Police Officer Involved Domestic Violence.
Lighting a candle of remembrance for those who've lost their lives to domestic violence behind the blue wall, for strength and wisdom to those still there, and a non-ending prayer for those who thought they had escaped but can't stop being afraid.
...Another person who was there at the time confirmed the assault had taken place. Ex-Cop Charged In Double-Dipping Probe Arrested In Assault On Ex-Wife A former Waco police officer has landed behind bars for the second time in six days, accused of assaulting his ex-wife. KWTX Paul Gately news@kwtx.com August 28, 2009 WACO - An altercation with his ex-wife has landed a former Waco police officer in jail for the second time in a week. Former Sgt. Chris Doles bonded out of McLennan County Jail on Thursday, just six days after being arrested in connection with the Waco police double-dipping scandal. Doles, 43, was among a list of several former officers who were accused of taking double pay from the department and from the Waco Housing Authority where they served as security guards. Police say less than two hours after his release last Friday, Dole was involved in a dispute with his ex-wife that resulted in his arrest on a Class A misdemeanor assault-family violence charge... [LINK] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement repeat hx texas children]
...Lockwood's wife told the officer that -- he grabbed her from behind and dug his fists into her sternum... then grabbed her by the arm and threw her on the couch... got on top of her and she was hit in the mouth... She had bruises on her arm and back. [Brett] Lockwood initially denied that there was a physical altercation...
CHANDLER DETECTIVE GUILTY IN ASSAULT ON WIFE East Valley Tribune Gary Grado, Tribune August 27, 2009 - 2:37PM [Excerpt] A Chandler police detective has pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife. Brett Lockwood, 35, must pay a $350 fine, $200 jail fee and a domestic violence screening fee of $150, and he cannot contact his wife until he gets approval from the Gilbert Municipal Court, according to Lynn Arouh, Gilbert town prosecutor. Lockwood was also sentenced to one day in jail for which he already served when he was arrested, and he must attend counseling for a period of six months to a year...
OFFICER HELD IN WIFE'S ASSAULT OKS COUNSELING The Arizona Republic by Megan Boehnke Aug. 28, 2009 12:00 AM [Excerpts] A Chandler homicide detective who was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his wife has agreed to 36 months of probation and substance-abuse counseling in a deferred prosecution deal in Gilbert Municipal Court. If Brett Lockwood, 35, completes the terms of his probation, he will not be prosecuted on the misdemeanor assault charge. He has been on paid administrative leave since his arrest Aug. 11, when Chandler police got a call from someone "close to the family" reporting that his wife had bruises after a fight the couple had two days earlier. Chandler referred the tip to Gilbert police. Lockwood's wife told the officer that after she made mean comments toward her husband, he grabbed her from behind and dug his fists into her sternum, according to the police department. He then grabbed her by the arm and threw her on the couch. He got on top of her and she was hit in the mouth at one point, but she couldn't say what struck her or how she was injured, according to the report. She had bruises on her arm and back. Lockwood initially denied that there was a physical altercation, but when officers told him that his wife had been bruised, he said he had grabbed her arm. He was arrested about 2 1/2 hours after police arrived at the home. The same officer responded to the house in February when a neighbor called on behalf of the couple. At the time, Lockwood's wife denied a physical altercation, but during the recent visit she told police that Lockwood hurt her then. Gilbert officers removed three guns from the home. Lockwood was also ordered by Judge John Hudson to have no contact with his wife and pay $700 in fines. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement sweet deal liar lethal arizona]
...Bruce Webster was an obvious suspect for homicide detectives, but he was not charged... Police continued to work on the homicide case but could not implicate the 17-year police veteran... "When I get angry," Webster told the detectives, "people get seriously hurt or they die"...
MAN CONVICTED OF TWICE ABDUCTING NOW-SLAIN WIFE Washington Post By Tom Jackman Friday, August 28, 2009 In the months before Joann Webster was found stabbed to death in her Fairfax County apartment in 1991, she told police that her husband, recently retired Fairfax Officer Bruce Webster, had kidnapped her twice, once at gunpoint. Bruce Webster was charged with his estranged wife's kidnappings but not with her death. On Thursday, a Fairfax jury convicted Webster, 69, of two counts of abduction and one count of using a gun in an abduction and sentenced him to 19 years in prison. "My mom finally got justice, thanks to the great people of Fairfax County," said an emotional Tammy Magourik of Cleveland, Tenn., Joann Webster's daughter. She had watched the entire trial. Joann Allison Webster was a popular waitress at Elsie's Magic Skillet, a well-known diner on Route 1 in the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax. The Skillet was a regular hangout for Fairfax officers, including Bruce Webster. The two met at the Skillet and were married in the restaurant in October 1988. Bruce Webster resigned from the Fairfax force in January 1990, police said, and the couple moved to Alabama. Joann Webster broke up with her husband there and moved back to Fairfax, resuming her job at the Skillet, its former longtime owner, Elsie Plues, testified at the trial this week. The ensuing tensions between the Websters, who planned to divorce, led to charges against Bruce Webster in January 1991 after he allegedly abducted his wife from her new apartment in the Sacramento Square complex and took her to Prince William County. On Feb. 15, 1991, he was served with divorce papers. On Feb. 16, 1991, the body 0f Joann Webster, 44, was discovered after she didn't show up for work at the Skillet. She was wearing her waitress uniform. Bruce Webster was an obvious suspect for homicide detectives, but he was not charged. He did not appear for his preliminary hearing on the abduction charge and he vanished soon after, quietly relocating to Las Vegas. Police continued to work on the homicide case but could not implicate the 17-year police veteran. In 2007, Fairfax's cold case homicide squad revisited the case. After consulting with Fairfax prosecutors and the FBI, detectives Steve Milefsky and Robert Murphy tracked down Bruce Webster to see what he had to say. Webster spoke at length, on tape, to his former colleagues, and although he denied killing or kidnapping his wife, his own words helped sink him. "When I get angry," Webster told the detectives, "people get seriously hurt or they die"... [LINK to full article] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement fatality fatalities murder virginia state cold case solved jail]
A Carmel Police Department detective has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested this weekend on a domestic battery charge... Hedrick ’s arrest came after a dispute with his wife at their home...
