Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division

Fallen Officer Luther B. Prather Remembered

On September 14, 1919 Corpus Christi Police Officer Luther B. Prather was called to duty when the Hurricane of 1919 made a direct hit on Corpus Christi.  He crossed the Rincon Channel to what is now North Beach a few times rescuing victims of the storm and guiding them to refuge at the Old Nueces County Courthouse.

Officer Prather even brought a few of the victims to his own home near Mesquite and Taylor Streets, where his wife stayed with them. The water rose very quickly in Corpus Christi Bay as the storm hit and while attempting to cross the Rincon Channel once more while escorting a small child and several adults, Prater was swept into the bay where all were drowned.

A true hero, Officer Prather was born in 1886 and had worked for the Department since approximately 1914. Please take a moment today to remember Officer Prater in your thoughts and prayers.

Adam District

Woman’s Request to go to Jail Granted

Alejandro Lopez
Ashley Nicole Quintanilla

Occurred on 9/13/12,  9:10 am  Assault   4605 Molina      1209130036

A woman’s morning got off to a rough start when she was cursed at by her intoxicated neighbor as she left to drop off her daughter at school.  Upon her return, the woman asked her neighbor not to use profanity in her daughter’s presence.

Alexandro Lopez (06/20/86) walked over to the woman’s home accompanied by his brother and his brother’s girlfriend, Ashley Quintanilla (12/15/91) and began arguing with the woman.  The confrontation escalated and the woman was assaulted by Quintanilla, while the bothers stood by and watched. The victim sustained a busted lip and minor facial injuries.

Lopez and Quintanilla were detained while Officers conducted their investigation.   Quintanilla tired of the “drama” requested to be taken to jail when told charges could be filed against her.  She was arrested and charged with Assault which is a Class “A” Misdemeanor punishable by a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Lopez was also booked at the City Detention Center and charged with Public Intoxication.

Criminal Investigations Division, Delta District

Police Search for Three Men Involved in Robbery

Occurred on 9/13/12, 8:18 pm  Aggravated Robbery  Staples Street/Mustang Trail    1209130132

Officers responded to an assault in progress call and arrived to find a 46-year-old man covered in blood.  The victim’s injuries included a laceration to his left eye, a broken jaw, and other facial injuries. He was taken to Spohn Memorial by CCFD Emergency Personnel

Further investigation revealed the victim was assaulted by three men and his backpack taken.  The first suspect is described as a White male, 5’6” feet tall and weighing 145 lbs.  He was last seen wearing only black shorts.  A second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5’9” feet tall and weighing 160 lbs.  He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt with lettering on it.  The victim was unable to provide a description of the third man.

Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.888TIPS.com.  The caller will earn a cash reward if the suspects are arrested.

Delta District

Beware of a text scam claiming to come from Bank of America

The Corpus Christi Police Department has recieved numerous reports of citizens recieving this text. If the displayed number is dialed you will be asked for credit card information. This phone number does not belong to the Bank of America. The Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bank of America are already aware of this scam. There is no need to report this text if you recieve it. Simply delete the message and DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER.

 

 

Delta District

Motorcycle Officers to graduate special driving course

Friday the 14th of September 2012 at 10:00 am, the Corpus Christi Police Department will present certificates of completion to the officers who successfully completed the standardized police motorcycle training course. This demanding 80 hour course replaces the 20 hour course that was previously required by the department for motorcycle officers.

The purpose of the training is to enhance the skills of officers who operate police motors. The conditions and demands of police driving differ from civilian motorcycle operation significantly. The department wants to ensure that our motor officers are as safe as possible when serving our community.

The certification is from a nationally recognized police motorcycle training institute. Two of our own officers are currently certified as instructors, so there was no cost associated with teaching these officers.

This presentation will take place in the Whataburger Field parking lot where much of this training took place.

 

***UPDATE*** the presentation has been moved to the CompStat room on the 5th floor of the PD building due to rain.

 

Charlie District, Criminal Investigations Division

Man Charged with Injury to a Child, Bond Set at $175,000

Irving Eugene Patrick

Occurred on 8/27/12, 11:23 pm  Injury to a Child  4445 Cedar Pass Road  1208270193/1209120121

Police were called to the Cedar Pass Road residence for a child who was having difficulty breathing.  Officers and CCFD Emergency Personnel arrived to find an unconscious two-year-old child and rushed her to Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

Further investigation revealed the child had sustained head trauma, a broken rib, burns to her body which resulted in her hospitalization.  Detectives with the Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit took over the investigation and obtained a warrant for the child’s foster parent.

On 9/12/12, Irving Eugene Patrick (07/30/66) was arrested at his home by the Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force.  He was booked at the City Detention Center and charged with the outstanding warrant for Injury to a Child.  Patrick’s bond was set at $175,000.

Community Outreach

Have you ever considered becoming a Police Reserve Officer, Volunteer or Explorer?

Have you ever thought about joining your Corpus Christi Police Department, but are unable to become a fulltime officer or employee? We invite anyone interested to visit the Police Department on September 18, 2012 at 6:00pm to explore other ways to serve our community through the Police Department.

