All posts by Senior Officer Julia Hernandez-Garcia

Bravo District

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Accident

Occurred on 1/22/13, 12:19pm Major Traffic Accident  7100 Yorktown Boulevard  C1300511

Police were called to the intersection of Yorktown and Bay Drive for an accident involving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and Chevy Van.    The 29-year-old driver of the van was stopped in traffic waiting for another vehicle to turn on Bay Drive when the motorcyclist rear-ended him.

The 35-year-old motorcyclist struck the right rear corner of the van and caught his foot in the rear wheel.  The motorcyclist left foot was severed and he was rushed to Spohn Memorial for medical treatment.  The driver of the van was uninjured.

No citations have been issued at this time and the Traffic Safety Division is continuing their investigation into the accident.

Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division, Delta District

Man Grazed by Gunfire During Robbery

Reported on 1/22/13, 11:51am  Robbery    400 S. Brownlee     1301220045

Police were called to Spohn Shoreline’s Emergency Room for a walk-in shooting victim.  Upon their arrival, Officers contacted a 32-year-old man who reported it shortly after midnight when he was attacked by two men in the 400 block of S. Brownlee.  The man told Officers he was walking to his girlfriend’s house when he was robbed.

The men demanded the victim’s money at gunpoint.  A struggle ensued over the firearm and several shots were discharged.  The victim told Officers the suspects stole his money and fled.  He then ran to girlfriend’s home on Jasmine Court.

The victim had several cuts to his to hand, hip, head, and abdomen where he had been grazed by the gunfire.  The victim told Officers he didn’t call Police or seek treatment at the time of the shooting.  He became concerned when the wounds failed to heal and sought medical help.

Both suspects are described as being Hispanic males, 20 to 25 years of age, 5’5” to 5’8” feet tall.  They were last seen wearing black shirts and blue jeans. Both donned bandanas to cover their faces.

Anyone with any information on this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit a tip via your smart phone.  Just download the TipSubmit App on your Android or iPhone.  Tipsters will earn a cash reward if the suspects are arrested.

Delta District

Help Catch the Chainsaw Bandit by Calling Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS

Occurred on 1/9/13, 3:44pm  Theft   4336 Ayers  1301090092

First Cash Pawn employees reported the theft of a chainsaw that occurred on January 7, 2013.  Police were told the suspect entered the store, selected a $120 chainsaw and left without paying for it.

The suspect is described as a White male, in his early 30’s, and weighing approximately 200 lbs.

Anyone with any information on this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit a tip via your smart phone.  Just download the TipSubmit App on your Android or iPhone.  Tipsters will earn a cash reward if the suspect is arrested.

Delta District

New Assistant City Manager Appointed

City Manager Ron Olson has appointed Susan K. Thorpe of Peoria, Arizona, as the Assistant City Manager for Safety, Health and Neighborhoods.   She takes over for Troy Riggs who left Corpus Christi to become the Director of Public Safety in Indianapolis, Indiana in late 2012.

Ms. Thorpe has more than 25 years of municipal management experience, having served as a City Manager and Assistant City Manager for cities in Texas and California.  Ms. Thorpe spent the last seven years as Peoria’s Deputy City Manager.  Most recently, she oversaw Peoria’s Information Technology Department, City’s Clerk’s Office, Management and Budget Department, Human Resources, Public Works-Utilities Department and Finance Department.  City Manager Ron Olson said, “We are excited to have Susan joining our team.  Her experience and her abilities are going to be a tremendous addition to the city and we are really looking forward to her arriving here and getting to work.”

Ms. Thorpe holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Masters of Public Administration Degree from the University of North Texas and holds Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association.

Libraries Director Herb Canales served as Interim Assistant City Manager while national recruitment efforts took place.  “Not just anyone can step into an interim Assistant City Manager position and perform so successfully,” said City Manager Ron Olson, citing Mr. Canales’ dedication and service to the City of Corpus Christi.  “Mr. Canales used his more than 32 years’ experience with the City’s library system and worked as a team leader demonstrating strong leadership and ability,” added Olson.

Ms. Thorpe was born in Fort Benning, Georgia, the daughter of an U.S. Army officer.  She is married to Jay McLaughlin and they have a daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren.  Thorpe said, “I am looking forward to calling Corpus Christi home.  It will be a great fit for my family and I truly believe my skills can make a difference in the community.”  Thorpe’s first day on the job will be Monday, March 18, 2013.

Bravo District, Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division

Three Charged with Shooting at “Good Neighbor”

Michael Martin
Alexa Kaye Barnett
David Mathew Davila

Occurred on 1/22/13, 12:54am   Aggravated Assault   9320 S. Padre Island Drive   1301220005

Police were called to the Wharf Apartments when a witness observed several individuals burglarizing a neighbor’s pick-up truck.  Further updates advised the suspects were shooting at the caller who was following the suspects.

Senior Officer C. Alejandro observed the vehicle at the Castle Park Apartments.  As he approached the vehicle, the occupants ran inside one of the apartments.  With the cooperation of the tenant, Officers were able to apprehend all three suspects and place them under arrest.

Michael Martin (02/06/91), Alexa Kaye Barnett (10/25/94), and David Mathew Davila (09/17/95) were all charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Evading Arrest.

Officers were able to recover possible stolen property from the vehicle, but they were unable to locate any victims.  If you were a victim of an auto burglary in the area, please contact Criminal Investigations at 361-886-2841.

