On Thursday, January 21, officers from the Aurora Police Department executed a search warrant on West Tyndall Street. Officers recovered a stolen pickup truck, drug paraphernalia and also seized a firearm.

Significant Incidents From the Past Week

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new Website where residents can find the latest information regarding the operations of the sheriff’s office as well as locate area sex offenders.

On January 7, a report was taken at the Aurora High School for Safe School Act violations that occurred on November 20 and December 15.

Lawrence County Sheriff Brad DeLay shows where the old cell doors were at the Lawrence County Jail.

In the months of November and December of 2009, the Aurora Police Department investigated reported burglaries at Perfect Images, the Cutting Company, Davis Cellular, Aurora Discount Building Materials, Denny’s Automotive, Top Hat Cleaners, Ricardo’s, Leitle Auto Supply, Dean Bowling Curio Shop and #1 Nail Salon and Spa.

Trent Thompson, director of the Aurora Parks Department, has spent part of the week assessing damage in the city’s parks.

Captain Pat Jenkins will serve as the interim police chief in Aurora, according to an announcement from City Manager Tom Palmer. The new assignment for Capt. Jenkins, a 25-year veteran of the local department, becomes effective January 8, following the retirement of Police Chief Rick Batson.

During the month of December several Aurora merchants reported burglaries at their businesses. The suspect(s) appeared to looking for money, however a few victims reported personal items and merchandise stolen.

During a routine search at Aurora High School on December 3, school officials located a vehicle in the parking lot that had a rifle in the center console area. Detectives from the Aurora Police Department responded to the scene. School officials are in the process of handling the incident.

Police Chief Rick Batson has announced his intent to retire at the close of business on January 7, 2010.

On November 21, a resident of the 900 block of South Hudson reported his van was stolen from his residence. On November 22, the van was recovered in Greenfield. A suspect has been identified and the investigation is active.

At approximately 2 a.m., Friday, November 13, 2 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the 800 block of West St. Louis Street to assist the U.S. Marshall Service in serving a federal wanted person warrant.

City workers discovered vandalism early Monday, November 9, at Baldwin Park. During the weekend, vandals damaged the soccer fields, leaving tire marks and deep ruts.

Detectives have identified four juvenile suspects responsible for several burglaries that occurred in the city in October. The juveniles went to Leitle’s Auto Supply business on October 3, and purchased a pair of small bolt cutters.