    Law Enforcement Explorer Post 133 is for young men and women ages 15 to 21 who are interested in learning about law enforcement careers and serving their community. Police Explorers participate in various community and police-related projects throughout the year. Explorer teams also compete all over the state and nationwide. Categories for competition include all areas of law enforcement, such as searches and seizures, crime scene investigation, hostage negotiation, bomb search, first aid, misdemeanor and felony traffic stops, and domestic violence. There are also competitions like obstacle courses, physical challenges and competitive shooting.

The program is subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America and provides young men and women with the opportunity to develop a working knowledge of law enforcement procedures, duties and concepts; and enhance participants’ sense of responsibility through knowledge, teamwork, and community involvement. For more information about the Explorer program, visit the city website at http://www.cctexas.com/?fuseaction=main.view&page=2133.

The Corpus Christi Police Department Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program provides police service and promotes community partnership. Our volunteers perform a wide variety of duties throughout the department, enabling our paid personnel to concentrate on specialized tasks and better manage their workflow. Volunteers serve in non uniformed positions such as office assistant, receptionist, disabled parking enforcement, or assisting with special events to name just a few.  We value our volunteers’ diversity of skills, abilities, education, and life experiences which they nobly donate to our community. The most effective law enforcement efforts are collaborative partnerships between police and community members. http://www.cctexas.com/?fuseaction=main.view&page=4166

           Reserve Police Officers are state licensed law enforcement officers who serve at the discretion of the Chief of Police. They are empowered with the same authority as our full time officers. Members of the Corpus Christi Police Reserves Organization assist the regular sworn officers of the department in the enforcement of laws and maintenance of the peace. Reserve Officers are also called upon to assist at special events or during emergencies. Reserve officers volunteer their time without financial compensation. Uniforms and equipment are provided by the department. All Reserve Police Officers are required to contribute 192 hours annually, with a minimum of 16 hours per month.

Please join us for a presentation about the Corpus Christi Police Reserve Officer Program, the Police Explores Post 133 and our Volunteers in Police Services Program (VIPS) Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm at the Main Police Station at 321 John Sartain Street in the 5th floor auditorium.

Charlie District, Community Outreach

Policeman Moonlights as Firefighter

Occurred on 9/12/12, 6:27pm  House Fire   6209 Beckford Circle  1209120138    

Officer E. Smith was dispatched to Beckford Circle for a garage fire.  He arrived to find two neighbors using water hoses to put out the fire.  The Officer feared the home would be destroyed if the flames reached the rooftop.  He retrieved the fire extinguisher from his police car and entered the burning garage, crouching to remain underneath the smoke.  He began extinguishing the fire, but had to exit the garage for a breath of fresh air.  He immediately returned to battle the flames until CCFD arrived. Officers report no one was injured  in the fire.

This is another example of Officers using the tools issued to them as mandated by Chief Simpson to create a safer community.

Community Outreach

Six CCPD Officers to recieve the Governor’s Star of Texas Award

Six Corpus Christi Police Officers will receive the Star of Texas Award from Governor Rick Perry in the Texas House of Representatives Friday morning the 14th of September. Office of the Governor staff will escort recipients and their families to a private reception at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The Star of Texas Award began in 2003 with House Bill 1937 to honor peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. The award is given annually. Award nominations are reviewed by three advisory committees each year to ensure they meet statutory criteria.

The Corpus Christi Police Officers to receive the Star of Texas Award for 2012 are Senior Officers Doug Rush, Enrique Roman, Israel Carasco, Jose Smith, Phillip Bintliff, and Daryl Anderson. Senior Officer Jose Smith will unable to attend. Chief Floyd Simpson will be honored to personally accept this award on Officer Smith’s behalf.

While the events that earned these officers their awards occurred prior to his arrival as the chief of police for the city of Corpus Christi, Chief Simpson is proud to accompany these officers to Austin and take this opportunity to spend some time with these dedicated public servants to share in their recognition.

Keely Hill keely.hill@gov.texas.gov  (512) 463–1919 is the point of contact for the Texas Governor’s Office in reference to this event.

Community Outreach, Patrol Division

ASIS International Honors First Responders

Senior Officer Vela and his wife Espie

Corpus Christi Police Officer J. Vela was honored by the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter #108 of ASIS International.  Senior Officer Vela, a 28 year veteran and respected member of the Police Department was recognized for his work in the community and dogged pursuit and apprehension of wanted fugitives.  Officer Vela’s commitment to the City of Corpus Christi is only surpassed by his devotion to his family.

ASIS International, one of the largest organizations for security professionals is dedicated to advancing and improving security performance.  They have designated September as First Responders Appreciation Month for local Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters.

Also recognized were Corpus Christi Firefighter J. Keller and Nueces County Sherriff’s Deputy C.J. Guzman.  The three first responders were awarded plaques naming them ASIS International’s First Annual Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighter of the Year.  The noon awards luncheon was held at the BBQ Man, 4931 IH 37.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter