DPS News & Notices

Tour of Duty Run - Passing through Sikeston - 8/30/10

LA to NY 2010
TOUR OF DUTY
Remembering 9/11

(Tour of Duty Press Release)

The 2010 Tour Of Duty run is a coming together of 16 Australian and 16 American firefighters who are committed to remembering the police officers, military, emergency service workers and firefighters who, on a call of duty, lost their lives on 11 September 2001.

America and Australia Officers have united as allies in remembering our fallen colleagues, our brothers, sisters and family, honoring their sacrifice, respecting their courage and appreciating their commitment to service and devotion to duty.

The 4620 mile run began on 12 August at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. The runners have passed through Las Vegas, where legend Jerry Lewis, the Tour of Duty’s US patron, welcomed the firefighters as they ran down the city’s famous strip.

The run takes them to New Orleans, Chicago, Washington and finally to New York where they will be met with a parade over the Brooklyn Bridge, led by 180 pipers to the Ground Zero site.

At 8:46am each day of the 31 day journey the runners have paused to hold a brief dedication ceremony to honor the individuals tragically taken in the Twin Towers tragedy.

Two firefighters each morning read out 8 names each of emergency workers who were killed. Every mile is dedicated to one of the 2,976 civilians killed.

Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, the Tour of Duty’s Australian patron, will meet the team on 11 September, together with New York Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano.

The run is a statement of hope for the future of our world and reflects the better values of humanity, mateship, camaraderie and self sacrifice.

The group made their way to Sikeston Monday Morning and were greeted by members of the Sikeston Public Safety.  They soon left our city running north on US 61 continuing their journey to Ground Zero in New York. 

MDA - "FILL THE BOOT" FUNDRAISER - 8/29/10

Sikeston Public Safety's Fire Division has reached the half way point in the MDA Fill the Boot Fundraiser for "Jerry's Kids".

Each year Fire Fighters across the nation take part in a fundraiser for children stricken with muscular dystrophy. The campaign known as “Fill the Boot” consists of local Firemen filling their fire boots with donations from the community for Jerry’s Kids. 100% of this money is then donated to the MDA at the conclusion of the event.

Sikeston Public Safety began their collection efforts on August 22nd and will conclude this year on September 5th. Area businesses have helped us again this year by allowing our Firemen to collect on their lots. We would like to thank Wal-Mart and the Food Giant Grocery Stores of Sikeston for their assistance with this year’s event.

We especially want to thank all of those who have already given to this great cause. If you haven’t given yet, please do so. You will see us out again this next week collecting at Wal-Mart at 1303 S. Main and the Food Giant Groceries at 702 N. Main and 945 E. Malone. Please continue to give generously and thank you for your support.

On August 27th around 11:00am teams from the SEMO DTF and DPS began the arrest portion of a recent covert operation. This has been an ongoing investigation between the two departments concerning narcotic sales in Sikeston. Officers stopped two vehicles containing suspects and subsequently served a search warrant at 110 Pin Oak. Officers located undisclosed amounts of crack cocaine during the arrests of the subjects sought. Police are continuing to search for two more suspects as this joint investigation continues.
 
Arrested were Larry Patterson (49 of Sikeston) and Phillip Harrell (37 of Sikeston). Patterson was charged with distribution of a controlled substance and received a $100,000 cash only bond. Harrell was charged with 4 counts of distribution of a controlled substance and was given a bond of $50,000 cash only. Both were transported to the Scott County Jail Saturday where they are awaiting their arraignment.

      Larry Patterson (49 of Sikeston)                                    Phillip Harrell (37 of Sikeston)
                      

Meth Lab Busted on Welter Street - 8/24/10

Monday (August 23rd) around 10:00am, Sikeston Public Safety received some information regarding drug activity at 213 Welter. Upon their arrival they located two plastic bottles inside a plastic bag at the rear of the residence. One of the bottles was an acid generator for a methamphetamine lab.

Officers went to the front door and made contact with the resident. When the resident opened the door the Officers smelled a strong chemical odor commonly associated with methamphetamine production. The Officers asked the resident to step outside because she was holding her 4 year old child. Moments later Police searched the residence and found three other subjects inside the home. They also located an active “shake and bake” style meth lab and finished methamphetamine product. All four subjects were taken into custody.

