Impersonating a Police Officer Arrest
March 21st at 10:50pm, while driving a white Crown Victoria with a light system and wearing a ‘police type uniform,’ bullet proof vest, gun belt equipped with mace, handcuffs and a handgun, Michael Escobar drove behind a vehicle being driven by a 14 year old girl (her 16 year old friend was also with her) and ‘enacted’ a traffic stop. The unsuspecting girls believed the Michael was a police officer engaging his light system and pulled into the Metro Center Mall to comply with his authority.
Within minutes of the stop, both girls became suspicious and nervous. Fortunately, the Desert Sky Mall security was patrolling the parking lot and drove close to the traffic stop. This action caused Michael to become anxious and he walked back to his ‘patrol car.’ Michael then called 911 to report that he was with a State Recovery Agency and was ‘out’ with a vehicle that was driving erratically.
A Maryvale Precinct Sergeant responded to the ‘traffic stop.’ The sergeant’s probing questions revealed that Michael Escobar did not work for a state agency of any kind as he claimed, but he was impersonating a police officer. Moreover, the girls were not driving erratically, but safely traveling on Thomas Road.
Fortunately, these cases are rare, but there are people who will attempt to impersonate a police officer. For this reason, we would like to advise the public that when an officer is enacting a traffic stop, it is best to safely drive to a well-lighted area and then pull to the side of the road or into a parking lot. Officers are required to carry their badge and commission card, so citizens can also ask to see their identification. Lastly, in cases where the traffic stop is being enacted by an outside agency or if the officer’s identity is still in question, citizens can call 911 and the operator can attempt to contact the respective agency. If this is not possible, a Phoenix Police Officer can be dispatched to the traffic stop.
Officers Pull Elderly Man from Apartment Fire
On 03-01-08, Officer Collier and Officer Dunivan were flagged down by a citizen reference an apartment fire at 5001 N. 11th Avenue. The officers drove to this location and found flames coming from a second floor apartment. They had arrived before the Fire Department, and therefore did not have any protective equipment to shield them from the flames. In spite of the danger involved, they immediately ran to this apartment and found a 72 year-old man collapsed in the doorway. With the help of citizens, the officers were able to carry the man downstairs and to safety. All of the above listed officers then worked together to evacuate the other residents of the apartment complex.
Each officer was transported to the hospital for smoke related treatment. Officer Collier was also treated for a minor burn she sustained while pulling the elderly man to safety.
Officers Teach Preschool Children About Calling 9-1-1
On March 24,2008, Officer Aimee Knight and Officer Marie Espinoza, spoke to preschool children at the Family of Christ Church and Preschool about calling 911. Officer Knight began her career with the Phoenix Police Department as a Communications Operator. While in this position, she learned how to train young children on the 911 system. Through her personal experiences as a Communications Operator (where she would occasionally talk to young children who would call 911) and her training, she has become very proficient in teaching children how to use the emergency system. Listed below are some areas that Officer Knight and Officer Espinoza spoke about to the children:
1. Knowing your Mom and Dad's full name or the names of who they live with.
2. Knowing your address and phone number.
3. Stranger danger
4. Emergencies
The Phoenix Police Department would like to remind parents that as soon as their children can talk, they can learn about the 911 system. Parents should role-play with their children so they can learn to call 911 and be able to provide the necessary personal information. In addition, it is important to teach children the types of events that are considered ‘emergencies.’
Wake-Up Kids and Neighborhood Association Partner with Police to Eradicate Graffiti
On March 13th and 15th, 2008, respectively, the R.E. Simpson School Phoenix Wake Up! Club and the Loma Linda Neighborhood Association partnered with the Phoenix Police Department’s School Resource Officers assigned to the Squaw Peak Precinct to help eradicate Graffiti in our neighborhoods. The precinct’s Graffiti Abatement Team (G.A.T.) worked with students from R.E. Simpson School in the Alhambra School District to paint the new park at 23rd Avenue and Camelback Road. Forty-One student participants enthusiastically painted just about the entire interior circumference of the park. Under the supervision of Phoenix police SRO officers and Simpson School staff, Denise Warren and Maurine “Mo” Dewhurst, the students used rollers to undo the harm local graffiti vandals had inflicted on our neighborhood. Two days later, the G.A.T. team, specifically officers from the Squaw Peak Precinct, assisted local neighborhood activists and members of the Loma Linda Neighborhood Association, a registered Block Watch group in Phoenix, with ridding that residential neighborhood of graffiti.
