2014 Highlights

We hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year! Please be responsible and use a designated driver if you are going to drink. The life you save may be your own!

The video above showcases just some of our 2014 highlights. Thank you all for your support during this year!

Traffic Tip Tuesday: Impaired Driving

This week's Traffic Tip Tuesday deals with holiday impaired driving. Please use a designated driver while celebrating this holiday season!

Two Arrested for Armed Robbery

 Gethers

 

 

Gillian

 



 

On December 19, 2014 at 1:00pm 18 year old Makil Gethers and 16 year old Devon Gillian were arrested and charged with armed robbery of the Subway restaurant on Coleman Blvd. Both suspects received a $200,000 bond.





Officer Saves 2 Year Old During Parade

A Mount Pleasant police officer is credited with saving the life of a choking toddler Sunday evening during the Town’s annual Christmas Parade.   Pfc. Jonathan Rustin was patrolling the parade route on his bicycle when he was alerted to the little girl choking on a piece of candy. Pfc. Rustin immediately rendered aid to the 2 year old and was able to get the piece of hard candy dislodged from her airway.   “The mom told me her daughter was choking so I took her and was able to get the candy out of her airway,” Pfc. Rustin said. “Once the candy came out the little girl started to cry which meant she could breathe.”       The girl was checked by EMS and found to be in good health.

Arrested for Filing a False Police Report

On December 7, 2014 at approximately 7:55pm, Gage Underkoffler reported to Mount Pleasant Police that he was robbed by two males who claimed to have a knife. Gage Underkoffler told officers that the two suspects took $100.00 in cash from his wallet and fled north on Rifle Range Road. Investigators were able to uncover that the suspect lied about the robbery so an arrest warrant was secured for Filing a False Police Report. Gage Underkoffler was arrested on December 12, 2014 and transported to the J. Al Cannon, Jr. Detention Center.

Christmas Parade Road Closings

At 4:00pm:
Coleman Blvd. between Magrath Darby and Pelzer Dr. will be closed to stage floats. All traffic northbound will be diverted to Patriots Point Blvd. or Magrath Darby. 

Southbound traffic from Houston Northcutt Blvd. to the Ravenel Bridge will remain open until float staging reaches Houston Northcutt Blvd.

All traffic heading southbound on Coleman will be diverted onto Pelzer Dr.

At 5:00pm: 
All of Coleman Blvd. from Pelzer to Rifle Range will be closed.

All Southbound traffic on Coleman coming from Ben Sawyer Blvd. will be diverted onto Rifle Range Road.

Chuck Dawley Blvd. will not allow any traffic eastbound beyond Myrick Rd. except those going to Shemwood, Christ Our King, or Sea Island Shopping Center to pick up children.

The anticipated time that traffic will be completely restored is 8:30pm. Please keep in mind that this is only an estimate.

Coffee with a Cop

We recently held our Coffee with a Cop event at Chick-fil-A in Oakland Market and want to thank everyone who came out to chat with us!

Three Arrested for Stealing a UPS Package

Distracted Driving Statute

Here is the Distracted Driving statute that went into effect yesterday:

Section 56-5-3890. (A) For purposes of this section:
(1) ‘Hands-free wireless electronic communication device’ means an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, a personal digital assistant, a text-messaging device, or a computer, which allows a person to wirelessly communicate with another person without holding the device in either hand by utilizing an internal feature or function of the device, an attachment, or an additional device. A hands-free wireless electronic communication device may require the use of either hand to activate or deactivate an internal feature or function of the device.
(2) ‘Text-based communication’ means a communication using text-based information, including, but not limited to, a text message, an SMS message, an instant message, or an electronic mail message.
(3) ‘Wireless electronic communication device’ means an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, a personal digital assistant, a text-messaging device, or a computer, which allows a person to wirelessly communicate with another person.

(B) It is unlawful for a person to use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this State.

(C) This section does not apply to a person who is:
(1) lawfully parked or stopped;
(2) using a hands-free wireless electronic communication device;
(3) summoning emergency assistance;
(4) transmitting or receiving data as part of a digital dispatch system;
(5) a public safety official while in the performance of the person’s official duties; or
(6) using a global positioning system device or an internal global positioning system feature or function of a wireless electronic communication device for the purpose of navigation or obtaining related traffic and road condition information.

Suspect Arrested after Amber Alert

Fugitive Captured!

Murder Suspect Arrested

Alberto Martinez-Villa

April 22, 1970

5'05" 170lbs

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (November 30, 2014) The Mount Pleasant Police Department has charged Alberto Martinez-Villa with the murder of his wife, Augustina Hernandez-Hernandez, that occurred at their home on Rifle Range Road.

Mr. Martinez-Villa reported his wife missing on November 28th, 2014 which prompted the Mount Pleasant Police Department to launch an investigation into her disappearance. Mrs. Hernandez-Hernandez's body was found with apparent knife inflicted wounds in North Charleston the next day and evidence obtained by investigators led to the arrest of Mr. Martinez-Villa.

The Mount Pleasant and North Charleston Police Departments worked a collaborative investigation into the suspicious death due to the crossing of jurisdictional boundaries.

Mr. Martinez-Villa has also been charged with Possession of a Knife/Firearm During a Violent Crime.

Traffic Tip Tuesday - Seat Belt Safety

On November 5, 2014 between 5:00pm and 9:00pm, an unknown subject stole two purses from the Liberty Tap Room on Johnnie Dodds Blvd. If you recognize the subject in the video please contact Corporal Eckert at 843-884-4176 or DEckert@tompsc.com.

Dr. Sauls Recognized

 

Today Chief Ritchie presented a plaque to Dr. Marci Sauls from the East Cooper Animal Hospital in recognition of the countless support given to our K-9 Unit. Thank you for everything you do for our K-9 officers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Ritchie recognized Pfc. Scott for his 5 years of service to the Town of Mount Pleasant yesterday. Pfc. Scott is currently a K-9 handler and serves with his partner Thor. Thank you Pfc. Scott for your dedication to the citizens of Mount Pleasant!



Captain Mark Arnold Graduates from the SPI!

 

We want to congratulate Captain Mark Arnold as he just graduated from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville! 

The Southern Police Institute (SPI) is a division of the Department of Justice Administration, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Louisville. It is an advanced education and training institute whose mission is to enhance the professional development of law enforcement practitioners. This mission is accomplished by providing educational and career development programs that are designed to challenge and to prepare law enforcement practitioners for the demands of today and tomorrow. The Southern Police Institute consistently is ranked among the top law enforcement educational and training schools in the nation. 

Since the creation of the Southern Police Institute in 1951, its program of instruction has been grounded in the belief that law enforcement is a demanding activity requiring the highest level of professional preparation. The Southern Police Institute was established by its founders to provide a place where that preparation can be undertaken.

We Are Hiring

Information Needed

 

The suspect pictured above stole a purse from a vehicle on 11/09/2014 at 1481 Hwy 17 N. (Wal-Mart Wando Crossing) and then went to 1491 Hwy 17 N. (Office Depot) to use a stolen credit card. The identity of the suspect is unknown. The suspect is described as a white male approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and 180 pounds. The suspect was wearing khaki shorts, a blue and white striped polo and black tennis shoes.

 

If you can identify this suspect please notify Det. Ivey at 843-856-3030 or divey@tompsc.com.



MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – The Mount Pleasant Police Department will be hosting a BBQ cookout to raise money to help children who may never experience the joy of Christmas.    By selling BBQ ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken and sides, the Mount Pleasant Police Department is trying to raise enough money to send 6 children on a Christmas shopping spree. These children have been identified through each of the elementary schools located around Mount Pleasant.   “After the success of our first fundraiser, Team 2 will again be selling lunch out at the town track in front of the police department,” says Inspector Chip Googe. “The more money we  raise, the more children we can take shopping as we are trying to fund 6 but would love to take as many as 8.”   Inspector Googe encourages everyone to come out to 100 Ann Edwards Lane between 10:30am and 2:00pm on November 7, 2014 to take part in this event.   “We will also deliver your lunch if the order is $10.00 or more and if you are located in Mount Pleasant,” Googe says. “All you have to do is call 803-414-0622 and place your order with Linen’s BBQ. They will be accepting cash and credit/debit cards.”   “We are grateful to Linen’s BBQ for donating their time and equipment to a cause that will definitely brighten the lives of several local children,” Googe says. “Their service to the community will bring smiles to those less fortunate.”   ·        BBQ Rib Dinner with 2 Sides and a Drink - $10.00 ·        Pulled Pork Basket with 1 Side and a Drink - $7.00 ·        Pulled Chicken Basket with 1 Side and a Drink - $7.00   Sides: ·        Macaroni and Cheese ·        French Fries ·        Cole Slaw ·        Red Rice ·        Baked Beans

If you need more information, please contact Inspector Chip Googe at cgooge@tompsc.com

 

Halloween Enforcement Efforts

 

HALLOWEEN ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN                                                                         
PRESS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2014

CONTACT: Sgt. Kim Herring, kherring@tompsc.com, 843-884-4176

 

HALLOWEEN PARTIERS BEWARE:

MOUNT PLEASANT POLICE DEPARTMENT

CRACKING DOWN ON DRUNK DRIVERS

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

 

 

 

 

Mount Pleasant, SC— This Halloween, Mount Pleasant Police will be treating drunk drivers throughout the area with an aggressive Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort, and The Mount Pleasant Police Department has given a fair warning to all partygoers: keep the party off the road.

 

“The scariest part of Halloween is not the spooky costumes and scary pranks, it’s the impaired drivers. All too often, partygoers don’t plan ahead and choose to drive impaired, but a costume can’t disguise drunk driving,” said Sgt. Kim Herring.

 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2008-2012, 52 percent of all national fatalities occurring on Halloween night involved a drunk driver.

The last time Halloween fell on a Friday, 48 percent of the nation’s fatalities during the Halloween weekend occurred in a crash involving a driver or a motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Thirty-eight percent of fatalities on Halloween night occurred in a crash involving a driver or a motorcycle operator with a BAC of .08 or higher.

“If you celebrate with alcohol, you don’t belong behind the wheel,” Sgt. Herring said. “A sober and safe ride after the party is the best treat you can give yourself and everyone else on the road this Halloween.”

 

To keep safe this Halloween, The Mount Pleasant Police Department recommends these tips:

·         Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.

·         Always designate a sober driver.

·         If you are impaired, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

·         Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.  Designate a sober friend to walk you home.

·         If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.

·         If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.

For more information, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov

The Mount Pleasant Police Department will be conducting stepped up enforcement and traffic safety checkpoints in the areas of Hwy 17, Coleman Blvd., and Long Point Rd. on the night of October 31, 2014.