WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16
A police officer contacted a female who had received a call from someone claiming to be with the American Shopper Association. She was advised by a very believable male that she had won a 2011 Mercedes-Benz Classic. The caller advised her that if she sent $375 that the car could be released to her, and she was instructed to go to a Western Union office to wire the money to Grants, New Mexico. She complied with these instructions. The following day, she received two other calls from the same area code from another male who advised that he was to deliver the vehicle to her, but he requested an additional two payments of $245 each be sent to him first. The woman did as instructed, traveling to a Western Union location two separate times. Upon phoning Western Union, they advised her that they believed it to be a scam, issued a case number for the matter, and asked her to have police contact them. The area code used in the scam showed up as a Jamaican area code.
FRIDAY, FEB. 18
An officer was dispatched to the Giant Convenience Store at Mildred and Main in reference to a male yelling at a female and causing a disturbance. The officer arrived almost immediately and observed two men fighting or preparing to fight in the front parking area. When the officer approached the two males and told them to stop, one of the men ran south on Mildred Road. The officer pursued until the man stopped and turned to face him. When ordered to lie face down on the ground, the man would not comply, but finally lowered himself to his hands and knees. The officer pushed the man flat on the ground in order to handcuff him. Due to his large stature and demeanor, it required two sets of handcuffs to restrain him, and his hands were not able to be secured. Realizing this, the man rolled to his side and began attempting to kick the legs of the officer. An additional officer arrived and assisted in handcuffing him with two sets of cuffs. The two officers helped the man stand up and walked him to a patrol vehicle, and noticed his unsteadiness and a strong odor of alcohol. At the vehicle, the man began to pull away and resist, and would not stop struggling and ignoring commands even after being tased. After finally being placed into the patrol vehicle, the man was transported to the emergency rooom for medical clearance due to his level of intoxication and force needed to control him. After being cleared, he was transported to the jail where he was issued a summons for disturbing the peace, trespass, and resisting arrest.
SATURDAY, FEB. 19
An officer was dispatched to Walmart in regards to an adult shoplifter. The loss prevention officer there had followed a female suspect around the store. She would place items in a cart, then go into the changing rooms to hide the items in her coat and handbag. At that time, she would leave the store to put the stolen items into her vehicle, and would then return to the store to get more items. On her second trip, she was stopped before leaving the store, and detained by store security to await the arrival of the officer. The suspect stated that she did not have the money to pay for the items, and that it was the first time she had shoplifted. There were 21 items stolen that added up to $206.71. The suspect was arrested and transported to jail where she was issued a summons for shoplifting. The suspect was left in the care and custody of the jail staff.
MONDAY, FEB. 21
A truck was observed traveling eastbound in the 800 block of east Main Street. The officer recognized the vehicles as having expired out of state tags, and attempted to catch up to the vehicle, which attempted to avoid contact by pulling into the parking lot of a closed business. The driver was extremely nervous and exhibited shaky hands and voice. When questioned about why he was so nervous, he stated it was because he knew the officer was trying to catch him. When asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, the driver admitted to a marijuana cigarette roach in a CD case, and some baggies in his pocket. The officer also found in his pocket a partially-broken pipe which appeared to be used for methamphetamine use. Upon continued searching, the officer found 3 small baggies with a white, powdery substance, as well as a small baggie with a green, leafy substance. The passenger, who also appeared nervous, had a rear pocket in his pants that had been turned inside-out, and admitted to removing a meth pipe and hiding it in the vehicles door. An additional meth pipe was located in the glove compartment. The contents of the baggies tested positive. The passenger was issued a summons for possession of drug paraphernalia.
TUESDAY, FEB. 22
An officer responded to a residential caller concerned about a pit bull-type dog running at large. The dog, an adult male, had been on the property repeatedly for about two weeks. The dogs owner was contacted by the officer regarding the complaint and did not deny that he had been unable to keep his dog at home. The owner was issued a citation for dog running at large, 3rd offense. The owner said he was going to try to get his dog neutered.