CARMEL POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY A detective with the Carmel Police Department has been punished following his arrest over the weekend. WTHR Indianapolis Aug 30 2009 6:30 PM Carmel - A detective with the Carmel Police Department has been punished following his arrest over the weekend. Officers in Noblesville were called to Det. Bradley Hedrick's residence Saturday, where he was taken into custody for domestic battery. He has been with the Carmel Police Department for 18 years. Det. Hedrick is on administrative leave pending an internal investigation by the department. [LINK]
CARMEL COP ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY Indy.com Carrie Ritchie August 30, 2009 A Carmel Police Department detective has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested this weekend on a domestic battery charge. Noblesville Police arrested Detective Brad Hedrick at his Noblesville home Saturday, said Carmel Police Lt. Jeff Horner. Hedrick is being held at the Hamilton County Jail until Monday when a judge will set his bond. The Carmel Police Department will continue to pay Hedrick during his leave, unless an internal investigation shows Hedrick violated the department’s policies, Horner said. That investigation will begin Monday, he said. Hedrick ’s arrest came after a dispute with his wife at their home in the 18000 block of Prairie Crossing Drive in Noblesville. Horner did not have access to Hedrick’s personnel records on Sunday, but he said he did not think Hedrick, who’s been with the department for about 18 years, had been in trouble before. [LINK] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement indiana state jail]
"...I talked with Courtney about being truthful and asked him again about the bruises on [his wife's] arm. Courtney said he did not know if there were any injuries, and he did not know if it was about a laptop or if there was a laptop. Courtney said [his wife] bruises easily... I asked Courtney if he knew why [his wife] needed to wear long sleeve shirts the entire time his mother was visiting... It was apparent this hole (in the wall) could not have been caused by the doorknob. I also noted how far away the door to the bedroom was from the bathroom where Courtney was said to have pushed [his wife] from. I estimated the distance to be about ten feet..."
It appears that Officer Crooks knocked a hole in the wall with his wife's head - accidentally, left his preschooler son crying after bowling him over with an object he swung in anger - accidentally, shoved his wife (again) from a neck grip while she was holding their infant son (accidentally?), reportedly told his own mother to mind her own business, and did his best to lie to investigators initally (but they were too smart for him). His wife while pointing out his strengths as well, reportedly hid bruises with long sleeves, asked her husband if he was about to choke her - to kill her in front of the children, and ended up teary eyed slipping their children one at a time to a neighbor's home to keep them safe the night of the last incident (assault).
I spent at least an hour wording here what I want to say to both of them, but neither probably wants to hear from me. The Grand Junction Police Department classifies it a "personnel matter" - much like an in-house "private matter" but wow, that Mesa County Sheriff's Department came in and did a GREAT job in the 17 page gathering of facts presented in order to obtain the arrest warrant. Colorado domestic violence law is lacking (sucks). I checked it out and "physical harassment" is all it amounts to there. They did charge him with what was available to them.
Please pray for this family.
This is a good example of why the word "push" should not be read as a minimal movement in domestic violence reporting. Here, just one of Officer Crooks "pushes" caused his wife to fly 10 feet and cause her head to break a hole in the wall. NOBODY has the right to knock anyone else off balance just because they are angry with that person, or to send them sailing, or to make those around him fearful.
NO POLICE OFFICER WITH POWERS OF ARREST, A CITY ISSUED WEAPON, WHO IS ENTRUSTED WITH WIDE DISCRETIONARY & LIFE-ALTERING AUTHORITY OVER CITIZENS MAY COMMIT CRIMES AT HOME AND REMAIN AN OFFICER. THERE ARE OTHER JOBS.
Grand Junction police officer arrested
The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
By EMILY ANDERSON/
Friday, August 28, 2009
[Excerpts] The Mesa County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Grand Junction Police Department officer Friday afternoon on suspicion of misdemeanor harassment... [Courtney] Crooks was not booked into Mesa County Jail. He has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, according to the Police Department. In addition to the Sheriff’s Department’s criminal investigation, the Police Department is conducting two internal investigations that involve Crooks, according to a police spokeswoman Kate Porras... Crooks was born in Hartford, Conn., attended Pensacola Christian College in Florida, received his associate degree in law enforcement in May 2006 and became a police cadet in Grand Junction two years ago... The Police Department was not able to elaborate on the internal investigations Friday because they are considered a “personnel matter,” the news release said. [Full article here]
Grand Junction officer arrested in harassment probe
The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
By EMILY ANDERSON Emily.Anderson@gjsentinel.com
Saturday, August 29, 2009
[Excerpts] ...Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested [Courtney] Crooks on suspicion of misdemeanor physical harassment after a woman told deputies Crooks grabbed her by the back of the neck on Aug. 18, according to an arrest affidavit. The woman also accused Crooks pushed her on two previous occasions. Crooks told deputies he had pushed the woman at least once before and touched her on Aug. 18, but “not in any harmful way,” according to the affidavit... [Full article here]
GJPD officer arrested after criminal investigation Grand Junction Police have just announced the arrest of GJPD officer Courtney Crooks.
Posted: 11:08 PM Aug 28, 2009
Reporter: James Hopkins
Email Address: james.hopkins@nbc11news.com
[Excerpts] A Grand Junction police officer has been put on unpaid administrative leave today following his arrest by the mesa county sheriff's office. Officer Courtney Crooks was placed under arrest today and charged with one count of harassment. According to the arrest affidavit this is not the first time an incident like this has occurred. The Mesa County Sheriff's office arrested officer Crooks and charged him with one count of harassment, stemming from an alleged altercation August 18th. The arrest comes after a criminal investigation being conducted by the Mesa County Sheriff's office. According to the arrest affidavit, officer Crooks has allegedly been in several other related altercations dating back as far as february 2008, but the victim never reported it... [Full article here]
Excerpted example of the professional and wise investigating performed by the Mesa County Sheriff's Department as documented in their Affidavit In Support Of Arrest Warrant:
...91. I asked Courtney to tell me about an incident which occurred about six months ago where he had sprayed [REDACTED] with a shower nozzle. Courtney laughed and said he can't remember what they were arguing about, but he did spray her with water. Courtney said after he did it they both started laughing.
92. I asked Courtney what happened after he sprayed the water. Courtney said [REDACTED] used his clothes to soak up the water. I asked if this made him angry. Courtney said he was not mad, bu was not going to let [REDACTED] do it. Courtney said he told [REDACTED] to stop and physically moved her out of the way. Courtney said he grabbed her by the shoulders and moved her physically, but did not hurt her in any way. Courtney said they talked about it and went to bed.
93. I asked Courtney if there was a hole in the drywall in his bedroom. Courtney said there is a hole in the wall. I asked Courtney if it was caused by [REDACTED] falling into the wall during this incident. Courtney said he did not know. Courtney said he knows when they moved into the house, they had banged the bed around it could have happened from that.
94. I told Courtney our understanding was she was pushed, and she had hit the wall causing this hole. Courtney said his intention was not to hurt her or cause any damage, and just move her out of the way and keep her from damaging his clotes. I asked him again if she fell into the wall and caused the hole. courtney said it probably did, and then said "Yeah" it did.
95. I asked Courtney about the incident where [REDACTED] was said have sustained bruising to her arm when they got into an argument over the laptop computer and Courtney [sic] looking at porn. Courtney denied remembering this incident. I talked with Courtney about being truthful and asked him again about the bruises on [REDACTED] arm.
96. Courtney said he did not know if there were any injuries, and he did not known [sic] if it was about a laptop or if there was a laptop. Courtney said [REDACTED] bruises easily and she has gotten bruises when he has tickled her. Courtney denied knowing about any bruises. I confronted Courtney about how distinctive the reports were about the bruising, and advised I believed since he was her husband he should know if she had bruises. I asked Courtney if he knew why [REDACTED] needed to wear long sleeve shirts the entire time his (Courtney) mother was visiting. Courtney said he did not have any knowledge of this.
