MOUNDSVILLE - Moundsville Police have heard the call from one concerned grandparent and are increasing patrols on the city's walking trail.
They also are pursuing new ways of watching the area via surveillance technology.
According to Police Chief James Kudlak, the department has assigned one motorcycle patrolman per shift to work on the trail, where a convicted felon allegedly stole a bike ridden by a young boy in June.
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Photo by Annie Dimmick
Those walking and riding bicycles along the walking trail in Moundsville will notice more police presence now that one motorcycle officer per shift has been assigned to patrol the area.
"We have them out patrolling," Kudlak said. "We keep an eye on (the trail)."
On June 12, Robert Anthony Kazules, 40, allegedly stole the bike from the boy who was riding it on the walking trail near 10th Street. The boy told police Kazules jumped out of the high weeds behind him, pushed him off the bike and said, "It's my bike now, kid."
Kazules, who had just been released from a New Jersey prison after serving a sentence for domestic battery, was arrested later that day after investigating officers found him sitting on a bench on 10th Street. Kazules denied the theft, but the boy told officers Kazules was the culprit.
Days later, the boy's grandfather, Carl Boso, told members of City Council the incident should be a sign that an increased police presence is necessary.
Kudlak said Thursday that, in five years, the bike trail stretching from Moundsville through Glen Dale has only seen three "incidents," but he added that he is working to get surveillance cameras installed along the trail.
"I would love to see (the cameras) down the road," he said. "Right now it's just a matter of getting the funds."
He said the department is actively pursuing funds for the cameras, which would allow patrolling officers to view various areas of the trail via monitors in their cruisers. In the meantime, he assured the walking trail is being patrolled regularly.
Kazules remains in the Northern Regional Jail, awaiting further court proceedings on the resulting first-degree robbery charge.