The Corpus Christi Police Department does not recommend confronting individuals involved in a criminal act due to the potential danger.  However, the Police Department is appreciative of the courage demonstrated by the witness in helping capture these three individuals.

Bravo District

Facebook Bragging Leads Officers to Suspect

Occurred on 1/21/13, 11:37am  Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle   800 Roseanne  1301210059

Senior Officer A. Guerra was given information that 16-year-old was driving a stolen minivan which had been reported stolen from the 7400 block of Skyking Drive earlier that morning.   The juvenile female had been boasting on her Facebook Page about cruising in a stolen vehicle.

Officer Guerra advised Senior Officer R. Pena and asked him to check the Flour Bluff address for the stolen car.  Officer Pena and back-up Officers A. Ostermiller and A. Guzeldere found the stolen car in the 800 block of Roseanne along with the car thief.

The juvenile was detained and booked at the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center.  She was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle which is a State Jail Felony punishable by up to two years in a state jail and a $10,000.

Charlie District

Gang Member Found Rummaging Through Trash

MartinRubenPorras

Occurred on 01/22/13, 04:40am   Criminal Mischief  4200 block of Ocean Drive  1301220014

 Police were called to the residence for a burglary in which the suspect shattered the glass to the back door with a rock.  Upon their arrival, Officers observed a suspicious individual dressed in warm-ups and a robe walking away from the area.  Officers report the man appeared to be lost and “walking aimlessly.”

Martin Ruben Porras (06/04/93) was detained, while other Officers contacted the victim.  The homeowner told Officers, Porras shattered the glass to the back door, but was unable to gain entry into the home.  Porras then rummaged through the trash and ate some of the food inside.  The damage to door was estimated at $1,500.

Porras was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief which a State Jail Felony which is punishable by two years in a state jail and a $10,000 fine.

Criminal Investigations Division, Delta District

Man Robbed During Meeting with Escort

Randal Moore
Rachell Fulton

Occurred on 01/20/13, 2:50pm  Aggravated Robbery  3101  Surfside Boulevard  130120078

Police were called to Blackbeard’s  Restaurant and contacted a 37-year-old man who reported he had been robbed.  The man told Officer’s he made arrangements to meet Rachell Fulton (02/20/88) at a local hotel on North Beach via an internet escort service.

Upon arriving at the hotel, he was confronted by Fulton and Randal Moore (04/02/86) who was armed with a firearm.   Moore demanded the victim’s money threatening to have Fulton release the two dogs she had with her.

The victim complied and ran to the restaurant where he called police.  Officers were told the couple ran towards Pier 99 where Senior Officer R. Burton quickly apprehended them.  Officers were also able to recover the victim’s money.

Moore and Fulton were positively identified by the victim.  They were both arrested and charged with Aggravated Robbery.  The dogs were also picked up by Animal Control.

Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division, Delta District

Police Investigate Wynwood Drive Homicide

Occurred on 1/20/13, 2:38pm   Homicide   1500 Wynwood Drive    13012000074  

On January 20, 2013 at approximately 2:38pm, Officers from the Corpus Christi Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Wynwood Drive after receiving a call of an unconscious male. Upon the Officers’ arrival they located a deceased man in a garage apartment.  Corpus Christi Homicide/Robbery Detectives were called to assist and  are currently investigating the 20-year-old man’s death as a homicide.

The motive for the attack has not been established at this time and no suspects have been arrested.  The name of the victim is being with-held pending notification of next-of-kin.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity or have any information on this crime to call Corpus Christi Homicide/Robbery Detectives at 361-886-2841.  If callers would like to remain anonymous they can call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS.  A tip may also be submitted online at www.888TIPS.com .  Tipsters may earn a cash reward if the suspect involved in this crime is arrested.

Charlie District, Criminal Investigations Division

Stolen Truck Used as Getaway Vehicle

Occurred on 1/16/13, 8:03pm  Theft  6101  Saratoga Boulevard  1301160131

Police were called to the Wal-Mart at 6101 Saratoga Boulevard for  two shoplifters who fled in a stolen pick-up truck.  Loss Prevention Officers told Officers they observed a woman tear open a couple of cell phone boxes, remove the security devices, and hide them in her purse.  A man who was accompanying the woman also placed a couple of quarts of motor oil inside the purse.

The man and woman exited the store where loss prevention officers attempted to stop them.  The suspects made a run for it and were able to reach their getaway vehicle.  The woman jumped into the back of the pick-up truck and was hanging over the tailgate in an attempt to hide the license plate from view as it sped away.    Loss Prevention Officers were able to recover the stolen merchandise valued at $189.

The woman is described as a White female, 5’3″ to 5’5″ feet tall and weighing 145 to 155 lbs.  The woman has a small build with a chunky mid-section.  She was last seen wearing black pajama bottoms and white hoodie.  The man is described as a White male, 6′ to 6’4″ feet tall and weighing 250 to 290 lbs.  He was last seen wearing a brown jacket with a fur collar.  The couple fled in a light-colored Toyota Tacoma stolen on Friday, January 11, 2013 from the Sutherland’s parking lot, 4041 S. Staples Street.

Anyone with any information on this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.888TIPS.com.  Tipsters will be paid a cash reward if the suspects are arrested or the stolen property recovered.