St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office books New Orleans man with armed robbery of Chalmette convenience store

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrested a New Orleans man for robbing at gunpoint a Chalmette convenience store on May 25, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Vernon Dean, 38, of the 9000 block of Dwyer Road in New Orleans, was booked with armed robbery after he held up at gunpoint a clerk at Ponstein’s Food Store, 3523 Paris Road in Chalmette.

On May 25, shortly before 11 a.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, Dean entered the convenience store, purchased nachos and a beer and then brandished a handgun and demanded cash from the register. Dean, who stole an undetermined amount of cash, fled the scene.

Sheriff Pohlmann said no one was injured in the incident.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau were able to identify Dean and his vehicle through video surveillance cameras, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

St. Bernard detectives, working along with the New Orleans Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service, apprehended Dean May 26 outside a hospital in New Orleans.

The Taurus .9mm handgun Dean used in the robbery was recovered, the Sheriff said.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned Dean committed another armed robbery at a Kenner business earlier on the same day of the incident in Chalmette, and was wanted on an outstanding warrant out of the Kenner Police Department for armed robbery, illegal carrying of a weapon and convicted felon carrying a firearm.

Dean is being held in St. Bernard Parish Prison on a $500,000 bond.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in mock evacuation exercise

Members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participated in a mock evacuation exercise conducted by the St. Bernard Parish Homeland Security on May 30 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“The purpose of this annual event is to make sure the evacuation plan set in place works without any problems,” said Capt. Charles Borchers, director of the Community Relations Division of the Sheriff’s Office. “It gives personnel a chance to run through various scenarios and practice what to do in different situations so they can be better prepared to ensure the safety of our residents.”

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Community Emergency Response Team, or C.E.R.T., volunteered their time during the event by registering members of the community and staging them in the correct locations as if they were actually being evacuated during a natural or man-made disaster.

Also on hand were St. Bernard Parish Government workers, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana National Guard, Acadian Ambulance and St. Bernard Parish Hospital employees.

St. Bernard Parish residents with special needs or those who have no resources to evacuate themselves are eligible for assistance in evacuating should a mandatory evacuation be called in the parish, either due to a hurricane or another type of emergency which might arise.

Residents can register with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness by calling (504) 278-4268. Information also is available at sbpg.net. Click on Departments, then Homeland Security, then Special Needs Registration.

For more information about the Sheriff’s Office C.E.R.T. program, call Capt. Borchers at (504) 278-7628.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office promotes boating safety

With summer fishing and boating kicking into high gear on St. Bernard Parish waterways, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann is reminding residents to practice safety while on the water.

“There will be a lot of boats out there, especially on holiday weekends like the Fourth of July and Labor Day so be careful, slow down and learn and obey the rules of boating safety,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Don’t speed and pay attention to your surroundings. Operate with caution.”

Sheriff Pohlmann also stresses the importance of everyone on board wearing a personal flotation device, or lifejacket.

“They are available at sporting goods and department stores,” the Sheriff said. “Everyone should be able to find one that fits.’’

With holiday celebrations, also comes the chances of people drinking while operating watercraft. Sheriff Pohlmann reminds residents people can be arrested for drinking and driving on a boat, just as they would be while operating an automobile on land.

Alcohol is a primary cause in nearly 25 percent of all fatal boating accidents nationally, Sheriff Pohlmann said. Statistics also show nearly 90 percent of the boating accidents recorded involve someone who hasn’t successfully completed a safe boating class.

Residents interested in taking a boating course can do so for free. Information can be found on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries web site under the education section. Other state-approved safe boating courses can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses.

Capt. Brian Clark, a retired state Wildlife and Fisheries agent who heads the Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, agrees with Sheriff Pohlmann about the necessity of everyone on board wearing flotation devices, especially children.

“It’s required that children 16 and under wear a flotation device at all times and recommended that adults wear them also,’’ Clark said. Drowning remains the biggest cause of fatalities on the water and a life jacket being worn could save a life, he added.

“Some boaters used to resist them because they were bulky and made it hard to get around on a boat,” Clark said, “but the ones made today are lightweight and easy to use.”

Before leaving on a trip, Clark recommends informing someone of where you will be going, and approximately when you expect to return.

“Telling someone what your plans are will let them know if you are overdue so they can inform authorities,” Clark said.

Besides flotation devices, Clark said other basic rules for safety include a check of equipment before taking off. He also reminds boaters, if you have a kill switch on the motor, remember to use it if necessary.

Clark said remember to bring important items such as a cell phone and charger, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, proper clothing, enough food and water for a trip, a safety kit, sunscreen, sunglasses to guard against glare and a device that can be thrown to aid anyone who needs help in the water.

Clark also recommends staying properly hydrated.

