Dalton Police Blog

New Officer Confirmed

New Dalton Police Officer Adam Disinger was officially confirmed at this morning's meeting of the Dalton Public Safety Commission.  Disinger has been working with DPD field training officers since his graduation from the Northwest Georgia Regional Police Academy earlier this month.

Below: New DPD Officer Adam Disinger stands before the Public Safety Commission.

More Arrests in Robbery of Pizza Delivery Driver

The Dalton Police Department has made four more arrests in the case of the robbery of a pizza delivery driver which occurred on March 26th.  17-year-old Dennis Shammad Love of 715 Trammel Street was arrested today, along with three juveniles.  They, along with 17-year-old Damarion Johnson who was arrested last week, are all charged with Armed Robbery (16-8-41) and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Act (16-15-4).

On March 26th, a pizza delivery driver was robbed in the area of the apartments of 306 North Henderson Street.  Someone used one of the residents’ address and phone to order a pizza, and when the delivery driver arrived he was unable to find the person who made the order.  As he was about to leave, he was approached by a group of young males who claimed to have made the order.  As he was returning to his vehicle to get his change bag, one of the males pulled out a gun and demanded money.  After giving the men his money, the delivery driver fled in his vehicle.  A pellet gun was later found on the ground in the area where the robbery occurred.

Dalton Police to Close Section of MLK, Jr. Blvd. Tuesday

All lanes of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. between Spencer Street and Easterling Street will be closed on March 31st between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM so the Traffic Enforcement Unit can reconstruct the serious automobile accident that occurred there on Sunday, March 22nd.

East-bound traffic on MLK will be detoured around the area by travelling north on Spencer Street, east on Underwood Street, south on Meeting Street, and then back to MLK.

West-bound traffic on MLK will be detoured around the area travelling north on Meeting Street, west on Underwood Street, south on Spencer Street and then back to MLK.

Dalton Police Nab Pizza Bandit

On Thursday night, March 26th, at approximately 10:30 PM, a pizza delivery man was held up at gun point in the area of the apartments at 306 North Henderson Street and robbed by a group of black males. The robbers escaped with approximately $25.00 and the delivery driver’s food.  After an investigation, one of the robbers, 17-year-old Damarion Johnson of 501 Underwood Street, was later arrested and charged with the crime. 

Someone used one of the residents’ address and phone to order a pizza, and when the delivery driver arrived he was unable to find the person who made the order.  As he was about to leave, he was approached by a group of young males who claimed to have made the order.  As he was returning to his vehicle to get his change bag, one of the males pulled out a gun and demanded money.  After giving the men his money, the delivery driver fled in his vehicle.  A pellet gun was later found on the ground in the area where the robbery occurred.

The incident is still under investigation, and more arrests are possible in the case.

Tasers and Golf Carts at the Citizens' Police Academy

The Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) met for the fifth time last night at the Dalton Police Department, focusing on the Support Services Division, the Traffic Unit, and the department's use of Tasers. 

To watch video from the class, click play in the window below. (Video may take a few moments to load, to watch in higher quality, click the "HQ" icon)

Dalton Police Explorers Discount Cards On Sale Now

New Dalton Police Explorers Discount Cards are on sale now at the Dalton Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street.  The cards, which cost $5 each, can also be purchased at Los Reyes, In Heaven's Name Bookstore, or from any Dalton Police Explorer.

This year, the cards can be redeemed for discounts at Zaxby's, Moe's, Starbucks, Chili's, Outback Steakhouse, the Dalton Depot Restaurant, Five Guys, Gondolier Pizza, La Olla, Schlotzsky's Deli, Oakwood Cafe, Subway, John's Barbeque, The Perfect Cup, In Heaven's Name Christian Bookstore, Wendy's, Los Reyes, the Reebok Outlet at 1001 Market Street, Domino's Pizza, Los Pablo's, and Dalton Pressure Washer.

Proceeds from the sales of the Explorers cards will go to fund the Dalton Police Explorers program, which 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.  Officers David Saylors and Daniel Jones currently oversee the program.  Explorers must be between 14 to 20 years old, maintain a C average while remaining in school until graduation or obtain a GED, and must attend regularly scheduled meetings, including physical training.  Recently, the Dalton Police Explorers had the most successful performancein their history at the annual Winterfest police explorers competition. 

The Dalton Police Department thanks all of the sponsors of this year's Police Explorers Card for their generous support of the Explorers program.

 

Dalton Police Department Welcomes New Officer

The latest class of officer candidates from the Northwest Georgia Regional Police Academy in Dalton graduated on Friday, including new Dalton Police Officer.  Adam Disinger was sworn in Friday afternoon at Dalton City Hall.  He'll begin his duties next week.

To watch video from the graduation ceremony, click play in the window below (video may take a moment to load, click the "HQ" icon to view in higher quality).

Below (from left): Dalton Police Lieutenant Mike Key and Officer Adam Disinger after the graduation ceremony (click image below for a larger version)

Gang Initiation Warnings Determined to Be a Hoax

Text messages warning of possible violent gang initiations in Dalton have been determined to be hoaxes.  Similar text messages have been sent and received all across the state, including Thomasville and Valdosta. 

One set of warnings said that the initiations would take place at Dalton-area Wal-Marts on March 19th, with gang members shooting random people to earn their initiation. The Dalton Police Department received several calls about these warnings. After investigating, these warnings have been determined to be hoaxes.  However, the Dalton Police Department is remaining vigilant and continues to watch for any signs of gang activity. 

Citizens' Police Academy Meets the Drug Unit

Tuesday night marked Week 4 of the Citizens' Police Academy, with many of the participants sporting their St. Patrick's Day green.  Members of the Dalton Police Department's CID Drug Unit kicked off the class with an hour-long discussion of their duties, investigative techniques, as well as a briefing about the different drugs they encounter most frequently during their investigations.

The evening continued with a seminar from Officer Brian Shirley on different steps citizens can take to lessen their chance of becoming victims of crime, with tips on securing their homes, cars, etc.

The class concluded with a look at the department's chaplain program, with Dalton Police chaplains discussing the services they provide for department personnel.

Below: Chief Jason Parker and Sergeant Mike Dyer address the Citizens' Police Academy class before the Drug Unit took the stage.

 

Dalton Police Seek Information on Robbery Suspect

The Dalton Police Department is asking for information on an armed robbery that occurred Saturday morning at the Vitamin World store at 1001 Market Street.  At approximately 11:00 AM, a white male who may have been in his 50’s entered the store and asked for help from the clerk.  While the clerk helped the subject, he pulled a gun out of his coat and told the clerk to open the cash register.  After telling the clerk to go into the back of the store, the suspect left with $262 in cash.

The suspect is described as a white male, with a pockmarked complexion, in his 50’s and standing between 6’ and 6’3”.  He has a stocky build, and shoulder-length jet-black hair.  He was wearing large aviator-type sunglasses during the robbery.  He wore khaki slacks and a salt-and-pepper colored coat and a fedora-type brown hat.  The clerk was able to help the Dalton Police Department’s sketch artist produce a composite sketch of the suspect, and it’s included below. 

Anyone who has any information on this suspect or this crime is asked to contact Detective John Helton with the Dalton Police Department at 706-278-9085, extension 143.

(click thumbnail image below for a larger version)