Homicide Detectives Solve Wynwood Drive Murder

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

The Corpus Christi Police Department investigated the death of a 20-year-old Corpus Christi man who was found deceased in the 1500 block of Wynwood Drive on January 20, 2013.

Detectives with the Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Bureau have solved the young man’s murder. Through witness statements and physical evidence, Detectives were able to obtain a search warrant on a vehicle and arrest warrant for the suspect involved in the homicide. The search warrant for the vehicle was served in the 11300 block of Windsor where Officers also found the murder suspect.

Mark Anthony Ramirez (06/03/1994) was arrested and charged with Murder, a First Degree Felony punishable by up to 99 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. His bond was set at $100,000.

Follow the link to the original blotter post from January 21, 2013. http://wp.me/p1D8kP-32H

Man Arrested After He Threatens to Kill Officers

WilliamShanonBryantOccurred on 1/23/13, 3:43pm   Terroristic Threats   4900 Holmes Drive   130123117

Police were called to the Holmes Drive residence for the second time for an assault in progress.  Officers had earlier responded to a disturbance call and a report was taken with the two parties being listed as mutual combatants. On the second call, William Bryant (05/30/75) was being provided with an offense report number from the original call when his wife and father-in-law returned to the residence.

At seeing them, Bryant became unreasonable, cursing at the Officers and breaking out the glass of the front windows.  Bryant then locked himself inside the home as he ordered the Officers off his property; threatening to kill them.  Officers observed Bryant with a firearm and took cover.

A request was made for the S.W.A.T. Team’s assistance, but prior to their arrival, Senior Officer G. Alvarez tased Bryant when he exposed himself through one of the shattered windows allowing Officers S. Mitchell and Senior Officer R. Cantu to enter the residence and arrest Bryant.

Bryant was booked at the City Detention Center and charged with Terroristic Threats to Cause or Impair Public Service and Resisting Arrest.

Fugitive Arrested During Disturbance Call

RobertAnthonyCanoOccurred on 1/22/13,3:21pm  Wanted Subject  9127  Caroline Road  1301220086

Officers were called to 9127 Caroline Road for a disturbance involving a man on the Nueces County Sheriff’s Department Top 10 Most Wanted.  Senior Officers R. Perez and P. Trujillo found Robert Cano (08/28/89) in a rear apartment and placed him under arrest.

Cano was charged with the outstanding warrant for Probation Violation in connection with an Assault.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Three Charged with Shooting at “Good Neighbor”

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.

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.

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.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter