We continued to see a rise in heroin overdoses last month. A 130% increase in fact. There were 30 known overdoses in July (2018) compared to July (2017) when there were 13 known overdoses.
Through the end of July (2018), our year-to-date number of reported overdoses is 174; a 59% increase from the same time-frame last year (109 Jan-July 2017).
We lost two lives during the month of July due to suspected overdoses. There have been a total of 28 suspected deaths from heroin overdoses so far this year (through the end of July). This reflects a 100% increase in heroin overdose fatalities for the reporting period of January-July 2018 (28) compared to the same timeframe in 2017 (14).
Our officers identified 11 individuals who were eligible for the Madison Addiction Recovery Initiative (MARI). Our officers are going to great lengths to be on the lookout for eligible participants that can be referred to treatment. Subject/suspects who have drug addiction problems often commit crimes (retail theft, burglary) in order to support their habit. When in contact with these suspects, officers go the extra mile by building rapport and trust with these individuals hoping to establish a nexus between the criminal behavior and the need for drugs. When this can be established, instead of arresting the subject individuals can be referred to MARI for treatment and another chance at life (as long as they meet the conditions for treatment).
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 08/08/2018 through 5:00 a.m. on 08/09/2018, MPD received 537 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 537 calls for service for the past 24-hours this is how the calls came in per district: Central (82), East (103), Midtown (77), North (70), South (65), West (83), and Other (57). 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 – 8:35 a.m. Officers responded to a crash at N. Broom St/W. Johnson St. The victim (23-year-old WF) was struck by a vehicle/driver (50-year-old WM) as she was crossing the road in the crosswalk. The victim sustained minor injuries. The driver was cited for failure to yield.
2) MIDTOWN: Damage to Property – 9:32 a.m. An officer was contacted by a cemetery employee who reported 36 headstones were found tipped over (some sustained damage). Press release completed. Investigation continuing.
3) MIDTOWN: Weapons Offense – 11:53 a.m. Dispatch received a report of shots fired from a vehicle on Cross St. Officers located multiple casings. No injuries or damage has been reported/located at this time. A second report to dispatch reported shots fired on Doncaster Drive with the same vehicle description. No damage or casings were located. Press release completed. Investigation continuing.
4) CENTRAL: Strong Armed Robbery – 3:28 p.m. Officers received a report that a victim (26-year-old WF) reported being approached/robbed by a suspect (WM) as she was walking near W. Doty St/S. Broom St. The suspect grabbed her bag and fled. Press release completed. Investigation continuing.
5) CENTRAL: Check Person – 7:42 p.m. Officers responded to E. Wilson St for what was originally called in as a weapons offense with a suicidal subject cutting herself. Officers contacted the subject (21-year-old WF) who had sustained a superficial cut. The subject's parents responded and assisted in conveying her to a local hospital where she was voluntarily admitted. The subject was left in the care of medical staff.
6) CENTRAL: Battery – 12:27 a.m. Officers responded to a bar on State St for an intoxicated subject/suspect (48-year-old NAM) who was refusing to leave when asked by staff. The suspect started to cause a disturbance and punched three victims in the face (37-year-old WF, 27-year-old WM and 32-year-old WM). The suspect was arrested for battery (3 counts) and disorderly conduct.
7) CITY-WIDE: Check Person – 1:58 a.m. Officers received a request to check the welfare of a possible suicidal subject (39-year-old WM). Attempts were made to locate the subject. Phone pinged. Attempt to locate aired. Investigation continuing.