An Albany Police officer is arrested driving DUI early Sunday morning.
Lt. Ulysses Austin, a 25 Year veteran of APD and Patrol officer supervisor, was arrested for DUI around 1:00 Sunday morning on Blaylock Street in Albany at a Georgia State Patrol task force road block.
Nearly a dozen Troopers were conducting the road block targeting DUI drivers.
Albany Police Chief John Proctor said he will assign Lt. Austin to a different duty while an internal affairs investigation into his arrest is completed.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Officer Christian Cathey Arrested for Drunk Driving
Police say an off-duty Memphis police officer was arrested for DUI after he drove into the gate of a driveway.
According to a police affidavit, 24-year-old Christian Cathey was driving a Jeep Wrangler when he hit the gate of a driveway in the 8400 block of U.S. Highway 70, early Friday morning, November 27, 2009. The police document states when officers arrived at the scene, Cathey was asleep in the driver’s seat of his running Jeep, parked in the backyard of the home.
Officers say in the police document, when they awoke Cathey, he had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. Cathey told officers that he drank four cups of beer earlier Thursday evening. Police say Cathey performed poorly on a field sobriety test and refused to take a blood alcohol test.
Cathey has been charged with Driving Under the Influence and Public Intoxication.
According to a Memphis police spokesperson, “Officer Cathey has been routinely relieved of duty until further investigation.”
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.
Officer Arrested for Rape
A police officer was arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl since March this year, Mpumalanga police said on Monday.
The officer was arrested in Moloto at the weekend, Superintendent Abie Khoabane said.
"When the first rape occurred, the girl reported the matter to her grandmother whom she lived with in Moloto. The grandmother did not believe her and the rapes continued."
The police officer and the girl were neighbors.
"After some months the girl's performance at school as well as the way she behaved changed... Her teacher then took her for counseling, that is when she spoke of what happened to her. She was then taken for medical examinations."
Police were called in and the officer was arrested.
-----------------------------
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=nw20091130220350554C904632
The officer was arrested in Moloto at the weekend, Superintendent Abie Khoabane said.
"When the first rape occurred, the girl reported the matter to her grandmother whom she lived with in Moloto. The grandmother did not believe her and the rapes continued."
The police officer and the girl were neighbors.
"After some months the girl's performance at school as well as the way she behaved changed... Her teacher then took her for counseling, that is when she spoke of what happened to her. She was then taken for medical examinations."
Police were called in and the officer was arrested.
-----------------------------
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=nw20091130220350554C904632
Officer Robert Todd Arrested for Drunk Driving
Police arrested a man they said was drunk behind the wheel in Englewood and the suspect turned out to be one of their own.
Robert Adam Todd, 25, a Butler Township police officer, was arrested Wednesday night after police said he crashed into another car while driving intoxicated.
Sgt. Mike Lang said, "Officers responded to an accident at Main Street at the Englewood Dam."
Police said Todd rear-ended another driver sitting at the red light. However, when officers showed up to process the scene of the crash, they recognized the driver at fault. "One of the officers responding knew he was a police officer," said Lang.
They also suspected that the driver was drunk.
Police reports indicate that Todd failed all three sobriety tests that he was given, although he denied having anything to drink. He said he didn't see the other driver's brake lights. Officers said he refused a breathalyzer test.
Sgt. Lang said, "Enough clues were present to place him under arrest."
The Butler Township Police Chief, Danny Hobbs, said he has never had to deal with one of his own officers facing criminal charges.
"I found out early Thursday morning, " said Hobbs. "He's a good officer. I had no prior problems with him."
Chief Hobbs said the two and a half year veteran called him to apologize and knows that he made a mistake. "We are held to a higher standard, but we are human. We make mistakes. These these things happen," said Hobbs.
Officer Todd is now on unpaid administrative leave.
The chief did not want to speculate on the future of Todd's job, and said he will wait for the court's decision and then conduct his own standard of conduct investigation.
Robert Adam Todd, 25, a Butler Township police officer, was arrested Wednesday night after police said he crashed into another car while driving intoxicated.
Sgt. Mike Lang said, "Officers responded to an accident at Main Street at the Englewood Dam."
Police said Todd rear-ended another driver sitting at the red light. However, when officers showed up to process the scene of the crash, they recognized the driver at fault. "One of the officers responding knew he was a police officer," said Lang.
They also suspected that the driver was drunk.
Police reports indicate that Todd failed all three sobriety tests that he was given, although he denied having anything to drink. He said he didn't see the other driver's brake lights. Officers said he refused a breathalyzer test.
Sgt. Lang said, "Enough clues were present to place him under arrest."
The Butler Township Police Chief, Danny Hobbs, said he has never had to deal with one of his own officers facing criminal charges.
"I found out early Thursday morning, " said Hobbs. "He's a good officer. I had no prior problems with him."
Chief Hobbs said the two and a half year veteran called him to apologize and knows that he made a mistake. "We are held to a higher standard, but we are human. We make mistakes. These these things happen," said Hobbs.
Officer Todd is now on unpaid administrative leave.
The chief did not want to speculate on the future of Todd's job, and said he will wait for the court's decision and then conduct his own standard of conduct investigation.
Officer Dustin Bradshaw Fired for Tasering 10-year-old Girl
The mayor of a small Arkansas town says the police officer who used a stun gun on an unruly 10-year-old girl has been fired for violating department policy — not for using the Taser but for failing to use the camera attached to it.
Ozark Mayor Vernon McDaniel says Officer Dustin Bradshaw's termination was effective Friday. The mayor says he received notice of Bradshaw's firing on Monday morning.
According to a police report, Bradshaw used the Taser on the girl on Nov. 11 after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance. The report says the girl's mother gave Bradshaw permission to use the stun gun if needed.
A phone number for Bradshaw couldn't immediately be found Monday. The mayor says Bradshaw will still receive unpaid vacation and holiday time.
Ozark Mayor Vernon McDaniel says Officer Dustin Bradshaw's termination was effective Friday. The mayor says he received notice of Bradshaw's firing on Monday morning.
According to a police report, Bradshaw used the Taser on the girl on Nov. 11 after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance. The report says the girl's mother gave Bradshaw permission to use the stun gun if needed.
A phone number for Bradshaw couldn't immediately be found Monday. The mayor says Bradshaw will still receive unpaid vacation and holiday time.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Former Officer Charles Mottern Arrested for Burglary at Church
Authorities say a former Los Angeles police officer has been arrested for investigation in the alleged burglary of an Orange County church.
Jim Amormino, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, said Thursday that 45-year old Charles Mottern of Irvine was arrested Tuesday for investigation of burglary, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.
Amormino says Mottern was separated from his job as a Saddleback Church security official last year after church officials reported a series of thefts.
Amormino says church officials interrupted an attempted burglary last week but could not identify the suspect.
Amormino says Mottern worked for the Los Angeles police department until 1996.
Mottern's home phone number was unlisted.
Jim Amormino, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, said Thursday that 45-year old Charles Mottern of Irvine was arrested Tuesday for investigation of burglary, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.
Amormino says Mottern was separated from his job as a Saddleback Church security official last year after church officials reported a series of thefts.
Amormino says church officials interrupted an attempted burglary last week but could not identify the suspect.
Amormino says Mottern worked for the Los Angeles police department until 1996.
Mottern's home phone number was unlisted.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Deputy Steven Stenulson Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teen
Steven L. Stenulson, 38, of 1934 Liberty Lane, Janesville, was asked to resign in the midst of allegations he sexually assaulted an 18-year-girl Nov. 1 in Milton, Sheriff Bob Spoden said. The party included underage drinking.
Stenulson resigned Wednesday, Nov. 18, and the sheriff’s office’s internal investigation ended, Spoden said. He could have been disciplined or fired as a result of the internal investigation.
Stenulson was arrested Monday, Nov. 2, after the teen told police she awoke from a nap at a Halloween party and found an off-duty deputy assaulting her, according to the criminal complaint. The two know each other.
Stenulson was charged with second-degree sexual assault, a felony that involves sexual contact with someone not capable of giving consent or who is under the influence of alcohol.
According to the criminal complaint:
Stenulson and the woman were at a party at 518 College St., Milton. The woman became intoxicated and sick and went to an upstairs bedroom to sleep.
She said she awoke to find Stenulson lying in her bed and touching her inappropriately under her clothes. She said she denied his request to have sex.
The woman said they heard people coming up the stairs, and Stenulson quickly moved onto the room’s other bed.
When the two people entered the room, the woman started crying. Stenulson immediately left.
The woman told people what happened. Someone then called police.
Stenulson denied assaulting the woman. He said he had been playing beer pong at the party and went to the bedroom to rest.
He initially said he was on the bed next to the woman but later said he knelt on her bed to check on her.
The woman was taken to Mercy Hospital in Janesville, where a nurse found lacerations and an abrasion on the woman’s genitals.
Blood tests indicated Stenulson and the woman had been drinking, Milton police said at the time.
Karen Ryan of 518 College St., Milton, was ticketed for allowing underage drinking at the party, Milton police said.
Stenulson was placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, Spoden said. He will receive his accrued vacation and sick pay.
If convicted of second-degree sexual assault, Stenulson faces up to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 30 for an adjourned initial appearance.
Officer Frank Tepper Has History of Complaints
Seven years ago, an Internal Affairs investigator warned Philadelphia Police Officer Frank Tepper, now accused by neighbors of fatally shooting an unarmed 21-year-old man Saturday night in a fit of temper, against taking the law into his own hands while off duty.
