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Community Outreach

70th Police Academy to assist in “Shop with a Cop”.

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Training Division will be sending 18 cadets from the 70th Police Academy to assist with the 14th Annual “Shop with a Cop” program tomorrow, December 8, 2011.

Trisha Dang, the instructor for the morning and the Police Department’s legal advisor, made the decision to forgo class in the spirit of Christmas and send the cadets to help out with “Shop with a Cop”. This decision was not made lightly as the cadet’s academic success is paramount for their completion of the academy. Ms. Dang and the cadets worked very hard to get ahead in their lesson plan so they could take the morning off from their studies to help give the children in the community a nice Christmas surprise.

The cadets from the 70th Police Academy will meet tomorrow with other local law enforcement officers at the Wal-Mart in Flour Bluff at 8:45am.

Adam District, Criminal Investigations Division

Bank Robbery Suspects in Custody

UPDATE AT 9:24 p.m., 12/6/2011             4:00pm  Robbery (Suspects Arrested)    3640 Leopard (Safari Inn)

At around 4:oo p.m. Officers and U.S. Marshals with the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force located a possible suspect, in the Charter Northwest Bank Robbery, near the Safari Inn at 3640 Leopard. Further investigation led them to a room where three other individuals were located within at the hotel. All four of the individuals were detained and transported to the Police Main Station for questioning.

Detectives were able to identify Victor Gutierrez (1.22.1968) as the person in the video surveillance footage from the robbery. He was charged. While awaiting transport to jail, Gutierrez claimed a medical emergency. Medic units responded to the Main Station and transported Gutierrez to the hospital to be seen by physicians, while still under guard by Officers. Once cleared at the hospital, Gutierrez was transported to the City Detention Center.

The female seen on the video, Francisca Cuellar (3.2.1984) was arrested on a Parole Violation and taken to the City Detention Center. Detectives will continue the investigation to determine her role in the Robbery.

The two other individuals were interviewed and released by Detectives.

 

 

Occurred on 12/06/11, 12:29 p.m.  Robbery   10502 Leopard Street     1112060047

Officers responded to the Charter Bank for a bank robbery involving two suspects.  Upon their arrival, Officers contacted bank personnel who reported a Hispanic male accompanied by a Hispanic female passed one of the tellers a note demanding money.  The note stated the male was armed with a firearm.

The teller complied with the demands and the suspects fled on foot southbound towards Leopard Street taking with them an undetermined amount of money.

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 30 to 35 years of age, 5’5″ to 5’8″ feet tall, and weighing 180 lbs.  He was last seen wearing a red shirt with a bear logo on it.  No weapon was seen

The second suspect is described as a curly-haired Hispanic female, 35 to 40 years of age, 5’2″ to 5’5″ feet tall, and weighing 130 lbs.  She was last seen wearing a hooded turquoise jacket and blue jeans.

Anyone having any information regarding this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or the Corpus Christi Police Department Homicide/Robbery Bureau 361-886-2841.

Community Outreach

Holiday Enforcement Safety Plan 2011

Corpus Christi Police Department Holiday Season Safety Plan 2011 

The Corpus Christi Police Department has finalized it 2011 Holiday Season Safety Plan. During the additional enforcement initiative, which begins November 25th and will continue through December 30th, 2011, Officers from several divisions will combine resources to ensure that our citizens enjoy a safe and crime-free holiday season.  This year’s plan provides for increased traffic with enhanced DWI enforcement throughout the city.

As many as 24 additional Officers from the Uniform Division, Traffic Safety Division, Narcotics – Vice, the Auto Theft Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Division will redirect their enforcement efforts on the busiest shopping areas in town.  Among the areas targeted for increased patrol are:

  • La Palmera Mall
  • Moore Plaza
  • Sunrise Mall
  • The Promenade
  • Gulf Way Shopping Center
  • Saratoga Town Center
  • Island Gate Plaza
  • Other busy shopping areas and restaurants along S.P.I.D.

Increased Enforcement

Each day, this assignment will have Officers to supplement the normal contingent of patrol officers who work these areas.  Officers will stagger their work days to ensure adequate coverage seven days a week, with the heaviest concentration of Officers reporting on the weekends.  Shoplifting, auto burglary, auto theft, purse snatching, and robbery are the most common offenses committed by lawbreakers who take advantage of “on the go” and sometimes distracted holiday shoppers.

Officers will be conducting frequent high visibility patrol through the parking lots and be on the lookout for criminals who might choose to prey upon busy shoppers.

