A former police officer accused of breaking into a hardware store is
in jail again for allegedly trying to break into another one.
An
officer who was on routine patrol says he noticed Edward Holliday
pulling on a door handle at the Ace Hardware store on Old Lebanon Road
Sunday night.
The officer stopped him and noticed Holliday was wearing rubber gloves and had a hammer in his pocket.
Holliday allegedly told the officer that he was just walking around.
The
officer let him go but called for backup, and they followed Holliday in
his car. Holliday was later pulled over for a traffic violation and
taken into custody.
Holliday was out on bond for breaking into an Ace Hardware store in Mt. Juliet last week.
He is being held at the Nashville Criminal Justice Center on a $50,000 bond.
Holliday has worked as an officer in Lebanon, Mt. Juliet and Nashville.
Showing posts with label robbery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robbery. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Two Sergeants Arrested After Robbery
A Good Samaritan snapped photos of what appeared to be two men impersonating police officers involved in a pistol-whipping and robbery outside a Citgo gas station on Detroit's east side on July 21.
"Several unidentified police officers were working this particular robbery case, recognized one of the suspects in the photographs as being a member of the Detroit Police Department," Chief James Craig said Monday.
Now under arrest are two police sergeants, a 47-year-old officer and 20-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department and his 42-year-old buddy from the police academy, who is a former DPD cop and 17-year veteran of the St. Clair Shores Police Department. The later recently received a distinguished service award.
"In fact, they were police officers, just not working on-duty at the time," Craig said.
One of the alleged victims identified the St. Clair Shores sergeant from a photo lineup.
It is alleged the two sergeants pulled up in a black pickup, got out of the truck with their guns drawn and their badges around their necks, detained two young men in their early twenties, searched them and pistol-whipped one of them, stealing his wallet and cell phone. The other alleged victim told police they also stole his money.
"At this time, there is no evidence to support that both sergeants were involved in any other police impersonation cases that have been reported in recent weeks," Craig said.
"Know that if we have officers engaging in criminal misconduct that we will investigate. We will always be transparent about this business and making sure that our community is aware of how we're conducting our investigations."
The Detroit police sergeant was arrested at work at the 12th Precinct on Saturday. The St. Clair Shores sergeant was picked up at his home.
While a warrant has been submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, no charges have yet been authorized.
Meanwhile, the attorney for the St. Clair Shores sergeant said this case is not at all what it seems and that the alleged victims are far from innocent.
"I think there is going to be a totally different story to this case. These are two highly decorated police officers. They're not rogue cops. They're not cops out on the street trying to take down innocent people," said Todd Flood.
Sources said the teenage daughter of the St. Clair Shores sergeant was recently robbed of her cell phone and that the two officers were tracking down the people responsible. Flood would not confirm or deny that.
"This is a situation where there's more to it than what meets the eye or what's being reported," he said.
"Several unidentified police officers were working this particular robbery case, recognized one of the suspects in the photographs as being a member of the Detroit Police Department," Chief James Craig said Monday.
Now under arrest are two police sergeants, a 47-year-old officer and 20-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department and his 42-year-old buddy from the police academy, who is a former DPD cop and 17-year veteran of the St. Clair Shores Police Department. The later recently received a distinguished service award.
"In fact, they were police officers, just not working on-duty at the time," Craig said.
One of the alleged victims identified the St. Clair Shores sergeant from a photo lineup.
It is alleged the two sergeants pulled up in a black pickup, got out of the truck with their guns drawn and their badges around their necks, detained two young men in their early twenties, searched them and pistol-whipped one of them, stealing his wallet and cell phone. The other alleged victim told police they also stole his money.
"At this time, there is no evidence to support that both sergeants were involved in any other police impersonation cases that have been reported in recent weeks," Craig said.
"Know that if we have officers engaging in criminal misconduct that we will investigate. We will always be transparent about this business and making sure that our community is aware of how we're conducting our investigations."
The Detroit police sergeant was arrested at work at the 12th Precinct on Saturday. The St. Clair Shores sergeant was picked up at his home.
While a warrant has been submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, no charges have yet been authorized.
Meanwhile, the attorney for the St. Clair Shores sergeant said this case is not at all what it seems and that the alleged victims are far from innocent.
"I think there is going to be a totally different story to this case. These are two highly decorated police officers. They're not rogue cops. They're not cops out on the street trying to take down innocent people," said Todd Flood.
Sources said the teenage daughter of the St. Clair Shores sergeant was recently robbed of her cell phone and that the two officers were tracking down the people responsible. Flood would not confirm or deny that.
"This is a situation where there's more to it than what meets the eye or what's being reported," he said.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Officer Marvin Blades Jr Arrested for Stealing Money During Traffic Stops
A Tulsa police officer has been arrested on a second-degree robbery complaint after a months-long robbery investigation by the Tulsa Police Special Investigation Division and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.
Authorities arrested Officer Marvin Blades Junior, 37, early Saturday morning for stealing cash during a traffic stop.According to officials, investigators from the two agencies conducted an undercover operation after allegations that Blades had been targeting Hispanics during traffic stops and stealing their money. Police say on Friday night Blades pulled over an undercover OBN agent in the 2800 block of North Lewis Avenue. Investigators say Blades ordered the driver (undercover officer) to the back of the his car and instructed the driver to leave his wallet on the seat.
Authorities believe that's when the officer stole six-hundred dollars in cash before allowing the driver to leave. According to police, when the undercover cop returned to his seat he noticed that money was missing from his wallet. Once in custody, officers found six-hundred dollars cash in Blade's right pants pocket. According to officials, Blades told them that the money belonged to his wife, but investigators matched the money to serial numbers on the bills used in their investigation. Tulsa police chief Chuck Jordan credited other officers for alerting his office to Blades.
"They did the right thing. They did exactly what our community expects of them," said Jordan. Local Hispanic leaders, like Guillermo Rojas, publisher of the bilingual newspaper La Semana, said Hispanics make easy targets.
"They are afraid because everybody thinks if they are stopped - to any Hispanic, if they don't have a legal status in the country, they'll be put in jail," said Rojas. But Jordan says no one should be afraid to come forward and encourages those who have been victimized to call the robbery unit at 918-596-9137.
Police say Officer Marvin Blades was working TPD's Gilcrease division at the time of robbery. Blades is the son of former Tulsa police officer, Marvin Blades, Sr., who was suspended several times in the mid-1990s after he was accused of not following department rules and regulations.
