All articles tagged with #sheriff
A grenade went missing from a scene of an explosion at a Los Angeles Sheriff's training facility that killed three deputies, prompting an investigation and policy review. The explosion involved military-style grenades, one of which detonated, and the missing grenade is under investigation. The incident marks the deadliest for the department since 1857, with authorities examining all safety procedures.
Former Kentucky Sheriff Shawn Stines has been arraigned on a murder charge related to the shooting of a judge. The case has drawn significant attention due to Stines' previous law enforcement role.
Ryan Borgwardt, who faked his disappearance by staging an overturned kayak in Big Green Lake, has been contacted by the Green Lake County Sheriff. Borgwardt detailed his escape plan, which involved using an e-bike, inflatable boat, and buses to flee to eastern Europe. The sheriff's office is considering charges of obstruction and seeking restitution for search efforts. Borgwardt has not spoken to his family since leaving, and no arrest warrant has been issued, with hopes he will return voluntarily.
An Ohio sheriff's lieutenant, John Rodgers, has apologized after making social media posts stating he would refuse to assist Democratic voters and would require proof of voting choice before providing aid. The Clark County Sheriff's Office deemed the comments "highly inappropriate" and issued Rodgers a written reprimand for violating social media policy. Rodgers attributed the posts to side effects from sleep aids and has since deactivated his Facebook account and sought alternative medication. The incident has heightened tensions in Springfield, Ohio, amid ongoing false claims about the Haitian community.
The King County, Washington sheriff has instructed deputies not to enforce a new Burien ordinance outlawing homeless encampments near certain locations, citing concerns over its constitutionality. Burien's mayor is examining the city's agreement with the sheriff's office and may consider establishing a city-run police department if the agreement was broken. The ordinance prohibits overnight sleeping on public property if shelter is available, and camping during daytime hours. The sheriff's decision was made without informing city officials, leading to tensions between the city and county authorities.
The body of missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto has been found in a wooded area in Florida, and authorities have arrested her mother's boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, for sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material. Sterns, who was the last person to see Soto, is in custody on these charges. The Orange County Sheriff's office confirmed the discovery of Soto's body, and earlier announced that they are confident she is deceased.
The sheriff of Athens-Clarke County, where Venezuelan migrant Jose Antonio Ibarra has been charged with the murder of nursing student Laken Riley, campaigned on a platform of not cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This resurfaced interview has sparked controversy following the brutal murder. Ibarra, who entered the country illegally in 2022, was released pending deportation proceedings and had a history of run-ins with the law before the tragic incident. The mayor of Athens faced heckling over his immigration stance, while the city expressed deep sorrow for the tragedy and emphasized that the responsibility for the crime lies solely with the perpetrator.
The body of Pauline Pusser, the wife of famed former Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser, was exhumed more than 50 years after her unsolved murder following a recent tip received by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Pauline was fatally shot in 1967 while in a car with her husband, whose story inspired the film "Walking Tall." The exhumation was conducted to perform an autopsy and gather crucial information in hopes of identifying those responsible for her death. Buford Pusser, known for his efforts to combat organized crime, was also the subject of a fatal car wreck in 1974.
Tensions escalated between Oklahoma law enforcement officers when a Lexington police officer pulled over Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason for speeding, unaware that he was en route to a SWAT call to diffuse a standoff situation. Bodycam footage captured a heated exchange between officers, with the Lexington police chief expressing frustration at not being informed about the standoff. The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office issued a statement explaining that its officers were responding to the SWAT callout and criticized the Lexington officers' conduct as inappropriate and unprofessional. The altercation also revealed underlying tensions between the two law enforcement agencies, stemming from an investigation into alleged mistreatment of animals at the Lexington Animal Shelter.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow has confiscated nearly 100 vehicles following a sideshow bust in Stockton, California, and has stated that the cars will not be returned until ordered by a judge or district attorney. Withrow's zero-tolerance stance on sideshows has led to the impounding of vehicles used in reckless driving, with plans to seek court orders to destroy those deemed dangerous. This marks the first time the sheriff has seized this many vehicles, and he hopes it will serve as a deterrent for future sideshow activity.
A missing 11-year-old girl in Florida was found safe and reunited with her family after a Hillsborough County Sheriff K-9 named Mary Lu located her locked inside a park bathroom. Deputy Sarah Ernstes and K-9 Mary Lu tracked the girl to the park after learning she had been given a ride to an apartment complex in Wimauma. The K-9 led authorities to the locked bathroom door, where the girl was found unharmed. The sheriff praised the K9 unit for their exceptional skills in bringing the missing girl home safely.
Passaic County Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at a New Jersey restaurant, following a week of turmoil including layoffs and charges against officers accused of beating an inmate. Berdnik, a respected figure in New Jersey law enforcement, had served as sheriff for five terms and was praised for his leadership. His death comes amidst a challenging time for the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, with layoffs and recent charges against officers. Governor Phil Murphy expressed deep sadness at Berdnik's loss, and urged those in crisis to seek help.
Two women were found dead in a South Carolina house fire, which was later determined to be a cover-up for a homicide, according to Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis. The bodies showed signs of trauma, and a person of interest has been identified. The sheriff assured that the incident is isolated and there is no threat to the community.
Kentucky Sheriff Terry Gray is accused of driving more than twice the legal limit in his marked cruiser. Surveillance video from a school system showed Gray in his vehicle, and he exhibited signs of intoxication such as slow/slurred speech and unsteadiness on his feet. After failing sobriety tests, a PBT test revealed a blood alcohol content of .206. Gray was taken into custody and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper called out Target in a post on X, criticizing the retailer for placing restrictions on shoplifting enforcement. Cooper revealed that his department had collaborated with Target to combat shoplifting, but the retailer prohibited officers from contacting and handcuffing suspects inside the store, insisting that arrests be made outside in inclement weather. Cooper expressed disbelief at these restrictions and highlighted instances where Target chose not to intervene when witnessing theft. The sheriff's remarks come as Sacramento ranks among the top cities affected by organized retail crime. Target has not yet responded to Cooper's comments.