Dalton Police Blog

Dalton Police Detectives Looking For Bank Robbery Suspect

Dalton Police detectives need the publics help to identify a bank robbery suspect.  A white male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses walked into BB&T on East Walnut Avenue around 3:15 Wednesday.  The suspect handed the teller a note and walked out with an undisclosed amount of money.  He was last seen running on foot.  If you have any information about this suspect, please call Detective John Helton at 706-278-9085 extension 143.

Suspect in bank lobby

Suspect leaving the bank

Citizens Police Academy Begins

The 16th Citizens Police Academy began Tuesday night. This year's class of 16 students will get the opportunity to learn about all the different parts of the Dalton Police Department and how each division works.  On Tuesday night, the class was given a brief introduction by Sergeant Mike Dyer.  The students also heard from Chief Jason Parker and were given a tour of the Police Services Center.  Over the next 10 weeks, each participant in the academy will get the chance to ride along with a patrol officer on his or her shift.  Participants will also get the chance to see and use some of the equipment used by officers on a daily basis, including firearms.

Chief Jason Parker speaking to academy participants

This year's academy participants

Sgt. Mike Dyer speaking to academy participants

Fraudulent ATM Suspect Turns Himself In

A suspect wanted for withdrawing money from another person's bank account has turned himself in.  On January 3, 2008 an ATM customer at the Bank of America on Thornton Avenue drove off with his money, but left his card in the machine without ending his transaction.  Juan Octavio Salgado was in line behind the customer.  When he drove up to the ATM, Salgado withdrew $500.00 from the first customer's savings account.  Salgado was photographed on the ATM's surveillance camera.  He was booked into the Whitfield County Jail Tuesday morning, charged with theft by taking.

Juan Octavio Salgado

Most Wanted Suspect Apprehended

One of Dalton's Most Wanted suspects is off the streets.  22-year old Florentina Patino Mancera was picked up during a routine traffic stop.  He was wanted for 1st Degree Forgery after working at an area business under false documents.  He also faces additional traffic charges.

Florentina Patino Mancera

Fun In The Park

The Dalton Police Department is taking part in "Fun In The Park" this Saturday.  The event will be at the Dalton Community Center on N. Fredrick Street from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.  There will be games, movies, music, pizza and other activities for families.  The Dalton Police Department basketball team will take to the court playing against some community youth basketball teams.  Ten officers will be playing in the games and other officers will be on hand to speak to community members who have questions or concerns.  This event is sponsored by the Dalton Police Department, Teen Resource Center, ACLA & Domino's and Dalton Parks & Recreation.  Be sure to join us! 

Police Looking For Credit Card Fraud Suspect

Dalton Police detectives need the publics help to identify a man wanted for credit card fraud.  On January 28th, the man pictured below used a credit card number to purchase two $400 dollar gift cards from Sears in Walnut Square Mall.  The credit card account belongs to a woman in Florida who still has the card in her possession.  Because the suspects card could not be swiped and had to keyed in, detectives believe the suspect was using a fraudulently produced card.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between 30 and 50 years of age.  He stands between 5'5 and 5'7 inches tall, and weighs approximately 140 to 150 pounds.  If anyone has any information about this suspect, please call Detective John Helton at 706-278-9085 extension 143.

Suspect shown in the shoe department at Sears

Suspect shown in Sears

Red Light Camera Update

The Dalton Police Department would like to remind motorists to obey all traffic lights within the city in hopes of increasing safety and reducing accidents.  The department would also like to remind motorists to buckle up and obey all posted speed limits.

Beginning Saturday, February 23rd warnings will no longer be sent to motorists who run a red light at the intersection of Shugart Road and Highway 41.  On that date, citations will be sent in place of warnings.  The photo enforcement began on January 23rd with a 30-day warning period.  The citations will be sent to the registered owners of any vehicle caught on camera running a red light.

Dalton Police Department Crime Statistics

Here is a look at the crime statistics for the 1^st month of 2008.  Included in the chart are the statistics from January of last year.

Part I Offenses	2008	2007
Homicide	0	0
Rape	0	0
Robbery	3	6
Aggravated Assault	7	5
Burglary	16	17
Larceny - Theft	91	111
Motor Vehicle Theft	6	7
Arson	1	1
Part II Offenses	2008	2007
Other Assaults	30	33
Forgery/Counterfeiting	23	29
Fraud	34	29
Embezzlement	1	2
Stolen Property	0	0
Vandalism	54	56
Weapons Violations	6	2
Commercial Sex	0	0
Other Sex Offenses	3	7
Drug Sales	2	7
Drug Possession	31	27
Gambling	0	0
Offenses Against Family/Children	10	5
Liquor Violations	25	23
Drunkenness	16	12
Other Disorderly Conduct	53	49
Curfew Violations	5	7
All Other Offenses	160	215
DUI	35	38
Part I and II Total	612	688

Police Explorers Compete in Gatlinburg

Participants in the Dalton Police Department's Law Enforcement Explorer Program recently competed at Winterfest in Gatlinburg, TN.  Approximately 175 law enforcement teams from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia took part in the competition.  Our team competed in three different events: Room Search, Escaped Inmate and DUI Traffic Stop.  We placed 2nd in Room Search, 5th in Escaped Inmate and 15th in DUI.

The Law Enforcement Explorer Program allows young men and women to gain training and experience in the law enforcement field.  The program also provides opportunities for community involvement and development.  Program activities center around law enforcement training, organized recreational activities and competitive events.

Qualifications:

• Must be 14 to 20 years of age
• Must maintain at least a "C" average, and must remain in school until graduation or obtain a GED
• Must attend regularly scheduled meetings, including physical training

Some events the explorers participate in include local parades, fireworks shows and charity fund raisers.  For information on becoming a member of the Explorer Program contact Officer David Saylors or Officer James Mills at the police department.

Officers David Saylors & James Mills with the Explorers in Gatlinburg, TN

Fatal Apartment Fire

The Dalton Fire Department, Dalton Police Department and the state Fire Marshal's Office are investigating a fatal fire at Park Place Apartments on Underwood Street.  The blaze broke out early Thursday morning and firefighters were on the scene within three minutes of the initial 9-1-1 call at 6:28 am.  Once on the scene, firefighters discovered heavy smoke and fire coming from the upstairs of unit 68 F.  Three adults and three children were living inside the unit.  Unfortunately, 13-month old Liliana Cabrera did not make it out alive.  She was in the upstairs bedroom where the fire started.  It is still to early to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Last Week To Apply For Citizens Police Academy

The deadline to apply for the Citizens Police Academy is less than a week 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.

Honoring One of Dalton's Finest

The Dalton Police Department held a retirement reception for a veteran officer Thursday.  Captain Mike Rogers was honored for 33 years of service and dedication to the department.  Captain Rogers started with the department in 1975 after serving in the United States Navy and attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  Through the years he worked in Patrol and the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).  He mostly recently served as commander of the Support Services Division.  During his time at the Dalton Police Department, Captain Rogers received nine letters of commendation and four letters of appreciation.  He was chosen as Officer of the Year in 1987, served as Vice Chairman of the Georgia Police Accreditation Coalition (GPAC) and he was a member of the Georgia State Certification Committee.

Captain Mike Rogers

Chief Jason Parker & Captain Mike Rogers