope Hatcher, 33, of 3015 Daniel Drive, was booked with possession of marijuana. Hatcher was released from St. Bernard Parish Prison July 28 on a $3,250 bond. Hatcher also had an outstanding warrant out of St. Bernard for theft.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Brandon Major, 20, of 3015 Daniel Drive, in connection with the execution of the search warrant.

Major, who was not arrested on the scene due to medical issues and the need to be transported to the hospital, has outstanding warrants for possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of marijuana.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Major is asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters who call Crimestoppers can remain anonymous, do not have to testify and could be eligible for a cash reward.

In two unrelated arrests, Sheriff Pohlmann said, narcotics agents seized more than an ounce of marijuana, nearly an ounce of heroin and a handgun during two separate traffic stops.

Darren Bernard, 26, of 7018 Fig St. in New Orleans, was booked July 24 in Arabi with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana (55.5 grams), possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, safety belt required and improper equipment for an illegible license plate. A .45 caliber handgun also was seized from Bernard, who was released from St. Bernard Parish Prison July 25 on a $10,000 bond.

Howard Stirgus, 29, of 815 31st St. in Kenner, was booked July 28 in Chalmette with possession with the intent to distribute heroin (42 individual bags with a total combined weight of 20 grams), possession of marijuana, possession of oxycodone, suspended driver’s license and turn signal required. Stirgus was released from St. Bernard Parish Prison July 31 on a $15,000 bond.