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Bravo District

Joyride to Corpus Christi, Not So Joyous

10.19.2011/10:33am    Hwy 358@Waldron     Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle    1110190040

MetroCom Dispatch received a call for a drunk driver who was in a white Chevrolet Tahoe. Dispatch notified Officers that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Houston, Texas.

Officers located the vehicle on State Highway 358 where they attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle. Once the police unit overhead lights were turned on the driver accelerated and then slammed on his brakes forcing the vehicle to come to a stop in the left median of the freeway.

Sergio Hurtado Jr. (8.24.1993), a Houston native, was taken into custody for the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was impounded for the Auto Theft Task Force.

Uncategorized

Chief Riggs Named Assistant City Manager

CHIEF RIGGS NAMED ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

City Manager Ron Olson today announced that he has selected Chief of Police Troy Riggs to be Assistant City Manager for Safety, Health, and Neighborhoods. Olson announced the promotion during today’s City Council meeting. The move comes on the heels of the retirement of Assistant City Manager Johnny Perales. Chief Riggs recently celebrated his second anniversary with the Corpus Christi Police Department. Under his leadership, the department has undergone tremendous positive growth, as evidenced by the many changes made during his brief tenure.

Gang Violence

Reorganized Gang Unit
Held first ever Faith Based Summit.
Operation “Enough is Enough”
Two major Gang warrant round-ups
Created Drive-by Shooting Response Team
24% decline in drive-by shootings in 2010 from 2009; downward trend continues in 2011
City’s First Civil Street Gang Injunction
Improved working relationship with federal, state, and local partners to target and disrupt gang activity

Burglaries

Increased emphasis on property crimes; as result, arrests increased 15% for residential and business burglaries, 21% for auto burglaries
Over 300 fewer residential and business burglary reports; 600 fewer auto burglaries

DWI Enforcement

Implemented DWI Enforcement Squad
Increased to nearly 1,000 arrests from approximately 700

New Technology

CCPD Blotter, Facebook, and Twitter
Citizen Observer
Crime Reports.com (Web based crime data)
COPLOGIC – Online Crime Reporting

Budget

Balanced two Budgets
Saved more than $300,000 in spring break overtime, while placing additional officers on the beach
Reducing lease payments by over $200,000
Reduced overall budget by more than two million dollars
Has developed budgets three years in advance

New Programs

Created over 30 Reorganization and Efficiency Teams
Established the Office of Accountability
Vastly Improved Communication with Community and Employees
Implemented CompStat
Crime Analysis & Tactical Intelligence Center
Created Police Foundation- “Citizens in Support of CCPD”
Business Summits
Chief for a Day
Police Awards Banquet
Promotions Ceremonies
Created Public Information Office
Faith Based Services Coalition
Approved K-9 Patrol Dog Program
Instituted No Insurance, Automatic Tow policy
Keep Corpus Christi Safe
886-COPS
Shadow the Chief
Healthy Heroes
Parking Patrol Improvements

Riggs said, “I want to thank all sworn officers and the civilian employees for their hard work and dedication during my time as Chief of Police. The success of the police department is due to them and the tremendous support from the citizens of our great city. I look forward to working with City Manager Olson as he continues to move our city government in a new direction.”

Riggs will begin transitioning into his new position within the next several weeks.

Contact:

Commander Todd Green
Office of Administration
(361) 826-2984
(361) 533-2129
toddg@cctexas.com

Bravo District

Arson Suspects Arrested

10.16.2011/9:47am    2022 Treyway Ln    Arson    1110160053

MetroCom dispatch received a call for suspicious persons outside of an apartment at Treyway Terrace Apartments. Witnesses stated that four individuals were outside of the apartments and had started a fire near one of the apartments.

The first Officer arriving saw a vehicle matching the description that was called in leaving the area. He then saw that there was smoke and a fire near one of the apartments. He, along with neighbors, were able to extinguish the fire with water hoses. The Officer attempted to make contact with the apartment occupants but found no one home. Several more witnesses then spoke to the Officers and gave descriptions of those responsible for the fire.

Officers, who were making their way to the apartment complex, were able to see the suspect vehicle leaving and made a traffic stop on it. The four individuals inside of the vehicle, Abel Castaneda Jr (7.9.1992), Michael Franco (7.11.1993) Daniel Garza (12.8.1992) and Jorge Perez (4.26.1993) were taken back to the location of the fire. There, witnesses identified them as being the ones who started the fire. All four were arrested for Arson.

