Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl addressed a problem concerning juveniles in Fordyce over the weekend.
Knoedl wrote, "I felt compelled to clear up some issues that occurred this past weekend.
On Friday night, Dallas County Deputies, along with the Fordyce Police Department, were called to the Exxon/Subway parking lot due to some juveniles congregating there and reportedly drinking and trashing the parking lot. When officers arrived, there were 9 juveniles present who were found to have alcohol and a small amount of marijuana. After questioning and the use of a portable breath test, it was determined that all of the individuals had consumed some alcohol. I'm not saying these are bad kids because they're not. They just made some bad decisions Friday night and hopefully learned from it."
Knoedl then wrote that some social media posts stated law enforcement was "harassing kids".
He explained.
'Fact number one, we were called to a business on a complaint. Fact number two, the juveniles in question were drinking alcohol and found to have alcohol and a small amount of marijuana. These aren't crimes of the century, but we are required to act. We cannot or will not allow anyone underage to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At that point, we become liable for anything that may happen as a result of that.
"I put this out because of several really negative comments about law enforcement in Dallas County. Some of these comments became personal towards me, which I couldn't care less about. One poster mentioned my son, which I find concerning. I don't read these posts; people screenshot and send them to me. To the person who mentions my family, I cordially invite you to come see me face-to-face rather than be a keyboard warrior."
Knoedl wrote, "In closing, I don't respond to negative rhetoric. I am always open to constructive criticism, but I have more important things to do than engage in a battle of wits with unarmed people.
To the people who support me and law enforcement, thank you!!
God Bless"
Knoedl often uses social media to address misinformation in the county.
Read a previous post about Knoedl taking on keyboard warriors.
Suzi Parker
