2 Arrested after short vehicle pursuit

LPD Officers arrested 2 subjects after attempting a traffic stop on Wednesday evening.

2 men were arrested on Wednesday evening at approximately 5:15 PM after an officer attempted to stop a black 2012 Chevy Cruze at Fairfield and Allentown Road for a stop sign violation.  The vehicle did not stop when the officer activated his overhead lights.  The vehicle passed other vehicles on Allentown Road in an attempt to evade the officer.

The vehicle traveled approximately 3 blocks and then stopped in the 2000 block of University Drive.  Officers located suspected drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. 

The driver of the vehicle, Cameron Rogers,  age 23, from Lima faces charges in relation to the pursuit, as well as driving with a suspended operators license.  He was also found to have a warrant for his arrest from Franklin County.  The passenger of the vehicle, Demonta Rogers, age 21, also of Lima, faces charges of possession of drug paraphernalia. 

LPD launches new text / email alerts

LPD partners with NIXLE to bring immediate text and email alerts to residents. 

The Lima Police Department will use a new communications service effective immediately that will allow us to send important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology.

The Nixle Community Information Service allows us to create and publish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text message and/or email.  Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle's web site at www.nixle.com.

Messages may include information relating to severe weather alerts, road closings, wanted persons, emergency alerts, as well as other relevant safety and community event information.

"This technology gives us the opportunity to place information into the hands of residents quickly.  In an emergency, seconds matter.  Waiting for a formal press release and the 6:00 news may not be fast enough.  With Nixle, we will be able to immediately text important emergency information to the public, possibly saving lives.  The service is similar to alerts many residents receive from local school systems about delays and closings.  Nixle adds to that functionality with security, and law enforcement, and the ability to target specific neighborhoods with pertinent emergency information." - Sgt. Andy Green - LPD social media manager.

The Nixle service is secure, reliable, and easy for our agency to use.

Residents can choose which zip codes they would like to subscribe to giving them the opportunity to receive trustworthy information relevant only to their neighborhood.  Residents can decide from which local agencies they want to receive information.  Subscribers can also choose the way in which alerts are received, whether it is by email, text message, or over the web.

Nixle builds on the foundations of other public-to-public communication services, such as Twitter, Facebook and Myspace, but adds a key component:  security.  When citizens receive information from the LPD via Nixle, they know it can be trusted. 

Residents of Lima and those in neighboring communities can immediately begin receiving pertinent information via text message, email, and web by registering at www.nixle.com.

We are very excited to have you experience it for yourself!

Data Privacy

A few tips to help keep your data out of the hands of criminals.

Today, January 28th, is Data privacy day.  Since you are stuck indoors anyway because of the cold weather, take some time today to review your preferences to  be sure your data is secure.

The internet makes life very convenient.  You can watch television online, shop online, pay your bills, order dinner, and just about a million other things.  You have unlimited information at your fingertips at any time.  Whether you are using your computer, tablet, smart TV, or  phone.  While this gives you access to the world at a moments notice, it also gives criminals possible access to your most private data.  Are you doing all that you can to protect that data?

The Department of Homeland Security Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign and the International Association of Chiefs of Police offer the following suggestions on ways to keep your data safe:

• create strong passwords, and don’t share them with anyone;
• keep operating systems, browsers, and other critical software optimized by installing updates;
• maintain an open dialogue with family, friends, and your community about Internet safety;
• limit the amount of personal information posted online, and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information too widely; and,
• be cautious about what is accessed or read online.

Another consideration is how you are connected to the internet.  If you are using WIFI in your home, do not leave your network unsecured.  This could invite unwelcome users to your network.  It is also not a good idea to shop, or otherwise share your private data when you are connected to a public WIFI hotspot. 

Keeping your data secure, can help prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft, fraud, and worse. 

Stay connected with the LPD:

www.twitter.com/limapolice
www.facebook.com/limapolicedepartment

Clarification about budget request

LPD offers clarification about last week's budget request.

After seeing an editorial in Sunday's Lima News "Really, Lima needs all of that?", we would like to offer some clarifications about the 5 police officer positions that Chief Kevin Martin requested for 2014.