According to 2News archives, Blades' suspensions caused local black leaders to accuse TPD of racial discrimination. Blades was booked and released on a $25,000 bond. He has a court date set for Sept 4.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Third Officer Charged in Perfume Robbery
A third New York Police Department officer, Kelvin Jones, 28, of Yonkers, New York, was arrested today for his involvement in the robbery of a perfume distributor of $1 million in perfume, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
The arrest was part of a continuing investigation by federal and state authorities into the heist of hundreds of boxes of high-end perfume from a warehouse used by a company known as In Style USA, Inc in Carlstadt, New Jersey.
On March 5th, the two other NYPD officers, Richard LeBlanca and Brian Checo, both of New York City, were arrested and charged with the same robbery in a criminal complaint, along with Gabriel Vargas of Brooklyn, Luis R. Morales of
Brooklyn, Anselmo Jimenes, a/k/a "Ansemo Jimenes", of Brooklyn, Alan A. Bannout of Brooklyn, and Orlando Garcia of New York.
The initial criminal complaint did not name Jones by name, but merely referred to him as one of the eight conspirators whose true name was unknown, but who used the alias "Mike Smith".
According to the complaint filed against Jones in federal court today, on February 9, 2010, Jones went to a truck rental company in Jersey City with some of the other men who participated in the heist, and rented a truck he had reserved in the name "Mike Smith". It is alleged that Jones attempted to pay for the truck in cash, but when that failed, Jones directed LeBlanca to pay for the rental truck, which was later used in the robbery, with LeBlanca's ATM debit card.
The complaint also alleges that Jones then participated in the ensuing perfume robbery of the Carlstadt warehouse where 11 company employees were restrained and held hostage. During the robbery, the complaint alleges that Jones, while reviewing sheets of paper that contained names on them, began yelling the names of several of the victims being held hostage. The complaint also indicates that law enforcement agents later recovered two sheets of paper that were thrown into a trash receptacle which contained personal identification information of an individual related to one of the victims of the robbery. Subsequent examination of these documents revealed that they were obtained from a database in the 46th NYPD precinct - the same precinct where Jones is employed.
"Though the arrest of police officers is discouraging news, the public should know that we will remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice, regardless of where or to whom that pursuit may lead," said Michael Ward, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Newark Office. "Members of law enforcement are not above the law and if they forget that, they will be suject to the same penalties as ordinary citizens."
Jones will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo today to face this charge.
Jimenes, who is currently incarcerated in Bergen County on local charges, is also expected to appear before Magistrate Cox Arleo today. Bannout has not yet been arrested.
The charge set forth in the Complaint carries a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The FBI has requested that anyone having further information regarding this robbery, please call the FBI at (973) 684-6614.
Fishman again credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin B. Cruise, for the investigation. Fishman also thanked the Carlstadt Police Department and the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Gramiccioni and Eric T. Kanefsky of the Office's Special Prosecutions Division and Criminal Division, respectively.
The arrest was part of a continuing investigation by federal and state authorities into the heist of hundreds of boxes of high-end perfume from a warehouse used by a company known as In Style USA, Inc in Carlstadt, New Jersey.
On March 5th, the two other NYPD officers, Richard LeBlanca and Brian Checo, both of New York City, were arrested and charged with the same robbery in a criminal complaint, along with Gabriel Vargas of Brooklyn, Luis R. Morales of
Brooklyn, Anselmo Jimenes, a/k/a "Ansemo Jimenes", of Brooklyn, Alan A. Bannout of Brooklyn, and Orlando Garcia of New York.
The initial criminal complaint did not name Jones by name, but merely referred to him as one of the eight conspirators whose true name was unknown, but who used the alias "Mike Smith".
According to the complaint filed against Jones in federal court today, on February 9, 2010, Jones went to a truck rental company in Jersey City with some of the other men who participated in the heist, and rented a truck he had reserved in the name "Mike Smith". It is alleged that Jones attempted to pay for the truck in cash, but when that failed, Jones directed LeBlanca to pay for the rental truck, which was later used in the robbery, with LeBlanca's ATM debit card.
The complaint also alleges that Jones then participated in the ensuing perfume robbery of the Carlstadt warehouse where 11 company employees were restrained and held hostage. During the robbery, the complaint alleges that Jones, while reviewing sheets of paper that contained names on them, began yelling the names of several of the victims being held hostage. The complaint also indicates that law enforcement agents later recovered two sheets of paper that were thrown into a trash receptacle which contained personal identification information of an individual related to one of the victims of the robbery. Subsequent examination of these documents revealed that they were obtained from a database in the 46th NYPD precinct - the same precinct where Jones is employed.
"Though the arrest of police officers is discouraging news, the public should know that we will remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice, regardless of where or to whom that pursuit may lead," said Michael Ward, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Newark Office. "Members of law enforcement are not above the law and if they forget that, they will be suject to the same penalties as ordinary citizens."
Jones will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo today to face this charge.
Jimenes, who is currently incarcerated in Bergen County on local charges, is also expected to appear before Magistrate Cox Arleo today. Bannout has not yet been arrested.
The charge set forth in the Complaint carries a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The FBI has requested that anyone having further information regarding this robbery, please call the FBI at (973) 684-6614.
Fishman again credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin B. Cruise, for the investigation. Fishman also thanked the Carlstadt Police Department and the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Gramiccioni and Eric T. Kanefsky of the Office's Special Prosecutions Division and Criminal Division, respectively.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Officer Reginald Jones Charged with Murder
An on-duty D.C. police officer charged with murder and accused of acting as a lookout in a street robbery gone fatally wrong also was present during the planning of the holdup and drove some of the participants to the crime scene, authorities said in a court affidavit.
Officer Reginald Jones, charged with felony murder in the Dec. 1 robbery in Southeast Washington, was parked a short distance from the shooting that night in a marked patrol car, according to an affidavit made public Tuesday in D.C. Superior Court. When shots were fired and a witness ran toward the police cruiser seeking help, Jones drove off "and left the area," the affidavit says.
The robbery victim, accused of being a drug dealer, survived a bullet wound. But police said the group of assailants included a 19-year-old man who fired an apparently errant shot that killed his father, an accomplice in the holdup.
Jones, 40, a six-year member of the force, is not accused of pulling the trigger. However, because he is accused of playing a role in the robbery, in the 4300 block of Fourth Street SE, he can be held legally culpable for the fatal result, authorities said. On Wednesday, a Superior Court judge ordered Jones, of Upper Marlboro, held without bail pending a Jan. 5 preliminary hearing.
