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.

Community Outreach, Patrol Division

70th Corpus Christi Police Academy Session Graduates

The Corpus Christi Police Department will have 18 graduates from the 70th Police Academy session celebrated in a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 2:00pm in the Selena Auditorium.

The graduates from the academy accepted a tremendous responsibility of police work which began with an application process almost one year prior to this graduation. Applicants for the police academy must score a minimum of 70% or higher on a written examination. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license upon filing an application and a valid Texas license before hiring and must have a driving record that reflects driving habits that are consistent with the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Applicants must meet the City requirements regarding traffic violations or traffic collisions. Applicants must have a High School diploma or a GED with 12 hours at an accredited college with at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, or an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States, after at least 24 months of active duty service. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen. Their vision must be at least 20/100 in each eye correctable to 20/40 and normal color and peripheral vision. Possess hearing with less than a 40-decibel loss in each ear. Applicants must never have been convicted of an offense above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade B misdemeanor, or a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years from the date of court order. Applicants must not currently or recently used illegal drugs or currently or recently used intoxicating beverages excessively. Applicants must not make any false statements of fact; be deceptive by statement or omission in the pre-screening application, interview, background investigation, and polygraph or by any means in any part of the selection process.

Each applicant must then complete an entrance process that includes a background check, a polygraph examination, an oral board interview, a psychological evaluation, a complete physical examination by a physician, and then a drug screen. Not all qualified applicants are accepted into the Police Academy. Most are not selected because of the limited quantity of positions approved for hire. Each Academy session has a unique quantity of cadets approved by the city of Corpus Christi based on the unique circumstances each hiring session.

The most qualified applicants selected to be cadets then begin their career in the Corpus Christi Police Academy. The Corpus Christi Police Department Training Academy is located at 4510 Corona Dr. Cadets attend classes Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, some nighttime and weekend functions are a part of the required curriculum. Cadets do not reside at the academy and must commute to class daily.

The Police Academy is composed of several components primarily with classroom instruction. Cadets are instructed on the policies and procedures of the Corpus Christi Police Department and how officers function on duty. Classroom instruction on, criminal, juvenile, traffic, and civil law is provided during the 27-week academy. Cadets are expected to maintain a high level of academic standards and must make a 75% or above on all academy tests. Cadets must pass each written exam and/or skills test administered to successfully complete the academy. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (T.C.L.E.O.S.E.) Basic Peace Officer’s licensing exam must be passed in order to qualify for graduation and state licensing as a Texas Peace Officer.

A second component of the training includes firearm instruction. Cadets are trained with the standard issued police weapon at the Corpus Christi Police Department firing range and must pass department qualifications to successfully complete the academy. Cadets are also trained to use a shotgun and other law enforcement tools.

Another component of the academy is physical training. Cadets are required to maintain themselves in excellent physical condition through a strict course of running, weight lifting, and exercises designed to enhance the body’s flexibility and endurance. Cadets must pass the academy physical fitness test with an overall average of 70% to successfully complete the academy.

The cadets that graduate on May 11 have successfully completed the 27 week Academy program that has equipped them with extensive education, training, and skills required to serve as Corpus Christi Police Officers. The next phase of training is the 28 week Field Training Officer Program in which new officers are assigned to work alongside selected experienced officers who facilitate the application of knowledge and skills the new officers acquired in the Training Academy.

Upon successful completion of the field training program, the officers will be assigned to serve in the Community Policing Division where they will perform various patrol duties that include answering calls for service, enforcement of laws, apprehension of violators, investigating crimes, resolution of family disturbances, as well as traffic enforcement.  After completion of 60 months of service, officers become eligible to serve in many specialized sections within the Police Department. These include the Criminal Investigation Division and Special Services Division. Officers will be assigned to investigate homicides, robberies, burglaries, thefts, organized crime, narcotics, auto theft, sexual assaults and other various other types of criminal activity.

Corpus Christi Police Officers are provided the opportunity to attend specialized schools to help meet goals and full potential. Promotional opportunities are competitive and available to all persons who wish to pursue a supervisory role.

The Corpus Christi Police Department congratulates the graduates of the 70th Corpus Christi Police Academy session. The graduates are:

Samantha Baldwin (Top Academic Award recipient); Imelda Benavides; Gilbert Cantu (Top Physical Fitness Award recipient); Jorge Coello; Alonzo DeLaGarza; Jorge Fernandez; Irene Gonzalez; Daniel Guajardo; Gabriel Gutierrez; Eric Hemping; BJ Hurley; Philip Martinez (Top Driving Award recipient); Allan Miller (Top Gun Award recipient); Sam Mitchell; Paul Navarro; Joshua Newman; Eduardo Tagle; and Jason Wicks.

The Matthew Thebeau Memorial Award was presented to Jorge Fernandez for the leadership abilities, service to the community, and keen humor displayed throughout the police academy. The Matthew Thebeau Memorial Award is in the memory of Corpus Christi Police Officer Matthew Thebeau who was killed in the line of duty in 2008. A $500 cash award accompanies the Thebeau Award for the purpose to purchase equipment the recipient may require in the capacity to serve as a patrol officer.

The Director of Training is Captain John Houston and his training staff includes:

Senior Officers Robert Chapa; Doc Ellis; Denise Pace; Travis Pace; Joseph Piedra; and Karl Wright.

