Archives: October2018

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in Night Out Against Crime

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in Night Out Against Crime

On Tuesday night, Oct. 16, several hundred St. Bernard Parish residents from Arabi to the eastern end of the parish gathered to celebrate the National Night Out Against Crime.

Nearly two dozen parties were held in Arabi, Chalmette, Meraux and Violet. Some took place at homes, one was on the grounds of a Chalmette church, and another at a business in Old Arabi.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s deputies attended each event to give crime prevention tips and answer questions.

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann visited a number of gatherings, conveying the message that it’s the people of St. Bernard Parish who keep it a safe place by backing law enforcement and by being willing to call the Sheriff’s Office if they see something suspicious in their neighborhood.

For the ninth year, the First Pentecostal Church of Chalmette has put out a bounce center for kids on their church grounds, opened their community room and thrown a party with food and refreshments for members and neighbors of the church to get together.

Pastor Otto Martin said the goal is to get people together to support one another and let them know they have something in common – wanting to live in a safe community.

At the church on the corner of Palmisano Boulevard and East St. Bernard Highway, Sheriff Pohlmann spoke to parents and children, congratulating the group for having such large participation each year.

The Sheriff said National Night Out Against Crime is a way for people with something in common – the desire to protect their neighborhood against crime – to get together and pledge to look out for each other’s property and safety.

Sheriff Pohlmann said if something doesn’t look right to you, call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501. It could help prevent a crime.

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of community relations and longtime Crime-Prevention and Neighborhood Watch director for the Sheriff’s Office, also spoke to the crowd about the importance of locking their car doors to deter criminals and he handed out reminder cards with the message.

National Night Out has been celebrated more than 30 years around the nation in August. Several local leaders in Southeast Louisiana opted in 2011 to move the event to October to escape the summer heat.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out Against Crime was introduced in 1984 to strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts. The annual campaign involves more than 30 million participants, including residents, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses and members of the military.

Violet man booked with second degree murder

***UPDATE***

Dwestley Rodriguez Ratcliff Jr. is in custody.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office books Violet man with second degree murder, issues arrest warrant for another in connection with Oct. 15 homicide

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrested a Violet man for second degree murder and has issued an arrest warrant for another man in connection with a fatal shooting that took place Oct. 15 on Daniel Drive in Violet, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Jeff Shields, 27, of the 2200 block of Guerra Drive, was booked Oct. 16 with second degree murder, and an arrest warrant has been issued for Dwestley Rodriguez Ratcliff Jr., 19, of Violet, for the same charge.

Shortly before 9 p.m. on Oct. 15, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies with the Field Operations Bureau were patrolling in the Violet area when they heard gunshots coming from the area of Daniel and Stacie Drives.

As deputies searched the area to find the source of the gunshots, they observed a vehicle that had crashed into an electrical pole in the 3000 block of Daniel Drive.

When deputies approached the vehicle, Sheriff Pohlmann said, they found a man to be lying across the front driver’s seat suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

The victim, Deshaun Singleton, 17, of Phillip Court in Chalmette, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A .9mm handgun with a 30-round extended magazine found on the victim was recovered, the Sheriff said, and a vehicle check was conducted on the vehicle he was driving which revealed it was listed by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office as stolen.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the men were reportedly involved in an altercation just days prior to the shooting.

Shields is being held in St. Bernard Parish Prison on a $850,000 bond.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ratcliff 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.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in mock car crash to show teens dangers of impaired driving and not wearing seat belts.

On Friday, Oct. 12, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office joined forces with the St. Bernard Parish School System, as well as several other agencies, as they hosted “Consequence of Impact,” a mock car crash skit to show teens the impacts of impaired driving and making poor decisions like not wearing seat belts.

The event, held on St. Bernard Middle School’s football field, was presented to St. Bernard Middle eighth graders, as well as Chalmette High students in 10th through 12th grades.

Chalmette High School students acted out a fatal crash scenario in front of their peers, allowing the students to see first-hand how drinking, driving, and poor decisions affect everyone involved.  Actors included Devin Cruice, Ronnie Prestenback, Scotty Thornton and Jaida Alphonso. Parents of the students also participated by playing parts in the scenario.

