St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies speak at Kiwanis Club meeting
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies speak at Kiwanis Club meeting
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Capt. Stephen Ingargiola and Sgt. Chris Scheeler of the Special Operations Division spoke at the May 21 meeting of the St. Bernard Kiwanis Club. Capt. Ingargiola and Sgt. Scheeler are both Hazardous Device Technicians certified through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They brought along the Sheriff’s Office bomb robot, and they spoke about some of the special projects they’ve worked on and about the history of the Bomb Squad.
Photos courtesy of Michael B. Chutz
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will conduct extra patrols for vacationing resident
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will conduct extra patrols for vacationing residents
St. Bernard Parish residents leaving for an extended period of time or for summer vacation can call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to request that deputies make extra patrols past their home while they are away.
“When thinking about the last-minute things you have to do before leaving, remember to call us for extra patrols,” St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Residents can call (504) 271-2501 to get on the list for the extra patrols.
Sheriff Pohlmann said the information is kept confidential and is revealed only to the officers assigned to patrol the section where the resident lives.
Residents also are advised to leave a contact number with the Sheriff’s Office so a patrol deputy can call them if there is something happens at their home, Sheriff Pohlmann said, including non crime-related matters such as damage from a wind or rain storm.
Capt. Charles Borchers, head of Community Relations for the Sheriff’s Office, including the Neighborhood Watch program, said the extra pass list has been used effectively for years and helps residents be assured their homes will have some extra protection while they are away.
Borchers said residents should consider the following crime prevention tips before leaving their home for trips:
Lock up. While this might seem obvious, some people forget to lock their house completely while rushing to get away. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
Be careful who you tell that you plan to be away from your home. However, ask someone you trust to watch for anything unusual. Also, never leave a message on a phone voice mail system saying you are out of town because any caller would learn your house may be vulnerable.
The same is true with social media. It is foolish to announce to everyone you will be going on a trip. Wait until you return to post photos instead.
Do whatever possible to create the appearance that someone is home. Keep a vehicle in the driveway or out front of your residence. Maintain your lawn before you leave or have someone you trust mow your lawn while you are gone.
Put outdoor lighting on either timers, light-sensitive photocell mechanisms, or motion detectors. Use timers to activate inside lighting, radios, or TVs. Use LED light bulbs because they burn cooler than the standard light bulbs.
Don’t let deliveries accumulate. If possible, ask someone you know to pick up mail, newspapers, packages and any circulars placed on your front door. Stop delivery of any newspaper if you can so they don’t pile up.
Don’t leave keys under your doormat, flower pots or window ledges – intruders check these first.
Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick shrubbery and trees cover your windows, allowing burglars to work undetected.
If you have a security system, ensure it is armed and provide instructions to the central monitoring station – if you have one – to call your cell phone, the Sheriff’s Office and/or a particular friend, relative or neighbor if there is a problem.
If your area has a Neighborhood Watch program inform its officials about your vacation plans.
St. Bernard residents interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group in their area can call Borchers at (504) 278-7628.
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies visit with OLPS students on Career Day
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies visit with OLPS students on Career Day
Several St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies visited with Our Lady of Prompt Succor School students on May 22 for Career Day. The deputies spoke to students about some of their job duties, and they brought along some specialized equipment.
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to participate in
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office to participate in
‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will participate in the “Click It or Ticket” National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization campaign to highlight the dangers of motorists not wearing seat belts, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
From May 20 through June 2, deputies will be taking to parish streets and highways to participate in the campaign, which is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission.
Seat belts have been proven to be one of the best ways to save someone’s life in a crash, yet many drivers, as well as passengers, don’t buckle up. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign focuses on safety education, strong laws and law enforcement officers saving lives.
Sheriff Pohlmann, who is a member of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, representing the 1st Congressional District, feels campaigns 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,” the Sheriff said. “Too many people are needlessly killed or injured each year in traffic accidents.”