97. Deputy Brooks explained to Courtney what was reported to him about this incident, and the allegations of him looking at porn on the computer. Deputy Brooks asked Courtney if any of this was Courtney said he did not remember and could only remember the argument was over a laptop. Courtney said if [REDACTED] said that was what happened then that's probably what happened. Deputy Brooks told Courtney it was reported his mother did notice the bruises and asked [REDACTED] if Courtney was treating [REDACTED] right. Deputy Brooks told Courtney he was told his (Courtney) response was Something to the effect of staying out of his business. Courtney denied this happened.
98. I revisited the incident which occurred on 08/18/09, and asked Courtney if he had actually grabbed [REDACTED] by the back of the neck. Courtney answerd, "Why would I grab her by the back of the neck?"
99. I know from my training and experience when someone answers a question with a question in this manner they are most likely being deceptive. I believe this was a way of stalling for time or trying not to answer the question. I confirmed with Courtney that he was stating he never grabbed [REDACTED] by the back of the neck. Courtney said he did not.
100. I asked again about the bruises on [REDACTED] arm and told him I had a hard time believing he could not remember if his wife had bruises or not. Courtney was now stating he could remember the argument, and he did remember fighting over the laptop, but that was all.
101. Deputy Brooks brought up another incident which was reported to him. Deputy Brooks asked Courtney about an incident where it was reported Courtney had thrown a box at [REDACTED], missing her, and [REDACTED] threatened to call the cops. It was reported Courtney told [REDACTED] not to call because he would go to jail. Courtney was in the police academy at this time. Courtney denied remembering anything about this incident at all.
102. Deputy Brooks asked if Courtney and [REDACTED] ever argue about Courtney's ex-girlfriend. Courtney indicated [REDACTED] has always been jealous of his old friends and has accused him of having relationships with people she is not aware of.
103. Courtney stated all he was trying to do the other night was stay away from [REDACTED] and avoid the incident escalating to this level. Courtney said it was obvious he and [REDACTED]' were not going to be able to have a rational conversation with her agitated state.
104. Courtney allowed Deputy Brooks and me to enter his residence and take pictures of the hole in the wall in the bedroom. I saw the hole was about the size of a baseball, but not completely round. The hole in the drywall was behind the bedroom door of Courtney and [REDACTED]' master bedroom. I could see there were marks a couple of inches above and to the left of the hole where the door knob hits the drywall. It was apparent this hole could not have been caused by the doorknob. I also noted how far away the door to the bedroom was from the bathroom where Courtney was said to have pushed [REDACTED] from. I estimated the distance to be about ten feet. Deputy Brooks took photographs of the hole in the wall, and later booked the digital images into evidence at the Mesa County Sheriff's Department. While Deputy Brooks was photographing, he asked if the bathroom door which I mentioned above was the one where the incident took place and Courtney pushed [REDACTED] to stop her from using his cloths [sic] to soak up the water. Courtney confirmed it was...
105. At this time there is probable cause to charge Courtney with 18-9-111, Physical Harassment, due to his admission of pushing [REDACTED] on the shoulder at least on two diffrent occasions. [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence (IPV) abuse law enforcement public safety repeat hx colorado state recant minimize]
...A car chase between an Osceola County deputy sheriff [Mario Dixon] and his ex-girlfriend ended late Tuesday with the deputy in handcuffs and facing possible loss of his badge... The woman told deputies Dixon had never hurt her before or acted like that in the past. But as he drove after her, she felt in fear for her life...
OSCEOLA COUNTY DEPUTY SUSPENDED AFTER STALKING ARREST Orlando Sentinel Henry Pierson Curtis Aug 26, 2009 2:50 p.m. EDT, August 26, 2009 [Excerpts] A car chase between an Osceola County deputy sheriff and his ex-girlfriend ended late Tuesday with the deputy in handcuffs and facing possible loss of his badge. Mario Dixon, 26, pursued the woman for several miles and repeatedly pulled alongside her vehicle to try to get her to stop, according to the sheriff's office. The confrontation began when the identified woman, who recently broke up with the married deputy, returned to his home to pick up her clothing, a report stated. At first, Dixon would not let the woman leave. Then, he followed her outside and began yelling and banging on the windows and doors of her vehicle, the report stated. When Dixon broke off the chase, the woman called 911 at 11:51 p.m. She told sheriff's officials she had dated Dixon since January but broke up with him because he had not divorced his estranged wife... While his ex-girlfriend told investigators she had feared for her life during the chase, Dixon said he followed her because "he wanted to make sure she made it home safely"... [Full article here]
OSCEOLA SHERIFF'S DEPUTY CHARGED WITH STALKING The Ledger Michael W. Freeman Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. [Excerpts]... Mario Dixon, 26, a deputy sheriff who has been with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office since 2004, was booked into the Osceola County Jail with no bond. He was also placed on administrative suspension until the sheriff’s office can complete its criminal investigation. Once that’s been completed, the department will also do an internal investigation of this case... The woman told deputies Dixon had never hurt her before or acted like that in the past. But as he drove after her, she felt in fear for her life... Based on the information provided to deputies by the ex-girlfriend, Dixon was arrested and charged with stalking-dating violence. [Full article here]
DEPUTY CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC STALKING WFTV.com August 26, 2009 [Excerpts] ...Deputies said Mario Dixon followed her in his vehicle for several miles. The victim told deputies Dixon pulled up next to her car and was screaming at her continuously, trying to get her to pull over. Dixon eventually stopped following her and she was able to pull into a public parking area on US-192 and Partin Settlement Road in Osceola County to wait for deputies to arrive... Dixon was placed on administrative suspension pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. Officers say an internal investigation also will be conducted. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement florida fear jail KISSIMMEE]
...[New Orleans Police Officer] Henry L. Hollins, 46, was arrested last Tuesday night after punching his wife in the mouth "with a closed fist"... then pushed her to the floor, causing her to hit her face, "resulting in a two-inch raised area" in the center of her forehead...
POLICE OFFICER ON DESK DUTY AFTER ARREST by The Times-Picayune Tuesday August 25, 2009, 10:00 PM [Excerpt] A veteran New Orleans police officer has been reassigned to desk duty following his arrest on a domestic battery charge, and amid two other internal investigations into other possible violations. Henry L. Hollins, 46, was arrested last Tuesday night after punching his wife in the mouth "with a closed fist, " according to an arrest report. Hollins, 12-year police veteran, then pushed her to the floor, causing her to hit her face, "resulting in a two-inch raised area" in the center of her forehead, the report states. He was booked with simple domestic battery into Orleans Parish Prison. He appeared before a magistrate judge the next day, and was ordered held in lieu of $10,000 bail, according to court records. He posted bond and was released... [Full article here]
POLICE OFFICER BOOKED WITH BATTERY IS FOCUS OF WIDE-RANGING INVESTIGATION by The Times-Picayune Wednesday August 26, 2009, 5:59 PM [Excerpts] Henry L. Hollins was booked with simple domestic battery. The New Orleans Police Department released additional details Wednesday about a sprawling criminal investigation into a recently arrested police officer... Internal investigators and NOPD detectives are looking into two allegations of neglect of duty, an allegation of malfeasance in office and a sexual assault claim... These incidents allegedly occurred while Hollins, a 12-year veteran, was on duty and haven't been linked to the domestic battery charge... [Full article here]l NOPD INVESTIGATING OFFICER'S ALLEGED VIOLATIONS Officer Henry Hollins Out Of Jail On Bond After Domestic Battery Charge WSDU POSTED: 9:30 pm CDT August 26, 2009 UPDATED: 9:49 pm CDT August 26, 2009 [Excerpts] ...He is on administrative reassignment pending the outcome of the investigation and final review by the superintendent of police. The sexual assault investigation will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review upon completion by the NOPD. [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement multiple charges louisiana state nopd]
...Joni Holbrook continues to be held at the Benzie County Jail without bond. Williams asked that a bond be set because Holbrook is suffering from strokes and needs medical attention...
