“I would like to extend my appreciation for the efforts put forth by Det. Jeff Yount in regards to the homicide investigation in January. As you know, on January 18, 2020, KPD was dispatched to a found body wrapped in a blanket inside a dumpster on Aberdeen. The next day, January 19, 2020, we located the apartment nearby where the victim was killed. By that evening, the suspect had been identified, along with several possible locations he frequented. KPD Detectives were busy with other tasks and/or completely drained. As such, I contacted KPD Vice Sergeant, Sgt. Price and you for assistance in hunting for the suspect. You both quickly agreed to offer assistance and obtained Detectives to be used at my disposal, which I am greatly appreciative of.

Within a few hours, we had found our suspect and taken him into custody. Several of the Detectives responded back to KPD and offered any more assistance, without having to be asked. Most were thanked for their help and dismissed. During this time, Det. Yount had learned the suspect, who was being questioned by Det. Vandegrift and Det. McGuire, had not only confessed but described an area on the Kettering/Oakwood border where more evidence was located. Without being asked, Det. Yount volunteered and went with Officer Walker. They ultimately found the evidence, dug it out of a dumpster, conducted evidence and returned to KPD with it.

Det. Yount went above and beyond, showing great effort and teamwork. Teamwork is the most important part of the work we do in Law Enforcement because it ensures the work is done efficiently, safely and successfully. Det. Yount’s display of teamwork, work ethic and dedication is to be commended and is much appreciated.”

Mayor Duncan thanked Detective Yount for his hard work and dedication.

Mayor Duncan shared a report that he received from the city manager about the City receiving $7,041 last week in forfeiture money related to a traffic stop initiated last year by Public Safety Officer (PSO) Jeff Payne. On April 14, 2019, Officer Payne ran a license plate while on stationary patrol on Shroyer Road. The driver of the vehicle, Ernest Tate, returned with an active felony warrant for drug trafficking in Montgomery County. PSO Payne stopped the car, arrested Mr. Tate, and upon search of his vehicle, discovered: 1) approximately 1 pound of marijuana, packaged in small baggies for resale; 2) 30 hydrocodone pills; and 3) just over $10,000 in cash. The $7,041 was deposited into the Law Enforcement Fund. Mayor Duncan thanked PSO Payne for a job well done.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Program – Mayor Duncan introduced Board of Health member Dr. Sallie Wilson and Oakwood resident Leigh Ann Fulford, and recognized Board of Health members Dr. Bill Coyne and Diane Scott, RN in the audience. Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Fulford referenced a PowerPoint presentation and provided information regarding suicide awareness and prevention.

They began their presentation by sharing that they are long-term residents of Oakwood, survivors of suicide loss (members of a club they did not ask to join), volunteers/board members of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Ohio, members of Montgomery County’s Suicide Prevention Coalition, Creators of Dayton’s Out of the Darkness Walk and certified Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) trainers, and suicide awareness and prevention speakers.

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Roughly 22 veterans are lost to suicide per day. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 10-34. More youth die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, & chronic lung disease, combined.

In 2018, more than 48,000 Americans died by suicide and 1.4 million Americans attempted suicide in 2017. Each suicide leaves behind an average of 115 people affected by the loss. Youth suicides increased by 56% from 2007 – 2016. It is believed that suicide rates have been underreported, as many are recorded as accidents. Reports show that some opioid overdoses are actually suicides. Four out of ten suicides could be prevented by reducing access to means that could take the individuals life.