Hurricane Dorian 8/31/2019 5pm Update

Hurricane Dorian

August 31, 2019

5:00 p.m. Update

Above are the key messages from the 5 p.m. update.

Mount Pleasant Moves to OPCON 2

Mount Pleasant Moves to OPCON 2, Monitors and Coordinates Preparedness Measures

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (August 31, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant moved to OPCON 2 at 1 p.m. today, August 31, along with Charleston County. 

“We will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian's track closely and coordinate emergency preparedness measures,” said Mount Pleasant Emergency Manager Amanda Knight. “While the path of Dorian remains uncertain, residents should take the time to review emergency plans and check supplies. We ask you to monitor local media outlets for updates on the storm.” 

Hurricane Dorian Update, August 31, 2019, 11 a.m.

Here are the key messages from the National Hurricane Center:

Social Media Channels

As you are making preparations, make sure you are following us on all of our social media channels!

nextdoor.com

facebook.com/mountpleasantpd

twitter.com/mountpleasantpd

youtube.com/mtpleasantpd

instagram.com/mountpleasantpolice

linkedin.com/company/mountpleasantpolice

mppdnews.blogspot.com

Hurricane Dorian Preparations

Mount Pleasant Urges Residents, Businesses to Prepare for Potential Impacts of Hurricane Dorian

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager/Public Information Officer

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (August 31, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant Emergency Management Office (EMO) is calling on residents to make preparations now for the potential impacts of Dorian. Town staff continues to monitor the storm’s potential impacts. While the path of Dorian remains uncertain, citizens should take the time to review emergency plans and check supplies.

“Preparedness is the best strategy,” said Emergency Management Manager Amanda Knight. “We ask you to monitor local media outlets for updates on the storm.”

The latest information from the National Weather Service: Dorian is forecast to be a dangerous major hurricane near the southeast U.S. coast by late next week, and the risk of direct impacts continues to increase. The risk of strong winds and life-threatening storm surge is increasing along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina during the middle of next week. 

The Dangers of Public Wi-Fi

Recently, one of our citizens became a victim of a cybercriminal who was able to gain access into their bank account and scam them out of several thousand dollars. One of the ways this can happen is when you use public Wi-Fi "hotspots". This seems like an innocent, everyday activity but it becomes risky when you log into sites like your bank or your email.

Man in the Middle

One of the most common attacks is a called "man in the middle". This is where an attacker gets between the data sent from your computer to your service/website and intercepts (reads) it.

Malicious Hotspots

This is where rogue access points are set up to look like a real access point. These access points will look legitimate but now cybercriminals can view your sensitive information.

Malware Distribution

There may be weaknesses in software that allows cybercriminals to insert malware onto your system without you being aware.



These are just a few of the dangers one could face when using public Wi-Fi! Here are a few tips to help keep you safe from Norton Security:

Don’t:

• Allow your Wi-Fi to auto-connect to networks

• Log into any account via an app that contains sensitive information. Go to the website instead and verify it uses HTTPS before logging in

• Leave your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on if you are not using them

• Access websites that hold your sensitive information, such as financial or healthcare accounts

• Log onto a network that isn’t password protected

Do:

• Disable file sharing

• Only visit sites using HTTPS

• Log out of accounts when done using them

• Use a VPN to secure your public Wi-Fi connections

Crime Update

We were made aware that Michael Gorlitsky has been bonded out of jail and is on an electronic monitoring system. All School Resource Officers are aware of the situation and will be diligently patrolling their assigned areas. The Patrol Bureau will be monitoring private schools during their shifts. Our agency will also be working with the bond company and different facets of the criminal justice system to make sure our community is safe.

Missing Person

Mr. Morales may be in the North Charleston area. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black shorts, black socks, and black shoes. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Detective McCallister at smccallister@tompsc.com. 

Message from Chief Ritchie

Mount Pleasant, S.C. - On August 21, 2019, our agency received a call from a school official at Carolina  Park Academy regarding an individual that made disturbing statements about possibly harming students. Through the quick actions of the school staff, crossing guards and our officers we were able to locate the suspect and take him into custody without incident. The partnership with our community is integral to our mission and we cherish the relationship we have with our citizens, businesses, and schools.  

As a result of the circumstances surrounding this suspicious person, our Department is continuing to work with our state, federal, and mental health partners to ensure the safety of our community.  All of the Mount Pleasant public schools have an assigned School Resource Officer and we are constantly patrolling private schools and daycare centers.  

During the bond hearing, the suspect was given a $500,000 bond and will be required to have electronic monitoring.  The suspect is still in custody and we will keep the community apprised of his release. 

I want to thank the community, again, for their quick response in alerting us! As we move forward, remember that if you see something, say something!  

Charleston County School District Clear Bag Policy

The Charleston County School District released their clear bag or no bag procedure for all levels of football and basketball games. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the procedures before the first game! Click on the pictures to enlarge them!

Disturbing Schools

Mount Pleasant, S.C. - On August 21, 2019, at approximately 4:00 p.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the area of Carolina Park Academy in reference to a suspicious person. The suspect was told by the complainant that the academy was private property. The suspect, Michael Gorlitsky, responded by saying, "It's not like I'm gonna shoot a bunch of kids. I just might." Officers arrested Michael Gorlitsky for Disturbing Schools and transported him to the Al Cannon Detention Center where he was lodged. 