Uncategorized

Assistant Chief Mylett Named as Southlake Chief of Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assistant Chief Mylett Named as Southlake Chief of Police

Asst Chief S. Mylett

Corpus Christi Police Department Assistant Chief Steve Mylett has been selected as the next Chief of Police for the City of Southlake, Texas. Mylett, a 22 year veteran of the CCPD, has served as Assistant Chief of Operations since his promotion in January of this year. Prior to that, Chief Mylett served as Commander of the Office of Accountability, Captain of the Inspections Unit, and Uniform Division Executive Officer. While serving as Inspections Captain, Chief Mylett was a driving force behind the Department’s successful campaign to attain certification from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (C.A.L.E.A).

“Steve’s commitment to the Police Department and our community has been a tremendous asset to me since I took over as Chief,” said Chief of Police Troy Riggs. “The City of Southlake is fortunate to find a Chief with his high degree of professionalism, integrity and work ethic. We will all miss him here, but wish him the very best as Southlake’s new Chief.”

“Chief Mylett represents the type of police leadership that will only enhance Southlake’s commitment to safety and security,” said Southlake DPS Director Jim Blagg. “His commitment to honor and integrity in his personal as well as professional life is just part of the many reasons why he is now embracing a new opportunity here in Southlake.”

“Although I embrace this challenge and opportunity to move forward in my chosen profession, it is going to be very difficult to say good-bye to my family here in the CCPD,” said Mylett. “I thank all who have supported and mentored me along the way.”

Mylett holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Midwestern State University and is on track to earn his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University in the spring of 2012. He comes from a family with a strong law enforcement tradition; his father is a retired New York City Police Officer, and his brother, Tom, is Assistant Chief at the Port of Corpus Christi Police Department.

He is scheduled to start in Southlake by late November after completing several pre-employment tests and screenings.

Contact:

PDPIO@cctexas.com
361.886.2798

Traffic Safety Division

85 Drivers Cited for Speeding

10.13.2011    Traffic Section Officers Perform Speed Enforcement

On 10.13.2011, the Traffic Section, along with southside officers, worked to enforce the speed limit on SH358 (routinely called S.P.I.D) at SH286 (Crosstown).

During the two-hour time frame from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, a total of 85 citations for speeding were issued for vehicles traveling significantly over the speed limit. A total of twelve officers took part in the event and the highest speed recorded was 83 mph in the 60 mph zone.

The Traffic Section will be working with officers on the North side of town the week of October 17-21 for the same type of event looking for speeders on the state highway system.

Charlie District

Robber Takes Teenager’s Cell Phone

10.13.2011/6:24pm    5488 S.P.I.D    Aggravated Robbery    1110130103

A call for an Aggravated Robbery was put out at in the parking lot of 5488 SPID (La Palmera Mall). Officers responded and found a 17-year-old victim. He told Officers that he had just been robbed of his cell phone. He went on to say that the suspect had also attempted to take his shoes and when he did not comply, the suspect punched him in the face. The victim then ran back towards the mall to call for help.

Officers were updated by dispatch with the suspect vehicle information. Officers located the vehicle, in the 3200 block of McArdle, and made a traffic stop detaining all the occupants. The victim of the robbery was brought to the location of the traffic stop by the responding officers and identified Marcus Butler (1.20.1979) as the one who had taken his phone and had assaulted him.

The victim’s phone, along with many others, were found in the suspect vehicle.

Butler was arrested. During a search Officers found several Hydrocodone pills and marijuana. He was additionally charged.

Community Outreach

Police Athletic League Receives $96,000 Donation

The Corpus Christi Police Athletic League (CC-PAL) received two checks from Valero Refinery today. The initial check was in the amount of $14,600 and was raised in part at the Valero Texas Open 2011. The CC-PAL was one of many who received funding.

The second check, in the amount of $81,500, was raised through the efforts of the more than 23 sponsors at the First Annual CC Police Athletic League & Valero – Bill Greehey Refinery Dove Hunt/Skeet Shoot Fundraiser held on October 1, 2011 at the Berry “Lonesome Ranch”.

