Ouachita Parish Schools will soon end the current school year for summer break.  As the students begin the summer activities, Sheriff Jay Russell land the Deputies of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office offer these safety tips to help ensure we all enjoy a safe summer.

TIPS FOR DRIVERS

• Pay attention when you are behind the wheel and scan the area around you.  Look for kids playing near the street and slow down.  This is an exciting time for kids and they may forget safety rules.  Children are often unpredictable and unaware of the dangers around them.
• Be aware of and obey posted speed limits.
• Keep in mind that school may be out, but children may still be present in school zones for other activities, such as play grounds, etc.
• Watch for clues.  A ball or bicycle nearby may mean children are close by.  Pay attention and always expect the unexpected.
• Always watch for children when backing up.  Remember children are smaller and much harder to see when walking around parked vehicles.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Parents and caregivers are responsible for keeping children safe.  Make sure they wear safety equipment during activities such as biking, skateboarding, etc.  Teach them to always stop and look before crossing a street.  Remind them to walk, not run, across the street.
• Teach them to appreciate and respect EMS personnel, firefighters and police officers. Explain to them how and when to use 911 in case of an emergency.
• Do not allow children to play unsupervised around swimming pools, ponds or other bodies of water.
• Never allow children to play outside or walk anywhere alone.  Predators may cruise neighborhoods looking for unsupervised kids.  You should report any suspicious strangers or vehicles to police immediately.

As most everyone is aware, this is National Police Week.  The designation was first signed into existence by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962.   Since that time, various activities have been held each year during this time paying tribute to the work of law enforcement officers, particularly those that made the ultimate sacrifice serving the public that they took the oath to do.  This year has been no exception, as events commemorating law enforcement officers have been held all across the United States.  Never has there been a more trying time to be a deputy or police officer, but the men and women dedicated to the profession continue to wear the badge with pride and honor, upholding their commitment to serve the public.

Locally, several events and many gestures of appreciation have been extended to our deputies and other agencies during this week.

“We are especially thankful for the appreciation and support shown to us during this week and throughout the year. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Ouachita Parish,” Sheriff Russell said.

Some examples of the appreciation we have received are shown below in letters sent to Sheriff Russell and Deputies by students in Mrs. Woodward’s class at Ouachita Christian School. 

Recently, Deputy LaWanka Roberts was recognized for her work by the faculty at Swayze Elementary School in Monroe.  Deputy Roberts received the Outstanding Community Partner Award in recognition of her efforts and services at Swayze.  Deputy Roberts is a 6 ½ year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and is currently assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division.  Sheriff Russell expresses his appreciation of Dy. Robert’s work and her commitment to help the students in our parish.  Sheriff Russell and Deputy Roberts both appreciate Dr. Dana Jenkins and the faculty at Swayze for honoring Deputy Roberts.

Dr. Jenkins Presents Dy. Roberts with Award

For many, the Memorial Day holiday marks the beginning of summer.  Families and friends often gather on this day and enjoy different activities.  Sheriff Russell and Deputies would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend. Remember that this is one of the busiest holidays for travel. Wear your seat belt, be patient with traffic and do not drink alcohol and drive.

The purpose of this day of recognition is much more significant than summer celebration however.  Sheriff Russell would like to remind everyone of the real meaning of this important holiday.  “Memorial Day is a time we honor the lives, courage and legacy of fallen service members who gave their lives for this great country to preserve our freedom.  For these service members, and their families, today is their day.  May we all take time to remember and honor them accordingly,” said Sheriff Russell.

On May 19, 2015, deputies with the Ouachita Sheriff’s SCAT Unit and the Metro Narcotics Criminal Patrol Unit initiated a traffic stop of a commercial tractor-trailer on I-20 in West Monroe.  Subsequent investigation determined Antonio Jackson, age 36, Memphis, TN to be in possession of 5 kilos of powder cocaine and approx. 1 kilo of crystal methamphetamine.  Street value of the drugs is estimated at $600,000.00.  Jackson was arrested and booked in OCC on the charges of 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS II and one count of Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic.

Darryl Antonio Jackson

During the late evening hours of Sunday, May 17^th, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies responded to a reported suspicious vehicle in the McGowan Road area of northeast Ouachita Parish.  Responding deputies observed a blue Dodge pickup truck that matched the description given of the suspicious vehicle.  Deputies initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle.  The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the driver, T. J. Sitko, age 17, Monroe and the passenger, Zachery Somerville, age 19, Monroe.  Evidence was developed during the investigation that Sitko and Somerville had recently committed several vehicle burglaries in the area.  A stolen Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun and a stolen wallet were found in their possession.  Deputies were able to identify several other burglary victims that had vehicles burglarized earlier that evening.  Thus far, 6 vehicle burglaries in the Lakeshore area have been cleared.  The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.  Both Sitko and Somerville are currently being held in OCC on 6 cts. of Simple Burglary of a Vehicle each.

