St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting in eastern St. Bernard
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting in eastern St. Bernard
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting of an adult male victim that occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on Monday, August 17 on the East Judge Perez Drive extension near Torres Drive in St. Bernard community, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
The victim was transported to an area hospital to be treated. The extent of his injuries are not known at this time.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this incident who would like to share it with detectives can do so anonymously through the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau’s tip hotline, (504) 271-TIPS or 8477, or by calling Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters can remain anonymous, do not have to testify and could be eligible for a cash reward.
#sbso
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office reminds residents school is back in session
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office reminds residents school is back in session
The 2020-21 school year for St. Bernard Parish schools kicks off this week, and Sheriff James Pohlmann reminds residents to drive cautiously and obey school zone speed limits in the mornings and afternoons.
“We want residents to be mindful of reduced speed limits near our schools, and watch for students walking in the areas near schools,” the Sheriff said. “Also, be prepared for school buses making frequent stops to pick up or drop off students.”
Sheriff Pohlmann said deputies with the Field Operations Bureau Traffic Division will be making extra patrols in school areas during mornings and afternoons to ensure residents are driving cautiously and being mindful of posted speed limits.
To report any traffic issues in school zones, call (504) 278-7677 or (504) 271-2501.
#sbso
St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann celebrates 37 years in law enforcement.
St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann celebrates 37 years in law enforcement
In the early 1980s, a young teenager, fresh out of high school decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and take a job as a police officer. At the time, he had no idea just how much that decision would impact the course of his life.
Fast forward nearly four decades later and that 18-year-old who first became a cop in 1983 is the man we have proudly called the Sheriff of St. Bernard Parish for the past eight years – Sheriff James Pohlmann.
On Aug. 1, Sheriff Pohlmmann, affectionately known by many as either “Jimmy” or “Jimbo,” celebrated his 37th anniversary as a law enforcement officer, having honorably served his entire career in St. Bernard Parish. Born and raised here, Sheriff Pohlmann has dedicated his whole adult life to keeping his hometown safe.
During his career, Sheriff Pohlmann worked hard and earned his way up through the ranks from a deputy in corrections to the department’s top job. He has served in virtually all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office, including Corrections, Communications, Patrol, Traffic, Criminal Investigations and SWAT. He has also held various command posts in the department, including SWAT Commanding Officer and Chief of Field Operations.
After serving as chief deputy for former St. Bernard Sheriff Jack A. Stephens for nearly four years, overseeing all law enforcement operations, he was first elected Sheriff in November 2011. He was re-elected without opposition in 2015 and in 2019, and began serving his third four-year term as Sheriff on July 1.
When asked what he would say if he could offer any advice to his young 18-year-old self when he first started, the Sheriff said, “I would tell him not to change a thing. I’ve been very blessed throughout my career.”
Please join the men and women of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office in congratulating Sheriff Pohlmann and thanking him for his many years of public service and dedication to “Keeping St. Bernard Safe.”
#sbso
CHRISTMAS IN JULY FUNDRAISER
Crawfish Fest Christmas in July fundraiser to benefit toy giveaway
The Louisiana Crawfish Festival in Chalmette that started more than 40 years ago, has donated more than $1 million in festival proceeds to worthy causes in St. Bernard Parish in the last 10 years alone.
Each year, the Louisiana Crawfish Fest Foundation uses some of those proceeds to fund an annual children’s toy giveaway at Christmastime. During the event, held in December at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette, St. Bernard children ages 12 and under are invited to pick their own free toy.
Due to COVID, the Louisiana Crawfish Festival could not be held this year. To ensure local children still have a Merry Christmas, the Foundation is holding a “Christmas in July” fundraiser and here’s how you can help.
By making a donation to the toy giveaway fund, even if it’s just the $5 you would have paid to attend the festival back in March, you can help the Foundation continue this annual tradition and make Christmas just a little brighter for our parish children.
For many of these children, this could be the only toy they receive, especially due to hard times so many families have fallen on due to COVID.
To donate, click here: https://shoutout.wix.com/so/37NDyF4pg
This year’s event is set for Sunday, Dec. 20 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center.
For more information, call (504) 271-0537 or email info@louisianacrawfishfestival.com. Information also can be found on the Louisiana Crawfish Festival Facebook page.
#sbso
CHRISTMAS IN JULY FUNDRAISER
Funding the Annual Toy Giveaway!
Sheriff Pohlmann sworn in for third term.
Sheriff Pohlmann sworn in for third term
St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann was sworn in Wednesday, July 1 for his third four-year term as Sheriff of St. Bernard during a small ceremony held at the St. Bernard Civic Center in Chalmette.
Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Judge Robert Klees presented the oath of office to the Sheriff, who was joined by his wife, Monique, and their two daughters.
Judge Klees also swore in Sheriff Pohlmann’s Chief Deputy Richard Baumy, as well as the senior command staff and the men and women of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office.
Joseph DiFatta was the emcee and Chaplain Aaron Johnson offered the opening and closing prayers. Several local dignitaries were in attendance, including District Attorney Perry Nicosia, Clerk of Court Randy Nunez, Tax Assessor Jaylynn Bergeron Turner, Judge Kim Jones and Judge Jeanne Juneau.