Five plain clothes Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force will also randomly patrol the parking lots and busy shopping areas, attempting to spot crimes in progress.

In addition to patrolling the parking lots, Auto Theft Force Officers will also employ a patrol car equipped with an automated license plate reader.  This vehicle automatically reads thousands of license plates per hour and alerts the Officer whenever a stolen vehicle is encountered.

Traffic Control

Throughout the holiday shopping season, Traffic Officers will direct their efforts toward ensuring a safe and smooth flow of traffic into and out of the malls and other busy shopping areas.

Beginning Friday, November 25th, a minimum of eight Traffic Officers, including four Motorcycle Officers, will be assigned to provide traffic control and enforcement at the major intersections along S.P.I.D., as well as the entrances and exits to the malls and major shopping centers.

Parking Enforcement will put two Officers out to enforce disabled parking throughout the city and will assist uniformed officers in keeping watch for suspicious subjects and events.

DWI Enforcement

Two grants will allow the Department to put additional Officers on the street to focus on DWI enforcement; the STEP grant reimburses overtime costs to hire an additional three Officers Wednesday through Saturdays from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

In addition to the overtime Officers, the Southside District has committed to assigning two Officers each night to DWI patrol between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

During the Holiday shopping period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, six Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety will be assigned to assist CCPD officers using State DWI grant monies to increase DWI enforcement. This will be coupled with the District Attorney’s Office to sponsor no-refusal weekends.

Citizens in Support of CCPD graciously funded the posters that are around town and in stores urging people to think before getting behind the wheel drunk during the holidays.

The Holiday Initiative patrols are a continued effort for the  Corpus Christi Police Department to work as an equal partner with the community to reduce crime, the fear of crime and to enhance public safety.

The Crime Prevention Division of the Corpus Christi Police Department would like to include the following safety tips :

Holiday Safety Tips 

During this holiday season, it’s important to be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.  It’s a perfect opportunity for criminals to commit their crimes. Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind for a safe and happy holiday season.

  • Park in well-lighted spaces and as close to the store as possible, lock your car doors, and hide packages in the trunk or under seats.
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card if possible.
  • Carry your purse tightly and closely to your body.  Do not carry it by the straps as thieves can easily snatch the purse.
  • Put wallets inside coat or front pants pocket.
  • Do not carry excessive packages while shopping. Place them in the trunk or take them home.
  • Teach your children to look for a police officer or contact a store security guard in the event they become lost or separated.
  • Be aware of suspicious strangers approaching you this holiday season. These are con-artists who are planning to distract you with the intention of taking your money and belongings.
  • Be aware of individuals attempting to sell you items in parking lots.  These items may be stolen goods.
  • For online shopping, only shop with companies you know.
  • Always keep your password private and stray away from using social security numbers or birthdates.
Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division

Citizen Alert on Online Bank Phishing Scams

The Corpus Christi Police Department has been made aware that several banks were a target of online phishing scams where their customers were contacted by email. The scam went on to ask customers to login to an attached website address, that was not an official bank site. While these types of emails go out on a daily basis, according to FraudWatch International.com, 14 different banks were mentioned on November 8, 2011.

The Corpus Christi Police Department would like to remind citizens to check with their banks directly before giving any information on an online email or follow a request to change usernames and passwords. While many of the emails look legitimate by adding the bank official logos they simply redirect customers to third-party websites in other countries.

Here are few tips to follow regarding online banking:

1. Use https when logging into banking and credit card sites, utilizing a “secure” connection.

2. Don’t be fooled by emails. If you are asked to “reply” to a bank the best option is to pick up a phone and speak to someone directly.

3. Don’t be fooled by fake log in screens. Verify that the page you are on is actually the page of the banking institution that you do business with.

4. Reset your passwords often and make them tough to guess.

If you have received an email, that you believe may be a phishing scam, please contact your bank provider. Most bank websites have email addresses set up to contact them of phishing scams.

SAMPLE WORDING ON PHISHING  and FAKE BANK EMAILS

This is your online banking after verification processing was completed on 11/08/2011.

There are numbers of invalid attempts on your online banking:

This has placed an extra verification on your account .

Subsequent login attempt may have put your account on restrictions .

Please click here (which leads you to a third party site) to continue the verification process and ensure your account security.

Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division

Corpus Christi Auto Theft Task Force Offers Free VIN Etching

VIN Etching
VIN Etching

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force will be teaming up with Career Club students from Baker Middle School to providing free VIN etching on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Baker Middle School located at 3445 Pecan Street.