HEY! WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? DOES JONI NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION?
JUDGE DENIES GAG ORDER IN HOLBROOK CASE Traverse City Record-Eagle By Art Bukowski abukowski@record-eagle.com Published: August 28, 2009 07:10 am [Excerpts] Attorneys for murder suspect Joni K. Holbrook can continue to speak publicly about the case, a judge ruled. Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida on Thursday denied Prosecutor John B. Daugherty's motion to stop Holbrook's attorneys from speaking to the media about the case, rejecting Daugherty's allegations that they were "endangering the fair trial right of the People." Holbrook, 47, is held on an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. Police believe she shot Holbrook, 53, with his service revolver as he slept inside the couple's Benzie County home. Holbrook's defense team -- Jesse Williams, of Traverse City, Jim Amberg, of Oakland County, and Dean Robb, of Suttons Bay -- fought the motion in a short hearing before Kida ruled... Joni Holbrook called 911 at around 1 a.m. Aug. 10 and said she shot her husband, authorities said. Police responded to the couple's Benzie County residence soon after and found Melvin Holbrook dead in a bedroom from apparent gunshot wounds. Melvin Holbrook, a 23-year veteran of the state police, served as desk sergeant at the Traverse City post since 2002. Joni Holbrook continues to be held at the Benzie County Jail without bond. Williams asked that a bond be set because Holbrook is suffering from strokes and needs medical attention... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement fatality fatalities murder prisoner rights michigan state inmate rape]
...A Buncombe County sheriff’s deputy [Darrell Lynn Saucier] jailed on a charge of assaulting his wife was suspended without pay... [SG] is a sworn law enforcement officer whose certification is held by the Sheriff's Office...
(A simple Google search shows Saucier as a sergeant although it's not mentioned here.)
BUNCOMBE DEPUTY JAILED ON ASSAULT CHARGE Asheville Citizen-Times Clarke Morrison August 27, 2009 01:53 PM [Excerpts] A Buncombe County sheriff’s deputy jailed on a charge of assaulting his wife was suspended without pay today. Darrell Lynn Saucier, 45, of 49 Embler Road, Alexander, was arrested by deputies and charged Wednesday night with misdemeanor assault on a female. A warrant states Saucier pushed a nightstand into [SG] knocking her down. He also grabbed her arm and pushed it down, the warrant states. In a first court appearance this morning, District Court Judge Patricia Young advised Saucier he faces up to 150 days in jail if convicted of the charge and set his bond at $5,000 unsecured... “Anytime we respond to a scene where domestic violence has occurred, we are obligated to make an arrest,” Sheriff Van Duncan said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s an officer or not. We expect our officers, even off duty, not to engage in any behavior that would reflect poorly on the Sheriff’s Office.”... A magistrate Wednesday night ordered Saucier held without bond until his court appearance. He was released after the hearing on a $5,000 unsecured bond. With unsecured bond, the defendant pays no money but is liable for the full amount should he or she fail to appear in court. [Full article here]
BUNCOMBE DEPUTY CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING WIFE SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY Asheville Citizen-Times By Clarke Morrison August 28, 2009 04:03 PM [Excerpts] ...[Sheriff Van] Duncan said his internal affairs investigators went to Saucier's residence Wednesday night to investigate and interviewed his wife. The sheriff said he expects the internal investigation to take about five-10 days to complete. It's the sheriff's decision on what disciplinary action to take. Duncan said the law prohibits anyone convicted of domestic violence from possessing a firearm. There's an exception that allows a law enforcement officer with such a conviction to carry a firearm on duty, but Duncan said he wouldn't allow the exception to be used in his department. Saucier is a patrol officer who has been with the department since July 2002, Dillingham said. [SG] is a sworn law enforcement officer whose certification is held by the Sheriff's Office. [SG] , however, is not employed by the Sheriff's Office or any other law enforcement agency, Dillingham said... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement sergeant north carolina state cop-on-cop]
..."This whole thing is just so sad," said Missoula County Sheriff Mike McMeekin, who was brought in to conduct the investigation into the July 18 disturbance at McConnell’s home... Kevin McConnell was put on administrative leave from the sheriff's office on July 18 and resigned July 23 after a domestic altercation at their Darby-area home... Angela McConnell told investigators she was the primary aggressor and that her husband acted only in self-defense, the complaint said...
FORMER UNDERSHERIFF'S WIFE CHARGED keci.com Jackie Bartz Wednesday, 26 August 2009 5:20PM The wife of a former Ravalli County Undersheriff is accused of attacking her husband. Angela McConnell reportedly hit Kevin McConnell with household objects and her fists back in July. McConnell resigned citing personal and family reasons. State investigators stepped in and investigated the incident. Yesterday prosecutors charged Angela McConnell with misdemeanor partner family member assault. [LINK]
WIFE OF RAVALLI COUNTY'S EX-UNDERSHERIFF CHARGED WITH ASSAULT The Missoulian By John Cramer, Ravalli Republic Wednesday, August 26, 2009 10:40 pm [Excerpts] The wife of Ravalli County's former undersheriff was charged Wednesday with misdemeanor assault in connection with a domestic dispute in July. Angela McConnell is slated to make an initial appearance on Sept. 23 in Ravalli County Justice Court on a charge of partner or family member assault. Kevin McConnell was put on administrative leave from the sheriff's office on July 18 and resigned July 23 after a domestic altercation at their Darby-area home. Kathleen Jenks, assistant state attorney general, said the investigation is complete and that McConnell's husband, Kevin, wasn't expected to be charged. According to the complaint, Angela McConnell caused bodily injury to her spouse. She was drinking alcohol and hit him with her hands and household objects. The assault ended when Kevin McConnell left the house. He had bruises and scratches. Angela McConnell told investigators she was the primary aggressor and that her husband acted only in self-defense, the complaint said. She faces a fine up to $1,000 and a year in jail if convicted. She also would be required to complete and pay for counseling... [Full article here]
FROM JULY:UPDATE: RAVALLI COUNTY UNDERSHERIFF WAS NOT PRESSURED TO RESIGN; INVESTIGATION LIKELY TO WRAP UP TONIGHT THE MISSOULIAN By Sherry Devlin of Posted on July 24 Ravalli County Undersheriff Kevin McConnell resigned Friday, as the Missoula County sheriff wrapped up an investigation into a domestic disturbance at McConnell’s home earlier this month... "This whole thing is just so sad," said Missoula County Sheriff Mike McMeekin, who was brought in to conduct the investigation into the July 18 disturbance at McConnell’s home south of Darby. "Kevin McConnell is just a very ethical straightforward guy." In a written statement, Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman said deputies from his office responded to the McConnell residence at 10:40 p.m. on July 18, following the report of a domestic disturbance. Neither he or McMeekin released any further information about the incident, citing the ongoing investigation... As with any other investigation, I don’t offer opinions," McMeekin said. "I just put the facts together." The sheriff did emphasize, however, that McConnell’s resignation was "strictly an independent action on his part... The outside investigation was "very normal procedure," he added. "It’s fairer to everybody. The best thing to do is to just go outside the department and handle it that way. These sorts of cases are always very difficult for everyone"... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law montana recant recanted topsy-turvy reverse]
...A Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy's girlfriend was killed in an early-morning house fire Thursday after calling 911 to say her television was on fire... Manak, who owns the home, was there until about midnight Wednesday when he left to go to his father's home a block away... "She was a nice person and I'm sorry this had to happen,” said her roomate and friend Palm Beach County Deputy Edward J. Manak who has known Dassdorf for more than 30 years...
