COLUMBUS - The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the LEADS Steering Committee, unveiled the new Taylor Alert system, which will notify law enforcement agencies of previous convictions or substantiated threats against law enforcement officers.
The Taylor Alert system will provide all Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) users the ability to be notified if an individual has previously been convicted for an act of violence against a law enforcement officer. The criteria established by the LEADS steering committee instructs agencies as to what information will be entered into the system. The LEADS user will receive the COPS (Caution Ohio Police) alert and advises that the suspect has made a substantiated threat or been convicted of crimes centered towards law enforcement officials.
"The Taylor Alert system is the first step in saving the lives of officers who protect Ohio citizens everyday. The ability to disseminate information quickly about a substantiated threat will assist greatly in open communication and officer safety," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said.
The Taylor Alert was named after Massillon Police Officer Eric Taylor, who died in the line of duty on August 9, after exchanging gunfire with Donald Matthews during a traffic stop with state troopers. Matthews had made substantiated verbal threats to federal authorities against law enforcement officers several years prior to the incident. Having the Taylor Alert system in place may have helped caution law enforcement officials.
"The introduction of the new Taylor Alert system marks the beginning of a tremendous opportunity to law enforcement in Ohio. Knowledge of information, and the sharing of that information within the law enforcement community, is a valuable tool for crime prevention and public safety," Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor said. "This information will be useful to other law enforcement agencies in the state after threats have been made."
Law enforcement officials in Ohio use LEADS for criminal justice purposes to obtain driver records, criminal histories, and vehicle information.
Springfield - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Springfield Post, in conjunction with local law enforcement, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Clark County on Saturday, October 26, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Michael Marchek, commander of the Springfield Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Marchek said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday morning. Support in conducting Saturday’s sobriety checkpoint will be provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
New Philadelphia – Tpr. Mark Glennon
of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s New Philadelphia Post was honored today
with a Certificate of Recognition for his selfless and courageous actions during
the apprehension of an armed suspect. At a ceremony held today at the Patrol's
New Philadelphia Post, Capt. Charles Cubbison, commander of the Patrol’s
Cambridge District, presented the certificate on behalf of Colonel Kenneth L.
Morckel, Patrol superintendent.
On July 16, Tpr. Glennon and Tpr. Benjamin Huff were involved in a pursuit in the city of Dover. Stop-stick devices were used to deflate the suspect’s front tires, which also resulted in the deflation of the right front tire on Tpr. Glennon’s patrol car. Tpr. Glennon pulled his cruiser along the left side of the suspect’s vehicle and forced the suspect off the road and to a stop. Tpr. Glennon and the suspect immediately exited their vehicles and Tpr. Glennon noticed the suspect appeared to have a weapon in his hand.
Meanwhile, Tpr. Huff had positioned his patrol car behind the suspect’s vehicle. From the suspect’s blind side, Tpr. Glennon could see that the suspect’s attention was focused on Tpr. Huff. Aware of the danger of the situation, Tpr. Glennon moved quickly to tackle the man from behind and knocked a large knife out of the suspect’s hand.
Tpr. Huff immediately moved in to assist and sprayed the suspect with mace. The troopers handcuffed the suspect and secured him in a patrol car.
Tpr. Glennon joined the Patrol in May 1991 as a member of the 121st Academy Class. He earned his commission the following November and was assigned to New Philadelphia, where he was named Post Trooper of the Year in 1994, 1999, 2001, and 2002. He was awarded with District Trooper of the Year in 2001.
Originally from Canton, Tpr. Glennon graduated from Timken Senior High School in 1987. He presently resides in Mineral City with his wife Michelle.
LONDON – A Springfield man will appear for a preliminary hearing in the Madison County Municipal Court tomorrow for attempting to convey drugs into the London Correctional Institution. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers charged Victor L. Arnold, 21, with conveying drugs onto the grounds of a correctional facility, a third-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators obtained information that Arnold planned to convey illegal drugs into the London Correctional Institution. Troopers arrested Arnold at 2:30 p.m. Friday after he attempted to convey four balloons of marijuana, which were concealed in a bag of Baked Lays potato chips. The balloons contained a total of two grams of marijuana.
