| Downtown Security Cameras Catch Thief |
| Monday, 20 February 2012 08:17 |
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On February 16, 2012, the Ottumwa Police Department began investigating a burglary that occurred at approximately 9:30 AM the day before at Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company located at 332 East Main Street in Ottumwa. The owner of the business reported that an unknown person entered the unlocked front door, removed money from the cash register, and then left the building. Upon reviewing the City’s downtown camera system, police found the person was caught on video entering the restaurant and then leaving the business moments later. On February 17th, officers were able to identify the suspect in the video and take him into custody. The following person was charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree: Bruce Darneil Pollard. 522 Camille Ottumwa, Iowa 24 Years Old Burglary in the 2nd Degree is a violation of Chapter 713.5 of the Code of Iowa and is a Class “C” Felony. Pollard was transported to the Wapello County Jail where he is being held with bond set at $10,000.00. The City’s downtown camera system was purchased with a $375,000.00 COPS Technology grant and currently consists of 29 cameras throughout downtown, Church Street, and the Quincy Avenue area. Police Chief Jim Clark stated, “This is a perfect example of why we wanted to incorporate the camera system into our crime prevention strategy for the downtown and Church Street areas. I anticipate we will see a significant reduction in crime in the area due to the cameras and that business owners, shoppers, and residents will be able to experience a safer and more secure downtown”.
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