Archive
Henrico VA. police officer dies in off-duty crash www.privateofficer.com
Off-duty Henrico County police officer Thomas P. Berry Jr. died Tuesday from injuries he suffered when his motorcycle collided with a car on John Rolfe Parkway.
Henrico police said the eight-year-veteran struck a vehicle exiting the John Rolfe Commons Shopping Center about 2:40 p.m.
Berry, 35, was pronounced dead at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, and the driver of the other vehicle was treated with non-life-threatening injuries at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Berry was riding a personal vehicle and was not in uniform when the collision occurred. Henrico police said the incident remains under investigation.
Roanoke VA. security officer killed in shooting www.privateofficer.com
Authorities are reporting that an armed security officer working at the Afton Gardens apartments was killed early this morning.
Police say that the details are sketchy, but have identified the deceased security officer as Steven Edwin Orange Jr., 46.
A police spokesperson stated that officers responded to a call of gunfire at the complex at 1:26 AM and found the security officer shot.
Currently there is an on-going investigation and police have not made any arrests.
Saudi Arabian held on million dollar bond after disturbance on airplane www.privateofficer.com
CLEVELAND OH July 13 2011 – A Cleveland Municipal Court judge set a $1 million bond this morning for the Saudi Arabian man who caused a United flight from Chicago to Frankfurt to land unscheduled July 8 at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
The FBI and Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath had arrested Saleh Ali S. Alramakh, aka Saleh Ali S. Alramaleh, 21, of Riyadh Saudi Arabia who now lives in Akron, on Monday.
Alramakh remains in the Cuyahoga County jail.
He appeared in U.S. District Court in Cleveland at 3 p.m. before Magistrate Judge McHargh to answer to the federal charge. The federal complaint had been sealed and was not unsealed until Alramaleh appeared in federal court.
Alramakh was arrested by the FBI on a federal felony charge of interference with flight crew members and attendants on Friday.
On July 8, Saleh Ali S. Alramakh was a passenger on board United Airlines flight 944 from Chicago, Illinois to Frankfurt, Germany that was diverted to Cleveland due to an “unruly passenger.”
Flight crew and passengers stated that during taxi while in Chicago, Alramakh entered the middle lavatory and used an electronic device. Alramakh refused to respond to the flight attendant’s directives requesting that he immediately turn off the electronic device and return to his seat. Alramakh eventually did return to his seat.
Immediately following take off and during the time passengers are required to remain seated with seat belts fastened, Alramakh re-entered the middle lavatory and again used an electronic device.
He again refused to comply with the directives of flight attendants’ that he immediately exit the lavatory and return to his seat. After several attempts to get Alramakh to open the lavatory door, flight attendants unlocked and opened the door. Upon opening the lavatory door, Alramakh became verbally abusive with the flight attendants before returning to his seat.
Thereafter, investigators say Alramakh exited his seat a third time and approached a flight attendant in a belligerent, confrontational manner. Alramakh was speaking in a loud tone of voice, using profanity, with his face inches from the flight attendant’s face.
The flight attendant asked Alramakh to step back multiple times, but instead Alramakh shoved the flight attendant backwards against the aircraft. At that time at least one passenger intervened, grabbing Alramakh and assisted the flight crew in restraining him.
Alramakh refused to comply with instructions to cease resisting, attempting to kick and spit upon flight attendants and passengers.
As a result of Alramakh’s conduct, the flight was diverted to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland.
Upon entering the aircraft, responding Cleveland Police Department officers found Alramakh restrained on the floor of the aircraft near the mid-lavatory area, and he was taken into custody and removed from the aircraft.
Source:WKYC-TV
Michigan security officer stops robbery in progress-nabs suspect www.privateofficer.com
Two males wearing dark hoodies and bandanas approached a man on East Lorado Avenue near Fulton Street just before midnight pointing a short-barreled shotgun with tape on the handle, according to the police report.
One of the suspects took the man’s purse, according to the report, and the other demanded his cellphone.
A passing security officer observed what was going on and stopped the robbery and chased after the two suspects, who fled west, according to the report.
The security officer caught one of the suspects and subdued him until police arrived and made an armed robbery arrest, according to the report.
Police charge man for threatening casino security officers www.privateofficer.com
WASHINGTON, Pa.July 13 2011 — A man was arrested after, police said, he got drunk and threatened security guards at the Meadows Casino on Monday.
Police said Dino Vincent Locastro, 53, of McMurray, was being loud and caused problems inside of the casino when he was told that he would be cited for public drunkenness and asked to leave the casino if he didn’t stop.
Investigators said Locastro then became aggressive and screamed, “I will tear your eyes out. I’m Dino Locastro. I’m Sicilian. You are going to pay. I’m going to bury you. I will hunt your family for the rest of my days.”