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office prepares for 2019 hurricane season
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office prepares for 2019 hurricane season
With the beginning of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season nearing, Southeast Louisiana residents should begin making plans so they can be prepared if a storm threatens our area.
Preparing for hurricane season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30, should be something residents in our area are accustomed to doing, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
“We should always be mindful of being prepared for hurricane season,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Remember, we are so close to the Gulf of Mexico, you can’t ignore the possibility of a hurricane.”
With that in mind, Sheriff Pohlmann said, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is ready to respond in case there is a storm threatening our area and possibly forcing the evacuation of the parish.
The department has a plan in place, which Sheriff Pohlmann said includes several boats at the ready, and a high-water truck that would be ideal for rescue or to haul personnel or equipment to respond to a storm.
Acquired through a federal grant in 2013, the Sheriff’s Office’s custom-built F-650 truck, which has a 37-inch lift and air brakes, is an important asset for hurricane season.
“It’s meant for high-water situations,’’ such as street flooding from heavy rains, the Sheriff said.
There also are thousands of sandbags already made by prisoners for use by residents, businesses and parish government. Plans are also in place in the event prisoners would need to be evacuated, Sheriff Pohlmann said.
In addition to equipment, Sheriff Pohlmann said various departments within the Sheriff’s Office have plans in place and are ready to execute them if need be.
For instance, members of the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team train on various types of boats from the sheriff’s Marine Division in order to be prepared to immediately patrol neighborhoods in case of any type of rain event flooding.
“If parish government orders an evacuation of residents in any approaching storm we will facilitate that and then lock down the parish to prevent non-residents from entering,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.
To be successful in preparing for a storm, Sheriff Pohlmann said residents need to do their part as well.
“That’s true for every family in this parish,’’ the Sheriff said. “Don’t wait until you hear a bad storm is approaching before you think about being prepared, such as whether or not you will leave and where you would go if necessary.’’
By preparing now, Sheriff Pohlmann said, you can avoid the rush at home supply stores and supermarkets, which always get crowded and run out of things as hurricanes or tropical storms approach.
“Don’t wait until the last minute,” the Sheriff said. “Have things like flashlights and batteries, bottled water, and medications on hand where you can easily find them if leaving becomes necessary.”
If you can afford it, Sheriff Pohlmann recommends stocking up on these items in the event you chose to stay during a storm and lose electricity for more than a day.
Anticipating the needs of older relatives and deciding what to do with pets if you had to leave, also are things to consider. The Louisiana ASPCA says pet-owners should never leave them behind when they evacuate because the animals would be at the mercy of the storm.
In the event of an ordered evacuation, Sheriff Pohlmann said, officers will make extra patrols through neighborhoods, as well as by boat along waterways if necessary, to protect property in the parish.
“We don’t want residents making a bad decision to stay simply out of concern over a possible burglar,’’ the Sheriff said.
Residents are encouraged to heed the advice of local officials when it comes to deciding to evacuate or ride out a storm.
“It reduces the need for search and rescue operations if there was actual flooding in a storm,” the Sheriff said, “and it reduces the possibility of the loss of life.”
Another way citizens can prepare for hurricane season is to stay informed.
Residents can register for the parish’s FirstCall Emergency Notification Service which provides timely information about hurricanes and other high profile events occurring in the area. These alerts will go to landlines, cell phones, SMS text messaging devices, email and pagers. For more information, or to register, visit the St. Bernard Parish Government website, sbpg.net.
St. Bernard Parish residents with special needs or those who have no resources to evacuate themselves are eligible for assistance in evacuating should a mandatory evacuation be called in the parish, either due to a hurricane or another type of emergency which might arise.
Residents can register with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness by calling (504) 278-4268. Information also is available at sbpg.net. Click on Departments, then Homeland Security, then Special Needs Registration.
