Archive
Former Penn State University defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky faces sex charges-2 others arrested www.privateofficer.com
Philadelphia PA Nov 6 2011 Advocates of sexual abuse victims are taking a hard stand against the Penn State athletic department, including venerable football coach Joe Paterno, saying he should face criminal charges for failing to tell police that one of his assistants allegedly sexually assaulted a boy in a Nittany Lions locker room.
“At the very least, he should be fired,” said Robert Hoatson, a Catholic priest who founded an organization called Road to Recovery that counsels abuse survivors.
“Any adult who learns about a child being abused should immediately go to the police,” Hoatson said.
GRAND JURY REPORT ON JERRY SANDUSKY
Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly said Saturday that Paterno’s former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who worked with at-risk kids through his Second Mile organization, abused or made sexual advances on eight boys between 1994 and 2009. Sandusky, 67, once considered a potential successor to the 84-year-old Paterno, was charged with 40 counts of sexual abuse-related charges.
Penn State athletic director Tim Curley and Gary Schultz, the school’s vice president for finance and business, were charged with perjury and failure to report the allegations.
In 2002, Kelly said, a graduate assistant saw Sandusky sexually assault a naked boy in the locker room of the Lasch Football Building on the Penn State campus. The grad student and his father reported the incident to Paterno, who immediately told Curley about the allegation, prosecutors said. Curley and Schultz met with the grad assistant about a week and a half later.
Hoatson said Paterno had a responsibility to tell authorities about the report, especially when it became clear that university officials would not take action.
“Every adult knows you tell the police, preferably first, but especially if your supervisors in the workplace are not taking action,” said David Clohessy, director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
“We are grateful that criminal prosecution is happening but school officials clearly have some explaining to do,” Clohessy added. “We hope that Joe Paterno will be investigated for possible criminal activity.”
Hoatson said the Penn State case has a lot of similarities to the sex abuse scandal that has cast a dark shadow on the Catholic Church for years.
“Joe Paterno is the most respected coach in America and Penn State has a winning football tradition. Protecting that image is more important than what may have happened to that boy. Like the church, it appears they were more interested in protecting their image than protecting children.
“Joe Paterno should be in jail if it is true he didn’t go to the police immediately after learning about this,” Hoatson said. “At the very least, he should be forced to resign.”
Source:www.nydailynews.com
Four arrested in organized shoplifting spree in Mississippi www.privateofficer.com
JACKSON COUNTY MS Nov 6 2011 — Sheriff’s deputies say four people arrested this week are suspected in a rash of thefts of computer games, movies and other items from different Walmart stores in South Mississippi and elsewhere.
Sheriff Mike Byrd said the suspects were taken into custody shortly after one of the department’s interdiction officers stopped their vehicle and found the computer game systems and others items.
All of the merchandise, he said, still had the store’s security tags.
Those arrested were Doris Keel, 23, and Lashondra Lawrence, 35, both of Lafayette, La., and Mickey Williams and Jabrison Harrison, both 21 and residents of New Iberia, La.
Investigators determined the four had driven from Escambia County, Fla., to South Mississippi, stopping at various Walmart stores.
Inside their vehicle, investigators seized 19 computer game systems and various gift cards and movies.
They were being held Friday at the Jackson County jail, each on a charge of felony shoplifting though additional charges were expected.
The items seized had a value of about $6,000, Byrd said.
Felony shoplifting carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years and up to a $10,000 fine.
To report information, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at 875-6963 or Crime Stoppers at 877-797-5898. Or tipsters can text CSTIP plus a message to 274637 (CRIMES) or give a tip online at mscoastcrime stoppers.com
Barcode scam lands two in jail www.privateofficer.com
Philadelphia PA Nov 6 2011 Authorities accused two men Thursday of ripping off Target stores throughout eastern Pennsylvania by putting homemade UPC codes for cheap products over the real bar codes for more expensive items.
The scam allowed them to buy things like Bose computer speakers having a retail value of $249.99 for $29.99.
“They would target the younger cashiers, who might not care or be aware of the price differences,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman. “I think they picked Targets because of their own comfort level, maybe they knew the stores.