Of the 5 positions that were requested, 4 were for positions that became vacant in 2013 through attrition.  The 5th position is the position that is partially funded through the grant that is providing a school resource officer.  No funds for that position will be taken from the general fund.

The LPD is not asking for any additional positions that were not already in place in 2013.  The exception to that is the school resource officer position which is being funded by a $125,000 Community Oriented Policing grant which will pay for 75% of the officer's salary for the duration of the 3 year grant.  The remaining 25% will be picked up by Lima City Schools. 

Tablet Theft

LPD seeks to identify suspects in theft of tablets from Walmart.

****UPDATE  Both suspects have been identified based on tips from social media followers******

The Lima Police Department is seeking help from the public to identify 2 suspects who stole tablet computers from Walmart on Allentown Road on January 14th 2014. 

2 white male suspects arrived in the same vehicle at Walmart on 1-14-14 at approximately 2:08 AM.  The suspects then entered the store separately.  Once inside the store, the suspects went to the electronics area.  One suspect removed 2 Samsung Galaxy Tab3 computers from behind the counter, by reaching over and grabbing them.  The other suspects was acting as a "lookout" during the theft.  The suspects then entered the hardware area of the store, where the first suspect concealed the items in his clothing.  Both suspects then left the store together approximately 40 minutes after they entered.

 

 

We are actively seeking information about this theft, and the identification of both suspects.  If you have any information about this theft, no matter how small you think it might be, please contact the Lima Police Department at (419) 227-4444.  Information can be forwarded to either Detective Andrew Johnson, or Sergeant Andy Green. Information may also be provided by contacting us through social media. 

Connect with the LPD:

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Contact information for Media requests

We receive calls at several different numbers from media sources requesting more information about things posted on our social media sites.  Here are some good contact numbers to get information.

Sergeant Andy Green is the Social Media Manager for the LPD.  You may contact him for information at any time.  He can be reached on most days between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM by calling (419) 221-5263.  At any other time you may call his mobile number at (419) 549-6162.  You may also email him at andy.green@cityhall.lima.oh.us


Other requests for information may be directed to the Police Department's main number (419) 227-4444 or the desk officer at (419) 221-5264. 

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Man drives car into Ottawa River

Man drives into Ottawa River, swims to safety.

LPD Officers are investigating an incident in which a man drove into the Ottawa River at the intersection of S. Jackson and E. Elm Streets. 

At approximately 2:50 AM, Third shift officers were sent to the area of the 300 Block of E. Elm Street after witnesses saw a man walking who appeared to have blood on his face, and who appeared to be wet.  Officers arrived and found a man with a bloody nose.  His clothes had been soaked and were frozen to his body.  He was transported to St. Rita's Medical Center by the Lima Fire Department to be treated for cold weather injuries and minor facial injuries.  At that time it was unknown what had happened to him.

Several hours later, the man told officers he believed he had driven his car into the river somewhere.  Officers returned to the area where he was found and discovered a Pontiac Grand Prix in the river near the intersection of S. Jackson and E. Elm Streets. 

It appears that the man was driving southbound on Jackson Street, and drove across the intersection of Elm Street.  He drove through a fence, and then dropped approximately 20 feet into the Ottawa River.  He was able to extricate himself from the vehicle and swam to the shore.  He was eventually found walking in the 300 block of E. Market Street. 

The man has been identified as 35 year old Robert Smith III from Lima.  He is being treated at St. Rita's Medical center, for cold weather injuries and a minor facial injury from the crash.  Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. 

The Lima / Allen County Dive team was on scene to remove the vehicle from the river.  The crash is still under investigation by the Lima Police Department.

 

Connect with the LPD:

 

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David Adkins in Custody

LPD Officers took David Adkins into custody today.

LPD Officers and Detectives received multiple tips, and followed up on a large number of leads after requesting help from the public.  LPD Officers received information that David Adkins was located at 907 Rice.  Officers responded to the location located Mr. Adkins.  After searching the residence, he was found hiding in an attic.  Upon being confronted by officers, he surrendered without incident. 