The subjects arrested were identified as:

Michael Tinsley (28 of Sikeston) was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in a residence with a child, manufacturing within 2000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute, endangering the welfare of a child first degree and possession of precursors to manufacture methamphetamine. He is being held on $50,000 cash or surety bond.

Tasha M. Hale (34 of Sikeston) was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in a residence with a child, manufacturing within 2000 feet of a school, endangering the welfare of a child first degree and possession of precursors to manufacture methamphetamine. She is being held on $50,000 cash or surety bond.

Stephen M. Hicks (52 of Charleston) was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in a residence with a child, manufacturing within 2000 feet of a school and endangering the welfare of a child first degree. He is being held on $50,000 cash or surety bond.

Angel M. Watkins (27 of Morley) was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in a residence with a child, manufacturing within 2000 feet of a school, endangering the welfare of a child first degree and possession of precursors to manufacture methamphetamine. She is being held on $50,000 cash only bond.

They are currently being held at the Scott County Jail awaiting their arraignment.

Underage Drinking Party Busted - 805 Sikes - 8/22/10

On August 21^st around 11:30pm, DPS got information of a teenage party occurring at 805 Sikes.  Officers were told there were underage subjects consuming alcohol at this residence.  Upon their arrival, Police attempted to contact some teens (17 to 18 yrs) in the driveway of 805 Sikes.  However, these teens ran inside the home as the Officers approached.  The owner of the house came to the door and spoke with Officers.
 

A search of the home was conducted and Police located several teens, hiding in a bedroom and closet.  They also located both full and empty containers of alcohol around the pool area of the home.  While Officers were searching, another subject was seen running from the area.  Officers began pursuing the individual after he refused to comply with orders to stop.  The subject was apprehended a short time later after running directly towards another Officer, who was providing perimeter security.

Location of the party, 805 Sikes Street

Police soon began testing all the teens with a portable breath tester or PBT.  Several of the subjects tested positive for blood alcohol content and were arrested.  In all, five of the approximately eight subjects were arrested for illegal consumption and possession.  One subject also had charges of resisting arrest for fleeing from Police during the bust. They were all taken to DPS Headquarters for booking.  Police are still investigating how the teens obtained the alcohol and whether the home owner was aware of the illegal party. 

In last month’s homicide investigation, we learned how these drinking parties can become deadly.  Sikeston Public Safety will continue to actively confront these types of parties and those adults who contribute to this illegal behavior.

Arrests Made in Grocery Store Strong Arm Robbery Investigation - 8/20/2010

On August 19th, a 59 year old Sikeston woman’s purse was forcibly stolen from her while she was walking into Food Giant Grocery at 945 E. Malone. The suspect ran from the area with the purse and was seen getting into a vehicle, driven by another subject. Both suspects fled in the vehicle while DPS Officers were attempting to intercept.

In a short period of time the suspects tried to use the woman’s stolen credit card at two convenience stores in New Madrid County. Lilbourn Police Officers identified the subject with the stolen card on security cameras at a local convenience store. Robin B. Jones was arrested a short time later. Jones is believed to be the driver of the getaway car in the robbery. The collaborative investigation soon led officers to identifying the suspect who we believe forcibly stole the purse. Lilbourn Police located the remaining suspect, Ronnie Anthony Stokes and took him into custody on August 20th.
Robin B. Jones     (35 of Lilbourn)           
Ronnie A. Stokes (35 of New Madrid)     
Stokes was charged through Scott County with Robbery 2nd Degree and given a $15,000 cash or surety bond. Police are actively searching for Stokes but currently are unsure of his whereabouts. Robin Jones was charged with Robbery 2nd, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Device and driving while revoked. Jones given a $15,500 cash or surety bond. Both subjects are currently in custody at the New Madrid County Jail.

Chief Drew Juden commended the efforts by Lilbourn PD and the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Dept. “Their resolve and dedication is what led to the quick identification and apprehension of the suspects.”

