COPPER THEFT MOTIVE FOR HOUSE FIRE

PRESS RELEASE

On November 17^th, 2011, at approximately 0952 Hrs, the Palestine Fire Department and Palestine Police Department responded to the 100 Block of Ferguson in reference to a suspicious house fire.

The initial investigation indicated that a witness had observed suspects, described as a heavy set female and male, entering into the residence, and believed that the house may have been rented by the couple.

Fire Department Officials discovered that the suspects appeared to have been burning insulated house wiring in the bathroom using an unknown accelerant.

The fire in the tub, according to Interim Fire Chief Alan Wilcher, apparently got out of control and set the rest of the bathroom on fire.

No one was found within the residence during the investigation, indicating that the suspects fled prior to the Fire Department and Police arriving on the scene.

There was also evidence that the house was being occupied by persons without the consent of the owner, who contacted the police department over the weekend to report the offense.

“The insulation in being burned off so that the copper can be more expediently sold to businesses that deal in precious metals.”

“We need help from the public in identifying these suspicious circumstances. If persons are carrying around spools of house wiring, and look out of place, the police need to be contacted. We need to identify these people, as we have received several reports of copper theft.  A lot of it is continuing to come from vacant houses and businesses. It is a growing problem”, said Lt. Jeff Powell of the Palestine Police Department.

The case is being forwarded to the criminal investigation division for follow up investigation.

Two Care-Flighted in Overnight Accident on Crockett Rd in Palestine

PRESS RELEASE

On 10-06-2011 at approximately 0200 hrs, Officers responded to a call of a Major Traffic Accident on Crockett Rd at Vaughn. Upon arrival, Officers discovered that only one vehicle had been involved in the accident.

The vehicle was described as a red 2006 Dodge Charger. The initial investigation of the accident revealed that vehicle had been traveling southbound on Crockett Rd, in the outside lane. The vehicle appeared to have initially left the roadway striking a curb located near Crockett and Hunter Dr. The vehicle drove south through a triangular grass island, entered back onto the street at E. Vaughn, and traveled over the curb on the south side of E. Vaughn near Crockett. Rd. The vehicle initially struck a speed limit sign before striking a tree. The right side vehicle appeared to strike the first tree causing the vehicle to spin and become airborne. The vehicle struck a second tree causing the vehicle to sheer in half. A female passenger, later identified as Camilla Oliver 22 years of age, was ejected approximately 50 feet from the front seat of the vehicle. The male operator of the vehicle was not ejected, and was identified as Rannel Edward West, 34 years of age. Both subjects were initially transported to Palestine Regional Medical Center and were both care-flighted to ETMC-Tyler. Upon checking their status later in the day on October 6h, Oliver’s status was unknown pending surgery, and West was classified  as critical but stable.

Although speed has been determined to have been a factor in the accident, the investigation is continuing, as it has yet to be determined if intoxication played a part in the accident.

MAJOR ACCIDENT RESULTS IN CARE FLIGHT OF CHILD

PRESS RELEASE

On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, officers from the Palestine Police Department responded to a traffic accident at Loop 256 and North Link St, where two vehicles were involved in the accident. The initial investigation indicated that a 1998 Jeep SUV was traveling north on Link St. The jeep failed to stop at a red traffic light at Link and Loop 256. The Jeep then entered the intersection and collided with a 2006 Chevy truck. The impact caused to the Jeep to overturn and come to rest on its roof, according to Officer Mark Harcrow, the initial investigator.  No citations or charges have been filed, as the investigation is ongoing.

Officer Harcrow stated that the Jeep was driven by 32 year old Chad Everhart of Palestine. Also in the vehicle with Mr. Everhart was his 11 year old daughter. The child was transported to a Dallas hospital for treatment. The severities of the child’s injuries are unknown at this time. The child’s name is being withheld at this time.

The second vehicle in the accident, a Chevy truck, was driven by 22 year old Maxwell Migura.

 For additional information please contact Sgt. James Muniz at 903-731-8477.

TWO MEN ARRESTED AFTER TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO RECOVERY OF DRUGS, STOLEN PROPERTY

PRESS RELEASE



On Sunday, August 28, 2011 Palestine PD Officer William Martin, assisted by Cpl. Matt Kerr, arrested 19 year old Mitchell Lee McKinney for Possession of a Controlled Substance and No Drivers License. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop for a speeding violation. During the stop it was determined that McKinney had no valid driver’s license and that McKinney had been previously charged with driving without a license.

After the arrest, officers located a bottle of pills in the truck driven by McKinney. The pills were later identified a XANAX which is a controlled substance and only available by prescription. The possession charge is a Class A misdemeanor and carries a possible jail term not to exceed one year and a possible fine not to exceed $4000.

During the arrest and subsequent investigation officers were able to determine that items located in the vehicle driven by McKinney were from a burglary in the Tyler area. Contact has been made with Tyler PD and detectives are working with Tyler PD to ensure that the items are returned to the rightful owner. Items recovered are a large screen TV, a laptop computer and several guns.

