As a preamble to today's blog of significant calls, I thought I would provide a brief review of our violence response initiative which started back in early August and tapered off before the Labor Day weekend.
The Department engaged in an extensive problem solving initiative that was in response to the dramatic increase in shots fired calls, homicides, and violent behavior taking place throughout our community. Over the course of four weeks, with "all hands on deck" and a considerable investment of time and expense, we were able to make some headway in mitigating the magnitude and frequency of the most egregious acts. And while any acts of violence are intolerable, the City did have some relative "success" in stemming the escalation and trend lines of what had been a rough summer.
No one is proclaiming "victory." In fact, as the initiative scaled back last week, an uptick in "shots fired" began to surface almost overnight! So some will surely say, don't let up! Keep the accelerator down to the floorboard! But as I stated at the outset of launching this endeavor, ambitious projects of this order are not sustainable due to staffing, fiscal considerations and employee wellness implications over a protracted period of time. It was my hope that by having our personnel pulled from their other responsibilities in heightening our visibility in neighborhoods, providing a presence in hot spots, and by identifying and arresting targets associated with guns, drugs, and violence, we could temporarily alter the ascending patterns of disorder that was permeating everyone's quality of life.
Now that school has resumed, our children have the structural certainty of going to schools where the business of education, socialization, and safety offer a refuge from the streets. MPD will still be working hard to identify and target offenders that need to be arrested. But bear in mind, while the cops serve as the gatekeepers to the criminal justice system, we cannot go it alone. We can make some of our cases based on forensics (i.e., DNA/fingerprints). We can make some of our cases through the expanded use of technology (i.e., cameras). But we cannot make cases unless we continue to have human intelligence; tips that can remain confidential, which then provide us with critically important leads.
In closing, rest assured that MPD will still be conducting weekly operations looking for wanted individuals and violent crime gang members. But an "arrest" only reflects a temporary band aid approach and many of those we apprehend are released shortly thereafter. Our intentions are clear to those who are brought to jail: "you are not anonymous and we will not tolerate your behavior."
From 5:30 a.m. on 09/05/2017 through 5:30 a.m. on 09/06/2017, MPD received 474 calls for service. This number does not include parking complaints or 911 misdials.
1) CENTRAL: Accident Hit and Run – 7:46 a.m. Officers responded to the area of W. Johnson Street/W. Mills Street for a vehicle/pedestrian accident. The suspect vehicle left the scene. The victim, a blind 57 year old MW, and his guide dog were both hit by the vehicle. Victim sustained minor injuries which required no medical attention. The dog was transported to the vet by the officer, along with its owner. Investigation continuing. Press release posted.
2) EAST: Drug Incident Overdose – 10:22 a.m. Officers responded to Pinewood Court reference a possible overdose of prescription medication. The subject (29 year old AAM) was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Investigation continuing.
3) SOUTH: Check Person – 10:43 a.m. Officers responded to a local hospital after a subject (29 year old WM) left the hospital against medical orders. The subject had been admitted to the hospital this past weekend after overdosing on prescription medication. The subject was located and was cooperative with officers. The subject agreed to return to the hospital. An emergency detention (ED) was found to be necessary for the subject. Another local law enforcement agency, where the initial event with the subject occurred, took over and will complete the ED.
4) EAST: Traffic Arrest – 2:25 p.m. Officers responded to the 5000 block of Camden Road for a vehicle all over the road and a subject (26 year old WF) who appeared to be dozing off. The subject was contacted by police and she admitted to the use of heroin the night before. No probable cause was developed for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. The subject was, however, issued several citations for traffic and driving behavior as well as for possession of drug paraphernalia.
5) WEST: Domestic Disturbance – 3:47 p.m. Officers responded to Sauk Creek where a subject (20 year old MW with special needs) reported that his mother (41 year old WF) had a taser. Officers responded and made contact with both subjects. It was determined that a verbal argument had taken place between the son and mother. There was no probable cause developed for any charges but some follow-up is being conducted.
6) NORTH: Drug Incident Overdose – 6:00 p.m. A MPD Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO) observed a subject (23 year old WM) in a vehicle parked in the 2600 block of East Lawn Court who was unresponsive and foaming at the mouth. Officers and EMS responded. The subject refused medical assistance but due to his condition he was placed in protective custody and conveyed to a local hospital. Investigation continuing.
7) WEST: Missing Juvenile/Runaway – 8:20 p.m. Officers responded to the 3100 block of Muir Field Road for a report of a missing juvenile (14 year old HM). No medical or mental health concerns for the juvenile. Attempt to locate aired and juvenile listed as missing in the appropriate databases.
8) EAST: Domestic Disturbance – 8:30 p.m. Officers responded to the 3500 block of E. Washington Avenue for a report of a domestic disturbance. The victim (23 year old HF) and suspect (26 year old HM) were having a verbal argument when it turned physical. The suspect fled prior to the police arriving. Probable cause for the suspect was developed for domestic disorderly conduct and domestic battery. Attempts will be made to locate and arrest the suspect.
9) EAST: Attempted Burglary – 9:31 p.m. Officers responded to the 1300 block of MacArthur Road where a suspect (39 year old AAM) attempted to open the victim's (39 year old MW) residence door. The suspect was contacted. The victim did not wish to pursue any charges. The suspect was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.
10) WEST: Weapons Violation – 11:26 p.m. Officers responded to the area of Raymond Rd/McKenna Blvd for several callers reporting hearing shots fired. Officers responded and did not locate any evidence of shots fired.
11) CENTRAL: Robbery – 1:49 a.m. Officers responded to the 700 block of State Street where a victim (45 year old WM) was located with observable injuries and his personal items missing (backpack, wallet, tablet). The victim could not recall what took place. Investigation continuing.
Update to call from 9/5 - WEST: Weapons Offense Shots Fired – 12:28 a.m. Officers responded to the 5300 block of Tolman Terrace where multiple callers reported hearing shots fired. Officers responded, checked the area and did not find any evidence of shots fired. **Update: Officers ultimately located and collected 9 casings in the Tolman Terrace/Dorsett Drive area.