T. J. Sitko

Zachary Scott Somerville

Recovered Property

Suspect Vehicle

It’s summer time! Where do we all want to be on a hot, sunny day but in the water? Children especially love the water this time of year.  Adults are responsible for the safety of children.

We know that typically most drowning deaths in children are due to children being unattended for even a short moment of time. It takes less than two minutes for a child to lose consciousness. This is approximately the same amount of time it takes you to answer the phone. Drowning is a “silent event” and even though you may believe you will hear your child or a child in distress that is not necessarily true in the case of drowning.

Here are some tips that you can apply during visits to the swimming pool or on that summer outing when spending time around water with your kids:

• ·        Never Leave Children alone near or in water
• ·        Never rely on a personal flotation device or swimming lessons to protect a child
• ·        Empty or turn over wading pools, buckets or similar containers immediately after use
• ·        Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment and emergency numbers readily available
• ·        Enroll children in swimming classes held by a qualified instructor
• ·        Enclose your pool or spa with four-sided fencing, at least 5 ft. high, with self-closing or self latching gates
• ·        Pay attention to the water itself.  Be aware of undercurrents and the changing nature of the body of water where you swim

You Can Become a Lifesaver With CPR Training

To get trained in first aid and CPR/AED, or to learn about other courses the Red Cross offers, go to redcross.org and find your local chapter. You can also visit the Red Cross store to check out products like First Aid and CPR for Everyone: An Introduction to Basic Lifesaving Skills.

A joint investigation conducted by members of Ouachita, Lincoln, Jackson and Union Parish Sheriff’s Offices has led to the arrest of Patrick Tadios, 39, and Anna Easter, 37, both of West Monroe for multiple counts of Burglary. An investigation into several burglaries in western Ouachita Parish led to Ouachita Sheriff’s Deputies conducting a search warrant of the suspect’s residence Wednesday.  The subsequent search led to a large amount of stolen items being recovered.

Acting on information developed during the investigation, Tadios and Easter were located in Vicksburg, Mississippi Wednesday afternoon.  Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.  An additional search warrant was conducted of a Vicksburg motel room where the two had been staying. A large quantity of stolen property was recovered linking them to burglaries in all four parishes.

Tadios is currently being held in the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on burglary charges as Lincoln Parish Deputies had 3 warrants issued for him on these charges.   Easter is being held in Ouachita Parish Correctional Center for Possession of Stolen Property.   Both will be charged with numerous burglary charges associated with residential daytime burglaries in each parish.  The Ouachita Parish burglaries occurred in the western Ouachita Parish area.   Deputies are currently working to identify stolen property and return it to its owners. This is an ongoing investigation with additional charges expected.

Patrick Tadios

Anna Easter

Recovered Stolen Items

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Apprehension Team (SCAT) conducted street operations on June 5^th and 6^th, 2015.  Various areas of Ouachita Parish having suspected drug activity were targeted.  The operations resulted in 23 drug related arrests and the seizure of 2 firearms, 2 oz. of liquid codeine, numerous prescription pills and ¾ oz. of crack cocaine.

 These type operations are conducted regularly.  Ouachita Parish residents are reminded should you have knowledge of or suspect criminal activity in your neighborhood but wish to remain anonymous, you can contact SCAT using the anonymous tip phone line at 318-998-4867 to report the information.

During the investigation of a business burglary in Ouachita Parish, Ouachita Sheriff’s Investigators learned a suspect,  Jonathan Vestal, age 32, Eros, La.,  was in possession of a stolen UTV side by side and was wanting to sell it.  Investigators set up a meeting of undercover deputies and the suspect to buy the UTV at a location in Ouachita Parish.  The suspect then met the deputies to sell the UTV to them.  At that point, the suspect was arrested and charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.  The UTV had been reported stolen to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and was recovered.

