Category Archives: Bravo District

Bravo District, Patrol Division

Patrol Officer Swims To Save Kayaker In Distress

Occurred Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 11:20 am, Open Water Rescue Event #1205019456

A 20 year old man was rescued at the beach Tuesday by Corpus Christi Police Officer John Shultz.

A 20 year old man went out in the water on a kayak and was knocked off the kayak by a wave. The 20 year old man was unable to get back into the kayak. The man’s brother was on shore at Beach Marker 99 near access road 2 and called for help.

Patrol Officer John Shultz put on his life vest and entered the water to provide help. Officer Shultz said the 20 year old man was fatigued and unable to get on the kayak without help. Officer Shultz said he held the kayak stable while the man got on the kayak. Officer Shultz said he held on to the kayak while the man paddled them both to shore. Officer Shultz and the man made it back to shore at about 12:07pm.

Bravo District, Criminal Investigations Division

Daycare Auto Burglar Sought

Occurred on 5/15/12, 7:43 am    Burglary of a Vehicle  1317 Flour Bluff Drive   1205150023
Occurred on 5/15/12,  8:03am    Burglary of a Vehicle  1354 Rodd Field Road   1205150030

Two Mothers morning trip to drop off their children at daycare found their purses stolen from their vehicles.  Both women told Officers they left their vehicles unlocked and their purses inside their vehicles along with their purses. 

The auto burglaries occurred within 20 minutes of one another, but it is unknown at this time whether they are related. The first auto burglary occurred at the Lord of Lutheran Church Day Care Center, 1317 Flour Bluff Drive.  Two purses were taken along with several credit cards and some money.  The second auto burglary occurred at the Kinder Care Day Care Center, 1354 Rodd Field Road.  One purse was taken in this burglary which had the victim’s personal documents and a couple of bracelets.  Anyone with any information on this crime is encouraged to call Crimes Stoppers at 888-TIPS or you can also submit a tip online, visit the www.TipSubmit.com website to submit a secure e-mail tip.  The information provided could earn the caller a cash reward. 

A vehicle is burglarized in Texas every 2 ½ minutes.  The Corpus Christ Auto Theft Task Force and the Texas Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority feel the best way to keep thieves from stealing items from your car is to leave it in the same condition as when it rolled off the factory floor:  nothing inside except the parts that comprise it.  This includes laptops, GPS systems, satellite radios, gym bags, address books, and purses and wallets that contain credit cards, checkbooks, and money.   Following are a few of the more important prevention tips to keep in mind:

  • If you must leave belongings, hide them from sight.
  • Never park in unattended or poorly lit parking lots.
  • Do not keep your vehicle registration in your car.
  • Do not carry vehicle insurance documents or personal papers in your glove box.
  • Do not leave outgoing or incoming mail in your car, especially where visible.
  • Avoid leaving the garage door opener in your car.
  • Never leave your vehicle or house keys in your car.
  • Beware of suspicious persons, call police.
  • Never leave your vehicle unlocked.

Avoid becoming a victim by following these crime prevention tips, remember to Hide, Lock, and Take.  For more prevention tips and information, please contact PaulKay Olivarez, Auto Theft Task Force Public Awareness Coordinator at 361-886-2872.

Bravo District, Criminal Intelligence Unit

Macy’s Targeted by Shoplifter, Call 888-TIPS If You Know This Man

The Corpus Christi Police Department Property Crimes Unit is asking your assistance in identifying the suspect involved in the theft of a couple of thousand dollars worth of “Miss Me” Blue Jeans and “Miss Me” shorts. 

The suspect is described as 40 to 50 year-old man, possibly a Hispanic male, 5’10 to 6′ feet tall, and weighing 200 to 220 lbs.  He was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with any information on this crime is encouraged to call Crimes Stoppers at 888-TIPS or you can also submit a tip online, visit the www.TipSubmit.com website to submit a secure e-mail tip.  The information provided could earn the caller a cash reward.