Police said Locastro continued to make threats for hours and struck an office wall before he was taken into custody.
Locastro remains in the Washington County Jail with bail set at $35,000.
Source: wpxi.com
SC woman charged with shoplifting $1 item www.privateofficer.com
CHESNEE, S.C. July 13 2011 A North Carolina woman was charged with shoplifting a one dollar toy from a Chesnee store.
Teresa Nicole Hollifield, 20, from Forest City was charged with shoplifting less than $2,000 Monday at Dollar General on South Alabama Avenue.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office incident report states Hollifield came into the store and went to the school supply aisle.
A Dollar General employee says she saw Hollifield place an item in her pocketbook.
The employee confronted the suspect, who took a Magic Glow Capsules toy out of her pocketbook. The item costs one dollar.
A SCSO deputy arrested Hollifield and took her to the county detention center.
A judge set a $1,000 bond for Hollifield. She was released Monday night.
Mississippi man murders priest-then heads to Disney with kids www.privateofficer.com
WAVELAND, MS July 13 2011 - Officials now say the Waveland man charged with murdering a priest Sunday wasn’t just running from the law when he headed to Florida. He was taking his two kids, and his ex-wife to Disneyworld.The Polk County SWAT Team caught up with Jeremy Wayne Manieri, 31, early Tuesday morning at a Days Inn in Davenport, FL. Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department said he was arrested without incident, and confessed to killing Father Edward Everitt.
“You got a ten-year-old child and five-year-old baby, and it’s sad for them, because they think they’re coming down here to go to Disney, and they have no idea about all of this murder and stolen vehicle and all of that sort of thing,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told WTVM television in Tampa. “And its heart-breaking to see these children victimized as well as the primary victim who’s Father Everitt.”
Officials believe Manieri’s ex-wife, like the children, knew nothing of the homicide.
Detectives said tracking Manieri wasn’t hard because the priest’s car, which had been stolen from the murder scene, was equipped with the vehicle security system OnStar. Officials said they were able to track the 2011 silver Chevrolet HHR all the way to their suspect.
Knowing their suspect was in custody in Florida, Waveland investigators spent Tuesday trying to figure out why someone would want to kill a 70-year-old priest.
Father Ed, as he was affectionately known, led the congregation of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond, Louisiana. He was in Waveland, staying at a beach side home used by priests.
Security officers picket CT. hospital www.privateofficer.com
Norwich CT July 13 2011 — Members of the union representing security guards and other support staff at The William W. Backus Hospital picketed along Washington Street this morning and planned to do so again this afternoon to protest what they say is the hospital’s failure to bargain in good faith toward a contract agreement and its efforts to contract out security services to a private firm.
The 38-member local of the International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America, which formed about a year ago, began meeting with the hospital in contract negotiations in January, and should have been able to reach an agreement by now, said Guy Thomas, director at large of the union.
“They are not negotiating our proposals, they are refusing to discuss them,” Thomas said, as eight members of the union walked along the sidewalk in front of the hospital carrying signs that read, “No job protection for security,” “Security not taken seriously,” and other slogans. “We are hoping this picket will bring this issue to the public’s attention.”
Thomas said two weeks ago the union filed unfair labor practice charges about the contract negotiations with the National Labor Relations Board. The last negotiating session took place June 23, and sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, he said.
Jeno O’Reilly, president of the union, said the union was formed after security guards asked for more training to avoid injuries, and the hospital did not provide it. He and other guards, he said, also received assurances from hospital President David Whitehead that the hospital would not subcontract out their services, but recently has brought in representatives from private security companies.
“They are just playing hardball,” he said, adding that he believes the hospital is trying to use the contract talks with the security guards union to show the recently formed nurses’ union that it is a tough negotiator. “They are trying to use us as a whipping boy.”
Keith Fontaine, vice president of corporate communications at Backus, said the security guards’ criticisms are unfounded.
“We have held 11 negotiating sessions, and five more are scheduled,” he said. “We continue to bargain in good faith.
“We find today’s activities to be an unfortunate and unnecessary display,” he added.
He declined to discuss the issues raised by the union about subcontracting, but did say that the hospital does intend to reach a contract agreement with the guards.
“We’re going to talk about bargaining at the bargaining table,” he said.
Source:theday.com
CT police arrest man for groping teen at mall www.privateofficer.com
Milford, Conn. July 13 2011 – A West Haven man is facing charges after he allegedly groped a 15-year old boy at the Westfield Connecticut Post Mall in Milford.
The incident happened Monday. Police say 39-year old Malik Almkawy engaged the victim in a brief conversation then grabbed the boy’s hand and put it on his genitals and then put his hand on the boy’s genitals.
The boy broke away and contacted Mall Security, who were able to locate Almkawy. Police were called in to investigate and later arrested him.