The guest speaker for the graduation ceremony is the Honorable Sandra Watts, Judge 117th District Court. The Corpus Christi Police Department congratulates and recognizes the tremendous accomplishments of the 70th Corpus Christi Police Academy Class.

Adam District, Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Division

18 Wheeler Blown Off Road Thursday Night

Occurred Thursday, May 10, 2012, 10:40pm, 8600 Interstate Highway 37 C1203589

Corpus Christi Police Officers were busy as a result of severe weather overnight Thursday with several vehicle crashes, roadways obstructed by debris, and high water hazards.

Winds were reported to have caused a truck tractor and a semitrailer to roll over. The trailer hauled asphalt and the operator of the vehicle was taken to the hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the crash. The recovery crews returned at 10:00am Friday morning to provide cleanup of the crash scene.

The 52 year old operator of the vehicle was not cited for any traffic offense. The cause of the crash is believed to be high winds. The vehicle traveled north on Interstate Highway 37 in the right lane and landed in the ditch on the right side of the road.

Adam District, Patrol Division

Man Arrested For Attempted Kidnapping

Occurred Thursday, May 10, 2012, 7:40pm, 1900 Archdale attempted kidnapping 1205100124

An 8-year-old girl is safe after a 67-year-old man was arrested for attempting to force the girl into a home at the 1900 block of Archdale Thursday night.

A 30-year-old woman told Corpus Christi Police Officers a man grabbed her 8-year-old daughter and attempted to force the girl into a home. The girl was released by the man when other people saw the struggle. The girl was unharmed but frightened. The girl provided police with the address and a description of the man.

Corpus Christi Police Officers went to the address and met 67-year-old Joseph Hasty (2/10/1945). Hasty was identified as the person that attempted to take the girl into his home and Hasty was arrested for kidnapping.

Kidnapping is a third degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Corpus Christi Police have a few safety tips: parents to teach their children to be aware of their surroundings; play in a group as there is safety in numbers; don’t talk to strangers; if anyone sees anything unusual, call police immediately. Parents are encouraged to research reported criminal activity and registered sex offenders in their neighborhood. The best source for reported criminal activity and valuable information in Corpus Christi is Crimereports.com.

Criminal Investigations Division, Delta District

Help Needed to ID Male Who Exposed Himself to Student

 

Occurred on 5/7/12, 2:38 pm Indecent Exposure 101 Baldwin Boulevard 12005080018

Corpus Christi Police Department Detectives are asking the public’s assistance in identifying a male who exposed himself to a Del Mar College student checking her grades at the Garcia Science Building.  The student told Officers she observed a male standing by the doorway who followed her up the stairs to the second floor, remaining by the stairwell.

The victim told Officers she checked her grades and as she returned to the stairwell to exit the building she observed the male still standing in the stairway looking at her through the door’s window. As she entered the stairwell she observed the male exposing himself.  The victim walked by the male, ignoring him, but the suspect followed her as she walked to her vehicle. The victim was able to safely enter her car and observed the suspect leave in a small green two-door vehicle.

The suspect is described as a Black male, 25 to 35 years of age, 5’8” feet tall and weighing 180 lbs. He was last seen wearing a short sleeve shirt and long dark shorts.  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.

The Police Department recommends that you always be aware of your surroundings, partner up with a friend or family member, always take the elevator, and keep your cell phone with you at all times.   Keep yourself safe by trusting your “sixth sense or your intuition,” if a situation feels unsafe, avoid it.  For further information on Personal Safety Tips or to schedule Personal Safety presentation, please contact Crime Prevention Advisor Brenda Moreno at 361-886-2568.

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.

Delta District

Laundry Employee Uninjured During Robbery

Occurred on 5/9/12, 11:41 pm  Aggravated Robbery   1722 Prescott Drive    1205090084 

A Jiffy Express Wash Coin Laundry employee reported she was working at her desk when a Hispanic male armed with a steak knife walked in and demanded money.  The employee complied with his demand and the suspect fled on foot with an undetermined amount of money.

Officers searched the area for the suspect, but were unable to locate him.  He is described as a Hispanic male, 19 to 21 years of age , 5’8” feet tall, and weighing 140 lbs.  He was last seen wearing a black shirt black shorts, and a baseball cap.

Anyone with any information on this robbery 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.

Adam District

18-Wheeler Accident Shuts Down IH 37

Occurred on 5/9/12, 10:32 am   Major Accident   13200 IH 37    C1203539  

Officers reported an 18-wheeler traveling on 77 NB turning onto IH 37 NB when the semi-tractor trailer lost its load, an empty 10,000 gallon fuel tank.  The truck veered off and struck the center barrier blocking all lanes.  Officers discovered the fuel tank was not secured correctly and rolled onto the grassy median of the access road. 

Traffic was diverted from IH 37 onto Redbird Lane until the vehicle was removed from the Interstate and a fuel spill from the tractor-trailer was cleaned up.  The Texas Department of Transportation  responded to inspect the damaged Jersey Barrier, whilst the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to check the status of the fuel spill. 

The 30-year-old driver received minor injuries in the accident.  He was cited for a load securement violation.

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.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter