Midtown Security Community

New Year's Resolutions for Midtown from Union Station

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:17:00 +0000

Fellow Midtowners,

Col. Russell Houston of Union Station has offered these three important New Year's resolutions for keeping us all safe in 2012. Take a minute to read them and think about what you can do to keep the resolutions. They don't cost anything--only our determination to keep our beloved Midtown "a safe place to live and work." We all want that for ourselves and for our neighbors.

"Be a part of the solution!" Take these resolutions to heart for the New Year!

Best,

Peggy Williamson, Midtown Security Community Chair

Union Station New Year's Resolutions:

1. "Stow it; don't show it." You've heard this many times before. Help reduce the number of times that Midtown cars get broken into because someone has left something attractive in full view. Union Station has posters with the slogan on it you can put up at your business or place of worship.

2. Let "wandering workers" find other employment--but not in Midtown! ( Don't hire them.) Our Union Station officers know these "wandering workers" by sight and by name. They see them working in Midtown yards because someone was willing to hire them. The officers have warned us that we are taking big risks when we hire "wandering workers." They can't believe that some Midtowners still hire "wandering workers." Recently the Evergreen News wrote about concerns about hiring "wandering workers."

3. Be very aware of your surroundings. Call the police if something happens or if something looks suspicious. Robbery always involves the taking of property from another person, accompanied by the threat of violence. Victims should not resist turning over property, but instead comply and try to get a good description of suspect(s)(height, weight, facial characteristics, clothing, speech, tattoos,) or vehicles (make, model, damage, tag number, etc.). The police should be contacted immediately using 911. Victims are not encouraged to follow or pursue robbery suspects. Union Station is also experiencing some thefts of license plates from parked vehicles. Please encourage everyone to: 1) park in well-lighted areas, 2) keep an eye on the tag on their parked vehicles and 3) pay particular attention to anyone prowling around driveways or parking lots.

Here's to a safe and Happy New Year in 2012!

Thanks to Everyone from Union Station Officers!

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:54:00 +0000

(Note: Many thanks to all Midtowners who donated food and/or money to provide for our Union Station officers over the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day weekend. The following thank you note was sent to me by Col. Russell Houston of Union Station. Happy New Year! Peggy Williamson, Chair, Midtown Security Community)

"Well, you and Ms. White said to expect some food donations for our Officers from the good people of Union Station.

WOW!

When I arrived at Union Station this morning, the refrigerator was full and there were all kinds of cookies, cakes, brownies, and every other kind of snack imaginable filling the tables nearby. I’m told we also had a variety of sandwiches and even a pork loin, all of which were quickly consumed.

On behalf of our Officers, please convey our sincere THANKS to everyone that donated the goodies over the weekend.

We love our job, but working the Holidays can sometimes be a drag.

Having something to snack on makes it go much easier.

We are indeed very fortunate to have citizens like you, and the other residents of Union Station, who think of us during the Holidays.

We look forward to serving each of you during the New Year.

Thank you again,"

Colonel Russell G. Houston

Memphis Police Department

Union Station Commander

1925 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Office: (901) 636-4600

Fax: (901) 274-8182

Support Union Station Officers on Christmas Eve!

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:33:00 +0000

We are very fortunate to live in the Union Station precinct. On Christmas Eve while many of us are celebrating with family and friends our Union Station officers will be out patrolling Midtown to make sure that we stay safe.

There is a great opportunity for you to help make a difference for these officers who will be giving up time with their families to work Christmas Eve. If you are going to be in town and can take food to the precinct on Christmas Eve, please plan to do so. We want to demonstrate our support and concern for these men and women by making sure they are well fed.

Make cookies or a cake. Buy some soft drinks. Send an e-mail to your neighbors and take up a collection to buy food together to take to the precinct. Buy something tasty to take to the precinct. Whatever you can offer will be greatly appreciated we are sure. It is important that you label the food you bring. Attach the following information: Your name, address, and "Midtown Security Community thanks you for keeping us safe." Bring the food in a container that you will not need back. See that the food gets to the precinct some time during the day on Saturday, Dec. 24. We hope to have food and drinks for the officers all day and night.

If you've never been a part of providing food to the precinct, it is a very rewarding project. The officers are deeply appreciative.

Thank you for making sure that we honor our Union Station precinct officers and staff. "Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."

Happy Holidays,

Peggy Williamson

Chair, Midtown Security Community

Union Station Alert! Please Read

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:38:00 +0000

The following alert was provided by Lt. Danny Barham of Union Station. This is a way we can support Union Station. Please alert neighbors and co-workers. Together we can keep Midtown a safe place to live and work.

"The Memphis Police Department is asking Cooper-Young residents to be on the lookout for a vehicle and 2-3 males who are suspects in the recent rash of break-ins in the neighborhood. They are described as

--Driving an older model white SUV (possibly a Ford Expedition)

--Suspects are African-American males

--At least two males taking part in each break-in and possibly three

The suspects have been pulling into driveways during daytime hours for the break-in, so please be attentive to any unusual cars parked at neighbors' homes during the day. The suspects' SUV is one of their most distinguishing characteristics and has been consistent in all the incidents. We ask that all residents please keep an extra watchful eye out. The police are on patrol, but the more eyes on the street watching for suspicious activity the better. IF you see someone or an unusual vehicle matching this description, please contact the Memphis Police Department immediately at 545-2677 or 911 if a possible break-in is taking place."

Union Station Successes and Strategies

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:08:00 +0000

The following information is provided by Col. Russell Houston, head of Union Station. Please encourage your neighbors and friends to stay in touch on Midtown security issues by following our blog. We will post updates from Col. Houston as we receive them. MSC meetings are scheduled on a periodic basis.

-- Union Station officers recently captured Taco Bell robbers who hit the store on Union near Kimbrough. Within minutes after the store was hit, the officers captured the suspect responsible.

-- Col. Russell Houston, head of Union Station, warns us that the holiday season is prime time for car break-ins. We can support Union Station in lowering these statistics by NEVER LEAVING ANY OBJECTS IN SIGHT IN OUR CARS. That includes a GPS, laptop, packages, briefcase, etc. Union Station has large "Stow it! Don't show it!" banners and brochures available to post at your business, school, or religious institution. Get some!

-- Do you take a chance when you are in a hurry and leave your car running while you run back in your house or run in a store? You are asking to have your car stolen. It happens regularly.

"Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."

Important MSC Meeting Coming Up on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m.

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:37:00 +0000

Midtown Security Community is pleased to be able to welcome two very important crime fighters to our upcoming meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 at HopeWorks in the basement of the Midtown Church of Christ just west of Channel 5 on Union. Refreshments begin at 5:30.The meeting will start at 6:00 and be over by 7:00.

Our new head at Union Station precinct, Col. Russell Houston, will be introduced and talk about the latest crime-fighting strategies that he is implementing for Midtown. Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich will also be talking about initiatives her office is implementing to keep us all safer.

Our group's focus has been to support key members of our crime-fighting community who are making a difference in how safe we all feel and how safe we all are. It really does take a village. You are being asked to come to this meeting to get updated on the latest crime-fighting initiatives and recent Midtown crime stats and successes. We also want to show our appreciation and support to Col. Houston and Gen. Weirich for their labors on our behalf. The holiday season is right around the corner, and it is a prime time for an increase in crimes. Let's work with Col. Houston and Gen. Weirich to decrease the holiday crime stats this year.

Midtown Security Community meetings promise to be focused, full of good information, and guaranteed to not last beyond 7:00 p.m. Please make a commitment to join us next Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m.

"Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."

Best,

Peggy Williamson

Chair, Midtown Security Community

Consider Attending the Citizens Police Academy

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:32:00 +0000

The following announcement is from Kate Sides, the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at Union Station.

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY STARTING SOON! SIGN UP TODAY

The Memphis Police Department conducts a nine week course for citizens every year in the fall. Each class consists of two hours, one night a week. Dates will be announced later.

There is no charge for the course. All applicants must be 18 years old and pass a background check (at no cost to applicant).

Graduation ceremonies and diplomas will be awarded to all who attend classes, missing no more than two. Classes are held at each of the nine precincts around the city. If necessary, it may be possible to make up a class at a different precinct.

Speakers come from the different units and bureaus to explain how their divisions work, who to call for what situation, what to watch for, the latest scams, crime prevention, homeland security, and so much more.

Space is limited. Reserve your place in the 2011 Class. Contact Kate Sides, (636-4625)Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at Union Station Precinct to get an application Class starts the week of September 5th. The first twenty-five applicants who pass the background check will be enrolled.

Union Station Shows a REcent Decrease of Part One Crimes

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:10:00 +0000

The following report was submitted by Col. Lori Bullard. Please be mindful of her advice to check on older neighbors during this heat wave and to not touch any items if your house or your car has been broken into so the police can take fingerprints.

