Atwood Police Chief Not Contacted Regarding Home Invasion Incident

By Doris Elmore
Staff Writer

This reporter reached out to Atwood Police Chief Rob Bross in regard to the home invasion and armed robbery that occurred in Atwood early Friday morning, Oct. 30.

The Atwood Police Department has one full time officer, Chief Bross, and several parttime officers. Chief Bross staggers his hours in order to be on duty at various hours during the day or evening. When there is no one on duty, the Piatt and Douglas County Sheriff’s Departments respond to a call in Atwood. However, Chief Bross is always on call to either county 24/7 unless he is ill or on vacation. In return, Chief Bross also makes himself available to each county if they need assistance.

In the case on October 30, Chief Bross was not on duty, but would have responded if contacted by the county. He was not called on this incident.

Chief Bross spent most of Friday investigating various individuals that might be in question. Also continuing to work on the case was Piatt County Investigator Tom Apperson.

“The investigation continues to be ongoing at the present time,” states Chief Bross. He added that if anyone has any information that would shed light on the case, please contact Chief Bross or Investigator Apperson.

Atwood residents need to realize the town does not have a budget to have someone on duty 24/7, but tries to keep Atwood a safe place to live. Chief Bross feels this is an isolated incident.