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.