"This has been a hot summer and we have felt the effects of the heat. We are encouraging everyone to check on the elderly that live in their neighborhoods and make sure that they are staying cool and hydrated. If you know of someone that you would like officers to check on, please email or call me and I will send an officer to the location. We want to do our part in keep the heat-related deaths down. Also, please check frequently on animals that are kept outside. Make sure that they have shade and plenty of water to drink.

Blue Crush Information-
For the weeks of 7-25-11 to 7-31-11, Union Station showed a decrease of 13 Part One crimes. We showed a reduction last week in Robberies (-13 from previous week), Business Burglaries (-4 from previous week), and Auto Thefts (-4 from previous week). We showed no increase or decrease on Aggravated Assaults and Thefts From Vehicles. We had increases in Residential Burglaries (+5) and Non- Residential Burglaries (+3). Officers made 30 felony arrests and 139 misdemeanor arrests, and 47 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 2 stolen weapons. This makes 181 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We have four Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Union, Central, McLean and Bellevue and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Three is the area between Jackson, Tutwiler, University, and Dickinson and the focus crime is Residential Burglaries. Zone Two is the area between Galloway, Madison, Avalon, and Malvern and the focus is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Four is the area between Gaston, S. Parkway, Pond and Texas and the focus Crime is Residential Burglaries. We will also be running our Cooper-Young detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a weekend bike detail in Overton Park.

Things we are working on

We are processing the scene on every auto and residential burglary. Please try not to touch anything when you discover that your property has been broken into and that will give us a better chance of lifting fingerprints. We are having a lot of success with fingerprint identification and we are able to make arrests after we identify the suspects.

Please be mindful of leaving things in your vehicle. Always lock your doors and take valuables out, if possible. If you have to leave something in your car, please try to lock it in your glovebox, console, or trunk. If going into a convenience store or gas station- even if it is for only for a “few” minutes, please lock your doors. It only takes seconds to open a car door and grab something. Purses are often left in front seats or on the floorboards and this is an easy target for criminals, so take them with you or put them out of sight. Also, do not leave windows rolled down. Please just be mindful of these few tips. It will help tremendously. Lastly, if you find that your car has been broken into, please do not touch anything. Contact police and let an officer come out to process the vehicle for fingerprints.

Notable arrests last week-

On 7-27-11, Officers stopped a vehicle in which David Powell was a passenger. He fled on foot and officers pursued him. Powell fell down a steep incline and officers were able to catch up to him and place him in custody. He had three outstanding warrants- Theft of Property $1,000 to $10,000 on 7/7, Domestic Assault on 6/24 and Domestic Assault Evading on 6/24. He was transported to the Fugitive Office.

On 7-27-11, Officers were on routine patrol when observing 4 suspects dismantling a Fruehauf Trailer on Texas Street. They advised officers that they were taking the trailer apart for the scrap metal. Officers contacted the owner of the lot and trailer and discovered that the suspects did not have permission to be on the property or to take the parts from the trailer. Cleveland Wells, William Jennings, Shawnterri Burdette, and Quanterrious Burdette were placed under arrest and charged with Theft of Property $10,000 to $60,000, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Vandalism Over $500.00. All were taken to 201 Poplar.

On 7-31-11, Officers responded to a Theft From Motor Vehicle in 1100 block of Madison. The security guard advised that he heard glass breaking in the rear parking lot, and when he went to check on it, he observed suspect Steven McKinley walking away. Officers detained McKinley and located the vehicle that had been broken into on the lot. Property found on suspect McKinley was identified by the victim. McKinley was transported to 201 Poplar and charged with the Auto Burglary. He is a repeat offender and has been arrested on numerous occasions for the same crime in Union Station.

On 7-25-11, Task Force Officers were patrolling a Blue Crush Zone when observing a suspect, later identified as Zachary Miller, along with three other suspects (Ladetrick Bond, Tomas Hayes, Anthony King) gathered around a vehicle. As officers approached, all suspects fled but were apprehended a short distance away. As officers checked the vehicle, they discovered a rear window broken out and the steering column broken. Officers observed a screwdriver laying on front seat. All suspects were charged with Vandalism over $500.00 and Auto Burglary and transported to juvenile court.

On 7-29-11, Officers responded to a residential burglary in the 1800 block of Mignon. A witness heard glass breaking and observed two suspicious persons in the neighbor’s back yard. He also observed a Cadillac parked in the alley that was not a familiar vehicle to the area. Officers were taking a report when the suspect, Jaron Hill, walked by them. They stopped to question him and another witness came up to officers and identified him as one of the people in the back yard. The suspect admitted to breaking in the house and stated that the vehicle was registered to him. He was placed under arrest and charged with Theft of Property over $500.00 and Aggravated Burglary. His accomplice was able to flee the scene before officers arrived."

Midtown Security Community Mourns the Death of Officer Timothy Warren

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:07:00 +0000

Col. Bullard has provided the following report. On behalf of Midtown Security Community we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of fallen Officer Timothy Warren and the entire Memphis Police Department. We are deeply grateful for the work that MPD does on our behalf each and every day.

Last week was a tough week for Memphis Police officers, as we lost one of our own. Officer Timothy Warren was killed in the line of duty on July 3^rd while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Warren family and MPD during this difficult time. Officer Warren’s death will have a huge impact our department, but we will continue our daily fight against crime.

Blue Crush Information-
For the weeks of 7-4-11 to 7-10-11, Union Station showed a decrease of 14 Part One crimes. We showed a reduction last week in Aggravated Assaults, Residential Burglaries, and Non-residential Burglaries. We showed no increase or decrease on Robberies and Business Burglaries. We had increases in Auto Theft (+4) and Thefts From Vehicles (+3). Officers made 31 felony arrests and 124 misdemeanor arrests, and 57 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 2 stolen weapons. This makes 174 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We have four Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Madison, Central, Cooper and McLean and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Two is the area between Overton Park, Madison, Evergreen, and Cleveland and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Three is the area between Union, Lamar, Belvedere and Bellevue and the focus is Residential Burglaries. Zone Four is the area between Southern, S. Parkway, Kyle and Roland and the focus Crime is Residential Burglaries. We will also be running our Cooper-Young detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a weekend bike detail in Overton Park.

Things we are working on

Notable arrests last week-

On 7/10/11, Officers responded to a prowler call at the Sekisui Restaurant on Belvedere. Once on the scene, officers spoke with a witness who stated that he observed suspect #1 throw a brick through the front plate glass window of the business. Suspect went inside and took several bottles of liquor and put it in a vehicle where suspect #2 was waiting. While searching the area, officers located the vehicle at Jefferson and Claybrook. They stopped the vehicle and arrested the occupants. Fred Streeter and Marcus Price were charged with Burglary and transported to jail.

On 7/10/11, Officers responded to a burglary of a residence in the 1300 block of Dunnavant. The victim had been away from home since July 1 and arrived home to find it had been burglarized. The suspect had taken a television, sofa, refrigerator and bathtub. While looking around, the victim saw his property next door in a vacant house. Officers went to the location and spoke to a witness who advised them that the suspect was at the location just prior to the officer’s arrival and that he had been seen with the property in the past few days. Officers located the suspect, later identified as Jason Tucker, and placed him under arrest. He was transported to the Burglary office for investigation. The property was returned to the owner.

On June 14^th, a car was broken into in the 4100 block of Elliston. The victim’s vehicle sustained damage to the driver’s window, steering column, and the radio had been damaged and removed. On June 21, latent prints examiner advised that prints lifted from the vehicle matched those of Tony Smith. On July 13^th, Detectives located Smith in the 900 block of James. He was transported to the Criminal Apprehension Unit where he confessed to his involvement in the burglary. He was charged with Burglary of a Motor Vehicle and processed at 201 Poplar.

On 7/15/11, Officers responded to a burglary of a business in the 100 block of Lucy. The complainant advised that she entered the business that morning and noticed someone had broken out a window and entered the business. Several small furnishings, 2 DVD players and a telephone had been taken in the burglary. The suspect was still on the scene and was placed under arrest. He confessed to taking the items to a pawn shop to get money for crack cocaine. Ronald Shivers was charged with burglary and transported to jail.

On 7/15/11, Officers responded to a prowler call in the area of Cooper and Young. The complainant observed several young males taking a motor scooter of someone’s porch. Officers were checking the area and observed four males together. As officers approached, three of the males fled the scene. The one left was pushing the motor scooter. Officers located the victim and released the motor scooter back to its proper owner. The suspect was on probation for a similar crime. He was arrested and transported to 201 Poplar

Update on Union Station Crime Stats and Successes

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:44:00 +0000

The following information is provided by Col. Lori Bullard of Union Station.

I apologize for the delay in the latest blog entry, but I was working out of state last week and did not have access to the information. I am back at work now and have a little time to catch everyone up on what is happening at our precinct. The summer season has brought us an increase in call load for service, but we are working hard to keep our crime down.

