Full Notification

The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of August 4, 2024 – August 10, 2024.        
 
August 4, 2024

• Aggravated Assault:

1900 Block of Capehart Avenue. On August 4, 2024 at 4:40 PM, the victim and the suspect, a male adult, were at the location drinking alcoholic beverages together, when without provocation the suspect began to strike the victim with his cane multiple times. The suspect fled the location in an unknown direction. No surveillance video is available.
 
August 5, 2024

• Petty Theft (Shoplifting):

1050 Huntington Drive (Target). On August 5, 2024 at 2 PM, the suspect, a female hispanic adult wearing a black sweater and blue jeans, was observed inside the location removing security tags from merchandise and concealing them in her purse. The suspect exited the location without attempting to purchase the items, where she was detained by awaiting deputies. The value of the stolen merchandise was approximately $425. Surveillance video is available.
 
August 6, 2024

• No significant activity.

 
August 7, 2024

• Petty Theft:

600 Block of Greenbank Avenue. Between 10 PM on August 6, 2024 and 8 AM on August 7, 2024, the suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s front driver’s side tire and rim to his 2012 Toyota Focus that was parked at the location. No surveillance video is available. The loss was approximately $250.
 
August 8, 2024

• No significant activity.

 
August 9, 2024

• No significant activity.

 
August 10, 2024

• Grand Theft:

800 Block of Vineyard Avenue. On August 10, 2024 at 5:28 AM, the suspects unknown, two males dressed in all black clothing, stole the victim’s catalytic converter to his white 2015 Toyota Prius that was parked at the location. The suspects fled east on Royal Oaks Drive in a dark four door vehicle. No surveillance video is available. The loss was approximately $1,900.
 

• Petty Theft:

900 Block of Mount Olive Drive. On August 10, 2024 at 8:30 AM, the suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s brown beach cruiser bicycle that was left unattended in her car port.  No surveillance video is available. The loss was approximately $100.
  What Should I Do if I See a Bear?
Seeing a bear in the wild is a special treat for most people. While it is an exciting moment, it is important to remember that bears are wild and can be dangerous. Their behavior is sometimes unpredictable. Although rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Each bear and each experience is unique; there is no single strategy that will work in all situations and that guarantees safety. Most bear encounters end without injury. Following some basic guidelines may help to lessen the threat of danger. Your safety can depend on your ability to calm the bear.

Avoiding an Encounter
Respect a bear's space. Never approach, crowd, or pursue bears. Let bears eat their natural foods. Prevent bears from getting human food. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of wildlife. If a bear approaches you, it is your responsibility to move away and maintain a safe distance.

Keeping your distance and not surprising bears are some of the most important things you can do. Most bears will avoid humans if they hear them coming. Pay attention to your surroundings and make a special effort to be noticeable if you are in an area with known bear activity.

Bear Encounters
Once a bear has noticed you and is paying attention to you, additional strategies can help prevent the situation from escalating.

• Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
• Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won't be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
• Pick up small children immediately.
• Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
• Do NOT allow the bear access to your food. Getting your food will only encourage the bear and make the problem worse for others.
• If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears. Do NOT run, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse both uphill and down. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Do NOT climb a tree. Both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees.
• Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route.
• Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs; never place yourself between a mother and her cub, and never attempt to approach them. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs.

Bear Attacks
Bear attacks are rare; most bears are only interested in protecting food, cubs, or their space. However, being mentally prepared can help you have the most effective reaction. Every situation is different. Help protect others by reporting all bear sightings immediately. Above all, keep your distance from bears!