The G.A.T. program is the result of a P.P.D. / S.P.P partnership with the Loma Linda Neighborhood Association, and was funded by a City of Phoenix 2007 Block Watch Grant. The G.A.T. partnership brings police and community together to engage the common concerns that result from graffiti vandalism. In its first month in practice, the Graffiti Abatement Team has successfully brought communities together against graffiti. You see … “together against graffiti,” (T.A.G.) is the inverse acronym for G.A.T. Clever R.E. Simpson School student Shane Redosta is responsible for that one…Graffiti Abatement Team – Together Against Graffiti. His involvement and word play is further evidence of the G.A.T. program’s ability to bring communities, and generations, together.
Detectives Receive Award from Major Retailers Industry
During the week of the 2008 NFL Super Bowl, the Phoenix Police Department provided many services and much assistance to ensure that this was a safe and successful event. The NFL Super Bowl Counterfeiting Detail was formed to provide investigative assistance to Officials of the National Football League as well as Investigative Consultants representing approximately 89 various corporation trademarks. While working with the ICE Contraband Smuggling Unit, this detail worked city-wide searching for counterfeiting and trademark violations.
This NFL Counterfeiting Detail was formed just prior to the Super Bowl week and consisted of detectives from both the North and South Property Investigations Units. Although these detectives had minimal experience in dealing with counterfeiting and trademark issues, excellent training was provided to them by Sergeants Mike Fulleton and Matt Siekmann as well as Detective Dave Lake. Detective Lake also did a fine job of coordinating planning between the NFL Officials, Private Industry Representatives and the Phoenix Police Property Management Bureau; to ensure that the overall efforts
were organized and that arrangements had been made for storage of an anticipated large volume of evidence and seized property.
Due to their extensive knowledge and prior experience in counterfeiting and pirating issues, Detective Lake acted as the lead investigator during this detail and Sergeant Fulleton acted as the primary lead supervisor. Sergeant Siekmann provided much assistance as the direct liaison to the Joint Operations Command and coordinated the Counterfeiting Detail’s response to all incoming radio call requests from patrol, as well as requests for assistance by private industry representatives. Sergeant Siekmann also responded with the Counterfeiting Detail and assisted at many of the scenes during the week.
These Detectives worked strenuous twelve plus hour shifts throughout the week and many of these work shifts extended beyond fifteen hours or longer. The week’s activity was highlighted by a search warrant on Monday, 01-28-08 at 1321 E. Washington and by four search warrants that were served on Saturday night, 02-02-08, at the Friendly Inn located at 201 N 7th Avenue. Both search warrants netted numerous items of NFL counterfeit products such as various Super Bowl T-shirts, NFL and other sports jerseys and numerous items of counterfeit sports footwear and other apparel.
Also, on 02-01-08, eighty-eight (88) retail store outlets were inspected resulting in the seizure of numerous other counterfeit items including thousands of pirated CD’s and DVD’s. Also during the week 23 Civil Cease and Desist Orders were served on various vendors and retail stores who were selling counterfeit merchandise.
The NFL Counterfeiting Detail made 20 arrests, served 5 search warrants and seized approximately $250,000 worth of counterfeit merchandise in Phoenix. The total valley-wide counterfeit enforcement effort led to the seizure of $472,498 worth of NFL and other counterfeit merchandise. These were approximate whole sale dollar amounts as the actual retail worth of the seizures was in the neighborhood of $800,000.
This was a major accomplishment made possible by the outstanding teamwork and combined efforts of these listed supervisors and detectives while working with Federal Law Enforcement, other local agencies and Private Industry Representatives including National Football League Officials. Congratulations -
Sergeant Mike Fulleton
Sergeant Jeff Yost
Sergeant Joseph Kalmbach
Sergeant Matt Siekmann
Detective Dave Lake
Detective Kathy Magill
Detective Jeff Li
Detective Larry Espinoza
Detective April Flores
Detective Jolene Mangum
Detective Sean Clark
Detective John Day
Detective Larry Lattanzi
Detective Brian Guertin
Detective Frank Angel
Officers Win Super Bowl 4 on 4 Flag Football Tournament
The tournament was held on Super Bowl weekend as one of the many activities brought to the valley for the Super Bowl. A group of officers from the Phoenix Police Department put a team in this tournament and ended up going undefeated throughout the tournament and capped it off by winning the championship game. All the officers received autographed footballs and a photo with Torry and Terrance Holt for winning the tournament. The officers on the team were as follows:
Ernie Pina - VCB
Alex Ortiz - VCB
Rudy Dominguez -VCB
Jason Scarpati - VCB
Kenny Mitchell – 800
Marty Rincon
Dodgeball Team Wins Gold Medal
The benefit was for MCSO employee (unsworn) David Lickwar and our own SAU Officer Brian Howe. A real close but ball park figure of the amount raised is approx just over $4,000. The team won first place in last years tournament (’06) and also this year in ’07. Thanks to Jason Hall this year’s tournament included Brian Howe. It was the third annual. The sponsors for the event are MCSO and M-59 which is Jason’s non-profit church group.