I hope everyone has a Happy Fourth of July. Please celebrate responsibly and enjoy the time with your friends and family!

Blue Crush Information-
For the weeks of 6-2-11 to 6-26-11, Union Station showed an increase of 10 Part One crimes. We showed a decrease last week in Robberies and Theft From Motor Vehicles. We had slight increases in Business Burglaries, Non-Residential Burglaries, and Auto Theft. However, we had a significant increase in residential burglaries (+10). Officers made 46 felony arrests and 111 misdemeanor arrests, and 46 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 6 stolen weapons. This makes 136 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We have four Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Poplar, Union, Cooper and Evergreen and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Two is the area between Jackson, Overton Park, McLean and Bellevue and the focus crime is Residential Burglaries. Zone Three is the area between Crump, Roanoke, Neptune and Third Street and the focus is Residential Burglaries. Zone Four is the area between York, Foster, E. Parkway and Roland and the focus Crime is Residential and Business Burglaries. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a weekend bike detail in Overton Park.

Things we are working on-.

Construction on the new Crump Station is underway and you can see the daily progress now. The foundation has been poured and the construction crews are putting the walls up now. Our approximated time for having the new building is sometime in late winter of 2012.

We had an alert this week on a possible scam of an elderly man. As the story was relayed to me, the incident happened at a Target store parking lot. He was followed by scammers after they had tied an empty plastic drink container under his car. They followed him home and on the way, flagged him down and got him to pull over. They told the man that his car was smoking, but that they were mechanics and could fix it. Once they were through, they tried to charge him $400. He told them he didn't have the money and they asked if he had an ATM card. They rode with him to the bank, and watched him use the PIN number. They grabbed the $400 and fled the scene. After they left, he felt around for his wallet and realized he had been pick pocketed as well. Allegedly, they went to another ATM and withdrew more money from his account. I was not able to verify this information but even if it is not true, it does make one think about what to do in a similar situation. Please do not give money to people- especially in a situation like that. While this did not happen in Union Station, it very well could have and we need to be on alert. Please do not let anyone talk you into going to an ATM or giving them money when you know you shouldn’t. If anyone tries to scam you by the “pigeon drop”, yard work and tree cutting scams, storm cleanup scams, etc, please contact the police department. We will come out and check the verification of the person trying to take your money.

Notable Arrests-

On 6-20-11, Officers received information that a burglary suspect was at Mississippi and McLemore. Officers located the suspect and were able to match him to a burglary that occurred the day before. Darrons Johnson was placed under arrest, charged with Aggravated Burglary, and transported to jail.

On 6-20-11, Officers responded to a prowler in progress at Sun Studio. The witness advised that he observed the suspects – later identified as Rashaun Holt and Sherman McDowell- pulling on door handles and looking inside vehicles. The victim tried to use his car to block suspects from leaving until police arrived, but they became irate. One of the suspects got a tire iron and tried to assault the witness. The suspects fled, but Officers located them at Madison and Dunlap and initiated a traffic stop. They located stolen property that was taken from a crime committed at another location. Officers arrested the two suspects and charged them with Aggravated Assault and Theft of Property. Both were transported to jail.

On 6-23-11, Officers responded to a Robbery at Pauline and Jefferson. The victim stated he had just been robbed at knifepoint. A broadcast was put out and Union Station Task Force Officers were able to locate the suspects a few blocks from the scene. Demarcus Ferby and Scentorrie Ferby were charged with Aggravated Robbery and transported to jail. The four juvenile suspects were charged with Aggravated Robbery and transported to juvenile court.

Union Station Provides Update on Midtown Crime

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:55:00 +0000

The following report is provided by Col. Lori Bullard to update Midtowners on crime stats and successes. Please pass along her helpful reminder about keeping cars locked and valuables stowed. Theft from motor vehicles is a crime we have some control over.

Blue Crush Information-

For the week of 5-23-11 to 5-29-11, Union Station stayed the same on Part One crimes. We showed a decrease last week in Business Robberies, Aggravated Assault, and Theft From Motor Vehicles. We had slight increases in Residential Burglaries, Business Burglaries and Non-Residential Burglaries. Officers made 28 felony arrests and 174 misdemeanor arrests, and 53 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 3 stolen weapons. This makes 116 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We have four Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Poplar, Central, Idlewild and Pauline and the focus crime is Business Burglary. Zone Two is the area between Jefferson, Carr, Cooper and Tucker and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Three is the area between Jennette, South Parkway, College and Lauderdale and the focus is Robbery. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a weekend bike detail in Overton Park.

Things we are working on-.

We are still getting auto theft complaints and finding that the victims are leaving their keys in vehicle. Even if it is just a few minutes to run back into your house or stop at a convenience store, please take your keys with you. It only takes a minute for a car thief to jump into the vehicle and drive off. Also, we are still trying to remind everyone to lock their car doors. We had three reports last week in midtown where the cars were burglarized and the victims said that the car was unlocked. While you shouldn’t HAVE to lock your car in your own driveway, you NEED to. Please lock them when you are paying for gas at a gas station or going in to a place of business. Last month, we had several purses stolen off the front seat of the vehicle while the owner went in to pay for gas. Please get into the habit of locking your doors. One last thing- if you find that your car has been broken into, please do not touch anything. Contact police and let the officers lift fingerprints. We will let you go through the vehicle as soon as it is processed.

Notable Arrests- On 5-19-11, Officers received information that William Canada had been developed as a suspect in a robbery that occurred in the 700 block of McLemore on 5-12-11. Officers located the subject and placed him under arrest. He was charged with Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Burglary, and Employment of a Firearm during a Dangerous Felony.

On 5-19-11, Officers received a call from the dispatcher stating that Jefferson County Police Department was tracking a car taken in a carjacking from Pine Bluff Arkansas. The vehicle was showing to be at 691 Union Avenue. Union Station Officers went to the location and observed the suspect sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Andre Ottie was placed under arrest and charged with the carjacking.

On 5-19-11, Officers were working a Blue Crush Detail and observed a male driving a white 2004 Ford Explorer south on Driver. Officers ran the license and found the vehicle to be stolen. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested Donald Whitelow for Auto Theft. He was transported to jail after his arrest.

On 4-30-11, Officers responded to a vehicle burglary in the 2200 block of Monroe. The victim stated that the window to his vehicle had been broken out and someone had gone through it. Officers processed the vehicle and lifted fingerprints.

On 5-9-11, the fingerprints were identified and found to belong to Lesean Tuggle. A warrant was issued for Tuggle’s arrest.

On 5-24-11, Officers responded to a theft at 42 S. Camilla where the witness observed a suspect break into a laundry room attached to the back of the business. The suspect took several items and began walking northbound. Officers observed the suspect, later identified as Jermaine Anderson, carrying a clear plastic bag with items he had taken from the laundry room. Anderson was placed under arrest and charged with Burglary.

Important Summer Security Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:05:00 +0000

Do you have a lawnmower or yard tools that you keep in a shed? We have been advised that you can help our Union Station officers better track the theft of such items if you will take a simple protective step.

Place an inexpensive glass vase or some other glass object on top of your lawnmower or beside your weed-eater. The thief will have to move the glass object to take your lawnmower, etc., and hopefully fingerprints will be left that can be lifted should the item be stolen.

We certainly hope that you will not need to be tracking fingerprints this summer, but it is a helpful suggestion. Remember that you need to report any theft to the Memphis Police Department. Our Union Station officers work diligently to recover these items. Your information often will help establish a pattern that speeds the recovery process.

"Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."

Congratulations, Col. Terry Landrum, New Colonel at Tillman Station

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Sat, 21 May 2011 23:18:00 +0000

Congratulations to Col. Terry Landrum, who has been appreciated so much by Midtown Security Community for his work in Union Station. He is now the Colonel at Tillman Station. Way to go, Col. Landrum! Col. Lori Bullard has provided the latest update on crime stats and successes in Union Station in her report below. Thank you, Col. Bullard.

Blue Crush Information-

Union Station had remarkable decrease of Part One crimes this week. We had 31 fewer crimes than we had last week, which is means there were 31 less victims. To break it down even further – we had no business robberies and we showed a decrease in residential burglaries, business burglaries, non-residential burglaries, and auto theft. What I am most proud of is the fact that we had 19 fewer car burglaries. I am also very pleased that during the three days of BBQ Fest, we had no car break-ins. Our Task Force and COACT Units worked with Tillman Station, TACT Squad and Organized Crime Units to make sure that patrons and vehicles were safe to attend and enjoy the festival. It appears that people are being more mindful of locking doors, parking in lighted areas, and keeping valuables out of sight and that has made a huge difference in our crime rate. Officers made 36 Felony arrests and 189 misdemeanor arrests last week and 114 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 8 stolen weapons, making it 111 guns that have been taken of the streets so far this year by Union Station Officers.   We have three Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Poplar, Peabody, Cooper and Pauline and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Two is the area between Jeanette, S. Parkway, I-240 and Third and the focus crime is Robbery. Zone Three is the area between Oliver, South Parkway, Cooper and Bellevue and the focus is Residential Burglaries. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, Overton Park Zoo detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a warrant detail.