Narcotics Arrest for 1/2 Kilo of Powder Cocaine - 8/20/2010

A collaborative investigation leads to the arrest of a subject in possession of half a kilo of powder cocaine. An ongoing narcotics investigation conducted by the DEA, SEMO Drug Task Force and Sikeston Public Safety ended today with a vehicle stop just north of Sikeston. Information obtained during the investigation led officers to stopping a vehicle traveling on State Hwy H near County Road 450 around 10:40 am. Due to the nature of the stop investigators asked for the City of Miner’s Canine Unit to respond. Upon their arrival, the K-9 investigated the vehicle and alerted for narcotics. A subsequent search of the car resulted in officers locating half a kilo of powder cocaine, with a street value of approximately $25,000. 
                    Siezed Narcotics                 
The sole occupant of the vehicle was arrested and is identified as:
Solomon Edward Hatchett (61 of Sikeston)
Hatchett was transported to Sikeston DPS where he awaited charges through the Scott County Prosecutor’s Office. Hatchett was charged with Trafficking Drugs in the 2nd Degree, a class B felony. Hatchett was given a $100,000 cash only bond and transported to the Scott County Jail. He remains in custody awaiting his arraignment. Sikeston Public Safety served a search warrant yesterday and arrested two subjects for methamphetamine.

Search Warrant and Methamphetamine Arrests - 8/20/2010

An ongoing investigation ended Thursday when Sikeston’s Narcotics Division served a search warrant at 101 Paula. Detectives had been investigating possible methamphetamine sales from a subject living at this address. After weeks of investigation they were granted a search warrant for the home.

Detectives served the warrant yesterday (8/19/10) around 2:40 pm. A search of the home resulted in Officers finding a quantity of “ICE” methamphetamine, a small quantity of Xanax, and other miscellaneous meth paraphernalia. Detectives arrested the suspect, identified as:
Mollie S. Fritz/Jordan (28 of Sikeston)
During the warrant another subject pulled up in vehicle and walked to the front door of the home. This subject was stopped by Police and was also in possession of methamphetamine. Officers located a small quantity of morphine and syringes during a subsequent search of the man’s home. This subject was also arrested and is identified as:
Keith E. O’Guin (31 of Sikeston)        
Jordan and O’Guin were taken to DPS and both were charged Friday through the Scott County Court. Molly Jordan was charged with three counts of distribution of a controlled substance near a school, felony possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Jordan was given a $50,000 cash only bond. O’Guin was charged with two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. He was given a $25,000 cash only bond. Both subjects are currently being held at the Scott County Jail awaiting their arraignment.

Sexual Assault Arrest - 8/19/2010

A Sikeston woman reported being sexually assaulted by her employer earlier this month while working at Brown’s Auto Service at 822 E. Malone. The victim reported her employer was making unwanted sexual advances towards her. Reportedly, the man locked the office doors and forced the woman to have sex with him.

The suspect was identified as James Luther Brown (57 of Sikeston). Mr. Brown was later charged through the Scott County Prosecutor’s Office for Sexual Assault, a C felony. On August 6th, Mr. Brown turned himself into the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office for the warrant. Brown was later released after posting a $50,000 cash or surety bond.

Sikeston Public Safety and the American Red Cross are teaming up to help area residents endure the August heat wave. The August heat wave has let loose extremely hot and humid weather across Southeast Missouri. There is little relief in sight as temperatures are easily breaking the 100 degree mark with heat indexes soaring. Southeast MO Chapter of the American Red Cross is now working together with Sikeston Public Safety to help area residents stay safe during this heat wave. Extreme heat can lead to heat related illnesses and in severe cases can be life threatening.

• Heat cramps - an early sign a body is having trouble with the heat. These cramps are painful muscular spasms in body caused by loss of fluids and electrolytes. Have cramp victims rest comfortably in a cool place and replenish fluids. You may also lightly stretch the affected area. Give a half glass of water every 15 minutes. Don’t give liquids with caffeine or alcohol.

• Heat exhaustion – involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating or strenuous activity in high heat and humidity. Victims will have skin that is cool, moist, pale or flushed. They may also have a headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion. Have victims move to a cooler place and remove or loosen tight fitting clothes. Apply cool wet cloths to the skin and fan the person. Give small amounts of cool water but make sure the person drinks slowly. If they refuse water, vomit or lose consciousness call 911 immediately.

• Heat stroke – Call 911 immediately as this is a life threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Symptoms include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Cool the person as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits.

Heat Wave Tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding drinks with caffeine and alcohol.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose fitting, lightweight, light colored clothing.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who don’t have A/C or those likely to be affected by heat.
• Check on your animals often. Ensure they have plenty of both water and shade.
• Have a plan for possible power outages should they occur.

It doesn't look like we will be getting a break from this heat any time soon.  Learn the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and take the necessary steps to keep you and your family safe. 