Arnold was incarcerated at the Tri-County Jail. He appeared in the Madison County Municipal Court on Monday. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – As part of National School Bus Safety week, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists that there are special concerns to be considered when sharing the road with school buses. National School Bus Safety week is October 21-25.
"Children, motorists, and parents need to be made aware of the possible dangers both inside and around a school bus and how to avoid them," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said. "Observing National School Bus Safety week is an excellent way to improve school bus safety for Ohio’s children."
While school buses remain the safest mode of travel on Ohio roadways, school bus crashes do occur. In 2001, there were 2,317 school bus crashes in Ohio. The Patrol would like to see this number drop.
Motorists have a responsibility to know the meaning of the flashing light system on school buses. Yellow lights indicate the bus is about to stop.
Red flashing lights and the extended stop arm on a school bus indicate the bus has stopped for children to get on or off. Motorists approaching from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from a stopped school bus until the bus resumes motion. If a school bus is stopped on a road divided into four or more lanes, only traffic driving in the same direction as the bus must stop.
In addition, it is important that children be taught to wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver indicates it is clear before stepping onto the bus. Children should never walk behind a bus. In addition, they should stay at least five steps away from the side and front of the bus.
The Highway Patrol inspects all Ohio school buses at least twice per year, once prior to the start of school and once during the year.
COLUMBUS -- Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, announced today that troopers will operate a checkpoint to deter and intercept drinking drivers this weekend. Currently, the location of the upcoming checkpoint is undisclosed. The county in which the checkpoint will be held will be announced the day prior to the checkpoint, and the exact location will be announced the morning of the checkpoint.
"It is our intent to inform people that troopers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. As part of our heightened enforcement efforts, this year the Patrol plans to more than double the 19 sobriety checkpoints we coordinated in 2001. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Colonel Morckel said.
Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor feels very strongly that checkpoints are effective in preventing the most deadly highway practice; driving under the influence. "Our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of highway deaths and injuries due to drunk and drugged driving. The combination of sobriety checkpoints, heightening public awareness and strictly enforcing laws is making the difference," Lt. Governor O’Connor added.
Support in operating the upcoming sobriety checkpoint will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
Toledo
– Two New York residents are scheduled to appear in the Maumee Municipal Court
this morning after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized approximately
$140,000 worth of marijuana Thursday during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in
Lucas County. Kasha Payne, 32, and Steve Palmer, 32, both of Brooklyn, NY, were
each charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony, and
trafficking of marijuana, a third-degree felony.
Troopers stopped a 2002 Ford Escape, on eastbound Interstate 80, near milepost 53, in Lucas County at 9:34 a.m. yesterday for a speeding violation. A Patrol drug-detecting canine alerted to the Escape, indicating an odor of narcotics in the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed a luggage bag containing two large bricks of marijuana with an estimated street value of $140,616.
Payne and Palmer are incarcerated at the Lucas County Jail. If convicted, they could each face up to thirteen years in prison, and up to a $25,000 fine.
Dayton – Two Arizona men are scheduled to appear in the Eaton Municipal Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized approximately $450,000 worth of cocaine yesterday during a traffic stop on Interstate 70 in Preble County. Maximo A. Vagra, 28, and Sergio R. Millan, 24, both of Phoenix, Ariz., were each charged with possession of cocaine, a first-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers stopped a 1994 Volkswagon Jetta, driven by Vagra, on eastbound Interstate 70, near milepost 5, in Preble County at 11:50 a.m. yesterday for a following too closely violation. A Patrol drug-detecting canine alerted to the Jetta, which indicates drugs may be in the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed eight bricks of cocaine hidden in a rear compartment of the Jetta. The cocaine, which totaled approximately 10 pounds, has an estimated street value of $450,000.
Vagra and Millan are incarcerated at the Preble County Jail. If convicted, they could each face up to nine years in prison, and up to a $17,500 fine.
Mt. Gilead – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of two damaged vehicles on northbound Interstate 71 near milepost 152 in Franklin Township in Morrow County.
