Author: Keith Jones

Posted on

Victim of Unattended Death Identified

Sunset Picture

MEDIA RELEASE

 January 25, 2017

 Victim of Unattended Death Identified

 

On Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at approximately 11:01 a.m. Officers from the Flagler Beach Police Department were dispatched to the north side of the State Road 100 Bridge for what appeared to be a human body floating in the Intracoastal Waterway.  Upon Officers’ arrival, a female was found deceased in the Intracoastal Waterway.  The victim in this case was positively identified as Janis Washburn, 68 years of age, a resident of Palm Coast.

 

On, Wednesday, January 25, 2017, an autopsy was performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office and the cause of death was determined to be drowning.  The investigation into the death of Ms. Washburn has officially been classified as a suicide and the case is hereby closed.

 

Chief Doughney stated, “Our entire Department’s thoughts and prayers are with the Washburn family during this difficult time.  The loss of a loved has a ripple effect on those that are left behind and we hope that time, faith and serenity come quickly to those that loved and cared about Janis.”

 

Chief Doughney continued, “This tragedy should serve as a reminder that life is fragile and that there are people in our community that need help.  Suicide is not the answer. The answer is reaching out to someone, anyone that can listen and help. If you don’t know who to call, call 911 and we’ll respond.  Our goal is to preserve life and help prevent tragedies like this one from occurring.”

 

If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2023.  The following suicide prevention information is respectfully provided.

 

 

Posted on

Holiday Scams

 “ Active Holiday Scams”

 

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this awareness announcement in an effort to warn citizens in our community that there are active computer “scams” occurring nationwide during this holiday season.  To date there have been no victims in Flagler Beach and we hope this information thwarts anyone from becoming a victim.

 

The first scam involves an e-mail you receive from what appears to be Amazon.com claiming there is a problem processing orders. The email message says, “You will not be able to access your account or place orders with us until we confirm your information.”  A “click here” link connects you to an authentic-looking Amazon webpage and asks you to confirm your name, address and credit card information (including expiration and CVV security code).  After entering your personal information and hitting the “Save & Continue tab”, consumers are redirected to the actual Amazon website. The information you’ve submitted on this webpage provides the fraudsters with everything they need to make unauthorized charges on your account.  The initial e-mail message may appear as depicted below;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second scam involves an e-mail you’ll receive from either “Chase Support” or “USAA”.  The e-mails will advise that they’ve “noticed some possible problems with your account” and that they have to suspend your account temporarily “while they take a closer look.” The e-mail will then direct you to click on a link, an example of which follows;

 

Please follow the next steps on getting your account reactivated (be sure to reference your corresponding Chase or USAA account profile information).

Click here to resolve now.

By clicking on the link you’ll be forwarded to a website and asked to provide personal information, which will ultimately provide the fraudsters with information that will be used to their advantage.

If you receive suspicious e-mails of this nature please be cautious, do not click on any link or provide any personal information online in response to these e-mails.  If you do receive these types of e-mails, please contact your local Law Enforcement agency for assistance.

 

If you have any questions regarding these active scams, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2023.

 

Additional information on these scams can be found at the following websites;

AARP website; http://blog.aarp.org/2016/12/02/new-amazon-phishing-scam-confirm-your- information-to-process-order/

Chase website:   https://www.chase.com/digital/resources/privacy-security/security/how-you- can-protect

USAA website; https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/security_how_avoid_identify_scams

Posted on

Arrest Warrant Phone Scam

“Federal Arrest Warrant – Phone Scam”

 

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this awareness announcement in an effort to warn and alert citizens in our community that there is a telephone “scam” currently taking place in the area. To date there have been no victims in Flagler Beach and we hope this information thwarts anyone from becoming a victim.

The scam involves a fraudulent caller (or an automated call) contacting members of the public and alleging they have an active federal arrest warrant for tax fraud and demanding payment of fines.  The phone number associated with this scam is (202) 621-0123.

According to a 2014 release from the United States Marshall’s Service a similar phone scam was active in Dayton, Ohio in 2014 when a fraudster identified himself as a Law Enforcement Officer and informed potential victims they had active federal warrants for their arrest.  The caller then gave the potential victims a contact number and information to pay the fine. The phony Law Enforcement Officer threatened the potential victims with arrest if the fine was not paid.  The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency and does not seek payment of fines or fees via the telephone for individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.

Citizens in our community should stay vigilant and maintain a healthy skepticism should they receive any telephone calls of this nature.  If you receive a call of this nature please be cautious, hang up and contact your local Law Enforcement agency for assistance.

If you have any questions regarding this active phone scam, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2023.

Additional information on the United States Marshall’s Service can be located at their website; https://www.usmarshals.gov/

 

Posted on

Winter Holiday Safety Tips

Winter Holiday Safety Tips

The winter holiday season is a special time of year and the following safety tips are provided in an effort to make this the safest season possible. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware; so please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. The Flagler Beach Police Department wishes everyone a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

Holiday Shopping Tips

  • Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
  • If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area. Consider shopping with a friend or family member rather than going alone.
  • Make sure purses and wallets are secure on your person and you are aware of their location at all times.
  • If you must use an ATM, choose one (1) that is located in a store, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
  • Credit cards offer convenience and security, however, keep track of all cards and keep receipts to compare to your monthly statement.
  • Have keys ready before getting to your car so you do not have to search for them while walking to or standing near it.
  • Report any suspicious persons or activity to Law Enforcement immediately!
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason, especially in parking lots. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Home Safety Tips

  • Valuable items, such as televisions, stereos, and computers should be inscribed with an identifying number unique to its owner (do not use your entire social security number).
  • Create an up-to-date home inventory including make, model, serial numbers, other detailed descriptions, and photographs of items of value (including jewelry). This inventory should be kept somewhere safe, out of the house.
  • It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved. Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
  • The motion detector or other alarm system (if you have one) should be activated when you leave home.
  • Mail and newspaper deliveries should be stopped or arrangements for a neighbor/friend to pick them up should be made when you are away from home for a period of time.
  • Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home when you are away or have a trusted friend or relative house sit in your absence.
  • Make sure all doors and windows are locked when you leave, even if you have an alarm system.
  • Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
  • Contact the Flagler Beach Police Department (386) 517-2023 to request “House Watch” checks of your residence while you are out of town.

Hosting a Party

  • Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
  • Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
  • Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink alcoholic beverages.
  • Don’t drink and drive.