Dalton Police Blog

Police Looking For Theft Suspect

Dalton Police detectives need the public's help identifying a female theft suspect.  The suspect pictured below stole a woman's pocket book at Providence Ministries on January 7th.  She was last seen driving a white SUV with running boards and a luggage rack.  If you have any information to help identify this suspect, please call Detective Matthew Locke at 706-278-9085 extension 320.

Theft suspect at Providence Ministries

Move Over Law Reminder

The Dalton Police Department would like to remind motorists of Georgia's Move Over Law.  Under Georgia traffic law 40-6-16, motorists that are approaching an emergency vehicle on the shoulder of the road must 1) make a lane change into a lane not next to the emergency vehicle when more than one lane is present and can be done safely, or 2) must slow down and pass the emergency vehicle at a speed below the posted speed limit.

The Move Over Law was put into place to protect the lives of police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, tow truck operators and road maintenance workers.  2007 was the tenth consecutive year that traffic-related incidents equaled or exceeded guns as the leading cause of death for police officers across the nation.

Officers with the Dalton Police Department continue to see a large number of vehicles not obeying the Move Over Law.  The department would like to advise motorists that Georgia law allows a fine of up to $500 for anyone found guilty of violating the Move Over Law.

The Dalton Police Department would also like to remind all motorists to obey all posted speed limits and to buckle up to prevent serious injury accidents.

Drug Enforcement Unit Looking For Suspect

The Dalton Police Department's Drug Enforcement Unit is looking for Gail Michelle Bramblett in relation to a drug case.  When detectives recently tried to take Bramblett into custody, she fled in her vehicle and nearly struck a plain clothed detective.  Bramblett is also wanted by the Whitfield County Sheriff's Department and other agencies.  She is believed to be in the Dalton or Cleveland, Tennessee area.  Her last known address was in Cohutta.  If you have any information on Bramblett's whereabouts, please contact Detective Daniel Nicholson at 706-278-9085 extension 159.

Gail "Michelle" Bramblett

Police Looking For Suspect Wanted By Numerous Agencies

The Dalton Police Department needs the public's help finding a suspect wanted by numerous agencies in north Georgia.  We have multiple warrants on Shane Corley for shoplifting and theft cases.  The Whitfield County Sheriff's Department has several warrants on Corley and he is also wanted in Murray County.  If you have any information on Corley's whereabouts, please call Detective Matthew Locke at 706-278-9085 extension 320.

Shane Corley

Local Students Learn About Being A Police Officer

Students at Christian Heritage School spent some time learning about the Dalton Police Department.  The six and seven-year olds were given the chance to ask questions and were educated about the duties of a police officer.  The students also got a chance to look inside a Dalton Police Department patrol car and were reminded to always buckle up.

Officer Chris McDonald answers questions from a group of students

Students waiting in line to look inside a patrol car

Officer McDonald with Mrs. Hein's class

Winter Weather Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area.  This advisory will be in effect from 6pm Wednesday evening until 6am Thursday morning.  A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected.  However, accumulations are expected to be light.

With the possibility of inclement weather, the Dalton Police Department would like to offer motorists some safe driving tips.  Statistics show that more crashes occur during winter months, so please remember to drive with caution.  Here are some things you can do to stay safe:

• Remove all snow and ice from your entire vehicle prior to starting out, checking lights and mirrors as well
• Drive with your headlights on low beam to make yourself more visible to other motorists
• Slow your speed when roads are wet or icy
• Leave earlier and a allot extra time to reach your destination, or delay your travel all together if
• possible
• Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze quickly and before any other surfaces
• If your tires lose traction, look and steer into the direction you want to go
• Look farther ahead in traffic to allow for more reaction time
• Actions by drivers ahead of you will alert you of problems you are about to encounter
• When braking, apply steady and firm pressure
• Remember that four-wheel drive vehicles give you extra traction to get going, but do NOT aid you in stopping any quicker

The Dalton Police Department would also like to remind all motorists to obey posted speed limits and to buckle up to prevent serious injury accidents.

Citizens Police Academy Deadline Approaching

The deadline to apply for the Citizens Police Academy is less than a month away.  The 16th academy will begin February 26th and the last day to apply is February 10th.  The academy gives participants the opportunity to learn about all the different parts of the Dalton Police Department and how each division works.  Public Safety Commissioner Bill Weaver says, "The Citizens Police Academy was one of the most enlightening activities of my life.  I was really impressed with how much the Dalton Police Department does, and how thorough and professional the department is."

Each participant in the academy gets the chance to ride along with a patrol officer on his or her shift.  Participants also get the chance to see and use some of the equipment used by officers on a daily basis, including firearms.  The classes will be held at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street.  Anyone interested in attending the academy can pick up an application at the Police Department, apply online by clicking here or call Sergeant Mike Dyer at 706-278-9085 extension 109 to have an application mailed to you.  Don't forget, all applications must be received by February 10th.

Dalton Police Detectives Solve K-Mart Arson Case

Thanks to tips from concerned citizens, Dalton Police Department detectives were able to positively identify the persons responsible for the recent arson at K-Mart on Walnut Avenue.  Zachary Frady of Dalton was arrested Friday and charged with arson.  An arrest warrant has been issued for Natasha Clayton of Tunnel Hill and a female juvenile was also identified.

Zachary Frady

Natasha Clayton

Police Looking For Persons Of Interest In Arson Case

Dalton Police detectives need the publics help identifying three persons of interest in a recent arson.  On Sunday January 6th, a pallet of paper towels was set on fire at K-Mart on Walnut Avenue.  Investigators now want to speak with the persons of interest shown below.  Two white females and a white male with red hair.  Anyone with information about these persons of interest should call Detective Nathan Lee at 706-278-9085 extension 140.

Police Looking For Shoplifting Suspect

Dalton Police detectives need the publics help identifying a shoplifting suspect.  On December 31, 2007 the woman pictured below entered a fitting room at Sears located in Walnut Square Mall.  The suspect carried several items of clothing into the fitting room and proceeded to leave with a black jacket and ladies shirt she did not pay for.  A Sears loss prevention employee followed the suspect outside and asked her to stop.  The female suspect entered a waiting car parked near the curb.  The car is described as a beige Toyota Camry driven by an unknown person.  The suspect is described as a black female with blonde hair.  She was wearing a tan long sleeve shirt and blue jeans.  If you have any information about this suspect please call Detective John Helton at 706-278-9085 extension 143.

Shoplifting suspect shown on store surveillance video