Adkins was wanted for a Felony Rape warrant.  The Lima Police Department Detective Bureau is investigating the incident. 

LPD investigates Hit / Skip Crashes

First Shift patrol officers are investigating 2 separate hit / skip crashes this morning. 

First Shift patrol officers are busy this morning investigating 2 separate crashes in which a driver fled the scene. 

The First crash was reported at 7:08 AM at the intersection of Elm and Pine.  A man was northbound on Pine Street and was waiting for a red light at Elm and Pine.  A small white or silver vehicle was eastbound on Elm Street and attempted to make a right, southbound turn onto Pine Street.  The vehicle was unable to negotiate the turn because of the snow covered street and struck the front of the vehicle on Pine Street.  The woman driving the small white or silver car then backed up and drove around the victim's vehicle.  She was last seen heading southbound on Pine from the intersection.  She is described as a heavy-set white female who was reportedly smoking a cigarette at the time of the crash.

The second crash was reported at 9:08 AM at Lima Lumber, 1101 Delphos Ave.  Employees from Lima Lumber reported that their building was struck by a vehicle sometime during the overnight hours.  According to evidence left at the scene, it appears that the suspect vehicle was westbound on Delphos Ave., and attempted to make the slight left turn onto Latham Ave.  The driver of the vehicle failed to maintain reasonable control and slid into the building.  The vehicle then fled in an unknown direction.  There were car parts from a Buick left at the scene of the crash.  Damage to the building was minor. 

Photo of car parts left at scene:

 

****UPDATE as of 11:30 AM*******

 

 

The parts left at the scene of the second crash have been identified as belonging to a 2002-2005 Buick Lesabre.  

Officers are investigating both crashes, and are looking for possible witnesses to either one.  If you have any information about either of these crashes, please contact the Lima Police Department at (419) 227-4444 or contact us on our social media sites.  Information may be given confidentially. 


Connect with the LPD:

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www.facebook.com/limapolicedepartment

Partnership, grant to bring police officer into Lima schools

Lima City Schools and The Lima Police Department announce School Resource Officer position.

A partnership between the Lima City Schools and Lima Police Department has received a three-year $125,000 federal Community Oriented Policing Grant that will put a uniformed LPD officer in the schools.

The school resource officer will be largely located at Lima Senior High School, but could be used at any of the district’s school buildings or at any school-related event. The officer will be in place this spring.

“We have always had a great partnership with the Lima City Schools and we believe this is just an opportunity to take that partnership to another level,” Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin said. “It will benefit not only the school, but the entire community.”

Superintendent Jill Ackerman said that in the wake of public shootings, school districts have to always be thinking of safety and revisiting what’s in place to ensure student safety.

“Safety and security of our students have always been a priority and we have worked very hard to make sure we have processes and procedures in place to keep our kids safe,” she said. “Adding a school resource officer only enhances our ability to provide a safe environment for our school community.”

Officer Nate Garlock will be the officer. His role will help to ensure a safe and secure school environment, act as an educational resource and be a liaison between the school district and Lima Police.

Officials believe the officer’s presence will deter problems from happening and help create a positive relationship between Lima Police and students.

The police department already has a presence in the Lima City Schools. Building on that relationship will benefit the schools, police and families, Ackerman said.

“We have a strong working relationship with the Lima Police and we want our kids and families to have the same,” she said.

Martin believes building on that relationship will also aid police in its long-term recruitment efforts.

“As kids get to understand that police officers are good human beings and that being a police officer is a noble profession, hopefully it will make more kids want to consider law enforcement as a career,” he said.

The grant will fund 75 percent of the officer’s salary for the three years of the grant. The school district will pick up the rest. The district will commit to paying the officer’s salary and benefits for three years following the grant expiration.

Officer Nate Garlock:

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David Adkins

WANTED for RAPE:  David Adkins.

