Dalton Police Blog

Police Looking For Baby Formula Thieves

Dalton Police need the public's help identifying two suspects wanted for stealing over $400 dollars worth of baby formula.  The theft happened at Kroger on West Walnut Avenue on November 26th.  The two Hispanic males shown in surveillance photos got away with 30 cans of Ismill Advanced Powder.  They were last seen leaving in a silver van, possibly a Chevrolet, with the tag number ABD6382.  If you have any information about these suspects, please call detective Matthew Lock at 706-278-9085 extension 320.

Suspects at Kroger

One of the suspects in Kroger

Suspects' van

Most Wanted Suspect Apprehended

One of Dalton's Most Wanted criminals has been found in Chatsworth, GA.  Darrell "Adam" Mchan was wanted on Aggravated Assault and Domestic Violence charges for hitting his dad with a baseball bat on 12/19/2006.  He had been on the run and hiding from police.  Thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen, detectives were able to track him down to a home in Chatsworth.  The Murray County Sheriff's Office assisted our detectives with this apprehension.  If you have information about any of our Most Wanted, please call the department's crime tip HOTLINE at (706) 278-9085 extension 221.

Darrell "Adam" Mchan

New Police Chief

The Public Safety Commission has named Jason Parker Chief of Police effective November 27, 2007. He has been serving as Interim Chief since November 1st.

Chief Parker began his career with the Dalton Police Department in 1987 as a patrol officer.  In 1989, he was promoted to sergeant and acted as a patrol shift commander.  In 1997, he was promoted to lieutenant.  During that time, he managed the operations functions of every division within the agency.  In March of 2007, Parker was promoted to Assistant Chief and handled the operations of the entire department. 

Chief Parker began his career in law enforcement as a US Army Military Police Specialist.  He earned a bachelor's degree in management from Covenant College and a masters degree in public administration from Columbus State University.  In addition, Parker is a 1998 graduate of the 192nd Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA and a 2006 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Senior Management Institute for Policing in Boston, MA.  He is married to April Parker and has two daughters, ages 17 and 13.

Parker being sworn in as Chief of Police

Police Department Chaplains Sponsor Christmas Drive

The Dalton Police Department chaplains are teaming up with The GreenHouse to help brighten the lives of abused children this Christmas.  The GreenHouse is a children's advocacy center that provides services to the child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse.  Every year the GreenHouse hosts a Christmas party for the victims and their families who are in need during the holiday season.  We need your help to make this a Christmas that these children will never forget.

How can you help?  Bring an unwrapped toy or a cash donation to our Christmas Drive drop off point

Where?  Dalton Police Department, 301 Jones Street

When?  Friday December 7th, 2007

Time?  7:00am - 12:00pm

We look forward to seeing you there!

Christmas Shopping Safety Tips

Christmas is just one month away and the official kick-off for the holiday shopping season begins today, the day after Thanksgiving.

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
• Take your purchases to your car intermittently
• Always lock your car doors
• Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers
• Park in a well lit area

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

Happy Thanksgiving

The employees of the Dalton Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Police Looking For Credit Card Fraud Suspect

Dalton Police need the public's help identifying a credit card fraud suspect.  The man pictured below is wanted for duplicating a credit card and using it at the Wal-Mart on Shugart Road on October 31st.  The suspect stole a credit card number and duplicated a card.  When he tried to swipe the card and it didn't work, the cashier typed in the account number which allowed the suspect to buy nearly $1,500.00 dollars worth of merchandise.  The suspect was last seen driving away in a silver Chrysler mini-van.  If you have any information about this suspect, please call Detective Jason Bishop at 706-278-9085 extension 214.

Suspect leaving Wal-Mart

Suspect's mini-van leaving Wal-Mart

Reception Held For Former Chief

Former Dalton Police Chief James Chadwick was honored for his 34 years of service to the department on Thursday.  Numerous people attended the reception including Mayor Ray Elrod, City Council members, Public Safety Commission members and representatives from many law enforcement agencies across the state.  Chadwick now serves as manager of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center law enforcement academy in Dalton.

