Chatham County Police Department

DON'T CLICK THAT LINK! Get a link in a text from a number you don't recognize? It may be a scammer trying to access your phone, and the information in it. Never click on a link from a number you don't recognize, and immediately delete the text. Scammers use the link to access information in your phone, including your contacts. We've seen this occur in scams in our area -- including a kidnapping/spoof phone scam where crooks claim to be holding one of your loved ones hostage. ...The reason people fall for this is because the call looks like it is coming from a name and number saved in their contacts. The best protection against these scams is prevention. So, make it a habit to never click on a text link from a source you don't know or are not expecting.

SHOTS FIRED INCIDENT INVESTIGATED: The Chatham County Police Department responded to a shots fired incident at a residence early this morning. Officers were called to the 30 block of Tide Water Way around midnight for a report of multiple shots fired. Officers found a vehicle in the driveway of a residence with multiple bullet holes, but were unable to make contact with anyone inside the home. Officers were then approached by a man outside the home who was carrying a gun. The... man refused the officers commands to drop the weapon, pointed the gun at the officers, and then went inside the residence. While officers were on scene attempting to speak with the man inside the residence, a woman arrived on the scene and identified herself as the man’s fiancée. The woman refused to cooperate with police who were trying to get information in regards to the incident, and became disorderly. Eventually, another family member arrived on-scene who assisted police officers in talking the man out of the residence, and he was taken into custody without further incident. Further investigation revealed that a neighbor’s home was also hit by gunfire during the shots fired incident. No one was injured by the gunfire. After speaking with the parties involved, officers determined a domestic dispute had occurred at the residence earlier in the evening. Chatham County Police Officers arrested 30-year-old Wesley Warren Iocovozzi and charged him with felony aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, felony criminal damage to property-2nd degree, misdemeanor simple battery-family violence, and misdemeanor reckless conduct. Chatham County Police Officers also arrested 27-year-old Ashley Noel DeLoach and charged her with misdemeanor obstruction and misdemeanor simple battery-family violence.

A FRIEND IN NEED... Thank you to Build a Bear Workshop and Hubbard's Maid Service for their donation today of 100 teddy bears! These bears are for officers to carry in their patrol cars to give to children in crisis. Whether it is an accident scene, a disturbance at their home, or a move to an emergency shelter, these bears will be the child's to keep and will be a source of comfort during a scary and emotionally turbulent time. Many of the bears are already in patrol cars and ready for the moment they are needed. We are so grateful for this kind and compassionate gift!

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ARREST: The Chatham County Police Department is investigating after an early morning altercation sent two people to the hospital. Officers were dispatched to an address in the 100 block of Mapmaker Cove this morning. When they arrived, they found one male suffering serious injuries and one female suffering non-life threatening injuries.... A third person, 36-year-old Mark Anthony Le was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault and one misdemeanor count of 3rd degree cruelty to children. The cruelty to children charge stems from the fact that children were present when the incident occurred. Detectives say all of the parties involved knew each other, and that this was not a random incident.

Thank you to our resident who attended our virtual community meeting last night, and suggested this reminder!

Santa and the Elves will be on their way in 20 minutes! Check our maps for the route for today! Track our position live from our website at islandsfire.com/sant...a/ Note: There was a small glitch on Google Maps, today's route is Wilmington Island! Whitemarsh, we will see you tomorrow! Chatham County Police Department Publix Wilmington Island PetSmart

