City video cam part of evidence in Friday arrest

Rockdale police say a routine city video surveillance camera provided part of the evidence which led to the arrest of a 27-year-old Milano-area man on a sexual assault charge.

Lt. Stephen Goodrich said an 18-year-old woman came to police about two days after an alleged incident.

The incident was alleged to have occurred in a vehicle behind the city wastewater treatment plant off Beverly Drive, he said.

“That area is under continuous video surveillance, we checked it and were able to find some video which could be used as evidence,” Goodrich told The Reporter.

Robert William Phillips Jr. was arrested for sexual assault. He was released after posting $20,000 bond.

MURDER PROBE— Goodrich said police are awaiting issuance of warrants after gathering evidence in connection with the Feb. 15 murder of 53-yearold Rockdale resident James Dyer.

Dyer was beaten to death in a room at the Walters’ Motel & Efficiency Apartments on East Cameron Avenue (US 79).

Police have termed the incident “capital murder,” which is punishable by the death penalty.

ARREST—P o l i c e responded to domestic call last Tuesday which resulted in one arrest.

Jeffrey Nieto, 35, was charged with assault family/ household member impede breath circulation. He was released on $10,000 bond.

STREAK ENDS—Rockdale’s streak of three weeksplus without a traffic accident incident in the city limits came to an end at 10:34 p.m. Friday on US 79 in front of Walmart.

Police said vehicles operated by Clayton Merka, 27, and Josie West, 57, were in a collision with each sustaining major damage.

CURFEW—An 18-and -under curfew remains in effect as part of the countywide COVID-19 precautions and Goodrich said police continue to have little difficulty with its enforcement.

OFFENSES—Police are investigating an injury-to-the-elderly complaint filed by a man who told police he had allowed two relatives to use his debit card to purchase about $50 worth of items and discovered later a higher amount of money was taken from his account without his permission.

SERVICE CALLS— Officers responded to 162 calls for service during the past seven days, along with 82 calls to the 911 emergency system through the Rockdale Police Department.