Tepper had gone in search of a teenager who bullied the officer's 8-year-old son at a playground near the family's Port Richmond home, according to the report. Tepper ended up in a scuffle with local youths, spraying Mace at them, taking a punch to the face, and drawing his gun before on-duty police arrived.
Tepper's actions, the report said, "could have resulted in numerous injuries with the very real possibility of deadly force being used by him during this confrontation. Police Officer Tepper would have fared better with the assistance of on-duty police officers as opposed to the situation which led him to face a hostile crowd of youths alone."
Saturday night, Tepper again chose to confront a volatile situation instead of waiting for backup.
When a brawl erupted on Elkhart Street in front of Tepper's house during a family party, he went outside to break it up, police said. Tepper told police he was attacked and fired his gun in self-defense.
The shot killed William Panas Jr., who lived nearby and who eyewitnesses said also had been trying to stop the fighting.
Witnesses said Tepper appeared intoxicated during the fight, which included members of his family and others from the neighborhood. No one but Tepper was armed, and police have reported no arrests in the fight.
Police Lt. Frank Vanore said he could not say whether Tepper called 911 before getting involved or whether he was drunk. Tepper has not returned calls seeking comment.
Panas, who lived with his parents and had planned to open a neighborhood barbershop, will be buried Saturday, said his father, William Sr.
Many members of the community have come forward to the Panas family, expressing their support and sharing stories about the younger Panas.
"I'm hurting," the elder Panas said yesterday. "We all are. But to know my son was respected and loved is a good feeling."
Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey has also called, Panas said, and told the family that Tepper could face charges if the investigation reveals the shooting was not justified.
"For Mr. Ramsey to call me personally was very reassuring," Panas said. "I don't want sympathy for me and my wife. I just want justice."
Since the younger Panas' death, residents of his Port Richmond neighborhood have spoken out about their experiences with Tepper. Some have reported seeing Tepper brandish a gun or fire shots into the air. Others recalled seeing him shoot an opossum in the street. Still others have reported a long history of feuding with or threatening the area's teenagers and young adults.
Debra Spencer said she had been afraid of Tepper since 2002, when he used Mace on her son during the fight over the harassment of Tepper's young son.
"My son didn't know who he was when Frank came at him," Spencer said, who later sought out Tepper to question him about the scuffle. "I asked Frank if he had identified himself as a cop, told the kids he was police. He said, 'I don't have to.' "
The Police Department's guidelines for off-duty officers dictate that officers call 911 before taking any police action, Vanore said, and all such actions are automatically reported to Internal Affairs. Ultimately, Ramsey reviews each case.
Every time an officer fires a gun, either on or off duty, the gun is confiscated. A supervisor then arrives to take the officer to Internal Affairs, which investigates the incident.
Tepper, who joined the department in 1993, works in the Civil Affairs Unit, whose assignments include demonstrations and labor disputes. He has been placed on desk duty during the investigation, standard procedure for officers involved in shootings.
Tepper previously worked as a patrolman in the 15th District, which includes parts of North Philadelphia.
Tepper has been the target of seven complaints from citizens alleging that Tepper assaulted them, swore at them, or otherwise behaved inappropriately. Police sources said it was not unusual for a 16-year veteran of any police force to amass complaints, particularly when the officer worked as a patrolman.
Though Tepper was cleared of most charges, including the complaints of abuse, he was admonished for his behavior several times, according to the reports from Internal Affairs.
In 1995, Tepper, while off duty, got involved in a car chase after two men allegedly catcalled his fiancée and another woman. Tepper had been in a bar earlier wearing most of his uniform, according to the Internal Affairs report, in a violation of department policy.
Tepper told police that the men's car hit him when he tried to tell them to leave and that he had followed them to make an arrest when they drove away. The investigator assigned to the case observed that "Officer Tepper's version of events seems to be lacking the whole truth."
In 2001, an Internal Affairs report found that Tepper and another officer tried to force a man they arrested to apologize to them for resisting arrest.
In the 2002 incident, in which Tepper confronted a group of teenagers, the Internal Affairs report found that he violated the department's guidelines for off-duty officers.
Tepper had gone in search of a teenager who bullied the officer's 8-year-old son at a playground near the family's Port Richmond home, according to the report. Tepper ended up in a scuffle with local youths, spraying Mace at them, taking a punch to the face, and drawing his gun before on-duty police arrived.
Tepper's actions, the report said, "could have resulted in numerous injuries with the very real possibility of deadly force being used by him during this confrontation. Police Officer Tepper would have fared better with the assistance of on-duty police officers as opposed to the situation which led him to face a hostile crowd of youths alone."
Saturday night, Tepper again chose to confront a volatile situation instead of waiting for backup.
When a brawl erupted on Elkhart Street in front of Tepper's house during a family party, he went outside to break it up, police said. Tepper told police he was attacked and fired his gun in self-defense.
The shot killed William Panas Jr., who lived nearby and who eyewitnesses said also had been trying to stop the fighting.
Witnesses said Tepper appeared intoxicated during the fight, which included members of his family and others from the neighborhood. No one but Tepper was armed, and police have reported no arrests in the fight.
Police Lt. Frank Vanore said he could not say whether Tepper called 911 before getting involved or whether he was drunk. Tepper has not returned calls seeking comment.
Panas, who lived with his parents and had planned to open a neighborhood barbershop, will be buried Saturday, said his father, William Sr.
Many members of the community have come forward to the Panas family, expressing their support and sharing stories about the younger Panas.
"I'm hurting," the elder Panas said yesterday. "We all are. But to know my son was respected and loved is a good feeling."
Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey has also called, Panas said, and told the family that Tepper could face charges if the investigation reveals the shooting was not justified.
"For Mr. Ramsey to call me personally was very reassuring," Panas said. "I don't want sympathy for me and my wife. I just want justice."
Since the younger Panas' death, residents of his Port Richmond neighborhood have spoken out about their experiences with Tepper. Some have reported seeing Tepper brandish a gun or fire shots into the air. Others recalled seeing him shoot an opossum in the street. Still others have reported a long history of feuding with or threatening the area's teenagers and young adults.
Debra Spencer said she had been afraid of Tepper since 2002, when he used Mace on her son during the fight over the harassment of Tepper's young son.
"My son didn't know who he was when Frank came at him," Spencer said, who later sought out Tepper to question him about the scuffle. "I asked Frank if he had identified himself as a cop, told the kids he was police. He said, 'I don't have to.' "
The Police Department's guidelines for off-duty officers dictate that officers call 911 before taking any police action, Vanore said, and all such actions are automatically reported to Internal Affairs. Ultimately, Ramsey reviews each case.
Every time an officer fires a gun, either on or off duty, the gun is confiscated. A supervisor then arrives to take the officer to Internal Affairs, which investigates the incident.
Tepper, who joined the department in 1993, works in the Civil Affairs Unit, whose assignments include demonstrations and labor disputes. He has been placed on desk duty during the investigation, standard procedure for officers involved in shootings.
Tepper previously worked as a patrolman in the 15th District, which includes parts of North Philadelphia.
Tepper has been the target of seven complaints from citizens alleging that Tepper assaulted them, swore at them, or otherwise behaved inappropriately. Police sources said it was not unusual for a 16-year veteran of any police force to amass complaints, particularly when the officer worked as a patrolman.
Though Tepper was cleared of most charges, including the complaints of abuse, he was admonished for his behavior several times, according to the reports from Internal Affairs.
In 1995, Tepper, while off duty, got involved in a car chase after two men allegedly catcalled his fiancée and another woman. Tepper had been in a bar earlier wearing most of his uniform, according to the Internal Affairs report, in a violation of department policy.
Tepper told police that the men's car hit him when he tried to tell them to leave and that he had followed them to make an arrest when they drove away. The investigator assigned to the case observed that "Officer Tepper's version of events seems to be lacking the whole truth."
In 2001, an Internal Affairs report found that Tepper and another officer tried to force a man they arrested to apologize to them for resisting arrest.
In the 2002 incident, in which Tepper confronted a group of teenagers, the Internal Affairs report found that he violated the department's guidelines for off-duty officers.
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.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Officer Mike Bogdonas Charged with Conduct Unbecoming an Officer
Town of Beloit Police Chief John Wilson has filed charges against one of his officers and requests the officer be suspended for up to 90 days.
A recently appointed disciplinary committee will hold a hearing and could act on the matter Tuesday.
Wilson on Sept. 22 filed a document listing five charges against officer Mike Bogdonas. The charges were a result of a complaint filed by a resident after Bogdonas responded to a July 12 domestic incident.
The charges accuse Bogdonas of behaving in a manner unbecoming an officer, being disloyal to the police department and lying, according to a copy of the complaint obtained by the Gazette.
According to the complaint:
-- During the July 12 incident, Bogdonas told a family member involved in the July 12 incident that if Bogdonas wasn’t “a cop, I’d probably go over and punch” his own mother-in-law in the head.
-- Bogdonas talked extensively about his personal life during the response.
-- Bogdonas told an accused batterer he would have done the same thing.
-- During the incident, Bogdonas talked about internal matters at the police department. He mentioned recent disputes and investigations in the department and spoke negatively about Wilson and Town Administrator Bob Museus.
-- During an internal investigation of the matter, Bogdonas denied the accusations against him. He made false and misrepresentative statements.
His actions at the July 12 incident and his responses during the investigation violate the police department’s code of conduct, according to the charging document.
The disciplinary hearing will look a lot like a court hearing, town attorney Bill Henderson said. The three committee members will hear testimony from both sides, he said.
Then the committee will go into closed session to make a decision, Henderson said. The committee’s decision is final and will not need to go to the town board for approval, he said.
The committee could take up to three days to make a decision, Henderson said.
The committee members are Robert Harris, Karl Salzberg and Dee Nyre.
Because the town does not have a police committee, state statutes allow it to appoint a disciplinary committee or hearing officer when necessary, Henderson said.
Recently, Bogdonas was one of three department members investigated by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
A resident had accused Bogdonas of calling him in January and sharing information about a criminal investigation.
In May, Rock County District Attorney David O’Leary closed the case against Bogdonas and declined to file charges.
A second investigation turned up the fact that Wilson had told a waitress about the sheriff’s investigation. She told Sgt. Willie Abegglen, who told Bogdonas.
Abegglen was suspended for three days without pay. Wilson received a letter of reprimand.
A recently appointed disciplinary committee will hold a hearing and could act on the matter Tuesday.
Wilson on Sept. 22 filed a document listing five charges against officer Mike Bogdonas. The charges were a result of a complaint filed by a resident after Bogdonas responded to a July 12 domestic incident.
The charges accuse Bogdonas of behaving in a manner unbecoming an officer, being disloyal to the police department and lying, according to a copy of the complaint obtained by the Gazette.
According to the complaint:
-- During the July 12 incident, Bogdonas told a family member involved in the July 12 incident that if Bogdonas wasn’t “a cop, I’d probably go over and punch” his own mother-in-law in the head.
-- Bogdonas talked extensively about his personal life during the response.
-- Bogdonas told an accused batterer he would have done the same thing.
-- During the incident, Bogdonas talked about internal matters at the police department. He mentioned recent disputes and investigations in the department and spoke negatively about Wilson and Town Administrator Bob Museus.
-- During an internal investigation of the matter, Bogdonas denied the accusations against him. He made false and misrepresentative statements.
His actions at the July 12 incident and his responses during the investigation violate the police department’s code of conduct, according to the charging document.
The disciplinary hearing will look a lot like a court hearing, town attorney Bill Henderson said. The three committee members will hear testimony from both sides, he said.
Then the committee will go into closed session to make a decision, Henderson said. The committee’s decision is final and will not need to go to the town board for approval, he said.
The committee could take up to three days to make a decision, Henderson said.
The committee members are Robert Harris, Karl Salzberg and Dee Nyre.
Because the town does not have a police committee, state statutes allow it to appoint a disciplinary committee or hearing officer when necessary, Henderson said.
Recently, Bogdonas was one of three department members investigated by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
A resident had accused Bogdonas of calling him in January and sharing information about a criminal investigation.
In May, Rock County District Attorney David O’Leary closed the case against Bogdonas and declined to file charges.
A second investigation turned up the fact that Wilson had told a waitress about the sheriff’s investigation. She told Sgt. Willie Abegglen, who told Bogdonas.
Abegglen was suspended for three days without pay. Wilson received a letter of reprimand.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sgt. Don LeDuff Accused of Shoplifting Perfume
A sergeant in the New Orleans Police Department's juvenile division retired Friday after he was accused of shoplifting a perfume bottle in a Metairie mall, authorities said.
Sergeant Don G. LeDuff, who served 34 years on the force, was accused of pilfering a bottle of fragrance from the J.C. Penney store at Lakeside Shopping Center in plain view of mall security guards, said Col. John Fortunato, a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman.
Deputies issued LeDuff a misdemeanor summons for theft of an item worth less than $100. The Sheriff's Office notified NOPD's Public Integrity Bureau, Fortunato said, and LeDuff opted to retire "with more than 30 years on the job," New Orleans police spokesman Garry Flot said.
It wasn't clear Saturday if the accusations would affect LeDuff's retirement status, Flot said. LeDuff did not return a telephone message.
LeDuff's legal entanglement offered an ironic twist to a career that began in 1975.
In the days after Hurricane Katrina, he was credited with fending off looters intent on breaking into the Marriott Convention Center Hotel, according to a story in New Orleans CityBusiness.
The following year, the nonprofit NOLA's Ark, which planned to repair the flooded homes of at least 50 metro-area first responders, rewarded LeDuff by selecting his eastern New Orleans home as one of the first three to be fixed.
Sergeant Don G. LeDuff, who served 34 years on the force, was accused of pilfering a bottle of fragrance from the J.C. Penney store at Lakeside Shopping Center in plain view of mall security guards, said Col. John Fortunato, a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman.
Deputies issued LeDuff a misdemeanor summons for theft of an item worth less than $100. The Sheriff's Office notified NOPD's Public Integrity Bureau, Fortunato said, and LeDuff opted to retire "with more than 30 years on the job," New Orleans police spokesman Garry Flot said.
It wasn't clear Saturday if the accusations would affect LeDuff's retirement status, Flot said. LeDuff did not return a telephone message.
LeDuff's legal entanglement offered an ironic twist to a career that began in 1975.
In the days after Hurricane Katrina, he was credited with fending off looters intent on breaking into the Marriott Convention Center Hotel, according to a story in New Orleans CityBusiness.
The following year, the nonprofit NOLA's Ark, which planned to repair the flooded homes of at least 50 metro-area first responders, rewarded LeDuff by selecting his eastern New Orleans home as one of the first three to be fixed.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Brian Cardall Dies After Being Tasered
Prosecutors in southern Utah announced Thursday they will not file charges against Hurricane City police for the death of a mentally ill man they subdued with a Taser.
That's in spite of a medical examiner's report which says the Taser may be what killed him.
Cause of Brian Cardall's death
Officers at the scene attributed Brian Cardall's death to a controversial medical diagnosis called "excited delirium." But the medical examiner's report KSL News obtained Thursday said some elements of that supposed disorder did not occur.
The cause of Brian Cardall's death was ventricular fibrillation--a faulty rhythm in the heart muscle--after he was tased. The medical examiner's report says it "is consistent with findings seen in cases of electrocution," but the report did not conclusively find it was caused by the Taser.
Cardall died of cardiac arrest last June after he was hit by a Taser and then given two jolts of 50,000 volts. He had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was experiencing a manic episode, running naked on a rural stretch of state Route 59.
After Cardall's wife called 911 for medical assistance, police officer Ken Thompson fired Taser darts into Cardall's chest.
A team of prosecutors recommended unanimously that Thompson not be charged with a crime.
Washington County prosecutors' findings
Washington County Attorney Brock Belnap said Officer Thompson "responded to a tense, uncertain and rapidly unfolding situation in a manner consistent with his training."
During a press conference Thursday afternoon, Hurricane Police Chief Lynn Excell said, "I was there. I know what happened at the scene. The evidence in this case clearly shows that the officers were justified and that their actions were justified and that their actions were reasonable under that circumstance."
Peter Stirba, who is the attorney representing Hurricane City, said, "We view this as a very deep human tragedy for everyone involved.
But they refused to answer any questions about the investigation or the medical examiner's report.
The report says "it is possible that the [Taser] is a primary or contributory cause of death" and that certain factors increased the risk. Among those was that the Taser's electric darts were not impeded by clothing, so they penetrated into muscle very close to the heart.
"Sometimes two and two equals four; and I think that's what the ME's report said, that he was killed by the tasering," said Cardall family attorney Karra Porter. "What the family wanted, and still wants, is for a more thorough investigation of what happened."
Cardall family's response to report
As for the Cardall family, Porter said they are disappointed but not surprised by the report. She said the investigation failed to address "key evidence" in the case from an eyewitness account of the tasing.
"The prosecutor's office makes no effort to explain the clear contradiction of Officer Thompson's claim that Brian was running at him with the account of both the eyewitness and Anna Cardall that Brian took only a single step towards Thompson," said Porter in the statement.
Porter also told KSL News, "They really still don't explain why Officer Thompson tased Brian again when he's sitting on the ground."
In addition, Porter said the report failed to address the fact that Thompson "got out of the car with his Taser already drawn" and that Thompson "knew that Brian had no weapon."
"In light of the county attorney's decision, the family will discuss their options for ensuring that the full truth emerges regarding Brian's death," said Porter. "I think they also want to feel reassured that steps are being taken to prevent other senseless deaths in the future." [CLICK HERE to read the full statement from Karra Porter].
More than 400 people have died over the years after being tased by police.
As Porter alluded to, the Cardall family is contemplating further legal action. They're also upset that Cardall's wife was detained at the county jail for more than an hour right after her husband died and wasn't even allowed to get a diaper for their baby.
Response from Nami Utah
Meanwhile, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Utah says the Cardall case shows how important it is that all Utah law enforcement officers receive crisis intervention training.
Sherri Wittmer of NAMI Utah says Utah has one of the best CIT programs in the nation, and it includes how to deal with people who are mentally ill.
That's in spite of a medical examiner's report which says the Taser may be what killed him.
Cause of Brian Cardall's death
Officers at the scene attributed Brian Cardall's death to a controversial medical diagnosis called "excited delirium." But the medical examiner's report KSL News obtained Thursday said some elements of that supposed disorder did not occur.
The cause of Brian Cardall's death was ventricular fibrillation--a faulty rhythm in the heart muscle--after he was tased. The medical examiner's report says it "is consistent with findings seen in cases of electrocution," but the report did not conclusively find it was caused by the Taser.
