SBSO offers holiday safety tips with the holiday season

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office offers holiday safety tips

With the holiday season in full force, many of us will find ourselves rushing from place to place, making lists, and stressing over finding the perfect gift for that special loved one. Busy schedules, holiday parties and heightened stress can leave us distracted and not aware of our surroundings causing us to become easy targets for criminals, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Whether you’re shopping in the parish or elsewhere during this holiday season, Sheriff Pohlmann urges St. Bernard Parish residents to take extra precautions to avoid becoming a victim of theft or robbery.

“Remember to pay close attention to your surroundings when doing holiday shopping,’’ the Sheriff said. “It’s possible someone may be watching to take advantage of you because you’re distracted.”

Since the holidays are a time when people often let their guard down because they’re on the go, Sheriff Pohlmann said, “Remembering some common sense safety tips can reduce the chances of something going wrong.”

The Sheriff recommends shopping with a buddy or in a group, but if you must go alone, be aware of your surroundings and follow these simple tips:

Pay attention to where you park while shopping and, at night, park only in areas that are well-lit. Always try to park as close as possible to the store’s entrance, and remember to lock your vehicle doors. Taking a photo of where you parked with your cell phone also is helpful in case you forget.
Once in a store, men should protect their wallets from pickpockets and women should remember not to leave their purses unattended in shopping carts or on counters where they can easily be taken.
Always escort young children to a restroom because minors could be photographed, molested or even abducted if left alone in public restrooms.
When shopping in a large store or mall, establish a meeting place with children in advance in case you become separated or instruct them to go only to a store clerk or security officer for help, and not to a stranger who doesn’t work in the store.
Scan the parking lot before you exit a store for any suspicious activities, such as people standing in a group in one area or someone sitting in a vehicle watching patrons leave. If you sense something odd, you may want to ask a store officer to escort you to your vehicle.
When leaving a store, always exit from a door nearest your parked vehicle. Before heading to your vehicle, have your keys out and in your hand ready to enter your vehicle. Don’t wait until you reach your vehicle to start looking in your purse or pockets for your keys.
It’s a good idea to walk around your car and look inside it when you are in a crowded parking lot. Checking the inside of your vehicle before you enter it could prevent you from unexpectedly finding someone waiting in the vehicle to rob you.
Once inside your vehicle, lock the doors immediately before leaving your parking space. Avoid sitting in your vehicle, and doing things like talking on the phone or looking at social media. Leave the parking lot as soon a possible.
If you are making several stops while shopping, place your packages in your trunk or out of plain sight inside your vehicle. Leaving valuable items visible only provides a temptation to thieves.
If you suspect someone is following you, do not go home or pull over. You should remain calm and drive to a crowded place or a nearby Sheriff’s Office substation for assistance.
Once home, unload your packages immediately. Do not store valuables in your car any longer than necessary, and certainly never overnight.

The Sheriff also urges residents to call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 if they see something suspicious or 911 if they feel they’re in immediate danger. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Sheriff Pohlmann wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

#sbso

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TROOP B NEWS RELEASE

TROOP B NEWS RELEASE

November 26, 2018

LSP Investigates Deputy Involved Shooting in St. Bernard Parish

 

St. Bernard Parish – This afternoon, Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations was contacted by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in reference to an officer involved shooting involving their deputies.

 

Preliminary investigation reveals that the deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on LA 39 near Packenham Avenue.  The vehicle was later confirmed stolen out of Mississippi.  During the encounter, three deputies were injured and shots were fired.  The suspect was not injured and taken into custody.  The deputies were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab is assisting in the investigation.

 

This is an active investigation and no further information is available 

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office books two New Orleans men in stolen vehicle investigation, issues arrest warrant for third

A New Orleans man was booked after he fled from deputies in a stolen vehicle and struck an officer with the vehicle, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said. A second New Orleans man also was booked in connection with the investigation, and an arrest warrant has been issued for a third.

Tyrin Hamilton, 21, of the 9000 block of Bunker Hill Road in New Orleans, was booked with two counts of possession of stolen property and aggravated assault with a motor vehicle upon a police officer.