“There is certainly nothing about Target that would make them an easier mark, an easier target than someplace else.”
Ferman’s comments came during a press conference to announce the arrest of the pair.
Alleged ringleader Damian A. Gasdaska, 35, of Phillipsburg, N.J., is charged with organized retail theft, corrupt organizations, receiving stolen property, conspiracy and related offenses.
Arraigned before District Judge Christopher J. Cerski, Gasdaska was taken to the county prison when he was unable to post $75,000 cash bail.
Eugene Romano, 34, of Lehigh County, was taken into custody in Lehigh County on Thursday and will be transported to Montgomery County on Friday to be arraigned on similar charges.
The scam revolved around the creation of fraudulent UPC labels on a home computer. A cashier scans the bar code at the time of the purchase and the cash register cross-references it with a store’s price list, which is then generated on the receipt.
The scam ring, which included other unidentified accomplices, would identify costly items and cheaper products by the same manufacturer. A UPC label would then be made for the less costly item and affixed to the more expensive one before one of the accomplices checked out with it.
Authorities, who say they can document some 46 separate incidents through store security surveillance video, claim the ring purchased $24,933 worth of merchandise for $3,672 from February 2011 until July 2011.
Among the items purchased under this scam were Bose merchandise, Dyson vacuums, Medela breast pumps and even special Lego sets such as the Harry Potter Castle. In addition to Bucks and Montgomery counties, the group made purchases at Target stores in Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Northampton and Philadelphia counties.
Using fake identification, the group then set up a store on eBay where they sold the merchandise. That money was passed through several accounts and money orders before ending up in a checking account belonging to Gasdaska and his wife, according to authorities.
“The money was further laundered with the money orders,” explained Deputy District Attorney Steven J. Latzer, who previously headed the office’s economic crime prosecution unit and who will prosecute this case.
The money was used to pay for everyday household items and the couple’s mortgage, according to Ferman.
“They (ring members) did not live high on the hog but seemed to have just used the money to live,” said Ferman. “This became their job. Instead of doing legitimate work, putting in an honest day of work for an honest day of pay, they worked at stealing.”
While vague as to how the fraud was uncovered, Ferman attributed the breakup of the scam to Target security officials and Cheltenham police.
Although the activities for which the pair were arrested only date back to February, Ferman pointed out that the eBay store was first opened by the group in 2008 and some $172,000 worth of purchases were made from that store.
Source:phillyburbs.com
Milwaukee police officer accidentally discharges weapon at mall www.privateofficer.com
The Greendale Police Department says this was a freak accident, and the officer was off-duty, shopping in the mall.
They say the officer is allowed to carry his weapon while off-duty.
The incident occurred when the officer stopped in front of Auntie Annie’s Pretzels and reached for his wallet, and the gun went off.
Immediately, the officer contacted mall security. Greendale police say the officer was extremely cooperative and embarrassed.
As part of protocol, Greendale police notified the Milwaukee Police Department.
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn responded to the incident Thursday.
“The officer has certainly been nothing but forthcoming and absolutely forthright about what happened. All indications are this was a complete accident,” Chief Flynn said.
Greendale police say the officer was lucky, and say they’re glad no one was injured. They say the bullet was fired directly into the ground, and disintegrated once it hit the marble floor.
“He was not trying to take any action. He didn’t engage in any tomfoolery. He was examined and found fit for duty by two separate police agencies. It’s an accident and the investigation will continue,” Chief Flynn said.
Greendale police did not hand out any tickets or warnings to the officer. They say the damage to the floor inside Southridge Mall is almost unnoticable.
Source:WITI-TV
Home Depot shoplifting escalated to robbery www.privateofficer.com
Jacob Raab, 24, of Spruce Avenue, was arrested at 7:38 p. m. at the Builder’s Way store, accused of stealing $100 worth of merchandise. Store officials said that he was spotted removing items from their packaging and then concealing them on his body, and that he scuffled with a store security guard when confronted outside the store.