“Drink liquids,” he said. “Don’t let yourself get dehydrated because the sun will take a lot out of you and slow your reaction time.”

For more on state boating and life jacket regulations visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating.

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SBSO SEEKING SUSPECT IN ARMED ROBBERY

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating and identifying a suspect in an armed robbery that occurred Friday, May 25 at Ponstein’s Food Store, 3523 Paris Road in Chalmette.

Sheriff James Pohlmann said shortly before 11 a.m., a male subject entered the convenience store, purchased nachos and a 16 ounce Budweiser beer with a twist top and then brandished a handgun and demanded cash from the register. The suspect, who left with approximately $200 in cash, fled the scene in an unknown direction on foot.

Sheriff Pohlmann said no one was injured in the incident.

The suspect is a black male, with a thin build and braids similar to cornrows. He was seen wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans and a khaki baseball hat.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity, his whereabouts or further information regarding this incident 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.

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Capt. Martin and family place flags at Chalmette National Cemetery

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Capt. Ronnie Martin, third from left, and members of his family were among the many volunteers who placed American flags at the grave sites of soldiers buried at Chalmette National Cemetery in observance of Monday, May 28 being Memorial Day. With Capt. Martin are, from left: Ethan Vogel, his grandson; Mason Martin, his son; and Marlene Martin, his mother.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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In observance of Memorial Day

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. The administrative offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 29.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests a 17-year-old and two juveniles for stealing a pick-up truck

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrested a 17-year-old from Chalmette and two male juveniles from eastern St. Bernard for stealing a pick-up truck, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Ryan Lewis, 17, of the 3500 block of Packenham Drive in Chalmette, was arrested on Wednesday, May 23, along with a 16-year-old Violet boy and a 15-year-old boy from Meraux.

Lewis and the two juveniles were each booked with one count of theft of a motor vehicle for stealing a 2005 Ford F-150 from the 400 block of West Solidell Street in Chalmette.

The three were identified by detectives after one of them posted on social media a video of them riding in the truck.

Lewis was transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison where he is being held on a $10,000 bond. The two juveniles are being held in the St. Bernard Parish Juvenile Detention Center.

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Investigation Discovery show

 

Tune in to Investigation Discovery Channel’s show The Last 24 on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. central time to see how St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office detectives in 2012 solved a 30-year-old murder case involving the owner of a Pet Cemetery in eastern St. Bernard Parish.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office prepares for 2018 hurricane season

With the beginning of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season nearing, and the possible threat of some tropical weather this weekend, Southeast Louisiana residents should begin making plans so they can be prepared if a storm threatens our area.

Preparing for hurricane season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30, should be something residents in our area are accustomed to doing, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“We should always be mindful of being prepared for hurricane season,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Remember, we are so close to the Gulf of Mexico, you can’t ignore the possibility of a hurricane.”

With that in mind, Sheriff Pohlmann said, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is ready to respond in case there is a storm threatening our area and possibly forcing the evacuation of the parish.

The department has a plan in place, which Sheriff Pohlmann said includes several boats at the ready, and a high-water truck that would be ideal for rescue or to haul personnel or equipment to respond to a storm.

Acquired through a federal grant in 2013, the Sheriff’s Office’s custom-built F-650 truck, which has a 37-inch lift and air brakes, is an important asset for hurricane season.

“It’s meant for high-water situations,’’ such as street flooding from heavy rains, the Sheriff said.

There also are thousands of sandbags already made by prisoners for use by residents, businesses and parish government. Plans also are in place in the event prisoners would need to be evacuated, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

In addition to equipment, Sheriff Pohlmann said various departments within the Sheriff’s Office have plans in place and are ready to execute them if need be.

For instance, members of the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team train on various types of boats from the sheriff’s Marine Division in order to be prepared to immediately patrol neighborhoods in case of any type of rain event flooding.

“If parish government orders an evacuation of residents in any approaching storm we will facilitate that and then lock down the parish to prevent non-residents from entering,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

To be successful in preparing for a storm, Sheriff Pohlmann said residents need to do their part as well.

“That’s true for every family in this parish,’’ the Sheriff said. “Don’t wait until you hear a bad storm is approaching before you think about being prepared, such as whether or not you will leave and where you would go, if necessary.’’

By preparing now, Sheriff Pohlmann said, you can avoid the rush at home supply stores and supermarkets, which always get crowded and run out of things as hurricanes or tropical storms approach.

“Don’t wait until the last minute,” the Sheriff said. “Have things like flashlights and batteries, bottled water, and medications on hand where you can easily find them if leaving becomes necessary.”

If you can afford it, Sheriff Pohlmann recommends stocking up on these items in the event you chose to stay during a storm and lose electricity for more than a day.

