BLADENSBURG — It was standing room only as residents packed the Bladensburg Elementary School cafeteria, hoping to learn more about the spate of burglaries that have occurred in the area, the status of the investigation into the death of Jean Davis, and what they can do to help prevent future occurrences such as these.

FBI agent Harry Trombitas spoke about personal safety, and what residents can do to protect themselves and their property. Topics included identify theft; robbery, personal and business; carjacking; being a good witness; home security; and child abduction. Fifty minutes into his presentation, the restless audience made it known it wanted to talk more about recent events rather than listen to tips on prevention.

At Trombitas’ suggestion that residents keep doors closed and vehicles locked, one man in the audience said Bladensburg is a tight-knit community, and he has never locked his doors.

“Now we’re here for action,” he said, “not bull----.”

The two-hour crime awareness seminar was sponsored by CES Credit Union and the Mount Vernon News. Opening it to questions, Jim McLaughlin of CES reminded the audience these were open investigations, and asked for respect for the law enforcement personnel present. News Managing Editor Samantha Scoles led the question-and-answer session, asking what law enforcement can do to quell rumors when crime escalates in a community, and what residents can do to make themselves more protected.

Knox County Sheriff David Barber said he knew some people were present because they wanted specific information on the investigations.

“The death of Jean Davis, that is the highest priority of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “But I will not discuss that because I will not compromise the investigation.”

He added that Davis’ family is in touch with the lead investigator on the case.

“This is a tight-knit community,” he said, “and I respect that 100 percent. But I’m here to tell you that as sheriff, when I am home, my doors are locked. That is just reality. We always think crime happens just in Columbus. It doesn’t.

“We create opportunities for theft to occur,” he continued. “Not on purpose, but it’s convenient to leave the key in the truck when going out into the pasture; it’s more convenient to leave the doors open or unlocked, not thinking people will drive by and see the chain saw or weed eater.”

Barber said that in 90 percent of the thefts investigated by the KCSO, the victims do not have serial numbers of items stolen, particularly firearms.

“Even if we do recover property, if we can’t link them to you, we don’t have a victim,” he told the group.

In addition to tracking serial numbers, Barber suggested taking photos of items such as antiques or jewelry.

“Keep a copy for you, and give a copy to your insurance company in case of a house fire,” he said.

Regarding the rumors, he said everyone wants everything to be connected.

“I can stand up here and tell you quite honestly the shooting on Divan Road has absolutely nothing to do with the thefts and the death of Jean Davis,” he said. “Don’t think everything is related.”

Noting that thefts have occurred in other parts of the county as well as the Bladensburg area, Barber said, “Probably what makes it seem worse down here is the homicide.”

Barber encouraged the residents to call the KCSO anytime they see or hear something.

“We’re getting lots of tips,” he said. “Some of them are rumors, some are good leads.”

Barber said it is a bit premature to offer a reward because the KCSO is still getting useful information. There may come a time, he said, when a reward may be appropriate.

Detective Chris Barbuto of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office echoed the advice about calling in suspicious behavior. He said it was typical of an assailant to try and ascertain whether anyone is home before he or she burglarizes the place. Often, he said, a person will knock on the door, and if someone answers, will make up a question such as where a particular road is, or asking about a lost dog.

“Call the sheriff’s office. Report suspicious behavior. If we keep hearing of a gold Impala, and this guy keeps losing his dog, then we know we have a situation,” said Barbuto.

Several questions concerned the castle doctrine, which gives a person the legal right to use deadly force to defend a residence from violent attack or intrusion.

“If someone breaks in, and I shoot them, will I get in trouble?” asked an audience member.

“You have the right to defend yourself if your life is in danger,” replied Barbuto.

“Inside or outside [the house]?” was the follow-up question.

“That is something you will have to articulate to a jury,” said Barbuto.

“You cannot shoot a fleeing felon,” said Detective Nick Pease, also of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office. “If someone is leaving with your flat-screen TV, you don’t have the right to take their life. Now, if they are coming up the stairs at 3 a.m. ...”

In response to whether a thief could be shot in the leg, Pease said, “You would still have to articulate that to a jury.”

“If a person is being confrontational, that is different than trying to steal property,” he said.

“You are within your rights to hold that person,” Barber said in response to a man who asked whether he could hold a shotgun on a thief, “but you cannot use deadly force to protect an item. A life, yes.”

Pease, too, encouraged residents to call if they see something unusual.

I tell Licking County citizens, ‘Don’t apologize. I work for you,’” said Pease. “I would rather respond to 100,000 false alarms than the one tme something happens.”

He also told residents to keep doors locked.

“That lock won’t keep anyone out maybe, but at 3 a.m., if someone is thumping against that bolt, it will give you the extra time needed to call 9-1-1,” he said. “Don’t give [your stuff] away; make them work for it.”

One woman asked about a neighborhood block watch in rural communities. Barber said his office could share crime information with township trustees, and said he would be willing to attend trustee meetings if requested. He said he would prefer that a game plan come from the trustees, or the Clerk and Township Trustees Association.

Gary Young had a question about jurisdiction.

“If you have something going on in Knox County, and you see the car going into Licking County, who do you call?” he asked.

Barbuto said the area where the offense occurs usually has jurisdiction. But, he added, in the example given by Young, the Knox County dispatchers will call Licking County dispatchers and alert them to what is occurring.

Chris Van Winkle asked for specifics as to what type of a vehicle, or the color, residents should be looking for in relation to recent events in the area.

“What are we looking and watching for so we can tell you it is happening? We’ve got to know what to look for,” she said.

Barber said some of the thefts are potentially related, some are not.

“Right now, there is no particular vehicle that we are looking for,” he said. “If something doesn’t look right, call us.

“We don’t want you to become paranoid,” he added. “We do want you to be familiar with your surroundings.”

Barber said most of the break-ins have occurred in unoccupied homes or outbuildings. Regarding patrols and fingerprinting, he said deputies do patrol in unmarked cars. All deputies carry fingerprinting kits and will check likely surfaces for prints. Often, however, when dusting for prints fabric marks are found, but no fingerprints, especially in the winter when the thieves are wearing gloves.

Responding to a question about carrying a firearm that is not concealed, Barber said it is legal to carry it unconcealed, but an individual doing so will probably be questioned by law enforcement.

Resident Philip Butta said he thought having the seminar was a good idea and that good information was presented, but he would like more details.

“I did not get an answer on the castle domain law,” he said. “I didn’t get an answer here that was consistent with the law. The law allows you to use force if you feel threatened. If someone comes into my workshop ... how do you know your life is in danger? What is the law? It’s not clear.”

Butta said his concern is that he is one person, and he has three buildings to watch.

“I have a permit for concealed carry, and I’m going to start [carrying],” he said. “And I’m going to start locking doors.”

Police Chief Robert Curtis and Patrolman Andy Kofod of the Utica Police Department also attended the seminar.

An article in Wednesday’s edition of the News will include tips from Trombitas on personal safety in relationship to crime.