Almkawy has been charged with fourth degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and breach of peace.
Source:wtnh
Apartment security officer-police charge man with making bombs www.privateofficer.com
RIVIERA BEACH Fla July 13 2011— Police arrested an 18-year-old man for allegedly making home explosives in his apartment.
Jeffrey Hercule, of Riviera Beach, was charged with possessing explosives and disorderly conduct, according to a Riviera Beach Police arrest report.
Around 11 .m. on Monday, police officers were dispatched to Indian Trace apartments when a security guard notified them that a resident had reported hearing shots fired in the area of Building 1026, the report said.
The security guard led the officer to Hercule’s apartment. He answered the door and allowed the officer to come in, the report said.
Once inside, the officer reported seeing several pieces of aluminum, plastic bottles and a bottle of ‘The Works’ – a toilet bowl cleaner – on the back patio.
When asked about the materials, Hercule allegedly told police that it was used to make an explosive, the report said.
This morning, Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Krista Marx ordered Hercule held on a $1,000 bond and to have a mental health evaluation within 72 hours of his release.
Source:palm beach post
Security guard accused of stealing teenager’s property www.privateofficer.com
Two 17-year-old boys alleged that a security guard at Carmike Cinema stole their things after finding them smoking marijuana in a vehicle in the theater’s parking lot June 8, according to an Oakdale Police Department report.The boys said the security guard confronted them, searched their vehicle and took a pocket knife, marijuana, a backpack and other items from them. The boys came back the next day to retrieve their items and the security guard refused to return them, according to the report.
He told police he had put the items in a trash compactor, the report says.
Police are investigating the incident. Theft or unauthorized practice charges are possible, according to the report.
Phoenix girl found dead inside a box www.privateofficer.com
A 10-year-old Phoenix girl was found dead inside a box after an apparent game of hide-and-seek with neighbors Monday night, police say.
Authorities are investigating but say that preliminary information pointed to an accident.
Family members discovered the girl in a storage box outside a home near Broadway Road and 35th Avenue, according to Sgt. Trent Crump of the Phoenix Police Department. People who found her Tuesday morning tried to revive her. The girl was pronounced dead by Phoenix firefighters.
Officials said preliminary information indicated the girl had been playing hide-and-seek late Monday night, possibly into early Tuesday morning, with friends who lived in the neighborhood.
Authorities said it’s possible she fell asleep inside the box and suffocated.
There were no reports of her missing Monday night.
“This may have been a case of a tragic accident,” Crump said.
Source:AZCentral.com
HISD police officer shot in drive-by www.privateofficer.com
Police said the officer and his friend were standing in front of a home, located in the 3800 block of Mount Pleasant, around 10:30 p.m. when at least four suspects drove by in two vehicles and opened fire.
The officer, who was not in uniform, was shot in the wrist.
His friend was shot in the head and shoulder. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Police said multiple shell casings were found in the middle of the road.
The motive for the shooting is unknown.
The suspects were last seen in a dark-colored Saturn sedan and a light-colored sedan of unknown make and model.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
TSA screener charged with stealing $50,000 of electronics from travelers www.privateofficer.com
Nelson Santiago, 30, of Hollywood, Fla., was arrested Monday on two counts of grand theft after a Continental Airlines worker at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport saw him slip an iPad out of a suitcase and into his pants, said Dani Moschella of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
He was released from jail Tuesday, The Miami Herald reported, citing a sheriff’s report released Thursday.
Detectives said Santiago admitted lifting computers, GPS devices and video cameras from Terminal 1, used by Continental and Southwest, in six months.
They said he would immediately photograph the goods with his cellphone, post them for sale online and often have completed the deal before his shift ended.
The TSA hired Santiago in January 2009. Agency spokeswoman Sari Koshetz told the South Florida Sun Sentinel Thursday he no longer works there
Cleveland man arrested for putting explosives on police car www.privateofficer.com
Northfield OH July 13 2011- A Cleveland man has been arrested for allegedly putting an explosive device on a Northfield police officer’s personal vehicle.
24-year-old Justin Fillinger was arrested Friday after he was found hiding out in a basement at a home on Sladden Avenue in Garfield Heights.
Chief Mark Wentz says Fillinger confessed to the crime, told police he acted alone, and was drunk at the time.
Police have taken a DNA sample from Fillinger and are testing that against evidence found at the crime scene. There may also be other suspects.
Fillinger made an appearance in court Monday on charges of attempted aggravated arson, weapons under disability, inducing panic, and unlawful possession of a dangerous ordinance.
Fillinger, who is a former resident of Northfield Village, was also wanted on misdemeanor bench warrants from cases in Streetsboro, Twinsburg, and the Northfield Village Mayor’s Court where he failed to appear on an earlier drug paraphernalia charge.
