January Enforcement Staff Members of the Month
- By Alicia W. Coleman
- Posted Thursday, February 13, 2025
Corporal Leonard of Walkertown Community Policing deserves recognition for his prompt and effective actions in apprehending three armed suspects. On January 8, 2025, deputies were dispatched to a reported burglary in progress where an 18-year-old female was home alone. Three suspects had forcibly entered the residence, damaging both the front and bedroom doors, which contained several firearms. Upon Corporal Leonard’s arrival, the suspects fled on foot, prompting Corporal Leonard to pursue and arrest two of them inside a building located in a wooded area behind the victim's home. A drone was deployed, and a perimeter was established as a K9 unit directed the search towards Reidsville Road. Further assistance from other deputies led to the apprehension of the third suspect in an apartment complex, where a stolen AR-15 was also recovered. Three additional stolen firearms were recovered during the search and all three suspects, identified as juveniles, have been placed under a secure custody order. These arrests highlight the relentless dedication and sharp investigative abilities of Corporal Leonard, who has shown unwavering commitment to safeguarding the community and maintaining the rule of law.
On the evening of January 23, 2025, Deputy James McDowell was traveling west on Salem Parkway when he observed a vehicle traveling more than 90 miles per hour past him. Deputy McDowell conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. As he exited his patrol vehicle an unknown motorist stopped behind his marked patrol vehicle and advised him there was a passenger vehicle that was traveling northbound on Salem Parkway in the southbound lane of travel. Simultaneously Deputy McDowell observed this vehicle pass his location. Without hesitation, Deputy McDowell immediately got back into his patrol vehicle and attempted to intercept the vehicle. Deputy McDowell was able to catch up to the wrong-way driver on Salem Parkway near the Silas Creek Parkway exit. At that time Deputy McDowell selflessly turned onto Salem Parkway in the wrong direction of travel in an attempt to catch up to the vehicle. As he was traveling in the wrong direction on Salem Parkway Deputy McDowell was passed by several vehicles. After a short distance, he was able to successfully overtake the wrong-way driver and get the vehicle stopped. Deputy McDowell was able to identify the wrong-way driver as an elderly male who had gotten lost while trying to find a hotel. Thankfully, Deputy McDowell’s quick thinking and courageous response ultimately saved the life of an 86-year-old. Deputy McDowell’s actions also likely saved the lives of other unsuspecting motorists who were traveling on Salem Parkway. Deputy McDowell’s willingness to risk his own safety to protect a citizen in crisis exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement, and his actions undoubtedly warrant recognition through the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office sworn staff member of the month. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that officers can have in their communities, often putting themselves in harm's way to safeguard the well-being of others.