Chadwick being interviewed by the media

Chadwick with his wife and mother

Married Couple Arrested For Scamming Local Charities

Dalton Police have arrested a married couple for scamming local charitable organizations.  Beverly Joanne Knipp and Michael Paul Knipp are charged with theft by deception.  The couple would tell people at the organizations that they could not provide for their six children, when in reality Beverly Knipp does not have custody of her six children.  If you or anyone you know has fallen victim to Beverly or Michael Knipp, please call Detective Greg Bates at 706-278-9085 extension 137.

Beverly Joanne Knipp

Michael Paul Knipp

Police Chief Search Narrowed Down to 3

Three finalists have been announced in the search for Dalton's next police chief.  A search committee comprised of Public Safety Commission members and City Council members narrowed down the list from 26 applicants.  Here is a look at the three finalists.

• Barry Batchelor currently serves as a sergeant and shift commander with the Dalton Police Department.
• Michael Kinlein currently serves as a lieutenant and director of professional court services with the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office.
• Jason Parker currently serves as assistant chief and interim chief with the Dalton Police Department.

The three candidates will be presented to the full Public Safety Commission on November 27th.  The PSC could make a decision then or decide to have a called meeting in December.

Dalton Police Department Crime Statistics

Recent statistics show overall crime in Dalton is down from this time last year.  Part I offenses are down from 1,356 to 1,257.  These offenses include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and arson.  Part II offenses are also down to 5,758 from 6,467 this time last year.  These offenses include forgery, fraud, vandalism, drug crimes, liquor violations and DUIs.  Arrests and traffic crashes are also down.

Here is a look at the recent crime statistics.  These numbers measure from January - October of this year.

Part I Offenses	2007	2006
Homicide	4	2
Rape	9	11
Robbery	25	28
Aggravated Assault	94	96
Burglary	183	184
Larceny - Theft	891	923
Motor Vehicle Theft	46	102
Arson	5	9
Part II Offenses	2007	2006
Other Assaults	476	526
Forgery/Counterfeiting	224	233
Fraud	243	192
Embezzlement	21	36
Stolen Property	3	19
Vandalism	531	577
Weapons Violations	44	61
Commercial Sex	13	22
Other Sex Offenses	104	67
Drug Sales	49	49
Drug Possession	334	399
Gambling	1	0
Offenses Against Family/Children	76	84
Liquor Violations	247	269
Drunkenness	208	187
Other Disorderly Conduct	580	599
Curfew Violations	51	79
All Other Offenses	2122	2546
DUI	431	522
Part I and II Total	7015	7823

Click it or Ticket

The Dalton Police Department is stepping up its efforts in enforcing Georgia's seat belt and child restraint laws.  The department's Special Operations Unit, along with the Situational Response Unit and Patrol Division are working in conjunction with the statewide "Click it or Ticket" campaign.  "Click it or Ticket" will run from November 12th through November 25th, and will include the upcoming Thanksgiving day holiday weekend.

Travel during Thanksgiving is traditionally busier than other holidays, in turn creating more traffic volume on Georgia highways.  During the 2006 Thanksgiving holiday weekend there were 18 deaths and 1,099 injuries from crashes in Georgia.

The Dalton Police Department will also conduct several road checks during the upcoming holiday in an effort to spot unrestrained passengers and drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  We ask all motorists to make this Thanksgiving holiday a safe one by obeying all speed limits, buckling up and not drinking and driving.

Honoring America's Veterans

Let's take time to say thanks to veterans of all branches of service, and to those whose are serving now.

Holiday Driving Safety

With the holiday season just around the corner, traffic on the roads will be increasing.  Especially around shopping centers like Walnut Square Mall and Hamilton Place Mall in Chattanooga.

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.

Fatal Vision Classes For Local Students

The Dalton Police Department's Special Operations Unit conducted "Fatal Vision" classes at Dalton High School on November 6th and 7th.  The classes are given in conjunction with the Drivers Education program. 