DON'T BE A MULE: Money mules are people who receive and move money obtained from victims of fraud. Some money mules know they’ve been recruited to assist criminal activity, but others become money mules without realizing their activity is benefiting fraudsters. How do people become money mules?... Responding to a job advertisement or social media post that promises easy money for little effort. Helping someone they’ve met online (possibly on a dating website) or over the phone by agreeing to receive and transfer money. Whether it is cash, packages, gift cards, or virtual currency, assisting money movement puts money in the pockets of criminals and could lead to serious consequences for you. By knowing the signs of money mule activity, you can protect yourself and your community, and avoid assisting fraudsters. Think twice about agreeing to help people move money! Don’t open a bank account or move money at someone else’s direction. Don’t give someone access to your bank account or debit card. Don’t allow money from people you don’t know to be deposited into your account. Don’t take a job that promises easy money and involves sending or receiving money or packages. Don’t agree to receive or forward packages. Don’t agree to purchase gift cards or virtual currency at someone’s direction. If you’ve acted as a money mule, it is never too late to stop! Stop communicating with the person giving you direction. Tell your financial institution and consider changing accounts. Report suspicious communications or activity to law enforcement. Protect yourself by learning about scams and money mule activity. Money mules help international criminal networks steal money from senior citizens, businesses, and people just like you. Information provided by the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Georgia

THANK YOU, CPL. MAXEY! The Chatham County Commission recently honored Chatham County Police Department Cpl. Winston Maxey, III for his twenty years of service to the people of Chatham County. Cpl. Maxey is a member of CCPD's Marine Patrol, and works tirelessly to keep our waterways and boaters safe. He has come to the aid and rescue of many who encountered trouble on the water, and we appreciate and value his service!

ANYONE KNOW THESE GUYS? The Chatham County Police Department is working to identify two men suspected of shoplifting from a Berwick-area hardware store. The men are suspected of theft by shoplifting at the Ace Hardware store in Berwick on November 29, 2020. The men were in the store at approximately 10 a.m. and their images, and a picture of their vehicle, were captured on surveillance footage.... Anyone who has any information that may be helpful in the investigation is asked to call the Chatham County Police Department Detectives at 912-651-4721 or CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020. Tipsters are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

The Chatham County Police Department is beginning a new training series this month which is designed to help officers intervene if they believe a peer is violating department policies. The mandatory training for all CCPD officers -- regardless of rank -- is modeled after a peer-intervention program developed by the New Orleans Police Department and its community partners. EPIC (Ethical Policing Is Courageous) training is designed to stop police misconduct before it begins by ...giving officers the skills to recognize when a situation calls for them to intercede. A duty to intervene when a peer is violating department policy has been part of our official Use of Force policy since the day our officers first began patrols in February of 2018, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said. But, knowing what is required, and knowing how to step in when a fellow officer is involved, are two different things. We know our officers understand the expectation. Now, we want to give them even more training on what to do if they see a situation between an officer and a citizen escalating. Every CCPD officer is scheduled to complete the training by the end of November 2020.

SHOTS FIRED INCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION The Chatham County Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident that occurred on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Officers responded to the 100 block of Marian Circle Sunday evening after a man reported being shot at while in his vehicle. The man stated the suspects were in a gray sedan, and he did not know their identity. No one was injured in the incident, but the victim’s vehicle was damaged.... Anyone who has any information that may be helpful in the investigation is asked to call the Chatham County Police Department at 912-652-6920 or CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020. Tipsters are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

WATER RESCUE ON THE WILMINGTON RIVER Today, Chatham County Marine Patrol and County Aviation were dispatched to a report of an injured boater who ran aground in the Wilmington River. You can watch as Pilot Scott Yackel and Chatham County Marine Patrol Lieutenant Danny Davis rescue the boater and begin transport to a waiting EMS unit. We're happy to report that the boater suffered non-life threatening injuries.

ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP IN ANY WAY WE CAN! Our Officer Sedric James was conducting a routine patrol when a mother approached him and asked for his help. Her son was on his way to attend church for the first time, and was having trouble tying his neck tie. Officer James happily assisted, and soon this young man was on his way! We never forget that we're here to protect and serve. If you ever need our help for any reason, we're ready.

UPDATE: 10/26/2020 1:40 P.M We are continuing our investigation into these crimes, and are asking for Isle of Hope residents to review any security camera footage they may have. We are interested in video that shows suspicious activity on the night of October 21st, and the morning of October 22nd. If you have video that may be of interest to our detectives, please call us at 912-651-4717. Thank you! --------------------------------------------------------------------------... CHATHAM COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT TAKES TWO SUSPECTS INTO CUSTODY AFTER EARLY MORNING CRIME SPREE, AND URGES RESIDENTS IN THE SKIDAWAY AND ISLE OF HOPE AREAS TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF BURGLARY. The Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) has arrested two suspects after an early morning crime spree. Detectives arrested 20-year-old Jonathan Bethel and 18-year-old Michael Stubbs in connection with a string of crimes that happened during the early morning hours of Thursday, October 22, 2020. Bethel and Stubbs have both been charged with first degree burglary. CCPD officers were dispatched to a residence on Garmany Lane, and another on nearby Waite Drive after residents reported seeing two men dressed in all black attempting to burglarize houses. No entry was made at either of those locations. CCPD officers began to canvas the area looking for the suspects and any sign of criminal activity, when an officer spotted an open car door at another residence on Waite Drive. The officer made contact with the owner, who confirmed the auto had been illegally entered. The officer found additional vehicles that had been entered as he continued his canvas of the area. During the canvas of the neighborhood, CCPD officers were dispatched to a nearby home on Elizabeth Circle for a report of a burglary in progress, with the homeowner holding the suspect at gunpoint. Officers arrived and arrested Stubbs without incident. After Stubbs was arrested, a subsequent investigation identified Bethel as his accomplice. Bethel was then arrested at his residence. During their investigation, detectives also located various items of evidentiary value. Both Stubbs and Bethel were transported to the Chatham County Detention Center. This investigation is ongoing, and detectives are still working to determine whether any other property was entered or taken. CCPD is asking all residents in the vicinity to check their property and vehicles for any signs of a burglary or attempted burglary. They are also asking residents to review surveillance footage for suspicious activity. Anyone who has any information that may be helpful in the investigation can call Chatham County Police Detectives at 912-651-4717 or CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020. Tipsters are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

PLEASE JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING OUR NEWEST OFFICERS, AND OUR OFFICERS WHO HAVE JUST BEEN PROMOTED IN RANK! The Chatham County Police Department held its 2020 Badge Pinning and Promotion Ceremony today to honor its newest officers and those receiving promotions. The department welcomed ten new members to the force, and recognized five officers who received promotions. The Pinning and Promotion Ceremony holds special significance for those beginning their career in law enforce...ment, as well as those advancing in rank. Both new officers and those being promoted have their new badge pinned to their uniform by their family members, friends, or a fellow member of the force as a show of support. It is also an acknowledgement of the sacrifice an officer’s loved ones make as the officer pursues a career that carries inherent dangers, and requires long hours and many holidays and special occasions spent away from family in the line of duty. The department’s new officers were recruited by the Chatham County Police Department to attend the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and are recent graduates of the law enforcement training program. Those honored today are: Members of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center June 2020 Class Officer Jose AlbinoDieppa Officer Jaquez Alexander Officer Joshua Gallipoli Officer Trinity Hamm Officer Ka’Deisha McCowan Officer Caleb Thompson Members of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center September 2020 Class Officer Philip Gormley Officer Michelle Socky Officer Brandon Walker Officer Morgan Washington Chatham County Police Department Promotions Corporal David Gushulak was promoted to the position of Sergeant. Corporal Antonio Solomon was promoted to the position of Sergeant. Sergeant Don White was promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Susan Fandrich was promoted to the position of Captain, and is now the commander of the Chatham County Police Department’s West Chatham precinct. Lieutenant Gene Harley was promoted to the position of Captain, and is now the commander of the Chatham County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. In order to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines and requirements, the ceremony was held outdoors at Old Ft. Jackson. The event included fewer than 50 people, masks were required of all in attendance, and seating was arranged to allow for social distancing of people not living in the same household. A livestream of the ceremony was provided on the Chatham County Police Department website for family and friends who could not attend due to COVID-19 restrictions. The video may still be viewed by visiting https://police.chathamcountyga.gov/Media/Livestream .

