The final data we have to share from March, 2018 is "Theft from Autos" –
In March, 2018, our department received 67 reports of theft from autos (TFAs); compared to 100 reports of TFAs in March of 2017. We had a 33% decrease in TFAs this year.
From January through the end of March this year, we experienced a total of 170 TFAs. Comparing this to the average (257 TFAs) we have seen over the past four years (1st quarter only), we have seen a 34% decrease in TFAs. *(Thanks to all of you who are taking affirmative steps to lock your cars and keeping your valuables out of plain sight!)
Where are these incidents occurring?
- North – 13
- East – 20
- West – 10
- Central – 5
- South – 5
- Midtown – 14
Before we get into the calls for service for the past 24-hours, I have decided to post some "positive stories" as we head into the weekend. So often, there is nothing but gloom, doom or despair crossing various news portals. On a regular basis we have community members who call or email with recognition for the good works of our employees. (We also compile information and post quarterly recognition reports to our website - http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/PSIA/). Here is a recent sampling of what is occurring from shift-to-shift, day-to-day:
- Recognition for two officers who responded to a subject having an overdose. One officer began chest compressions while the other officer administered naloxone. The subject was revived and transported to a local hospital.
- We received a letter of gratitude for our response to a mom who lost an adult child to an overdose.This mom wanted me to be aware that the detective and officers assigned to this incident were critically important in her grieving process and have remained in contact months later.
- Officers responded to a call where a mother and her young children had been kicked out a motel they were staying in.Many options to find them housing were explored without success.Contingency plans were discussed for daylight hours.But in the interim, options had been exhausted.The officer(s) conveyed the mother and her children to a restaurant that was open 24-hours-a-day.The officer spoke to management and received permission for them to stay until daylight.The officer then gave her own money to the mom so that they would be "customers" patronizing the business.The officer felt compelled to ensure that the children were with their mother and not stranded outside on a cold night.
- Recognition for an officer who helped a stranded motorist. The officer gave her children a ride to their schools so they were not late. They were very appreciative of the officer's efforts.
- An email was sent to an officer thanking him for the work he did to get his cell phone returned to him after it was stolen. The individual was very appreciative of the officer's efforts and wanted him to know how much it meant to him.
- An email was received stating that each day there is a crossing guard on her route to work that waves to everyone.The constituent wrote that this simple gesture of hospitality makes her smile and is a great way to start her day in a positive way.
- An email was sent with recognition for an officer who responded to a crash call. The victim was on her way to take an exam when she was hit by a vehicle. The victim had to be transported to a local hospital for an evaluation and she was very concerned about missing her exam. The officer assured her that he would make contact with the appropriate individuals to advise them of her situation. The officer reached out to her professor and a grace period to retake the exam was extended. Our constituent/victim was overwhelmed by how this officer went to great lengths to ease her crisis.
- Officers responded to a call where a subject called 911 threatening to commit suicide by jumping off a balcony. The officers arrived quickly, moved cautiously but approached the subject and were able to grab onto him. If not for the heroic actions of these officers, coupled with their quick decision making, this subject may very likely have jumped or fallen to his death.
- A community member stopped by the Chief's office to compliment an MPD employee.The employee was recognized for her excellent customer service that she provided to the community member as well as others that were line.The community member was very appreciative of the employee's efforts.
The information contained in my blog is derived from notes provided by MPD Officers-In-Charge (OIC) at the end of their shifts. Most narratives represent early and preliminary information that was gathered by an OIC from those in the field who were actively working cases. The OIC is sharing what they were being told, in the moment. In many instances, facts and circumstances, even the type of crime listed, can change as officers, detectives and investigators continue their work.
From 5:30 a.m. on 04/12/2018 through 5:30 a.m. on 04/13/2018, MPD received 455 calls for service. This number does not include parking complaints or 911 misdials. For purposes of clarification, the following abbreviations are short-hand for race designations: W=White, AA=African American, NA=Native American, H=Hispanic, ME=Middle Eastern, A=Asian, MR=Mixed Race, U=Unknown. MPD shifts are staggered as follows: 1st detail=7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2nd detail=12 p.m. to 8 p.m., 3rd detail=3 p.m. to 11 p.m., 4th detail=8 p.m. to 4 a.m., 5th detail=11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
**Priority calls only from 6:47pm-10:47pm due to the two crash calls which caused electrical outages.
1) NORTH: Weapons Offense/Shots Fired – 8:11 a.m. Officers responded to Blaine Drive for a report of shots fired. Officers recovered 5 spent casings; 3 bullet holes were found in a garage door. No injuries were identified. Press release completed. Investigation continuing.
