The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department arrested an Alexandria man in a theft case last week and charged a woman with DUI in a separate case on Sunday.
35 year old Richard Barry Edmonds of Liberty Hill Road, Alexandria was charged last Monday with theft of property over $500. Sheriff Patrick Ray says Edmonds was visiting a friend on Lonnie Cantrell Road in Smithville when he allegedly took a 308 rifle from the residence without the owner’s consent. He says Edmonds has admitted to taking the weapon. Bond was set at $5,000 and he will appear in court on July 17th.
22 year old Tina Hatfield of Oakley Road Liberty was charged Sunday with driving under the influence. Sheriff Ray says a deputy spotted Hatfield’s vehicle sitting in the roadway on Highway 56 South and when the deputy pulled up to the vehicle, it took off. He says the automobile was weaving all over the roadway and the deputy stopped it. Hatfield, the driver, was intoxicated, having an odor of alcohol on her person. She also failed field sobriety tasks. Hatfield’s bond was set a $1,500 and her court date is July 24th.
Sheriff Ray and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Here are some Fourth of July safety tips from Sheriff Ray.
Water safety at the pool and lake:
” If possible, swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others. Never swim alone.
” Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
” Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice “reach supervision” by staying within an arm’s length of young children and weak swimmers while they are in and around the pool, lake or ocean.
” Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.
” If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
” Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
” Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
” If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
Firework safety:
There are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely by doing the following:
” Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
” Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
” Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
” Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
” Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
” Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Safe Grilling:
Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. Make sure safety is a key ingredient in your Fourth of July by reading the following tips for safer grilling:
” Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.
” Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.
” Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
” Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
” Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
” Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use
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