By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department released information following up on a crime suppression detail at Walmart, off Chalkville Mountain Road.
After a shooting on Feb. 2, Police Chief Eric Rush deployed the most concentrated crime-fighting effort in the department’s history. Rush said he felt like people didn’t feel safe going to the area, so he instructed a specialized unit to enforce laws, make arrests and issue citations.
SEE RELATED STORY: Trussville Police ‘Taking back Walmart’ after shooting inside store
In the first four days, officers with the unit made 11 arrests, issued 80 citations and impounded 21 vehicles. Arrests made were for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a concealed firearm. One of the arrests for carrying a concealed firearm was a Walmart employee, Rush said. These arrests and citations do not include numbers from patrol officers on their regular beats.
The person arrested for the Feb. 2 shooting was also a Walmart employee. 20-year-old Jordan Christopher Harris is now charged with attempted murder, criminal mischief second-degree and reckless endangerment. No one was hurt in the shooting. Harris posted $62,000 in bonds and was released from the Jefferson County Jail on Feb. 3. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 13.
Leadership from Walmart’s district asset protection already met with city leaders in Trussville to discuss how to make the area safer for shoppers. Rush said he would like Walmart to provide funding for Flock Safety cameras at the entrance of the property, in order to help curb crime.
Flock Safety license plate reader cameras take snapshots of tags and alert law enforcement when they detect stolen vehicles, stolen tags, people with outstanding warrants, or people or vehicles who have been entered into a hotlist. The cameras can also help with investigations after crimes have been committed. The technology can provide images and information on individuals and vehicles. That’s why Rush said he would like Walmart to help get them.
“Flock cameras have proven to be an excellent crime-fighting tool,” Rush said. “But there are other things that we have spoken with Walmart about that will help decrease crime in the area.”
The department will also move a substation back into Walmart to serve as a place for officers to work. Walmart officials hope to have the substation ready by the end of the week.
SEE RELATED STORY: Walmart working with city to fight crime; Trussville PD moving back to substation