VIN etching involves the use of acid to etch your vehicle identification number into every window of your vehicle and is used as an anti theft deterrent.  It not only provides law enforcement with easy access to your VIN number in the case your call is stolen, it also provides identification in the event your car is being chopped up and sold for parts.   

For more information, please contact PaulaKay Olivarez at 886-2872.       

Baker VIN Etching Press Release

Delta District

Waitress Robbed at Knife-point on North Beach

11.09.2011/8:50p.m.    Aggravated Robbery/UUMV    221 Hotel (Fajitaville)    1111090124

A 30-year-old female called Police stating that she had robbed of her money and her vehicle. Police and Medics made their way to the parking lot of Fajitaville located at 221 Hotel.

Officers located the victim who stated that when she walked out to her vehicle ( 2007 Dodge Caliber)  a male approached her and grabbed her from behind. The suspect had a knife in his hand and instructed her to get into her car with him. She did as instructed. During her time inside the vehicle, a struggle ensued between her and the male suspect.

During the struggle with the suspect, the victim was able to get out of the vehicle in an attempt to get away.  The suspect then got out of the vehicle as well, and continued to assault the victim.  The suspect used one of the victim’s  boots to strike her in the face, breaking her nose.  The suspect then took the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.

UPDATE: The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 25-27 years old, about 5’3″ to 5’5″ and between 150-160lbs. His hair was black, but he was wearing a brown beanie type hat during the robbery. He wore a tan jacket, blue colored jeans and black shoes.

The victim, who suffered injuries throughout her body, was taken to MMC for treatment.

UPDATE: The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force received information that the Port of Corpus Christi had recovered the victim’s 2007 Dodge Caliber. The report went on to say that it was floating in the inner harbor at 2121 Navigation. Detectives continue to investigate.

Anyone with information on this Robbery is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS

Adam District

Aggravated Robbery at Local Gentleman’s Club Parking Lot

11.10.2011/2:33a.m.     Aggravated Robbery     5401 Leopard     1111100007

A shots fired call came into the MetroCom Dispatch center stating that a truck had just left “The Cabaret” Gentleman’s Club and was on Leopard Street.

Officers were able to make a traffic stop on a truck fitting the description. They made contact with three individuals in the truck, who were the victims. The driver stated that he had just been robbed.  He informed the Officers that he had been inside of the club all night. When he got ready to leave, he drove around the rear of the building and was waiting for his friends. At that time, he stated that a dark-colored vehicle pulled up behind him and two males approached his vehicle. They pointed guns at him and demanded money from all the occupants and then began beating the driver. The suspects then drove away.

The two suspects were described a Hispanic Males.

The victim was checked out by Medics at the scene and released.

The vehicle is described as a dark-colored Jaguar. Seen here in these Videos.

If you have any information or if you recognize this vehicle we encourage you to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS, or log on at 888tips.com the information you provide could earn you a cash reward.

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Delta District

Nude Dude!

11.8.2011/11:03pm    Disorderly Conduct   100 N. Shoreline     1111080146

Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Shoreline for a male who was walking through the Whataburger parking lot, nude. Officers made contact with him but were initially unable to identify the man, as he did not have an identification card on him, or anything else for that matter.

An Officer who arrived at the scene recognized him as William McGugin (9.27.1981), as he had been contacted earlier in the evening by Officers. During that contact, McGugin was fully clothed. Due to him being nude in public he was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

This was the 2nd arrest of the night for folks not having clothes on. See the first story: http://wp.me/p1D8kP-xM

Delta District

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

11.8.2011/8:31pm    Disorderly Conduct    4010 E. Causeway Blvd     1111080135

Two clerks called Police after a female had walked into their store topless. The first time that she walked in without a shirt or bra, the clerks made her leave and asked her to put some clothes on. She returned a short time later, but still without any type of shirt or bra, fully exposing herself. The clerks asked her to leave once again and then they called the Police.

The Officers arrived and were speaking to the clerks when Trudy Mullin (1.8.1961) walked in a third time. This time she had on a jacket but was still exposed. She was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

Charlie District

Burglar Picks Wrong Home

11.8.2011/3:21pm      Burglary       3208 Caravelle       1111080092

 

A call came in to MetroCom Dispatch for a man who had just broken into an apartment by kicking in a front door. When the burglar saw that the homeowner was home, he left the area. The homeowner called the Police and gave a description of the burglar. An Officer that was in the area, spotted the burglar, who was identified as Mark Meru (10.19.1966) and detained him.

The homeowner then advised Officers that the man they had in custody was the man who had kicked in his front door and made entry into his home. Meru was arrested for Burglary.