On the morning of April 26, the Bluffton Lions Club presented the Bluffton Police Department with its first women’s police patrol bike. The presentation was made with Lions and police department representatives at Bike Crazy LLC, 127 N. Main.
Police Chief Ryan Burkholder notes that “The history of the Bluffton Police Department patrol bikes goes back to the late mid 1990s, which consisted of three men’s bikes. Over the years, the needs of the department have changed with three full-time female police officers and no bikes to fit them properly.
“Corporal Eric Rayle, Stephanie Larcom and I had a discussion when Cpl. Rayle returned back from a Police Bike Instructor course early in Spring of 2022 about moving forward with the appropriate bike for our female officers. Stephanie Larcom suggested a partnership with the Lions Club and was willing to present the idea to the Lions Club at a meeting for us. Corporal Rayle, who is a bicycle enthusiast, spent many hours researching different brands and models which would benefit our female officers. Corporal Eric Rayle found several bikes and then went to our wonderful local business, Bike Crazy, and worked with Raymond and Liz Harner on purchasing the bike through them. At the last Lions Club meeting it was approved and the Lions Club graciously covered the cost of the bike for the department.
The Findlay Municipal Court will once again be conducting its 6th Annual Safe Surrender Day on April 27, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in conjunction with Second Chance Month.
April is Second Chance Month, which aims to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state and local governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for our community members.
The following announcement was made by the Bluffton Police Department on Facebook:
The Bluffton Police Department has received several complaints recently regarding school bus and school zone safety. Our officers will be taking a proactive approach to these complaints and you will see an increased police presence around the schools to help keep our youth safe.
A high-speed pursuit on I-75 that began in Sidney, Ohio and ended north of Bluffton occurred on the evening of March 21. The Bluffton Police Department issued Nixle alerts notifying residents that suspects had been apprehended. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department has provided additional information.
At 8:23 p.m. an improper lane change resulted in pursuit by Sidney police. Stop sticks caused the vehicle to halt north of the County Road 12 overpass.
There were two occupants in the car, James Bridget and Clif Williams of Michigan. One suspect was apprehended immediately. The other fled on foot, resulting in a search including a helicopter and tracking dog. At 9:32 p.m. the second suspect, who came out with his hands up, was apprehended near a wooded area.
Agencies assisting in the incident include the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol.