Today at 5:05 p.m., troopers said that a 2000 white freightliner truck pulling a Wabash trailer was struck by suspected gunfire. The driver of the truck, Kathleen Roeland, 55, and the passenger, Harry E. Bailey, 51, both of Rochester, NY were not injured. Troopers said a 2000 silver Ford Taurus, which was traveling behind Roeland’s vehicle, was also struck by suspected gunfire. The driver of the vehicle, Jeffrey Vanloon, 50, of West Salem, was uninjured.
A preliminary investigation revealed the vehicles were struck by gunfire, which damaged the passenger side of both vehicles. Investigators will continue to canvas the area, which includes County Roads 121 and 98 and Township Roads 118 and 14, until daybreak.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Patrol at 1-877-7-PATROL or the Mt. Gilead Patrol Post at (419) 768-3955.
The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Defiance – Tpr. James Gauden of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Defiance
Post was honored today with a Certificate of Recognition for his quick action in
performing CPR on a victim of cardiac arrest on June 30. Capt. Richard H.
Collins, commander of the Patrol’s Findlay District, presented the certificate
on behalf of Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, at a ceremony
held today at the Patrol's Defiance Post.
On June 30, a motorist on the side of State Route 281 flagged Tpr. Gauden down. The man was shouting for an emergency squad and Tpr. Gauden saw a vehicle off the road in a nearby wheat field. He immediately called for emergency personnel and grabbed his first responder bag.
Tpr. Gauden saw an unconscious woman on the ground beside the vehicle. After determining that she had no pulse, Tpr. Gauden and the bystander began to perform CPR on the victim and continued their efforts for six minutes until emergency personnel arrived on the scene.
The woman was transported to Defiance Hospital and then transferred to Toledo Hospital where she later died. However, the efforts of the Tpr. Gauden and the unknown bystander provided the woman with a chance of survival and allowed her family the opportunity to say goodbye.
Tpr. Gauden joined the Patrol in May 1993 as a member of the 125th Academy Class. He earned his commission the following November and was assigned to Defiance. He was awarded Patrol Certificates of Recognition in 1994 and 1998.
Originally from Streetsboro, Tpr. Gauden graduated from Crestwood High School in 1989. He resides in Montpelier with his wife Heather and their two children, Mason, 5, and Sage, an infant.
LONDON - The Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested a New Paris woman yesterday after she conveyed marijuana onto the grounds of the London Correctional Institution. Troopers charged Majorie JoAnn Cheatham, 63, with conveying drugs onto the grounds of a correctional facility, a third-degree felony.
During an inmate visitation at 2:30 p.m. yesterday, Troopers observed Cheatham with a small package believed to contain illegal drugs. Troopers took her into custody and a search revealed Cheatham had 28 grams of marijuana.
Cheatham was incarcerated at the Tri-County Jail. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She was scheduled to appear today in the Madison County Municipal Court.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
lucasville – The Ohio State Highway Patrol charged a former employee of the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility for attempting to convey illegal drugs into the grounds of the facility in Lucasville. Gary Williams, 34, of Minford, was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine in the Scioto County Common Pleas court.
Troopers charged Williams with conveying drugs onto the grounds of a correctional facility and theft of drugs, both fourth-degree felonies, as a result of a joint investigation by the Patrol, the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, and the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
Williams resigned from the institution in February.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – During a traffic stop last Friday, Troopers confiscated several weapons from a suspected bank robber who was subsequently charged with more than ten felonies. Jordan D. Bebo, 24, of Bethoud, Colo. was charged with five counts of carrying a concealed weapon, fourth-degree felonies; two counts of receiving stolen property, fifth-degree felonies; one count of an unlawful ordnance, a fifth degree felony; and numerous counts of possession of criminal tools, fifth-degree felonies.
A trooper stopped a 1998 GMC Jimmy, driven by Bebo, for a following too close violation on eastbound Interstate 80 at milepost 53, last Friday at 2:27 p.m. A Patrol K-9 alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed a Colt AR-15 military assault rifle, a Mossberg .12 gauge shotgun, two Sig Sauer .45 caliber handguns, and a Baer .45 caliber handgun. All of the firearms were loaded and more than 1200 additional rounds of ammunition with magazines were found.
Several suspicious items were also located in the vehicle, including Balaclava masks, leather gloves, tactical vests and web gear, a two-way radio with tap microphones, camouflage paint, an electrical blasting cap detonator, a squib wire, and seven sets of license plates. Two sets of the license plates were stolen.