IF YOU NEED TO BELIEVE THAT HEROES STILL EXIST AND MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN IN CHATHAM COUNTY, READ THIS... Friday, one of our officers and his wife were traveling down I-95 in Chatham County, when this dog fell out of the back window of a vehicle traveling in front of them at around 80 miles per hour. They watched in horror as she flipped in the air twice, hit the interstate pavement, and then ran into the grassy area off the shoulder. Certain the dog was injured, and wo...rried she would be hit by a car on the super-busy interstate, our officer and his wife jumped into action. They stopped the car, grabbed a towel from their back seat, and managed to scoop the dog up and get her safely inside their vehicle and to a nearby veterinarian. Hoping the dog’s owners would call 9-1-1, our officer contacted Chatham County’s emergency dispatch to let them know he had the dog. Turns out, the owners didn’t realize that the back window was unlocked or down, or that their dog had fallen out, until they had traveled several miles. (They were riding with their front windows down). But, our officer was right. The owners had stopped and called 9-1-1, and one of our on-duty officers was on the way to meet them to take a report. We are very happy to tell you that today, after an overnight stay for observation, Tasha has bumps and bruises, but no major injuries. Her owners were overjoyed to be reunited with her, and Tasha is now continuing her travels. Thank you to our quick-thinking officer and his wife, Chatham County 9-1-1, and Berwick Animal Hospital for jumping into action when they saw a need, and turning what could have been a tragedy into a miraculous happy ending!

Missing Alzheimer's patient Rita Haneline has been found by patrol officers, and is safe.

MISSING ALZHEIMER'S PATIENT: The Chatham County Police Department is searching for a missing Alzheimer’s patient. 85-year-old Rita Haneline left her residence in Chatham County around 11:45 a.m. this morning. She was driving a 2017 silver Cadillac CTS, with the tag number DBD 739.... Haneline is 5’6, weighs approximately 140 lbs., and has dark brown hair and brown eyes. If you spot Haneline or her vehicle, please call 9-1-1 immediately. See more

CHATHAM COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT CONTINUES INVESTIGATION INTO TWO SHOOTINGS: The Chatham County Police Department is continuing its investigation of two shootings that happened Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Detectives believe the two shootings are related, and that the parties involved know each other. The first happened just after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on Katama Way in the Hampton Place subdivision, located off of Quacco Road. The victim, 22-year-old Antonio Hamilton, was shot ...multiple times. He was transported to a local hospital where he continues to be treated for potentially life-threatening injuries. The suspect is a black male with a light complexion, wearing all black clothing and black shoes, who ran in the direction of the Berwick Lakes subdivision. The suspect is still at large. Just before midnight Wednesday, police were called to the 100 block of Berwick Lakes Boulevard in the Berwick Lakes subdivision. They found 17-year-old Jabari Bryant suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Detectives found that multiple gun shots had been fired into the residence, and also hit the home next door. Thankfully, there were no other injuries. The Chatham County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division has conducted several searches, and they have seized firearms and other items of evidentiary value. CCPD detectives are working with other law enforcement agencies as they investigate these cases. Anyone with information regarding either shooting is asked to call Chatham County Police Department detectives at 912-651-4717 or CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous, and may qualify for a cash reward.

ALERT: We are on Katama off of Quacco Road where a victim has been shot and the suspect is at large. We are searching for a light skin black male, dressed in all black with black shoes. Last spotted running southbound from Katama to Berwick lake subdivision. Call 9-1-1 if seen.

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND! Thank you to the neighbor who invited Officers McCowen and Whipple to check out his Halloween decorations today. It is always nice to have some fun thrown into the workday!

Thank you for sharing this story with us, Britany!