Last week I provided an overview of burglaries in the City; today's topic is robberies. In 2019, 240 robberies occurred in the City of Madison. This is down slightly from 2018, when 276 robberies occurred in the City, and pretty consistent with the preceding five-year average of 246 robberies per year. Looking back further, in 2009 there were 378 robberies in the City (2009 was an outlier; the average for the last ten years is about 280 robberies per year).
What's the difference between a robbery and a burglary? Well the most common type of burglary charge is for entering a building or dwelling without consent and with intent to steal. A burglary can occur at a residential dwelling or a non-residential building (like a business), and it is not necessary that a victim be present at the time of the entry. A robbery is taking property from another by use of force (or threatened use of force). Robberies can occur in a business context (like a bank or convenience store) or just about any other environment. The victim must be present for something to be considered a robbery, though it is not required that the suspect be armed (just that they use or threaten to use force).
Upcoming blogs will address other crime and incident types from 2019.
The information provided below about some of the calls officers responded to (Friday morning to Tuesday morning) 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 01/17/2020 through 6:00 a.m. on 01/21/2020, MPD 1,252 calls for service. This number does not include parking complaints or 911 misdials. A breakdown of the calls for service per district is as follows: Central (198), East (246), Midtown (211), North (175), South (109), West (214), and Other (99). "Other" is used for calls that either do not have a sector or the sector is not in the City. This would be used in the case of one of our officers assisting another law enforcement agency.
1/17
**Priority calls only from 5:30 p.m. to 6:34 p.m. due to calls for service.
**Limited crash response for several hours in the evening due to weather/road conditions/calls for service.
NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 4:18 a.m. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a North district residence. The victim (female) was battered by a known suspect (24-year-old male). The victim sustained visible injuries. The suspect was arrested for battery, disorderly conduct and bail jumping.
WEST: Adult Arrested Person – 10:52 a.m. Officers responded to a West district residence in an attempt to locate a wanted suspect (29-year-old male). The suspect was taken into custody, after locating him hiding in the residence.
NORTH: Assist Law Enforcement – 11:17 a.m. Officers were requested by the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to attempt to locate a wanted suspect (56-year-old male). MPD SWAT assisted. The suspect was taken into custody without incident after several hours of negotiations.
EAST: Intoxicated Driver – 1:06 p.m. Officers responded to a crash at N. Thompson/Sycamore and made contact with the driver/suspect (36-year-old male) who appeared to be under the influence. Field sobriety tests were administered. Evidence of drug use observed in the vehicle. The suspect was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (1st offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
NORTH: Check Area – 1:58 p.m. Officers responded to the area of E. Mifflin/Second St for a report of a subject pointing a gun out of a vehicle as it was driving down the street. Areas checked. Vehicle/subject(s) not located.
EAST: Information/Stolen Vehicle – 2:57 p.m. Officers responded to a report of a vehicle being stolen at gunpoint. The female victim reported that an unknown male suspect wearing a ski mask pointed a gun at her and demanded the vehicle. The suspect proceeded to steal the vehicle. Area cameras checked and the incident was not observed. Investigation continuing.
EAST: Missing/Runaway Juvenile – 5:50 p.m. Officers received a report of a missing/runaway juvenile (15-year-old female). The juvenile has a history of running away. Areas checked. Attempt to locate aired. The juvenile was listed as missing/runaway in the appropriate databases.
EAST: Check Person – 8:02 p.m. Officers responded to the area of Cottage Grove Rd/S. Stoughton Rd for a report of a subject armed with a gun. It was reported that the subject shot into the ground. A subject matching the description provided was located and contacted. The subject was not found to have a weapon on him. The subject was released. No evidence of shots fired. No reported injuries or property damage.
CENTRAL: Intoxicated Driver – 9:46 p.m. Officers responded to a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks at Sutherland Court/Winnebago St. The driver/suspect (30-year-old male) was found to be under the influence. The suspect was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (1st offense).
CENTRAL: Domestic Disturbance – 10:52 p.m. Officers responded to a residence on E. Johnson St for a domestic violence incident between two subjects (male victim and 31-year-old male suspect). The subjects were engaged in a verbal argument, which then escalated. The suspect punched the victim. The suspect was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct and battery.
MIDTOWN: Domestic Disturbance – 11:17 p.m. Officers responded to a Midtown district residence for a domestic violence incident between two subjects (female victim and 41-year-old male suspect). The suspect was physically aggressive/violent toward the victim. The suspect damaged items in the residence. The suspect was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct, battery and criminal damage to property.
01/18
**Priority calls only from 2:35 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. due to calls for service.
SOUTH: Domestic Disturbance – 3:04 a.m. A victim (female) fled her residence after a known suspect (31-year-old male) forced his way into her residence and started a verbal argument. The victim, afraid for her safety, left the residence and contacted police. The victim's two children remained at the residence with the suspect. The suspect was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct.
