By 1812Blockhouse
The Village of Butler Police Department, led by Chief Eric Winbigler, has issued a comprehensive report detailing the department’s activities for the month of August. Officers were busy ensuring traffic and safety regulations were enforced across the village, making a significant impact. A total of 97 traffic stops were conducted throughout August, resulting in various warnings, citations, and other community policing actions.
Traffic Warnings Dominated by Speeding Incidents
Throughout August, officers issued 33 warnings for speeding, making it the most common violation. In addition, several other infractions received attention from the department, with drivers receiving warnings for issues ranging from faulty vehicle equipment to traffic rule violations. Here’s a breakdown of the warnings:
- Speeding: 33 warnings issued.
- No license plate light: 5 warnings.
- Marked lanes violations: 4 warnings.
- Distracted driving: 8 warnings.
- Expired license plates: 3 warnings.
- Two headlights required: 5 warnings.
- Failure to display a license plate: 3 warnings.
- Failure to stop at stop signs: 2 warnings.
- Brake lights required: 1 warning.
- Yield to pedestrian right-of-way: 1 warning.
The emphasis on speed management and other equipment-related violations reflects the department’s continued efforts to promote safe driving practices and compliance with vehicular regulations.
Citations Issued for Various Violations
Alongside warnings, the Butler Police Department also issued a range of citations. Officers aimed to hold drivers accountable for more serious offenses, focusing on unsafe driving behaviors that could put others at risk. Citations were issued for the following:
- Speeding: 6 citations issued.
- Failure to use a turn signal: 1 citation.
- Failure to stop at a stop sign: 2 citations.
- Driving under suspension: 1 citation.
- Expired license plates: 1 citation.
- Marked lanes violations: 2 citations.
- Distracted driving: 2 citations.
The diverse range of citations demonstrates the department’s vigilance in identifying and addressing unsafe behaviors on the road, reinforcing their commitment to public safety.
Additional Assistance and Incident Responses
In addition to traffic-related activities, the Village of Butler officers were called to assist other agencies and handle various non-traffic-related incidents. Notably, officers responded to:
- OVI (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence): 1 case.
- Assistance to Richland County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO): 3 instances.
- Assistance to Bellville Police Department: 5 instances.
- Assistance to Worthington Fire Department: 3 instances.
Community-related incidents also required police involvement, including:
- Domestic disturbances: 1 instance.
- Trespassing issues: 1 instance.
- Animal complaints: 3 instances.
- Mental health-related concerns: 1 instance.
This range of activity underscores the Butler Police Department’s role in responding to both community-specific issues and collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions to maintain safety and order.
A Focus on Community Safety
Chief Eric Winbigler expressed his department’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of safety within the village. With August’s report reflecting a balance of warnings, citations, and broader community engagement, the department remains focused on creating a safe environment for all village residents. Traffic enforcement, in particular, continues to be a primary concern, as evidenced by the significant number of warnings and citations related to speeding and distracted driving.