Things we are working on-

We are graduating a class of police recruits Thursday at 6 pm and they will hit the streets on Saturday. Union Station is getting a few of the new graduates, so you will be seeing some new faces around midtown. We also have 7 officers at Union Station completing their first year of “probation.” When they reach the 1 year mark, they will no longer be in training. Some will stay at Union Station and some will leave this assignment and go to another precinct.

Speaking of new assignments, we lost Major Terry Landrum to Tillman Station. I know everyone hated to see him move to another precinct, especially since he just got back to Union Station a month ago. However, he was only there a few days and then got promoted to the rank of Colonel. He is now the Tillman Station Commander and we are very proud of him. Luckily, we work very closely with Tillman and we will still get to see Colonel Landrum at many of our functions. Also promoted to the rank of Colonel was Lt. Colonel Rowena Adams, formerly the Executive Officer at Tillman Station. After promotion, she was assigned to take over as the Commander of the Organized Crime Unit.

***May 24^th at 6 pm at Davis-Kidd Books, there will be a book signing by one of the Union Station residents. Psychologist Jim Paavola has penned a book entitled They Gotta Sleep Sometime. This book is the second installment of the “Murder in Memphis” series about fictional character Lt. Julia Todd, a Memphis Police Department Homicide Investigator working out of Union Station. Mr. Paavola mentions several locations in Union Station and much of the book is centered around familiar landmarks. The first book in the series, The Chartreuse Envelope, is also set in Union Station. Mr. Paavola is generously donating a portion of the book sales to the Memphis Police Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that helps fund equipment for the Memphis Police Department. I encourage everyone to go “buy” (hint, hint) and show your support to Mr. Paavola.

Notable Arrests-

On May 9^th, Officers responded to an alarm call to the 1700 block of York and when they arrived, they observed 2 male suspects inside the location. One suspect was arrested and the other suspect fled the scene on foot. Officers were able to secure the first suspect and put out a broadcast on the other suspect. Devegas Coble was placed under arrest and charged with Aggravated Burglary. The other suspect was named and was arrested a short time later.

On May 12^th, Officers received a call in regards to a business burglary that occurred in the 1300 block of Edith. Officers made the scene and were advised that the suspects broke into the business and took $600 worth of cigarettes, $350 in beer, and $300.00 in currency. Officers located prints and were able to lift them from several items. Officers developed Jerry Nash and Maurice Bland as suspects. They located the suspects and were able to take them into custody. Both suspects were arrested and charged with Burglary.

On May 13^th, Officers responded to a call on a theft. The complainant, David Billington, reported that he was enroute from Michigan to Cleveland, Tennessee with a tractor trailer of dry cereal and drink mix valued at over $50,000 and had stopped in Memphis. While stopped, he stated that someone stole his truck, along with the goods. As officers talked to Mr. Billington to get more details, they realized that he was being untruthful. Officers contacted the main office of the Trucking Company and inquired about the shipment. The representative stated that Mr. Billington was not given permission to drive to Memphis and it was not on his planned route. Further conversation revealed that Mr. Billington had actually sold the 53 foot trailer and its contents to purchase cocaine. He was arrested and charged with Theft of Property over $60,000.

On May 14^th, Task Force officers followed up on a report of a computer that was reported stolen. They located the pawn shop that the laptop was taken to and retrieved video footage of the person who pawned it. They identified the suspect as Thomas Smith, Jr. Task Force officers located Mr. Smith and placed him under arrest. He was charged with Burglary and taken to 201 Poplar.

The Organized Crime Unit arrested 5 suspects in two different cases for Promotion of Methamphetamine Manufacturing. The suspects had driven into the city from Arkansas to buy pseudoephedrine, which is used to manufacture methamphetamine. To try and combat this rising crime, Organized Crime Unit had created Meth Teams to focus on the makers, users, and sellers of methamphetamines. Meth Labs are very dangerous and can be deadly. They can be set up in houses, garages, storage sheds and even in vehicles. If you suspect that there is a meth lab near you, please contact us at 636-4600. We will be glad to come and check the location.

Colonel Lori Bullard

Memphis Police Department

Union Station Commander

1925 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Phone: (901) 636-4600

Important MSC Meeting at HopeWorks Tomorrow, Thursday, May 12th

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Thu, 12 May 2011 02:18:00 +0000

Join Midtown Security Community in welcoming Col. Lori Bullard and new Police Director Toney Armstrong to our meeting at HopeWorks, 1930 Union (basement of Midtown Church of Christ just west of Channel 5 on Union). We will get an update on crime stats in Midtown and hear our new Director's vision for keeping Memphis a safe city.

5:30 Refreshments

6:00-7:00 Business meeting (guaranteed ending by 7:00 pm)

Remember that Friday night CrimeStoppers celebrates its 30th birthday at Playhouse on the Square. Help support this very worthwhile organization by making a donation or buying a ticket for the reception and performance of "Ragtime."

"Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."

May 5th MSC Meeting Rescheduled to Thursday, May 12th

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Mon, 02 May 2011 01:57:00 +0000

Please mark your calendar for our upcoming May meeting. It was originally scheduled for Thursday, May 5, but has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 12, at HopeWorks (basement of Midtown Church of Christ just west of Channel 5 on Union) because of a conflict in Director Armstrong's schedule.

New Police Director Toney Armstrong will be our guest speaker. Come hear Col. Lori Bullard give an update on Union Station crime stats and successes. Hear Director Armstrong outline his vision for a safe and livable city.

Refreshments begin at 5:30. Meeting starts promptly at 6:00 and will end by 7:00--guaranteed! We hope you will be at this meeting to demonstrate the support that Midtown Security Community symbolizes in working collaboratively with the Memphis Police Department.

"Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."

Union Station Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:53:00 +0000

Today, Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong promoted Deputy Chief Don Boyd to Deputy Director. He will now be the number two in command for police services. Before his promotion, he was Deputy Chief of Uniform Patrol District One, which includes Raines Station, Mt. Moriah Station, Ridgeway Station, Airways Station and Traffic Division. He also worked as the Deputy Chief of Administrative Services for several years.

Blue Crush Information- For the week of 4-11-11 to 4-17-11, Union Station had a decrease of 26 Part One crimes. We showed a decrease last week in Aggravated Assault, Residential Burglaries, Business Burglaries, Auto Theft and Theft From Motor Vehicles. The only category that showed an increase was Non-Residential Burglary and it was only up by one incident. Officers made 7 felony arrests and 108 misdemeanor arrests in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 2 stolen weapons. This makes 78 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.  We have three Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Poplar, Peabody, Cooper and Watkins and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Two is the area between Madison, Pontotoc, I-240 and Danny Thomas and the focus crime is also Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Three is the area between Walker, South Parkway, Mississippi and Third and the focus is Residential Burglary. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a bike detail in Overton Park.  

Notable Arrests-

On April 13, Officers responded to a burglary at Wonder bread 400 Monroe. Officers spoke with the foreman, who advised that he observed the suspect inside one of the trailers being unloaded at the dock. The suspect had two wrenches which he had used to unscrew the latch from the side of the trailer. Once inside the trailer, the suspect had access to the building. The defendant also had 96 honey buns in his possession stashed inside a black bag. James Martin was arrested and charged with the burglary.

On April 19, The Organized Crime Unit set up a Vice operation utilizing detectives as decoys targeting street level prostitution. At Latham and Trigg, Officers arrested 6 women and charged them with prostitution.

On April 20, Officers received a prowler call to the French Quarter Inn at 2144 Madison. Officer conducted a building search and located the suspect inside. The suspect, Donzell Hykes, Jr., was taken into custody without incident and transported to 201 Poplar. Officers found a tool bag of assorted tools including a hacksaw, electrical test kit and pliers. They also observed wires cut from the electrical box and stacked into a pile.

Colonel Lori Bullard

Memphis Police Department

Union Station Commander

1925 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Phone: (901) 636-4600

Blue CRUSH™ is a data-driven initiative utilized by the Memphis Police Department, developed in partnership with the University of Memphis Center of Criminology and Research.

After 38 years, Director Larry Godwin has retired from the Memphis Police Department. He has done a fantastic job and we wish him well as he begins his new career with the Department of Safety as the Deputy Commissioner of Homeland Security. We also welcome our new Director, Toney Armstrong. He will continue the efforts of Director Godwin and take up the fight against crime utilizing cutting edge technology and innovative ideas. Luckily, we got him before his schedule got too busy. He will be at the Midtown Security Community Meeting May 5^th. I think it will be a great opportunity for everyone to get to know him a little better and see what plans he has for Memphis.