SOUTH: Mental Health Conveyance – 4:13 a.m. Officers responded to a South district residence to check the welfare of a subject possibly having a mental health crisis. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital for an evaluation. Journey Mental Health consulted. The subject was left in the care of medical staff and officers disengaged from the hospital.
NORTH: Crash – 6:18 a.m. Officers responded to a vehicle vs. plow crash on E. Washington at Hwy 30. Varying explanations were provided for the crash. Investigation continuing.
SOUTH: Adult Arrested Person – 8:41 a.m. While on a separate call at the Super 8 Hotel on the W. Beltline Hwy, officers came up evidence of prostitution activities. A suspect (25-year-old female) was identified. The suspect lied about her identity. The suspect collapsed and was conveyed to a local hospital for an evaluation. The suspect was found in possession of drugs and cash she had hiding on her. Once released from the hospital, the suspect was transported to jail for multiple outstanding warrants and a probation hold. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
EAST: Missing Adult – 10:17 a.m. Officers received a report of a missing adult. Areas checked. The subject was located deceased on Milwaukee Street. Dane County Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction on this case and has the lead on this investigation.
MIDTOWN: Mental Health Conveyance – 10:43 a.m. Officers responded to a local hospital for a subject in need of an emergency detention. Journey Mental Health plugged in. The subject was conveyed to Winnebago.
WEST: Homicide – 2:32 p.m. Officers responded to the 1900 block of McKenna Blvd for a report of shots fired. A victim was located with gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased. Medical Examiner's office responded. Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was specifically targeted. Incident Report on MPD's website completed. Investigation continuing.
MIDTOWN: Juvenile Arrest – 3:39 p.m. Officers responded to Birch Hill Drive for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle was located and verified to be reported as stolen. The driver/suspect (15-year-old male) attempted to flee on foot. The suspect was taken into custody and conveyed to the Juvenile Reception Center on a resisting charge. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
CENTRAL: Disturbance – 3:43 p.m. Officers responded to Grace Coffee Company on State Street for a subject/suspect (43-year-old male) causing a disturbance. The suspect grabbed an employee and refused to leave the premises. The suspect subsequently discharged bodily fluids on the floor. The suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct and discharging bodily fluids.
CENTRAL: Domestic Disturbance – 9:05 p.m. Officers responded to a residence on N. Butler St for a disturbance between two subjects (male victim and 55-year-old male suspect). The subjects were engaged in a verbal argument, which then escalated. The suspect punched the victim. The suspect was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct and battery.
MIDTOWN: Stolen Vehicle – 10:54 p.m. Officers responded to a residence on Regent St for a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was left running, unlocked and unoccupied. Attempt to locate aired. The vehicle was listed as stolen in the appropriate databases.
01/19
**Priority calls only from 7:02 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. due to calls for service.
NORTH: Intoxicated Driver – 12:23 a.m. Officers made contact with a driver/suspect (30-year-old male) who was determined to be under the influence. The suspect lied about his identity to officers. The suspect was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (6th offense), obstructing, and a pending warrant.
EAST: Assist Law Enforcement – 2:50 a.m. Officers were requested to assist with a vehicle/driver that fled from a traffic stop that Sun Prairie PD conducted (the driver struck the officer). Officers located the vehicle and two male subjects standing around it. The subjects were not cooperative with officers. The driver/suspect (36-year-old male) was identified. Sun Prairie PD responded to take over the investigation/arrest.
SOUTH: Stolen Vehicle – 10:52 a.m. Officers responded to a South district residence for a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was left running, unoccupied and unlocked. Attempt to locate aired. The vehicle was listed as stolen in the appropriate databases.
WEST: Stolen Vehicle – 2:23 p.m. Officers responded to the 1200 block of McKenna Blvd for a report of a stolen vehicle. Attempt to locate aired. The vehicle was listed as stolen in the appropriate databases.
NORTH: Sexual Assault – 3:09 p.m. Officers responded to a North district residence for a report of a sexual assault between two known subjects (female victim and 24-year-old male suspect). The suspect was located at his work and taken into custody after probable cause was developed to arrest him. The suspect was transported to jail and charged with 2nd degree sexual assault.
NORTH: Recovered Stolen Vehicle – 4:43 p.m. Officers observed five juveniles flee from a vehicle. Area canvassed and one juvenile was detained. The vehicle was left unoccupied and discovered to be reported as stolen. Vehicle recovered. Investigation continuing.
SOUTH: Death Investigation – 5:30 p.m. Officers responded to a South district residence for a deceased subject (57-year-old male). The decedent had health concerns. Nothing suspicious identified on scene. Medical Examiner's office notified.
CENTRAL: Missing/Stolen Vehicle – 9:39 p.m. Officers responded to a Central district residence for a report of a missing/stolen vehicle. The vehicle was determined to have been towed.
WEST: Adult Arrested Person – 9:56 p.m. Officers responded to a restaurant at West Towne Mall to check the welfare of a subject/suspect (68-year-old male) who had been there for several hours and complaining of pain. EMS responded. No medical issues were discovered. The suspect was found to have a large bottle of vodka on him, which is a violation of his probation. The suspect was arrested on a probation violation and conveyed to jail.
WEST: Stolen Vehicle – 9:58 p.m. Officers responded to Princeton Club on Watts Rd for a report of a stolen vehicle. Personal items were also stolen from a locker. Attempt to locate aired. The vehicle was listed as stolen in the appropriate databases.
01/20
**Priority calls only from 2:18 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. due to calls for service.
**Priority calls only from 6:54 p.m. to 11:06 p.m. due to calls for service.
NORTH: Disturbance – 12:54 a.m. Officers responded to a North district residence where a suspect (30-year-old male) forced his way into an apartment complex and was making statements about people trying to kill him. The suspect was contacted and conveyed to a local hospital for an evaluation. The suspect was subsequently arrested and transported to jail on charges of disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, trespassing and a probation hold.
CENTRAL: Disturbance – 1:19 a.m. Officers responded to Whiskey Jacks Saloon on State St for a suspect (21-year-old male) causing a disturbance and refusing to leave the premises. The suspect physically assaulted a staff member. The suspect then fled on foot. The suspect returned to the establishment and was detained by officers. Staff did not want to press charges. The suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct.
EAST: Arson – 2:39 a.m. Officers responded to an East side residence for a fire that started in a bathroom garbage. MFD put out the fire. The fire was determined to be intentional. A suspect (40-year-old female) was identified. The suspect was arrested for an outstanding warrant. Additional charges may be forthcoming. Investigation continuing.
SOUTH: Information/Disturbance – 3:16 a.m. Officers responded to the area of Greenway Cross/Luann Ln for a disturbance. Two female subjects met up with a male they met online to smoke marijuana. An argument took place and one of the female subjects reported that the male strangled her. The male subject was not on scene when officers arrived. Conflicting stories provided. Investigation continuing.
EAST: Weapons Offense – 9:35 a.m. Officers responded to Buckeye Rd/Stoughton Rd for a weapons offense. The caller reported that two vehicles were chasing one another when a gun was observed, following by a flash. Areas checked. Subjects involved not located.
EAST: Hit-and-Run – 10:46 a.m. Officers responded to an East side residence after the caller/registered owner reported that their vehicle was damaged while parked on the street. Investigation continuing.
EAST: Drug Incident – 11:12 a.m. Officers responded to Milwaukee St for a subject/suspect (50-year-old male) experiencing a drug overdose. The suspect was conveyed to a local hospital and initially left in the care of medical staff. Officers were contacted when the suspect was being discharged as the suspect had an active warrant. The suspect was arrested and transported to jail.
CENTRAL: Check Person – 12:44 p.m. Officers made contact with a subject to check her welfare due to a history of paranoia. The subject was determined to not be in danger. No further action required by officers at this time.
EAST: Check Person – 3:45 p.m. Officers responded to an East district residence for a subject who attempted to commit suicide. The subject was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Journey Mental Health plugged in.
WEST: Check Person – 4:44 p.m. Officers responded to a group home regarding a subject who was cutting herself. The subject was taken into protective custody and conveyed to a local hospital. A decision was made to have the subject return to her group home. No further action deemed necessary by officers.
NORTH: Stolen Vehicle – 6:48 p.m. Officers responded to a North district residence regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was left running, unoccupied and unattended. Attempt to locate aired. The vehicle was listed as stolen in the appropriate databases. ** The vehicle was recovered in Sun Prairie.
NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 6:51 p.m. Officers responded to a residence on Troy Drive for a domestic disturbance between two subjects (female victim and 24-year-old male suspect). The victim reported being choked by the suspect. A gun was reported to be involved. The subjects were contacted. A gun was located/recovered. The suspect was arrested and charged with domestic strangulation, disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.
01/21
CENTRAL: Drug Incident – 1:42 a.m. Officers observed a wanted suspect (24-year-old male) on State St. The suspect was taken into custody. Drugs were located on the suspect. The suspect was charged with an outstanding warrant and various drug charges.
CENTRAL: Domestic Disturbance – 3:12 a.m. Officers arrested a wanted suspect (61-year-old male) for domestic substantial battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and a parole violation.