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Today we examine the trend lines with respect to heroin overdoses through the end of February. Last month, MPD handled 16 reported overdoses; when compared to February of 2018 (18), we see an 11% decrease. Year-to-date, we have responded to 27 reported overdoses; when compared to the same timeframe in 2018 (34), we see an encouraging 20% decrease. It is important to note, however, the emphasis being placed on "reported" overdoses to MPD as naloxone (which I have called the Lazarus drug for heroin overdoses) can be purchased over-the-counter and there is no way of knowing how many using heroin have family/friends/others prepared to render aid. (We see one such example in our blog notes today.)
Regrettably, we have a year-to-date 20% increase in heroin fatalities. In 2018, our community had 5 fatalities ascribed to heroin overdoses. This year we have 6 fatalities. In the month of February, we had 3 suspected deaths from heroin; there were 4 suspected overdose deaths in the month of February, 2018--a 25% decrease for this reporting parameter.
Demographics for heroin overdose cases reported to MPD:
~59% male/41% female
~81% White/11% Hispanic, Asian, or Native American/7% African American
Demographics for heroin overdoses cases reported to MPD resulting in death:
~67% male/33% female
~Regarding this year's fatalities, 4 were White, 1 African American, 1 Asian
MARI (Madison Addiction Recovery Initiative): MPD Patrol Officers referred 7 people who met the eligibility standards. MPD also began accepting Dane County Sheriff's Office cases for participation in MARI and one person was referred from them. Thirty one people have now completed the MARI program with one more on schedule to complete in March.
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 6:00 a.m. on 12/07/2018 through 6:00 a.m. on 12/08/2018, MPD received 494 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 494 calls for service for the past 24 hours this is how the calls came in per district: Central (79), East (99), Midtown (78), North (76), South (39), West (72), and Other (51). 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) SOUTH: Check Person – 7:20 am. The significant other of a subject (67-year-old AAM) with dementia contacted police when the subject left the residence after an argument. The subject was located and returned home but left the residence again later the same day. The subject was put in touch with staff at Journey Mental Health.
2) NORTH: Traffic Crash – 9:29 am. The suspect/driver was traveling inbound on Northport Dr and collided with a vehicle at the intersection with Kennedy Rd. There were no significant injuries. The suspect received multiple traffic citations and had a body-only warrant and was conveyed to jail. Investigation continuing.
3) CENTRAL: Check Person/Drug Overdose – 10:33 am. The mother of the suspect (25-year-old WM) found him down in his residence on N Butler St and administered naloxone. Upon arrival MFD administered additional doses of naloxone. The suspect was transported to the hospital. The suspect was cited for possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Investigation continuing.
4) WEST: Death Investigation – 12:33 pm. Officers were dispatched to check the welfare of a subject (81-year-old WM) who missed his dialysis appointment. Officers found the subject deceased in his residence on Stratton Way. Nothing suspicious located on scene.
5) NORTH: Adult Arrested Person – 2:17 pm. Staff at a correctional halfway house contacted police for a suspect (20-year-old WM) who was observed with a white powdery substance on his nose and was believed to be under the influence. Officers were unable to establish probable cause for a crime at this time. The suspect was medically cleared and transported to jail on a probation hold. Investigation continuing.
6) MIDTOWN: Adult Arrested Person – 3:20 pm. Officers made contact with a wanted suspect (46-year-old AAM) at his residence on N Brooks St and arrested him for outstanding probable cause on charges of battery and strangulation. The suspect was transported to jail. Investigation continuing.
7) WEST: Adult Arrested Person – 5:41 pm. Fitchburg police notified Madison PD that a wanted suspect (17-year-old AAM) was at their location. Officers responded and arrested the suspect for outstanding probable cause on charges of operating a motor vehicle without consent, fleeing/eluding and bail jumping. Investigation continuing.
8) EAST: Check Person – 5:51 pm. Officers responded to the Motel 6 at 4202 East Towne Blvd to check the welfare of a suspect (57-year-old WF) who was intoxicated and making suicidal statements. The suspect, who had a warrant for felony bail jumping, was taken into protective custody and transported to detox before ultimately landing in jail.
9) CENTRAL: Domestic Disturbance – 8:01 pm. During an argument at a residence on N Brearly St, the suspect (37-year-old HF) punched the victim (57-year-old AAF) in the eye. Officers responded and arrested the suspect for domestic battery and conveyed her to jail. The victim was transported to the hospital. Investigation continuing.
10) NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 8:55 pm. During an argument at a residence on Northport Dr, the suspect (46-year-old AAM) pulled out some of the hair of the victim (38-year-old AAF) and punched her several times in the face before fleeing the scene. Officers located the suspect upon responding to a disturbance later that evening on Cordelia Crescent involving several males fighting in the street. The suspect was arrested for domestic battery and disorderly conduct and conveyed to jail. Investigation continuing.
11) EAST: Juvenile Complaint/Return – 12:27 am. Officers responded to the 3000 block of Darbo Dr to return a suspect (15-year-old HM) to JRC.
12) NORTH: Alarm – 3:46 am. Officers responded to a duress alarm in the 1400 block of Packers Ave. From outside the residence looking through a window, officers observed a male dragging a female to a back room. Officers made contact at the residence with a female subject (30-year-old AAF) and a male subject (who refused to identify himself). Both parties were uncooperative and the female subject adamantly denied any disturbance had taken place. Officers did a community caretaking check of the residence and found no evidence to substantiate a crime or concern at this time. Investigation continuing.