Blue Crush Information- For the week of 4-4-11 to 4-10-11, Union Station had an increase of nine Part One crimes. We are still well below where we were on this date for the past four years. We showed a decrease last week in Residential Burglary and Auto Theft, but had a slight increase in Robberies (1) and Business Burglaries (1). We had three additional thefts from motor vehicles and six additional aggravated assaults. Officers made 23 Felony arrests and 231 misdemeanor arrests last week and 101 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 4 stolen weapons. This makes 76 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.  We have three Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Autumn, Peabody, McLean and Bellevue and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Two is the area between Madison, Oliver, East Parkway and McLean and the focus crime is also Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Three is the area between Crump, Roanoke, Neptune and Third and the focus is Burglary. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a warrant detail.  Things we are working on-.

We are STILL trying to cut down the number of thefts from vehicles. It only takes a few minutes to hide valuables in your vehicle. We had 16 cars broken into last week and items taken. We are asking you to please take a few precautionary measures when leaving laptops, cameras, purses and GPS systems in your car. Put valuables in the trunk when possible. If you are driving a truck or SUV, try to lock the valuables in a glove compartment. If the burglar has to spend more than a few minutes looking for things of value, he will probably move on to an easier target. Lock your car doors and be mindful of who is around. You should tell officers if you see anyone suspicious. Lt. Barham with the Task Force sent a notice out earlier on the Orange Chevy Tahoe. The suspects in this vehicle are responsible for several car break-ins. If anyone has any information on that vehicle, please send it to us. We had several purses stolen from the front seats of cars while women went into convenience stores to pay for gas. Please lock your doors, even if you are just going to be gone for a few minutes. It does not take long to open a door and steal something.

Notable Arrests-

On April 6, Officers were working a “plainclothes” detail in the area of Poplar and Cleveland when they observed Robert Glasper operating a red Ford Probe. Officers were familiar with Glasper because they had arrested him before and they knew he had a suspended driver’s license. Officers checked the tag with the dispatcher and the vehicle came back stolen. Officers followed him until marked uniform officers could arrive. Once the uniformed officers caught up to the vehicle, they stopped it arrested the driver. He was charged with Theft of Property over $1,000 and transported to jail. 

Also on April 6, Officers were contacted by detectives and asked to go to a location and attempt to pick up a suspect wanted in an aggravated assault that occurred on April 4^th. Officers located Kenyauda Gregory and placed him under arrest. He was charged with Criminal Attempt to wit Second Degree Murder and transported to jail.

On April 8, Officers were on routine patrol checking a blue crush area for suspicious persons. They observed a vehicle parked behind the Porter Boys and Girls club and checked the tag. The vehicle had been stolen on 4-6-11. Officers had the Task Force set up surveillance on the vehicle and wait for someone to return to it. A few minutes later, Officers observed four suspects approaching the vehicle. The suspects looked around to see if anyone was around and when they didn’t see anyone, they ran and jumped in the vehicle and fled westbound on Georgia. Officers apprehended the suspects, charged them with Theft of Property $1,000 to $10,000 and transported them to 201 Poplar.

 On April 12^th, officers responded to a robbery of the Taco Bell on Poplar. The victim advised that the suspect pointed a gun at her and demanded all of the money. She gave the suspect the cash drawer but was able to obtain his license number as he drove away. Officers located the suspect vehicle a short time later on Cleveland and the driver matched the suspect description. Officers located the cash drawer and retrieved the cash taken in the robbery. Davier Rayborn was placed under arrest and transported to jail.

Colonel Lori Bullard

Memphis Police Department

Union Station Commander

1925 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Phone: (901) 636-4600

Blue CRUSH™ is a data-driven initiative utilized by the Memphis Police Department, developed in partnership with the University of Memphis Center of Criminology and Research.

Help Union Station Catch a Purse Thief

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:26:00 +0000

Lt. Barham of the Union Station Task Force is asking for our help in locating an orange Chevrolet Tahoe that has recently been breaking into cars and taking purses. If you see such a car in Midtown, get the license plate and contact Lt. Barham immediately. (Posted 4/8/11 at 5:30 p.m.)

"Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."

Lt. Daniel L. Barham #0712

Union Station Task Force

1925 Union Avenue

Phone #901-636-4600

Desk # 901-636-4618

Cellular phone # 901-828-1405

Daniel.Barham@Memphistn.gov

New Police Director and New District Attorney Will Speak to MSC on May 5

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 19:47:00 +0000

Midtown Security Community Friends:

Mark your calendar now for our upcoming MSC meeting on Thursday, May 5, at HopeWorks in the basement of the Midtown Church of Christ, starting at 5:30 p.m. We have a terrific program thanks to the efforts of several people. Col. Bullard will be there to update us on Union Station stats. Through her invitation we are pleased that the incoming Director of Police Toney Armstrong will be with us to outline his vision for continued success and how community groups can support the police. Beth Flanagan from the Memphis Medical Center extended an invitation on our behalf to Amy Weirich, our new District Attorney, who will also speak about her plans for keeping us safe.

Once again you have come to count on our pledge that you will have a fast-paced, one hour program and be finished and on your way by 7:00 p.m. Refreshments begin at 5:30. Meeting begins at 6:00. Don't miss this important gathering.

Special thanks to Col. Bullard who has provided an extensive report on Union Station's activities from last week. Share the following report with your neighbors and business colleagues so they will know all of the good that our police station is doing. Together we can keep Midtown a safe place to live and work.

"Blue Crush Information-
For the week of 3-21-11 to 3-27-11, Union Station had a decrease of eleven Part One crimes, and we are still well below where we were on this date for the past three years. We showed a decrease last week in Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Residential Burglary, Business Burglary, Non-Residential Burglary and Auto Theft. Theft From Motor Vehicle was the only category in which we had an increase (+4). Officers made 41 Felony arrests and 152 misdemeanor arrests last week and 60 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 5 stolen weapons. This makes 69 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We have three Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Tutwiler, Carr, Cooper and Avalon and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Two is the area between Jackson, Poplar, Bellevue and Manassas and the focus crime is robbery. Zone Three is the area between Crump, Roanoke, Neptune and Danny Thomas and the focus is Robbery. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a warrant detail.

Things we are working on-
Last weekend, we started our bike patrol back up and are utilizing the officers in the Overton Park and Zoo area on the weekends. As the weather warms up, we will deploy more officers to the different parts of Union Station. Midtown Security Community is largely responsible for keep the bike patrol up and running, so we thank you for all that you have done to help us get more bikes on the street.

We are trying to focus our efforts this week on cutting down the number of thefts from vehicles. It only takes a few minutes to hide valuables in your vehicle. We had several that occurred today in the area just north of Poplar and two additional ones in the medical district. We are asking you to please take a few precautionary measures when leaving laptops, cameras, purses and GPS systems in your car. Put valuables in the trunk when possible. If you are driving a truck or SUV, try to lock the valuables in a glove compartment. If the burglar has to spend more than a few minutes looking for things of value, he will probably move on to an easier target. Lock your car doors and be mindful of who is around. You should tell officers if you see anyone suspicious.

Did you know?

Union Station provides services to the most densely populated areas of Memphis with 67,350 residents and approximately 200,000 commuters daily. The area itself is only 31.13 square miles, but is made up of a diverse concentration of neighborhoods, medical center, and businesses. Union Station is also home to many of Memphis' oldest neighborhoods, many with National Historic Register status.

Notable Arrests-

On March 27, officers responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 500 block of Lucy. The victim advised that she has a protection order against her estranged husband and that he was threatening to kill her and burn her house down. The suspect kicked the victim’s door in and began pouring gasoline all around the house. The victim ran to the back of the house and hid until officers arrived. Once officers made the scene, they saw the suspect standing in the front room holding an empty gas can. He had a lighter in his pocket and gas on his clothes. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to jail. He was charged with Aggravated Arson and Violation of the Order of Protection.

On March 22, officers were on routine patrol checking a blue crush area for suspicious persons. Officers observed a male exiting a large wooded area and began to approach him. When he saw officers, he began to walk at a fast pace down Boyd Street. They caught up with the suspect and found him to be armed with a .22 caliber handgun. Officers checked the suspect and found that he had been previously convicted of attempted murder and 2 counts of aggravated assault and had served 10 years in prison for the charges. He was arrested and charged with being a “ Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm” and transported to jail.

On March 24, a victim’s house was burglarized after the suspect broke out a bedroom window and climbed inside. Once inside, the suspect stole several items including an 1800’s model Colt revolver. The following day, the pistol was taken to a pawnshop on Summer Avenue. The owner of the pawn shop contacted Maj. Landrum and asked him to come to the shop to authenticate the weapon and give him an approximate value. Major Landrum did so (not knowing the pistol was stolen). Later that day, Major Landrum was reading through the reports and found one on a burglary where an antique Colt revolver was taken. He contacted the pawn shop and got the serial number and matched it to the report. The Union Station task force arrested the suspect who pawned the weapon and charged him with Aggravated Burglary and Theft of Property $1,000- $10,000. The pistol was returned to the rightful owner. A few days later, the victim called the precinct to thank Maj. Landrum for helping recover the weapon. As it turns out, the pistol was a Civil War pistol that had belonged to one of the victim’s ancestors and had been passed down in the family.