In the event of an approaching storm, here is a checklist of items you will want to have on hand in a basic emergency supply kit:
Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
Three-day supply of non-perishable food
Can opener
Eating utensils
First Aid kit
Cash
Several complete changes of clothing and footwear per person
Cell phones and chargers
Bedding or sleeping bags
Fire extinguisher (small canister ABC type)
Bleach (no lemon or other additives)
Mosquito repellent
Tarp, rope, and duct tape
Toiletries including toilet paper
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlights and extra batteries
Sunglasses
For families with infants, remember bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, powdered milk and medications.
For adults and others with special needs, don’t forget medicine, such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies and extra eye glasses.
For pets, bring their ID tag, a photo of pet for identification purposes, a week supply of food, water, medications, and your veterinarian’s phone number. Don’t leave your pet behind. Transport pets in secure pet carriers and keep pets on leashes. Most emergency shelters do not admit pets. Check with hotels in safe locations and ask if you can bring your pet.
Entertainment, especially for children, is important as well. Pack books for adult readers and for children, board games and/or other games that do not require batteries or electricity.
Also, remember to bring your important records in a waterproof, portable container. Include insurance papers or account numbers, an inventory of household goods, checks and credit cards, family records such as birth, marriage and death certificates, and important telephone numbers.
Taking photos of your home and its contents before you leave is also a good idea for insurance purposes.
Sheriff Pohlmann hopes this season will be a quiet one for St. Bernard Parish, but it’s best to keep a watchful eye and think smart.
“Let’s hope for the best, and prepare for the worst,” the Sheriff said.
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office books Violet man with murder
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office books Violet man with
second degree murder in connection with wife’s death
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office booked a Violet man in connection with the death of his wife, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
William Landwehr, 44, of the 2500 block of Violet Street, was booked May 2 with second degree murder after his wife died from injuries suffered during an argument between the two of them.
On April 5, shortly after midnight, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call about a female being struck by a vehicle in the 2500 block of Lyndell Drive in Chalmette.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the female victim lying in the street suffering from head and leg injuries. Landwehr, who was on the scene, identified the female as his wife.
Through an investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Bureau determined Landwehr and his wife were involved in an argument.
As Landwehr got into his truck to leave the scene, his wife approached the vehicle on the passenger side. Landwehr drove off while his wife was holding onto the truck, and she fell and was struck by the vehicle.
Landwehr was booked April 9 with attempted second degree murder, but was rebooked on May 2 with second degree murder after his wife died.
Landwehr is currently being held in St. Bernard Parish Prison on a $1 million bond.
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. program graduations
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. program graduations
Several hundred St. Bernard Parish fifth-graders recently graduated from the spring semester of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.
Chalmette Elementary School held its graduation May 7, Lynn Oaks held a ceremony May 9, J.F. Gauthier Elementary’s celebration was May 13, and Arabi Elementary School’s program was May 15.
Sheriff James Pohlmann said the D.A.R.E. anti-drug program, taught in St. Bernard Parish schools by program supervisor Lt. Lisa Jackson and Sgt. Darrin Miller, is aimed at discouraging youngsters from using drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, or taking part in violence or the bullying of others.
During the graduation ceremonies, students heard from Sheriff Pohlmann and other officers who spoke about making the right choices when it comes to the use of drugs or alcohol. The Sheriff stressed to students the importance of listening to their parents and teachers, and choosing their friends wisely. He also told the children not to bully others, and to report any kind of bullying they witness to an adult or teacher.
Sheriff Pohlmann also addressed parents in attendance about the importance of protecting our future by investing in our children. He praised parents for taking part in keeping their children on the right path and focused on doing the right thing, including talking often with them and looking for warning signs to help prevent drug use.
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SBSO Promotes Boat Safety
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office promotes boating safety
With Memorial Day approaching, summer fishing and boating will be kicking into high gear on St. Bernard Parish waterways, and St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann is reminding residents to practice safety while on the water.
