Archives: May2020

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests four in Violet shooting incident

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests four in Violet shooting incident

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has arrested four individuals involved in a shooting incident which occurred on the afternoon of Friday, May 22 on Guerra Drive in Violet, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Marquise Hamilton, 24, of the 2400 block of Cora Ann Street in Violet, was booked May 26 with one count of attempted second degree murder.

Tyreese Riley, 18, of Contemporary Court in Violet, was booked May 24 with illegal discharge of a firearm.

Davontae Major, 17, of the 3000 block of Daniel Drive in Violet, was booked May 26 with illegal discharge of a firearm.

Shermann Major, 18, of the 3000 block of Tara Drive in Violet, was booked May 26 with illegal discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.

Around 3:40 p.m. on May 22, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about shots fired in the 2800 block of Guerra Drive in Violet.

When deputies arrived on the scene, the suspects had fled the scene, but detectives with the Criminal Investigations Bureau were able to identify all four suspects through video surveillance and eyewitness accounts.

Sheriff Pohlmann said no one was injured in this incident.

Citizens who want to share information with detectives about criminal activity pertaining to St. Bernard Parish or any of its residents, can do so anonymously through the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau’s new tip hotline, (504) 271-TIPS or 8477.

If a detective isn’t available to answer, the Sheriff said callers can leave a detailed message, and either choose to provide their contact information, or remain anonymous.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office issues arrest warrants

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office issues arrest warrants for four suspects in two unrelated shootings in Violet

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has issued arrest warrants for four individuals in two unrelated shooting incidents which both occurred on the afternoon of Friday, May 22 in Violet, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

In the first incident, which occurred on Daniel Drive in Violet, arrest warrants have been issued for the following suspects: Dwayne Ratcliff, 19, of the 2500 block of Caluda Lane in Violet; Tyron Enclarde, 21, of the 2500 block of Caluda Lane in Violet; and Terrell Dobard, 22, of the 2100 block of Mumphrey Road in Chalmette.

Shortly after 1 p.m. on Friday, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about a shooting in the 2900 block of Daniel Drive. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a 14-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

During the course of the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Bureau determined Ratcliff and Enclarde were involved in an altercation with Dobard. Ratcliff, Enclarde and Dobard all brandished weapons and fired shots at each other during the incident.

Sheriff Pohlmann said the male juvenile, not involved in the altercation, was struck by a stray bullet during the incident. He was transported to University Medical Center in New Orleans to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Ratcliff, Enclarde and Dobard fled the scene before deputies arrived, but detectives were able to identify all three through video surveillance.

In the second incident, an arrest warrant for illegal discharge of a firearm has been issued for Tyreese Riley, 18, of Contemporary Court in Violet.

On Friday around 3:40 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about shots fired in the 2800 block of Guerra Drive in Violet.

When deputies arrived on the scene, Riley had fled the scene, but deputies with the Field Operations Bureau were able to identify him through video surveillance and eyewitness accounts.

Sheriff Pohlmann said no one was injured in this incident.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Ratcliff, Enclarde, Dobard or Riley, or anyone with additional information regarding either of these incidents is asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau TIPS hotline at (504) 271-TIPS or 8477, or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and Crimestoppers may offer a cash reward.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office activates new criminal activity tip hotline

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office activates new criminal activity tip hotline

Citizens who want to share information with detectives about criminal activity pertaining to St. Bernard Parish or any of its residents, can do so anonymously through the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau’s new tip hotline, (504) 271-TIPS or 8477, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The new criminal activity tip hotline is patterned after the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division’s narcotics hotline, (504) 271-DOPE or 3673, which has for several decades been a successful tool in the fight against the drug epidemic.

Tipsters who have information they feel would be valuable to detectives can call the TIP hotline to share information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Citizens can share information pertaining to cases involving things such as theft, robbery, burglary or even a murder. Sheriff Pohlmann said all calls will be acted upon.

“Our DOPE hotline has been an essential tool in our fight against illegal drug activity in St. Bernard Parish for many years,” the Sheriff said, “and our hope is the criminal activity TIP hotline will be just as successful by helping detectives quickly solve major crimes and continue to keep St. Bernard and its residents safe.”

If a detective isn’t available to answer, the Sheriff said callers can leave a detailed message, and either choose to provide their contact information, or remain anonymous.

“We understand citizens’ need to remain anonymous in certain circumstances,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Choosing to leave your name and telephone number is your choice. Doing so does not mean your personal information will be released. It will simply assist us in any follow-up questions we may have.”

The Sheriff reminds residents who are in danger or in need of immediate assistance to call 911. Non-emergency issues such as requesting to speak with a deputy can be handled by calling (504) 271-2501.

The Sheriff’s Office also has a Traffic hotline, (504) 278-7677, where residents can report continued speeding issues in their neighborhood.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office PHASE I administrative office hours of operation

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office PHASE I administrative office hours of operation

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office activated PHASE I of its reopening plan for its administrative offices this week, and has decided to amend its hours of operation, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Effective today (May 19), the administrative offices, located at #2 Courthouse Square in Chalmette, will be open to residents weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The following services will be available throughout PHASE I at the administrative offices during these hours:

Payment of sales and property taxes
Payment of fines and traffic tickets
Purchase of police reports
Purchase of occupational licenses

During PHASE I, the Sheriff’s Office will NOT be conducting vehicle inspections, releasing property or performing criminal history checks.

The following rules will apply to persons entering the administrative office building:

1. Persons must allow a non-touch temperature check to be conducted. Persons with a body temperature below 100.4 will be allowed to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge. At this time, they will be allowed into the administrative offices via elevator (ONE RIDER AT A TIME). Persons with a body temperature over 100.4 will not be allowed into the building.

2. Persons entering the building must use hand sanitizer before entering. There will be a dispenser located at the entrance.

3. Persons entering the building must wear a protective mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times. You may provide your own mask or one will be provided to you.

4. Persons waiting in line to enter the administrative offices or to be serviced at the second floor window must adhere to 6-feet social distancing rules. All floors and waiting areas will be marked.

5. The restrooms at the administrative building will not be open to the public.

6. Only people having actual business with the Sheriff’s Office may enter the building.

Due to the above guidelines being strictly enforced, Sheriff Pohlmann cautions visitors they may encounter lines while awaiting being cleared to enter the building. With that in mind, the Sheriff said, the wearing of masks and maintaining 6-feet of space between all people, with the exception of immediate family, will also apply outside in the parking areas.

While the administrative offices will be open during these amended hours, Sheriff Pohlmann encourages residents to help in the fight against spreading Coronavirus by accessing the above services online, rather than doing so in person.

All of the services listed above can be handled online by visiting www.sbso.org and selecting the appropriate link located on the left hand side of the main page.

Only St. Bernard Parish sales and property taxes and citations issued in St. Bernard that individuals have NOT YET gone to court for can be paid on the website.

The Sheriff also reminds residents there also is a drop box at the front entrance to the building for after-hours use.

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SBSO to participate in ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to participate in
‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is participating in the “Click It or Ticket” National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization campaign to highlight the dangers of motorists not wearing seat belts, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Beginning today (May 19) through June 2, deputies will be taking to parish streets and highways to participate in the campaign, which is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission.

Seat belts have been proven to be one of the best ways to save someone’s life in a crash, yet many drivers, as well as passengers, don’t buckle up. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign focuses on safety education, strong laws and law enforcement officers saving lives.

Sheriff Pohlmann, who is a member of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, representing the 1st Congressional District, feels campaigns such as this one are an important tool for the Sheriff’s Office.

“These types of programs promote safety on our state roads and highway systems,” the Sheriff said. “Too many people are needlessly killed or injured each year in traffic accidents.”

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SBSO takes unwanted or expired medications

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office takes unwanted or expired medications

St. Bernard Parish residents who are spending more time at home and may be doing some spring cleaning are reminded to properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Residents can dispose of old, unwanted medications year-round by placing them in a drop box located in the lobby of the Field Operations Bureau substation located at 4700 Paris Road in Chalmette.

The drop box located at the Paris Road substation was installed as part of an initiative by state Attorney General Jeff Landry, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators.

The goal of the initiative is to have a location in every Louisiana parish where residents can drop off unwanted medications at any time in an effort to fight the opioid epidemic.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office promotes boating safety

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office promotes boating safety

With Memorial Day approaching, and COVID-19 restrictions being eased as we enter into Phase 1, summer fishing and boating will be kicking into high gear on St. Bernard Parish waterways, and 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 continuing to practice social distancing when on the water, at boat launches and around docks in an effort to further prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Sheriff also reminds boaters that everyone on board watercraft should be wearing a personal flotation device, or life jacket.

“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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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office begins PHASE I reopening of administrative offices

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office begins PHASE I reopening of administrative offices

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will activate PHASE I of its reopening plan for its administrative offices next week, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The administrative office building, located at #2 Courthouse Square in Chalmette, will be open to residents weekdays beginning Monday, May 18. Hours of operation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a closure daily from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch and cleaning.

The following services will be available throughout PHASE I at the administrative offices:

Payment of sales and property taxes
Payment of fines and traffic tickets
Purchase of police reports
Purchase of occupational licenses

During PHASE I, the Sheriff’s Office will NOT be conducting vehicle inspections, releasing property or performing criminal history checks.

The following rules will apply to persons entering the administrative office building:

1. Persons must allow a non-touch temperature check to be conducted. Persons with a body temperature below 100.4 will be allowed to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge. At this time, they will be allowed into the administrative offices via elevator (ONE RIDER AT A TIME). Persons with a body temperature over 100.4 will not be allowed into the building.

2. Persons entering the building must use hand sanitizer before entering. There will be a dispenser located at the entrance.

3. Persons entering the building must wear a protective mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times. You may provide your own mask or one will be provided to you.

4. Persons waiting in line to enter the administrative offices or to be serviced at the second floor window must adhere to 6-feet social distancing rules. All floors and waiting areas will be marked.

5. The restrooms at the administrative building will not be open to the public.

6. Only people having actual business with the Sheriff’s Office may enter the building.

Due to the above guidelines being strictly enforced, Sheriff Pohlmann cautions visitors they may encounter lines while awaiting being cleared to enter the building.

With that in mind, the Sheriff said, the wearing of masks and social distancing rules (maintaining 6-feet of space between all people, with the exception of immediate family, will also apply outside in the parking areas.

While the administrative offices will be open, Sheriff Pohlmann encourages residents to help in the fight against spreading Coronavirus by accessing the above services online, rather than doing so in person.

All of the services listed above can be handled online by visiting www.sbso.org and selecting the appropriate link located on the left hand side of the main page.

Only St. Bernard Parish sales and property taxes and citations issued in St. Bernard that individuals have NOT YET gone to court for can be paid on the website.

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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office responding to complaints of 4-wheelers driven illegally

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office responding to complaints of
4-wheelers driven illegally on streets, private property and levee system

Since young people have been out of school due to COVID-19, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in the number of calls about 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles being driven illegally throughout the parish, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The Sheriff’s Office has been responding to numerous complaints about ATV drivers riding not only illegally on streets and highways, but also illegally on private property and the Mississippi River levee system.

Sheriff Pohlmann wants to remind St. Bernard Parish residents that 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles cannot legally be driven on public highways or streets and are built and intended only for off-road use.

The Sheriff said citations will be issued by deputies when riders are found riding 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles illegally, and the ATVs could be impounded when the rider can’t present proof of ownership.

Anyone who witnesses someone driving a 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle illegally in St. Bernard Parish is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division hotline at (504) 278-7677 to file a complaint.

“Parents should know what the law says: ATVs are not legal on streets,” Sheriff Pohlmann said, “and their use by both adults and juveniles is getting out-of-hand, prompting numerous complaints from people who don’t want to hit the riders or be hit themselves by one of the vehicles.”

With social distancing rules still in place, the Sheriff realizes kids are trying to find ways to entertain themselves, but it still will not be tolerated.

“We cannot allow them to be riding vehicles that aren’t street legal on our parish roadways and levees just because they are bored,” the Sheriff said. “They are unsafe in many situations, particularly when driven carelessly, and we don’t want someone to be severely injured or our levee systems damaged.”

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The Knights of Columbus Archbishop Rummel Council 5747, 2107 Paris Road in Chalmette

The Knights of Columbus Archbishop Rummel Council 5747, 2107 Paris Road in Chalmette, is holding a drive-through meal giveaway today (May 6) until 5 p.m. for first responders and medical personnel free of charge with proper identification.

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