• Avoid using the ATM during late hours. Statistics show most ATM robberies happen after dark, between 7pm and 4am. Criminals know you are there withdrawing cash.

• Avoid going to the ATM alone. You are less likely to be targeted if you have someone with you. Criminals look for the lone victim because they are often easier prey.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for people loitering around the ATM or sitting in parked vehicles nearby. If you see suspicious behavior, cancel your transaction and use an ATM at a different location. Always keep checking your surroundings while using the ATM.

• Be ready when you arrive at the ATM. Have your card ready and don’t be fumbling around looking for your ATM card or deposit slips.

• After you finish your transaction, leave quickly. Never count your cash at the ATM. This is just asking for trouble. Instead, leave the area and count the money later.

• When possible, stay in your vehicle to do the transaction. Leave your car in gear with your foot firmly on the brake. This way you will be able to quickly leave if necessary.

• Pick your location wisely. Only use an ATM machine near a well traveled road or a high traffic area that is well lit and free of obstructions where criminals could hide. Drive around the area near the ATM and look for anyone or anything suspicious before you approach. ATM machines in busier places are generally safer. Go to a busy supermarket or gas station to use their ATM as opposed to a dark parking lot.

• Finally, trust your instincts. Beware of people approaching who want to talk; they may be trying to gain your confidence so they can rob you when the time is right. If you get a bad feeling leave immediately and notify the police.

By following these tips, you can safeguard your personal safety and your hard-earned cash, reducing the risks of an ATM robbery.

Police are continuing to investigate this robbery and are asking for any information that may help with this investigation. If you have information that may help with this investigation please contact our department at 573-471-4711 or call our CRIME STOPPERS Hotline at 573-471-1500. Sikeston Public Safety and Scott County Emergency Management are preparing for this week’s excessive heat forecast.

8/02/10 - Excessive Heat Watch

The National Weather Service out of Paducah, Kentucky has issued an excessive heat watch this week.  It appears that this week will be some of the hottest days of the summer.  A large upper high is developing northeast across the region for the first half of the week.  This will cause a large mass of hot air across the area, coupled with moderately high humidity levels during the day.  This combination is creating a very dangerous hot weather condition where heat index values are expected to climb to a maximum of 110 – 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat of this magnitude can cause heat related illness very quickly, especially to those who are more susceptible or those who are overexposed to the heat.  DPS and Emergency Management have partnered up with various organizations to help reduce heat related casualties.  Cooling Centers have been opened to assist “at-risk” residents through the excessive heat forecast for the rest of this week.  Centers will be open from 10:00am – 8:00pm daily, Tuesday through Friday at the following locations:

Cooling Center Locations

• Miner Baptist Church                            416 Highway H Miner, MO
• Sikeston Public Library                         221 N. Kinghighway Sikeston, MO

(To check on the availability of centers in other communities, contact Scott County Emergency Management at (573-545-9113)  

These cooling centers will be air conditioned places where people can go if they need to cool off.  Overnight sheltering or meals will NOT be provided. Transportation will be provided by Scott County Emergency Management in emergency situations. 

In addition to cooling centers, Sikeston Public Safety will be setting up water sprinklers at two city parks.  Water sprinklers will be set up at Roberta Rowe Park on Tuesday (Aug. 3^rd) and at Central Park off Edmonson Street on Thursday (Aug. 5^th).  These sprinklers will be at the parks on these two days from 1pm – 3pm. 

A little common sense goes a long way but here are some tips for staying safe in the heat this week.

• When the temperature is in the high 90’s, electric fans cannot prevent heat related illness.  Take a cool shower or bath or move to an air conditioned place.
• Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake (unless under direct supervision of a physician).
• Wear clothing that is lightweight, loose fitting and light colored.  And wear a brimmed hat if you must be outdoors. 
• Avoid sunburn by wearing proper sunscreen.  Sunburns damage skin and affect the body’s ability to cool itself. 
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully.  If you must be out try to limit your time to the morning or evening hours. 
• Check on friends, family and neighbors often to make sure they are ok.  Especially if they are elderly who live alone or have medical conditions. 
• NEVER leave children, pets or anyone in a car in hot weather.  This could be deadly in this type of heat. 
• And be sure to think of your pets.  Give them plenty of water and shade during this heat wave. 

Remember, we are about to experience the hottest days of the summer to date.  So please do a little preparation and take advantage of these services if you are in need.