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In our continuing examination of crime issues through the month of February, today's focus is on thefts from autos. Through February 28th, the City has experienced 90 reported thefts from autos. When looking at the first two months of the last five years, we have experienced an average of 157 thefts from autos City-wide, so the 90 reported thefts from autos have resulted in a 43% decrease from where we have typically been relative to the five-year average. In the month of February, 2019, there were 21 reported thefts from autos. For the month of February, 2018, there were 34 reported thefts from autos. Thus, this reflects a 38% decrease when looking at a month-to-month, year-to-year comparison. There was one firearm stolen during the month of February (2019).
Our breakdown of when these thefts are occurring are as follows:
• Sunday: 4
• Monday:1
• Tuesday: 6
• Wednesday: 2
• Thursday: 2
• Friday: 4
• Saturday: 2
Type of entry for thefts of autos in the month of February:
• Forced: 3
• No force: 4
• Unlocked: 9
Thefts of auto by district:
• West: 3
• Midtown: 6
• South: 3
• Central: 4
• North: 2
• East: 3
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 03/09/2019 through 6:00 a.m. on 03/10/2019, MPD received 402 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 402 calls for service for the past 24-hours, this is how the calls came in per district: Central (75), East (72), Midtown (81), North (49), South (26), West (64), and Other (35). 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".
*** Limited crash response due to icy conditions starting at 4:33 p.m. on 03/09/2019***
1) EAST: Adult Arrested Person – 4:06 a.m. Officers were dispatched to Powers Ave. reference a vehicle in a snowbank that was blocking the road. Upon contact, the suspect (27 year-old WM) gave a false name and appeared heavily intoxicated. The suspect later attempted to flee from the scene, but was apprehended a short distance away. The suspect was arrested and taken to jail for OMVWI (1st) and resisting/obstructing an officer.
2) MIDTOWN: Burglary Non-Residential – 6:48 a.m. While on routine patrol, officers noticed a shattered glass door at 4515 Verona Rd. (the Great Wall restaurant). Officers searched the building, but no suspects were located. Two locked register drawers were missing, along with an undisclosed amount of cash. The owner/victim (41 year-old AM) was contacted, and video surveillance footage was requested. Investigation continuing.
3) CENTRAL: Adult Arrested Person – 10:02 a.m. Officers responded to 615 E. Washington Ave. (The Beacon) for a routine check of the property. A suspect (66 year-old WM), was located. This individual had outstanding probable cause for warrants, and was placed under arrest. The suspect was conveyed to jail for the outstanding warrants related to OMVWI (4th) and possession of narcotics.
4) EAST: Death Investigation – 2:06 p.m. Officers were dispatched to 1754 Thierer Rd. (Rodeway Inn) reference a subject (30 year-old AAF) found deceased in the bathroom. Preliminary investigation reflects a death due to heroin overdose as drugs and paraphernalia were found scattered on the scene. Investigation continuing.
5) WEST: Assist Police – 2:30 p.m. Officers responded to the 8000 block of Watts Rd. to assist Verona PD in arresting a suspect (39 year-old AAM) for a harassment injunction violation. The suspect was spotted driving in the area, and was subsequently contacted and taken into custody without incident.
6) NORTH: Weapons Offense/Person w/Gun – 2:47 p.m. Officers responded to the 1800 block of Northport Dr. reference reports of two suspects (30 year-old AAM and another AAM in his thirties) with a gun. The victims (23 year-old AAF and 24 year-old AAM) had been eating in a restaurant when the suspects came in and began to harass the victims. The victims then left the restaurant, and the suspects, who were unknown to them, followed them to their car. The suspects pulled out a silver handgun from their own vehicle and began to make threatening statements to the victims. The victims were able to drive away from the scene safely. Investigation continuing.
7) NORTH: Disturbance – 3:54 p.m. Officers responded to Wright St. reference a disturbance. The suspect (29 year-old AAM) believed his neighbor/victim (46 year-old AAM) was reading his mind via a phone app, so he kicked in the victim's front door. The victim confronted him outside to prevent him from leaving. In response, the suspect punched the victim in the face and fled the scene. There is probable cause to arrest the suspect for disorderly conduct, damage to property, and criminal trespass to dwelling. Investigation continuing.
8) NORTH: OMVWI Arrest/Intoxicated Driver – 3:57 p.m. MPD was dispatched to a vehicle stuck in a snowbank at the corner of Hanover St. and Mayfield Ln. The driver/suspect (25 year-old WM) was found to be very intoxicated, and was taken into custody. The suspect was conveyed to jail for OMVWI (3rd).
9) WEST: Robbery Armed – 9:01 p.m. The Madison Police Department responded to 6710 Raymond Rd. (I Liquor) for an armed robbery. Two AAM's armed with handguns, masks, and hoodies took merchandise and an undisclosed amount of US currency. Suspects fled the scene and were not located. Investigation ongoing. If anyone has knowledge of the incident they are encouraged to contact the Madison Police Department or the Madison area Crimestoppers program. Incident Report on MPD's website completed.
10) CENTRAL: Weapons Offense/Shots Fired – 11:41 p.m. The Madison Police Department responded to the 1000 Block of E. Mifflin St. for a weapons offense. There was a disturbance involving multiple people that may have led to the shots fired. The incident appears to be targeted. During the investigation, MPD located spent shell casings. There is currently no indication that anyone or anything was struck during this incident. Investigation is ongoing. If anyone has knowledge of the incident, they are encouraged to contact the Madison Police Department or the Madison area Crimestoppers program. Incident Report on MPD's website completed.
11) CENTRAL: Drug Incident Overdose – 3:09 a.m. MPD was dispatched to the 10 block of Broom St. to assist EMS/ MFD with a 36 year-old WM suspect who had overdosed. EMS administered life-saving Narcan, and the suspect was conveyed to a local hospital. The suspect was cited for misdemeanor charges of possession of heroin and bail jumping. Investigation continuing.