In June (2018), we received 87 reports of theft from autos (TFAs); this represents a 37% decrease from June (2017) where we had 137 TFAs.
Through the end of June (2018), our community has experienced 393 TFAs (reported) year-to-date. This number reflects a 36% decrease of our average TFAs over the last four years.
Where are the TFAs occurring, per district (June, 2018):
- West: 24
- Midtown: 14
- South: 11
- Central: 6
- North: 16
- East: 16
Two simple preventatives to this crime are to keep your vehicles locked and make sure all valuables are hidden (better yet, not stored) in a vehicle. (One should never leave firearms in a vehicle)
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 5:00 a.m. on 07/11/2018 through 5:00 a.m. on 07/12/2018, MPD received 596 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.
To further break down the 596 calls for service for the past 24-hours this is how the calls came in per district: Central (94), East (102), Midtown (65), North (69), South (98), West (82), and Other (86). Other=these are calls for service that either do not have a sector listed or the sector is not in the City. For example, if one of our officers assists another law enforcement agency, their sector is not listed in our districts so therefore it is listed under "other".
1) CENTRAL: Crash – 8:54 a.m. Officers responded to a moped crash on W. Johnson St. No injuries were reported. The driver (22-year-old AF) was cited for improper left turn.
2) CENTRAL: Missing/Runaway Juvenile – 10:17 a.m. Officers responded to the Goodman Pool reference a missing autistic juvenile (11-year-old WM). The juvenile was located at approximately 10:30am and returned to his caregiver.
3) MIDTOWN: Road Rage – 11:27 a.m. Officers responded to Monroe/Spooner St reference a road rage incident where a fork lift driver reportedly was upset and yelling profanities at the victim driver for no apparent reason. The suspect (43-year-old WM) was initially uncooperative with officers but ultimately admitted to the disturbance. The suspect was cited for disorderly conduct.
4) WEST: Missing/Runaway Juvenile – 3:23 p.m. Officers responded to a report of a missing/runaway juvenile (14-year-old AAF). Officers were able to make phone contact with the juvenile who refused to meet with them. The juvenile was entered as missing/runaway in the appropriate databases. Investigation continuing.
5) CENTRAL: Fraud – 4:43 p.m. Dispatch received multiple reports of fraud where victims were receiving phone calls from a number (appearing to be the Dane County Communication Center) demanding money. At least one victim was scammed of several thousand dollars. Investigation continuing.
6) EAST: Strong Arm Robbery – 5:57 p.m. Officers responded to the 4100 block of Commercial Ave (convenience store) where a suspect (WM) attempted to commit a robbery. The suspect fled, without obtaining anything, but then committed a robbery on N. Third St. **See #7 below for further info.
7) NORTH: Armed Robbery – 6:52 p.m. Officers responded to a convenience store on N. Third St where a suspect (WM) demanded cash. The suspect implied he had a weapon, although one was not observed. The suspect fled with cash. The suspect has been tentatively identified and is at-large. Investigation continuing. **Related to #6 above; same suspect.
8) SOUTH: Drug Incident/Overdose – 9:58 p.m. Officers responded to Waunona Way where residents located an unknown subject (18-year-old WF) in their home. The subject was not sure how she got in the home. The residents did not wish to pursue any charges. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital for an evaluation. Investigation continuing.
9) CENTRAL: Fight Call – 2:26 a.m. Officers responded to N. Frances St for a report of a fight in progress. As officers arrived, people dispersed. No charges have been substantiated at this time. Investigation continuing.
10) CENTRAL: Strong Arm Robbery – 2:40 a.m. A victim (20-year-old UF) was walking home, talking on the phone when a suspect ran up to her and attempted to grab her purse. A struggle ensued and the suspect punched the victim in the face. The suspect fled with the victim's phone. The victim and other community members gave chase to two suspects (AAMs). At one point, one of the suspects stops and points what appears to be a handgun at the victim/community members, which ceases the pursuit. Press release completed. Investigation continuing.