Two new officers were sworn in as members of Louisville Police Dept. this past week, Officers Dalton Daniels and Joshua Jolly. Police Chief L.M. Claiborne stated that they look for officers with a high moral standard and trustworthiness to do the work of policing the city.
Equipping an officer goes much further than supplying uniforms and weapons. In today’s environment the equipment includes body armor, tasers and body cameras. In addition, all patrol cars are equipped with cameras and on-board computers which allow the officers to do their job more efficiently.
Murder suspect, Malik Isaiah Riggins, who was apprehended in Douglas County, Georgia, waived extradition and was returned to Louisville. He is now being held under a $1M bond.
Claiborne said that with the coming of warmer weather they are beginning to see an increase in vehicle-traffic which results in an increase in traffic accidents. He said, “Most of them are not major accidents with serious injuries or death.” He continued that it takes just as much time and paperwork for a minor accident as for a major one.
Nuisance calls in residential areas are also increasing. One of the more prevalent complaints is loud music from vehicles, which has been an on-going problem for the municipality. Claiborne stated that this is one of the most disrespectful things people can do and LPD is getting ready to begin a campaign to enforce excessive noise violations.
Winston County Sheriff Jason Pugh that his office has received several calls concerning and IRS scam. A number of residents have received calls from someone claiming to be a representative of the agency; this person tells the resident that they owe the IRS a certain amount of money and will be arrested if it is not paid immediately. Pugh stated that these people tend to prey on the elderly.
He added that with modern cloaking technology it is possible for the call to originate in a foreign country but to show up as a local call. Pugh cautioned residents to not give out any personal information to anyone whom they are not personally familiar with. He added that it was acceptable to give the caller the Sheriff’s Office number, and if it is a legitimate call his office will deal with it.
Another scam to be aware of involves Publishers Clearinghouse, and there have been some instances of counterfeit $100 bills. Pugh stated the bills look very real, but on the right side have the words “For Motion Picture Use Only”.
Pugh reported property thefts such as high-end lawn mowers and four-wheelers, and stated that some of the property taken was in plain sight, easily visible from the road. Pugh urged homeowners to be cautious with this type of equipment.
Pugh urged anyone with knowledge of crimes to contact the Winston County/Louisville Crimestoppers at: 662-773-9999.