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DEPUTY'S HOUSE CATCHES FIRE, KILLS LONGTIME FRIEND NEAR LAKE CLARKE SHORES Palm Beach Post By SONJA ISGER and CHRISTINA DeNARDO Thursday, August 27, 2009 [Excerpts] A former Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy died in an early morning house fire after the television apparently caught fire and she could not put it out. The woman, whose name has not been released until her family has been notified, shared the home on the 2600 block of Nassau Road in the Bahama Heights neighborhood, with friend and sheriff's deputy Ed Manak who she has known for decades. Manak, 59, said left the house about midnight to visit his father who lives nearby. About 6 a.m., he was called by a neighbor who said there were fire trucks in front of his home.... According to the sheriff's office, the woman called 911 and told them the television was on fire and she could not put it out. Manak arrived at his home to see several fire trucks. He assumed his friend had gotten out of the home, but her car was still there... During a second search of the home, firefighters found the 63-year-old woman in a bathroom... This morning, investigators were trying to figure out which television he owned caught on fire... Neighbor Mike Toohey said Manak and the woman have lived in the home for about a decade. Toohey said the early morning blaze was intense. He could hear the crackling of the fire... [Full article here] BODY FOUND IN FIRE AT PALM SPRINGS HOUSE OF PBSO DEPUTY Orlando Sentinel By C. Ron Allen August 27, 2009 [Excerpts] The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is investigating an early morning fatal fire at a deputy's home... Shortly before 6 a.m., Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue officials were called to the house... A woman had called from the home saying that a television was on fire and she could not put it out. The rear of the home became engulfed in flames and the victim was found in the bathroom next to a bedroom... Sheriff's Deputy Eric Davis has identified the victim as Pamela Dassdorf... The fire appears to be accidental at this point. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue arson officials are investigating... [Full article here]
LOCAL WOMAN CALLS 9-1-1 JUST BEFORE PERISHING IN A HOUSE FIRE cbs12.com August 27, 2009 5:51 PM [Excerpts] Caller: We have a fire! Dispatch: Is it the house that's on fire? Caller: The television blew up. Dispatch: Get everybody out of the house…we'll be right there. Caller: I can't put the fire out. Dispatch: The fire is out? Ma'am… Ma'am….ma'am…are you still there? Those were the last words of 63-year-old Pamela Dassdorf. Authorities say her analog TV malfunctioned... Officials believe she died of smoke inhalation. "She was a nice person and I'm sorry this had to happen,” said her roomate and friend Palm Beach County Deputy Edward J. Manak who has known Dassdorf for more than 30 years. Officials are calling this fire accidental, but are still working to determine just how it began. Authorities and fire officials continue their investigation. [Full article here]
DEPUTY'S GIRLFRIEND KILLED AFTER TV CATCHES FIRE WOMAN CALLS 911, FOUND DEAD IN BATHROOM wpbf.com August 27, 2009 [Excerpts] A Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy's girlfriend was killed in an early-morning house fire Thursday after calling 911 to say her television was on fire... Deputies said Dassdorf lived at the home with the deputy, who was visiting his sick father at the time of the fire. "It's a very sad day for us because, obviously, it involves one of our own," Lt. Marco Martinez said. "It's a very sad thing to see, especially when someone that you've know for many years loses a loved one, and especially a tragic situation like today." Arson investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire, but a preliminary investigation indicates it was accidental. [Full article here]
Deputy's house near Lake Clarke Shores catches on fire, kills longtime friend Palm Beach Post By BY Christina Denardo and Sonja Isger Thursday, August 27, 2009 [Excerpts] The first time firefighters searched the scorched rooms before sunrise today, they couldn't find anyone. They were looking for Pamela Dassdorf, who called 911 after a television caught fire. She said she couldn't put it out... During a second search of the single-story home on Nassau Road, south of Forest Hill Boulevard and east of Congress Avenue, firefighters found Dassdorf, 63, dead in a bathroom. It's unclear why she didn't leave after the fire started, but one law enforcement official said she may have panicked... Manak, who owns the home, was there until about midnight Wednesday when he left to go to his father's home a block away... Around 6 a.m. today, a neighbor called to say fire trucks were in front of his house. Manak met Dassdorf 30 years ago while serving as her sergeant when she was a rookie when both worked for a small police department in Broward County. She briefly worked for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office as a road patrol officer in 1986 before resigning after four months, according to the sheriff's office... [Full article here]
While looking things up I ran across some old news on Deputy Malak, 2 incidents that made their way to the news, both dealing with truthfulness:
[2001] A sheriff's deputy faces disciplinary action for circulating an "untruthful" petition... "My issue is not with Deputy Manak 's cause, but with truth," [Col. William] Tremer wrote...[2004] A Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy has been slapped with a 20-day suspension and placed on probation after an internal affairs investigation concluded that he deceived US Airways last year into believing he was authorized to bring a gun onto a plane. [police officer involved law enforcement fatality fatalities Florida state politics pbcso pbso accidental accident murder law enforcement unsolved unresolved]
...The suspect is accused of holding a knife to his girlfriend's throat... reportedly pushed the woman's 5-year-old daughter, causing her to lose her balance and hit her head... knocking the same girl to the ground and screaming in her face... dumping a bucket of Pine Sol on his girlfriend's car, kicking her in the stomach and shoving her out of the house... girlfriend [is] "hesitant" about pursuing charges against Dorsey... Previous post: [OH] Officer Dorsey charged with 2 counts of domestic violence
SPECIAL PROSECUTOR ASSIGNED TO WILLARD OFFICER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE Norwalk Reflector By Cary Ashby Wednesday August 26 2009, 4:10pm [Excerpts] A special prosecutor has been assigned to pursue the domestic violence case against Willard Police Officer Joshua M. Dorsey. R. Lee Shepherd, of Shelby, will represent the state after Willard Assistant Law Director Scott Christophel filed a motion Tuesday in Norwalk Municipal Court. The defendant, Dorsey, 27, of 127 Crestwood Drive, is represented by defense attorney Richard Hauser... The suspect is accused of holding a knife to his girlfriend's throat... After Dorsey reportedly pushed the woman's 5-year-old daughter, causing her to lose her balance and hit her head on a nearby couch, the officer is further accused of knocking the same girl to the ground and screaming in her face while holding her there... dumping a bucket of Pine Sol on his girlfriend's car, kicking her in the stomach and shoving her out of the house... Strong described the girlfriend as being "hesitant" about pursuing charges against Dorsey, but wrote that she said she would do it so Dorsey "learns a lesson and doesn't do this again to myself or someone else." Dorsey was released from jail after spending nearly 50 minutes behind bars and posting a $5,000 bond the day of the incident. The next day, on Aug. 7, Judge John Ridge granted the woman a temporary protection order... [Full article here] WILLARD COP ACCUSED OF HOLDING KNIFE AT GIRLFRIEND'S JAW Norwalk Reflector By Cary Ashby Friday August 21 2009 [Excerpts] A Willard police officer accused of assaulting the mother of one of his children is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing Tuesday in Norwalk Municipal Court. Joshua M. Dorsey, 27, of 127 Crestwood Drive, is charged with two counts of domestic violence in connection with an Aug. 6 incident. If convicted of the first-degree misdemeanors, he could face up to six months in the Huron County Jail and a $1,000 maximum fine on each charge. Dorsey was released from jail after spending nearly 50 minutes behind bars and posting a $5,000 bond the day of the incident... Chief Joe Daniel, in an Aug. 7 letter to Dorsey, ordered the officer to turn his department firearms or weapons into him or Assistant Chief Mark Holden. The chief also prohibited him from performing "the duties and responsibilities of a Willard police officer" or possessing any weapons or firearms which would identify him as a member of the department... About 1:30 p.m. Aug. 6, Detective Adam Strong said he reported meeting with Daniel, who had received a call from Huron County Children Services about Dorsey reportedly pushing "a small child into a piece of furniture and had possibly assaulted his girlfriend"... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement ohio state child abuse children]