During the ceremony, the Sheriff thanked the men and women of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office for the diligent work they do to keep their community safe, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the trying times our nation is facing.
“I’m proud to have you guys as members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office and I’m proud to be your leader,” the Sheriff said. “We need you. Our community needs you. I need you. And we all need to continue to work together to Keep St. Bernard Safe.”
A native of St. Bernard Parish, Sheriff Pohlmann began his career with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1983 when he was just 18 years old.
Sheriff Pohlmann has served in virtually all areas of the department, including Communications, Corrections, Patrol, Traffic, Criminal Investigations and SWAT. He has also held various command posts throughout his career, including SWAT Commanding Officer and Chief of Field Operations.
After serving as chief deputy for former St. Bernard Sheriff Jack A. Stephens for nearly four years, overseeing all law enforcement operations, he was first elected sheriff in November 2011. Sheriff Pohlmann was re-elected without opposition in 2015 and in 2019.
#sbso
Deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. Academy.
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office
deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. Academy
Five St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies graduated July 2 from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., basic police academy at the St. Charles Parish Regional P.O.S.T. Academy.
Graduates are: Dep. Randall Parker, Dep. Nicholas Lambert, Dep. Dawn Penney, Dep. Jared Bazile and Dep. Anthony Arnona.
Dep. Bazile was named valedictorian of the class for having the highest grade-point average.
The academy includes more than 500 hours of training in basic police work over 13 weeks, including firearms use, criminal investigation, patrol procedures, writing reports, driving training, physical fitness and other areas.
Capt. Stephen Ingargiola and Capt. Adrian Chalona attended the ceremony.
#sbso
SBSO participates in Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign.
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office participates in
‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” high-visibility law enforcement campaign to prevent drunk driving during the Fourth of July holiday.
Beginning today, July 2 through Sunday, July 5, deputies will be taking to parish streets and highways to participate in the campaign, which is funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office received a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to conduct these types of additional traffic safety enforcement activities.
Sheriff James Pohlmann, who is a member of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, representing the 1st Congressional District, feels grants such as this one are an important tool for the Sheriff’s Office.
“These types of programs promote safety on our state roads and highway systems,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Too many people are needlessly killed or injured each year in traffic accidents. We will not tolerate motorists driving on our roadways while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
The grant also allows the Sheriff’s Office to have deputies perform seat belt checks and DWI sobriety checkpoints at various times throughout the year.
The LHSC is responsible for developing and administering the state’s traffic safety program by cooperating with the federal government and other entities for the purpose of highway safety.
In addition to administering the state’s highway safety grants program, the LHSC also prepares highway safety plans; studies, evaluates and prepares statistics regarding motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths; and obtains federal funds for use within the state for highway safety purposes. Programs and projects are administered in accordance with uniform guidelines.
#sbso
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. police academy
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies graduate from P.O.S.T. police academy
Four St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies graduated June 25 from the Peace Officers Standards and Training, or P.O.S.T., police academy held at the Slidell Regional Police Academy.
Congratulations to graduates Dep. Chris Acosta, Dep. Blake Miller, Dep. Patrick Clark and Dep. Rob Stedman.
Dep. Acosta received an academic award, and Dep. Clark received a physical fitness award.
The academy included more than 500 hours of training in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms use, criminal investigation, patrol procedures, writing reports, driving training and physical fitness.
Lt. Eric Eilers attended the graduation ceremony.
#sbso
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office receives N95 masks from Lowe’s
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office receives N95 masks from Lowe’s
The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office recently received a donation of 1,500 N95 masks from Lowe’s Home Improvement in Slidell. Pictured are, from left: Cpl. Jamie Lovas, Tony DeLuca, Andrew Leach and Lt. Eric Eilers.
#sbso
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office makes arrest in fatal stabbing of Meraux woman
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office makes arrest in fatal stabbing of Meraux woman
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has booked an Arizona man with the fatal stabbing of a Meraux woman that is believed to have occurred Sunday, June 21 in Meraux, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Dexter Mutongerwa, 31, of Tolleson, Arizona, was booked with second degree murder June 22 for fatally stabbing an 18-year-old female from Meraux.
Shortly after midnight on Monday, June 22, the Kenner Police Department responded to a report about a single car accident near the 500 block of Interstate 10 westbound.
When Kenner officers located the vehicle in question parked on the side of the interstate, they came into contact with a male driver, later identified as Mutongerwa, who was bleeding from a laceration to the hand. Officers then observed a female lying in the backseat of the vehicle, suffering from several stab wounds.
The 18-year-old female victim was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Mutongerwa also was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for the laceration on his hand and released to deputies for questioning. While in custody, Mutongerwa confessed to stabbing the woman multiple times earlier in the night at a location in Meraux.
Sheriff Pohlmann said this was an isolated incident and Mutongerwa and the victim knew each other.
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, along with the Kenner Police Department, is working together in this ongoing investigation. No further details are available at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau’s tip hotline at (504) 271-TIPS or 8477.
Citizens who want to share information with detectives can do so anonymously by calling this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sheriff Pohlmann said all calls will be acted upon. If a detective isn’t available to answer, the Sheriff said callers can leave a detailed message, and either choose to provide their contact information, or remain anonymous.
#sbso
;?>/images/top-r-bg.png)