Lastly, the two burglars that were apprehended in Union Station last week by the Task Force were turned over to the Investigative Support Unit and questioned. They confessed to over 30 burglaries, 6 of which were in Union Station. The investigators have requested extremely high bonds to try to keep them in jail and ankle monitoring bracelets if they are able to make bail. A lot of great work was done by Union Station, Tillman Station, Appling Farms, Burglary Bureau, ISU and Criminal Apprehension Team to get these two offenders behind bars."

Colonel Lori Bullard

Memphis Police Department

Union Station Commander

1925 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Phone: (901) 636-4600

Blue CRUSH™ is a data-driven initiative utilized by the Memphis Police Department, developed in partnership with theUniversity of Memphis Center of Criminology and Research.

MIdtown Security Community Will Meet Thursday, May 5th

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:43:00 +0000

Please mark your calendar to join us for our next Midtown Security Community meeting at HopeWorks in the basement of the Midtown Church of Christ just west of Channel 5 on Union.

Meeting is Thursday, May 5, starting at 5:30 for refreshments. Business meeting is 6:00-7:00. Our featured speaker is Amy Weirich, new Shelby County Deputy District Attorney General. Come hear her talk about important initiatives.

The following information is provided by Col. Lori Bullard, Union Station. Please take time to thank our Union Station officers when you see them on the street. They work very hard to keep us safe and put their own safety on the line regularly.

"Blue Crush Information-
For the week of 3/14/11 to 3/20/22, Union Station had an increase of sixteen Part One crimes this week, but we are still well below where we were on this date for the past three years. Month to date (comparing March 2011 to March 2010), we are showing a crime reduction of 10.92%. Year to date (where we are this year compared to where we were this time last year), we are showing a crime reduction of 2.22%. Last week, Union Station showed a slight increase in Robbery (1), Residential Burglary (2), Aggravated Assault (4), Business Burglary (3) and Theft From Motor Vehicles (4). We stayed even on Business Robbery and Non-Residential Burglary. Officers made 38 Felony arrests and 184 misdemeanor arrests last week and 87 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 10 stolen weapons. This makes 64 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We have three Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Jackson, Overton Park, McLean and Claybrook and the focus crime is residential burglaries. Zone Two is the area between Poplar, Eastmoreland, I-240 and Manassas and the focus crime is Robbery and Thefts From Motor Vehicles. Zone Three is the area between Poplar, Union, E. Parkway andBellevue and the focus is Residential Burglaries. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a warrant detail, and are starting our Bike patrol back up in Overton Park.

Things we are working on-
Union Station’s focus this week is on Officer Safety. We are talking to the officers about being more alert and paying closer attention to their actions. There is a risk to our safety from criminals, but there are also driving hazards and other distractions that could be just as harmful. From January 1 to March 22, 2011, 48 officers across the nation have died in the line of duty. 22 of the officers died by gunfire, 12 were killed in automobile accidents, 4 died of duty related illnesses, 2 died during assaults, 2 by accidental gunfire, 2 by heart attack, 2 struck by vehicles, 1 died in an explosion and another died in a vehicle pursuit. Obviously, we want to keep our officers safe, so we are trying to remind them to be more careful.

Yesterday, we met with Zoo personnel to critique the actions of the participants of the Animal Escape Drill. Everyone enjoyed the exercise and thought it went well. We were able to send out a “search team” to locate and contain the escaped jaguar (which turned out to be a huge stuffed tiger). Once the animal was found inside Overton Park, it was tranquilized and taken back to the Zoo (See attached photo). We noted some areas that needed improvement and will do some training with the officers to correct those deficiencies. In a few months, we will do another drill to see how much we have learned since the last one.

Notable Arrests-

We have been having a rash of burglaries in the area north of Poplar. Yesterday, the Task Force received some suspect information and a vehicle description from two witnesses. They were able to track down the burglars- Paul Walton and Anthony Singuefield- and place them under arrest. The two were then taken to the Investigative Services Bureau, where they were questioned by detectives. One of the burglars confessed to at least 16 business burglaries- three of those were in Union Station. He also confessed to countless residential burglaries and vehicle burglaries. The investigation is still ongoing but it was an awesome catch. I will update everyone on the final crime count at the next Midtown Security Meeting and provide the pictures of our serial burglars.

On 3-7-11, Officer Pittman responded to an auto theft at Poplar and East Parkway. The vehicle was stolen from the 2200 block of Park and the victim and a witness followed the vehicle while calling police. The victim stayed on the phone with the dispatcher providing locations until officers could locate them. Officers successfully stopped the vehicle and took Munyaradzi Kutaura into custody without incident.

On 3-11-11, Union Station Task Force officers received some information about two suspects responsible for breaking into a business on Watkins. They observed the suspects walking down the street and approached them. The suspects fled but both were apprehended at the Pyramid Academy. Both suspects were charged with Burglary and Vandalism over $1,000.

On 3-23-11, Officers observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Southern at a high rate of speed. They checked the license number through dispatch and found the vehicle to be stolen out ofNashville. Officers arrested Terrence Reed and Christopher Bankston and charged them with Theft of Property, to wit: Auto Theft.

On 3-14-11, Officers received information that a fugitive was here from North Carolina. He had ties to Memphis and vowed he would not be taken alive. The suspect had 35 outstanding felony warrants, which included 4 counts of attempted murder of law enforcement officers. Officers checked the location in the 700 block of Ioka and found Charles Green at the location. He was taken to 201 Poplar to await extradition to North Carolina.

On 3-19-11, Officers received a prowler call to the 1700 block of Lawrence. The complainant heard glass breakage from the victim’s home and called police. While waiting for officers, another witness observed the suspect taking a bicycle and attempted to stop him. The suspect pulled a gun and attempted to point it at the witness, but the witness knocked it out of the suspect’s hand. The suspect was apprehended by officers a few minutes later. Melvin Washington was charged with two counts of Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault and Unlawful Possession of a Handgun. "

Colonel Lori Bullard

Memphis Police Department

Union Station Commander

1925 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Phone: (901) 636-4600

Blue CRUSH™ is a data-driven initiative utilized by the Memphis Police Department, developed in partnership with the University of Memphis Center of Criminology and Research.

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:41:00 +0000

Union Station Update: 48 Guns Removed from our Streets This Year

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:30:00 +0000

The following update is provided by Col. Lori Bullard of Union Station. We especially thank Lt. Col. Marcus Worthy for his service to Union Station and warmly welcome Major Terry Landrum back to Union Station.

"Blue Crush Information-
Union Station had an increase of fifteen Part One crimes this week, but we are still well below where we were on this date for the past three years. Last week, Union Station showed a slight increase last week in Robbery (2), Non- Residential Burglary (1), and Theft From Motor Vehicles (3). We had a slight decrease in auto theft, and stayed even on Aggravated Assault and Business Burglary. Officers made 44 Felony arrests and 229 misdemeanor arrests last week and 46 of those arrests were in the designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 10 stolen weapons. This makes 48 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We have three Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between Madison, York, E. Parkway and Cleveland and the focus crime is Theft From Motor Vehicles. Zone Two is the area between Wicks, S. Parkway, Neptune and Third and the focus crime is robbery. Zone Three is the area between Jackson, Poplar, McLean and Watkins and the focus is Residential Burglaries. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a warrant detail.

Things we are working on-
We are graduating a class of 66 police recruits tomorrow night at 6 pm and they will hit the streets on Saturday. Union Station is getting 11 of the new graduates, so you will be seeing a lot of new faces around midtown. We are also getting 12 officers from other stations who have just completed their first year of training. We welcome the additional 23 officers to Union Station!

Everyone will be very pleased to know that Major Terry Landrum is coming back home to Union Station next week! He has spent the last six months at Appling Farms Station as the acting Lt. Colonel, but will be returning to us as the second in command here. Lt. Colonel Marcus Worthy, who was assigned to Union Station in August of 2010 will now be assigned to Appling Farms. We thank him for a job well done and wish him well in his new assignment. I’m sure everyone will give Maj. Landrum a warm welcome.…Be sure to ask him what took him so long!

Notable Arrests-
On March 2nd, Task Force officers were investigating the burglary of the Side Street Grill and developed two suspects after watching video surveillance. Both suspects, David Boone and Kristin Woods, were located and placed under arrest.

On March 3rd, Union Station Task Force officers investigated the business burglary at the Beignet Café. They developed suspects from the video surveillance and arrested Vincent Marshall and Nicolette Farley. Both were charged with burglary and transported to jail.