News from earlier this month: A former Grosse Pointe Woods public safety sergeant pleaded no contest to a hindering charge in a domestic assault case involving his girlfriend, but the misdemeanor will be dismissed and removed from his record in a year if he complies with the terms of the court... [James DaDeppo] was sentenced today in 37th District Court in Warren, where another charge of domestic assault was dismissed...
GROSSE POINTE WOODS COP PLEADS GUILTY TO MISDEMEANOR The Detroit News Christine Ferretti Wednesday, August 5, 2009 [Excerpt] A Grosse Pointe Woods police officer pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest following a domestic dispute in May. James Dadeppo of St. Clair Shores pleaded guilty in 37th District Court to one count of hindering and was sentenced to community service and one year of probation. He was also ordered to pay $600 in fines and costs. In exchange for the plea, one misdemeanor charge of domestic assault was dismissed... [Full article here]
EX-COP ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING GIRLFRIEND GETS PROBATION freep.com By Christina Hall Aug. 5, 2009 A former Grosse Pointe Woods public safety sergeant pleaded no contest to a hindering charge in a domestic assault case involving his girlfriend, but the misdemeanor will be dismissed and removed from his record in a year if he complies with the terms of the court, authorities said. James DaDeppo, 53, of St. Clair Shores was sentenced today in 37th District Court in Warren, where another charge of domestic assault was dismissed. He was sentenced to probation and ordered to attend anger management classes, to perform 20 hours of community service and to pay about $600 in fines and costs, authorities said. DaDeppo was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation into the May 1 incident at his girlfriend’s home in Warren. He retired less than three weeks later... Police confronted DaDeppo in the driveway and took his handgun. He briefly struggled with officers when they tried to handcuff him... [Full article here]
Since the last post:
ACCUSED WOODS SERGEANT RETIRES grossepointenews.com Kathy Ryan June 11, 2009 [Excerpt] Sgt. James DaDeppo has retired from the Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Department, effective May 16. He served the department for 32 years, and was on paid administrative leave following his arrest May 1 in Warren on domestic assault and resisting arrest charges. DaDeppo, 53, of St. Clair Shores, has a pretrial hearing on the charges Tuesday, July 7 in 37th District Court. Both charges are misdemeanors, punishable by $500 fines and/or 93 days in jail... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement teflon privilege michigan state]
Probably most people come to this blog because they have an interest in one case or one regional location, but this blog is really about an overall problem and ongoing tragedy. If you are reading here because you have an interest in officer-involved domestic violence you might find the comments to be of interest as well. I will add selected comments - with a link to their original post - beneath this post from now on, and if you'd like to have them emailed to you just click the link below labeled "Subscribe by email." Then when I add sample comments here below, you will receive an email.
...He fatally shot himself, investigators said. Though they declined to give a reason, they said he may have been having some personal problems... It was the second time in slightly more than a year that an active-duty Oakland police officer took his own life...
POLICE, COMMUNITY MOURN VETERAN OAKLAND OFFICER San Jose Mercury News / Oakland Tribune Sean Maher, Harry Harris Posted: 08/24/2009 [Excerpts] Murray Hoyle, a hardworking, highly respected 28-year Oakland police department veteran, died Saturday evening in a rural area of eastern Contra Costa County, authorities said. He was 51. He fatally shot himself, investigators said. Though they declined to give a reason, they said he may have been having some personal problems. Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, he called 911 dispatchers in Contra Costa County to tell them he would do it and where they could find him. It was the second time in slightly more than a year that an active-duty Oakland police officer took his own life. In July 2008, Lt. Derrick Norfleet fatally shot himself at his Vallejo home. To a department still recovering from the March 21 killings of Sgts. Mark Dunakin, Ervin Romans and Dan Sakai and Officer John Hege, coupled with Norfleet's death, Hoyle's suicide was a shock, especially since no one had seen any signs it would happen, members of the department said. Officer Jim Gordon one of his closest friends in the department is among the mourners. "He was the last person you would expect to do this," Gordon said. "He had a gruff exterior, but he was a very warm person. He would give you the shirt off his back. He was a very dedicated police officer who had a warm heart". A burly 230-pounder who still had visible scars on his arms and leg from a fiery 1989 car wreck that almost killed him, Hoyle was the epitome of an excellent beat cop, according to fellow officers. They say that was especially true of his service in the Montclair district, where he had worked many years until transferring to another beat this year so he could spend more time with his family... [Full article here]
OAKLAND: VETERAN POLICE OFFICER COMMITS SUICIDE cbs5.com Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:16 [Excerpts] ...Oakland Acting Police Chief Howard Jordan said in a statement, "The sudden loss of Officer Murray Hoyle is a shock to the department and the citizens of Oakland. He was a valuable member of our team and will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts will be with his family"... Hoyle is survived by his wife and three children, ages 22, 15 and 11. Police officials said information about funeral services for Hoyle will be announced soon... [Full article here]
PATERSON COP SHOOTS FORMER BOYFRIEND
Star-Ledger
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
[Excerpts] An off-duty Paterson police officer shot and wounded her former boyfriend on a city street early yesterday after he allegedly broke into her house, authorities said. Albert Mullings, 30, of Paterson, was treated at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center for a gunshot wound to his right bicep and will be charged with burglary, making terroristic threats and assault, Chief Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor John Latoracca said. Mullings climbed into the rear bathroom window of Officer Latrenta Grayson's home about 2:30 a.m. yesterday, Latoracca said. He confronted Grayson's boyfriend, Tony Spruill, 34, of Newark, and threatened to kill him, he said... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence oidv intimate partner violence ipv abuse law enforcement public safety lethal uncooperative noncooperation new jersey state politics]
DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS BEFORE THE FACTS COME OUT. THERE IS NO INDICATION IN ANY NEWS THAT TROOPER SCOTT KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THERE'S AN INVESTIGATION - AND THAT ONLY MEANS THE FACTS ARE BEING EXPLORED, NOT THAT HE IS GUILTY OF STANDING BY DURING A BRUTAL ASSAULT. I DOUBT THAT THERE ARE VERY MANY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO ARE CAPABLE OF WATCHING AN ATTACK OF THIS NATURE WITHOUT TAKING SOME KIND OF ACTION.