Cardall died of cardiac arrest last June after he was hit by a Taser and then given two jolts of 50,000 volts. He had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was experiencing a manic episode, running naked on a rural stretch of state Route 59.
After Cardall's wife called 911 for medical assistance, police officer Ken Thompson fired Taser darts into Cardall's chest.
A team of prosecutors recommended unanimously that Thompson not be charged with a crime.
Washington County prosecutors' findings
Washington County Attorney Brock Belnap said Officer Thompson "responded to a tense, uncertain and rapidly unfolding situation in a manner consistent with his training."
During a press conference Thursday afternoon, Hurricane Police Chief Lynn Excell said, "I was there. I know what happened at the scene. The evidence in this case clearly shows that the officers were justified and that their actions were justified and that their actions were reasonable under that circumstance."
Peter Stirba, who is the attorney representing Hurricane City, said, "We view this as a very deep human tragedy for everyone involved.
But they refused to answer any questions about the investigation or the medical examiner's report.
The report says "it is possible that the [Taser] is a primary or contributory cause of death" and that certain factors increased the risk. Among those was that the Taser's electric darts were not impeded by clothing, so they penetrated into muscle very close to the heart.
"Sometimes two and two equals four; and I think that's what the ME's report said, that he was killed by the tasering," said Cardall family attorney Karra Porter. "What the family wanted, and still wants, is for a more thorough investigation of what happened."
Cardall family's response to report
As for the Cardall family, Porter said they are disappointed but not surprised by the report. She said the investigation failed to address "key evidence" in the case from an eyewitness account of the tasing.
"The prosecutor's office makes no effort to explain the clear contradiction of Officer Thompson's claim that Brian was running at him with the account of both the eyewitness and Anna Cardall that Brian took only a single step towards Thompson," said Porter in the statement.
Porter also told KSL News, "They really still don't explain why Officer Thompson tased Brian again when he's sitting on the ground."
In addition, Porter said the report failed to address the fact that Thompson "got out of the car with his Taser already drawn" and that Thompson "knew that Brian had no weapon."
"In light of the county attorney's decision, the family will discuss their options for ensuring that the full truth emerges regarding Brian's death," said Porter. "I think they also want to feel reassured that steps are being taken to prevent other senseless deaths in the future." [CLICK HERE to read the full statement from Karra Porter].
More than 400 people have died over the years after being tased by police.
As Porter alluded to, the Cardall family is contemplating further legal action. They're also upset that Cardall's wife was detained at the county jail for more than an hour right after her husband died and wasn't even allowed to get a diaper for their baby.
Response from Nami Utah
Meanwhile, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Utah says the Cardall case shows how important it is that all Utah law enforcement officers receive crisis intervention training.
Sherri Wittmer of NAMI Utah says Utah has one of the best CIT programs in the nation, and it includes how to deal with people who are mentally ill.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Jail Guard Joey Montoya Charged with Raping Female Prisoner
An Española jail guard faces a rape charge after his alleged sexual assault of a female detainee.
Police also are investigating the role of another guard there, who was placed on administrative leave after the incident.
Joey Montoya, 21, was on duty at Española Police Department's holding facility Saturday when he left with a 20-year-old woman who was there for alcohol detox following a domestic dispute, according to police Lt. Christian Lopez.
Montoya offered the woman a ride home in his own vehicle and, along the way, he drove her to an area behind Española High School, where the two had sex, Lopez said.
Montoya admitted to the intercourse, but said it was consensual. Lopez said the woman told police that she went a long with the encounter out of intimidation.
According to a police statement of probable cause, the woman begrudgingly went along with it. "(She) stated that she never told Mr. Montoya no or to stop because she did not know where she was at and didn't want him to leave her there," the report states.
Montoya then dropped off the woman at the same home where she had been involved in the dispute that landed her in detox.
Before the woman got out of Montoya's truck, the officer "told her that she could not say anything because he would get into a lot of trouble," according to the report.
The woman then told her mother - with whom she had the earlier domestic dispute - and the mother called police.
Officers originally were dispatched to the woman's home at about 5 a.m. Saturday after receiving a call that she and her mother were involved in an altercation, Lopez said. The woman had left with her boyfriend before police arrived.
But the couple argued inside the boyfriend's vehicle and he ended up dropping her off on N.M. 106, on the south side of town. A Santa Clara Pueblo tribal officer in the area saw the woman walking alongside the road and contacted Española police.
An officer then came by and took the woman - who had been drinking - to the hold- ing facility to sober up.
"She was intoxicated on the side of the road and we couldn't take her home where she had been involved in the incident with her mother," Lopez said. "Our concern was her safety at that point."
While at the facility - which is typically used to temporarily hold people for detox or following their arrests - the woman was told to strip out of her clothes and put on a jail jumpsuit. However, she didn't stay in custody very long after Montoya allegedly offered her a ride home, which the woman accepted, Lopez said.
Montoya was arrested at his home that afternoon. He faces charges of criminal sexual penetration and intimidation of a witness. The language in the rape charge states that the woman was "confined in a correctional facility or jail when the perpetrator is in a position of authority over the inmate."
Because of Montoya's job, Lopez would not say where he was jailed. The lieutenant did say that Montoya is out on bond.
Another guard who was working there at the time - whom Lopez would not name because he has not been charged - has been put on leave and police are investigating his role from that day.
Police also are investigating the role of another guard there, who was placed on administrative leave after the incident.
Joey Montoya, 21, was on duty at Española Police Department's holding facility Saturday when he left with a 20-year-old woman who was there for alcohol detox following a domestic dispute, according to police Lt. Christian Lopez.
Montoya offered the woman a ride home in his own vehicle and, along the way, he drove her to an area behind Española High School, where the two had sex, Lopez said.
Montoya admitted to the intercourse, but said it was consensual. Lopez said the woman told police that she went a long with the encounter out of intimidation.
According to a police statement of probable cause, the woman begrudgingly went along with it. "(She) stated that she never told Mr. Montoya no or to stop because she did not know where she was at and didn't want him to leave her there," the report states.
Montoya then dropped off the woman at the same home where she had been involved in the dispute that landed her in detox.
Before the woman got out of Montoya's truck, the officer "told her that she could not say anything because he would get into a lot of trouble," according to the report.
The woman then told her mother - with whom she had the earlier domestic dispute - and the mother called police.
Officers originally were dispatched to the woman's home at about 5 a.m. Saturday after receiving a call that she and her mother were involved in an altercation, Lopez said. The woman had left with her boyfriend before police arrived.
But the couple argued inside the boyfriend's vehicle and he ended up dropping her off on N.M. 106, on the south side of town. A Santa Clara Pueblo tribal officer in the area saw the woman walking alongside the road and contacted Española police.
An officer then came by and took the woman - who had been drinking - to the hold- ing facility to sober up.
"She was intoxicated on the side of the road and we couldn't take her home where she had been involved in the incident with her mother," Lopez said. "Our concern was her safety at that point."
While at the facility - which is typically used to temporarily hold people for detox or following their arrests - the woman was told to strip out of her clothes and put on a jail jumpsuit. However, she didn't stay in custody very long after Montoya allegedly offered her a ride home, which the woman accepted, Lopez said.
Montoya was arrested at his home that afternoon. He faces charges of criminal sexual penetration and intimidation of a witness. The language in the rape charge states that the woman was "confined in a correctional facility or jail when the perpetrator is in a position of authority over the inmate."
Because of Montoya's job, Lopez would not say where he was jailed. The lieutenant did say that Montoya is out on bond.
Another guard who was working there at the time - whom Lopez would not name because he has not been charged - has been put on leave and police are investigating his role from that day.
Officer Brandon Cameron Arrested for Domestic Violence
A North Augusta police officer has been fired after he was arrested for domestic violence.
North Augusta Public Safety Department suspended Brandon Cameron earlier this month.
After an internal investigation, the department decided to fire him.
He is accused of throwing his girlfriend on the ground when the two were fighting.
Cameron had been on the force for three years.
-------------------------
http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/local/70406432.html
North Augusta Public Safety Department suspended Brandon Cameron earlier this month.
After an internal investigation, the department decided to fire him.
He is accused of throwing his girlfriend on the ground when the two were fighting.
Cameron had been on the force for three years.
-------------------------
http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/local/70406432.html
Monday, November 16, 2009
Michael Jacobs Dies After Being Tasered
A Tarrant County grand jury Monday declined to indict a Fort Worth police officer who used a Taser for 54 seconds on a man whose death was ruled a homicide.
Michael Jacobs, 24, was hit with the stun gun after he refused to cooperate with officers and became combative, police said. He died April 18.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled his death was a homicide, one of the few such cases in the country involving the use of Tasers.
Officer Stephanie Phillips has remained on duty and was not suspended or placed on restricted duty.
Data downloaded from her Taser showed she shocked Jacobs for 49 seconds, and a second time for 5 seconds, police said.
His parents had called police to their home that day to help control Jacobs, who had a mental illness, his family said.
The grand jury heard 17 witnesses over six days, said Tarrant County District Attorney Joe Shannon.
"It was the most comprehensive grand jury investigation in my experience," Shannon said. "Anybody who had any information on the subject was heard."
Shannon said he expected no further action.
Jacobs' family declined to comment, but an activist who has met with the family in the past said the grand jury's decision was "a travesty of justice.'