Dodgeball Team included -
Jason Hall
Christopher Trapp
Ernie Pina
JD Kurtis Merena
Brandy Villarreal
Ben Baltzer
Chad Jensen
Brian Issitt
Michael Bosworth
Dave Perkins
Bomb Detection K-9 Teams Honored by TSA
Three of the Bomb Detection K-9 Teams were honored by the TSA for their
assistance when a major equipment failure threatened to seriously hamper
operations right in the middle of the rush for Super Bowl patrons flying
out of the valley. The teams worked very hard to keep things moving.
Armed Robbery Arrest
On January 2nd at 9:40PM, Officer James Sink #6440 and Officer Andy Baraciz #7428, from the Phoenix Police Department’s Transit Bureau, were on routine patrol near the bus stop at the Paradise Valley Mall, when they witnessed Daniel McFarland H/M 11/28/90 robbing a man at gunpoint at the Bank of America ATM. The officers gave commands to the suspect to drop the weapon. Upon hearing the officers, the suspect ran from the scene. The officers chased Mc Farland, containing him until other officers could assist with the arrest.
Through their investigation, the officers learned that the victim was an employee of one of the mall’s businesses. It appears that the suspect was surveilling the victim; thereby targeting him, because he was depositing the money from his business.
Officers Help Elderly Woman
Officers responded to the 1300 block of west Mariposa Avenue in regards to a call from an elderly female (91 years old) who reported that she had not eaten in a couple of days. Officers Steve Paul #5662 and Sidney Price #8020 contacted this elderly homebound woman and discovered that her food delivery service for the week had not come by her home. A check of the residence confirmed that she was out of food. The Officers attempted to make contact with the agency responsible for providing the food delivery but were unable to reach anyone due to it being a holiday weekend. Efforts by the officers to contact an agency that could provide food service were unsuccessful. The officers then decided to go to a local grocery store and purchase groceries with their own funds. Both officers took special care of this elderly woman in a companionate and caring manner and their actions truly make a difference in our community.
Taking Time to Listen
Squaw Peak Precinct
Summary: Sergeant Rodrigo Hernandez of the Squaw Peak Precinct met with the school principle of Orangewood Elementary School and was told about a student (Steven, 10 years old) who was missing too many school days and seemed to be experiencing some unknown personal problems. Steven was not opening up to the school staff and they were having a hard time dealing with him. Sergeant Hernandez requested Officer Mark Dolniak #6298 to contact Steven and spend time with him talking about anything and everything. During Officer Dolniak’s contact; Steven broke down, telling him that his mother died a few years ago and that he has no contact with his father. Steven stated that he lives with his Grandmother, Grandfather, and younger brother Danny. The grandparents have some personal issues and are not well equipped to take care for these two boys. Sergeant Hernandez and Officer Dolniak have maintained contact with Steven and have learned that he returned to a new school and has missed very little class time. On Saturday December 22, 2007, Officer Charles Baber # 6449 and Sergeant Hernandez purchased and presented Steven and Danny with gifts for Christmas and told them that they would continue to check on them to make sure they stay in school.
That’s What I’m Talking About
Squaw Peak Precinct
Summary: Officers responded to the 1300 block of west Mariposa Avenue in regards to a call from an elderly female (91 years old) who reported that she had not eaten in a couple of days. Officers Steve Paul #5662 and Sidney Price #8020 contacted this elderly homebound woman and discovered that her food delivery service for the week had not come by her home. A check of the residence confirmed that she was out of food. The Officers attempted to make contact with the agency responsible for providing the food delivery but were unable to reach anyone due to it being a holiday weekend. Efforts by the officers to contact an agency that could provide food service were unsuccessful. The officers then decided to go to a local grocery store and purchase groceries with their own funds. Both officers took special care of this elderly woman in a companionate and caring manner and their actions truly make a difference in our community.