Maurice Hicks Jr., 19, of the 2900 block of Toledano Street in New Orleans, was booked with two counts of possession of stolen property.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Devonte Smith, 19, of the 9000 block of Bunker Hill Road in New Orleans, for two counts of possession of stolen property.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies were in Arabi investigating a report of a stolen vehicle received through the License Plate Recognition camera system.

When deputies came into contact with the stolen vehicle near the intersection of Judge Perez Drive and Government Street in Arabi, the driver, later identified as Hamilton, sped toward the deputy, striking him with the vehicle.   

As the vehicle sped toward the deputy, he fired at the vehicle, striking Hamilton.

Hamilton was apprehended at the hospital after he was treated and released for non-life threatening injuries, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

The deputy involved in the incident also was transported to the hospital for treatment and was released.  

Sheriff Pohlmann credits the use of LPR camera system technology with the growing number of stolen vehicle apprehensions in St. Bernard. He wants criminals to know he will not tolerate them entering St. Bernard Parish in stolen vehicles and then fleeing from deputies.

“You’re not going to put my citizens at risk and my deputies at risk and not have any consequences. We are going to catch you and we are going to take you to jail. If you try to run over a deputy, you are putting yourself at risk as well.”

Sheriff James Pohlmann

Administrative offices closed for Thanksgiving

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office administrative offices closed for Thanksgiving

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office administrative offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23 in observance of Thanksgiving.

The administrative offices will reopen Monday, Nov. 26.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests seven individuals, recovers several handguns and marijuana following undercover investigation

Five New Orleanians and two Chalmette residents were arrested Nov. 13 in connection with an undercover investigation conducted by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division Narcotics Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics team, or S.W.A.T. team, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Marijuana was recovered along with several handguns, including one with a partially scratched serial number that was confirmed stolen, the Sheriff said.

Darryl Mahogany, 21, of the 2800 block of Conti Street in New Orleans, was booked with convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, attempted obliteration of a serial number on a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Justin Glenn, 18, of Morrison Road in New Orleans, was booked with convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, attempted obliteration of a serial number on a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Michael Duckett, 18, of the 14000 block of Beekman Road in New Orleans, was booked with possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, attempted obliteration of a serial number on a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Trey Lee, 19, of the 7400 block of Read Road in New Orleans, was booked with convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest.

Brian LeBlanc, 18, of the 2300 block of Trio Street in Chalmette, was booked with possession of marijuana, resisting an officer and child desertion.

Juan Barbain, 18, of the 4800 block of Galahad Drive in New Orleans, was booked with possession of marijuana, and on three outstanding warrants out of the New Orleans Police Department.

Tierian Glenn, 22, of the 2300 block of Trio Street in Chalmette, was booked with possession of marijuana.

During the investigation, Sheriff Pohlmann said, as agents were conducting surveillance prior to executing a search warrant on a residence in the 2300 block of Trio Street in Chalmette, three male subjects, including one seen holding a handgun, exited the home and left in a vehicle.

When agents conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, they noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle, the Sheriff said.

The three male occupants, later identified as Justin Glenn, Mahogany and Duckett, were found to be in possession of marijuana, as well as a MasterPiece Arms Defender .9mm handgun, a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun, and a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun with a partially scratched serial number listed by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office as stolen.

As agents executed the search warrant at the Trio Street residence, two male subjects, later identified as Lee and LeBlanc, fled the home through a second floor window, leaving behind LeBlanc’s 2-year-old child he shares with Tierian Glenn. Both Lee and LeBlanc were apprehended nearby.

Agents also recovered three additional handguns, including a Sig Sauer P250 .9mm, a Springfield XDM .45 caliber, and a Glock 17 .9mm.

Barbain and Tierian Glenn were both present at the home and were booked on the above listed charges.

A criminal history check was conducted on all subjects which revealed Justin Glenn, Mahogany and Lee all have prior felony convictions.