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The affidavit says Jones, a uniformed member of the department's gun-recovery unit, shooed away loiterers who might see the crime by driving the patrol car through the courtyard of a housing complex in Washington Highlands shortly before the robbery occurred there.
"The worst thing an officer can do is betray the public trust," D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said in announcing Jones's arrest Tuesday night. "In this case, the officer went far beyond that. He did so carrying our badge and wearing our uniform."
The unit to which Jones was assigned is part of the police Narcotics and Special Investigations Division. On Wednesday, reacting to Jones's arrest, Lanier transferred several supervisors in the division to less prestigious patrol commands, two police sources said.
The holdup victim, Tyrone D. Herring, 45, was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute after police allegedly found 31.4 grams of crack in his pants while he was being treated at a hospital. Investigators said he told them that he was robbed of nearly $5,000.
Herring said $700 was in his pants pocket and about $4,000 was in the console of his car.
In court affidavits, police said Jones was present Nov. 30 at an auto detailing shop in Suitland when several men planned the robbery. Jones drove at least two of them to the housing complex in his cruiser on the night of the crime, police said.
They said Herring told them that he was walking along Fourth Street, near where his black Infiniti was parked, shortly before 9 p.m. when several men with guns accosted him, demanding money. As the robbers tried to force him into his car, Herring told investigators, he began to struggle because he feared he was about to be killed.
Police said one of the alleged robbers, Arvel Crawford, fired a shot that hit his father, Arvel S. Alston, 40, in the right side.
Officer Reginald Jones, charged with felony murder in the Dec. 1 robbery in Southeast Washington, was parked a short distance from the shooting that night in a marked patrol car, according to an affidavit made public Tuesday in D.C. Superior Court. When shots were fired and a witness ran toward the police cruiser seeking help, Jones drove off "and left the area," the affidavit says.
The robbery victim, accused of being a drug dealer, survived a bullet wound. But police said the group of assailants included a 19-year-old man who fired an apparently errant shot that killed his father, an accomplice in the holdup.
Jones, 40, a six-year member of the force, is not accused of pulling the trigger. However, because he is accused of playing a role in the robbery, in the 4300 block of Fourth Street SE, he can be held legally culpable for the fatal result, authorities said. On Wednesday, a Superior Court judge ordered Jones, of Upper Marlboro, held without bail pending a Jan. 5 preliminary hearing.
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The affidavit says Jones, a uniformed member of the department's gun-recovery unit, shooed away loiterers who might see the crime by driving the patrol car through the courtyard of a housing complex in Washington Highlands shortly before the robbery occurred there.
"The worst thing an officer can do is betray the public trust," D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said in announcing Jones's arrest Tuesday night. "In this case, the officer went far beyond that. He did so carrying our badge and wearing our uniform."
The unit to which Jones was assigned is part of the police Narcotics and Special Investigations Division. On Wednesday, reacting to Jones's arrest, Lanier transferred several supervisors in the division to less prestigious patrol commands, two police sources said.
The holdup victim, Tyrone D. Herring, 45, was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute after police allegedly found 31.4 grams of crack in his pants while he was being treated at a hospital. Investigators said he told them that he was robbed of nearly $5,000.
Herring said $700 was in his pants pocket and about $4,000 was in the console of his car.
In court affidavits, police said Jones was present Nov. 30 at an auto detailing shop in Suitland when several men planned the robbery. Jones drove at least two of them to the housing complex in his cruiser on the night of the crime, police said.
They said Herring told them that he was walking along Fourth Street, near where his black Infiniti was parked, shortly before 9 p.m. when several men with guns accosted him, demanding money. As the robbers tried to force him into his car, Herring told investigators, he began to struggle because he feared he was about to be killed.
Police said one of the alleged robbers, Arvel Crawford, fired a shot that hit his father, Arvel S. Alston, 40, in the right side.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Officer Donald Frick Accused of Robbing Private Dancer at Gunpoint
A Reynoldsburg police officer accused of robbing a private dancer at gunpoint was arraigned on felony charges Monday.
Donald Wilson Frick, 26, was arraigned Monday. He was not incarcerated and wasn’t given a bond. He left the courtroom after the arraignment.
Frick was indicted on three felony counts Tuesday, Nov. 17, including one count of aggravated robbery (felony of the first degree), one count of robbery (felony of the second degree) and one count of robbery (felony of the third degree).
All three counts have a firearm specification.
Robin Bruce, 21, said she went to Frick’s home in late October after she was hired to perform some type of private dance.
The dancer said Frick paid her $150 but after he learned the exchange would be just a dance and nothing more intimate, prosecutors said he became violent.
Bruce said she called people who were outside waiting for her in their car and they removed her from the location.
Officials said there are multiple robbery charges because there are different ways to commit a robbery and each method involves a separate count.
Frick is on administrative leave from the Reynoldsburg police department.
He has been a street officer since 2006 and has had two accidents since being on the force. Other than the accidents, his record is clean.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Former Officer Lawrence Epps Committs Suicide
A former Jackson police officer accused of robbing at least five businesses in 24 hours died Tuesday at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith said.
Lawrence Epps in 2008, after his arrest in connection with the robbery of a Jackson credit union.
Jackson police said Lawrence Epps had been in the hospital since he was arrested last Thursday. Police said Epps took a large dose of pills in an attempt to commit suicide.
Epps died of respiratory failure as a result of a pharmaceutical overdose, the Hinds County coroner said.
At the time of the most recent robberies, Epps was out of jail on a $150,000 bond in connection with the April 2008 robbery of the Mississippi Public Employees Credit Union.
More than 10 years ago, Epps was a burglary detective with the Jackson Police Department. He was fired when he tested positive for cocaine, officials said.
Lawrence Epps in 2008, after his arrest in connection with the robbery of a Jackson credit union.
Jackson police said Lawrence Epps had been in the hospital since he was arrested last Thursday. Police said Epps took a large dose of pills in an attempt to commit suicide.
Epps died of respiratory failure as a result of a pharmaceutical overdose, the Hinds County coroner said.
At the time of the most recent robberies, Epps was out of jail on a $150,000 bond in connection with the April 2008 robbery of the Mississippi Public Employees Credit Union.
More than 10 years ago, Epps was a burglary detective with the Jackson Police Department. He was fired when he tested positive for cocaine, officials said.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Officer Anthony Hernandez Arrested for Assaulting His Ex-Wife
Bail was set at $100,000 for a Yakama Tribal Police officer accused of assaulting his estranged wife and the man she was with.