2) CENTRAL: Adult Arrested Person – 2:56 p.m. Officers responded to W. Wilson St for a subject creating a disturbance and causing damage to a residence. The subject (20-year-old WM) was conveyed to a local hospital for injuries he sustained prior to the arrival of officers. Once medically cleared, the subject was transported to jail for domestic disorderly conduct.
3) MIDTOWN: Mental Health Conveyance – 3:53 p.m. Officers responded to a local hospital to assist security with a subject who needed to return to the hospital for an evaluation/treatment. The subject (29-year-old WM) was initially not cooperative with officers but was ultimately convinced to return to the hospital. The subject was voluntarily admitted and left in the care of medical staff.
4) NORTH: Stolen Auto – 3:54 p.m. Officers responded to a business on Darwin Rd for a report of three stolen autos. The vehicles were listed as stolen in the appropriate databases. Investigation continuing.
5) MIDTOWN: Detox Conveyance – 4:23 p.m. Officers responded to the 6200 block of Mineral Point Rd to check the welfare of a chronic, intoxicated subject/resident (54-year-old WF). The subject also reportedly was making vague suicidal comments. The subject was found to be intoxicated/incapacitated so she was conveyed to Detox. The subject was left in the care of Detox staff with a notation to notify Journey Mental Health upon release.
6) SOUTH: Crash/Property Damage – 5:34 p.m. Officers responded to the W. Beltline Hwy for a crash/property damage incident. A semi-truck driver was turning when it took out two poles and electrical wires/transformers. MG&E responded. MPD assisted with traffic direction.
7) MIDTOWN: Crash/Property Damage – 5:56 p.m. Officers responded to University Ave/Farley St where a driver struck an electrical pole after veering to miss a squirrel. MG&E responded. MPD assisted with traffic direction/blocking for several hours due to the extent of the outage. (At least the squirrel survived).
8) WEST: Adult Arrested Person – 6:25 p.m. An officer came across a prolific shoplifter in the mall. The subject/suspect (22-year-old AAF) had been previously notified that she was not allowed in the mall. The suspect was contacted and arrested for trespassing.
9) EAST: Drug Overdose – 8:00 p.m. Officers responded to National Ave for a subject (28-year-old WF) having an overdose. The subject was administered Naloxone which revived her. She was conveyed to a local hospital. The subject was cited for possession of heroin and provided a referral to the Madison Addiction Recovery Initiative (MARI).
10) NORTH: Report of Shots Fired – 8:28 p.m. Officers responded to the 1600 block of Packers Ave for a report of 5-6 gunshots. No evidence of shots fired was located. No damage/injuries were identified. Additional canvassing may be necessary during daylight hours. Investigation continuing.
11) CENTRAL: Stalking Complaint – 9:25 p.m. Officers met with a victim (24-year-old WF) who reported that a subject/suspect (31-old WM) was stalking her. The suspect was contacted and issued a stalking letter (to cease and desist from all contacts) based on the evidence provided by the victim.
12) EAST: Non-Residential Burglary – 10:38 p.m. Officers responded to a business on Dempsey Rd where the dollar value of items taken was significant. Investigation continuing.
13) CENTRAL: Drug Overdose – 11:07 p.m. Officers responded to N. Hancock St for a subject (31-year-old WM) having an overdose. The subject was conscious and alert when officers/EMS arrived on scene. No admission of drug use. No evidence of drug use on scene. The subject was transported to a local hospital and left in the care of medical staff. Investigation continuing.
14) CENTRAL: Domestic Disturbance – 2:09 a.m. Officers responded to W. Johnson St for a domestic disturbance between roommates (20-year-old WF victim and 20-year-old WM suspect). The victim reported that the suspect was intoxicated, suicidal and violent. The suspect was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct.
15) MIDTOWN: Detox Conveyance – 2:13 a.m. Officers responded to a convenience store on the near-west side for what was originally called in as a business alarm. Officers cleared the business and as they were doing so came across an intoxicated subject/employee in the store. The subject (45-year-old WF) was found to be incapacitated so she was conveyed to Detox.
16) CENTRAL: Check Person – 3:02 a.m. Officers were dispatched to Hawthorne Court for a residential burglary. After establishing a perimeter and clearing the area, investigation reflected that this was merely a check area request and no crime had occurred.