All subjects were transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison to be booked accordingly.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office books Meraux man with second degree kidnapping, domestic abuse aggravated assault

A Meraux man was booked Nov. 14 for repeatedly forcing his girlfriend to take him to purchase narcotics and physically assaulting her when she refused, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Anthony Breaux, 45, of the 2400 block of Paul Drive in Meraux, was booked with second degree kidnapping, domestic abuse aggravated assault, possession of heroin, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the course of the investigation, Sheriff Pohlmann said, agents with the Special Investigations Division Narcotics Unit received information about Breaux forcing his girlfriend on numerous occasions to drive him to New Orleans to purchase narcotics. On an occasion when the girlfriend refused, Breaux is accused of striking her in the facial area with his fist and pointing a wooden club at her.

Agents came into contact with Breaux Nov.14 at his residence after receiving a tip he would be returning home from forcing his girlfriend to take him to purchase narcotics. Breaux was found to be in possession of five small clear plastic bags containing cocaine, one clear plastic bag containing heroin, and two homemade glass smoking devices.

A criminal history check was conducted on Breaux which revealed he has a history of domestic violence complaints filed against him.

Breaux was transported to St. Bernard Parish Prison to be booked.

Free Ride Home Program For Holiday Season

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Free Ride Home Program For Holiday Season

St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann wishes everyone a Happy Holiday season and reminds them to call the Sheriff’s Office if they are in need of a safe ride home.

The program, which runs from Thanksgiving day through Jan. 2, allows residents who have too much to drink during the holiday season to call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 to receive a free ride home from a deputy, no questions asked.

A Sheriff’s Office deputy will pick you up and take you to your home in St. Bernard or, if you live outside the parish, they will take you to a Sheriff’s substation where you can make arrangements to be picked up by a friend or family member.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the goal of the program is to cut down on drinking and driving to prevent injuries from vehicle crashes.

“It is so simple and it could save your life or the life of someone you might hit in a traffic accident,” the Sheriff said.

Callers will be given a ride home, but not to a bar, nightclub or to another party.

“We don’t want to arrest you for driving while intoxicated or another impairment,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “So, instead of getting behind the wheel if you are impaired, just give us a call and we will pick you up and give you a ride.”

The free Holiday Ride Home program was started in St. Bernard Parish in 1986 and was the first of its kind in the New Orleans area. About two dozen people take advantage of the program each year.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in annual Veterans Day parade

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in annual Veterans Day parade

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office joined forces with several other agencies, including Parish Government and the Fire Department, to participate in the parish’s annual Veterans Day parade held Nov. 11 in Chalmette, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Coordinated by St. Bernard Parish Government, the celebration is held each year to show appreciation for veterans of all branches of the military who have served in the past, as well as those who serve and protect today.

The parade, which began at 9:30 a.m. near the corner of West Judge Perez Drive and Old Hickory Avenue, disbanded at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette.  Several veterans participated in the parade, as well as school marching groups and Honor Guard, Color Guard and ROTC.

Immediately following the parade, parish officials honored veterans during a ceremony in front of the Veterans Monument at the Civic Center. All veterans received a light lunch from Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant, sponsored by Gulf Coast Bank and Trust, which also provided the transportation for the veterans.

Two St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. Academy

Deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. Academy

Two St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies graduated Nov. 8 from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., basic police academy at the St. Charles Parish Regional P.O.S.T. Academy.

Graduates are: Deputies Ashley Blasio and Donny Saucier of the Corrections Division.

The academy includes more than 560 hours of training in basic police work over 13 weeks, including firearms use, criminal investigation, patrol procedures, writing reports, driving training, physical fitness and other areas.

Dep. Blasio also was given an award for best elapsed time in the driving course portion of the academy.

Ranking officers who represented the St. Bernard’s Sheriff’s Office at the ceremony are: Capt. Ronnie Martin, Capt. Dennis Morgan, Lt. Stephen Ingargiola, and Sgt. Jorge Vargas.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office investigating body found in Violet

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office investigating body found in Violet

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is investigating a body found shortly before 11 a.m. on Nov. 8 near a wooded area in Violet, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The deceased male was found in the 5400 block of East Judge Perez Drive.

Foul play is not suspected at this time, but the cause of death is unclassified and will be determined pending an autopsy by the St. Bernard Coroner’s Office.