Twenty-six-year-old Anthony J. Hernandez appeared in Yakima County Superior Court Monday where a judge also ordered him to stay at least 1,000 feet away from his wife and the other man.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that police say Hernandez kicked in the bedroom door at his wife's house Friday and handcuffed and threatened to kill the man.
His wife was treated for a cut at Toppenish Community Hospital, and Hernandez was arrested in the emergency room.
Hernandez, who was brought to court from Yakima County Jail, is expected to face charges of first-degree robbery, second-degree domestic violence assault, unlawful imprisonment and felony harassment.
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Information from:
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/09/21/tribal-police-officer-held-on-100-000-bail
Twenty-six-year-old Anthony J. Hernandez appeared in Yakima County Superior Court Monday where a judge also ordered him to stay at least 1,000 feet away from his wife and the other man.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that police say Hernandez kicked in the bedroom door at his wife's house Friday and handcuffed and threatened to kill the man.
His wife was treated for a cut at Toppenish Community Hospital, and Hernandez was arrested in the emergency room.
Hernandez, who was brought to court from Yakima County Jail, is expected to face charges of first-degree robbery, second-degree domestic violence assault, unlawful imprisonment and felony harassment.
----------------------------
Information from:
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/09/21/tribal-police-officer-held-on-100-000-bail
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tribal Officer Anthony Hernandez Charged with Assault
A Yakama Tribal Police officer has been charged with assault after a domestic violence victim reported a robbery.
Toppenish police said the officer was arrested Friday after police investigated a complaint by a domestic violence victim being treated for a cut to the face at Toppenish Community Hospital.
The victim claimed the tribal officer forced his way into a home, struck the victim in the face and threatened to kill another person who was at the house before taking an undisclosed amount of money.
Anthony Jesse Hernandez Jr. was being held at the Yakima County Jail on charges of harassment, assault, kidnapping and robbery, deputies said.
Yakama Tribal Council Chairman Ralph Sampson Jr. told the Yakima Herald-Republic he was not aware of the incident but was making calls to find out more.
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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakima-herald.com
Toppenish police said the officer was arrested Friday after police investigated a complaint by a domestic violence victim being treated for a cut to the face at Toppenish Community Hospital.
The victim claimed the tribal officer forced his way into a home, struck the victim in the face and threatened to kill another person who was at the house before taking an undisclosed amount of money.
Anthony Jesse Hernandez Jr. was being held at the Yakima County Jail on charges of harassment, assault, kidnapping and robbery, deputies said.
Yakama Tribal Council Chairman Ralph Sampson Jr. told the Yakima Herald-Republic he was not aware of the incident but was making calls to find out more.
---
Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakima-herald.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Former Officer Joseph Mignano Charged with Robbing Man
A former Providence police officer is charged with robbing a man.
Police say Joseph Mignano, of Fall River, Mass., was impersonating a police officer when he robbed a man in the Silver Lake section of the city on July 18.
The 32-year-old Mignano was arraigned Tuesday on charges of second-degree robbery and impersonating an officer. He was held on bail as a probation violator.
Police Captain James Desmarais tells The Providence Journal that the police are investigating similar incidents in which people claimed that they were robbed by a man who identified himself as a police officer and proceeded to search them and steal their money.
It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.
Police say Joseph Mignano, of Fall River, Mass., was impersonating a police officer when he robbed a man in the Silver Lake section of the city on July 18.
The 32-year-old Mignano was arraigned Tuesday on charges of second-degree robbery and impersonating an officer. He was held on bail as a probation violator.
Police Captain James Desmarais tells The Providence Journal that the police are investigating similar incidents in which people claimed that they were robbed by a man who identified himself as a police officer and proceeded to search them and steal their money.
It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Former Officer Mike Shamahs Sentenced to 19 Years
A federal judge sentenced a former Chicago police officer to more than 19 years in prison Thursday for raiding a storage locker and stealing what he believed was $30,000 in drug cash.
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman said he believes there are two Mahmoud "Mike" Shamahs -- one the loving husband of a schoolteacher and father of a 4-year-old boy and the other a South Side tactical officer who thought he could brazenly steal on the job.
Some of the victims were drug dealers who had a few hundred dollars taken from them at a time, the judge noted.
"But the most direct victims are the people you love the most," Gettleman told Shamah before sentencing him to 19 years and 4 months in prison. "I'm sorry you didn't think about that before you did your first robbery."
A federal jury convicted Shamah in December of racketeering and conspiracy in a series of robberies while working in the Morgan Park District with partner Richard Doroniuk. They were snared in an FBI sting in 2006.
Doroniuk testified against his partner at the trial, saying officers routinely carried a little crack cocaine to plant on suspects when searches came up empty and stole cash from drug dealers during raids and traffic stops. He also said they routinely paid informants, falsified reports, lied in court and even kicked back cash to an undisclosed judge for pushing through a bogus warrant.
Gettleman said he thought federal guidelines that called for a minimum sentence of about 24 years in prison were too harsh, especially because Doroniuk was sentenced to less than 11 years earlier this week.
Shamah, dressed in a gray pinstriped suit, pulled a prepared statement from a jacket pocket and pleaded for mercy. He said he took responsibility for his actions, but he also blamed a system that stresses arrests over good policework for eroding how he thought of his duties.
"I lost respect for my job, your honor," Shamah said. "I lost the police officer I wanted to be."
Assistant U.S. Atty. Meghan Morrissey called for a stiffer sentence because Shamah used a weapon and body armor during the robberies.
Prosecutors said Shamah pocketed half of the $30,000 in the FBI sting and about $1,700 more from traffic stops and arrests.
Morrissey said Shamah contributed to the general distrust of the police.
___________________________
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/07/former-cop-gets-to-19-years-in-prison.html
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman said he believes there are two Mahmoud "Mike" Shamahs -- one the loving husband of a schoolteacher and father of a 4-year-old boy and the other a South Side tactical officer who thought he could brazenly steal on the job.
Some of the victims were drug dealers who had a few hundred dollars taken from them at a time, the judge noted.
"But the most direct victims are the people you love the most," Gettleman told Shamah before sentencing him to 19 years and 4 months in prison. "I'm sorry you didn't think about that before you did your first robbery."
A federal jury convicted Shamah in December of racketeering and conspiracy in a series of robberies while working in the Morgan Park District with partner Richard Doroniuk. They were snared in an FBI sting in 2006.
Doroniuk testified against his partner at the trial, saying officers routinely carried a little crack cocaine to plant on suspects when searches came up empty and stole cash from drug dealers during raids and traffic stops. He also said they routinely paid informants, falsified reports, lied in court and even kicked back cash to an undisclosed judge for pushing through a bogus warrant.
