PALESTINE PD INVESTIGATES SERIES OF AUTO BURGLARIES

PRESS RELEASE

The Palestine Police Department is currently investigating a series of automobile burglaries that have taken place over the past three weeks. The police department has developed a number of suspects and is currently seeking to locate and talk with these persons.

The police department also recovered several items believed to have been taken in several of these vehicle burglaries. These items include a number of GPS units and cell phones. The Palestine Police Department will be attempting to contact owners of these items within the next few days.

The Palestine Police Department has made two arrests in connection with these burglaries.  19 year old Joshua Knapp and 20 year old Jamison Starkes have been arrested in connection with a number of the automobile burglaries. Both subjects were taken to the Anderson County Jail. Additional charges are possible. There is a possibility of other arrests in the near future.

 Detective Nathan Allen will be leading the investigation concerning this series of burglaries. Citizens with questions should call Detective Allen at 903-731-8468.   

Palestine PD Bike Team to Host Bicycle Rodeo for Children

The Palestine Police Department would like to remind residents that members of the Palestine Police Department Bicycle Team will be hosting a Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday June 25th, in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

The Rodeo will start at 10 a.m. and last until 2 p.m.

The rodeo is designed to teach bicycle safety to children between the ages of 7 and 12. Special guest BMX star Morgan Wade will be on hand to assist with the event.

We ask that parents provide bicycles and safety helmets for their children, as they are required to participate.

One Arrest Made During Investigation of Convenience Store Burglary

PRESS RELEASE

On June 21, 2011, at approximately 0221 Hrs, Officers responded to the 700 Blk. of W. Palestine Ave, in reference to an alarm at Lucky Star Grocery.

Upon arrival, officers found that the front glass doors had been smashed in, and several items of merchandise were scattered about the floor inside and outside of the business. Officer Kris Davis, who responded to the call, observed some of the property lying in the street near the store. Upon observing a suspect running away from the area, the subject was ordered to stop, and was eventually detained after a short foot pursuit in the 1200 Blk. of North Howard St. Jerome Dawson, 39 years of age was arrested for Burglary of Building, Evading Arrest or Detention, and Public Intoxication. Evidence was recovered in the area which was believed to have been stolen from the business. Dawson was transported to the Anderson County Jail where he was booked in on the charges. “This was a nice job by Officer Davis, and other officers of being observant enough to follow the evidence, until it led to a suspect,” said Operations Chief Powell regarding the arrest.

The value of the stolen property removed from the store has not been calculated at the time of the release.

Palestine PD to Conduct Citizen's Police Academy

The Palestine PD, starting September 22, 2011 will be conducting a 9 week Citizen's Police Academy. Each week different topics will be discussed including functions of Police Administration, Law Overview (Penal Code and CCP), Patrol Procedures, Criminal Investigations, Drug Investigations, Dispatch Functions, Municipal Court Procedures, and Firearms. Tours will be provided of the PD as well as the Anderson County Jail. The classes are expected to last between two and a half and three hours. A meal will be provided the first night, and a sign up sheet will be provided to

There is no cost to participate, however applicants must live, work, or volunteer within the city limits of Palestine, TX.

Applications may be found at the information stand in City Hall or by visiting www.cityofpalestinetx.com
The application can be found within the departmental information for the Police Department.