The FBI has two active felony warrants on Bebo for his involvement in two bank robberies in Texas. The first was in San Antonio, Texas on March 12, in which $3,750 was stolen from the San Antonio Credit Union. The second robbery occurred in Dripping Springs, Texas, where $36,900 was stolen from the Security State Bank.
Bebo was scheduled to appear in Lucas County Common Pleas Court today. He is being held in the Lucas County Jail.
Columbus – Sgt. Robin Schmutz, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol General Headquarters has transferred to the Public Affairs Unit where she will serve as a spokesperson for the Patrol. Sgt. Schmutz previously served in the Administrative Investigation Unit at the Patrol’s General Headquarters in Columbus.
Sgt. Schmutz joined the Patrol in May 1995 as a member of the 127th Academy Class. She received her commission the following November and was assigned to Findlay. In October 1999, she transferred to General Headquarters in Columbus to serve as an investigator. She received her promotion to sergeant in March 2001.
A native of Marysville, Sgt. Schmutz graduated from Marysville High School in 1987. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University in 1992. In May 2002, she earned a master’s degree in business administration from Franklin University.
Sgt. Schmutz resides in Marysville with her husband, Tpr. Bo Schmutz of the Marysville Patrol Post, and her daughter, Alicia.
COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol commissioned 44 new troopers today.
The Patrol’s 139th Academy Class graduated today after 25 weeks of rigorous law enforcement training. Retired Highway Patrol Col. Thomas W. Rice, Federal Security Director, Port Columbus International Airport; Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent; and Major Peyton Watts, commander of the Office of Training, all addressed the graduates and presented their commissions and certificates of training.
Both Federal Safety Director Rice and Col. Morckel talked to the graduates about the importance of their new roles on the front-lines of Ohio’s Homeland Security efforts.
Trooper Martin B. Schmalzried of Girard was selected class speaker and thanked the Academy staff, family, and friends for their support during the training period.
Four of the graduates received special honors for top performance in various fields of study at the Patrol Academy. The honorees are:
Overall performance - Tpr. Randall W. Petersen of Painesville
Top performance in academics - Tpr. Tommy L. Brabson of Damascus, MD
Superior physical training achievement - Tpr. Randall W. Petersen of Painesville
Firearms performance - Tpr. Joseph M. Parsons of Hammondsville
Top driving – Tpr. Bo M. Schmutz of Marysville
Each of the newly-commissioned troopers will report to their posts on Monday, October 7. The trooper’s first 60 working days will be a field-training period under the guidance of a veteran officer. The new troopers are assigned to 34 of the Patrol’s 55 posts, as well as the Patrol’s Statehouse Security Unit as part of the Division’s Homeland Security efforts.
|
Name |
Hometown |
Assignment |
|
Shawn W. Aller |
Barnesville |
St. Clairsville |
|
Tommy L. Brabson |
Damascus, MD |
Swanton |
|
Amy M. Brieschke |
Defiance |
Georgetown |
|
Philip J. Clemons |
Willard |
Norwalk |
|
Grady E. Coblentz |
Wilmington |
Springfield |
|
Jonathan M. Coffey |
Lima |
Wapakoneta |
|
David A. Coronado |
Defiance |
Defiance |
|
Joseph A. Costa |
Newark |
Granville |
|
Michelle R. Cotrill |
Pleasantville |
Lancaster |
|
Robert D. Delaney |
Marietta |
Georgetown |
|
Brian E. DePizzo |
Hubbard |
Sandusky |
|
Lance S. Deshuk |
Wakeman |
Milan |
|
Robert A. Duncil |
Franklin |
Wilmington |
|
Chad A. Durben |
Kent |
Portsmouth |
|
Tim S. Durham |
Catawba |
Springfield |
|
Erika A. Englund |
Columbus |
Sandusky |
|
Brent E. Fletcher |
Akron |
Bucyrus |
|
Jacob L. Fletcher |
Carey |
Findlay |
|
Jeremy J. Grillot |
Bradford |
Piqua |
|
Nathan E. Haas |
Dalton |
Canton |
|
Meldon S. Hamber |
Dublin |
Springfield |
|
Matthew J. Hamilton |
Cincinnati |
Batavia |
|
James E. Hutchinson |
London |
Xenia |
|
Amy D. Ivy |
Mansfield |
Wooster |
|
Jeffrey A. Lauper |
North Canton |
Bucyrus |
|
Denice A. Martin |
Columbus |
Circleville |
|
John W. Martin |
Cambridge |
Cambridge |
|
Andrew M. Masiella |
Uniontown |
Bucyrus |
|