Bravo District, Community Outreach, Patrol Division

Police Reach Out For Crime Prevention

Corpus Christi Police Officers under the direction of Police Captain Tim Wilson were at the Sunrise Mall Saturday, May 12, to distribute crime prevention information in anticipation of school dismissal for the summer.

Captain Wilson is responsible for the Bravo District of the Corpus Christi Police Department which is the east portion of the city that includes Padre Island, Flour Bluff, and the area of town between Staples Street and the Oso Bay. Captain Wilson said a crime trend that has his focus are burglaries to residences and to vehicles.

Captain Wilson said 25% of all residential burglaries are through unlocked or open doors. This is often when a homeowner conducts yard work and leaves the garage door open. Captain Wilson suggests to lock windows and doors and keep the garage door closed.

Captain Wilson also recommends that valuables not be left in boats overnight which accounts for many thefts in the Bravo District. Another recommendation is that valuables not be left in a car. Captain Wilson said, “If you plan on leaving your purse in the trunk, take what you need from it and place it in the trunk before leaving home.”

Captain Wilson said Police have discovered thieves watch for valuables in the trunk. Some models of vehicles have an active trunk release when the key is not in the ignition. Everyone is encouraged to evaluate their vehicle for this function and beware that a thief can easily break into the passenger compartment of the car and have access to the trunk.

Captain Wilson identified the majority of the burglaries are committed overnight by juvenile males. The Corpus Christi Police will increase strict enforcement of the city ordinance (CC33-40) that prohibits juveniles age 16 and younger to be in a public place from 11:00pm to 6:00am unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Captain Wilson expressed the importance to observe the night-time curfew.

Captain Wilson promoted Crimereports.com which is a public site that provides a variety of information to include all reported crime in Corpus Christi. The information is updated daily and Captain Wilson said, “Stay informed and beat the criminals!”

Bravo District, Patrol Division

Wanted Man Found When Windows Were Left Open In The Rain

Occurred Friday, May 11, 2012, 4:40am, 15800 South Padre Island Drive, Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle, 1205110021

Three men were arrested Friday morning in a stolen vehicle at Padre Bali Park when a Corpus Christi Police Officer on patrol saw the vehicle windows down in the rain.

Corpus Christi Patrol officer Jon McGinley saw a white 2002 Chevy truck parked at the Padre Bali Park with the windows down while rain fell. Officer McGinley discovered the truck was reported stolen from McCamey, Texas. Three men inside the truck were contacted and two were found to have warrants for their arrest. 30-year-old Arturo Sanchez (8/5/1981) was apprehended for two warrants for his arrest. 47-year-old David Meyer (7/17/1964) was arrested for a warrant for a parole violation. 46-year-old John Jordon (3/6/1966) was arrested for public intoxication.

The vehicle was taken to the city impound lot and the three men were delivered to the city detention center. Anyone interested to research reported crime in Corpus Christi is encouraged to search Crimereports.com for valuable information.

Bravo District

Officer’s Intuition Helps Him Catch Burglar

Occurred on 5/9/12, 3:29 am   Burglary of Habitation   3310 Samoa Dr.   1205090014                                                      

The 42-year-old victim told Officers he was in his bedroom watching television when someone opened the door and walked in.  The suspect was using the cell phone keypad light to navigate inside the home.  The victim shouted at the suspect who fled.  Officers checked the home and found the suspect had helped to himself to some ice cream and Kiwi fruit. 

A search for the suspect proved unfruitful, until Officer C. Alejandro who was at the Stripes Convenience Store, 3053 Waldron Road, observed three males walking towards the store.  One of the males entered the store, but the other two males turned around and walked away when they saw him.  Officer Alejandro “sensing something was wrong” went in search of the two males and found Chris Bright (04/16/994) hiding behind some trash cans.  

Bright lied to the Officer about his name, but provided his real date of birth which allowed dispatchers to find out his real name.  A short struggle ensued as Bright refused to follow the Officer’s request, pulling away as he attempted to check him for weapons.  Bright was taken into custody.  

