Police Blotter 9/26/2012

An off island man who temporarily is here working was found on the deck of an island hotel, tossing porch furniture at the windows and doors of a suite.  He was arrested and charged with injury to property.

The man was under the influence of something, and had no explanation for his behavior.  "His words to me were, 'I don't know why I did what I did,'" said Sergeant Jason Daniels, who transported the man to the Dare Detention Center in Manteo. 

Ocracoke officers assisted with an involuntary commitment.  If family or friends worry someone's life is in danger, due to substance abuse or mental health issues, they can document their concerns and compel a visit to the Outer Banks Hospital.  After a consultation, a physician decides whether or not to recommend transport to a state facility for treatment.

About half of the people who leave the island for involuntary commitments return the same day, said Daniels.  "Everyone has a pity on me party now and again," observed Daniels, who encourages the community to look out for one another and to "be safe rather than sorry."  Talk of suicide should always be taken seriously.

Over the weekend, the department served two warrants on men who live locally.  One was charged with communicating a threat; the other with harassing phone calls.  Both posted bond and will face their accusers in court.

With fewer visitors on the roads, Ocracoke deputies are more likely to notice expired tags on local vehicles.  Several tickets were written last week for this offense. 

While the department offers a more generous window than the 30 days allowed by NC law, if your tags have been out for several months, "You will get a ticket," said Daniels.  Vehicle taxes, insurance and inspection must all be up to date for license plate registrations to be valid.  The DA usually drops the charges if order has been restored prior to your court date. 

"Just because you live on Ocracoke and it's your beach driving vehicle, it doesn't mean it's okay to not have valid tags and registration," said Daniels.  "It's not different here than anywhere else.  Sometimes people don't understand that."

One ticket was written for a fictitious plate, which is putting tags from one vehicle on another.  The Sheriff's Department issues no grace for this, as it is an active attempt to circumvent the law.

Reckless and inebriated use of golf carts has chilled out, reports Daniels.  And other than that, "not too much is going on."