The Lima Police Department is still seeking information on the whereabouts of David Adkins.  Mr. Adkins has a Felony Warrant for Rape. 
Mr. Adkins claimed he would turn himself in today, and has failed to do so.  Officers have information that he is still in the Lima area. 
The North End neighborhood association has offered a reward of $500 for information leading to the arrest of Mr. Adkins. 
If you know where Mr. Adkins is, please contact the Lima Police Department at 419-227-4444.  You may also give information confidentially through our social media sites.
Do not approach this subject.  Contact Police immediately.

 

Connect with the LPD:

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www.facebook.com/limapolicedepartment

 

Top Cop

LPD Officer receives "Top Cop" award for saving life of a child.

Officer Eric Mericle was given a "Top Cop" award by 6th Ward City Councilman Derry Glenn at his annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner on Sunday.

The award was given in recognition for Mericle's actions on July 8th 2013.  Mericle was on patrol when he was approached by a woman who frantically told him her neighbor's child was not breathing.  The child had been found unresponsive in a bathtub.  Mericle performed CPR and effectively saved the life of the child. 

Officer Mericle is assigned to First Shift Patrol. 

 

 

 

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Don't fall for scams

LPD warns of  recent scam attempt

We would like to warn you about a recent scam that was reported to LPD.  Thankfully the targeted victim was smart enough to not fall for the scam.

A Lima resident called LPD today and told us about an attempt to scam her.  She received a call from someone claiming to be from Publisher's Clearinghouse.  She was told that she has won a large sum of cash and also a Mercedes Benz.  Her part of the deal required her to purchase reloadable MoneyPak cards.  She was told these cards were to be loaded with a specific amount of cash.  According to the scammer, these cards were to pay for a percentage of the taxes on her winnings.  After confirming that she purchased the cards, she was supposed to receive her multi-million dollar winnings and the automobile.   Luckily she was smart enough to check this out before doing anything.  She made the right choice.

These scams are not new.  While the details may change slightly from time to time, they are usually very similar.  The scammer will want you to send them money, in order for them to send you a large amount of cash, or products that seem too good to be true. 

Do not send money to a seller you do not know.  When purchasing online, make sure you use reputable services that offer some type of protection from these common scams.  Often times, these scammers are overseas and are difficult to track down. 

These scams can't happen if you don't allow yourself to become  a victim. 


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Car Seats, Booster Seats, and more.

Answers to some common questions about Child Restraint Laws in Ohio.

We often get questions about the ages, weights, heights, and the laws that cover who should be in a car seat or booster seat.  I hope to explain it in a way that makes sense.  Sometimes just pointing someone to the Ohio Revised Code doesn't clear it up as much as we would hope. 

Ohio Revised Code section 4511.81 covers Child Restraint laws.  According to section "A" of the law, a child must be in a child restraint system (car seat) if they meet EITHER of the following criteria:

1. The child is less than 4 years old.
2. The child is less than 40 lbs.

That means that a child could possibly be over 40 lbs, but not yet 4, and still need to be in a car seat. 

Once a Child no longer needs to be in a car seat, they need to be in "booster seat" until they are 8 years old and less than 4'9" tall.  That means a 7 year old who is 4'9" could legally be in a seat belt.  The height is the most important factor.  A booster seat is used to properly position the seat belt on the passenger's body. 

Once a child is 8 years old, but less than 15, they must be in a seat belt at all times.

Hopefully this answers any questions you might have about Child Restraints.   We encourage you to ask questions of us.  Not sure about something?  ASK! 

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LPD adds Twitter to cruisers

LPD adds Twitter contact information to their fleet of cruisers.

If you are following a Lima Police Department cruiser through town today, you might notice an addition.  The LPD has added their twitter "handle" to the back of their cruisers. 

Sergeant Andy Green is the manager for the Department's social media sites.  "We have had some amazing success through our social media sites.  We are excited about the great partnership we have with the Citizens of Lima, and hope to continue to expand our use of social media."

This latest addition to the entire LPD fleet shows the twitter "bird" logo, and the department's handle "@LimaPolice"  In order to connect with the LPD on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com and create a free account.  You can then search for @LimaPolice, click follow, and then enjoy 2 way communication with the Police Department.