Further investigation revealed Bright had a firearm in his backpack along with a Xbox Kinect, several games, cell phones, and a GPS system.  The property was found to be stolen and returned to the victim at 3310 Samoa.  The GPS system was found to be stolen from 3409 Tahiti and returned to the victim.  Officers were unable to find the owner of the firearm, an MP3 player, or several cell phones found in the suspect’s possession.   Bright was charged with Burglary of a Habitation, Failure to Identify, Resisting Arrest, Search, or Transport.

Bravo District

Woman Charged with Intoxication Assault After Colliding with man on Scooter

Laura Jane Palanza

Occurred on 5/9/12, 8:43 pm   Intoxication Assault w/a Vehicle  2000 Waldron Road   1205090151/C1203558

Laura Jane Palanza (04/16/68) who was driving a silver 2006 Mazda Tribute after she collided with a motorist on a red Qianjiang motor scooter. Officers found wreckage from the scooter strewn across six city blocks.   The 27-year-old male was taken to Spohn Memorial with serious injuries.

A witness told Officers she observed Palanza driving on Waldron Road dragging motorcycle parts.  The witness followed Palanza getting her to stop and get out of her car.  Several witnesses to the accident also arrived and helped keep Palanza from leaving.

Palanza who appeared to be intoxicated was taken to Spohn Shoreline for a mandatory Blood Draw.  She was medically cleared and booked at the City Detention Center.  Palanza was charged with Intoxication Assault with a Vehicle which is 3rd Degree Felony and punishable up to  10 years in prison along with a $10,000 fine.  She was additionally charged with Accident Involving Injury/Death.

Bravo District

Jolly Arrested Trying to Sleep It Off On Stranger’s Front Porch

Occurred on 5/9/12, 01:49 am  Possession of Marijuana   5800  OsoParkway  1205090010 

The 60-year-old homeowner reported to call-takers someone was attempting to open his front door and was now lying on his front porch.  Upon their arrival Officers found Gregory Jolly (01/23/87) sleeping on the owner’s porch, oblivious as to his whereabouts. 

Jolly appeared to be intoxicated and arrested.  He was also found to be in possession of a quantity of Marijuana.  Jolly was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Public Intoxication.

Bravo District

Good Samaritan Struck by Vehicle

Occurred on 5/9/12, 06:11 am Major Accident   Eastbound SH 358 at Nile   C1203526 

Officers report a pedestrian who was returning to his vehicle after assisting a stranded motorist was struck by a Toyota Corolla exiting the freeway.  The 53-year-old victim was taken to Spohn Memorial with severe trauma.  

Traffic Officers were called to assist with the accident investigation.  At this time, the Police Department does not anticipate filing charges on the 48-year-old driver.

Bravo District

Suspect Who Robbed Victim at Knifepoint has a Hankering for a “Whataburger”

Occurred on 5/7/12,  02:49 am  Aggravated Robbery     Vetters Drive/Wallace Avenue 1205070013 

Officers contacted the 20-year-old White male who reported he had been robbed and threatened with a knife and a bat.  The victim told Officers he was dropping off his date in the area of Vetters Drive and Wallace Avenue when two Hispanic males pulled in front of his vehicle forcing him to stop.  Both males approached him demanding money.  The suspect with the bat smashed the victim’s passenger side window, while the male armed with knife demanded his money.  The suspect unable to get any money from the victim took his Whataburger bag instead.  Before the suspects fled one of the victim’s tires was slashed, but the victim was uninjured during the robbery.

Officers searched the area and located the abandoned suspect vehicle at Wallace and Argonne.  Both suspects are described as buzz-haired Hispanic males, 5’7” to 5’9” feet tall, and weighing 170 to 180 lbs.  The suspect armed with the knife was last seen wearing a dark shirt. 

Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or log on to www.888TIPS.com .  The information provided could earn the caller a cash reward.

If interested in Personal Safety information please contact Crime Prevention Advisor Brenda Moreno at 361-886-2765 or logon to http://www.ccpolice.com/forms/ccpd/crimepreventionform.cfm to schedule an appointment.