Deputies from the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Field Operations Bureau Traffic Division participated in the skit along with Louisiana State Police, St. Bernard Fire Department, St. Bernard Coroner’s Office, University Medical Center of New Orleans’ Level 1 Trauma Center, Acadian Ambulance, New Orleans EMS, St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, Charbonnet Funeral Home, and DND Towing. Ashley Merritt provided the makeup for the student actors who portrayed the crash victims.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office investigating homicide in Violet

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office investigating homicide in Violet

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fatal shooting of a male victim that occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15 in the 3000 block of Daniel Drive in Violet, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Deputies undergo a 40-hour week of specialized training

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies undergo a 40-hour week of specialized training.

 Members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office have been undergoing 40 hours of annual in-service training which includes various types of specialized instruction, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Lt. Raymond Theriot, right, gives Sgt. Jorge Vargas left a refresher lesson on how to properly clean a handgun.

In addition to successfully completing the mandatory training under Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T. school, all St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies are required to undergo a full 40-hour week of training once a year that includes instruction in things such as firearms training and maintenance, armed intruder and building clearance, riot training, vehicle felony stops, vehicle driving, domestic violence, de-escalation training and CPR certification. They also are trained to administer Narcan, a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose.

Sgt. David Culpepper, left, gives Dep. Dixie Dusang instruction on how to properly disassemble a handgun for cleaning.

According to Capt. Bobby Norton, the training is a requirement for deputies in all divisions – including patrol, traffic, corrections, communications, Special Investigations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Marine, Special Weapons and Tactics team, or S.W.A.T. team, and the Bomb Squad.

Capt. Norton said the 40 hours of in-service training includes 20 hours which are mandated by the state, and an additional 20 hours which include “training in things that are important to us here in St. Bernard,” said Capt. Norton, who is assisted with training by Lt. Stephen Ingargiola, director of training, Lt. Raymond Theriot, deputy director of training, and Sgt. David Culpepper.

Sgt. David Culpepper, left, supervises deputies as they undergo firearms training.

Capt. Norton said receiving training for a consecutive 40-hour work week has proven to be beneficial.

“It lets the deputies focus solely on training and not have to worry about working a shift before or after,” he said. “It allows them the necessary time to better absorb and retain what they are being taught.”

In addition to the 40 hours, Capt. Norton said, deputies in each division also receive individualized training throughout the year that is pertinent to their specific job classifications.

For instance, members of the Special Operations Division, which includes SWAT, undergo response training for various types of armed intruder situations at numerous locations throughout the parish, including schools, businesses such as the movie theater, and government buildings such as the parish courthouse, government complex, and civic center.

Under the direction of Capt. Norton, and S.W.A.T. assistant commander Capt. Ronnie Martin,  SOD members run through various scenarios of how to best handle armed intruder situations.

Capt. Bobby Norton, right, gives deputies instruction during armed intruder training drills held recently at the St. Bernard Civic Center. Deputies undergo response training for various types of armed intruder situations at numerous locations throughout the parish, including schools, businesses such as the movie theater and government buildings such as the parish courthouse, government complex and civic center

“The goal is to familiarize ourselves with the layouts of various buildings throughout the parish to be as prepared as possible should something like this occur,” Capt. Norton said.

Another example of specialized instruction includes the Marine Division training year-round in watercraft on our parish waterways by partnering with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents and the U.S. Coast Guard.

While everyone involved hopes these types of circumstances the deputies are being trained for never have to be dealt with in St. Bernard, Sheriff Pohlmann said his department always trains for the possibilities.

“It’s a question of being prepared in advance for what could happen while hoping it doesn’t happen,’’ the Sheriff said. “In today’s environment, it’s the preparation that’s the key.’’

“It is imperative we constantly provide our deputies with training opportunities often for the safety of the public, and also for our officers who could possibly be sent into these dangerous situations,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “I’m proud of the work our department is doing in order to protect our parish.”

Sgt. Bryan Fleetwood gives a deputy a thumbs up on their response time during a training road course driving exercise.

Sgt. David Culpepper, left, and Lt. Stephen Ingargiola, supervise deputies as they undergo firearms training.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to participate

in Night Out Against Crime

There’s no doubt St. Bernard Parish is one of the safest communities around the New Orleans metropolitan area. While St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies do a fine job of protecting our residents, citizens also can play a pivotal role in making their hometown a safe place to live and raise a family.