"I'm not sure how an officer can inject 50,000 volts into a human being and not at least be indicted for involuntary manslaughter," said Rev. Kyev Tatum, president of the Fort Worth branch of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. "You have a medical examiner ruling it was a homicide -- a death at the hands of another human being."
Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead forwarded a copy of the city's internal investigation to the FBI, but there is no indication the federal agency has launched its own probe.
The chief declined to be interviewed Monday, citing a lawsuit filed by Jacobs' family, but did issue a written statement.
"The police department appreciates the grand jury’s thoughtful deliberation and impartial decision in regards to this case," he said. "We continue to lift up the Jacobs family in prayer during this difficult time for them. Officer Stephanie Phillips will remain on duty as a Fort Worth police officer and will face no disciplinary action. This case is considered closed.”
Taser International did not return a call seeking comment. In October, the company advised police departments not to shoot the stun gun at a suspect's chest, saying there is a small chance of an "adverse cardiac event."
Michael Jacobs, 24, was hit with the stun gun after he refused to cooperate with officers and became combative, police said. He died April 18.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled his death was a homicide, one of the few such cases in the country involving the use of Tasers.
Officer Stephanie Phillips has remained on duty and was not suspended or placed on restricted duty.
Data downloaded from her Taser showed she shocked Jacobs for 49 seconds, and a second time for 5 seconds, police said.
His parents had called police to their home that day to help control Jacobs, who had a mental illness, his family said.
The grand jury heard 17 witnesses over six days, said Tarrant County District Attorney Joe Shannon.
"It was the most comprehensive grand jury investigation in my experience," Shannon said. "Anybody who had any information on the subject was heard."
Shannon said he expected no further action.
Jacobs' family declined to comment, but an activist who has met with the family in the past said the grand jury's decision was "a travesty of justice.'
"I'm not sure how an officer can inject 50,000 volts into a human being and not at least be indicted for involuntary manslaughter," said Rev. Kyev Tatum, president of the Fort Worth branch of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. "You have a medical examiner ruling it was a homicide -- a death at the hands of another human being."
Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead forwarded a copy of the city's internal investigation to the FBI, but there is no indication the federal agency has launched its own probe.
The chief declined to be interviewed Monday, citing a lawsuit filed by Jacobs' family, but did issue a written statement.
"The police department appreciates the grand jury’s thoughtful deliberation and impartial decision in regards to this case," he said. "We continue to lift up the Jacobs family in prayer during this difficult time for them. Officer Stephanie Phillips will remain on duty as a Fort Worth police officer and will face no disciplinary action. This case is considered closed.”
Taser International did not return a call seeking comment. In October, the company advised police departments not to shoot the stun gun at a suspect's chest, saying there is a small chance of an "adverse cardiac event."
Monday, November 09, 2009
Stay Safe
Thanks to everyone who has visited this site, but I will no longer be posting any more news about crimes being committed by authority figures. I can’t take the disappointment that I feel every time I post a story about a person, above all others, should know better than to commit a crime.
If anyone is interested... I am willing to sell this site. Just email me and we will discuss details.
If anyone is interested... I am willing to sell this site. Just email me and we will discuss details.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Trooper Arturo Perez Charged with Using Excessive Force
A state trooper has retired and is being criminally investigated by the Texas Rangers after he allegedly used excessive force during a DWI arrest earlier this month on the Dallas North Tollway.
Department of Public Safety officials say that the incident involving Trooper Arturo Perez, 42, was captured on his in-car video camera. The Texas Rangers will turn their findings over to Dallas County prosecutors, according to a media release.
"The videotape is one of the most horrific videotapes I've ever seen," said Randall Isenberg, an attorney representing the woman arrested that night.
On Oct. 23, DPS Director Steven McCraw began the process to fire Perez over misconduct that included the excessive force incident, the release said. He retired before that process was complete.
Perez told officials that he encountered the 22-year-old Plano woman shortly before 3 a.m. on Oct. 11. The woman had been involved in an accident near Lemmon Avenue, smelled of alcohol and failed several field sobriety reports, he told officials.
He also told officials that she resisted him throughout the encounter and tried to walk away from him before he handcuffed her. He repeatedly told her to stop resisting or she would get hurt.
He told officials that as he escorted her to his squad car, she jerked away violently and threw her elbow up, so he jerked her toward the ground. She instead struck a concrete ledge, injuring her chin. He denied using excessive force.
"I did not intend for [the woman] to be injured in any way," he wrote.
Isenberg, a former prosecutor and state district judge, said she was not drunk and was not physically resisting Perez. He said she was trying to explain to him that a drunken friend whom she was taking home had jerked on the wheel, causing her to hit a concrete wall.
"The officer is handcuffing her and it's apparent that she's not happy with being arrested," Isenberg said. "She uses inappropriate verbal words to express her displeasure."
Isenberg, who has viewed the in-car video, said Perez pushes his handcuffed client chin-first into the ledge, causing her feet to leave the ground.
"She crumples to the ground like a sack of potatoes," Isenberg said. "Even if she's trying to resist, he doesn't need to use any force; all he needs to do is ask his partner standing three feet away to help him."
Perez joined the DPS in 2006 and previously worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for nearly 16 years.
Department of Public Safety officials say that the incident involving Trooper Arturo Perez, 42, was captured on his in-car video camera. The Texas Rangers will turn their findings over to Dallas County prosecutors, according to a media release.
"The videotape is one of the most horrific videotapes I've ever seen," said Randall Isenberg, an attorney representing the woman arrested that night.
On Oct. 23, DPS Director Steven McCraw began the process to fire Perez over misconduct that included the excessive force incident, the release said. He retired before that process was complete.
Perez told officials that he encountered the 22-year-old Plano woman shortly before 3 a.m. on Oct. 11. The woman had been involved in an accident near Lemmon Avenue, smelled of alcohol and failed several field sobriety reports, he told officials.
He also told officials that she resisted him throughout the encounter and tried to walk away from him before he handcuffed her. He repeatedly told her to stop resisting or she would get hurt.
He told officials that as he escorted her to his squad car, she jerked away violently and threw her elbow up, so he jerked her toward the ground. She instead struck a concrete ledge, injuring her chin. He denied using excessive force.
"I did not intend for [the woman] to be injured in any way," he wrote.
Isenberg, a former prosecutor and state district judge, said she was not drunk and was not physically resisting Perez. He said she was trying to explain to him that a drunken friend whom she was taking home had jerked on the wheel, causing her to hit a concrete wall.
"The officer is handcuffing her and it's apparent that she's not happy with being arrested," Isenberg said. "She uses inappropriate verbal words to express her displeasure."
Isenberg, who has viewed the in-car video, said Perez pushes his handcuffed client chin-first into the ledge, causing her feet to leave the ground.
"She crumples to the ground like a sack of potatoes," Isenberg said. "Even if she's trying to resist, he doesn't need to use any force; all he needs to do is ask his partner standing three feet away to help him."
Perez joined the DPS in 2006 and previously worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for nearly 16 years.
Detective Kevin Spellman Charged with Killing Pedestrian While Drunk Driving
One day after the arrest of an off-duty police detective on charges he killed a pedestrian while driving drunk, the authorities provided more details about the five-hour gap between the accident and the time the police were able to obtain a sample of the detective’s blood, saying the detective’s case was processed more quickly than is normal in such cases.
Prosecutors said the detective, Kevin C. Spellman, 42, a 22-year veteran of the force, was driving a Chevrolet Malibu that struck and killed Drana Nikac, 67, as she crossed Kingsbridge Avenue in the Bronx early on Friday morning. He was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, criminally negligent homicide and driving while intoxicated.
It was the second time in five weeks that an off-duty police officer was charged with killing a civilian when driving drunk. On Sept. 27, Officer Andrew Kelly, 30, was arrested after the sport-utility vehicle he was driving struck Vionique Valnord-Kassime as she tried to flag a cab, the authorities said.
In that case, prosecutors said Officer Kelly refused a breath test at the scene, and a blood test seven hours later showed he had no alcohol in his system. He has pleaded not guilty.
Police officials said they worked quickly to process Detective Spellman’s case in the hours between the 6:30 a.m. accident, and noon, when they drew the blood sample. Steven Reed, a spokesman for the Bronx district attorney, said his office also moved promptly, and he disputed the idea that the time frame of more than five hours represented any kind of delay.
“Focusing solely on a time line in a vacuum is an oversimplification of what’s involved,” Mr. Reed said in a statement. “The mere notification of an incident is not the same as having all of the information that the law requires before a search warrant can be issued.”
On Friday morning, a sergeant at the scene told prosecutors that Detective Spellman’s speech was slurred, his eyes were glassy and he smelled of alcohol, according to the text of the criminal complaint. About 7:40 a.m., another officer heard Detective Spellman say that had not seen the victim, who “came out of nowhere,” the complaint said.
At 8 a.m., Detective Spellman refused a breath test at the scene, according to Paul J. Browne, the Police Department’s chief spokesman. Shortly afterward, police officials contacted prosecutors to make them aware of the case, Mr. Browne said.
Detective Spellman was taken to the 45th Precinct station house, and by 9:46 a.m., he was videotaped refusing a second, more sophisticated breath test, Mr. Browne said.
With that refusal, police officials and prosecutors set about trying to obtain the blood sample.
Shortly after 10 a.m., a sergeant who had been at the scene of the accident arrived at the Bronx district attorney’s office to work with prosecutors on an application for a court order. Mr. Reed said that by law, a police officer was required to request such an order in person.
