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.”

VEHICLE COLLISION RESULTS IN DAMAGE TO LOCAL BUSINESS

PRESS RELEASE

July 28, 2011

Officers responded to a multi-vehicle accident in the 1000 block of W. Palestine on Thursday afternoon.

Gwen Evans, 53 of Bunkie, Louisiana was traveling westbound in the 800 blk. of W. Palestine Ave in a 2010 Honda Accord. Guy Evans, 69, also of Bunkie, Louisiana was in the front passenger seat of the Honda.  According to witnesses, Evans was traveling at a high rate of speed when she struck a 2008 Jeep Wrangler near the intersection of W. Palestine Ave. and Conway.

            Evans then continued around the Jeep, drove right, across both westbound lanes. Evans left the roadway and drove into the Pic and Go parking lot, 1009 W. Palestine Ave, where she struck the gas pump nearest to the building. Valentin Garcia, 26, of Palestine was pumping gas into his 2002 Chevrolet pickup when he observed Evans’ vehicle was traveling towards him. Garcia was able to jump out of the way, just before Evans’ vehicle struck the gas pump he was using. After striking the gas pump, Evan’s vehicle pushed both the gas pump and the Chevrolet into the store. The Chevorlet’s bed partially intruded into the inside of the store.

            Store employee, Tammy Arnold, 51, of Palestine, was standing behind the counter inside of the store when the Chevrolet entered the store. Arnold was struck by an unknown object inside of the store after the collision.  Once Guy and Gwen Evans were removed from the vehicle, they were transported to the PRMC ER by ambulance, both with non-life threatening injuries. Arnold was later transported to the PRMC ER by private vehicle with non-life threatening injuries. 

            There was no indication of alcohol being involved in the accident. Unsafe speed appears to be the contributing factor in this accident. Charges are pending.

Palestine PD Arrest Suspect in Vehicle Burglaries

PRESS RELEASE

On July 6^th, 2011, at approximately 0619 Hrs., Officers from the Palestine Police Department responded to the 400 block of Fourth Street, in reference to a report of Burglary of a Vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers were advised that a family member of the victim came to the residence to visit, and found a suspect inside one of the vehicles at the residence. The victim observed a black male dressed in a white undershirt and dark shorts then leave the vehicle and travel away from the scene after being questioned. He was carrying believed stolen property with him at the time.

Cpl. Melvin Hill and Sgt. Rich Johnson, located a subject matching the description given by the witness, identified as Simas Lemond Farris, 33 years of age in the area. Property identified as being stolen from a vehicle in the 400 block was recovered. Farris was then placed under arrest. Farris was charged with Use of a Criminal Instrument, and Burglary of Vehicle W/ Previous Conviction.

The Palestine Police Department is currently investigating 94 Burglary of Vehicles that have occurred since June 1^st, 2011.

“Detectives are in the process of sorting out these burglaries, and have made some arrests. There are some leads in these cases, but with the sheer quantity of cases, it is going to take some time to investigate. We continue to ask the public to refrain from leaving valuables in their vehicles.”

“I would always ask for people to keep an eye out for their own neighborhood. If they see someone walking by, pulling on car door handles, or peeping in car windows, then call the police. That is suspicious enough for us to question someone about. We all have to look out for one another. In this case, the victim’s brother knew that this person had no business in the cars, and called us. I appreciate him for getting involved”, said Operations Chief Jeff Powell.

Additional charges may be pending against Farris, based on evidence found at the scene.

Bonds were set at $50,000 for each charge, according to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.

PALESTINE FIREWORKS DISPLAY NOTICE

PRESS RELEASE

The City of Palestine’s Fireworks Display will be held on July 4^th, 2011 at the soccer field west of Story School on Moody Street.

The Palestine Police Department and Palestine Fire Department would like to remind citizens of a few rules and safety measures:

No personal fireworks will be allowed inside the city limits per city ordinance. This includes sparklers and other similar types of fireworks. Fireworks will be confiscated and may result in the issuance of a citation.

Due to the extreme fire danger, any charcoal or similar type cooking apparatus must have all cooking materials (charcoal, wood, etc) extinguished prior to leaving the site.

North Loop 256 will be closed approximately 30 minutes prior to the display from 84 East to 79 East. No traffic, walking or driving will be allowed onto the Loop or near the display after the road has been shut down. Parking will not be allowed anywhere along North Loop 256. Moody Street, West of North Loop 256 will be blocked off prior to the start of the fireworks display, and traffic parked behind the barricades will exit the display westbound on Moody St.

Traffic parked off of Moody Street, east of North Loop 256 during the display will turn northbound on Loop 256 to leave the display. Traffic parked in parking lots south of Moody (YMCA, FBC Palestine, etc.) will be directed South onto North Loop 256 after the display.

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.