One such way residents can get involved is to host or attend a gathering in their neighborhood in observance of National Night Out Against Crime.

Although National Night Out is held in August across the country, several local leaders in Southeast Louisiana opted in 2011 to move the event to October to escape the summer heat.

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, the 35th annual event will be held locally in an effort to strengthen neighborhood bonds and increase crime prevention awareness, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

“We encourage residents to get together as a way to show they want to take a stand against crime,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “It’s a great way to foster relationships between neighbors and fight crime in their neighborhood.”

Sheriff Pohlmann and Sheriff’s Office deputies will visit various gatherings on the evening of the 16th to meet residents and answer any questions they may have about law enforcement issues and crime prevention.

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of community relations and longtime Crime-Prevention and Neighborhood Watch director for the Sheriff’s Office, said about two dozen events are held in St. Bernard each year, some at churches and public places, as well at private homes.

For more information about Night Out Against Crime activities, call Capt. Borchers at (504) 278-7628.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy (Week 7)

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff James Pohlmann

“Keeping St. Bernard Safe”

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy

(Week 7)

St. Bernard Assistant District Attorney Darren Roy speaks to St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy participants at the Parish Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy participants met with St. Bernard Assistant District Attorney Darren Roy at the Parish Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 3, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Roy spoke to participants about how the judicial system works, how bonds are set and what roles various people play in the courtroom during a hearing.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the annual 10-week program is designed to provide residents 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 year’s program began Aug. 22 and will wrap up with a graduation ceremony on Oct. 24.

The course is coordinated by Capt. Charles Borchers and Sgt. Eric Eilers. For more information, call Capt. Borchers at (504) 278-7628.

Couple arrested for possession with intent to distribute marijuana after domestic disturbance.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest St. Bernard couple for possession with intent to distribute marijuana after domestic disturbance.

Derek Nolan, 22, of Woodchase Court in St. Bernard community, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of Tramadol, a controlled dangerous substance. Nolan was also booked with violation of a protective order.

Alexis Cascio, 19, of Woodchase Court in St. Bernard community, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of Tramadol, a controlled dangerous substance.  In addition, Casio was booked with obstruction of justice.

A St. Bernard Parish couple was booked Sept. 15 with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after they were involved in a domestic dispute at a Chalmette hotel, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Alexis Cascio, 19, and Derek Nolan, 22, both of Woodchase Court in St. Bernard community, were both booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of Tramadol, a controlled dangerous substance.  In addition, Casio was booked with obstruction of justice, and Nolan was booked with violation of a protective order.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Sept. 15, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies with the Field Operations Bureau responded to a complaint about a domestic disturbance at a hotel on Paris Road.

When deputies came in contact with Cascio and Nolan outside of their room and noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from their room, they summoned Narcotics Agents who obtained a search warrant.

Once inside, Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents recovered two large clear plastic bags containing more than 500 grams of marijuana with a street value of approximately $10,000, and five Tramadol tablets.

A criminal history check was conducted on both subjects which revealed Cascio had a protection order against Nolan, the Sheriff said.

Cascio and Nolan were transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison to be booked. Casio was released Sept. 18 on a $25,000 bond; Nolan is being held on a $21,000 bond.

Arabi man arrested for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, handgun recovered

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrest Arabi man for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, recover handgun.

An Arabi man was arrested Sept. 23 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and a handgun was recovered, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Derrick Varnado, 25, of the 700 block of Badger Drive in Arabi, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Derrick Varnado, 25, of the 700 block of Badger Drive in Arabi, was booked with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Responding to a complaint from an anonymous source about a male dealing drugs and carrying a gun in a Violet neighborhood, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Agents came in contact with a vehicle fitting the description near the intersection of Daniel Drive and Genie Street.

After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle which agents determined to belong to Varnado, they recovered approximately three dozen small clear plastic bags containing more than 300 grams of marijuana with a street value of approximately $6,700, along with a 9mm handgun.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office recover approximately three dozen small clear plastic bags containing more than 300 grams of marijuana with a street value of approximately $6,700, along with a 9mm handgun.

Subsequently, Varnado was booked into St. Bernard Parish Prison. He was released Sept. 24 on a $10,000 bond.