While conducting the follow up investigation, it was determined Vestal had been in possession of a Harley Davidson motorcycle that had been taken, along with tools, in the Ouachita Parish burglary.  The suspect had allegedly known the motorcycle was stolen and had taken it to Union Parish.  Vestal was also found to be in possession of some of the stolen tools.  As a result, the motorcycle was recovered and the suspect was charged with two additional counts of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.  A second suspect, Roy D. Walker III,  age 29, West Monroe, was identified and found to be involved with Vestal and in the possession of some of the stolen tools as well.  Walker was arrested and charged with two counts of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.

Both Vestal and Walker have been booked in OCC on the charges.  The investigation is continuing and more charges are expected.

Recovered Stolen Motorcycle

Roy D. Walker III

Jonathan Vestal

Updated Information-All three missing teenagers have been located safe and in the custody of authorities in Connecticut.

It’s summer time! Where do we all want to be on a hot, sunny day but in the water? Children especially love the water this time of year.  Adults are responsible for the safety of children.

We know that typically most drowning deaths in children are due to children being unattended for even a short moment of time. It takes less than two minutes for a child to lose consciousness. This is approximately the same amount of time it takes you to answer the phone. Drowning is a “silent event” and even though you may believe you will hear your child or a child in distress that is not necessarily true in the case of drowning.

Here are some tips that you can apply during visits to the swimming pool or on that summer outing when spending time around water with your kids:

• ·        Never Leave Children alone near or in water
• ·        Never rely on a personal flotation device or swimming lessons to protect a child
• ·        Empty or turn over wading pools, buckets or similar containers immediately after use
• ·        Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment and emergency numbers readily available
• ·        Enroll children in swimming classes held by a qualified instructor
• ·        Enclose your pool or spa with four-sided fencing, at least 5 ft. high, with self-closing or self latching gates
• ·        Pay attention to the water itself.  Be aware of undercurrents and the changing nature of the body of water where you swim

You Can Become a Lifesaver With CPR Training

To get trained in first aid and CPR/AED, or to learn about other courses the Red Cross offers, go to redcross.org and find your local chapter. You can also visit the Red Cross store to check out products like First Aid and CPR for Everyone: An Introduction to Basic Lifesaving Skills.

Sheriff Jay Russell invites interested citizens of Ouachita Parish to participate in  the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy 2015.

The Citizens Police Academy is a 7 week program designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Sheriff’s Office. The Academy consists of eight weekly night classes held at the OPSO Range. Each week instruction will be given in the separate areas of the Sheriff’s Office. All classes are free of charge and are limited to 25 citizen attendees.

Examples of the topics to be covered are Narcotics Enforcement, Investigations, Patrol Division, S.W.A.T., Crime Scene Investigations and much more. Instruction will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and facility tours.  Registration is required. The first night of class begins Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 6:00PM.  Completed applications are to be turned in to the Sheriff’s Administrative Office on 1st floor of the Courthouse Annex Building.  The deadline to turn them in is July 24th, 2015.

Applications can be printed from the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B83Jz79NHytCdVFTRmJCREFtdmM/view?usp=sharing

Ouachita Sheriff’s Deputies are searching for a missing juvenile, Gerald D. Hunter, Jr., age 16.  Gerald is described as 5’3” tall and 120 lbs.  He has been classified as missing since June 15, 2015 but several reports have been received that he has been seen in the Monroe area, particularly around Pecanland Mall and Kingsway Apartments.  Anyone with any information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-329-1200.

Gerald D. Hunter, Jr.

Fireworks can be very dangerous causing serious burn and eye injuries when they are not used with safety in mind. Sheriff Jay Russell would like for you to keep these safety tips in mind when enjoying fireworks for the celebration of Independence Day.

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Parish Ordinance 15-15 Discharge of Fireworks

It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, use, or ignite fireworks between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.  Any person or persons who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00), or imprisoned for a term in the parish jail not to exceed ten (10) days or both.

The OPSO Top Gun Steel Challenge will be held July 18, 2015

Registration 7:15 – 8:15 – Opening Ceremonies & Safety Meeting 8:30 – First Shot 9:00

Pre Registration:  Begins May 17, 2015 and ends June 28th.  When you preregister and payment is received you will receive a Top Gun T-Shirt when you check in.

A link is posted below that you can click to get the registration form.

The Top Gun Prize:  is for a shooter that competes with a Center fire and a Rim fire completing the 5 Stages with the total lowest combined score.  We will award a Pro Top Gun and an Amateur Top Gun Award.

Entry Fee:  Single Gun – $35.00 – Top Gun Entry – $50.00

Cash Prizes & Awards will be awarded to: Pro/Am Top Gun Shooters.  The 5 Fastest Center fire Stage Winners and Division Winners.