Officers Serving in the Community

Lt. Carter and Pfc. Kinder help a community member change a tire on Hwy 17 near the Ravenel Bridge. Police officers are often called upon to serve the community in different ways throughout their day! Thank you to Lt. Carter and Pfc. Kinder for helping out!

You can follow us on our social media channels:
www.facebook.com/mountpleasantpd
www.twitter.com/mountpleasantpd
www.instagram.com/mountpleasantpolice
www.linkedin.com/company/mountpleasantpolice/
www.youtube.com/mtpleasantpd

School Supply Drive

On September 6, 2019, we will be holding a school supply drive at Target located at 1600 Long Grove Drive! The event runs from 3 pm until 6 pm. We welcome any school supplies as donations to help deserving, local families!

Stop by, meet some of the officers that serve our community, and help us fill one of our cruisers! We hope to see you there!

Overdose Prevention Training

In support of Overdose Awareness Day, we invite all community members to join us for Narcan education, community support, and a remembrance ceremony honoring those we have lost to the disease of addiction. This training is recommended for anyone at risk of an opioid overdose, friends, and family of someone at risk, healthcare providers, social services providers, law enforcement, and emergency response providers. You can prevent prescription drug misuse of unused or expired drugs by properly disposing of them in the Mount Pleasant PD prescription drug take-back box. Then, join us for an overdose prevention training by professional from the Charleston County Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Services better known as the Charleston Center. You will be educated on Opioids and learn how to recognize the signs of an overdose, the steps to administrating Narcan nasal spray, and how to save a life. Participants who complete the training may receive a free overdose prevention kit containing 2 Narcan nasal sprays. Space is limited. Reserve your spot today! Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/august-wakeup-carolina-take-back-training-event-tickets-62236201153?fbclid=IwAR1_NT2hsJ8hh532Cs2iiwS-IViXc8DK5T3ncMrDDBgOe7l9LmpBSxNu9qA

Basic CERT Training

Charleston County & the Town of Mount Pleasant are hosting a Basic CERT Class on Tuesday nights at Mount Pleasant Town Hall. Classes begin September 3rd and will be held at 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Those interested should register soon! You can register online at https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/training-registration.php. Learn more about the CERT program at https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/cert.php Tuesday, September 3 5:30 – 9:00 Emergency Preparedness/ CERT Organization Tuesday, September 10 5:30 – 9:00 Disaster Medical Operations 1 Tuesday, September 17 5:30 – 9:00 Disaster Medical Operation 2 Tuesday, September 24 5:30 – 9:00 Fire Operations Tuesday, October 1 5:30 – 9:00 Light Search and Rescue Tuesday, October 8 5:30 – 9:00 Disaster Psychology / Terrorism / Exam Saturday, October 12 9:00 – 1:00 Disaster Scenario (Rescue Squad Location)

Scam Alert

A couple of our citizens brought to our attention another telephone scam that is going around. They received a telephone call with a recorded message from "Dominion Energy" saying that their electricity was going to be turned off in 30 minutes. The message further stated that they needed to call another number to rectify the situation.

The number you then call identifies the company as "Dominion Energy" and gives you automated call options. One of these options is bill pay. This connects you with a scammer who verifies personal information such as address and telephone number. He pulls up your account and says that you failed to pay a $500.00 deposit that must have slipped through.

To rectify the issue, the scammer tells you to drive to a call center or go to a CVS to get a MoneyPak. He informs you that the MoneyPak allows for same-day payment. The scammer then directs you to call another number to give him the receipt number of the MoneyPak so he can stop the technician from disconnecting your power.

This scammer is using just enough legitimate information to make the calls sound convincing but please do not send him any money! One number the scam call is coming from is 1-800-251-7234 but may come from other numbers. Please share this information with your friends and family!

Arrest Made in Burglary Case

Mount Pleasant, S.C. - On August 3, 2019, at approximately 2:46 p.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the 1200 block of Spotted Owl Drive in reference to a burglary. Officers met with the complainant who advised that a white male carrying a pillowcase ran from the area and was heading towards McDonald's in Oakland Market. The suspect was observed by officers walking towards Kohls so they approached him. As officers were speaking with the suspect, he ran across the parking lot but was caught behind Wells Fargo Bank. 

Christopher Austin Harris was arrested for Burglary in the First Degree and housed at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. 

National Night Out

National Night Out is August 6th from 6p-8p at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park! There will be live music, food, games, dunk tank, bounce house, police displays & demonstrations, and more! We look forward to meeting you!

Special thank you to Bach to Rock, Patriots Point, Charleston Taekwondo, Kona Ice, Sky Zone, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Charleston Fun Park, and Dominos Pizza!

Wanted Person

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is seeking the public's help to find Deon Antonio Rambert. Deon is wanted for Breaking Into a Motor Vehicle.

If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Mr. Rambert, please contact Detective T. Scott at 843-856-7843 or tscott@tompsc.com. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111 or at www.5541111.com. Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry offers rewards of up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest.

Death Investigation

On August 1, 2019, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to Whole Foods on Houston Northcutt in reference to a deceased person in the restroom. The preliminary investigation has not revealed anything suspicious in nature and the public is not in danger. This investigation is ongoing and more information may be released as it becomes available.