The students began in the classroom, where officers from the Special Operations Unit spoke about the dangers of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  The officers also spoke to students about traffic laws pertaining to teenage drivers, including class CP and class D driving licenses.  After a day in the classroom, the students moved outside where a cone course was set up.  The students attempted to drive a golf cart through the course wearing "Fatal Vision" goggles.  The golf cart exercise is used to illustrate how a driver's vision is impaired while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The purpose of the classes is to get students to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol or using drugs and then getting behind the wheel of an automobile, or being a passenger of a friend or family member who is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A students tries to walk a straight line while wearing Fatal Vision goggles.

Officer Ricky Long and a student participating in the Fatal Vision cone course

Dalton Police Department's Most Wanted

The Dalton Police Department is asking for the public's help finding these most wanted criminals.

18-year old Jose Chavez Hernandez is wanted for the February 2006 murder of David Perez.  State and federal warrants have been issued in connection with this case.  He is also wanted in connection with 1st Degree Forgery.  Hernandez is a member of a local street gang and may be using the name Juan Apodoca.  Anyone with information should call Detective Alan Woods at 706-278-9085 ext. 145 or call the Tip Line at 706-278-9085 ext. 221.

18-year old Omar Olvera is wanted for questioning in connection with the February 2006 murder of David Perez.  Olvera is a member of a local street gang.  Anyone with information should call Detective Alan Woods at 706-278-9085 ext. 145 or call the Tip Line at 706-278-9085 ext. 221.

23-year old Carlos Barrios is wanted in connection with a murder in Calhoun, GA.  Barrios is known to go by the alias Wilber Hernandez.  He is a member of a local street gang and has a large "18" tattooed on the back of his head.  Anyone with information should call the Tip Line at 706-278-9085 ext. 221.

28-year old Tony Alejandro King is wanted for Armed Robbery of a Favorite Market on March 4, 2007.  Anyone with information should call Detective Matthew Locke at 706-278-9085 ext. 320 or call the Tip Line at 706-278-9085 ext. 221.

27-year old Juan Carlos Ruiz-Pineda is wanted for 1st Degree Forgery and Identity Theft.  He was arrested by the GBI for Child Pornography and it is believed he has left town after receiving bail.  Anyone with information should call Detective Chris Johnson at 706-278-9085 ext. 222 or call the Tip Line at 706-278-9085 ext. 221.

43-year old Roderick Cooper is wanted in connection with the theft of tools from Home Depot on Shugart Road.  The theft happened in 2005 and to this date, we have not been able to locate Cooper.  He could possibly be in the Chattanooga, TN area.  Anyone with information should call Detective Greg Bates at 706-278-9085 ext. 137 or call the Tip Line at 706-278-9085 ext. 221.

22-year old Florentino Patino Mancera is wanted for 1st Degree Forgery after working at an area business under false documents.  Anyone with information should call Detective John Helton at 706-278-9085 ext. 143 or call the Tip Line at 706-278-9085 ext. 221.

21-year old Oscar Cruz is wanted for the April 2005 Statutory Rape of a 14-year old female.  Cruz has active warrants for Statutory Rape, but his location is unknown at this time.  Anyone with information should call Detective Chris Johnson at 706-278-9085 ext. 222 or call the Tip Line at 706-278-9085 ext. 221.

Police Looking For Vandalism Suspect

Dalton Police need the public's help finding a vandalism suspect, accused of keying a vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Shugart Road.  It happened on October 14th.  The photos below show the suspect's vehicle.  In the pictures the suspect is driving a 2005 or 2006 Kia Amanti.  If you have any information on this suspect, please call Detective Jason Bishop at 706-278-9085 extension 214.

Suspect's vehicle

Dalton Police Help Ensure a Fun & Safe Halloween

Dalton Police officers spent part of their Halloween night promoting vehicle and pedestrian safety.  They reminded trick-or-treaters to watch for vehicles and to never take short cuts through backyards, alleys, or other areas.  Officers also reminded motorists to drive slowly throughout the evening.

Officer Chris McDonald hands out pencils to a group of trick-or-treaters