Raab is charged with third-degree robbery, petit larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
Georgia postal worker arrested for theft of gift cards www.privateofficer.com
Peachtree City GA Nov 6 2011 A postal worker was arrested Thursday and faces multiple charges for possessing gift cards intended for residents on his carrier route.
John Breedlove, 42, of Baltic Drive in Sharpsburg, was charged with eight counts of theft by taking and another count of drugs not kept in their original container, according to a statement from the Peachtree City Police Department.
The charges came about from an ongoing arson investigation. On Aug. 8, authorities responded to a vehicle fire at the Peachtree City Post Office, 151 South Hwy. 74. The vehicle was Breedlove’s personal vehicle, according to the police statement.
“Through the course of the investigation it was discovered that Breedlove, a mail carrier with the Post Office, was in possession of various gift cards that had been mailed to addresses along his mail delivery route,” according to the police statement.
The arson investigation continues.
Anyone with information relating to this case can contact the Peachtree City Police Community Response Team at 770-487-8866, Criminal Investigations Division at 770-631-2510, via e-mail at traffic@peachtree-city.org, or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline, 770-487-6010.
Waipahu High School employee arrested for money laundering-theft www.privateofficer.com
According to the criminal complaint, the alleged crimes happened between July 2005 and February 2010.
It’s a day of mixed emotions for Waipahu High School students, parents, faculty, and alumni.
Excitement over Waipahu beating Pearl City tonight for the OIA White Division title in football 9-7.
Then another emotion after learning about the School’s former Business Manager being charged with theft for allegedly stealing almost a half a million dollars of Waipahu High School funds.
“It’s a surprise especially after this White Division Championship. It’s a shocker,” said Donna Slade, Waipahu High School parent and alumnus.
61 year old Warren Harada of Manoa was a school business manager at Waipahu High School from August 1993 to last December, when he was terminated.
“A business manager is responsible for supporting the school in different functions and safety and security in those areas,” said Keith Hayashi, Waipahu High School Principal.
The State Attorney General’s office says Harada turned himself in to Sheriff’s Deputies on October 28th.
He is charged with one count of theft and four counts of money laundering.
“Although I can’t comment on it because of the ongoing investigation, it’s important for everyone to remember Waipahu High School is a great place with great students and great teachers who work extremely hard, and it’s unfortunate these things happen,” said Hayashi.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Circuit Court yesterday, Harada obtained the funds by “deception.”
And he’s charged with four counts of money laundering for allegedly concealing the proceeds of his theft.
This comes almost three months after former Pearlridge Elementary School Secretary Denise Hayashi was sentenced to five years probation after stealing nearly $69,000 from the school.
In regard to this latest case, a DOE spokesperson says: “The allegations filed in the complaint by the Attorney General are extremely serious. We will continue to monitor this case very closely.”
The AG’s office says Harada has been released from custody.
He’s scheduled to be in court for arraignment and plea on November 21st.
All five counts Harada is charged with are felonies punishable by up to ten years in prison.
Source :khon2.com
Ohio civilian police employee accused in embezzlement www.privateofficer.com
A trusted 20-year employee of the city, a civilian police department worker, is accused of stealing $22,000 in towing fees over two years.
Police Chief Tim Bowers said he expects “serious criminal charges” to be filed against the person early next week.
“I personally gave my trust to this person,” said Bowers, obviously disturbed by the allegations, which resulted after the Warren auditor’s office audited the funds and Sgt. Jeff Cole conducted an internal-affairs investigation.
“It’s very disheartening, very disappointing, but nobody’s above the law,” said Bowers, explaining that he personally set up the system for collecting a $75 towing fee from each person seeking retrieval of his or her vehicle.
City council enacted the $75 fee in late 2009.
When he first learned that the towing money — 90 percent of it in cash — was below expected levels, Bowers said he felt sure that the problem didn’t involve his employee.
Eventually he ordered the internal-affairs investigation to determine what happened.
“I didn’t believe it at first,” he said of the conclusions reached by the investigation.
It took only two days for Cole to complete his investigation because only one employee handles the money from the time police department shift commanders turn it over to the main office until it is deposited with the auditor’s office, Bowers said.
The auditor’s office reported that it had received $34,580 in towing fees in 2010, about $15,000 less than the $50,000 that should have been deposited.
The employee has not been placed on leave, but the employee is “not working right now,” Bowers said. Until charges are filed, the employee will not be identified.
Bowers said the missing money was first discovered when a council member approached Bowers to discuss using towing fees to buy cruisers.
Nearly two years worth of fees should have been about $91,000, but the fund showed only around $69,000.
Greg Hicks, Warren law director, said it’s likely that the city will be able to recoup the lost money through restitution paid by the suspect.
The case has been turned over to the Trumbull County prosecutor’s office, Hicks said, so that a determination can be made as to what charges to file.
Theft or theft-in-office charges are possible, both felonies, and felonies are handled by the county prosecutor’s office, Hicks said.
Bowers said there were several redundancies built into the system to keep track of the funds, such as multiple copies of the paperwork from each payment being kept by different offices at the police department.
Additional measures are being implemented now, Bowers said.
Source:Youngstown Vindicator
Georgia felony shoplifting suspect nabbed by security www.privateofficer.com
Michelle Christine McGhee is accused of taking several items from the store, 2625 Peachtree Parkway.
According to a loss prevention officer at the store, McGhee was observed on camera hiding cosmetics in her purse as well as throughout other areas of the store.
Among the items taken were two candles valued at $41; three Fekkai hair products valued at $66 and a bag of Tostitos valued at $3.
She was stopped when she tried to leave the building without paying.
Okaloosa Academy teacher arrested after fleeing state with teenager www.privateofficer.com
Crestview Fla nov 6 2011 A 25-year-old Okaloosa Academy teacher who fled the area with a 16-year-old boy was arrested Friday at an Ohio motel.
Amanda Leigh Cooney, who has an outstanding warrant from the Crestview Police Department for several charges, was located after an officer with the Riverside Police Department in Montgomery County, Ohio, noticed her lime green vehicle in a parking lot and ran her tags, said Shalimar Police Chief John Cash.
Lt. Andrew Schneider with the Crestview Police Department said he couldn’t provide details on the charges pending against Cooney in Crestview, but he confirmed warrants were filed Friday afternoon.
Cooney, who lives in Crestview, is also facing charges from the Shalimar Police Department for aiding and interfering with a missing child, Cash said.
He said additional charges from his department against Cooney were possible.
The 25-year-old first came to the attention of the police department after a missing person report was filed earlier this week for the 16-year-old, he said.
After receiving the report, a national missing person bulletin was released. The bulletin described the two and the vehicle that they had fled in and stated that they might be armed, Cash said.
It wasn’t clear when Cooney would be extradited back to Florida, but Cash said the teenager should be back by next week.
Cooney was in her second year of teaching reading at the Okaloosa Academy Charter School in Fort Walton Beach, said Terri Roberts, chief operating officer for the Rader Group, which oversees the school.
Roberts said Cooney left work early Tuesday, using the excuse that she had been called to pick up her children from school. Upon further investigation, school administrators discovered she hadn’t picked up her children and by then law enforcement officers had contacted the school, she said.
Cooney failed to show up to work on Wednesday and on Thursday morning they found a note on her desk that announced her resignation and apologized for quitting so abruptly.
“That’s the last we’ve heard (from her),” Roberts said.
As to the 16-year-old whom she was with, Roberts said he had previously attended Okaloosa Academy but was not a current student.
Further information on the incident was not available Friday evening.
Source:www.nwfdailynews.com
Temporary teacher for Helena School District arrested for child porn www.privateofficer.com
Source:kxlh.com
Man pays off outstanding parking ticket from 1954 www.privateofficer.com
York Police Chief Don Klug says a man walked into the station Tuesday with the ticket and payment – mounted and framed. Klug tells the York News-Times that the man said he found the ticket among his mother’s things and wanted to settle the debt.
The ticket was issued on July 13, 1954, to a vehicle licensed in Oklahoma. The man told Klug that he believed his mother had been visiting York at the time and probably lost track of the citation.