In the meantime, officials with the Internal Affairs Bureau ordered Detective Spellman be taken to Jacobi Medical Center to await a blood test.
State Supreme Court Justice Harold Adler signed an order to take the detective’s blood at 11:39 a.m. Friday, said Kali Holloway, a spokeswoman for the State Office of Court Administration.
By noon, Detective Spellman’s blood was drawn, the authorities said.
-----------------------------
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/nyregion/31cop.html
Prosecutors said the detective, Kevin C. Spellman, 42, a 22-year veteran of the force, was driving a Chevrolet Malibu that struck and killed Drana Nikac, 67, as she crossed Kingsbridge Avenue in the Bronx early on Friday morning. He was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, criminally negligent homicide and driving while intoxicated.
It was the second time in five weeks that an off-duty police officer was charged with killing a civilian when driving drunk. On Sept. 27, Officer Andrew Kelly, 30, was arrested after the sport-utility vehicle he was driving struck Vionique Valnord-Kassime as she tried to flag a cab, the authorities said.
In that case, prosecutors said Officer Kelly refused a breath test at the scene, and a blood test seven hours later showed he had no alcohol in his system. He has pleaded not guilty.
Police officials said they worked quickly to process Detective Spellman’s case in the hours between the 6:30 a.m. accident, and noon, when they drew the blood sample. Steven Reed, a spokesman for the Bronx district attorney, said his office also moved promptly, and he disputed the idea that the time frame of more than five hours represented any kind of delay.
“Focusing solely on a time line in a vacuum is an oversimplification of what’s involved,” Mr. Reed said in a statement. “The mere notification of an incident is not the same as having all of the information that the law requires before a search warrant can be issued.”
On Friday morning, a sergeant at the scene told prosecutors that Detective Spellman’s speech was slurred, his eyes were glassy and he smelled of alcohol, according to the text of the criminal complaint. About 7:40 a.m., another officer heard Detective Spellman say that had not seen the victim, who “came out of nowhere,” the complaint said.
At 8 a.m., Detective Spellman refused a breath test at the scene, according to Paul J. Browne, the Police Department’s chief spokesman. Shortly afterward, police officials contacted prosecutors to make them aware of the case, Mr. Browne said.
Detective Spellman was taken to the 45th Precinct station house, and by 9:46 a.m., he was videotaped refusing a second, more sophisticated breath test, Mr. Browne said.
With that refusal, police officials and prosecutors set about trying to obtain the blood sample.
Shortly after 10 a.m., a sergeant who had been at the scene of the accident arrived at the Bronx district attorney’s office to work with prosecutors on an application for a court order. Mr. Reed said that by law, a police officer was required to request such an order in person.
In the meantime, officials with the Internal Affairs Bureau ordered Detective Spellman be taken to Jacobi Medical Center to await a blood test.
State Supreme Court Justice Harold Adler signed an order to take the detective’s blood at 11:39 a.m. Friday, said Kali Holloway, a spokeswoman for the State Office of Court Administration.
By noon, Detective Spellman’s blood was drawn, the authorities said.
-----------------------------
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/nyregion/31cop.html
Sgt Chad Lakey Arrested for Sexual Battery on Child
An Osceola sheriff's sergeant arrested Friday on a domestic child-sex charge was moved Saturday to the Orange County Jail for his protection.
Chad Lakey, 33, who comes from a family of law officers, was arrested after a South Carolina woman told police he molested her daughter. The incident is said to have happened at Lakey's St. Cloud home in summer 2008. It was reported three weeks ago, St. Cloud Capt. Bret Dunn said.
Bail on the charge of domestic sexual battery of a child older than 12 is $2,500. Lakey, a former St. Cloud police detective, was placed on administrative leave while the Sheriff's Office conducts an internal investigation, department spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain said Saturday.
Lakey is married to St. Cloud police Sgt. Dhalyn Lakey, and his father, Jim Lakey, is a retired Kissimmee police sergeant who lost in the Republican primary for Osceola sheriff in 2004.
Officer David Reeves Charged with Armed Robbery
An ex-Riverside police officer accused of carrying out several off-duty armed robberies in Moreno Valley and Riverside while still on the force pleaded not guilty today to multiple felony charges.
David R. Reeves, 28, of Moreno Valley, is charged with four counts of armed robbery, two counts of attempted armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted kidnapping, burglary, being in possession of stolen property and enhancements alleging the use of a gun in the commission of a felony.
He's being held in lieu of $500,000 bail at the Robert Presley jail in Riverside.
Reeves, along with his two lawyers, appeared before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Richard Fields, who set a felony settlement conference in the case for Dec. 12.
The defendant was arrested Oct. 14 after allegedly trying to rob an AutoZone on Sunnymead Boulevard in Moreno Valley. He was terminated from the Riverside police force, after seven years on the job, the day after his arrest.
"These alleged crimes are extremely serious," Riverside police Sgt. Jaybee Brennan said when Reeves was charged. "Quite frankly, if the allegations are true, nobody here will be standing by him. A lot of people are upset. It's a shock."
The first robbery occurred Oct. 13 at an AutoZone at 19486 Van Buren Blvd. in south Riverside.
The criminal complaint alleges that the following day, Reeves robbed three men, one of whom he allegedly tried to abduct, and then broke into and attempted to rob the AutoZone at 23510 Sunnymead Ave. in Moreno Valley, where he was apprehended.
He was carrying a stolen Itratec 9 mm handgun at the time of his arrest, according to court papers.
If convicted on all counts, Reeves could face more than 30 years in prison.
David R. Reeves, 28, of Moreno Valley, is charged with four counts of armed robbery, two counts of attempted armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted kidnapping, burglary, being in possession of stolen property and enhancements alleging the use of a gun in the commission of a felony.
He's being held in lieu of $500,000 bail at the Robert Presley jail in Riverside.
Reeves, along with his two lawyers, appeared before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Richard Fields, who set a felony settlement conference in the case for Dec. 12.
The defendant was arrested Oct. 14 after allegedly trying to rob an AutoZone on Sunnymead Boulevard in Moreno Valley. He was terminated from the Riverside police force, after seven years on the job, the day after his arrest.
"These alleged crimes are extremely serious," Riverside police Sgt. Jaybee Brennan said when Reeves was charged. "Quite frankly, if the allegations are true, nobody here will be standing by him. A lot of people are upset. It's a shock."
The first robbery occurred Oct. 13 at an AutoZone at 19486 Van Buren Blvd. in south Riverside.
The criminal complaint alleges that the following day, Reeves robbed three men, one of whom he allegedly tried to abduct, and then broke into and attempted to rob the AutoZone at 23510 Sunnymead Ave. in Moreno Valley, where he was apprehended.
He was carrying a stolen Itratec 9 mm handgun at the time of his arrest, according to court papers.
If convicted on all counts, Reeves could face more than 30 years in prison.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Correction Officer Timothy Munroe Charged with Beating Two Inmates
A New York City correction officer has been charged with beating two inmates at Rikers Island in separate incidents.
Timothy Munroe pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with assault and falsifying records.
Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson says Munroe punched an inmate in the face and broke his nose as punishment for disruptive behavior on Dec. 12, 2008.
The inmate reported the alleged assault after he was taken to a clinic.
In another incident, Munroe is accused of punching another inmate in the face over an argument on Jan. 24. He was also accused of filing a report with fake details on the incident.
Munroe's attorney didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.
He faces four years in prison, if convicted.
Timothy Munroe pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with assault and falsifying records.
Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson says Munroe punched an inmate in the face and broke his nose as punishment for disruptive behavior on Dec. 12, 2008.
The inmate reported the alleged assault after he was taken to a clinic.
In another incident, Munroe is accused of punching another inmate in the face over an argument on Jan. 24. He was also accused of filing a report with fake details on the incident.
Munroe's attorney didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.
He faces four years in prison, if convicted.
Officer Ismael Ramirez Charged with Coercing Woman to Have Sex
A Medina police officer has been accused of coercing a woman to have sex to make charges against her go away.
Officer Ismael Gaston Garcia Ramirez is charged with official misconduct. The 30-year-old is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 12 in King County Superior Court.
Documents from Issaquah police say he pulled over the woman in November 2008 and found a small amount of marijuana in her car.
Prosecutors say he told her she was sexy and could make the charges go away.
About a week later they met at an Issaquah pub and he took her to his home where he is accused of having sex with her over her objections.
He asked the prosecutor to drop the marijuana charge because the amount was too small.
----------------------------
More Information:
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/10/31/breaking_news/doc4aec7aa6cd447545672173.txt
Officer Ismael Gaston Garcia Ramirez is charged with official misconduct. The 30-year-old is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 12 in King County Superior Court.
Documents from Issaquah police say he pulled over the woman in November 2008 and found a small amount of marijuana in her car.
Prosecutors say he told her she was sexy and could make the charges go away.
About a week later they met at an Issaquah pub and he took her to his home where he is accused of having sex with her over her objections.
He asked the prosecutor to drop the marijuana charge because the amount was too small.
----------------------------
More Information:
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/10/31/breaking_news/doc4aec7aa6cd447545672173.txt
Trooper Casey Myers Arrested for DUI
What happens in Pullman obviously doesn't stay in Pullman.
A State Patrol trooper who works in King County is on administrative leave after being charged with drunken driving near Washington State University earlier this month.
