Morning worship service at First Baptist Church in Fowler was briefly interrupted Sunday when Fowler Police Corporal Laura Lindholm entered the church and escorted two visitors out. According to various reports from witnesses, the two men had first appeared at Fowler Christian Church where they entered and sat down. One of the men left and then came back before they both got up and exited the building.
The duo then went to First Baptist Church and after some hesitation entered the sanctuary and sat down. According to worshipers there, a few moments later Corporal Lindholm arrived and escorted the two outside. Police Chief Henry Borrego says background checks were conducted and both came back clear. The men were released and apparently left town. Lindholm was acting on a tip regarding suspicious activity.
Fowler Police are also investigating a rash of anonymous, threatening phone calls. At least a dozen women in the Fowler area have reported receiving calls from a private number. After determining the woman is alone, a male caller says he has been watching the house and threatens to rape the woman. Most of the calls have been received late at night or early in the morning.
Authorities advise anyone receiving such a call to hang up then dial *57. This will place a trace on the number making it easier for the call to be identified. Century Tel charges $1 per trace. The phone call should also be reported to the police.
Chief Borrego says a warrant has been obtained for records from Century Tel and he will be examining those numbers which have already been marked for trace. “We are doing all we can to handle this matter with the limited staff we have on hand.” he states.
In other police action:
At approximately 6 p.m. on June 26 a female reported being assaulted earlier the same day around 4 a.m. Police are investigating.
On June 28, Officer Gomez responded to the 200 block of Eighth Street on report of a large fight. Officer Gomez did not find a fight but cited Shyann Bartmus, 18, of Arizona for minor in possession and Brian Feltner, 24 of Avondale for drinking in public. Officer Gomez also cited Jared Hiembuch, 24, Fowler for providing alcohol to a minor.
On June 28, Officer Kizer and Chief Borrego responded to a burglar alarm at Tank 'n Tummy at approximately 4:06 a.m. The lone burglary suspect gained entry through the front door and took approximately 50 cartons of cigarettes. Police are continuing to investigate. The same suspect may be responsible for a similar burglary at the Tank 'n Tummy in Rocky Ford.
