Dalton Police Blog

Police Looking for Suspect Using Stolen Credit Card

Dalton Investigators are looking for a female who has used a stolen credit card at the Wal-Mart store on Shugart road. 

The female has been identified as:

• Tabitha Hernandez, a.k.a. Tabitha Goodson
• White female
• 20 years of age
• Reddish brown hair
• 5 feet 4 inches tall and approximately 125 pounds
• Driving a Blue Ford Taurus Station Wagon

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ms. Hernandez is asked to contact Detective Greg Bates at 706-278-9085 ext. 137.

The suspect, Ms. Hernandez shown here entering the Wal-Mart Store on Shugart Road in Dalton

Driving Safety Tips

With the Holiday season upon us, the amount of cars on the roads will be increasing.

Applying some basic rules while driving will help reduce your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle crash.

• Always wear your seat belt - This is one of the most beneficial steps you can do to prevent yourself from being seriously injured in a crash
• Give yourself an out - As you drive, always be aware of an "escape route" should another driver unexpectedly come into your lane or pull out in front of you
• Keep your eyes moving - continually scanning the open road will allow you to see that driver about to hit you.  If you can spot this danger early enough, you may have the time to avoid the collision altogether
• Check your mirrors every few seconds - constantly know what is on each side of you and also behind you
• Get the big picture - look as far down the road as possible.  This will allow you more time to react should the need arise
• Be aware of your speed and conditions - It goes without saying that you should obey the posted speed limit.  It was put in place for a reason.  However, there are times that reducing your speed below that which is posted is wise.  An example of these would be during times of rain, snow, or nighttime conditions.  All of these may require you to slow down and allow more time to stop or negotiate turns.
• Eliminate distractions - Radios, cell phones, and kids can all be distractions to you as a driver.  Don't let these distractions overwhelm you.  If it gets to be too much, turn off the radio, hang up the cell phone and refocus on your primary task of driving.
• Don't Drink and Drive - Approximately 45% of fatalities involve an impaired driver.  If you do drink, don't drive.  Also be aware of any medications that you may be taking.  They can slow you reaction time significantly which greatly increasing your chances of being in a crash.

 

BB Gun Vandals Arrested

The Dalton Police Department has identified and made arrests in connection to vandalism involving the suspects shooting windows out with BB guns.

The arrest followed a traffic stop by Sergeant Barry Batchelor of the department's patrol division when he noticed the suspect vehicle driving erratic and noticed someone trying to conceal themselves in the bed of the truck.

On the approach to the vehicle, Sergeant Batchelor noticed 4 Hispanic males hiding under a blanket in the bed of the pick-up truck.  There were also several Hispanic males in the cab of the truck.  Sergeant Batchelor also noticed the barrels of two rifles protruding from under the seat.  During a subsequent search of the truck, two BB gun rifles and one BB gun pistol was found.  A carton of BB's was also found in the truck.

A total of 2 adults and 6 juveniles were arrested or taken into custody in connection with 27 separate vandalism incidents occurring from November 20th - November 22nd.  The investigation is continuing to determine whether the suspects were responsible for damage to business windows earlier this year.

The juvenile's age ranged from 12-16 years of age.

Both adults, Juan Manriquez and Louise Guerra, are charged with criminal trespass, reckless conduct, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

All the juveniles are charged with criminal trespass, discharging a BB gun in the city limits and reckless conduct.

Juan Manriquez (left) and Louise Guerra, adult suspects in the BB gun vandalism arrests

Christmas Parade Safety

With the Downtown Dalton Christmas Parade fast approaching this is a good time to think about the safety of our children. The chosen route provides plenty of prime viewing space for everyone, but you may want to come early if you want a particular place

Safety Reminders

Please remember that the parade usually has large vehicles, and with the distraction of the noise and excitement it will be easy to lose track of children. Recently, an eight-year old girl was run over by a tractor trailer in Birmingham Alabama after chasing a piece of candy thrown from a parade vehicle. Currently, Dalton's ordinances make it illegal to throw candy or other objects from parade vehicles. Another Alabama town has joined in by banning the practice. We understand that in Dalton, "we've always done it", but there have been many near misses here.