Christmas Cheer from the 62J Squad
The 62J squad also spread special holiday cheer this year by adopting a family of refugees from the Congo (mom, dad and 6 kids). The squad purchased presents for everyone and then came in early the Friday before Christmas; wrapped the presents; and the delivered the gifts, along with dinner (turkey, potatoes, stuffing, etc.) to the family.
This was a well thought out event. The squad starting collecting money to adopt a family for the holidays back in September. Once a week, in briefing, they would have a 10 question trivia quiz on questions from Ops Orders, Title 28, Title 13, City of Phoenix facts, department history, and miscellaneous other topics of information. Everyone had to pitch in a dollar to play, and they upped the ante as it drew closer to Christmas. They all had fun; everybody learned something each week; and they were ultimately able to help a family in need at Christmas.
Central City Officers Give Gifts to Hacienda De Los Angeles Patients
Thursday, December 20th marked the eighteenth year that the Central City Precinct fulfilled the wish list for dozens of patients residing at the Hacienda De Los Angeles (located at 1402 E. South Mountain Ave). Each year the patients from the Hacienda generate wish lists for items that they would like for Christmas. The facility then gives the lists to the precinct and officers take the initiative to purchase the gifts. On this date, officers from the Central City Precinct brought presents, Santa Clause, and a caravan of police cars to the Hacienda. They then sat with the patients and help them open their gifts.
The patients at the Hacienda De Los Angeles are all ages and suffer from severe physical and mental disabilities.
Maryvale Precinct Adopts Two Families for the Holidays
Officers from the Maryvale Precinct helped the following two families during this holiday season.
Family #1
Officers from the Maryvale Precinct received information about a family in dire need from a teacher and the School Resource Officer at Atkinson Middle School. This was a family of six (mom, dad, and four daughters ranging in age from 6 to 14 years old). Fourteen year-old Elizabeth was diagnosed with a genetic condition known as cranial malformations, which left her paralyzed at the waist and confined to a wheelchair. The mother, Margarita, recently had to quit her job to provide 24-hour care for Elizabeth, and Juan worked part-time as a construction worker earning $300.00 per week. This family was desperately in need of basic household items that many of us take for granted. Officers contacted area businesses and received numerous household items for the family (including a new dryer, beds, crib, toys and clothes).
Family #2
While helping Margarita’s family, the officers discovered that Margarita’s mother, father, grandmother, brother, as well as her brother’s 3 children (4, 6, and 7 years old) were also in need of help. Seven year-old Gabriela was undergoing treatment for leukemia. The home they all lived in did not have heat and space heaters were needed. The fixed income the family earned barely covered their basic necessities, and as a result, the family was in need of clothes, toys and basic household items.
The officers actively searched for donations to help these families. Their efforts were successful, and they were able to collect a vast amount of Christmas gifts, as well as numerous household items. On December 20th, the officers, along with Santa Clause and a caravan of police cars, delivered presents and food from Saint Mary’s Food Bank to the families.
Cactus Park Officers Help a Family Find a Temporary Home
On December 18th, two officers from the Cactus Park Precinct were flagged down by a citizen who told them there was a family of seven living out of their Suburban at 26th Ave and Salter. The officers went to this location and did in fact find a family living out of their car. During the conversation that followed, the officers discovered that the family was forced to live in these conditions until December 26, when they would have enough money to move into the Studio 6 (located at 18405 N. 27th Ave).
The officers were concerned for the family, because Gary, the father, worked at Wal-Mart from 9:00pm to 7:00am, which left his wife and their five children (ages 14 months to 12 years old) in the car by themselves. In an effort to help the family find a safe, warm, temporary home, the officers pooled money together and arranged for them to stay at the Studio 6 until their scheduled move-in date. The officers also paid to have the family’s inoperable Suburban towed to the motel.
91G Officers Give Young Girl a Bike for Christmas
Officers from the 91G squad helped bring Christmas joy to a 9 year-old girl who had suffered from years of abuse. The officers visit the little 9 year-old often and they have formed an emotional bond with her. To lift her Christmas spirits, they bought a bike she wanted for Christmas and gave it to her on December 24th.
Central City Precinct Officers Help Family at Christmas
During their response to a domestic violence call, where the husband assaulted his wife in front of their kids and then left the house, Officer Pineda and Officer Stussy noticed that the family did not have any food in their house, gifts for the kids or a Christmas tree. To bring happiness to this family, the officers immediately went to Food City and purchased groceries for the family. The next day, the officers visited the City’s Toy Drive and collected gifts for the four children. Of course, their Christmas would not be complete without a Christmas tree, so the officers searched and found a special tree. They then delivered all of the items to the family the weekend before Christmas. |