Gettleman said he thought federal guidelines that called for a minimum sentence of about 24 years in prison were too harsh, especially because Doroniuk was sentenced to less than 11 years earlier this week.
Shamah, dressed in a gray pinstriped suit, pulled a prepared statement from a jacket pocket and pleaded for mercy. He said he took responsibility for his actions, but he also blamed a system that stresses arrests over good policework for eroding how he thought of his duties.
"I lost respect for my job, your honor," Shamah said. "I lost the police officer I wanted to be."
Assistant U.S. Atty. Meghan Morrissey called for a stiffer sentence because Shamah used a weapon and body armor during the robberies.
Prosecutors said Shamah pocketed half of the $30,000 in the FBI sting and about $1,700 more from traffic stops and arrests.
Morrissey said Shamah contributed to the general distrust of the police.
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http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/07/former-cop-gets-to-19-years-in-prison.html
Monday, June 08, 2009
Former Officer Malik Snell Convicted of Stealing from Drug Kingpin
A jury convicted a former Philadelphia police officer of stealing from a drug kingpin and participating in a robbery.
Malik Snell drove the get-a-way car following a home invasion in Pottstown last March, which led to a high speed chase, prosecutors said.
The 36-year-old was convicted Monday on all counts. The former Marine was an officer for 11 years.
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Photo & More Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090608_Ex-Philadelphia_police_officer_convicted_on_4_counts.html
Malik Snell drove the get-a-way car following a home invasion in Pottstown last March, which led to a high speed chase, prosecutors said.
The 36-year-old was convicted Monday on all counts. The former Marine was an officer for 11 years.
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Photo & More Information: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090608_Ex-Philadelphia_police_officer_convicted_on_4_counts.html
Monday, June 01, 2009
Former Officer James Formato, Officer Dino Vitalo & Others Arrested for Armed Robberies
A reputed mob boss, a police officer and five other men were charged Thursday in a sweeping racketeering indictment that alleges eight years of armed robberies, burglaries, jewel thefts and arson based in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Michael "The Large Guy" Sarno, 51, of Westchester allegedly masterminded much of the group's illegal activity, including a February 2003 pipe-bomb explosion that wrecked the storefront offices of a company distributing video poker machines.
Prosecutors say the bombing was a message from organized crime to stop intruding on its $13-million-a-year video poker gambling business.
Sarno, 51, went to prison in the early 1990s as a member of an organized crime family based in the western suburbs headed by Ernest Rocco Infelice.
Federal agents searched Sarno's home last July and also raided the headquarters and various hangouts of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. An alliance has developed between the violence-prone club and the Chicago mob, prosecutors say.
Sarno's attorney, Terence P. Gillespie, did not return a message for comment. But he said in a previous interview with The Associated Press that Sarno was not a mob member and was "a legitimate businessman."
Two men arrested the day of the July 2008 searches and later indicted, Mark Polchan, 41, an acknowledged member of the Outlaws, and Samuel Volpendesto, 85, were also charged in the fresh indictment. They are accused of setting off the bomb that demolished C&S Coin Operated Amusements of Berwyn, a video poker device distributor.
At the time, a video poker distributing company controlled by members and associates of the Chicago mob had a grip on the market for the devices, experts say.
Video poker devices are legal in Illinois if they are not used for gambling, but bartenders often pay winners under the table in many places and experts say the mob frequently takes a healthy cut of what the machines take in.
Gov. Pat Quinn is deciding whether to sign a bill to make video poker gambling legal to finance public works — something good government forces deplore. They say the machines are addictive and some breadwinners have gambled away their paychecks.
Also charged in the indictment:
—James Formato, 42, a former Berwyn police officer accused of serving as a courier for stolen money, taking part in an attempted robbery and other crimes.
—Mark Hay, 52, described as taking part in the robbery of jewelry stores.
—Anthony Volpendesto, 46, son of Samuel Volpendesto, who also is alleged to have taken part in robbing jewelry stores.
—Dino Vitalo, 40, a Cicero police officer since 1991, accused of searching law enforcement data bases and using the information to tip off criminals and searching for electronic surveillance equipment around a jewelry store operated by Polchan. Cicero officials on Thursday placed Vitalo on administrative leave.
Prosecutors are asking the court to force the defendants if convicted to forfeit $1.8 million — a possible measure of the amount taken in the robberies.
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http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6844795
Michael "The Large Guy" Sarno, 51, of Westchester allegedly masterminded much of the group's illegal activity, including a February 2003 pipe-bomb explosion that wrecked the storefront offices of a company distributing video poker machines.
Prosecutors say the bombing was a message from organized crime to stop intruding on its $13-million-a-year video poker gambling business.
Sarno, 51, went to prison in the early 1990s as a member of an organized crime family based in the western suburbs headed by Ernest Rocco Infelice.
Federal agents searched Sarno's home last July and also raided the headquarters and various hangouts of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. An alliance has developed between the violence-prone club and the Chicago mob, prosecutors say.
Sarno's attorney, Terence P. Gillespie, did not return a message for comment. But he said in a previous interview with The Associated Press that Sarno was not a mob member and was "a legitimate businessman."
Two men arrested the day of the July 2008 searches and later indicted, Mark Polchan, 41, an acknowledged member of the Outlaws, and Samuel Volpendesto, 85, were also charged in the fresh indictment. They are accused of setting off the bomb that demolished C&S Coin Operated Amusements of Berwyn, a video poker device distributor.
At the time, a video poker distributing company controlled by members and associates of the Chicago mob had a grip on the market for the devices, experts say.
Video poker devices are legal in Illinois if they are not used for gambling, but bartenders often pay winners under the table in many places and experts say the mob frequently takes a healthy cut of what the machines take in.
Gov. Pat Quinn is deciding whether to sign a bill to make video poker gambling legal to finance public works — something good government forces deplore. They say the machines are addictive and some breadwinners have gambled away their paychecks.
Also charged in the indictment:
—James Formato, 42, a former Berwyn police officer accused of serving as a courier for stolen money, taking part in an attempted robbery and other crimes.
—Mark Hay, 52, described as taking part in the robbery of jewelry stores.
—Anthony Volpendesto, 46, son of Samuel Volpendesto, who also is alleged to have taken part in robbing jewelry stores.
—Dino Vitalo, 40, a Cicero police officer since 1991, accused of searching law enforcement data bases and using the information to tip off criminals and searching for electronic surveillance equipment around a jewelry store operated by Polchan. Cicero officials on Thursday placed Vitalo on administrative leave.
