Chandler Police Department

Police Seek Help in Identifying Burglary Suspect

Detective Seth Tyler — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:42:04 +0000

The Chandler Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a residential burglary suspect. Over the past five months, a black male in his twenties or thirties has burglarized eight homes in Chandler, Tempe, and Sun Lakes. The suspect is approximately 5’9” to 6’ tall with a heavy build.

In each case, thousands of dollars in cash and valuables were stolen. This suspect speaks English but has a thick Jamaican accent. Video surveillance reveals this subject wears a light-colored hooded pullover sweatshirt, long pants, and Nike brand shoes. The burglar wears gloves and carries a light-colored backpack.

If you have any information relating to this unknown suspect, please contact the Chandler Police Department at (480) 782-4130.

The Chandler Police Department is Now Hiring

Detective Seth Tyler — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:18:34 +0000

The Chandler Police Department has opened recruitment for the position of police officer. The City of Chandler Human Resources Department will begin accepting online applications for the position of Police Officer Recruit and Lateral Police Officer on February 3, 2012. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 17, 2012. This recruitment is to establish an eligibility list for current and future openings.

Information on how to apply can be found on the Department’s website. Recruiters are available for questions through the website’s contact link by selecting the Recruiting Question from the dropdown menu. Candidates may also contact a Recruiter at (480) 782-3960.

The Chandler Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Shooting Suspect Identified

Detective Seth Tyler — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:12:25 +0000

On January 24, 2012 around 5:00 pm Chandler officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of South Vine St. in response to a report of a man threatening suicide with a gun. When officers arrived they learned that an elderly woman was inside the home with the man who was threatening suicide. In an attempt to remove the woman from harm’s way, officers entered onto the property.

Before reaching the house, the officers spotted the subject, 72-year-old Edward Flener. When the officers called out to Mr. Flener, he pointed a handgun at the officers. Officer Brian Dunn, a four-year veteran of the Department, was forced to fire his weapon at the subject.

Mr. Flener was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Officer Dunn has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard Department protocol, and the investigation is ongoing. This tragic incident is a sad reminder of the actions police officers are sometimes forced to take to protect themselves and others from imminent death.

For more information please contact Detective Seth Tyler at (480) 782-4105.

Chandler Police Seeking Applicants for Motorist Assist Program

Detective Seth Tyler — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:49:54 +0000

The Chandler Police Department Volunteers in Policing Services program is currently seeking additional volunteers to become part of our team. We are now accepting applications for people interested in becoming a Motorist Assist Volunteer. Volunteers respond to stranded motorists, collision scenes, and other non-criminal calls for service.

The volunteer program is administered by the Chandler Police Department and has been recognized as an excellent liaison within the city’s community policing efforts. In 2011 over 70 volunteers dedicated more than 12,500 hours to the Chandler Police Department and the Chandler community.

The academy will run for five consecutive weeks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, beginning on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, and will conclude on Thursday, April 5, 2012, with one Saturday class on March 24, 2012. Upon graduation, the volunteer will receive fifty hours of hands-on field training.

Applicants must be 21 years of age, possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License, and successfully complete a background investigation. Applications are due Friday, February 3, 2012. To apply go to www.chandlerpd.com.

All volunteers are asked to donate a minimum of 16 hours per month with a minimum one-year commitment to the program. To obtain more information, please contact Melanie Slate, Community Outreach Coordinator at (480) 782-4909.

Copper Thieves Nabbed in New-Home Development

Sergeant J. Favazzo — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:18:08 +0000

On Thursday, January 19, 2012, just after 1:00am Michael Patrick Largy was contacted while on foot in the Fulton Ranch development just south of Ocotillo Rd. Several copper and metal thefts had occurred recently in this housing development. Largy was contacted by detectives after he was seen jumping fences and to Ocotillo Rd. When contacted, investigators discovered Largy was in possession of drug paraphernalia, burglary tools, and stolen property to include copper wiring.

Largy’s girlfriend, 20-year-old Cynthia Georgia Kavuma, was later contacted in a vehicle at Arizona Ave. and Ocotillo Rd. Kavuma was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and several metal fittings. Largy and Kavuma planned on scrapping the metal fittings later in the day.

Both Largy and Kavuma were arrested at the scene. Through the course of their investigation, detectives have named Largy in at least one additional burglary from the development. Largy was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, one count of 3^rd Degree Burglary, and one count of 1^st Degree Trafficking in Stolen Property. Kavuma was released by investigators with possible charges pending.