Chief of Police Troy Riggs said that today’s generous donation is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when the community and their police department are engaged towards building a future for their children.

CC-PAL is a non-profit, 501(c) 3 registered organization that is sponsored by the Corpus Christi Police Department for at-risk children. CC-PAL operates solely on the generous donations and financial contributions of the local community.

CC-PAL was formed in 2002 with a mission to offer athletic and educational programs to at-risk children in an ongoing effort to reduce juvenile crime, and to do so in a safe environment. The organization has been so successful that it now offers numerous programs for over 2000 at-risk children. CC-PAL introduces these children, many for the first time, to martial arts, baseball, softball, cheerleading, basketball, volleyball and tutoring all at either no charge or at a minimal fee. CC-PAL is open to any child between the ages of 3 to 18.

Community Outreach

1st Annual Festival Focuses on Making Good Decisions

 No one sets out to make decisions that will forever damage the course of their life. Yet every day, good individuals make wrong decisions which they may never recover from. Decision House is a realistic example of how seemingly small decisions can lead youth down a path to ruin and provides them with the tools to make the right decisions.

The Decision House free Fall Festival will take place Friday, October 28, 2011 and Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., on the grounds of the Police Department. The Festival will encompass two different areas:

  • An alternative to a haunted house. Scenes will be acted out by local church groups and CCISD students, focusing on the impact poor decisions can have on themselves, their families, and the community. Examples the consequences of teen alcohol and drug use, involvement in gangs, and being untruthful.
  • The second area will offer live music, games, and information from local colleges, law enforcement agencies, the armed services, and other organizations. The information provided by these organizations will reinforce the concept of making the “right decision”.

Mayor Joe Adame, Chief of Police Troy Riggs, members of Faith Based Services Coalition and Citizens in Support of the CCPD Police Foundation, along with volunteers, will take part in an opening ceremony on Friday, October 28, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. at the Police Department, 321 John Sartain. Members of Police Explorer’s Post#133 will present the colors during the event.

The first annual Decision House Fall Festival will officially open at 6:00 p.m. Everyone who tours Decision House will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips, and a soda. Free parking is available at a lot located at the corner of N. Chaparral and Cooper’s Alley. To register for a group tour contact DeAnna McQueen, Special Projects Coordinator, at (361) 826-2940.

Charlie District

Auto Burglars Arrested Leaving the Scene of the Crime

10.12.2011/6:06am   3429 Xanadu    Burglary of a Motor Vehicle    1110120011

Officers were dispatched to the 3400 block of  Xanadu for a Burglary to a Vehicle in progress. The caller indicated that the two males who had committed the Burglary were still on Xanadu but walking away towards Carroll Lane. An Officer arrived and detained John Hernandez (10.7.1992) and Christian Taylor (8.8.1992) who fit the description of the two males.

A witness informed the Officer that both Hernandez and Taylor were inside of a truck in the 3400 block of Xanadu. The witness had actually called the victim and told him that his vehicle was being burglarized. When they went outside to check, both Taylor and Hernandez were walking away from the area.

Hernandez and Taylor were arrested for Burglary of a Motor Vehicle.

Charlie District

Auto Burglary Suspect Arrested After Chase

10.11.2011/11:31pm    4653 Everhart (Roper’s)    Burglary to Vehicle/Evading    1110110173

An Off Duty Officer, working at Roper’s Night Club, called for backup as he observed a Burglary to a Vehicle occur in the parking lot of the club. The Officer was able to give dispatch a description of the vehicle and the direction that it was traveling.

Officers working in the Charlie District were able to locate the vehicle as it was driving South on Staples St. They attempted to traffic stop the vehicle. The vehicle did not stop for the Officers and continued past S.P.I.D. As the vehicle turned on Holly Road an occupant threw a purse out of the window. Since the Officers had a license plate, the pursuit of the vehicle was terminated, per department policy.

Officers recovered the stolen purse and went back to Roper’s to make contact with the burglary victim.

Soon thereafter an Officer saw the suspect vehicle again and was able to make a traffic stop near the Wal Mart at Everhart and S.P.I.D.  The driver of the vehicle, Kara Bateman (8.26.1990), was arrested for the Burglary to a Vehicle. Her vehicle was impounded and during the inventory some of the stolen money, from the Auto Burglary, was found. The money was returned to the victim.