Casey Myers, 26, was arrested for DUI shortly before 3 a.m. on Oct. 9, according to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. According to the newspaper report, Myers was stopped by Pullman police for failing to stop at a stop sign.
State Patrol Capt. Jeff DeVere tells The Seattle Times that Myers was on vacation when he was stopped. When Myers returned to work on Oct. 16 he was placed on administrative leave with pay.
Myers has been with the State Patrol for four years, DeVere said. The trooper will remain on administrative leave until after the State Patrol completes its own investigation, DeVere said.
Myers was the arresting officer in several pending DUI cases in King County, said Dan Donohoe, spokesman for King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg. The cases won't likely be impacted by his arrest, Donohoe said.
A State Patrol trooper who works in King County is on administrative leave after being charged with drunken driving near Washington State University earlier this month.
Casey Myers, 26, was arrested for DUI shortly before 3 a.m. on Oct. 9, according to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. According to the newspaper report, Myers was stopped by Pullman police for failing to stop at a stop sign.
State Patrol Capt. Jeff DeVere tells The Seattle Times that Myers was on vacation when he was stopped. When Myers returned to work on Oct. 16 he was placed on administrative leave with pay.
Myers has been with the State Patrol for four years, DeVere said. The trooper will remain on administrative leave until after the State Patrol completes its own investigation, DeVere said.
Myers was the arresting officer in several pending DUI cases in King County, said Dan Donohoe, spokesman for King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg. The cases won't likely be impacted by his arrest, Donohoe said.
Court Rules Fatal Tasering Wasn't Justified
The 11th Circuit rebuked Orlando officers for Tasering an unarmed man eight to 12 times in two minutes, causing his death. Judge Stanley Marcus said the repeated shocks were "grossly disproportionate to any threat posed and unreasonable under the circumstances."
According to an eye witness, Anthony Carl Oliver Sr. flagged down officer Lori Fiorino from a grassy median. She allegedly pulled out her Taser gun and asked him what was wrong. "They're shooting at me," he told her, and pointed across the street.
Fiorino tried to calm him down, and later said he had been "very fidgety."
The witness said Oliver wasn't belligerent and threatened or cursed at the officer.
Fiorino called for backup, and she and responding officer David Burk considered taking Oliver in for a psychiatric evaluation, because they thought he might be mentally unstable.
When Burk tried to get Oliver to cross the street, Oliver "struggled and pulled away from him," according to the ruling.
Without warning, Fiorino Tasered him in the stomach, bringing him to the ground. Once the five-second pulse wore off, she Tasered him again. The witness said Oliver never got up after the first Tasering, and never hit, punched, kicked or threatened the officers.
Oliver, who was lying on the hot asphalt, allegedly screamed that it was "too hot." Fioriono said she may have Tasered Oliver 11 or 12 times, explaining that she kept pulling the trigger until he stayed on the ground. Her Taser log showed eight times in two minutes, with each shock lasting five seconds.
After officers handcuffed Oliver, he began foaming at the mouth, according to Fiorino. She said she was unable to remove all the Taser prongs from his body.
Paramedics put him on a stretcher and loaded him into an ambulance, where he began to have a seizure. He was pronounced dead at Florida Hospital, a result of "being struck by a Taser," according to a forensic pathologist.
Amy Shirley Oliver filed suit on behalf of Oliver's estate, claiming the officers' use of excessive force had killed him.
Fiorino and Burk asked the district court to dismiss the case on the basis of qualified immunity, but the district court refused.
The Atlanta-based appeals court affirmed.
"The justification for the repeated use of Taser force, at least beyond an initial Taser shock, was minimal," Judge Marcus wrote.
Oliver was not accused or suspected of any crime, posed no immediate threat to officers or others, did not act belligerently, was not trying to flee, and
was "largely compliant and cooperative with officers," Marcus noted.
"We agreed with the district court's determination that the force employed was so utterly disproportionate to the level of force reasonably necessary that any reasonable officer would have recognized that his actions were unlawful," the court concluded.
According to an eye witness, Anthony Carl Oliver Sr. flagged down officer Lori Fiorino from a grassy median. She allegedly pulled out her Taser gun and asked him what was wrong. "They're shooting at me," he told her, and pointed across the street.
Fiorino tried to calm him down, and later said he had been "very fidgety."
The witness said Oliver wasn't belligerent and threatened or cursed at the officer.
Fiorino called for backup, and she and responding officer David Burk considered taking Oliver in for a psychiatric evaluation, because they thought he might be mentally unstable.
When Burk tried to get Oliver to cross the street, Oliver "struggled and pulled away from him," according to the ruling.
Without warning, Fiorino Tasered him in the stomach, bringing him to the ground. Once the five-second pulse wore off, she Tasered him again. The witness said Oliver never got up after the first Tasering, and never hit, punched, kicked or threatened the officers.
Oliver, who was lying on the hot asphalt, allegedly screamed that it was "too hot." Fioriono said she may have Tasered Oliver 11 or 12 times, explaining that she kept pulling the trigger until he stayed on the ground. Her Taser log showed eight times in two minutes, with each shock lasting five seconds.
After officers handcuffed Oliver, he began foaming at the mouth, according to Fiorino. She said she was unable to remove all the Taser prongs from his body.
Paramedics put him on a stretcher and loaded him into an ambulance, where he began to have a seizure. He was pronounced dead at Florida Hospital, a result of "being struck by a Taser," according to a forensic pathologist.
Amy Shirley Oliver filed suit on behalf of Oliver's estate, claiming the officers' use of excessive force had killed him.
Fiorino and Burk asked the district court to dismiss the case on the basis of qualified immunity, but the district court refused.
The Atlanta-based appeals court affirmed.
"The justification for the repeated use of Taser force, at least beyond an initial Taser shock, was minimal," Judge Marcus wrote.
Oliver was not accused or suspected of any crime, posed no immediate threat to officers or others, did not act belligerently, was not trying to flee, and
was "largely compliant and cooperative with officers," Marcus noted.
"We agreed with the district court's determination that the force employed was so utterly disproportionate to the level of force reasonably necessary that any reasonable officer would have recognized that his actions were unlawful," the court concluded.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Chief Randy Rizzo Arrested for Public Intoxication
Atlantic Beach police chief Randy Rizzo admitted he drank ''too many beers'' and that led to his arrest Wednesday morning by Horry County officers outside a pool hall.
Rizzo, 39, of Conway was charged with public disorderly/public intoxication and was later was suspended from his position, according to Town Manager William Booker.
''That officer had every right to charge me,'' Rizzo said. ''I'm guilty. I'm not going to deny the fact. I'll pay like anyone else.''
Rizzo was arrested soon after the officer, Scott Calderwood, saw Rizzo drive his truck in a parking lot. Rizzo said he told the officer he was moving his vehicle to a safer place and had called his wife to pick him up, but got a verbal altercation with another officer that led to his arrest.
''I was trying to be a good Samaritan and not do anything illegal,'' Rizzo said. ''Unfortunately the officer got upset with me.''
Rizzo was booked into J. Reuben Long Detention Center at 3:04 a.m. and released at 4:03 a.m. after posting $262 bail.
Booker said he spoke with Rizzo on Wednesday morning before suspending him.
''He told me he was guilty of having too much to drink,'' Booker said. ''He said he was guilty. People here are pretty disappointed this happened.''
Atlantic Beach Town Councilman Donnell Thompson said ''wow'' when he learned of Rizzo's arrest.
''I would expect Booker to make the right decision,'' Thompson said of Rizzo's future.
It was not immediately known if Rizzo will be paid during the suspension, Booker said. ''I'm leaning toward it being unpaid,'' Booker said.
Booker said he plans to talk with Horry County officials before determining the length of the suspension.
''They just have to determine if I can do this job because of this charge,'' Rizzo said.
Despite telling officers at the scene he was drinking, Rizzo was not given a field sobriety test at the scene, said Sgt. Robert Kegler of Horry County police.
''The officer made the decision he made,'' Kegler said. ''Not every traffic stop is the same.''
The suspension leaves Atlantic Beach with three police officers. Booker said he would speak to the officers before determining if the town needs to ask Horry County police for patrol assistance.
Calderwood reported he saw Rizzo walking from Break Room Billiards to the parking lot of the Food Lion at the intersection of S.C. 544 and Myrtle Ridge Road at 1:45 a.m., according to an incident report.
Rizzo was ''extremely unsteady on his feet and appeared almost to fall,'' the report shows.
Rizzo entered a Dodge Ram truck near the Sonic on S.C. 544 when Calderwood approached Rizzo. Rizzo closed the truck door, started the vehicle and drove it to Break Room Billiards, the officer reported.
Calderwood reported that he asked Rizzo if he had too much to drink and Rizzo replied, ''No.''
Rizzo began slurring his words and told the officer he had been drinking.
Rizzo asked Calderwood twice if he knew who he was and the officer replied that he did and that ''it didn't matter,'' the report shows.
The report shows that Rizzo told Calderwood he would call his wife to pick him up, but later Rizzo got back in the truck and drove past the officer's vehicle.
Rizzo disputes he was in his vehicle twice and that's what led to the argument and his arrest.
''I didn't get in my vehicle twice,'' Rizzo said. ''I may have gone out once to get cigarettes or something.''
Rizzo said he was moving his truck closer to Break Room Billiards because he felt it would be safer there overnight.
The officer reported that he stopped the vehicle in the parking lot and that Rizzo attempted to exit. Rizzo was asked if he was carrying a ''duty weapon,'' the report shows.