TROOPER IN HOME AS FIGHT WENT ON
Wife reported violent spouse
The News & Observer
By Leah Friedman
Aug. 22, 2009
[Excerpts] PITTSBORO -- The state Highway Patrol says a trooper was at a Pittsboro home Aug. 14 when a prominent Chatham County real estate agent was accused of choking and pointing a gun at his estranged wife. A Highway Patrol spokesman said the trooper was on duty but was not at the house on official business. Highway Patrol officials won't identify the trooper but acknowledge separately that a trooper who patrols in Chatham County was placed on administrative duty a day after the incident. On Aug. 15, Col. Randy Glover, who heads the state Highway Patrol, placed Trooper Anthony E. Scott, 38, on administrative duty and ordered "an internal investigation into the matter on Aug. 14," according to Capt. Everett Clendenin, the patrol spokesman... Generally speaking, Clendenin said, troopers are expected to take action if a crime occurs in their presence. He also said the patrol would investigate if it received information that a trooper was having an extra-marital affair... On Aug. 14, Eric Andrews, 40, of Silk Hope Gum Springs Road in Siler City, arrived at the house in the Chapel Ridge golf course community, where his wife is living, to discuss their separation, according to Chatham sheriff's officials. In a 911 call to emergency officials about 11 a.m., a sobbing Jennifer Andrews reported that her husband "tried to kill me." He made her get on her knees, put a gun to her and "said he was going to shoot me," she told the dispatcher. She said he tried to strangle her and "dragged me through the house by my neck." Eric Andrews then drove his green Jeep Commander to the sheriff's department parking lot with the couple's two children, Jennifer Andrews told the dispatcher. He had told her he was going there to turn himself in, she said. "He has my kids in the backseat, and he has a .357 loaded," Jennifer Andrews says to the dispatcher. "It's loaded. It's definitely loaded." The dispatcher confirms Eric Andrews is in the sheriff's department parking lot. "I want to see my kids," Jennifer Andrews pleads. "Please, just tell me they've got my kids." Jennifer Andrews made no mention of anyone else being in the house during the 10-minute 911 call. Eric Andrews surrendered to deputies without incident in the parking lot. Officers took a Smith and Wesson revolver from him during his arrest... Andrews was charged with felonious assault by strangulation, felonious second-degree kidnapping, assault by pointing a gun, assault on a female and communicating threats. He is still in the Chatham County jail with his bail set at $1 million... [Full article here] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement north carolina]
...We all just looked at him and said we're not doing anything... He pulled up his shirt and said 'I'll shoot everyone of you in here and I'll arrest you. I'm the police'... Court papers show that police first wrote that Hicks pulled his gun. Then they scratched it out and wrote "grasped." And when a magistrate wrote about the victims, he put "victims" in quotes...
OFFICER CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING WOMAN Daily Press August 24, 2009 [Excerpts] A Newport News police officer was arrested early Friday morning and charged with assaulting a woman in her home. Johnnie Hicks, 30, assigned to the South Precinct High Impact Patrol Unit, is charged with assault and battery and brandishing a firearm. He has been with the Newport News police almost two years. Hicks has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal and criminal investigation... During the incident, he assaulted her and brandished a firearm, [Police spokeswoman Holly] McPherson said. [Full article here]
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NEWPORT NEWS POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT, BRANDISHING FIREARM WTKR Your NewsChannel 3 Aug 21, 2009 [Excerpts] A Newport News police officer has been arrested for assault and for pulling a gun on his neighbor. Triesha Elderkin says her neighbor stormed over to her townhouse early this morning, yelling and screaming. "I don't want to stay here any more. I don't feel safe. He's the cops. He can do anything. He showed his gun and said I will shoot every one of you, all this stuff. I told him to get out of my house. You can't do that. Get out of my house. Get out of my house." Elderkin's neighbor is a police officer, Johnnie Hicks. She says Hicks was mad his fiance and daughter were at a party at her home. The screaming up outside where Elderkin says she confronted the officer, angry he brought a gun into her house... Court papers show that police first wrote that Hicks pulled his gun. Then they scratched it out and wrote "grasped." And when a magistrate wrote about the victims, he put "victims" in quotes... Elkerkin says it happened just like she said. And she's not convinced police are taking this seriously because the man she accused came right back home. "How do I know that, when everybody else is gone, he's not going to come to my back door and try to get payback for getting him in trouble?" [Full article here]
Video:
NEWPORT NEWS POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AND BATTERY WVEC.com, 13News Friday, August 21, 2009 [Excerpt] A Newport News police officer is on paid leave after being charged with assaulting his neighbor. Police say Johnnie Hicks pulled a gun and then assaulted a 30-year-old woman in her home on Youngs Mill Lane just before 2:00 a.m. Friday. He was off duty at time, according to police spokeswoman Holly McPherson. Triesha Elderkin says Hicks was upset that his girlfriend and their two-year-old daughter were at her home. "He came in and when he was yelling, he said it was 1:30 in the morning, what are you doing? We all just looked at him and said we're not doing anything," Elderkin says. "He pulled up his shirt and said 'I'll shoot everyone of you in here and I'll arrest you. I'm the police,'" she stated. "We were all fussing and yelling and telling him he can't show his gun in my house and he pulled his gun out and he choked me and he choked me again." Hicks is free after posting $2,500 bail. He’s charged with assault and battery and brandishing a firearm. Police don't know whether it was his service weapon... [LINK] [police officer involved domestic violence law enforcement virginia state fiance fiancee engaged]
..."It will be a very long time before any of us who have been so deeply impacted by Sheriff John can find peace with what happened... Times like this remind us of how interconnected we all are, how dependent on others we all are, and how none of us have to face these challenges alone"...