Reason for the Season

Let's enjoy the parade and celebrate the idea of Christmas, and heeding these safety reminders will make sure that your Christmas is Merry!

Parking

Remember that the Downtown Dalton Development Authority will close Hamilton Street to parking on the night before the parade, so make plans to use the parking deck or other surrounding streets.

Downtown Christmas Parade

The annual Dalton Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday December 9, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Keep in mind that the Downtown Dalton Development Authority will close Hamilton street at 10:00 p.m. the night before in order to prevent parking on the street.

The parade will start at Waugh and Jones Streets and go East to Pentz; South on Pentz to Morris St; East on Morris to Hamilton; North on Hamilton back to Waugh St; Then back West on Waugh St until it disburses.

For more information, please call the Downtown Dalton Development Authority at 706-278-3332.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The employees of the Dalton Police Department wish all community members a Happy Thanksgiving!!

What You Need to Know About a Class D Provisional Driver's Licence

The New Law (Joshua's Law)

Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16-year olds applying for a Class D license must complete an approved driver education course and complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving. At least 6 hours of this supervised time must be at night, and all 40 hours require sworn verification from a parent or guardian.

"So, What if I Don't Take the Driver Education Course"?

The law says that, after January 1, 2007, any Georgia resident who has not completed an approved driver education course must wait until he or she is 17-years old to be eligible for a Class D driver's license. In addition regardless of age, you must hold a Learner's Permit for one year and a day to be eligible for a Class D license.

Finding a Course

For more information about approved courses, log on to the Georgia Teen Driver Education website. There, you will find information on methods of driver education, information about insurance discounts and possible tax credits as a result of taking the course and training.

You can get more information by clicking on the link in the paragraph above or in the links column at left. Remember, our streets and highways are more crowded than ever so be safe and responsible.

Dalton Police Discover Meth Lab

Acting on information from a tip, Dalton Police investigators discovered a working Meth Lab inside a residence at 419 Florence Avenue, Dalton.

When officers first went to the residence, they spoke to the occupants and were invited in. Once inside, officers observed a jar containing liquid that had been placed near a heater. The suspects stated that the jar contained Coleman fuel and crushed "pills." Investigators then secured the residence to get a search warrant.

After the lab was dismantled by a response team, a subsequent search yielded more than twenty (20) separate items relating to the production of methamphetamines.

When police officers locate a suspected meth lab they must take several steps to insure officer and community safety. First, officers must back away and prevent entry to the area. Trained and specially equipped personnel then remove the items from the structure. The last step at the scene involves contacting the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) in order to remove the hazardous chemicals to a safe location. Part of the responsibility of removing the chemicals is to file notations with the local courthouse in the deed records for the property.

Although recent law changes made it more difficult, all of the ingredients to make Meth are still available over the counter in stores. These chemicals, when mixed or alone, can be very dangerous to your health and damaging to your property. If you smell strange chemicals around your neighborhood, report this to the police. You may also report drug information anonymously by calling the Dalton Police Drug tip line at 706-278-9085 and choose extension 221. You will be able to supply information and keep your identity anonymous if you wish.

9-year Old Volunteers Her Time At The Police Department

Morgan Devitt, a 9-year old 4th grader from Coker Elementary School, recently volunteered her time to help at the police department.  Morgan is competing in the National American Miss and as part of that program she is required to volunteer her time to the community.

During the time she was here, she assisted Sergeant Mike Dyer in the Patrol Division with coordinating the Christmas parade and checking equipment.  She also helped the patrol division secretary, Angela Kittle, with filing and other office duties.

We were honored she chose the police department and it was a pleasure to have her.

Christmas Shopping Safety Tips

Christmas is just over a month away and the official kick-off for holiday shopping will start the day after Thanksgivings.

The Police Department wants to remind residents about taking security measures to reduce thefts, burglaries and entering autos.

• Safeguard your personal data such as credit cards, personal ID information and bank information
• Secure personal belongings and valuables out of sight or in the trunk of your vehicle while you are away
• Take steps now to better secure you home against unlawful entry by installing quality exterior doors, quality locks and deadbolts, and exterior motion lighting
• Review past articles posted on this Blog dealing security topics

By taking some basic steps, we can all reduce our chances of being a victim of crime during this holiday season.