Story Archive

The Sergeant is the Department Spokesman

Bicycle theft is often a low-priority crime, but in Gladstone, Ore., an officer responded immediately to someone trying to cut the lock off a bike, and arrested Adam Valle, 26, at Taser-point. Why the quick response? It’s not just that the man was wearing a mask, but the bike was parked right in front of the police station, in view of a security camera that was being monitored inside, and the arresting officer just had to step out the door. Valle was charged with theft, criminal mischief, and being a felon in possession of weapons. “Kind of caught everyone off guard,” Sgt. Carl Bell said. “Kind of made us chuckle a little bit.” (RC/KPTV Portland, ABC) ...Dumb criminals: entertainment for professional players and spectators alike.