Charlie District

Man Attempts to Take Car With Keys In The Ignition

Occurred March 20, 2012 9:46am  Robbery  5425 S. Padre Island Dr. 1203200039

Corpus Christi Police were called to Moore Plaza for a carjacking at 9:46am Tuesday. A 37-year-old man told police an unknown man tried to take his car by force behind the Target department store.

The victim explained that he is a maintenance worker and left the keys in the ignition to his green 2000 Chevy Prism while he performed his duties outside his car. The victim said an unknown Hispanic man in the middle 20’s of age with a shaved head, white t-shirt, and gray sweat pants got into the driver’s seat.

The victim said he jumped into the car and fought with the unknown man for control of the car until the unknown man left running toward Williams Drive. The victim was not injured in a manner which would require treatment by emergency medical technicians. The unknown man has not yet been located by police.

Community Outreach

Spring Break 2012 By The Numbers

Occurred March 9-19, 2012          Spring Break 2012 Statistics

The Corpus Christi Police Department had several goals to promote a safe environment for Spring Breakers in 2012. The Emergency Operations Center was activated to serve as a central communications post for area emergency responders, there was an emphasis on the safe transit of motorists on the roadways, and there was an emphasis on beach safety.

The Corpus Christi Police occupied the Emergency Operations Center to employ the use of the video cameras that view the beach, the roadways, and certain areas of town. The police officers sent twitter and facebook updates about the beach traffic and conditions. The use of the Emergency Operations served as an exercise for regional emergency responders for familiarization and practice to prepare for any large emergent event.

The Corpus Christi Police Department emphasized the safe transit of motorists by providing increased traffic patrol on densely traveled roadways in the city. The Corpus Christi Police issued 867 citations on Padre Island between March 9 and March 19 for this effort. Only 161 citations were issued for speeding. Most of the citations (282) were for an expired vehicle registration or expired inspection. The other citations were:  41 for uninsured motorists, 24 for not having the proof of insurance available, 52 for disregard a barricade, 61 for unlicensed drivers, 4 for driving with a suspended license, 122 Adults without seatbelts, 59 Children without seatbelts, 6 Minors in possession of alcohol, and 1 violation of curfew. There were 7 vehicle crashes reported on the beach and 24 vehicles were taken to the city impound lot.

The police officers patrolled the crowds on the beach and effected arrests only when necessary in the matter of safety. The Corpus Christi police Department recorded 50 arrests on the beach which were:

23 for Public Intoxication;

11 for Possession of Marijuana;

9 for Warrants for arrest;

1 disorderly conduct;

And 6 other arrests.

There were two individuals on two different days for the duration of this Spring Break that arrived at area hospitals for treatment of injuries they said originated on the beach (Case numbers 1203160036; and 1203140008). Police were not made aware of the injuries until the persons revealed themselves at the hospitals for treatment.

The Corpus Christi Police Department provided an added emphasis on safety on the public roadways by an increased effort to apprehend intoxicated drivers. The Corpus Christi Police made 25 arrests city-wide for the time period of March 9 through March 19. There were 19 arrests for a first Driving While Intoxicated offense; 2 arrests for Driving While Intoxicated as a 2nd offense (1 previous conviction for D.W.I.), 1 Driving While Intoxicated as a third offense (at least 2 previous convictions for D.W.I.).  There were 3 drivers arrested for driving intoxicated while under the age of 21.

The Corpus Christi Police Department continues the commitment to work as an equal partner with the community to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime, and enhance public safety.

Delta District

9-Month-Old Kidnapping Victim Returned Uninjured After Kidnapper Arrested

Occurred on 3/19/12, 5:28 p.m.   Kidnapping/Burglary of a Habitation  3002 Antelope   1203190127

The Corpus Christi Police Department arrested Cordera Ray Walton (07/18/88) for the kidnapping of a 9-month-old infant female.

On March 19, 2012, at approximately 5:28 p.m. the police department received a 911 call reporting a kidnapping of a 9-month-old baby from the Spanish Oaks Apartment complex.  The victim’s grandfather told Officers, Walton and another male pushed their way into the home and assaulted him. 

Both men left in a gold 2000 Chevrolet Suburban taking the child with them.  An intense search for the child proved fruitful when the vehicle and Walton were located at the 1100 block of Josephine Street. 

Walton was taken into custody and the child who was uninjured was later taken back to Spanish Oaks by a family member. 

