The Antwerp Police Department has been very active and people have been asking, “What is going on and what are they doing?”
For the last couple of weeks the office has responded to numerous calls, but there have been several selected cases out of many to give insight into the workings of the local law enforcement.
On July 13 there was incident while patrolling. A suspended driver was stopped on the west edge of the village due to not using a turn signal. A search of the vehicle found drug paraphernalia and meth (methamphetamine). The driver was cooperative and the contents were sent away to BCI&I (Ohio Bureau Of Criminal Investigation) for lab testing. Charges are pending after being cited for driving under suspension. More serious charges could come from the Paulding County Prosecutor’s office.
On July 14 a residence was searched and as a result of the search, suspected meth and paraphernalia and prescription pills were located. One of the occupants of the apartment admitted to recently smoking meth. Two Officers followed through on the complaint. The contents were also sent away for testing, and charges are pending.
On July 21 a vehicle was reported stolen by a resident. The vehicle contained several contractor tools of value. The investigating officer contacted all the nearby police and sheriffs’ departments including Allen County, Paulding Sheriff, Payne, and Hicksville. The stolen vehicle was entered into a national database for possible recovery. On August 4th the vehicle was located in Fort Wayne, Indiana by a police officer who reported finding the stolen vehicle. The contents had been removed. The suspect who took the vehicle is facing charges locally. “In my opinion,” Chief Clemens stated, “These incidents are drug related.” The case is still under investigation and others may face charges.
On August 1 a traffic stop was made on Washington St. near the bank. The driver was cited for driving under suspension. A search of the vehicle found suspected meth and prescription pills, needles and syringes and other drug paraphernalia. The driver was cited in Antwerp Mayor’s court for driving under suspension. As the investigation and the suspected drugs are analyzed, continuing charges are pending.
On August 5, very early in the morning, a vehicle was stopped on North Main St. The driver was cited for driving while under suspension. He was charged with being in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was also arrested on a warrant from Defiance County.
The department averages 120 reports per month and about 25-30 traffic citations per month.
The department helped out in Day in the Park and assisted with traffic control.
Anyone who has questions, concerns or sees criminal activity are encouraged to talk to officers of the department.