On March 8th, Officers received a call to the 1500 block of Foster in regards to a burglary in progress. Officers arrived at the address and set up a perimeter to prevent escape. As the officers approached the residence, one of the suspects ran. Officers chased the suspect a short distance and apprehended him. The second suspect was located in the attic trying to hide between the rafters. James Bell, 28, and Michael Branch, 20, were arrested and transported to jail for the burglary.

Organized Crime Officers served a search warrant on a house in the 200 block of Bond yesterday and seized 15.01 grams of crack cocaine, 36.02 grams of powder cocaine, digital scales and hydrocodone pills. Melvin Ray was taken into custody and transported to jail.

Organized Crime arrested 6 suspects in two different cases for Promotion of Methamphetamine Manufacturing. The suspects had driven into the city from Arkansas and other cities in Tennessee to buys drugs used to manufacture methamphetamine. To try and combat this rising crime, Organized Crime Unit had created Meth Teams to focus on the makers, users, and sellers of meth."

Colonel Lori Bullard
Memphis Police Department
Union Station Commander
1925 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 636-4600

Blue CRUSH™ is a data-driven initiative utilized by the Memphis Police Department, developed in partnership with the University of Memphis Center of Criminology and Research.

Part One Crimes Are Down by 19 in February 2011 Over February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:33:00 +0000

Read the latest Union Station crime update from Col. Lori Bullard. Have you ever thought about what would happen if one of the zoo animals got loose in Overton Park? Union Station and the Zoo have a plan. Read about it!

"We had a rocky week last week after the break in the weather, but it seems as though crime has leveled off again. Union Station showed a decrease in crime by twenty-five Part One Crimes. This is tremendous, especially since we compare our numbers from this year to the numbers at this same time last year. In February 2010, the numbers were extremely low and we were afraid that Union Station couldn’t better those numbers. We were wrong! For February 20- 27, 2010, Union Station reported 43 Part One (the ones measured below) crimes. For February 20-27 this year, we had 24 Part One crimes, so that is quite a decrease. I am so pleased with the effort of the officers and citizens in keeping this number this low. It is truly incredible!

Blue Crush Information-
Union Station had 25 fewer crimes this week than last week, which puts us well below the past two years. Last week, Union Station showed a decrease last week in Business Robbery, Residential Burglaries, Non- Residential Burglary, and Theft From Motor Vehicles. I am very happy to say that we only had four residential burglaries reported for the whole precinct last week. We had a slight increase in robberies (2), aggravated assault (1), business burglaries (1), and auto theft (1). Officers made 9 Felony arrests and 113 misdemeanor arrests last week and 61 of those arrests were in the four designated Blue Crush Zones. Officers recovered 5 stolen weapons. This makes 38 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We have two Blue Crush Zones this week- Zone One is the area between J.W. Williams/Autumn, Vance, Pauline/Ayers and Watkins and the focus crime is aggravated assault. Zone Two is the area between Walker, S. Parkway, Neptune and Englewood and the focus crime is robbery. We will also be running our Cooper-Young weekend detail, traffic enforcement detail, and a burglary detail.

Things we are working on-
On Friday, February 25th, the Memphis Zoo and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) extended their crisis management training by conducting a joint exercise in the Zoo and Overton Park. This particular exercise was for the purpose of practicing the Zoo’s and MPD’s protocol in the event of an animal escape. The drill scenario involved the hypothetical escape of an animal from the Zoo into nearby Overton Park. As outlined in the Zoo’s Crisis Management Plan, MPD was contacted and dispatched to the Zoo, Overton Park and the surrounding areas in order to work with Zoo staff in locating the animal.

MPD motorcycles, squad cars and Air Support Division responded as well as the TACT Unit. They coordinated with the Zoo’s drill team, which consists of animal staff as well as Zoo security staff. Police set up a command center inside the Zoo in order to make it possible for both teams to work together in securing the animal. The Air Division provided support using its infrared technology. Two Zoo personnel acting as the escaped animal made it possible to use this technology to find the exact location of the animal in Overton Park. Within five minutes of Air Wing’s arrival, the animal was located.

“This was an excellent exercise for our team,” said Major Vernell Stepter, III of the Air Support Division. “We have now established the exact coordinates by Rainbow Lake and the greens of Overton Park to know where to land in the event of a real emergency. These coordinates will be permanently placed in our Ready Room for future use.”

Col. Lori Bullard served as the MPD drill administrator for this exercise. She noted that the response was very quick and working alongside Zoo personnel went very well.

“We were very pleased overall,” said Deputy Chief Joe Scott. “We were able to note some improvements we can make for future scenarios. Overall it went very well.”

“Our staff’s on-ground response was excellent,” said Matt Thompson, Director of Animal Programs. “Zoo staff did a great job of responding quickly and serving their specific duties as outlined in our Crisis Management Plan.”

Jim Robbins, Memphis Zoo Loss Prevention Manager and Zoo coordinator of the exercise, noted the importance of this training in conjunction with the MPD.

“I just can’t thank the MPD enough for working with us on this training,” Robbins said. “We were able to include Zoo incident commanders as participants with MPD which provided invaluable training for our team in the event of an actual escape or emergency.”

Both Zoo and MPD staff will hold separate debriefing sessions to outline potential areas of improvement and later come together to provide feedback on the training exercise. Only a select number of Memphis Zoo and MPD staff was aware of the date and time of the training exercise.

In the next few weeks, MPD and the Zoo staff will meet to discuss the exercise and try to make the needed improvements. If all goes well, we will have a similar but larger scale exercise at the end of the year.

Notable Arrests-

On February 22, Organized Crime went to the 1400 block of Aste Place. They stopped a vehicle driven by Geremy Atkins, and after a brief interview, they noticed he had bulges in his pockets. He stated that he had some “weed” in his pockets and a digital scale. Officers seized the scales and 42 grams of marijuana along with sandwich bags, a .38 caliber revolver, and $829.00. He was arrested, charged with felony drug charges and transported to jail.

On that same day, a midnight shift officer was sitting at the BP Station on Poplar completing a report when he observed a male subject pull up to the gas pumps and get out of his vehicle. The subject began to pump gas but then made eye contact with the officer. He immediately pulled the gas hose away from his vehicle, hung it up and tried to drive of. Officer ran the subject’s tag and found the vehicle to be taken during a robbery. The driver, Quincy Price, was placed under arrest, along with two passengers (Cordell Christian and Tavious Jones).

Organized Crime also received a complaint that drugs were being sold at an address in the 200 bock of Manassas. They executed a search warrant for the location and as they were entering, the suspects tried to get rid of the drugs by throwing them out of the bathroom window. One bag contained 73.49 grams of crack cocaine and 5.83 grams of powder cocaine. Officers also seized 100 glass tubes, digital scales, $844.00, and a .40 caliber pistol. Marreco Willis and Mario Houston were arrested and transported to jail.

On February 23, Organized Crime Unit officers were addressing a drug complaint at Krayer and McLemore. Officers received information regarding an individual with a large quantity of cocaine standing on the corner selling drugs to customers. As officers approached the suspect, he threw a brown paper bag to the ground and tried to walk away. Officers detained the suspect and checked the bag. Inside the discarded bag was 28.37 grams of crack cocaine and 85.39 grams of powder cocaine. The suspect, Dorell Rory, also had 1.99 grams of powder cocaine in his hand. He was arrested and transported to jail.

On February 24, Union Station Task Force Members followed up on a business robbery by identifying a possible suspect. After a brief investigation, they were able to arrest Keith Lewis and charge him with Robbery. He was arrested and transported to jail.

Organized Crime removed a Methamphetamine Lab from the 100 block of N. Willett and arrested James Zanone. As they were cleaning up the first Meth lab, they discovered a second one app. 3 feet inside the chimney. All of the lab supplies and materials were safely removed from the residence."

Colonel Lori Bullard
Memphis Police Department
Union Station Commander
1925 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 636-4600

Blue CRUSH™ is a data-driven initiative utilized by the Memphis Police Department, developed in partnership with the University of Memphis Center of Criminology and Research.

Union Station Made 9 Felony Arrests and 40 Misdemeanor Arrests This Past Week

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 22:36:00 +0000

Many thanks to Col. Lori Bullard for providing this helpful update. Make sure that we are doing our part to reduce thefts from motor vehicles. Lock your car and do not leave valuables in sight! Imagine how embarrassing it will be if you do have a theft from your car and the Union Station officers find out you support Midtown Security Community. They will know that you know better! It's worth the time to take precautions.

From Col. Bullard:

"Union Station had another good week, with a significant decrease in crime. Our officers did a great job, but I will have to say that we have to attribute some of that to the cold weather and snow. The warm weather this week is nice but may have a negative impact on our crime. I’m going to think positively and keep my fingers crossed.

