Associated Press - November 25, 2009 8:44 AM ET

STERLINGTON, La. (AP) - Sterlington's police department survived a 2-2 vote to shut it down because the fifth alderman abstained.

Alderman Cliff Bullock made the proposal to turn law enforcement over to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office. Alderman Caesar Valesquez voted with him, saying he's had numerous complaints about police and Chief Barry Bonner.

Valesquez says people have told him that civilians spend time around the station and that the department took a lackadaisical approach to a businessman's report of copper thefts.

Valesquez also said he himself told the chief that people were rolling and selling suspected marijuana cigarettes in a parking lot, but Bonner did nothing.

Bonner said the council has never provided evidence to back up any complaint.

Information from: The News-Star, http://www.thenewsstar.com

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