According to Green, several agencies across the Country have added their twitter contact information to their cruisers.  "I see it working other places, and am excited to see it work here." 

The Lima Police Department has been live on social media since November of 2012 when the department's facebook page launched.  Twitter was added in mid-2013.  The department also has a YouTube channel. 

Connect with the LPD:

www.twitter.com/limapolice
www.facebook.com/limapolicedepartment

Flash Rob

Lima Police Department investigating incident of "Flash Rob" at a Lima Business.

on 1-13-14, several citizens sent a link to a YouTube video to the Lima Police Department's Social Media pages.  The video showed several subjects entering a convenience store participating in shoplifting.  The subjects pocketed several items, and then left the business without paying for any of the items. 

LPD Officers began investigating the incident and discovered that the incident occurred at Riverview Pizza  at 214 S. Pine Street on 12-18-13.  The incident was not initially reported by the owner of the business. 

As a result of the video, and assistance from Lima City Schools staff, 6 suspects have been positively identified.  5 of the suspects are juveniles, and all are students at Lima Senior High School.  Their names are not being released at this time. 

Thank you to the citizens who made us aware of this theft. 

Link to the video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UibrVN1lBqo

Stay connected with the LPD:

www.twitter.com/limapolice
www.facebook.com/limapolicedepartment

Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

Attorney General DeWine's Safe Neighborhoods Initiative to Begin in Lima.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that he is expanding his Safe Neighborhoods Initiative to the city of Lima.

Attorney General DeWine made the announcement alongside Lima Mayor David Berger, Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin, and Allen County Prosecutor Juergen Waldick this morning.

"Those of us here today have a shared commitment to end violence, and by working together, we hope to retake the streets from those who are carelessly committing repeated crimes," said Attorney General DeWine.  "The goal is to help steer these violent career criminals on a path towards a more productive life, and, in the process, improve the lives of everyone living around them."

The Attorney General's Safe Neighborhoods Initiative works by identifying a community's most violent offenders, who are typically a small group of people who are responsible for a bulk of the crime.  Authorities then meet with those offenders to outline the consequences for continued acts of violence, such as lengthy prison terms.   In addition, residents who have lost loved ones to violence explain the turmoil crime causes families, and doctors explain the lifelong injuries that can be sustained due to a gunshot wound. 

The offenders are then given the opportunity to take part in job training, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, and other social services to assist them in leaving the cycle of violence.

“On behalf of the city of Lima, I applaud Attorney General Mike DeWine and his colleagues for reaching out to Lima and Allen County and proposing a collaborative effort with local law enforcement and community agencies to target violent criminals in our community," said Mayor Berger.  "The Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is a carrot and stick approach that has proven itself effective in other communities making them safer for everyone.”

The strategies utilized in the initiative have been successful in other programs across the country in producing drastic reductions in gun-related crime.  In Cincinnati, a similar effort led to a 41-percent drop in gang homicides and a 22-percent decrease in other violent firearm incidents.  

“We are proud to be a part of this collaboration that not only brings all aspects of law enforcement  together but also brings various other resources into the efforts," said Chief Martin.  "By bringing these other resources into the fight against violent crime, those who are currently caught up in a lifestyle of violence will have an opportunity to begin making better choices.  If they refuse take advantage of the opportunities being presented to them, however, they will have a full understanding of the consequences they will face.”  

The Allen County Sheriff's Office, Allen County Common Pleas Court, Allen County Probation Department, Crime Victim Services of Allen and Putnam Counties, Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties, St. Rita's Medical Center, Coleman Behavioral Health, Bloom Recovery Network, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, U.S. Attorney's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also taking part in the initiative.  

The Attorney General's Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is also currently ongoing in Akron, Warren, and Steubenville, Ohio.

The initiative is part of an overall effort by Attorney General DeWine to combat gun crime involving violent career criminals.  In April, Attorney General DeWine and State Senator Jim Hughes (R-Columbus) announced the Violent Career Criminal Act, which, if signed into law, would increase the length of prison sentences for specific repeat violent offenders.  The act is co-sponsored by Senator Frank LaRose (R-Copley). 