During a second incident officers arrested 59 year old George Rhemann on an outstanding parole warrant. During the contact with Rhemann a handgun was discovered in the truck being driven by Rhemann. It was further discovered that the handgun was reported as stolen in the same burglary as the items McKinney had in his possession when he was arrested. This information was also forwarded to Tyler PD.

“This was a solid case made on good police work by the initial Patrol Officers and Detectives  Tommy Thacker and Cathy Weber, who followed up on the case. I am proud of them for going out there and getting the job done,” said Chief Jeff Powell, Palestine PD. “Anytime we can mitigate the loss of property in these types of cases, by being able to recover the stolen property, identify an owner, and return the property to them, we are happy. Again, a job well done by the front line officers.”

The incident remains under investigation at this time.         

For additional information please contact Sgt. James Muniz at 903-731-8477.

One Arrested During Execution OF Early Morning Search Warrant

PRESS RELEASE

On August 26^th, 2011, at approximately 0530 Hrs., Sgt. Investigator Daniel Mogan from the Anderson County Drug Investigation Unit, along with members of the Anderson County Tactical Unit, Texas DPS – Criminal Investigation Division, and Palestine Police Department executed a controlled substance search warrant in the 100 blk. of W. Dallas, at the residence of Anthony D. Adams, 29 years of age.

Adams and another female were detained at the residence, and Adams was ultimately arrested in connection with the search warrant.

Investigators seized approximately 4.3 grams of suspected cocaine, 12.4 ounces of suspected marijuana, and 13.7 grams of assorted unidentified tablets, in addition to $729.00 in cash. Additional contraband seized included a scanner, scales, and packaging materials.

During initial execution of the warrant, a Taurus PT140 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was thrown from inside the residence through a window, landing at officers’ feet. The firearm was also seized as evidence. “That had to be a tense moment for officers to hear the window crash, followed by finding a gun at their, feet”, said Chief Jeff Powell. “The Drug Investigation Unit responded to the community’s concerns regarding this location, and did a good job following up on those concerns.”

“We appreciate all of the help that the Drug Unit gets from the ACSO, as well as DPS while running on these places. It is going to take a community effort to identify and stamp out the drug houses. If anyone has any information regarding other problem areas, they can call (903)729-4651. Investigators ask that you be patient regarding returned calls, as they may be out of the office from time to time.”

Adams was charged with Poss. Controlled Substance PG1 >4gm<200grams, Possession of a Firearm by Felon, and Possession of Marijuana more than 4 ounces but less than 5 lbs.

The female who was initially detained was the released at the scene.

PALESTINE PD ADDS NEW SUMMER UNIFORMS

PRESS RELEASE

 

Officers Chase Scarbrough and Justin Carlson model the Palestine Police Department’s new Summer Uniforms.

Officers from the Palestine Police Department will be sporting modified uniforms until the end of September this year.

The Palestine Police Department has authorized the optional Modified Summer Uniforms for patrol and other duties within the department.

The uniforms will consist of a blue-gray colored shirt that has an embroidered badge and the officer’s name on the front of the shirt, along with “Palestine Police Department” on the back of the shirt. Officers were given the option of wearing knee length shorts instead of pants, as well.

“The Officers who chose to participate are really excited about the additional options. With the weather that we have had, they have been welcomed by many officers”, says Operations Chief Jeff Powell. “We just wanted to inform the public of the addition, so they wouldn’t be surprised by contacting officers in a different design of uniform.”

OFFICERS UNCOVER MULTIPLE VEHICLE BURGARIES DURING INVESTIGATION OF AUTO ACCIDENT

PALESTINE POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

On Saturday, August 06, 2011 at approximately 0526 hours, Palestine PD was notified of a one vehicle crash in the 100 block of Glenwood Dr. A witness described a female approached the vehicle and open the driver door and attempt to start the vehicle. As officers arrived, the female fled into the wooded area. Officers Jason Lewis, Gabriel Green, Mark Harcrow and Cpl. Jamie Lester responded to the scene and began searching.  Cpl Lester located the female a short time later.  Three weapons were located inside of the vehicle.

Shortly after the initial investigation into the auto accident had commenced, Officer Jenkins responded to 1400 blk. of Sylvan St in reference to a Burg of Vehicle. It was determined that three guns were taken from this vehicle. It was determined through the investigation that the firearms discovered during the accident were reported as being stolen from the property owner on Sylvan.

A black female, later identified as Jenny Victoria Hodge, 21 years of age was ultimately charged in the case with Theft of Firearm, which is a State Jail Felony.

“Although an arrest was made, the case is still active, as there may have been additional parties involved in the offense. It also appears that an additional burglary was reported near the location of auto accident”, says Operations Chief Jeff Powell. “The Officers responding did a good job and were alert to discover the stolen property in the wrecked vehicle, and determined enough to locate the suspect hiding in the woods. I’m glad we kept the weapons off of the street.”