Walton was arrested and charged with Burglary of a Habitation Intending Other Felony and Kidnapping.  He is currently booked at the City Detention Center.

The Corpus Christi Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 361-886-2841.  Callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS.

Delta District

Husband & Wife Hospitialized After Party Comes to a Violent End

Occurred on 3/18/12, 04:30 am   Aggravated Assault   112 Blevins   1203180035 

Officers responded earlier to the residence for a disturbance, but prior to the Officers arrival, the suspects left in a pick-up truck.  A later call for police assistance advised the suspects had returned and several shots had been fired. 

Officers arrived to find a very chaotic scene with several hysterical family members assisting a 33-year-old Hispanic male who been beaten and left lying in the street. 

The victim’s wife told Officers they were leaving the residence when a pick-up truck blocked their exit and two men dragged her husband from the truck.  The men began to hit the victim with a baseball bat and a crowbar. As the victim’s wife hurried to help her husband, one of the males pulled a handgun and began firing.  She was struck once on her back as she ran away. 

Both victims were taken to Spohn Memorial with non-life threatening injuries. 

One suspect was described as a 36-year-old Hispanic male, 5’11” feet tall, and weighing 240 lbs.  The second suspect was described only as a Hispanic male.  Both fled in an older pick-up truck.  

Anyone having information regarding this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or call the Corpus Christi Police Department Homicide/Robbery Bureau at 361-886-2841.

Bravo District

Pedestrian Struck When Failing to Use Crosswalk

Occurred on 3/17/12, 8:03 p.m.  Major Accident   5940 SPID   C1202062

Officers responded to an accident in which the driver of a white 1997 Dakota Tacoma pick-up truck struck a pedestrian as he attempted to cross S. Padre Island Drive.  The victim failed to use a marked cross walk.

The 30-year-old victim sustained life threatening injuries and was taken to Spohn Memorial where he remains in critical condition.

The 32-year-old driver of the pick-up truck was cited for Driving While License Suspended/Invalid.

Delta District

Victim Robbed in Early Morning Trip to Laundry Mat

Occurred on 3/18/12, 07:30 a.m.  Robbery   3700 Leopard   120318044 

Officers responded the Woodlawn Shopping Center and contacted the 52-year-old victim who reported he was in the laundry mat when two persons asked him for directions. 

The New York native was unable to provide directions, but was able to pull a map up on his phone and show it to the suspects.  As they were talking near the suspects’ vehicle, one of them grabbed his phone and they began drive off in a blue Ford Explorer.  

The victim grabbed the phone and hung on to the sports utility vehicle as it sped off.  He was dragged 40 to 60 feet before he fell off.  The victim sustained minor scrapes to his face, arms, and legs.  He refused to be taken to the hospital for medical treatment, but was treated at the scene, by CCFD Emergency Personnel.  He was later escorted to the Spohn Memorial by Officers. 

The suspect is described as a Hispanic female, 22 to 27 years of age, 5’5” feet tall, and weighing 130 lbs.  She was accompanied by a Hispanic male, 24 to 28 years of age, and weighing 200 to 230 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and pants. 

Anyone with any information regarding this crime can call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or the Corpus Christi Police Department Homicide/Robbery Bureau at 361-886-2841.

Community Outreach

Chief Simpson Meets the Public

Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson conducted several “Meet and Greet” events this week which included the Black Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March, 16, 2012.

Girl Scout Troop 9631 opened the event with a flag ceremony and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chief Simpson was introduced by the President of the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Ann Tryon, on the 6th floor of the City Hall.  The Chair of the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Geraldine Johnson provided a welcome to the gathering and the Assistant City Manager, Troy Riggs provided opening statements to introduce Chief Simpson.

Mayor Joe Adame watched from the side as Chief Simpson shared comments about the city. “I plan to be here a long time.” Chief Simpson said. “This is not a fly-by-night operation for me. I saw the good progress the city team started in this city and I wanted to get on board before we reached the finish line.”

City Councilman Mark Scott, District 32 State Representative Todd hunter, Nueces County Sheriff JIm Kaelin, Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha, and District 34 State Representative Connie Scott were among those in attendance for Chief Simpson’s welcome by the Chamber.

             

Bravo District

Single Vehicle Fatal Crash on Yorktown

Occurred March 16, 2012 4:40am  Vehicle Crash that involved Death   C1201995

Corpus Christi Police responded to a single vehicle crash at about 4:40 Friday morning which involved a death. Police and medical crews were called to the 6000 block of Yorktown for a vehicle that left the roadway and struck a brick wall.

