St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. police academy
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. police academy
Four St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies graduated June 14 from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., police academy held by the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office.
Congratulations to graduates Dep. Alan Clomburg Jr., Dep. John Clark, Dep. Larry Wilson and Dep. Daffne Enclard.
Dep. Enclard was the class president, Dep. Wilson served as vice-president, and Dep. Clark was sergeant-at-arms.
The academy included more than 500 hours of training in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms use, criminal investigation, patrol procedures, writing reports, driving training and physical fitness.
Chief Deputy Richard Baumy, Capt. Stephen Ingargiola and Lt. Eric Eilers attended the graduation ceremony.
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Cops for Christmas fundraiser
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Cops for Christmas fundraiser
For more than a decade, members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office have been spreading Christmas cheer by visiting several St. Bernard Parish families with Santa to deliver presents and some much-needed household items, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Each year, C.O.P.S (Caring Officers Provide Smiles) for Christmas LLC helps provide these families with things such as toys, food, clothing, and household and toiletry items. Bicycles also are usually donated by a local business.
A Family Fun Day fundraiser will be held to benefit this year’s initiative. The event is set for Saturday, July 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Islenos Museum Complex grounds, 1357 Bayou Road in St. Bernard.
There will be music, food, beer, crafts booths and fun activities for children.
Tickets to enter cost $3 per person in advance and will be available until July 1. Advance tickets can be paid for through Venmo at @cops4christmas-20 or by Paypal at @cops4christmas.
Admission at the gate the day of the event will cost $5 per person. Children ages 6 and under will be admitted free.
For more information, or tickets, call (504) 278-7760.
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Addiction Resource Program
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Addiction Resource Program
coordinator guest speaker at Kiwanis meeting
Stanley Simeon, coordinator of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Addiction Resource Program, was the guest speaker at the June 1 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard.
Formed in June 2017, the Addiction Resource 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.
Simeon, who has an extensive background in helping people with all sorts of addictions, works closely with Lt. Eric Eilers, head of the Community Relations Division, and Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Aaron Johnson to facilitate the program.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Addiction Resource Program and would like more information, call Simeon at (504) 517-2944. Participation in the program is kept confidential.
The Kiwanis Club meets each Tuesday at noon in the Rocky and Carlo’s Sicilian Room, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. For more information, call Robby Showalter at (504) 616-7312.
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests Meraux man for
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrests Meraux man for
attempted second degree murder after shooting a man from Violet
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office arrested a Meraux man for shooting a man from Violet whom he had been feuding with over a woman, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Gabriel Nelson, 29, of the 2000 block of Walkers Lane in Meraux, was booked Thursday, May 27 with attempted second degree murder.
On Wednesday, May 26, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Sheriff Pohmann said, deputies responded to a call about a male suffering from a gunshot wound in the 3000 block of Stacie Drive in Violet.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a male victim lying in the grass of an empty lot suffering from three gunshot wounds to his upper left thigh.
The victim was transported to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries. Sheriff Pohlmann said no one else was injured in the incident.
During the course of the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Bureau were able to identify Nelson as the shooter through eyewitness accounts, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Nelson turned himself in and was booked on the above charge. A criminal history check was conducted on Nelson which revealed he is a registered sex offender.
Citizens who want to share information with detectives about this incident or any other criminal activity pertaining to St. Bernard Parish or any of its residents, can do so by calling the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501. They also can call the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s tip hotline, (504) 271-TIPS or 8477. Callers can leave a detailed message, and either choose to provide their contact information or remain anonymous.
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will conduct extra patrols for vacationing residents
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will conduct extra patrols for vacationing residents
St. Bernard Parish residents leaving for an extended period of time or for summer vacation can call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to request that deputies make extra patrols past their home while they are away.
“When thinking about the last-minute things you have to do before leaving, remember to call us for extra patrols,” St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Residents can call (504) 271-2501 to get on the list for the extra patrols.
Sheriff Pohlmann said the information is kept confidential and is revealed only to the officers assigned to patrol the section where the resident lives.
Residents also are advised to leave a contact number with the Sheriff’s Office so a patrol deputy can call them if something happens at their home, Sheriff Pohlmann said, including non crime-related matters such as damage from a wind or rain storm.
Lt. Eric Eilers, head of Community Relations for the Sheriff’s Office, said the extra pass list has been used effectively for years and helps residents be assured their homes will have some extra protection while they are away.
Lt. Eilers said residents should consider the following crime prevention tips before leaving their home for trips:
Lock up. While this might seem obvious, some people forget to lock their house completely while rushing to get away. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
Be careful who you tell that you plan to be away from your home. However, ask someone you trust to watch for anything unusual. Also, never leave a message on a phone voice mail system saying you are out of town because any caller would learn your house may be vulnerable.
The same is true with social media. It is foolish to announce to everyone you will be going on a trip. Wait until you return to post photos instead.
Do whatever possible to create the appearance that someone is home. Keep a vehicle in the driveway or out front of your residence. Maintain your lawn before you leave or have someone you trust mow your lawn while you are gone.
Put outdoor lighting on either timers, light-sensitive photocell mechanisms, or motion detectors. Use timers to activate inside lighting, radios, or TVs. Use LED light bulbs because they burn cooler than the standard light bulbs.
Don’t let deliveries accumulate. If possible, ask someone you know to pick up mail, newspapers, packages and any circulars placed on your front door. Stop delivery of any newspaper if you can so they don’t pile up.
Don’t leave keys under your doormat, flower pots or window ledges – intruders check these first.
Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick shrubbery and trees cover your windows, allowing burglars to work undetected.
If you have a security system, ensure it is armed and provide instructions to the central monitoring station – if you have one – to call your cell phone, the Sheriff’s Office and/or a particular friend, relative or neighbor if there is a problem.
If your area has a Neighborhood Watch program, inform its officials about your vacation plans.
St. Bernard residents interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group in their area can call Lt. Eilers at (504) 278-7628.
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, 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 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 anyone 17 and under wear a flotation device at all times when a boat is in motion 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 searching for suspect in trailer theft
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office searching for suspect in trailer theft
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating and identifying a suspect wanted in connection with the theft of a utility trailer in Chalmette, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
On Wednesday, April 20, 2021, between the hours of 10 p.m. and midnight, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about a utility trailer being stolen from in front of a residence in the 200 block of East Girod Street in Chalmette.
Based on video surveillance, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Bureau have determined the suspect vehicle to be a dark colored 2009-10 Chevrolet Silverado with an extended cab. The orange open air trailer with high sides bears the license plate L635226.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of this trailer or truck is asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501, the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s tip hotline at (504) 271-TIPS or 8477, or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Callers to the CIB tip hotline or Crimestoppers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash award from Crimestoppers.
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office searching for suspects responsible for dumping barbed wire in St. Berna
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office searching for suspects responsible for dumping barbed wire in St. Bernard Parish waters
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating and identifying suspects who are responsible for intentionally dumping barbed wire in St. Bernard Parish commercial and recreational fishing waters, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
During the past two weeks, Sheriff Pohlmann said, the Sheriff’s Office has received several reports from commercial fishermen who have had barbed wire become entangled in their nets and, in some instances, their boat motor propellers while trawling between Pointe Fortuna and the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal.
According to the fishermen, barbed wire getting caught in their nets and boat motor propellers can cause thousands of dollars in damage, and put their lives and livelihood at risk. If barbed wire gets wrapped around a motor propellor it can cause a boat to sink, and fishermen could be exposed to marine bacteria while trying to untangle the wire.
Sheriff Pohlmann warns individuals who are caught intentionally dumping barbed wire in any waterway in St. Bernard Parish will be arrested and could face felony charges, a hefty fine and/or possible jail time.
The intentional sabotaging of a commercial fisherman’s livelihood will not be tolerated, the Sheriff said.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Bureau are investigating several leads in the case, and have obtained information on the possible identity of specific suspects.
Anyone with information regarding individuals known to be intentionally dumping barbed wire in any St. Bernard Parish waterway, is asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at (504) 278-7630 or (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.
Any boaters who have been affected by this also are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office.
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting in Chalmette
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting in Chalmette
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occured Saturday shortly before midnight in Chalmette, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
On Saturday, May 1, at approximately 11:45 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about a shooting at the intersection of Juno Drive and Patricia Street in Chalmette.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they observed a male victim lying on the sidewalk near the corner of Juno and Patricia with a gunshot wound to his right side. Deputies also found another male victim on Patricia Street who had been shot in the left foot.
The two juveniles, ages 15 and 16, told deputies they were walking on Patricia Street toward Juno Drive when the occupants of a dark in color SUV traveling eastbound on Patricia began shooting at them. The vehicle fled eastbound on Patricia Street toward Paris Road.
Both victims were transported to University Medical Center to be treated for their injuries. The 15-year-old who was shot in his side is reported to be in stable condition. No information was available on the 16-year-old who was shot in the foot.
Sheriff Pohlmann said no one else was injured in the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this incident, or any other criminal activity pertaining to St. Bernard Parish or any of its residents, can call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 or its Criminal Investigations Bureau’s tip hotline, (504) 271-TIPS or 8477 where 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 Drug Take-Back Day set for April 24
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Drug Take-Back Day set for April 24
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann encourages residents to properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications on Saturday, April 24 as the Sheriff’s Office participates in the annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back.
Narcotics officers with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will accept unwanted medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Special Investigations Division substation, 7001 W. Judge Perez Drive in Arabi, near the corner of Aycock Street.
“Residents should take this opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets and get rid of unused drugs so they don’t fall into the hands of youngsters who might misuse them or thieves who could sell them on our streets,” Sheriff Pohlmann said.
The initiative, part of a national effort spearheaded by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, has seen more than 4.8 million pounds of prescription drugs collected since its inception in 2010.
For those not able to make the April 24 event, the Sheriff’s Office also has a drop box located year-round at the substation 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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