Police report flags $42,000 fraud loss, DUI arrest and multiple thefts; commander urges caution

Commander Phil Sample presented the police department ctivity report to the La Center City Council on July 23, 2025, detailing a large fraud loss, a DUI arrest and several thefts. The fraud case involved phone callers who identified themselves as a "Columbia Credit Union representative" and asked for account information; after providing details the victim family lost about $42,000 in withdrawals, Commander Sample said. He told the council, "please, please, please, question what's going on. If somebody calls you and say they're a representative, go to a local branch, talk to other people, just don't take people's word over the phone that they're doing the right thing for you." Commander Sample also reported a DUI arrest in June in which the suspect recorded a portable breath test reading of 0.25; he noted the legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.08 and said the defendant had two prior DUI convictions and a suspended license. In separate incidents, officers recovered a stolen fishing rod, investigated a burglary of homes under construction (about $850 in doorknobs reported stolen), and responded to an auto-prowl where four firearms and about $500 in cash were taken. The commander provided monthly totals and enforcement context: 235 calls in June (146 community-initiated and 89 deputy-initiated) and 29 written reports for the month. He emphasized that many stops are educational and that not every contact produces a report. Discussion only: council did not take formal action on the incidents during the meeting. The department said it is still investigating the fraud withdrawals and attempting to obtain surveillance or other evidence of the withdrawals from a Battleground location where cash was withdrawn. Community members and council members were advised to treat unsolicited calls requesting banking information with skepticism and to verify by visiting local branches or contacting their banks directly.