We saw a significant increase of robberies in July (2018). Our community experienced 31 robberies, which compared to July of 2017 (15), represents a 52% increase.
We have seen that most robberies occur on Thursday, Fridays or Mondays and usually between the hours of 9pm-2am.
Through the end of July, our community has received 134 reports of robberies. Our average over the past five years (for the same time-frame) is exactly this number, 134.
Remember, be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep purses zipped and close to you. If you can avoid walking in non-lit/poorly lit areas alone, please do so. And don't be so absorbed in use of your phone that you are less attentive to things occurring in your immediate environment. Be safe!
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 08/09/2018 through 5:00 a.m. on 08/10/2018, MPD received 543 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 543 calls for service for the past 24-hours this is how the calls came in per district: Central (108), East (115), Midtown (62), North (82), South (47), West (81), and Other (48). 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".
**Priority calls only from 11:52pm to 7:08am due to calls for service and mutual aid request.
1) EAST: Crash – 10:15 a.m. Officers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Goldfinch Drive. The driver (79-year-old WF) left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver was disoriented and sustained minor injuries. The driver was conveyed to a local hospital. The vehicle had significant damage. Investigation continuing.
2) NORTH: Road Rage – 12:28 p.m. Officers received a report that a driver/suspect (WM) was involved in a road rage incident on E. Washington Ave. Witnesses reported that the suspect pointed a handgun at a victim. No injuries were reported. Investigation continuing.
3) MIDTOWN: Drug Incident/Overdose – 1:44 p.m. Officers responded to the McDonald's on Verona Rd for a subject (40-year-old HM) experiencing an overdose. The subject was revived by MFD and conveyed to a local hospital for an evaluation. Once a medical clearance is obtained, the subject will be arrested and transported to jail on charges of possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation hold. Investigation continuing.
4) SOUTH: Weapons Offense – 3:45 p.m. Officers responded to S. Park St for a subject shot with a BB gun. The victim (37-year-old WF) reported riding her bike on S. Park St when she heard two pops and felt pain in her buttocks. The victim believes the suspect was in a vehicle and provided a description/license plate information. There was a delay in the reporting of this incident. Suspect/vehicle not on scene. Investigation continuing.
5) SOUTH: Bank Robbery – 3:54 p.m. Officers responded to the Associated Bank on W. Broadway Dr for a report of a robbery. A suspect (WM) demanded money from a teller and fled. No weapon was displayed or mentioned. K9 track conducted. Press release completed. Investigation continuing.
6) SOUTH: Check Person/Drug Incident – 4:37 p.m. Officers responded to S. Park St to check the welfare of a potentially suicidal subject (27-year-old WF). Entry was made to the residence and the subject was located down. Naloxone was administered to the subject by MPD officers and she was conveyed to a local hospital. The subject was left in the care of medical staff. Investigation continuing.
7) EAST: Adult Arrested Person – 6:15 p.m. A wanted suspect (21-year-old AAM) was located and taken into custody on multiple charges – robbery, theft, stalking, criminal damage to property and felony bail jumping (2 counts).
8) EAST: Disturbance – 10:41 p.m. Officers responded to Milwaukee St for a report of several males fighting. The primary aggressor/suspect (28-year-old AAM) had been ordered to a secure facility under a Chapter 51 order. On today's date, the suspect got upset and started to cause a disturbance. Staff attempted to intervene. A staff member sustained minor injuries. Staff did not wish to pursue charges and the suspect was cooperative with officers. Journey Mental Health consulted. The suspect was ultimately returned to his care facility. No charges have been substantiated at this time.
9) SOUTH: Mutual Aid – 11:39 p.m. Officers responded to the area of Lake Farm Rd for a suicidal subject. The subject was located deceased. Dane County Sheriff's Office has the lead on this investigation. Investigation continuing.
10) CENTRAL: Aggressive Animal – 11:59 p.m. Officers responded to a convenience store on Winnebago St reference a dog tied to a dumpster. The owners of the dog were contacted who stated they tied the dog up because he was being aggressive with their other dog. When the owners went to retrieve the tethered dog, that dog then attacked their other dog. Officers observed the dogs fighting and that the owners were not able to control them. Officers stepped in to assist and got the dogs separated. The owners advised they could no longer care for this aggressive dog. Additionally, the owners had no paperwork to verify the dogs have been vaccinated. Officers conveyed the dog to the Humane Society and the owners were cited for having unleashed dogs. Investigation continuing.
11) CENTRAL: Weapons Offense – 1:27 a.m. Officers near Francis St/State St heard a gunshot and observed a vehicle exiting the Lake Street ramp at a high rate of speed (breaking the barrier as it exited the ramp). The vehicle was located and a traffic stop was conducted. A casing was recovered from the original scene. No damage or injuries were reported/located at this time. The driver/suspect (30-year-old AAM) was arrested on 1st degree recklessly endangering safety, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, and hit & run. Press release completed. Investigation continuing.