Raul A. Melo |
Columbus |
West Jefferson |
|
Dustin D. Neely |
Newark |
Mount Gilead |
|
Joseph M. Parsons |
Hammondsville |
Steubenville |
|
Randall W. Petersen |
Painesville |
Chardon |
|
Derrick L. Phillips |
Cleveland |
Hiram |
|
Marvin L. Pullins |
Bidwell |
Athens |
|
Logan T. Putnam |
Bowerstown |
Ashland |
|
Martin B. Schmalzried |
Girard |
Swanton |
|
Bo M. Schmutz |
Marysville |
Marysville |
|
Montei M. Sexton |
Shelby |
Norwalk |
|
Clint R. Shepard |
Blaine |
Marietta |
|
Clinton O. Smith |
Kent |
Hiram |
|
Scott M. Smith |
Malvern |
Medina |
|
Jamie J. Sweitzer |
Alliance |
Bucyrus |
|
Tye R. Tyson |
Boardman |
Ashtabula |
|
Sharese C. Williams |
Franklin |
Lebanon |
LIMA - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lima Post, in conjunction with troopers from the Patrol’s Van Wert Post, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Allen County on Saturday, October 5, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Ken Koverman, commander of the Lima Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Koverman said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday morning. Support in conducting Saturday’s sobriety checkpoint will be provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
EATON – A Pennsylvania man is incarcerated at the Preble County Jail after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized approximately $150,000 worth of marijuana this morning during a traffic stop on Interstate 70 in Preble County. Uthmaan Muhammad, 22, of East Stroudsburg, Pa., is charged with second-degree felony possession of marijuana.
Troopers stopped a 1993 Mercury Villager, driven by Muhammad, on eastbound Interstate 70, near milepost 4, in Preble County at 9:24 a.m. Thursday for a speeding violation. A Patrol drug-detecting canine alerted to the vehicle, and a probable cause search revealed 66 pounds of marijuana in the rear cargo area concealed in a large duffel bag. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $150,000.
Muhammad is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in the Preble County Court. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison, and up to a $15,000 fine.
|
What: |
Graduation of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 139th Academy Class |
|
When: |
Friday, October 4, 2002, 10:00 a.m. |
|
Where: |
Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy |
|
Who: |
Retired OHSP Col. Thomas Rice, Federal Safety Director, |
The 44 members of the Patrol’s 139th Academy Class will graduate and be sworn in as Ohio’s newest state troopers. As part of the Patrol’s Homeland Security efforts, some of these new troopers will be assigned to state buildings throughout Ohio.
WEST CARROLLTON – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released the name of the victim in yesterday’s fatal airplane crash as Carl S. Bernardi, 65, of Easton Md.
Troopers said the 1968 twin-engine Beagle airplane piloted by Bernardi was westbound from Moraine Airpark when the flight path deviated southbound. At approximately 3:45 p.m. yesterday, the airplane struck a tree and crashed into a residential area of West Carrollton. The plane became fully engulfed in flames immediately following the crash. Bernardi was the lone occupant of the airplane.
The West Carrollton Fire Department, and West Carrollton Police Department provided assistance, and the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board responded.
The investigation is ongoing.
"It is our intent to inform people that troopers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. As part of our heightened enforcement efforts, this year the Patrol plans to more than double the 19 sobriety checkpoints we coordinated in 2001. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Colonel Morckel said.
Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor feels very strongly that checkpoints are effective in preventing the most deadly highway practice; driving under the influence. "Our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of highway deaths and injuries due to drunk and drugged driving. The combination of sobriety checkpoints, heightening public awareness and strictly enforcing laws is making the difference," Lt. Governor O’Connor added.
Support in operating the upcoming sobriety checkpoint will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.