Pro – is a shooter with a National Ranking of B class or above.

We will shoot 5 Stages, 5 runs on every stage, dropping the slowest run on each stage.

Five magazines and 150 rounds or more are required depending on how accurate you are.

Squads:  If you have a group you want to be teamed with please register as a group.

Stages

Five to Go -   Show Down – Pendulum -   Speed Option -   Plates

Optional Stage

Split the Pot Glock-A Glock 34 will be disassembled. The slide, barrel and spring will be placed on a table.  There will be 3 rounds of ammo placed next to the magazine.  Time starts-the shooter reassembles the Glock, loads the 3 rounds in the mag, inserts the mag into the pistol and shoots 3 steel plates.  Time stops on last plate.  A 10 second penalty will be added for each plate missed.  Shooter can purchase as many chances as desired.                    Best time wins half the cash pot!!

We have a special door prize to be given away at the banquet.  Must be present to win!!!  All shooters will receive a chance to win a GLOCK that will be drawn at the Banquet so make plans to stay!!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR THE REGISTRATION FORM:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B83Jz79NHytCVDNqdjB4aTd1RGc/view?usp=sharing

Sheriff Jay Russell and Deputies of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday.  As we celebrate our country’s birthday, also be mindful of safety measures that can ensure your family has a safe and fun filled holiday celebration.

• Protect your skin against the sun with sunscreen  and drink plenty of fluids to  avoid dehydration.
• Make sure everyone near water in pools, ponds,  lakes or the ocean has the proper skills to swim.  Keep an eye on young children and check floatation devices for leaks.  We know that typically most drowning deaths involving children are due to the child being unattended for even a short period of time.  It takes less than two minutes for a child to lose consciousness.  Drowning is a “silent event” and even though you may believe you will your child or a child in distress, this may not necessarily be true.
• Check to be sure your grill is in proper working order.  Don’t ignite charcoal with gasoline or lighter fluid.  Use heat resistant tools and never lean over an open flame.
• Stay a safe distance away from any fireworks display.  Be mindful of children with sparklers, as the wire remains hot enough to burn skin even after the sparks have ended.  For more information concerning firework safety, click the link below to the previously posted safety tips on OPSO.net:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B83Jz79NHytCYWdrN0VidEFoTG8/view?usp=sharing

Remember, over 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 annually.  No one ever thinks they will be one of these calls.  Follow these and other safety precautions to assure your family is safe.

Ouachita Sheriff’s Investigators are investigating the theft of a farm type tractor reported stolen on June 27^th.  The tractor was taken from the Lapine Road area of west Ouachita Parish.  The tractor is described as a 2013 Kioti 45 h.p. 4WD model DS45104LS tractor, orange in color with a front end loader and Rhino 7.5 backhoe, black in color, attached. Also stolen was a 2010 Tiger mfg. utility trailer, 20’ length with dual axles and a bumper type hitch.  All items are described as like new condition.  Photographs are shown below of a similar type tractor and equipment but not the actual items stolen.  Anyone with any information concerning this theft is asked to contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-329-1200.

Similar Type Tractor

Similar Type Equipment

The ongoing investigation by Ouachita Sheriff’s Investigators of a reported child drowning July 3^rd has led to the arrest of the Russell E. Flowers, age 59, of Monroe.  Ouachita Deputies responded to a report of the drowning during the afternoon of July 3^rd.  The subsequent investigation has led to the arrest of the suspect. Flowers  has been booked and is currently being held in OCC on the charges of 2^nd Degree Murder and Domestic Violence Abuse Aggravated Assault.   The investigation is continuing.

Russell E. Flowers

Sheriff Jay Russell invites interested citizens of Ouachita Parish to participate in  the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy 2015.

The Citizens Police Academy is a 7 week program designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Sheriff’s Office. The Academy consists of eight weekly night classes held at the OPSO Range. Each week instruction will be given in the separate areas of the Sheriff’s Office. All classes are free of charge and are limited to 25 citizen attendees.

Examples of the topics to be covered are Narcotics Enforcement, Investigations, Patrol Division, S.W.A.T., Crime Scene Investigations and much more. Instruction will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and facility tours.  Registration is required. The first night of class begins Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 6:00PM.  Completed applications are to be turned in to the Sheriff’s Administrative Office on 1st floor of the Courthouse Annex Building.  The deadline to turn them in is July 24th, 2015.

Applications can be printed from the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B83Jz79NHytCdVFTRmJCREFtdmM/view?usp=sharing