Klug says he plans to hang the framed ticket on the wall of his office in York, about 50 miles west of Lincoln.
Man vowing to wage “jihad” arrested at Detroit Federal Courthouse www.privateofficer.com
Detroit MI Nov 6 2011 — A man was charged with threatening a federal agent Friday after he vowed to wage “jihad” during an incident inside the McNamara Federal Building.
Detroiter Otis Lenez Moore, 45, was arrested after he entered the federal building and security guards found he was carrying a large pair of scissors, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit.
Security guards gave him a chance to discard the scissors and re-enter the building. He refused, according to an affidavit signed by Special Agent Matthew Stone of the Homeland Security Department.
Moore walked past security and tried to enter the building, the special agent wrote. Security guards blocked his path and told him to leave.
“Moore became irate and began verbally berating the security team with profanities and derogatory language,” Stone wrote in the affidavit.
Guards escorted him outside while he continued to berate the officers, according to the affidavit.
“Once outside the building, but while still on federal property, Moore stated he was going to shoot each of the officers in the head,” Stone wrote. “The security officers immediately took custody of Moore and detained him using restraints. Once restrained, Moore continued to threaten to kill the officers and bring ‘jihad’ onto the officers.”
Source:detnews.com
University of Georgia police bust fake ID network www.privateofficer.com
UGA Police Chief Jimmy Williamson says investigators busted a distribution ring that’s responsible for more than 2,000 fake ID cards.
He said police have the names and information of students who paid $70 to $100 apiece on confiscated hard drives and he’s urging them to turn over the phony cards and fill out a statement to avoid charges.
Williamson said police have already started calling the customers to notify them of the bust. He said arrests of the people who led the distribution ring are forthcoming.
Source:accessnorthga.com
Atlanta police investigator sentenced to 20 years in prison for child molestation www.privateofficer.com
Atlanta GA Nov 6 2011 A veteran Atlanta police investigator was sentenced to 20 years in prison Friday after a jury convicted him on two counts each of child molestation and sexual battery.
Wilson Carstaffin, 46, met his 12-year-old victim in November 2007 while working a side job as a resource officer at a middle school. According to prosecutors, Carstaffin summoned the girl, who has a slight developmental disability, from class and instructed her to meet him after school at a nearby church.
The Fulton County District Attorney’s office said Carstaffin picked the girl up in his car and began fondling her, at one point asking his victim if he could be her boyfriend.
Carstaffin kept the girl for hours except for one 15-minute stretch when he went to meet his wife. Prosecutors say he dropped the girl off, unattended, at a nearby gas station and returned to pick her up. He resumed fondling the 12-year-old before finally taking her home.
The girl’s father tried to contact the officer for an explanation, but Carstaffin never responded. Eventually the girl told one of her teachers what had happened inside the officer’s car.
An APD investigation followed, resulting in Carstaffin’s arrest, indictment and dismissal from the force.
Carstaffin was also sentenced to 20 years probation, which he’ll serve following his prison sentence.
Source:AJC
DUI Lee County teacher crahes in school parking lot www.privateofficer.com
LEE COUNTY FLA Nov 6 2011 – A Lee County teacher is accused of driving under the influence and deputies say she crashed into another car in her school’s parking lot.
Deputies say on Thursday morning, the Dunbar Middle School, school resource officer called to report a minor crash that happened in the parking lot.
The crash involved teacher Christine Murgueytio’s white Kia and another parked car.
The SRO told deputies that Murgueytio might have been impaired because an eyewitness had said that she was stumbling and that her speech was “thick tongued.”
When deputies arrived and spoke the teacher, she was asked if she had been drinking or taking any drugs.
According to the arrest report, she replied that she had only taken one Ambien Wednesday night.
When asked to take a field sobriety test, she agreed but asked to do so in the back of the parking lot so that her coworkers and students would not see it happening.
Based on the results of those tests, she was placed in custody and asked to give a breath sample.
And as the deputy was gathering her things from her car, according to the arrest report, he found two beer cans in her lunch box next to some uneaten plums.
Murgueytio also agreed to give a urine sample, which was then placed into evidence.
