Wichita Falls Police Captain Scott Vaughn was one of 228 law enforcement officers that graduated earlier this month from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. The 268th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states. Included in the class were members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 24 international countries, five military organizations and seven federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.

Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.

Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the university’s accreditation of the many courses offered.

The graduating officers were represented by the class spokesperson, John Richard Russo, Chief of Police, Rutherford Police Department, Rutherford, New Jersey. A total of 50,141 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.

Captain Vaughn graduated from the 51^st Training Academy and has served 21 years with the Wichita Falls Police Department.

It’s that time of year again! With summer in full swing, people will be out and about on road trips and family vacations. Undoubtedly activity at local gas stations will be on the rise. The increase in activity will also mean more opportunities for criminals to strike.

Gas pump skimmers are a common method crooks use to steal your identity. Here are a few tips to help you as a consumer avoid or reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a skimmer scam.

First look at the overall condition of the gas pump. Is there anything attached to it that appears out of place? Is there more than one card reader? Any visible wires on the outside of the machine? Is there tape holding objects on the pump?

If you notice anything attached to the outside of the pump that appears out of place or brand new in appearance compared to the pump itself, it could be a skimmer or camera. Some externally placed skimmers will allow the transaction when placed over or near the pump card reader, but will also steal your card information at the same time.

If possible avoid gas pumps that are out of view of the store employee. These pumps could be more easily compromised with a skimmer device since employees will not be able to see activity around the pump. Use the pumps that are within view of the employee these may have a reduced risk of being compromised.

Check to see if the pump has a security seal placed on the access door. If this seal is broken or gone, move on to another pump if possible. It could mean that the pump has been compromised. If the seal is missing or broken notify the employee immediately. If you have to use a pump with a broken seal, pay with cash or card inside and notify the employee about the condition of the gas pump.

Use a credit card instead of a debit card if possible. Many credit cards offer better protection against most types of fraud. Debit cards immediately withdraw money from your account. If you have to use a debit card, run it as a credit card so you don’t have to enter a PIN.

Bluetooth Skimmers –  More advanced skimmers are blue-tooth capable so the crook will not even have to come and get it! They will simply park nearby and access the blue tooth skimmer through mobile devices such as laptops or smart phones. Others that are externally attached may have to be retrieved by the crook at some point in time.

Suspicious People – If you see people hanging around gas pumps or pretending to be maintenance workers, inform the employees or call the police. It could be nothing or it could be the criminal retrieving stolen information.

Credit/Debit Cards – Finally, check your credit/debit cards or gas card statements regularly for any irregularities or unusual charges. Notify the police and credit card company as soon as possible for the fraudulent charges to protect yourself and your credit.

Last week, the WFPD Motorcycle Unit participated in the 2017 Capital of Texas Police Motorcycle Chute Out in Buda, Tx.  Here is a list of the awards won:

Overall Team Results for the Entire Event-2nd Place Team

RODEO – FINAL INDIVIDUAL STANDING FOR OVERALL SCORES FOR ENTIRE EVENT

Officer Justin Whisenhunt – 4th Place (Tie)

Officer Clint Halloway – 6th Place

Officer Chris Cozart – 8th Place

Officer Kody McBride – 9th Place (Tie)

Officer C.J. Mauck – 9th Place (Tie)

Sgt. Van Dotson – 11th Place (Tie)

Officer Jessie Whitehead – 17th Place

Officer Danny Castillo – 20th Place

Sgt. Leland Wright – 22nd Place (Tie)

Officer Danny Atnip – 26th Place

Officer Dustin Moffett – 36th Place

Crystal Truitt

On 02-22-17, at approx 2:15am, WFPD officers responded to the 2000 blk of Taft in reference to a suspicious person call. Upon arrival, they made contact with 34 year old Crystal Truitt. Truitt told them that she had called police because someone was after her. A family member showed up on the scene in a white Mazda Tribute and Truitt got into the backseat. While the family member was outside of the car talking with officers, Truitt exited the car and got into the driver’s seat and tried to drive off without the owners consent. Officers approached the vehicle and tried to stop her but she would not comply. An officer was able to push on the brake pedal of the vehicle with his hands while Truitt pressed on the gas. The vehicle moved forward and struck the officer but he was able to roll out from under the vehicle to avoid being completely ran over. Truitt led officers on a pursuit until she finally stopped at Kiowa Casino in Devol, Oklahoma and ran inside. One of the pursuing officers made contact with her inside the casino’s main entrance where she was being hostile and aggressive. The officer deployed his taser and Truitt was taken into custody. She was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer and Evading Arrest in a Vehicle.

The injured officer was taken to United Regional where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

Dennis Bass & Anya Vanacker

On 02-21-17, at approx 11:56am, WFPD officers made a traffic stop on a white Oldsmobile Alero for speeding in the 2400 blk of Central Freeway. Investigation revealed syringes loaded with a clear liquid and a clear glass pipe with white residue inside the vehicle. The liquid field tested positive for methamphetamine. The driver was identified as 23 year old Dennis Bass. The passenger, who originally gave a false name and date of birth to the officers, was identified as 22 year old Anya Vanacker.  Bass and Vanacker were arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance PG-1 and transported to jail.  Both subjects also had warrants out for their arrest. At the jail, Bass was found to be in possession of methamphetamine on his person during his intake process.  Their charges were as follows:

Dennis Bass:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance PG-1 > 1g < 4g
• Warrant – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Warrant – Speeding

Anya Vanacker:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance PG-1 < 1g
• Failure to Identify
• Warrant – Dangerous Drugs

Carl Venerable Jr

On 01-30-17, at approx 4:50am, WFPD responded to a residence in the 5000 blk of Bayberry to serve several warrants on Carl Venerable Jr.  Venerable was a WANTED fugitive in connection with a 4th of July shooting that occurred in Vernon, Texas.  When officers arrived, Venerable tried to escape by running out the back door but officers were there waiting for him.  He was arrested and booked in on the following warrants:

• FELONY:  Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Wilbarger County)
• FELONY:  Retaliation (Wilbarger County)
• FELONY:  Deadly Conduct (Wilbarger County)
• FELONY:  Failure to Appear (Wilbarger County)