Tollison is well aware of the issues facing law enforcement today and is ready to face the issue head on. He and his wife have four children and three grandchildren. 289 . The only other time he fired his service weapon was when he and another officer were chasing a bank robber who had fled toward Easley after robbing a bank in Pickens. The following morning Thursday, July 16, 2020 neighboring Pickens, S.C. announced that it had parted ways with its own police chief, Travis Riggs. But that case stands out as being a major unsolved case.". "He had the weapon in his hand when he came out of the bag. The selection process was thorough and involved members of the community. Please subscribe to keep reading. With the bonus of burning 360 calories an hour, rollerblading is a surefire way to stay fit without a gym. Voices of men shouting can be heard in the background during his call. Traber, an Easley native, said he plans to spend the summer working on a few projects around his house and taking it easy. They're both aggressing. THATS WHEN WHITTEN SAID A MAN HIT HIM. "And then I asked him why he was at the bank, and he said he was getting a cash advance on his VISA. He finished his MBA at American Public University, according to the release. Applications were opened on April 5 and closed on May 10. This comes soon after a police report indicated he'd fought people and called. See new Tweets. Smith has been a part of the community for nearly 50 years after his family moved to Salisbury from Greensboro when he was three months old. 460.450 Pickens County Sheriff . The city is narrowing down its search for a new city administrator after the departure last month of Fox Simons and hopes to make a hire within the next few weeks, Bagwell said. Easley City Councilman Kent Dykes said this was a great appointment for the residents of Easley. We want to reach out and strengthen those ties. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? And it may be someday. The Best Dyson Deals to Shop Ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2023, 30+ Coolest Things on Amazon That You'll Use All the Time Plus They're Under $50, 17 Best Amazon Prime Day Pet Deals to Spoil Your Furry Friend, Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale Is Nearly Here Here are the Best Early Fashion and Home Deals. We already have a good relationship with the community. 201 W. Main Street HEY, I NEED TO GET SOMEBODY AT LAKE KIWI. Meanwhile, Whitten. CLICK HERE. Over the years Ive seen a lot of people come and go, they tried working with other agencies and they come back to Easley to stay. Instead, much like in the case of Tollisons retirement, the city opted to to make a Facebook post. And I asked him to drop the bag or to place it on the ground. James said the State Law Enforcement Division is reviewing body camera footage and witness statements as requested by the sheriffs office. In 2007, he became a deputy with the Greenville County Sheriffs Office, where he served until 2021. He has a vision to help address and prevent crime, in addition to a desire to increase engagement with community members, businesses, nonprofits and state and local law enforcement partners. Join us with welcoming two new Officers with Easley Police Department. We ran him up Cedar Rock Road and he spun out in a yard, Traber recalled. Interim Police Chief: Click Here (864)-306-7100: Easley Parks and Recreation: Christman Short: Parks & Recreation Director: Click Here (864)-810-6885: Easley Parks and Recreation: James Krout: . City Manager Jim Greene made the announcement Thursday morning. Officials. According to incident reports, the other man told deputies that after Whitten approached and started yelling, he climbed out of his boat and told Whitten to back away. One woman was scratched, the report said. Traber, 58, said he's looking forward to spending more time with his family, especially his two grandchildren, ages 4 and 7. @ Easley, South Carolina in Easley, SC, United States https: . Chief Whitten aims to bring modern, community-orientated policing ideas to the city and utilize a strong, strategic plan that fosters robust department-community partnerships and establish public trust through transparency and communication, the citys release said. Easley Police Traber missed the action in Easleys most notorious crime of recent decades the fatal shooting of two teenage girls in the Walmart parking lot in July 1991 but he wasnt untouched by the incident. Chief of Police. And he tries to start backing up, and we try to shoot the tires out. WE ALSO GOT A 911 CALL MADE DURING THIS FIGHT. 205 North First Street Easley, SC 29640 (864) 855- 7900 As this news outlet has documented ad nauseam over the last few years, law enforcement misconduct in the Palmetto State is rampant particularly when it comes to officials at the local level. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Easley police Chief Stan Whitten is under paid administrative leave, In one of the calls, a man who identified himself as a park ranger, In the other 911 call, a woman told dispatchers. After a routine investigation into the incident, a grand jury determined that Traber was justified in the shooting. Deputies noticed Whitten had abrasions on his forehead and nose, and that his behavior indicated he had a considerable amount of alcohol. The information released describes an incident involving Whitten reported at Mile Creek Park, in Six Mile, over the weekend, officials said. An Upstate police chief is off the job while he's being investigated, officials said Wednesday. EASLEY, S.C. - Over the course of a 35-year career in law enforcement, Easley Police Chief Danny Traber has chased bank robbers, investigated murders, and shot and killed a suspect. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. With the bonus of burning 360 calories an hour, rollerblading is a surefire way to stay fit without a gym. We will perform our duties with respect and compassion for the citizens while instilling the public's trust. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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Tollison's mother, Judy Tollison. Deputies on Wednesday released police reports and 911 calls of an incident involving the now-suspended Easley police chief. Traber missed the action in Easley's most notorious crime of recent decades the fatal shooting of two teenage girls in the Walmart parking lot in July 1991 but he wasn't untouched by the incident. EASLEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The City of Easley said the police chief has resigned after law enforcement responded to reports of his involvement in a fight over the weekend. Follow Spencer Donovan on Twitter @sdonovan5. This other chick's mouth is bleeding. "I fired one shot. Drop the bag!. Tollisons mother, Judy Tollison. Several times in the reports, Whitten is described as intoxicated. Whittens hiring announcement came as a surprise as it had not been preceded by public meetings on the citys hiring process, nor informational updates during City Council meetings. 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(Additional coverage from 6 p.m. show below). Smith holds a bachelors degree from Columbia College in criminal justice and will receive his masters degree in leadership with a concentration in human resource management from Pfeiffer University this December. It was in his vehicle, which was parked out in front of Kmart, which I thought was really strange," he said. I could have died that day. A call had come in about a suspicious person at First National Bank on U.S. 123. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. NEW INFORMATION NOW ON AN INVESTIGATION THAT HAS THE EASLEY POLICE CHIEF ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. Last Wednesday (July 15, 2020), Easley, S.C. police chief Tim Tollison resigned from his post after more than a quarter of a century with the department (including five years as chief). I consider it an honor to have served the great city of Easley and its employees over the past 35 years, many being close friends.. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Additionally, he in an instructor with the Security and Emergency Response Training Center, a Patrol Initiated Drug Investigations Instructor, assists with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program, is a member of American Legion Post 52, and is on the Board of Directors for the Guardian Ad Litem Program in Pickens County. "They're throwing hands," she said. Applications were opened on April 5 and closed on May 10. 20 Augusta St. What Traber didn't know was that inside the bag was a Mac 10 semi-automatic pistol with two full clips. With the way law enforcement is seen today, its not in a very good light. Maps + GIS; National Weather Service; SC.Gov; South Carolina Chamber of Commerce; Contact Us. He has certainly lived up to the motto Protect and Serve. We wish him the best in his retirement and look forward to continuing our long friendship, the mayor said. A pair of police chiefs in the South Carolina Upstate left their posts abruptly last week, raising questions as to what may have motivated their sudden departures. I look forward to working with our officers, growing relationships with other service and law enforcement agencies, and strengthening relationships with our community. It just didn't match up. And of course it was a fatal shot," Traber said, his voce taking a somber tone. These are some of the best PS5 games for teens you can find on Amazon right now. The bank hadn't opened for the day yet, and the man was going from one door to another trying to get in. The mean medium in the U.S. encompassing each and every age is close to $49,000. "So at that point I figured, well, I'm going to pat him down for weapons. PICKENS , SC News, Obituaries, classifieds, and Sports, Tim Tollison named new Easley police chief, Martin: No 7th seat yet, but change is needed, Over 18K have claimed Classroom Teacher Expenses Credits. I fired one shot. Thats the day he nearly lost his life in the line of duty and was forced to take a life in self-defense. "His demeanor throughout the investigation suggested he had a considerable amount of alcohol," one deputy said, also saying he did "notice a strong smell of alcohol" coming from Whitten.The reports detail a he-said-he-said-she-said between the parties that began when the driver of the Jeep asked Whitten to move his vehicle so they could get out of the park.An argument escalated into yelling that led to Whitten ending up on the ground and injuring his forehead and nose.Whether Whitten was pushed, hit or fell to the ground is unclear based on what deputies were being told by the individuals being interviewed.All deputies reported they were told Whitten used racial slurs and profane language while yelling at the driver of the Jeep and his wife and children.Whitten's daughter, as identified by deputies in the reports, got out of Whitten's car and also began to yell profanities at people.One woman was scratched, the report said.Whitten is also described in the reports as waving his badge around and continuing to yell racial slurs at the man, his wife and children.When one deputy asked Whitten why he used the racial slurs, Whitten told the deputy, "Because I can," the report said.Two 911 calls were also released.In one of the calls, a man who identified himself as a park ranger told dispatchers he had just gotten off work and out of the shower when he "heard people screaming left and right," so he drove to the parking lot to see what the commotion was.Voices of men shouting can be heard in the background during his call.In the other 911 call, a woman told dispatchers she was with her husband and child, "who was absolutely hysterical," trying to get out of the park while a number of men were out of their vehicles and fighting. EASLEY The City of Easley announced Stan Whitten has been selected to lead the Easley Police Department, replacing Interim Chief Lane Byers who has been head of the department since the sudden retirement of Tim Tollison last July. Deputies on Wednesday released police reports and 911 calls of an incident involving the now-suspended Easley police chief. Drop the bag!'. Larry Eugene Hall was convicted of sexually assaulting one woman at gunpoint, then shooting two sisters in front of numerous witnesses. The man was carrying a duffle bag over his shoulder. You have permission to edit this article. Looking back on his career, the date April 28, 1994, stands out foremost in his mind. Offline Pickens County Sheriff, Pickens County EMS, Easley Police, Easley Fire, DNR Some far off Medics bleed over. In one of the calls, a man who identified himself as a park ranger told dispatchers he had just gotten off work and out of the shower when he "heard people screaming left and right," so he drove to the parking lot to see what the commotion was. All rights reserved. "He has certainly lived up to the motto 'Protect and Serve.' A call had come in about a suspicious person at First National Bank on U.S. 123. LIVE AT LAKE KIWI ON PEYTON. Easley's Assistant City Manager Tommy Holcombe confirmed that Police Chief Stan Whitten has been placed on paid leave during an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Pickens County. An argument escalated into yelling that led to Whitten ending up on the ground and injuring his forehead and nose. Easley Police Department arrests and mugshots: May 2023 Natalia Martin June 2, 2023 These are arrests for the month of May 2023, obtained from Easley Police Department records office. Chalmers Rogland Herald-Journal 0:00 1:00 The city of Easley Chief of Police has resigned after an incident Saturday where he allegedly used profanity and racial slurs during an argument at. After a routine investigation into the incident, a grand jury determined that Traber was justified in the shooting. He began his career in law enforcement 18 years ago as a SPD patrol officer. EASLEY, S.C. (WSPA) - Officers with the Easley Police Department are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect and/or vehicle regarding an armed robbery. If you have any information please contact the Easley Police Department at (864)859.4025. Though I know I walk into my own death, still it is better.". EASLEY, S.C. (WSPA) The City of Easley and the Easley Police Department announced on Thursday that Stan Whitten has been selected as the new Police Chief. EASLEY, S.C. (WSPA) - The City of Easley and the Easley Police Department announced on Thursday that Stan Whitten has been selected as the new Police Chief . AS DEPUTIES INTERVIEWED WITTEN, ONE SAID, QUOTE, I DID NOTICE A STRONG SMELL OF ALCOHOL COMING FROM WITNESS PERSON AND INQUIRED IF HE HAD BEEN DRINKING. Then, according to reports, she put her arms up to defend herself, and the other woman was hit in the face by her forearm. Another man, whose name was redacted, was identified as the driver of a blue Jeep, also pulling a boat, with up to seven children inside, the report said. He also managed crime analytics and records division staff. Traber, 58, said hes looking forward to spending more time with his family, especially his two grandchildren, ages 4 and 7. Easleys Assistant City Manager Tommy Holcombe confirmed that Police Chief Stan Whitten has been placed on paid leave during an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Pickens County Sheriffs Office. This other chick's mouth is bleeding. She also said her husband tried to intervene, and a woman in the black truck started yelling profanities at her. According to information obtained from the city of Easley via a released statement, the competition for the position was stiff. Whitten studied criminal justice at Columbus College and received a BS in Human Services at Thomas Edison State University. It is what it is.. AboutEasley Police Department. WITTEN STATED HE HAD HAD A FEW BEERS IN HIS DEMEANOR THROUGHOUT THE INVESTIGATION, SUGGESTED HE HAD HAD A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL. What will it become now? 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Given that it involved a police chief of an agency within Pickens County, an entity that naturally we work with on a daily basis, we thought it was better for an independent third party to review the facts to ensure that everybody was as objective as humanly possible, he said. Address: "And it may be someday. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play. WE JUST RECEIVED THE INCIDENT REPORT THAT HAS MORE DETAILS ABOUT AN ALLEGED FIGHT OVER THE WEEKEND AT LAKE KEOWEE KEY INVOLVING THE CHIEF WITF. By Kasie Strickland kstrickland@cmpapers.com. 2021 The City of Easley | South Carolina | 205 North First Street Easley, SC 29640 | Powered by , The Government Website Experts | Login | Powered by , The . Deputies respond to shooting in Spartanburg Co. Officers respond to purse snatching robbery in Spartanburg, Customers react to beloved Inman restaurant closing, Investigation underway after body found in NC, From the Upstate to the Low Country; Jeff Tate on, Furman duo Jalen Slawson & Anna Morgan sweep SoCon, High School Standouts: Lady Mavs, Mauldin Basketball, Former Furman football head coach Dick Sheridan passed, Cannarella & Petry make Baseball America Freshman, Zip Trip School District of Pickens County, High School Standouts: Lady Mavs Basketball, Which exercises reduce pain caused by aging? facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Youtube; Other Resources. Our community service reputation makes the Easley Police Department the professional law enforcement provider to meet the needs of residential communities and businesses within our jurisdiction. He has built trusting, open relationships as an effective leader. After we get through that, well see, he said. We invite you to explore our page and visit often, as we will feature important dates and information such as upcoming events and how you can get involved. He had been a police officer and meant a lot to her, so I think this meant a lot for her today., Address: South Carolina's Judicial Department Website; Suspected Abuse; Traffic Court-Method of Payments; Non-Emergency Contact. Low 71F. Lane Byers Interim Chief of Police Job Announcement: The Easley Police Department is now accepting applications for a full time Communications Specialist/Jailer. Whitten remained at the GCSO until 2021, having advanced to the rank of sergeant and commander of the Emergency Response Team, according to the city. They told 7NEWS they expect to have the issue resolved by next week. Shannon Jones was hit in the head with a blunt object as she walked to her car on Main Street to go to work before sunrise one Sunday morning in 1993. And as he pulled out the weapon, I was yelling at him to 'Drop the bag! I think I missed my tire, but we got the guy.. The City of Easley Police Department's mission is to preserve the peace for all persons within our jurisdiction by providing fair, efficient, and impartial law enforcement services. It was in his vehicle, which was parked out in front of Kmart, which I thought was really strange, he said. SIDNEY, WE JUST GOT THIS INCIDENT REPORT ABOUT AN HOUR AGO, AND ACCORDING TO THE PICKENS COUNTY DEPUTIES WHO RESPONDED TO THIS INCIDENT, THEY WERE CALLED A LITTLE ABOUT AROUND 5:00 ON SATURDAY TO A FIGHT THAT WAS BLOCKING TRAFFIC RIGHT HERE AT THIS INTERSECTION AT LAKE KEOWEE KEY, THE REPORT WITNESSES AND THOSE INVOLVED SAID STAN WITTEN, THE OFF DUTY POLICE CHIEF, WAS BLOCKING THE ROAD AND A TRUCK WITH A TRAILER AND BOAT CAME UP BEHIND HIM AND TOLD HIM TO MOVE A MAN INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT THEN SAID WITTEN GOT OUT OF HIS CAR, YELLED AT HIM. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! In 2009, he was promoted to criminal investigation detective. TODAY, THE EASLEY MAYORS OFFICE SAYS HE WILL BE ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE UNTIL THAT INVESTIGATION WRAPS UP, POTENTIALLY BY NEXT WEEK. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. I could have died that day. Community policing is vital and should be neighborhood-focused using a problem-oriented approach. Mostly Public Safety in Pickens . I know Captain Smith will make an excellent chief for our city., I welcome my new role as the new Chief of the Salisbury Police Department, said Smith. Mayor Larry Bagwell said the city hopes to have a new chief in the job by the time Traber leaves. "She told dispatchers that nobody could get out of the park because of the fighting. EASLEY - Over the course of a 35-year career in law enforcement, Easley Police Chief Danny Traber has chased bank robbers, investigated murders, and shot and killed a suspect. "To have worked for such a great organization for over 35 years is something I will cherish the rest of my days," Traber said. To provide reliable, competent, and attentive service in the most professional manner possible in partnership with local and county agencies that is responsive to citizen's needs. But as he prepares to retire next month, it's the one unsolved homicide that still sticks in his craw. Credit: Images_By_Kenny/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images. THE REPORT SAYS HE SAID, QUOTE, BECAUSE I CAN. City officials said Whitten will remain on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues. He had been under internal investigation by the city. Tim Tollison, was named the new Easley police chief on Monday. Whitten is a native of Easley and has more than 20 years of public service, according to the department. Got a tip for a story? "I asked him for ID. Copyright 2023 WBTV. He doesnt have his ID. Reflecting on the past in an office decorated with Clemson memorabilia, a set of deer antlers, and photos of his grandkids, the Easley High graduate who has been on the force since he was 22 is ready to spend more time on those things Clemson football, deer hunting, and family. 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