She was then taken to the Lee County Jail, but has since been released on bond.
Source:WZVN.com
Chesapeake school crossing guard killed-driver arrested www.privateofficer.com
CHESAPEAKE VA Nov 6 2011
The driver of a car that killed a school crossing guard in early October has been charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor charge, according to court documents.
Tiare L. Blees, 32, was heading east on Terry Drive at Brittany Way when she hit Lovette Person in front of Western Branch Intermediate School on the morning of Oct. 3. Person, 35, died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Police originally said they anticipated that no charges would be filed against Blees, who lives in Chesapeake not far from the school. She told police the sun prevented her from seeing clearly. Speeding, alcohol and texting were all ruled out as potential factors in the accident, police Lt. Johnny Day said.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Nancy Parr said she could not comment on the case because it was pending. Parr said the Chesapeake Police Department obtained a warrant for the charge, which could carry a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500.
A Chesapeake police spokesperson did not provide additional details on the decision to charge Blees or on any other element of the investigation.
Person’s husband said Monday that he had heard about the charge, but did not want to comment.
Blees is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 14.
Casino robbers tackled by security planned escape on jet ski www.privateofficer.com
Investigators say the dealer threatened to kill LaNorris Weathers’ children if he didn’t pay his debt.
Weathers and Regis Hamilton are behind bars accused of trying to hold up Sam’s Town Casino.
Police say Weathers was tackled by security guards after a cashier took his gun.
Hamilton was arrested when he ditched a stolen jet ski on the Bossier side of the Red River.
“It’s real eerie,” said Susan Jenkins.
Jenkins owns the watercraft. It and another one were stolen from her driveway one week before the robbery attempt.
She says she and her boyfriend had just removed the batteries to winterize the jet skis. Jenkins says the brothers must have stolen batteries from somewhere else.
Jenkins says she found out about the failed get-a-way shortly after the story hit the news.
“Somebody was reading KTBS.com was on his iPad and texted me,” said Jenkins.
The jet ski, which was once bright purple and gold, is now covered in black spray paint.
Police say the brothers had planned to use the front compartment to store the stolen cash, but never got the chance once their plan failed.
Source”ktbs.com
Man sues two University of Wisconsin-La Crosse police officers for false arrest www.privateofficer.com
Ron Clark of La Crosse attended a congressional debate on campus with a friend. Posted signs said videotaping wasn’t allowed but photographs were permitted.
Wisconsin Public Radio report says the friend began videotaping the event. As police tried to remove him, Clark pulled out his camera to videotape the officers. Police then handcuffed him and removed him from the event.
He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting an officer, although the charges were dismissed.
Clark is now suing the officers for false arrest.
University Police Chief Scott Rohde declined comment. He says the matter has been referred to UW System attorneys.
Source:Wisconsin Public Radio
Elizabeth City State University police shoot man with assault rifle www.privateofficer.com
Campus police pledged to beef up security at Elizabeth City State University after an officer shot a former student who police say was carrying an assault rifle on campus.
Officers said they spotted 24-year-old Rashaad Gardner with the firearm around 2:30 a.m. Saturday near the University Towers residence hall. When police ordered him to drop the weapon, he refused and pointed the gun at officers, campus police Chief Samuel Beamon said during a news conference.
An officer shot the suspect once in the leg before he retreated into a wooded area, Beamon said.
Gardner, a 2010 graduate of the university, was found by police about an hour later, nearly unconscious and leaning against a tree stump. He received medical attention at a hospital and was taken to the Albemarle District Jail, where he was being held on a $50,000 bond.
He’s charged with assault by pointing a gun, possession of a weapon on state educational property, and going armed to the terror of the people, Beamon said.
Officials declined to detail the events leading up to the shooting, but witnesses said there had been an altercation between Gardner and other students earlier in the night.
Sophomore Matthew Ferebee, 22, said he saw the drama unfold from the balcony of a student townhome. Not long after, he heard shouting and arguing outside. Campus police arrived, blocked off the area and told students to go inside, he said. Then an officer drew his firearm and disappeared around the side of a building, he said.