Source:www.wtam.com
Father hangs 4 year old daughter-them himself on tree www.privateofficer.com
Police spokesman Anibal Cortes said a neighbour discovered the bodies hanging from the same tree yesterday morning in the eastern mountain town of San Lorenzo.
Cortez says Pedro Montanez Montanez was being investigated for domestic violence allegations reported two weeks ago by his estranged wife, the mother of the young girl.
Investigators say no further details were immediately available, citing an ongoing probe.
Alabama police hunt women robbers armed with AK-47 rifle www.privateofficer.com
FORESTDALE, Alabama July 13 2011– Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies are searching for at least three women, armed with an AK-47, who robbed the Pizza Hut on Forestdale Boulevard over the weekend.
Deputies were dispatched to the restaurant about 10:20 p.m. Friday. Employees told lawmen the women, believed to be in their late teens or early 20s, went into the store and ordered the manager to open two cash registers. One of them took money from one register and took the entire drawer and money from the other, said Chief Deputy Randy Christian.
They fled on foot.
While searching for the trio, deputies found a trail of money that started from behind the business and led to the rear of an office building on Sandyview Lane and U.S 78. Witnesses told them they saw a female running down the alley next to Pizza Hut. That woman, they said, got into a red Saturn with a black car protector, fleeing at a high rate of speed.
Christian gave this description of the suspects: three short black females in their late teens or early 20s, wearing black clothing, hats and sunglasses. One had on khaki colored pants; two were wearing blue bandannas.
Anyone with information should call the sheriff’s office at 325-1450.
Source:AL.com
The Port of Houston private security contract questioned www.privateofficer.com
Houston TX July 13 2011 The Port of Houston Authority may require companies bidding for port business to state whether they have conflicts of interest with authority employees or commission members, officials said Tuesday.
The proposal is among changes being discussed by the commission after an anonymous letter pointed to a potential conflict of interest in a $14.8 million security contract that was renewed for a second three-year term in April.
Commissioners on Tuesday voted to continue the contract with U.S. Security Associates, which provides unarmed officers at terminal gates, on a month-to-month basis until new procurement rules can be put in place and the contract can be rebid.
Commissioner Janiece Longoria said her procurement task force has asked port staff to draft the forms bidders would be asked to sign. The committee also asked for procedures to speed the reporting and investigating of conflicts of interest, along with an anonymous hotline for employees to report such concerns.
“The public should be confident that the port commission will take the steps necessary to assure that our contracting is transparent and free of conflicts of interest,” Longoria said.
Port officials refused to release the letter or other companies’ bids on the security contract, but Longoria said at least two other bids were lower than that of U.S. Security Associates, known as USSA.
Attorney David Brown, who advises the port, said the gap between bids was 4 percent, suggesting another bid was roughly $600,000 less than USSA’s.
Port CEO Alec Dreyer said USSA’s performance during the last three years helped its selection. The company has not been cited by the U.S. Coast Guard for any miscues in its three years, Dreyer said.
The potential conflict exists between Danny Foster Sr., a security manager at two port terminals, and his son, Danny Foster Jr., who works for Eagle I Security, a subcontractor for USSA.
Danny Foster Sr. did not review USSA’s bid, but did help evaluate other companies’ proposals before the bids were reviewed by management, Brown said. The elder Foster could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Troubled by delay
Though Dreyer said the anonymous letter was submitted to port staff May 19, he said he was not told until June 9. Dreyer said the delay concerned him and that he had addressed it with his staff.
“Our corporate governance policies and procedures and the way we do business must be enhanced and must be as transparent and equitable as possible,” Dreyer said later Tuesday.
Longoria said the procurement task force did not learn of the letter until June 17. She and commissioners Kase Lawal, Elyse Lanier and Jimmy Burke said they were troubled by the delay.
“The entire commission should have known about that complaint that was filed within 30 minutes to an hour after it happened,” Burke said.
The incident is the latest hurdle for the port, which is being investigated by the Harris County Attorney and District Attorney’s offices and will face a state Sunset Commission review of its operations and policies beginning this fall.
‘Lot of work to be done’
Among the subjects of the county attorney’s probe are the way the port prepares its meeting agendas and conducts its meetings. On Tuesday, the commission ditched a closed session it had planned before a strategic planning workshop when county attorneys pointed out the workshop agenda showed no items to justify a closed-door session under Texas open meetings laws.
“I thought we were making pretty good progress in trying to do our review,” Assistant County Attorney Douglas Ray said. “Obviously, there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Scrutiny of the port ramped up in May, when Longoria and Lanier raised concerns about whether Dreyer improperly used the port’s vessel for a private function, and possible conflicts of interest involving Chairman Jim Edmonds’ relationship with AECOM, a company that does business with the port, among other things. Edmonds’ contract with the firm ended in March, he later said.
Source:www.chron.com