Prosecutors are asking the court to force the defendants if convicted to forfeit $1.8 million — a possible measure of the amount taken in the robberies.
______________________
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6844795
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Officer Shawn Jenkins Faces Federal Robbery Charges
A veteran New York City police officer has been arrested on charges that he plotted to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars believed to be hidden in an apartment where a drug dealer once lived.
The officer, Shawn Jenkins, faces federal robbery charges.
Prosecutors said that Officer Jenkins was recorded by an informant talking about a scheme to subdue the current tenant of an Upper Manhattan apartment and retrieve $900,000 that was rumored to have been hidden under the floor.
Police officers and federal agents were waiting to arrest the officer on Tuesday night when, they said, he arrived there.
The tenant told the authorities that burglars have repeatedly been attracted to the home since a cocaine dealer who previously lived there was arrested.
Last year, someone ripped up the floorboards while the tenant was on vacation.
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http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/05/13/2009-05-13_cops_dirty_cop_busted_plotting_to_rob_drug_dealer_of_1_million_cash.html
The officer, Shawn Jenkins, faces federal robbery charges.
Prosecutors said that Officer Jenkins was recorded by an informant talking about a scheme to subdue the current tenant of an Upper Manhattan apartment and retrieve $900,000 that was rumored to have been hidden under the floor.
Police officers and federal agents were waiting to arrest the officer on Tuesday night when, they said, he arrived there.
The tenant told the authorities that burglars have repeatedly been attracted to the home since a cocaine dealer who previously lived there was arrested.
Last year, someone ripped up the floorboards while the tenant was on vacation.
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http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/05/13/2009-05-13_cops_dirty_cop_busted_plotting_to_rob_drug_dealer_of_1_million_cash.html
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Lt Gerald Copeland Arrested for Abducting Prostitute and Raping Her
Gerald Copeland, a retired Lieutenant with the Fulton County Police Department was back in trouble with the law Thursday. Police said Copeland's crimes involve a prostitute.
In a widening investigation, another prostitute is claiming Copeland abducted her, robbed her and raped her.
Union City police have charged Copeland in connection with the discovery of a half-clothed Atlanta prostitute found wandering in a subdivision off Highway 92.
A passerby found the victim wandering down a deserted road. The woman was described as half beaten, robbed and raped.
The 48-year old former cop was arrested in Fayette County last month, charged in similar crimes with two other alleged prostitutes.
Police said other victims had also been taken to vacant subdivisions, where Copeland is accused of raping, assaulting and robbing them.
Investigators searched Copeland's home in North Fulton County. Copeland remained in the Fayette County Jail without bond Thursday.
Police said the Fayette County crimes happened in April, the Union City assault happened in March.
Police said they suspect there are many more victims out there who are too afraid to come forward.
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http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/05/14/ex_fulton_cop_charged.html
In a widening investigation, another prostitute is claiming Copeland abducted her, robbed her and raped her.
Union City police have charged Copeland in connection with the discovery of a half-clothed Atlanta prostitute found wandering in a subdivision off Highway 92.
A passerby found the victim wandering down a deserted road. The woman was described as half beaten, robbed and raped.
The 48-year old former cop was arrested in Fayette County last month, charged in similar crimes with two other alleged prostitutes.
Police said other victims had also been taken to vacant subdivisions, where Copeland is accused of raping, assaulting and robbing them.
Investigators searched Copeland's home in North Fulton County. Copeland remained in the Fayette County Jail without bond Thursday.
Police said the Fayette County crimes happened in April, the Union City assault happened in March.
Police said they suspect there are many more victims out there who are too afraid to come forward.
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http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/05/14/ex_fulton_cop_charged.html
Deputy Brian Vigil Charged with Robbing Pharmacy
A Rio Arriba County sheriff's deputy is facing charges following an armed standoff with police after he allegedly robbed a pharmacy.
Santa Fe Police Capt. Gary Johnson says negotiators got 37-year-old Brian Vigil to give up Monday afternoon and he was transported to a Santa Fe hospital.
Police say they followed Vigil from the pharmacy to a nearby field, where he alternated between sitting down, standing up and cursing at police, all while holding a gun to his own head.
No one was injured and no shots were fired during the two-hour standoff.
Vigil faces charges of robbery, tampering with evidence and five counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Vigil had been on light duty since January because of a head injury he received while on the job.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
More Information: http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=10345696
Santa Fe Police Capt. Gary Johnson says negotiators got 37-year-old Brian Vigil to give up Monday afternoon and he was transported to a Santa Fe hospital.
Police say they followed Vigil from the pharmacy to a nearby field, where he alternated between sitting down, standing up and cursing at police, all while holding a gun to his own head.
No one was injured and no shots were fired during the two-hour standoff.
Vigil faces charges of robbery, tampering with evidence and five counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Vigil had been on light duty since January because of a head injury he received while on the job.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
More Information: http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=10345696
Thursday, April 02, 2009
No Bail for Officer Alhinde Weems Arrested for Selling Drugs
Some startling information has surfaced in a bail hearing for a Philadelphia police officer accused of selling drugs and planning violent robberies.
Officer Alhinde Weems, arrested last week, has been ordered held without bail until his trial, based on some stunning allegations revealed during Thursday's hearing.
Federal prosecutors say Weems is a drug-dealing robber armed with a gun, a police badge, and a uniform, and willing to use all of them to carry out his crimes.
According to authorities, Weems was caught on audio tape and videotape making illegal transactions and planning to force his way into the home of a drug distributor, and confessed when he was arrested.
FBI agent John Dolan testified that Weems sold cocaine to a cooperating informant, transported what he thought was a kilogram of cocaine from one undercover agent to another, and plotted with an undercover agent the armed home-invasion robbery of another supposed supplier.
And Dolan recounted some of the specifics caught on tape:
"He provided possible plans as to how to commit the act, including possibly 'badging' his way into the home. He said he would wear his body armor. He also would provide guns with silencers."
Many of Weems' family members were in the courtroom for his bail hearing to support him. But the judge found probable cause and ruled that Weems is a potential danger to the community, so he will be held without bail pending his trial.
Weems' defense attorneys have suggested that their client was coaxed into some of the illegal activities, and attorney Charles Peruto Jr. says Weems will fight the charges against him in court.
Officer Alhinde Weems, arrested last week, has been ordered held without bail until his trial, based on some stunning allegations revealed during Thursday's hearing.
Federal prosecutors say Weems is a drug-dealing robber armed with a gun, a police badge, and a uniform, and willing to use all of them to carry out his crimes.
According to authorities, Weems was caught on audio tape and videotape making illegal transactions and planning to force his way into the home of a drug distributor, and confessed when he was arrested.
FBI agent John Dolan testified that Weems sold cocaine to a cooperating informant, transported what he thought was a kilogram of cocaine from one undercover agent to another, and plotted with an undercover agent the armed home-invasion robbery of another supposed supplier.
And Dolan recounted some of the specifics caught on tape:
"He provided possible plans as to how to commit the act, including possibly 'badging' his way into the home. He said he would wear his body armor. He also would provide guns with silencers."
Many of Weems' family members were in the courtroom for his bail hearing to support him. But the judge found probable cause and ruled that Weems is a potential danger to the community, so he will be held without bail pending his trial.
Weems' defense attorneys have suggested that their client was coaxed into some of the illegal activities, and attorney Charles Peruto Jr. says Weems will fight the charges against him in court.
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Trial Begins for Former Officer Malik Snell Accused of Robbery
He drove a Dodge Intrepid tricked out like a police narcotics unit undercover car, with tinted windows, lights, sirens, a police radio console, and a screen that separated the front and back seats.
He had his gun.
And, more important, he had his badge.
Those, federal prosecutors say, were the tools of the trade for rogue Philadelphia cop Malik Snell as he targeted suspected narcotics dealers, pulled them over, and stole their cash or their drugs.
Snell, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, robbery, and witness retaliation, is to go on trial today in U.S. District Court. In October, a trial on some of the charges ended with a hung jury.
An 11-year veteran of the Police Department who was assigned to the 18th District in West Philadelphia, Snell, 36, was fired last year after his arrest in a Pottstown home-invasion case. Two superseding federal indictments have expanded the charges against him.
Among other things, he is now accused of robbing one of the biggest drug kingpins in South Philadelphia and later threatening to kill him because he was cooperating.
The kingpin, Ricardo McKendrick Jr., is expected to be called as a witness for the prosecution.
McKendrick, according to motions filed in the case, has alleged that he was stopped by Snell on Dec. 14, 2007, near Water and Dickinson Streets in South Philadelphia.
Snell, driving the Dodge Intrepid, flashed the car's lights and signaled for McKendrick, who was driving a minivan, to pull over.
Federal prosecutors allege that Snell "removed him from the [minivan] and placed him in handcuffs. . . . Snell then searched the [minivan] and took a diaper bag from the back of the van which contained $40,000 in drug proceeds.
"He put the diaper bag in the trunk of the Intrepid and left [McKendrick] handcuffed and unable to leave," according to a motion filed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathy A. Stark and Leo R. Tsao, the prosecutors in the case.
Snell was arrested three days later in connection with an unrelated home invasion in Pottstown. Two men, including his brother-in-law, were charged with breaking into a house where they believed drug money was stashed.
Authorities allege that Snell drove the men to Pottstown and waited outside during the break-in. He and his brother-in-law were arrested after a high-speed police chase, just outside the Montgomery County borough.
Both the brother-in-law, Tyree Aimes, and a second defendant pleaded guilty before trial. Snell's trial ended with a hung jury.
Federal prosecutors, apparently using information supplied by McKendrick and others, have since expanded the charges against Snell. He is being held without bail in the Federal Detention Center on Arch Street.
In the new trial, prosecutors hope to use Aimes' account of other incidents to undermine Snell's assertion that he was an unwitting accomplice, unaware that a robbery was planned on the night of the home invasion.
Snell's attorney, John McMahon of Norristown, has declined to comment about specifics of the case. He is expected to attack the credibility of several government witnesses who come from the drug underworld.
Aimes, according to one prosecution document, has talked about other encounters in which, he says, Snell targeted drug dealers.
Aimes has said that before the Pottstown home invasion, Snell used him to stake out two houses in Philadelphia where narcotics trafficking was allegedly taking place.
After showing him the Intrepid, which Snell allegedly said came from "a friend in the narcotics unit," Aimes said, Snell told him, "I have a job to do" at one of the suspected drug houses.
One house was off the corner of D Street and Allegheny Avenue, and the other was on Callowhill Street between 63d and 64th Streets, according to documents.
Aimes said Snell told him the house on Callowhill was frequently used by a Jamaican marijuana dealer. Aimes said he was watching when Snell, driving the Intrepid, pulled over a woman who had come from the house carrying a bag. The woman was driving a Chevy Malibu, he said.
"Snell pulled the Intrepid out behind her, activated the police lights and pulled the Malibu over," according to a prosecution motion that outlines Aimes' account.
About two hours later, Aimes said, Snell came to his home and gave him a pound of marijuana.
"He told him he had gotten ten pounds of weed from the car stop," according to the motion.
Aimes told authorities that he staked out the house off Allegheny Avenue several times for Snell, but that nothing occurred there.
About the same time, Aimes said, he learned about drug money being stashed in a house in Pottstown and told Snell he "had a job" there.
Snell, he said, agreed to participate.
The Callowhill Street incident is not part of the current indictment, but prosecutors hope to use testimony about it to establish a pattern of criminal activity by Snell.
The charges in the case include the Pottstown home invasion, the robbery of $40,000 from McKendrick, and allegations that Snell later threatened to kill McKendrick and another suspected witness.
McKendrick's father, Ricardo McKendrick Sr., is a former member of the Black Mafia and a longtime Philadelphia drug trafficker, according to investigators who have described the duo as "suppliers to the suppliers" and key players in the Philadelphia drug underworld.
The McKendricks were arrested in April after members of an FBI-Philadelphia Police Department Violent Gang and Drug Task Force raided their South Philadelphia rowhouse.
Authorities found more than 600 pounds of cocaine valued at more than $28 million in the house, in Grays Ferry. It was one of the biggest drug seizures in city history.
The FBI also found nearly $1 million in cash in the trunk of the younger McKendrick's Mercedes, which was parked in the garage of his South Jersey home.
Both McKendricks entered guilty pleas to drug charges in December. Most of the documents in the younger McKendrick's court file relating to his plea have been placed under seal.
McKendrick's decision to cooperate could have ramifications far beyond the current case against Snell. McKendrick's potential debut as a government witness has created a stir in both law enforcement and underworld circles.
Snell allegedly made the threat to "inflict bodily harm" on McKendrick on Jan. 30, shortly after news accounts raised the possibility that he might be cooperating.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Vancouver Officers Facing Charges
Vancouver police are recommending criminal charges be laid against two police officers allegedly involved in attacking and robbing a National Post delivery driver last week.
A New Westminster officer will face charges of assault and possession of stolen property, while a West Vancouver officer is looking at a robbery charge, Chief Jim Chu told a news conference yesterday.
A third off-duty policeman from the Delta force who was arrested after the early morning assault last Wednesday will not be charged, Chief Chu said, citing evidence that the officer may have tried to intervene to stop the assault.
It was the chief's second statement in less than a week, the latest in a recent string of B. C. cops being accused of behaving badly.
"From the moment the Vancouver police were called to the scene, many of us realized that this would be a case that could polarize public opinion, shake their faith in the justice system and offer every police critic a new platform to speak from," Chief Chu said in a statement released yesterday.
"While I abhor the actions that are attributed to these members, I am very pleased with the [police department's] response."
All three officers spent a night in a jail after police responded to a 911 call outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where 47-year-old delivery man Firoz Khan claimed the officers attacked him unprovoked, robbed him, racially abused him and threatened to use a Taser. His assailants were alleged to have stolen his cellphone and $200.
Because the victim could not identify the officer who allegedly uttered racial remarks, police were not recommending the case be tried as a hate crime, Chief Chu said, noting the matter would be left to the courts to "take into consideration."
Chiefs from the New Westminster, West Vancouver and Delta departments will also be conducting their own investigations to determine the status of the three officers, he added.
A New Westminster officer will face charges of assault and possession of stolen property, while a West Vancouver officer is looking at a robbery charge, Chief Jim Chu told a news conference yesterday.
A third off-duty policeman from the Delta force who was arrested after the early morning assault last Wednesday will not be charged, Chief Chu said, citing evidence that the officer may have tried to intervene to stop the assault.
It was the chief's second statement in less than a week, the latest in a recent string of B. C. cops being accused of behaving badly.
"From the moment the Vancouver police were called to the scene, many of us realized that this would be a case that could polarize public opinion, shake their faith in the justice system and offer every police critic a new platform to speak from," Chief Chu said in a statement released yesterday.
"While I abhor the actions that are attributed to these members, I am very pleased with the [police department's] response."
All three officers spent a night in a jail after police responded to a 911 call outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where 47-year-old delivery man Firoz Khan claimed the officers attacked him unprovoked, robbed him, racially abused him and threatened to use a Taser. His assailants were alleged to have stolen his cellphone and $200.
Because the victim could not identify the officer who allegedly uttered racial remarks, police were not recommending the case be tried as a hate crime, Chief Chu said, noting the matter would be left to the courts to "take into consideration."
Chiefs from the New Westminster, West Vancouver and Delta departments will also be conducting their own investigations to determine the status of the three officers, he added.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Trooper Brian Smith was Questioned before Going on Shooting Spree
SOUTHLAKE
Just hours before he went on a shooting spree that left two people dead last month, a former Utah state trooper was questioned by Southlake police and learned he’d soon be arrested on burglary and robbery charges, according to police documents released Thursday.
Brian Gamble Smith, 37, shot himself early Dec. 23 in Garland during a standoff with police that followed three shootings on Interstate 635 in Dallas and a shooting and pharmacy robbery in Garland. He died the next day.
The documents released Thursday detail Southlake police officers’ investigation into a Dec. 17 mugging and a Dec. 22 vehicle burglary. Detectives connected Smith to crimes after a witness to the vehicle burglary wrote down his license plate number.
Southlake Detective Richard Anderson interviewed Gamble about the burglary about 12:45 p.m. Dec. 22, about two hours after it was reported, according to the documents.
Gamble was cooperative and "very calm" at first, denying any involvement, Anderson wrote in his arrest warrant affidavit. After about half an hour of questioning, Smith grew "irritated" and said he wanted to end the interview, Anderson wrote. Anderson agreed but told Smith he was going to obtain a warrant for Smith’s arrest later that day.
Anderson then walked Smith to the police department lobby and asked him to wait so Anderson could give him a business card. When Anderson returned, he told Smith he had surveillance video showing Smith committing the burglary, according to the affidavit. Anderson also said the video showed a woman in the car and asked if she was Smith’s wife. Smith said the woman wasn’t his wife but declined to identify her and asked to stop the interview.
Anderson then walked Smith to the parking lot, the affidavit states.
About 5:30 that night, a man identified himself as Brian Smith and said he needed to refill a prescription, then produced a handgun and stole OxyContin from behind the counter of a Kroger pharmacy in Garland. By 6 p.m., four shootings had been reported in the area and two men were dead.
Smith left the Utah state troopers after an investigation that found he was abusing prescription drugs and alcohol. The investigation was prompted by a January 2008 incident in which he threatened to commit suicide.
Just hours before he went on a shooting spree that left two people dead last month, a former Utah state trooper was questioned by Southlake police and learned he’d soon be arrested on burglary and robbery charges, according to police documents released Thursday.
Brian Gamble Smith, 37, shot himself early Dec. 23 in Garland during a standoff with police that followed three shootings on Interstate 635 in Dallas and a shooting and pharmacy robbery in Garland. He died the next day.
The documents released Thursday detail Southlake police officers’ investigation into a Dec. 17 mugging and a Dec. 22 vehicle burglary. Detectives connected Smith to crimes after a witness to the vehicle burglary wrote down his license plate number.
Southlake Detective Richard Anderson interviewed Gamble about the burglary about 12:45 p.m. Dec. 22, about two hours after it was reported, according to the documents.
Gamble was cooperative and "very calm" at first, denying any involvement, Anderson wrote in his arrest warrant affidavit. After about half an hour of questioning, Smith grew "irritated" and said he wanted to end the interview, Anderson wrote. Anderson agreed but told Smith he was going to obtain a warrant for Smith’s arrest later that day.
Anderson then walked Smith to the police department lobby and asked him to wait so Anderson could give him a business card. When Anderson returned, he told Smith he had surveillance video showing Smith committing the burglary, according to the affidavit. Anderson also said the video showed a woman in the car and asked if she was Smith’s wife. Smith said the woman wasn’t his wife but declined to identify her and asked to stop the interview.
Anderson then walked Smith to the parking lot, the affidavit states.
About 5:30 that night, a man identified himself as Brian Smith and said he needed to refill a prescription, then produced a handgun and stole OxyContin from behind the counter of a Kroger pharmacy in Garland. By 6 p.m., four shootings had been reported in the area and two men were dead.
Smith left the Utah state troopers after an investigation that found he was abusing prescription drugs and alcohol. The investigation was prompted by a January 2008 incident in which he threatened to commit suicide.
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