“There will be a lot of boats out there, especially on holiday weekends like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day so be careful, slow down and learn and obey the rules of boating safety,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Don’t speed and pay attention to your surroundings. Operate with caution.”
Sheriff Pohlmann also stresses the importance of everyone on board wearing a personal flotation device, or life jacket.
“They are available at sporting goods and department stores,” the Sheriff said. “Everyone should be able to find one that fits.’’
With holiday celebrations, also comes the chances of people drinking while operating watercraft. Sheriff Pohlmann reminds residents people can be arrested for drinking and driving on a boat, just as they would be while operating an automobile on land.
Alcohol is a primary cause in nearly 25 percent of all fatal boating accidents nationally, Sheriff Pohlmann said. Statistics also show nearly 90 percent of the boating accidents recorded involve someone who hasn’t successfully completed a safe boating class.
Residents interested in taking a boating course can do so for free. Information can be found on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries web site under the education section. Other state-approved safe boating courses can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses.
Capt. Brian Clark, a retired state Wildlife and Fisheries agent who heads the Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, agrees with Sheriff Pohlmann about the necessity of everyone on board wearing flotation devices, especially children.
“It’s required that children 16 and under wear a flotation device at all times and recommended that adults wear them also,’’ Clark said. Drowning remains the biggest cause of fatalities on the water and a life jacket being worn could save a life, he added.
“Some boaters used to resist them because they were bulky and made it hard to get around on a boat,” Clark said, “but the ones made today are lightweight and easy to use.”
Before leaving on a trip, Clark recommends informing someone of where you will be going, and approximately when you expect to return.
“Telling someone what your plans are will let them know if you are overdue so they can inform authorities,” Clark said.
Besides flotation devices, Clark said other basic rules for safety include a check of equipment before taking off. He also reminds boaters, if you have a kill switch on the motor, remember to use it if necessary.
Clark said remember to bring important items such as a cell phone and charger, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, proper clothing, enough food and water for a trip, a safety kit, sunscreen, sunglasses to guard against glare and a device that can be thrown to aid anyone who needs help in the water.
Clark also recommends staying properly hydrated.
“Drink liquids,” he said. “Don’t let yourself get dehydrated because the sun will take a lot out of you and slow your reaction time.”
For more on state boating and life jacket regulations visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating.
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SBSO Boat Sheriff Pohlmann
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office seeking suspect in armed robbery of Arabi business
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office seeking suspect in armed robbery of Arabi business
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating and identifying a suspect in an armed robbery that occurred Monday, May 13 at a business in the 7500 block of West Judge Perez Drive in Arabi, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Shortly after 10 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, a male subject entered the business, brandished a handgun and demanded cash from the register. The suspect, who left with an undetermined amount of cash, fled the scene in an older model gold, four-door Buick sedan.
The suspect is a black male, approximately 5’10” tall with a thin build. He was seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black jeans and a black mask. He has a tattoo covering his left hand.
Sheriff Pohlmann said no one was injured in the incident.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity, his whereabouts or further information regarding this incident is asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters who call Crimestoppers can remain anonymous, do not have to testify and could be eligible for a cash reward.
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St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies raise money to promote Autism Awareness
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies raise money to promote Autism Awareness
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies helped raise $3,900 by selling special Autism Awareness T-shirts to benefit the St. Bernard Autism Awareness Krewe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps families in St. Bernard Parish who are affected by autism gain resources and find access to beneficial therapies.
The check presentation was made May 4 at Docville Farm in Violet during the St. Bernard Autism Awareness Krewe’s Derby Day fundraiser held in conjunction with the Meraux Foundation. From left, are: Capt. Brian Clark, a retired state Wildlife and Fisheries agent who heads the Sheriff’s Office Marine Division; Sgt. Jeff Vega, a detective with the Criminal Investigations Bureau; Col. Chad Clark, commander of the Criminal Investigations Bureau; and Robert Lay and Alvin Jones, St. Bernard Autism Awareness Krewe founding board members.
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