For further information, contact Detective Seth Tyler.

Chandler Police Department Accepting Applications

Sergeant J. Favazzo — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:12:37 +0000

The Chandler Police Department is currently accepting applications for the next Citizens Police Academy. The goal of the Citizen Police Academy is to give citizens a better understanding of the guidelines within which an officer functions and a better understanding of why officers handle situations as they do. The academy combines instruction in police procedures and theory with practical, hands-on scenarios. Some of the courses include: Media and the Law, Firearms Training, Gang Awareness, Patrol Functions, K-9 Program, Criminal Investigations, Traffic Law, and Use of Force.

The 13-week Academy begins February 15, 2012, and runs through April 25, 2012. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. at the Chandler Police Department Main Precinct, 250 East Chicago Street. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must work, live, or attend school in the City of Chandler; and must pass a basic background check.

Applications are available online at chandlerpd.com/community/citizens-academy. To have the application mailed directly to you or if you have additional questions, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 480-782-4521.

Traffic Unit Receives DUI Enforcement Grant

Detective Seth Tyler — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:45:22 +0000

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has awarded the Chandler Police Department’s Traffic Unit with a $60,000.00 grant for additional DUI. enforcement. The grant will fund additional officers to focus solely on roadway impairment detection during specified dates throughout the year. Past dates have included St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, the 4^th of July, and Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Impaired drivers constitute a high percentage of serious injury and fatal collisions. While the common drunk driver is under the influence of alcohol, today many impaired drivers are operating vehicles under the influence of prescription or illicit drugs. The sad results of these collisions include injury and loss of human life, along with personal and insurance costs related to property damage.

Officers funded by this grant focus solely on traffic enforcement associated with the detection of impaired drivers. These officers are specially trained in DUI detection methods, including the detection of drugs in the human body. The enforcement details will occur during specific dates throughout the year and will cover the entire city.

For further information, contact Detective Seth Tyler.

Update: Police Searching for Missing Elderly Male

Detective Seth Tyler — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:13:47 +0000

Update: Vito Duda has been located and has returned home.

The Chandler Police Department is currently searching for 74-year-old Vito F. Duda, a white male with severe cataracts. Vito was last seen on January 10, 2012 around 2:00 pm by his adult son at their residence located in the 1200 block of west Manor Dr. Vito’s son returned home this morning just after midnight to find his father was not home.

Vito is described as five feet three inches tall weighing approximately 115 pounds. Vito has blue eyes and gray hair with a scruffy gray beard. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, white Nike brand tennis shoes, and a brown leather jacket. Vito walks with the assistance of a silver cane.

Vito has severe cataracts, which makes it very difficult for him to see. Vito has no other family in the area nor any known friends or acquaintances. According to his son, Vito never leaves the house alone.

Officers have conducted a thorough search of the immediate area, including an air search and door-to-door canvas. Investigators have learned Vito made a purchase at a convenience store at Alma School Rd. and Knox Rd. on January 10, 2012 around 1:00 pm. Other than the cataracts, Vito has no other medical issues.

The Chandler Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Vito. If anybody has any information regarding Vito’s whereabouts please contact the Department at (480) 782-4130.

For further information, contact Detective Seth Tyler.

Chandler Police Hosting Shred-A-Thon

Detective Seth Tyler — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:45:43 +0000

On January 5, 2012 the Chandler Police Department, in conjunction with Mid-First Bank and the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., is hosting a Shred-A-Thon at the Mid-First Bank branch located at 4900 S. Gilbert Road. A patrol team assigned to the Department’s Chandler Heights Substation will be on hand to help coordinate the event and to meet residents. The officers will also provide information concerning effective ways to protect yourself from identity theft.

A monetary donation of any size is all that is required to participate. Change will be placed into Mid-First Bank’s coin van, and the Bank will match donations up to $1,000.00. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics.

For further information, contact Detective Seth Tyler.

Setting Off Fireworks In Chandler Is Not Legal

Sergeant J. Favazzo — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:17:29 +0000

The Chandler Police Department would like to remind everyone that while buying and selling fireworks in the City of Chandler is legal, setting them off inside the City limits is not. Persons found responsible for setting off fireworks will be subject to a civil citation.

The discharging of a firearm is also against the law and anyone found doing so will face arrest and criminal charges. Please have a safe and Happy New Year.