 

Press release courtesy of the Ohio Attorney General's Office PIO.

 

Stay connected with the Lima Police Department:

www.twitter.com/limapolice

www.facebook.com/limapolicedepartment

 

 

2 Agencies investigate OVI crashes

Officers from the Lima Police Department, and American Township Police Department are investigating 3 crashes with an intoxicated driver.

At approximately 1:02 PM, LPD Officers were sent to Taco Bell on Allentown Road to investigate a hit/skip crash.  According to witnesses, a 1997 Green Chevy Venture mini-van entered the parking lot in an erratic manner and struck a vehicle that was in the drive-thru.  The vehicle then fled the scene of the crash.  A few minutes later, the same vehicle ran a stop sign at Sherwood and Cable and was involved in another crash.  In that crash the front bumper of the Venture was left in the roadway.  The suspect fled the scene of that crash and then was involved in another crash at the intersection of Cable and Allentown.  Witnesses to that crash blocked the suspect vehicle in so he was unable to flee. 

Officers arrived and identified the driver of the vehicle to be Darnell Cook, age 41 of Lima.  He was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody at the scene.  Cook's 2 year old son was in the vehicle with him during all 3 crashes.  He was released to a relative. 

Cook was transported to the Lima Police Department and was charged with 3 OVI offenses, 3 Driving under Suspension offenses, and multiple traffic violation including  2 charges of Failure To Stop After An Accident.  He was additionally charged with Child Endangerment. 

No injuries were reported during the crashes.  The Lima Police Department and the American Township Police Department are investigating the crashes.



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LPD K-9 Rocky assists OSP with I-75 drug seizure

K-9 Rocky alerts to a large amount of prescription medication and heroin on I-75.

On January 11, 2014 a Sergeant with the Ohio State Highway Patrol stopped a rented 2014 Nissan Altima for a speed violation on Interstate 75 just south of S.R. 309.  The driver, LaKeith Lewis, age 44 of Oak Park MI. was found to be a known drug violator, and criminal indicators were detected by the OSHP Sergeant. He requested a narcotics certified K-9 for assistance. 

Officer Randy Tigner and his K-9 partner, Rocky arrived to assist with the traffic stop.  K-9 Rocky alerted on the vehicle, which resulted in a search.  Upon searching the vehicle, Officers located a backpack in the trunk which contained 8 bottles of liquid codeine (51 fluid ounces), 4654 hydrocodone pills, 300 oxycotin pills, and 446 alprozolem (Xanax) pills.  The driver was also found to have a rock of heroin on his person.  The seized drugs have an approximate street value of $48,632.00. 

Congratulations on this great find Rocky!

Stay connected with the LPD:

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www.twitter.com/limapolice

Arrest made in Dairy Market Robbery

Lima Man arrested in Robbery of Dairy Market

The Lima Police Department has taken Rodney Parkhurst (pictured below), 44 years old from Lima, in custody for the robbery that occurred at Dairy Market, 531 W. Kibby, on 1/9/14. Parkhurst has been charged with suspicion of Robbery and wil...l arraigned at a later date.
On 1/9/14 Mr. Parkhurst entered the Dairy Market, threatened the clerk with a Mag Lite and demanded cash. He removed money from the register and fled the business. Detectives Stechshulte and Clark, with help from information provided by the community, were able to identify Mr. Parkhurst as the suspect. He was located and subsequently charged.

 

 

 

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Dairy Market Robbery

The Lima Police Department is investigating an early morning robbery.

The Lima Police Department responded to a "hold up alarm" at 531 W. Kibby, Dairy Market, at approximately 7:13 AM on Thursday, January 9th 2014. 

A suspect entered the business and approached the female attendant demanding cash.  He used a large flashlight as a weapon in the robbery.  After removing cash from the register, the suspect fled the business on foot. 

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5'8" tall, weighing approximately 160 lbs.  He was wearing a light blue hooded jacket with white stripes around the cuffs.  He was also wearing a maroon face mask with a large cutout for the eyes. 