Blue Crush information for the week-
Union Station had 14 fewer crimes this week than last week, which puts us well below the past two years. Our numbers continue to drop weekly, which is great news. Union Station showed a decrease last week in Business Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Residential Burglaries, Non- Residential Burglary, Business Burglary, and Theft From Motor Vehicles. We had one additional Robbery and one additional Auto Theft that we didn’t have last week, but we are still below our number for this time last year. Officers made 9 Felony arrests and 40 misdemeanor arrests in the two designated Blue Crush Zones, and recovered 4 stolen weapons. This makes 31 guns that have been taken of the streets by officers at Union Station so far this year.

We are maintaining only one Blue Crush Zone this week. It is the area between Poplar, Peabody, E. Parkway and Bellevue and the focus crime is Auto Theft and Thefts From Motor Vehicles. We will be running several Blue Crush operations including traffic enforcement, warrant checks and a Burglary detail.

Things we are working on-
Union Station is vigorously trying to solve our residential burglary problem. We know that burglaries have increased all over the city we need help from everyone. Please keep your doors and windows shut and locked. Please contact police if you see anything out of the ordinary (i.e. unknown cars parked in the driveways, suspicious persons lurking in the neighborhood, and scammers).

This may not be good news to everyone, but the construction company broke ground on our new site. They are building a new Union Station precinct that will be called “Crump Station” when it is through. The building will be state-of-the art, with computers and a new exercise/fitness facility for officers. I know that many people like the location of Union Station because it is convenient, but we have outgrown our building. Parking is limited and we don’t have the space we need for the amount of people we house. Also under construction is the new Traffic Facility. The traffic unit is currently located on the East side of Union Station. It will be relocated to Austin Peay and Yale as soon as construction is complete.

Notable arrests-
Officers on the midnight shift responded to a prowler call at MIFA. When they arrived, they observed 5 suspects loading meat into a Chevy van. After an initial investigation, officers discovered that the meat was stolen and had an approximate value of $3,500.00. All five suspects were arrested and transported to jail.

On 2-12-11, Officers arrested Christopher Luther and Shewanda Price in a stolen 1994 Dodge truck. The truck ran out of gas and the suspects were begging people for gas money. The owner of the truck had been driving around looking for the truck when he spotted it at Jackson and Springdale. The victim contacted police and the two suspects were arrested for Auto Theft and transported to jail.

On 2-13-11, Officers were checking the area for a vehicle that was taken in a carjacking in Airways Station earlier that day. Officers followed the vehicle and called for additional officers. The vehicle was stopped and the two suspects were arrested. Michael Retic and Marc Chism were transported to the Robbery Bureau and charged with the carjacking.

On 2-14-11, Officers on the midnight shift were on routine patrol using the License Plate reader vehicle when they got a “hit” on a vehicle. The vehicle in question was a 2004 Ford Taurus that was stolen on January 28th, 2011. Jeffrey Taylor and Ronald Guy were arrested and charged with Auto Theft and transported to jail.

The Organized Crime Unit spent a little time in Union Station last week and arrested several suspects. On 2-12-11, they checked a suspect and found him to be in possession of a loaded .380 cal handgun that had been stolen on September 22, 2010 in a burglary. The suspect, 17 years old, was arrested and transported to juvenile court.

On that same night, officers arrested George Johnson after observing him taking an illegal substance. As officers approached him, he quickly ingested some pills and liquid from a bottle. He was transported to the Regional Medical Center for treatment and then was arrested for Felony Possession of Oxycodone, Felony Possession of Codeine, and Tampering with Evidence. He also was in possession of $3,935.00 which was suspected to be drug proceeds."

Colonel Lori Bullard
Memphis Police Department
Union Station Commander
1925 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 636-4600

Blue CRUSH™ is a data-driven initiative utilized by the Memphis Police Department, developed in partnership with the University of Memphis Center of Criminology and Research.

From Colonel Bullard - Union Avenue Station

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:24:00 +0000

From Colonel Bullard (1/26/2011)

We had a GREAT week last week with our BLUE CRUSH efforts. We were down by 35 crimes which is really huge, especially since Union Station did so well this time last year. We showed a decrease in robberies, aggravated assault, residential and non-residential burglaries, business burglaries, and thefts from vehicles. Our only increase was 1 additional auto theft. In addition, Union Station officers have recovered 9 guns so far this year and taken them off the street.
Blue Crush Areas last week- Zone 1 was the midtown area between Overton Park, Union, McLean and Belvedere and our focus was auto thefts and thefts from vehicles. Zone 2 was the College Park area between Crump, S. Parkway, College and Lauderdale with a focus on robberies. Zone 3 was the area between I-40, Madison, Ayers/Pauline and Danny Thomas with the focus on residential burglaries.
Things we are working on-
We are currently focusing on crime reduction in all areas of Union Station and trying to utilize our Task Force, Public Housing Unit, COACT unit and uniform patrol officers to accomplish this. We are working together to identify problem areas and using various tactics to deal with the concerns.
We are also working on strengthening our relationship with the neighborhood groups such as MSC. There were concerns that officers at Union Station were unhappy and feeling like they did not have support from groups such as yours. Sometimes, an officer who is new to the Station does not understand how closely we work with the community groups and do not know how great the support is for the officers here and at other precincts. That officer may grumble and gripe, but I assure you that the officers are very grateful for all that you do and they know that you have provided support by purchasing bikes and bike equipment, tactical vests, food during the holidays and other special occasions and offered verbal and moral support. We encourage anyone to stop by the station at any time to say “hi” or just to visit with the officers. It is a positive experience for all parties involved.
We just completed a check of the homeless areas in Union Station to try and get an estimate of the homeless population. We forwarded the information to Katie Kitchens who is working on the Mayor’s Initiative to End Homelessness and hope the numbers will help provide data that can be useful. We look forward to working with all of the committee members and the community on this 5 year plan to end homelessness in Memphis.
Our portable Blue Crush camera that was on loan during the holidays has returned to the parking lot of Kroger at Poplar and Cleveland. We are already seeing a difference in our crime for that area since its return and are happy to have it back!
Lastly, the construction company broke ground on the “new” Union Station. After our new building has been completed, Union Station will be located at Crump and Suzette and we will be renamed Crump Station. It will probably be 9-12 months until the project is finished but we will keep everyone updated on the progress.
Notable Arrests-
Union Station Officers made 11 Felony arrests last week and 73 misdemeanor arrests in the Blue Crush areas. Outside of the blue crush areas, officers made 69 misdemeanor arrests and 14 felony arrests.
On 1-18-11, Officers received a prowler call to the 1000 block of S. Fourth. When they arrived, they found 2 suspects inside the residence stealing property. Officers confronted the two suspects and arrested them without a struggle. Edward Brooks and Ventrell Collins were charged with Aggravated Burglary.
On 1-22-11, The Organized Crime Unit executed a search warrant on Farrow Street. There were allegations of crack cocaine sales and bootleg alcohol at the location. Officers arrested 4 people at the location after finding 5 crack “rocks”, 48 bottles of bootleg vodka and 5 bottles of bootleg gin.

Colonel Lori Bullard
Memphis Police Department
Union Station Commander
1925 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 636-4600

Blue CRUSH™ is a data-driven initiative utilized by the Memphis Police Department, developed in partnership with the University of Memphis Center of Criminology and Research.

Col. Bullard shares a request for our support for an officer

noreply@blogger.com (Peggy Williamson) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:45:00 +0000

Dear Midtown Security Community Friends,

Col. Bullard has sent the following request to ask for our support.

"I would like to share something with you and see if this is something that the MSC could do to help. MPD Detective Paul Sherman, who runs the Undercover Program at the Organized Crime Unit, has a four year old daughter with Cerebral Palsy. Currently, she is at Lebonheur in ICU, recovering from a serious surgery the she had on Tuesday. While sitting with his daughter, he noticed that there were several babies in the ICU unit with no stuffed animals, cards, or balloons. Some of them have only had sporadic visitors. He asked the nurses if there was anything that we could do to make the babies more comfortable. They requested socks, blankets, and little beanie babies that would be used to prop up the babies. Colonel Jeff Clark from Tillman Station is taking up money and donations to fulfill this request. If there is anyone who wants to help MPD take care of this need, we would really appreciate it. Please read the emails below for more background. "

Note: Officer Sherman has described the children in ICU who are near his daughter not only as not having any animals, cards, or balloons, but more importantly no family or visitors. This request is an opportunity for anyone interested to offer support by donating stuffed animals, socks, blankets, or beanie babies. You should take your donation of money or items requested to Tillman Police Station this weekend as Col. Clark of Tillman Station will be sending the items to LeBonheur on Monday.

Col. Clark writes, "For clarification, the beanie babies are needed to use for support of the small children to make them more comfortable when they are turned or positioned to assist the children and allow the medical equipment to work better such as respirators. Walgreen’s (10% discount) has a small generic beanie baby on sale for $5 that is filled similar with beans or pellets that give more support than stuffing. I just sent some one to pick up 30 with part of the money collected this morning."

Best, Peggy Williamson