“I heard him yell, ‘Put it down, put it down! Get on the ground, get on the ground!’ Then, pow, pow, pow, pow.”
Ferebee said he remembered several shots, none from the assault rifle, before he took cover inside.
Hours later, students walked past the area, which was roped off with yellow crime scene tape.
The small campus is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and home to about 3,100 students. Word of the incident spread quickly, although some students knew only basic details Saturday afternoon.
“It’s crazy to think someone had a gun like that on campus. It freaks me out,” said Jereka Bandy, an 18-year-old freshman who lives in University Towers.
Other students said they were impressed by how quickly campus police responded.
“It could have been a lot worse,” said Marsha Jones, a sophomore who lives in a student townhome nearby.
Chief Beamon said he believes it was an isolated incident. As a precaution, he ordered additional overnight patrols, and university officials canceled all evening activities.
“We’re not taking any chances,” he said.
The officers involved were placed on paid leave pending an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Source:Pilotonline.com
Stamford Town Center security-police chase down-nab jewelty thieves www.privateofficer.com
Stamford, Conn. Nov 6 2011 – Jewelry thieves were arrested after leading police and mall security on a foot chase in Stamford.
Stamford Police said that around 10:30 Saturday morning, three men entered the Ross Simons jewelry store, in the Stamford Town Center, smashing a glass display case and stealing approximately $500,000 worth of watches.
The men then fled the store, leading mall security and Stamford Police officers on a foot chase through several levels of the Town Center and the Town Center garage.
Police said they took four men into custody in connection with the crime. The arrests took place in the mall, the parking garage, and on adjacent streets.
One Stamford officer and one suspect were injured during the incident. The officer is being treated at Greenwich Hospital.
The suspect was treated and released from Stamford Hospital after being pepper sprayed by Town Center Security personnel, while struggling to escape.
Police said this incident is similar to several others in the Tri State area.
Police are working to determine how many watches were stolen and what the exact value is.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Stamford Police at 203-977-4417.
Source:WTNH.com
Waterbury CT landlord faces homicide charges in death of tenant
WATERBURY, Conn. Nov 6 2011 – A Waterbury Landlord is facing homicide charges after a tenant of an allegedly illegal apartment died in a fire.
Narinesammy Ramsammy, 32, of 125 Hill Street has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, eight counts of violating the state building code, and eight counts of violating the state fire code.
According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the charges stem from a fire that occurred on Mar.16, at 82 Fox Street in Waterbury. The residence had been owned by Ramsammy. One of his tenants died in the fire.
The warrant alleges that the apartment lacked a required second exit among other fire and building code violations.
Ramsammy faces up to one year in jail or a $2,000 fine, or a $1,000 fine and six months in jail for each count.
Source:WTNH
Veteran Fort Wayne police officer dies in battle with cancer www.privateofficer.com
FORT WAYNE IN Nov 6 2011 – Kevin Weber, a veteran Fort Wayne police officer known for training dogs to sniff out drugs, explosives and criminals, has died after a battle with brain cancer. He was 55.
Weber, a father of three, died Thursday surrounded by his family, according to an obituary.
As a young man, Weber spent two years with the Navy as a radio operator. He later worked at the Baer Field Airport Department of Safety and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.
At 24, he joined the Fort Wayne Police Department. He served as a city officer for 31 years, with 24 of those years as a K-9 officer. He was one of two master trainers with the department.
Weber’s first dog, Zak, became the first certified narcotic-detection dog for Fort Wayne police. Another of his dogs, Badge, was cross-trained to track people and detect bombs and drugs.
“What are we as policemen – we’re hunters,” he told The Journal Gazette this year for a feature story. “We have to hunt the lost child; we have to hunt the bad guy – what better tool as a hunter to have than a properly trained police dog.”
Weber was born in Wyandotte, Mich., outside Detroit. As an officer, he lived in Fort Wayne and was a longtime member of St. Jude Catholic Church.
He went on medical leave after being diagnosed with brain cancer in April.
A visitation for Weber is scheduled from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park funeral home, 1140 Lake Ave. A burial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2130 Pemberton Drive.
