March 8, 2006
News Release
On March 8, 2006 at 0729 the Harrison County Sheriff's Office received a call from Norma Harris 312 High Street, Hopedale, and Ohio 43976 that her car had been stolen. Deputy Toker responded. Upon Deputy Toker's arrival Norma Harris gave information about the car, color, and plate number. Capt. Myers, Sgt. Jones, Deputy Brooks and Deputy Wilson all where responding to Hopedale to look for the car. While Officers where responding, Deputy Toker advised that Norma's father called to asked her if she had her car, Norma stated no it was stolen, and the Harrison County Sheriff's Office was there taking a report now. Norma father Tom Eltringham advised that her car was just here, a man had pulled into the residence asking for direction to Smithfield and the man spun out of the driveway heading for Smithfield. Capt. Joe Myers advised Jefferson County Sheriff's Office of the stolen vehicle and that it was heading for Smithfield. After Capt. Myers and State Trooper Dave Decker entered into Smithfield, the Smithfield Police had spotted the car near Sabatini's Auto Sales, and was requesting assistatance, Capt. Myers responded with OSP, Capt. Myers located Smithfield Police at a residence below Sabatini's , after a search subject was apprehend by Jefferson and Harrison County Sheriff's Units by Sabatini's Auto Sales. Subject was placed into Capt. Myers patrol car and transport back to Mr. Eltringham residence where positive ID, was made by Mr. Eltringham. Michael Chapman was transported to the Harrison County Sheriff's Office where he is booked and charged with Grand theft auto and Driving with out Driver License and OMVI.
February 27, 2006
Press Release
Captain Joe Myers advises that the Harrison County Sheriff's Office will be conducting another overtime blitz. The Blitz will be conducted the whole month of March. The focus will be speed, seat belt, and DUI violations. Seat Belt and Impaired Driving, whether the impaired driving would be under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, will be the main focus of this month's blitz. Deputies will be out in full force during this month's campaign.
New Data Show Rising Safety Belt Use Rates in Most States
More Americans than ever are wearing their safety belts with usage rates climbing in 34 states this year, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.
In 2005, safety belt use ranged from 60.8 percent in Mississippi to 95.3 percent in Hawaii. Others breaking the 90 percent belt use barrier included Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Michigan, California, Puerto Rico and Maryland.
Mississippi registered the lowest safety belt use in the nation followed by Massachusetts, Kentucky, Arkansas, South Dakota and Kansas. New Hampshire and Wyoming were the only states not to report statistically reliable estimates of belt use rate for 2005.
"Safety belts are useless unless people make the effort to wear them", Mineta said. "It's good to see more people taking their safety seriously, but we'll save the celebration for the day when everyone buckles up," he added.
Earlier this year, Secretary Mineta announced that the nationwide survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed belt use rates have hit the milestone of 82 percent -- the highest level in the nation's history. Secretary Mineta also announced earlier that fatalities had hit a historic low: 1.46 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
At a rate of 82 percent, NHTSA estimates that safety belts are preventing 15,700 fatalities, 350,000 serious injuries, and $67 billion in economic costs associated with traffic injuries and deaths every year.
In addition to the life-saving benefits of increased belt use, Congress created additional incentives for states. Under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) enacted Aug. 10, an added $498 million will be available to states over the next four years. States must either adopt a primary law or achieve 85 percent belt use for two years in order to be eligible for the grants.
The state-by-state statistics were derived from data collected by the states' own surveys, conducted in accord with criteria established by NHTSA.
Ohio statistics in 2004, where 74.1% and there was and increase in seat belt usage in 2005 to 78.7%. The Grant is paid for by the Governor's Highway Safety Program.
Project Director
Captain R.J. Myers