The officer's supervisor arrived and Rizzo became ''loud and upset'' before he was arrested.
Calderwood reported that Rizzo asked ''why I was doing this to him.''
''I would have charged me just like anyone else,'' Rizzo said.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Officer Travis Dowell Accused of Choking Daughter
A Tippecanoe County sheriff's officer accused of choking his daughter in a February incident has voluntarily resigned as a sergeant and will be reassigned as a deputy, Sheriff Tracy Brown said today.
The move came as a result of a meeting Monday that Travis Dowell had with Brown.
Brown said he is going to submit a formal letter to the sheriff's office's merit commission next week during the commission's regular meeting.
Dowell last Friday signed a diversion agreement in Tippecanoe Superior Court 5 that could result in all charges against him being dropped as long as he meets certain conditions, which include having him stay out of trouble for a year.
Officers were called to Dowell's Clarks Hill home on Feb. 4 after reports of a physical altercation between Dowell and his then 18-year-old daughter, Tara Dowell. The charges against Travis Dowell stemmed from an investigation by the Indiana State Police.
After the February incident, Dowell was demoted from lieutenant to sergeant and was assigned to administrative duties.
Brown said Dowell will continue to work in an administrative job at the Tippecanoe County Jail for the next three to four weeks until he is assigned to a deputy's role.
Brown said the drop in pay from a lieutenant to a deputy is about $7,000 a year.
The move came as a result of a meeting Monday that Travis Dowell had with Brown.
Brown said he is going to submit a formal letter to the sheriff's office's merit commission next week during the commission's regular meeting.
Dowell last Friday signed a diversion agreement in Tippecanoe Superior Court 5 that could result in all charges against him being dropped as long as he meets certain conditions, which include having him stay out of trouble for a year.
Officers were called to Dowell's Clarks Hill home on Feb. 4 after reports of a physical altercation between Dowell and his then 18-year-old daughter, Tara Dowell. The charges against Travis Dowell stemmed from an investigation by the Indiana State Police.
After the February incident, Dowell was demoted from lieutenant to sergeant and was assigned to administrative duties.
Brown said Dowell will continue to work in an administrative job at the Tippecanoe County Jail for the next three to four weeks until he is assigned to a deputy's role.
Brown said the drop in pay from a lieutenant to a deputy is about $7,000 a year.
-------------------------------------
Officer Candi Perry Indicted for Misconduct & False Reporting
A metro police officer has been suspended without pay after being indicted by a Marion County grand jury.
The officer in question is Community Police Officer Candi Perry.
"She has been indicted on an official misconduct which is a D felony and a false reporting which is an E misdemeanor," said Helen Marchal, chief of staff to the Marion County Prosecutor.
Charges date back to a June homicide investigation with questions about whether Perry had a relationship with a suspect or informant and what she may or may not have known.
"The allegations that were considered by the grand jury included information that Miss Perry impeded a homicide investigation by giving false information to another officer," Marchal said.
Perry was well known as a community officer. She made Officer of the Year back in 2008. She also spoke on WIIH-TV in September of '07.
Backing has grown for Officer Perry. She has a Web page devoted to her. It's called, ‘Please Support Officer Candi Perry.’ It reads; she states she has done nothing wrong. Please help her get back on the beat so she may make a difference in the neighborhood.
24-Hour News 8 tracked down her attorney, former public safety director Robert Turner who said Perry was helping in the investigation and now is being set up.
"What they really wanted her to do was identify the witness, he comes in, homicide then goes out and arrests the suspect, so that they can announce to you guys that we busted this case, not this Spanish liaison lady, but we did it because we're crack detectives and she made 'em mad and they indicted her," said Turner.
No word yet on a further court date for Perry.
The officer in question is Community Police Officer Candi Perry.
"She has been indicted on an official misconduct which is a D felony and a false reporting which is an E misdemeanor," said Helen Marchal, chief of staff to the Marion County Prosecutor.
Charges date back to a June homicide investigation with questions about whether Perry had a relationship with a suspect or informant and what she may or may not have known.
"The allegations that were considered by the grand jury included information that Miss Perry impeded a homicide investigation by giving false information to another officer," Marchal said.
Perry was well known as a community officer. She made Officer of the Year back in 2008. She also spoke on WIIH-TV in September of '07.
Backing has grown for Officer Perry. She has a Web page devoted to her. It's called, ‘Please Support Officer Candi Perry.’ It reads; she states she has done nothing wrong. Please help her get back on the beat so she may make a difference in the neighborhood.
24-Hour News 8 tracked down her attorney, former public safety director Robert Turner who said Perry was helping in the investigation and now is being set up.
"What they really wanted her to do was identify the witness, he comes in, homicide then goes out and arrests the suspect, so that they can announce to you guys that we busted this case, not this Spanish liaison lady, but we did it because we're crack detectives and she made 'em mad and they indicted her," said Turner.
No word yet on a further court date for Perry.
Officer Carmine Giarrusso Arrested for False Report
The police have charged a former Cranston police officer with falsely reporting a crime after he complained that an acquaintance struck him with a truck at the intersection of Vine Street and George Waterman Road.
The police said they decided to arrest Carmine Giarrusso, 47, of 38 Lyman Ave., after concluding that he had not been hit by a truck driven by Richard D’Abate as alleged, but intentionally stepped in front of D’Abate’s stopped truck.
D’Abate, 44, of 9 Acorn St., told the police that Giarrusso had been feuding with him for years, going back to when Giarrusso had an affair with D’Abate’s then-wife. He said that when Giarrusso saw the truck at the intersection around 8:30 a.m. Sunday, he intentionally stepped in front of the stopped vehicle and complained that D’Abate had hit him.
An argument ensued, D’Abate said, and when Giarrusso realized that D’Abate was taking pictures, Giarrusso went back to the truck and slapped his hands on the hood. When the arrived, Giarrusso repeatedly urged them to check the hood for fingerprints, saying it would prove that he was hit and that he had to place his hands on the hood to brace himself from the impact. Giarrusso also told police that in addition to causing him pain in his shoulder, hip and knee, D’Abate’s vehicle also struck Giarrusso’s girlfriend, Lorna Casali, who was walking with him, and had also hit her dog.
The police said Giarrusso gestured frequently during their interview and did not act like someone who had just been hit by a truck. In addition, the police said the dusty truck did not show any scuff marks that indicated it had hit something. They said D’Abate’s version was supported by a photo he had taken showing Giarrusso slapping his hands on the truck, and by a statement from another witness. After Giarrusso signed a formal complaint at the police station, he was arrested on charges of making a false report of a crime. He was released later on $1,000 personal recognizance.
The police said they decided to arrest Carmine Giarrusso, 47, of 38 Lyman Ave., after concluding that he had not been hit by a truck driven by Richard D’Abate as alleged, but intentionally stepped in front of D’Abate’s stopped truck.
D’Abate, 44, of 9 Acorn St., told the police that Giarrusso had been feuding with him for years, going back to when Giarrusso had an affair with D’Abate’s then-wife. He said that when Giarrusso saw the truck at the intersection around 8:30 a.m. Sunday, he intentionally stepped in front of the stopped vehicle and complained that D’Abate had hit him.
An argument ensued, D’Abate said, and when Giarrusso realized that D’Abate was taking pictures, Giarrusso went back to the truck and slapped his hands on the hood. When the arrived, Giarrusso repeatedly urged them to check the hood for fingerprints, saying it would prove that he was hit and that he had to place his hands on the hood to brace himself from the impact. Giarrusso also told police that in addition to causing him pain in his shoulder, hip and knee, D’Abate’s vehicle also struck Giarrusso’s girlfriend, Lorna Casali, who was walking with him, and had also hit her dog.
The police said Giarrusso gestured frequently during their interview and did not act like someone who had just been hit by a truck. In addition, the police said the dusty truck did not show any scuff marks that indicated it had hit something. They said D’Abate’s version was supported by a photo he had taken showing Giarrusso slapping his hands on the truck, and by a statement from another witness. After Giarrusso signed a formal complaint at the police station, he was arrested on charges of making a false report of a crime. He was released later on $1,000 personal recognizance.
Officer Candi Perry Charged with Giving False Report
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer Candi Perry is a former officer of the year, speaks Spanish fluently and is accused of official misconduct and false reporting during a homicide investigation.
It was on June 25th that a homeless man - Herman Baker - was found shot to death in an alley near west 32nd Street and Rader Street. Officer Perry was on duty and her attorney claims was simply trying to shield a potential witness from a potential suspect. However, the grand jury indictment alleges Perry gave false information to another officer.
Perry's lawyer argues she isn't a homicide detective and any mistakes she made were innocent and unintentional.
There is no word of arrests in the Clark murder case.
Perry was arrested Tuesday and released last night on $10,000 bond. She faces a November 4th court date.
---------------------------------
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?id=1159257
It was on June 25th that a homeless man - Herman Baker - was found shot to death in an alley near west 32nd Street and Rader Street. Officer Perry was on duty and her attorney claims was simply trying to shield a potential witness from a potential suspect. However, the grand jury indictment alleges Perry gave false information to another officer.
Perry's lawyer argues she isn't a homicide detective and any mistakes she made were innocent and unintentional.
There is no word of arrests in the Clark murder case.
Perry was arrested Tuesday and released last night on $10,000 bond. She faces a November 4th court date.
---------------------------------
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?id=1159257
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)