If you know anything about this robbery, or recognize the suspect, contact the Lima Police Department at (419) 227-4444.  Information can be provided confidentially through our social media sites as well.

 

Stay connected with the LPD:

www.twitter.com/limapolice

www.facebook.com/limapolicedepartment

 

WEATHER SITUATIONAL UPDATE

As of 3:30 PM, 1-7-13:

The Wind Chill Warning has expired. Allen County is now under a Wind Chill ADVISORY until 9:00 AM on Wednesday 1-8-14. It is still VERY cold outside, and you could get frostbite or hypothermia in minutes. Stay inside if you are able. If you must go out, cover exposed skin.

If you don't need to be out, please stay in. Going out increases the risk of traffic problems. Our officers ...are already out. Please don't tie them up with situations that could be avoided.

Currently Allen County remains under a LEVEL 2 SNOW EMERGENCY

"LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution."

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LEVEL 2 SNOW EMERGENCY STILL IN PLACE

UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT THE SNOW EMERGENCY IN ALLEN COUNTY OHIO:

Allen County remains under a "LEVEL 2 SNOW EMERGENCY".

DEFENITION: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorists should use extreme caution.

There are ...several Government related closings as a result of the Level 2 snow emergency as well as the extreme cold temperatures:

All Courts in Allen County are currently closed. This includes the Allen County Common Pleas Court, Lima Municipal Court, and the Juvenile Court.

Additionally, the Lima Chapter of the Red Cross has an emergency warming shelter set up at the chapter house. The address of the Red Cross is 610 S. Collett Street in Lima.

We will post updated information as we receive it. You are encouraged to stay home, stay warm, and check on your neighbors.

 

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WINTER STORM WARNING!

 UPDATE AS OF 1000 hrs. 1/4/2014

 

A WINTER STORM WARNING has been issued for Allen County, OH effective from 1:00 a.m., Sunday (1/5) through 1:00 a.m., Monday (1/6/14).

 

TONIGHT: Snow after 4A, low 25. Winds S 5-15mph. New snowfall of about an inch.

 

SUNDAY: Blowing snow, high 30. Winds S 5 – 15 mph becoming NW late. New snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches.

 

SUNDAY NIGHT: Blowing snow, low -12! Wind chills as low as -35! Winds W 20-25 mph, gusts to 30 mph. New snowfall 1 to 3 inches.

 

MONDAY: Partly sunny, high -12! Winds W 20-25 mph.

Woman steals security systems from Walmart

The Lima Police Department needs your help to identify a woman who stole security systems from Walmart.  

This woman wants to keep her own belongings from being stolen.  So she went to Walmart on Allentown Road on two separate occasions to steal security systems.  We need your help to identify her. 

The woman in these photos stole a security system from Walmart on 12-29-13 at approximately 7:15 PM.  She then returned on 12-30-13 at approximately 5:39 AM to steal another one. 

If you recognize this woman, please contact Detective Andrew Johnson at (419) 221-5296.
Information may also be provided through our social media sites.

www.twitter.com/limapolice
www.facebook.com/limapolicedepartment

7 Minutes could save your life!

Got 7 minutes to spare?

Major Jim Baker was interviewed by WLIO TV today about a fitness study that he recently did at the LPD. He reached out to Officers and other employees of the Police Department to be test subjects for a 7 week study. He titled the study "7 Minutes could save your life"

As part of the study, over 20 volunteers participated in a 7 minute workout program 3 days per week. At the end of the study, there were some amazing results!

Think this is something you want to try? You can find several different programs based on the 7 minute program! There are even apps on the apple store. Great job Major!

The exercises in the 7 minute workout are:

1. Jumping Jacks
2.  Wall Sits
3.  Push-ups
4.  abdominal crunches
5.  step-ups onto a chair
6.  squats
7.  tricep dips on a chair
8.  planks
9.  high knees running in place
10.  lunges
11.  push-ups and rotations
12.  side planks

Sergeant Paula Strickler was one of the test subjects in Major Baker's study.  She saw tremendous results and is still doing the program with some modifications to make it harder!  Way to go Paula!