October 2008

Chemical spill at Eaglecrest sends five students to hospital
On September 24, 2008, at approximately 3 p.m. deputies responded to Eaglecrest High School, 5100 S. Picadilly Street, to reference a chemical spill on the east side of the building. 

Upon arrival, deputies determined a 55 gallon drum of hydrochloric acid used for the schools swimming pool suddenly fell off a delivery truck, causing it to rupture.  Approximately 20 gallons of hydrochloric acid leaked from the drum near the east entry/exit doors. Several students exiting the school were exposed and overcome by the vapors. A total of nine students were treated for hydrochloric acid exposure; five were transported to an area hospital for treatment. School Resource Officer Presley also was transported for treatment due to possible exposure. There were no serious injuries as a result of the spill.

A Unified Incident Command was established with Cunningham Fire/Rescue, Parker Fire/Rescue, Cherry Creek School Security, and the Sheriff’s Office. 

Automated License Plate Recognition System put into service
In August 2008, the Sheriff’s Office equipped its first patrol vehicle with an automated license plate recognition system. Purchased through a Federal grant, the system revolutionizes the way deputies combat crime. The automated license plate reader has several applications to include:

  • Stolen Vehicle Identification
  • Wanted Felons, BOLO's and AMBER Alert
  • Sexual Predators and DUI Surveillance
  • Surveillance and Investigation\
  • Drug Enforcement
  • Homeland Security and Interoperability

Since its implementation deputies have arrested wanted subjects, recovered stolen vehicles, and located individuals wanted for questioning, which otherwise may have gone undetected.

As the program continues to show its effectiveness, the Sheriff’s Office will evaluate the benefits of adding additional units in the future.

 

2008 Archives