Anticipating the needs of older relatives and deciding what to do with pets if you had to leave, also are things to consider. The Louisiana ASPCA says pet-owners should never leave them behind when they evacuate because the animals would be at the mercy of the storm.

In the event of an ordered evacuation, Sheriff Pohlmann said officers will make extra patrols through neighborhoods, as well as by boat along waterways if necessary, to protect property in the parish.

“We don’t want residents making a bad decision to stay simply out of concern over a possible burglar,’’ the Sheriff said.

Residents are encouraged to heed the advice of local officials when it comes to deciding to evacuate or ride out a storm.

“It reduces the need for search and rescue operations if there was actual flooding in a storm,” the Sheriff said, “and it reduces the possibility of the loss of life.”

Another way citizens can prepare for hurricane season is to stay informed.

Residents can register for the parish’s FirstCall Emergency Notification Service which provides timely information about hurricanes and other high profile events occurring in the area. These alerts will go to landlines, cell phones, SMS text messaging devices, email and pagers. For more information, or to register, visit the St. Bernard Parish Government website, sbpg.net.

St. Bernard Parish residents with special needs or those who have no resources to evacuate themselves are eligible for assistance in evacuating should a mandatory evacuation be called in the parish, either due to a hurricane or another type of emergency which might arise.

Residents can register with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness by calling (504) 278-4268. Information also is available at sbpg.net. Click on Departments, then Homeland Security, then Special Needs Registration.

In the event of an approaching storm, here is a checklist of items you will want to have on hand in a basic emergency supply kit:

• Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Can opener
• Eating utensils
• First Aid kit
• Cash
• Several complete changes of clothing and footwear per person
• Cell phones and chargers
• Bedding or sleeping bags
• Fire extinguisher (small canister ABC type)
• Bleach (no lemon or other additives)
• Mosquito repellent
• Tarp, rope, and duct tape
• Toiletries including toilet paper
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Sunglasses

For families with infants, remember bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, powdered milk and medications.

For adults and others with special needs, don’t forget medicine, such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies and extra eye glasses.

For pets, bring their ID tag, a photo of pet for identification purposes, a week supply of food, water, medications, and your veterinarian’s phone number. Don’t leave your pet behind. Transport pets in secure pet carriers and keep pets on leashes. Most emergency shelters do not admit pets. Check with hotels in safe locations and ask if you can bring your pet.

Entertainment, especially for children, is important as well. Pack books for adult readers and for children, board games and/or other games that do not require batteries or electricity.

Also, remember to bring your important records in a waterproof, portable container. Include insurance papers or account numbers, an inventory of household goods, checks and credit cards, family records such as birth, marriage and death certificates, and important telephone numbers.

Taking photos of your home and its contents before you leave is also a good idea for insurance purposes.

Sheriff Pohlmann hopes this season will be a quiet one for St. Bernard Parish, but it’s best to keep a watchful eye and think smart.

“Let’s hope for the best, and prepare for the worst,” the Sheriff said.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office hosts gathering for Reserve Division Deputies and their families

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann, right, attended a celebration held May 20 at Docville Farm to honor members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office held a celebration May 20 at Docville Farm in Violet to show appreciation to Reserve Division deputies – unpaid, volunteer officers who supplement the department’s police force in specific situations.

A celebration was held May 20 to honor members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The barbecue was held at Docville Farm in Violet to show appreciation to Reserve Division deputies – unpaid, volunteer officers who supplement the department’s police force in specific situations.

Capt. Charles Borchers, commander of the Reserve Division, said Reserve officers work during large scale events such as festivals, parades and athletic events throughout the parish, as well as performing extra patrols at local businesses during the busy holiday shopping season.

During the gathering, Sheriff James Pohlmann visited with two dozen Reserve Deputies and their families, and thanked them for their devoted, selfless service.

“We couldn’t do what we do so efficiently without the help of our Reserve Division deputies,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “They are a valuable asset to this department and we appreciate their dedication.”

Also in attendance was Bill Haines with the Meraux Foundation, which graciously offered the use of the facility for the event.

Capt. Borchers said the Sheriff’s Office is always looking for new Reserve Division applicants.

“You do not need a background in law enforcement,” Capt. Borchers said. “We provide all training and supply uniforms as well.”

Reserve Division deputies attend an 80-hour basic law enforcement in-service training course, twice a week for 10 weeks. Capt. Borchers said many Reserve Division deputies have gone on to become full-time, paid officers.

To apply, Capt. Borchers said a person must meet the following criteria:

-Live in St. Bernard Parish
-Be at least 21 years old
-Have earned a high school diploma or GED
-Have a clean police record; background checks will be conducted.

For more information, or to obtain an application, contact Capt. Borchers at (504) 278-7628 or Sgt. Eric Eilers at (504) 278-7799.

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