Police discovered a white 2003 General Motors Corporation Yukon with front right damage and found a single occupant of the vehicle. The driver of the Yukon was taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital. The driver of the vehicle expired and experts with Corpus Christi Police Traffic Division were summoned to document the crash.

The medical examiner will conduct an inquiry to determine the cause of death of the driver. Officers at the scene collected information that indicates the driver may have suffered a medical condition prior to the crash causing the vehicle to travel off the roadway.

Bravo District

Passenger In A Knife Fight Over Lowering A Car Window

Occurred March 15, 2012 1:56pm Aggravated Assault 5100 Staples  1203150069

A 21-year-old man was arrested Thursday in the area of Staples and S.P.I.D. for aggravated assault after an argument with a roommate over lowering a car window.

Corpus Christi Police were called to the 5100 block of South Staples where an off duty police officer and a retired federal agent had stopped a fight with a knife that happened in the roadway. Police learned that 21-year-old Scott Lohman (2/8/1991) was in a fight with his 21-year-old roommate.

The 21-year-old victim explained that Lohman drove a brown 2011 Chevy Malibu and would not permit the victim to lower the window. The victim was the passenger in the car and when he complained about the heat; Lohman turned on the heater to the vehicle. The passenger asked Lohman if Lohman intended to kill him. Lohman then presented a knife and said that the knife would kill the passenger, not the heat.

The passenger and Lohman struggled for control of the knife. The two then exited the vehicle and continued to fight until the fight was stopped by an off duty police officer and a retired federal agent.

The passenger had minor, non-life threatening cuts as a result of the struggle. Lohman was arrested and delivered to the city detention center.

Criminal Investigations Division, Delta District

Update on In-Custody Death

On Sunday February 12th at about 2:14 AM, the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Corpus Christi Fire Department were called to a home in the 1700 block of Morales to assist a man who was reportedly having difficulty breathing. The responding public safety personnel discovered a 48-year-old man displaying obvious signs of medical distress.  Sr. Officer Mike Wertanen and Officer Brandon Cordell assisted the medics by restraining the man and placing him in handcuffs.  This allowed the medics to provide emergency medical treatment.  Medics subsequently transported the man by ambulance to Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. 

Today, March 15, 2012, the Nueces County Medical Examiner ruled the death as a homicide.  Although a homicide means that the nature of the death was not natural, it does not indicate the death was caused by any wrongdoing.

The Corpus Christi Police Department Criminal Investigation Division will continue with the investigation into the matter.  Once the investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the grand jury.  This is the standard procedure in all in-custody deaths.

As is also standard procedure, an internal administrative review that was started immediately following the event will continue.  This review will determine if the policies and procedures of the Corpus Christi Police Department were followed.

The Officers involved will remain on restricted duty pending the outcome of the investigation and the ruling by the Grand Jury.

Information released on February 15, 2012 by the Corpus Christi Police Department

Corpus Christi Police Department Homicide Detectives are continuing their investigation into the death of a 48 year-old man who died following a struggle with police officers and medics early Sunday morning at a home in the 1700 block of Morales Street. On Sunday February 12th at about 2:14 AM, the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Corpus Christi Fire Department were called to the home to assist a man who was reportedly having difficulty breathing. The responding public safety personnel discovered a 48-year-old man displaying obvious signs of medical distress. Before he could be treated, the man began struggling with the medics. Officers assisted the medics by restraining the man and placing him in handcuffs. Officers did not deploy their Tasers nor utilize pepper spray to subdue the man. After being handcuffed, the man suddenly quit breathing. Officers immediately removed the handcuffs so the medics could begin CPR. Medics then rushed the man by ambulance to Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Homicide Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses to the incident, including family members and the emergency personnel who responded to the scene. The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office has completed an autopsy on the man, but the final report has not yet been released pending the results of certain tests. Two of the responding Officers have been placed on Administrative Leave, which is standard Police Department procedure in all such instances. They are Senior Officer Mike Wertanen, a 22 year veteran of the Police Department, and Officer Brandon Cordell, who has four years with CCPD. The Officers will remain on leave pending the outcome of a thorough investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division. Once the investigation is completed it will be submitted to the District Attorneys Office and presented to the Grand Jury, which is standard procedure in all in-custody deaths.

 Note: Click here to see the original information released by the Corpus Christi Police Department http://wp.me/p1D8kP-11H

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter