As most of you are likely aware, yesterday the State Department of Health Services issued a new emergency order to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The full order is available here:
The order puts additional restrictions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Residents are required to stay at home unless they are engaging in essential activities or work. There are reasonable exceptions in place, like to go out for groceries or for health care needs. However, if you don't have a need to go out – if one of the exceptions does not apply – please stay home. The order specifies that it is enforceable by law enforcement, and that violators are subject to arrest or citation. However my focus, like that of all involved in responding to this crisis, is the health and welfare of our community. I want MPD officers to be focusing on other things – like providing extra patrol to the many businesses required to close unexpectedly – rather than enforcing this order. The Madison community has done a fantastic job so far of complying with the orders that have been issued. These efforts will pay off...please keep it up!
The new order will also result in some additional changes to MPD services:
- MPD district stations will be closed to the public, starting today. The entryway to each district has a phone with a direct connection to the 911 Center that can be used to request an officer in case of emergency.
- MPD will continue to take steps to minimize the likelihood of officers being exposed to COVID-19. This could mean officers not responding to some minor incidents that we typically would, or handling some complaints over the phone.
The information provided below about some of the calls officers responded to 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 03/24/2020 through 6:00 a.m. on 03/25/2020, MPD received 358 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 (54), East (53), Midtown (51), North (55), South (35), West (58), and Other (52). "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.
03/24
**Priority calls only from 10:13 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. – 7:06 p.m. due to calls for service.
MIDTOWN: Crash with Injuries – 9:34 a.m. Officers responded to N. Franklin Avenue for a single-vehicle vs. tree crash. The vehicle had flipped and the driver sustained injuries. The driver was conveyed to a local hospital for treatment.
SOUTH: Adult Arrested Person – 9:47 a.m. Officers responded to Moorland Rd for a report of a wanted suspect in the area. The suspect (19-year-old male) was located hiding in a residence and was taken into custody without incident. Investigation continuing.
MIDTOWN: Adult Arrested Person – 11:43 a.m. The Special Victims Unit collaborated with Probation and Parole reference a child pornography investigation. The suspect (37-year old male) was arrested on a probation hold. Investigation continuing.
WEST: Check Person – 3:07 a.m. Officers responded to S. Whitney Way and U.S. Highway 12/18 reference a suicidal subject standing on the ledge of the bridge. Officers contacted the subject and transported him to a local hospital.
NORTH: Death Investigation – 4:03 p.m. Officers responded to a residence regarding a deceased subject (71-year-old female). Nothing suspicious identified. Medical Examiner's office responded.
EAST: Adult Arrested Person – 4:52 p.m. Officers responded to a fast food restaurant in the east district reference a road rage complaint. The victim reported that he was being followed by the suspects and when he pulled over to see what the suspects wanted, the suspects, who are familiar to the victim, punched the victim in the face. As officers were speaking with the victim, the suspect vehicle passed by. Officers stopped the suspect vehicle and contacted the two suspects (21-year-old male and 16-year-old female.) During the traffic stop, officers located drugs, a large sum of cash and a loaded firearm. The suspects were arrested for disorderly conduct, carrying a concealed weapon, bail jumping, possession of THC and a warrant.
NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 8:36 p.m. Officers responded to a north district residence reference a domestic disturbance. The victim explained that their live-in boyfriend became physically violent with them earlier this morning. The victim had visible physical injuries but did not seek medical attention. The suspect (39-year-old male) is still at large. Investigation continuing.
EAST: Sexual Assault – 9:02 a.m. Officers responded to an east district hotel reference a sexual assault investigation. The victim reported being threatened and assaulted by the suspect (59-year-old male). The suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct while armed, 4th degree sexual assault and bail jumping.
NORTH: Weapon Offense – 10:16 p.m. Officers responded to a north district neighborhood reference a shots fired call. Officers contacted a suspect (35-year-old female) who was observed leaving the area in a vehicle at a high rate of speed. The suspect returned to the scene but refused to stop for officers; however, she eventually complied. She was cited for resisting.
MIDTOWN: Information/Strong Armed Robbery – 11:48 p.m. Officers met with a victim (male) who reported that two male suspects entered their residence and stole a TV. The victim attempted to intervene and was punched by one of the suspects. Investigation revealed that this likely was due to previous illegal activity and an old debt that was owed. Investigation continuing.
03/25
NORTH: Drug Investigation/Overdose – 12:49 a.m. Officers responded to a motel regarding a subject/suspect (25-year-old male) experiencing a drug overdose. MFD administered Naloxone, which revived the suspect. The suspect was conveyed to a local hospital. The suspect was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.
MIDTOWN: Information/Armed Robbery – 1:14 a.m. A victim reported being robbed by two suspects at his residence. There was a delay in reporting of this incident. The victim reported that one of the suspects had a gun and demanded to know where the guns and money were. Investigation continuing.