Video: Taps for Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis B. John outside St. Mary of the Angels Church, Olean, NY Aug. 22, 2009
SHERIFF REMEMBERED Friends, Family, Fellow Officers Remember Dennis John By Rich Place August 23, 2009 [Excerpts] Five days after the death of Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John, a funeral service and celebration of life was held in his honor at the St. Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church in Olean on Saturday. A casket, covered with an American flag, was brought into the church as West Henley Street was lined with police cars and John's friends and family. In the air, three helicopters hovered over the church, and dozens of uniformed officers from across the region saluted the fallen sheriff... "Dennis served his county, his state and his country and he did all of these things with great, great pride," [acting Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy] Whitcomb said. "When you mention the word pride, how can you not think of Dennis John? I know for certain that there is no one in the church who can think of a person who carried more pride then Dennis John." Officer Joseph Grube of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department spoke on the behalf of the family after the service. "It will be a very long time before any of us who have been so deeply impacted by Sheriff John can find peace with what happened," he said. "Times like this remind us of how interconnected we all are, how dependent on others we all are, and how none of us have to face these challenges alone... We're a professional organization," he said about the Sheriff's Department. "So we will pick up the pieces, we will march forward, and we will use what his vision for us was: continue to improve, do our work and service the public we are here to serve." [Full article here]
Video: Death of sheriff stuns community WIVB
Sheriff John was also a member of the Seneca Nation’s Hawk Clan. Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder Sr.: "On behalf of the Seneca Nation, we were deeply saddened to hear of the death of one of our most trusted and respected members, Dennis John. He was committed to his profession as a law-enforcement professional both for the Nation and Cattaraugus County."
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY SHERIFF REMEMBERED TODAY AP/WGRZ Posted By: Maria Sisti, Josh Boose, Aaron Saykin Aug 23, 2009 [Excerpt] Cattaraugus County Sheriff's department captain Joseph Grube released a statement after the service: "It will be a very long time before any of us who have been so deeply impacted by the Sheriff's death can find peace with what happened. Times like this remind us of how interconnected we all are; how dependent on others we are; and how none of us has to face life's challenges alone. In our extended Sheriff's Office family, each of us has looked deep inside ourselves and depended on our own circles of support to come to terms with the tragedy that struck us. None of us realized how large those circles can be. The outpouring of support is never more evident as we witness the events of today. It is a testament to the man we honor and remember. Now we all move forward" Police say John, 50, died by what appeared to be a self inflicted gunshot wound. "It's like you never get used to it, when it's not someone you know but when it's a close friend, I can't explain it. It's difficult and hard to believe," said Major Chris Cummings, New York State Police... "No one can tell, no one knows what's going on in one's mind or life but it's shocking that this happened to him," said Cochise Redeye, Chairman of the Seneca Gaming Corporation... [Full article here]
...John is survived by his wife, Sharon, of Little Valley and two daughters, one son and grandchildren...
SERVICES SET FOR SHERIFF WHO TOOK OWN LIFE The Buffalo News By T. J. Pignataro August 20, 2009, 6:57 AM [Excerpts] ...Those who knew John were still reeling from the news Wednesday. A steady stream of Cattaraugus County officials visited John’s wife, Sharon, at the family’s home in Little Valley, and grief counselors were on duty at county offices providing services to employees. John was remembered for his love of the job and compassionate approach to law enforcement... John, 51, would have been unopposed in a bid for a second four-year term in November, having won the endorsements of the Democratic, Republican, Independent and Conservative parties... The only remaining question now for friends, family and colleagues of John is— why? What led John to get into his county vehicle Tuesday morning, drive out to a remote logging road, text message his undersheriff of his location and then shoot himself in the chest? There was no outward indication John was troubled in any way, say those who knew him and spoke with him in the days leading up to his death. He had joked with Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard over breakfast last week and had a pleasant night at home Monday evening that included a telephone conversation with Undersheriff Timothy S. Whitcomb... [Full article here]
Video:
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY SHERIFF COMMITS SUICIDE The Buffalo News By Donna Snyder Cattaraugus Correspondent August 18, 2009, 11:24 PM / [Excerpts] Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis B. John, the state's first and only Native American sheriff, sent a text message to Undersheriff Timothy S. Whitcomb minutes before taking his own life... The text message gave specific directions on where to find him, including mentioning a green flag that he had placed at the side of the road along with the mile marker there. He also asked the undersheriff to "take care of my wife." Whitcomb said John spent Monday night at home with his wife and then drove to Coldspring in the morning. "I talked to him last night and he seemed fine," Whitcomb said late Tuesday... Late Tuesday, The News learned that John was raised in the same home with Kimberly J. Speta, the mother of Colin Speta, the 26-year-old Falconer man who is presumed to have drowned after falling from a boat Sunday evening into Chautauqua Lake... John is survived by his wife, Sharon, of Little Valley and two daughters, one son and grandchildren... Meanwhile, fellow law enforcement officials regarded John as a reserved, unassuming professional and a fine man who presided over a tightly knit Sheriff's Office. They saw no signs of any despondency... [Full article here]
Video:
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY SHERIFF LAID TO REST wkbw.com By Jenny Rizzo Story Published: Aug 22, 2009 at 6:50 PM EDT Story Updated: Aug 22, 2009 at 6:50 PM EDT [Excerpts] Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John was laid to rest this morning. The sheriff killed himself earlier this week and still no one knows what led him to take his own life... "Serving Dennis as my sheriff was an honor," said Undersheriff Timothy Whitcomb... But instead of focusing on John's abrupt departure from this world, many today spoke about his life's achievements. Sheriff John was a 28-year veteran of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, rising through the ranks from road patrol deputy to sheriff," said Major Christopher Cummings, of the New York State Police. "He was one of the few people you could consider a born leader. Dennis had the greatest gift of human insight that I've ever been exposed to," said Whitcomb. John was a Seneca Nation member and he was the first Native American to be elected to a sheriff's post in New York state... [Full article here]
Video: Colleagues remember Dennis John
FUNERAL PLANS SET FOR SHERIFF JOHN Veteran law enforcer found dead Tuesday morning WIVB.com Dan LaDelfa Posted by: Emily Lenihan 20 Aug 2009 [Excerpt] ..."I looked up to him as a role model and truly one of my best friends and that empathy and sympathy is shared with everyone of my brothers and sisters within this agency," said [Undersheriff Timothy] Whitcomb... [Full article here]
Video: Sudden death of Cattaraugus County sheriff
DENNIS B. JOHN: August 20, 2009 LITTLE VALLEY — Dennis B. John, 51, of Little Valley passed away Aug. 18, 2009, in the town of Coldspring, N.Y. He was born March 18, 1958, in Salamanca, N.Y... [Full death notice here]
[law enforcement police officer deputy public safety grief loss suicide self-inflicted death]
...Another person who was there at the time confirmed the assault had taken place. 
