Like gypsies in the night: LMPD 3rd Division crime trends for January, 2012

Courtesy of your SW Metro Council representatives, here are the most recent Crime Trends for the LMPD 3rd Division. Specific trends to be aware of are as follows:

There were three separate burglaries reported in the 4800-4900 blocks of Dixie Hwy. Each time, a concrete block was thrown through the front window of the business and all three happened after dark. One report had a suspect listed as a white male.

There was a home burglary reported in Hunters Point. The victim was inside when a white or Hispanic male wearing a red hat and blue jacket, forced his way in the back of the home. Please call police with any information you may have regarding this case.

A green utility trailer was reported stolen from a driveway off Upper Hunters. The trailer is reported to be metal with wooden sideboards and floorboards and has B &G Framing written on the side in black marker. If you spot this trailer, please call police.

3 car break-ins were reported on the lot of Wal-Mart at 7100 Raggard Rd. Police arrested the suspect, who admitted to breaking in to all 3 cars. All property was then returned to the victims.

A theft of a vehicle was reported on Freeman Ave. The vehicle was taken while the victim still had the keys. SUV is a red Mercury Mountaineer KY 040MBN.

A separate vehicle was reported stolen from Iroquois Gardens Dr. That vehicle is described as a 1997 black Honda Civic KY 111HES.

A home burglary was reported on Palatka Rd. where 2 guns were stolen, along with other valuables. The weapons are described as a .22 Springfield rifle and a Remington 12 gauge shotgun.

A burglary of a garage was reported on Elmer Ln. An unknown suspect kicked in the door and took tools along with a red Honda motorcycle.

Vehicle parts were taken from a car lot on National Turnpike during closed business hours. Parts were later recovered after being found by the business owner. Please keep an eye out if you are out along this road, especially during the overnight hours.

A burglary was reported on Gleam where the back door was kicked in and 2 guns, along with a computer were stolen. The weapons were a 12 gauge shotgun and a Remington 860.

2 thefts from autos were reported on East Dr. One vehicle had the window broken out and the other was left unlocked with a purse and its contents taken from inside. Remember to always lock your cars while away from them.

An air conditioning unit theft from a church was reported on Deering Rd.
 
A business burglary was reported on Valley Station Rd. Entry was made to the building and a safe with cash inside was taken.

Another air conditioning unit theft was reported from a church on Valley Station Rd.

Sun Valley on Ashby Ln. was burglarized last week when an unknown suspect/s gained entry to the parking lot and building and took a trailer and valuables. Any information you may have regarding this, please call the police.

There were 5 home burglaries reported South of Greenwood Rd and North of Hwy 841 during the last week, all were entered with force. Keep an eye out, especially if you are home during the day, for any suspicious activity or people that may be around your neighbors or your own home. Never hesitate to call the police with any concerns.

2 home burglaries were reported on Kinross Dr. The back door was pried on one and valuables were taken from inside both homes.

A John Deere green and yellow Gator was reported stolen from a construction site on Lower River Rd. Any information you may have in regards to this theft, please pas along to police.

Again, 2 separate vehicles were reported to have been “broken in” to by the victims leaving them UNLOCKED. If you have anything inside valuable enough to report to the police, LOCK YOUR CAR.

We appreciate any help from the community to solve crime. Please talk to all of your friends, family members, social and professional organizations and make them aware of this new service the Louisville Metro Police Department is offering. The more the information gets out to the community the better our chances of keeping Louisville safe.

3rd Division crime trends: Things are getting out of hand here

Ok, here are the most recent Crime Trends for the LMPD 3rd Division. Specific trends to be aware of are as follows:

- There were several thefts from autos and a home burglary reported along the Lower Hunters Trace corridor. ALL of these were the result of vehicles or homes being left unlocked and unattended. ALWAYS LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS WHILE AWAY.

- A silver Mazda 6 with KY license plate 672FET was reported stolen from a parking lot. Vehicle was left running, unlocked, with the keys inside. If you have any information for the police in reference to this crime, please call.

- The Smoke Shop on Terry Rd. was burglarized. Police are looking for a white male in his 20’s with a thin “chin strap” beard.

- There were 3 separate reports of car break-ins at Meadows South Nursing Home. In all thefts, the windows of the vehicles were broken out and valuables taken. Remember to hide all valuables or take them with you.

- Another theft report was taken by police where a man, dressed as a Louisville Water Co. employee, was let in to a home by the homeowner and proceeded to steal from them. If you have any information about this crime please call police.

- There were 2 reports of air conditioning units stolen from Hampton Place Ct. There were also 2 reports of MSD sewer grates taken from the area of Glimmer Way. Any info you may have, please don’t hesitate to call police.

- Again, there was a report of a home burglary and a theft from auto. Both the home and vehicle were UNLOCKED.

- A white male suspect was seen fleeing from a car break-in. The suspect vehicle police are looking for is a small tan or gold vehicle.

- There was a report of a home burglary off of Valley College Dr. The home was entered by force and many specific valuables were taken. Make sure to keep a good eye on any property where the occupants may be gone during normal, daytime working hours.

- Police are looking for a dark colored Chevy 4D occupied by a black male. The vehicle and suspect are wanted in reference to a home burglary.

- A Chevy pickup truck was observed taking wooden pallets from the 10000 block of Dixie Hwy. The license plate number of the wanted vehicle is KY tag 696LLV.

- A trailer was reported stolen with a 1999 Ford Ranger topper mounted to it. The suspect vehicle is reported as being a red or maroon older model Ford truck.

-2 separate thefts from autos were reported in Autumn Lake trailer park. In both thefts, force was used to enter the vehicles and take valuables. Remember to hide or remove all valuables from your car anytime you are away.

Authorites appreciate any help from the community to solve crime. Please talk to all of your friends, family members, social and professional organizations and make them aware of this new service the Louisville Metro Police Department is offering. The more the information gets out to the commmuntiy the better our chances of keeping Louisville safe.

UPDATE: District 12 Police Chief meeting also for Districts 13, 14 and 25

Editor's Note: This is an updated version of Monday's news about the District 12 "Coffee with your Councilman" meeting this Saturday. In addition to District 12, representatives from council Districts 13, 14 and 25 will also be present. Please come out and share your thoughts on the next police chief.

District 12 Councilman Rick Blackwell, District 14 Councilman Bob Henderson, District 25 Councilman David Yates and District 13 Councilwoman Vicki Welch will be holding a “Coffee With Your Councilperson” on Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00am at the Southwest Government Center (7219 Dixie Highway).

Residents are invited to voice their thoughts on the police department and input from citizens will be used to formulate specific questions for the candidates applying for LMPD’s Chief of Police position. If you cannot attend but would like to add your input, please visit this site and complete the survey.

Councilman Blackwell asking residents for input on next LMPD Chief

This December's "Coffee With Your Councilman" for District 12 will gather citizen input for the hiring of a new Chief of Louisville Police.

The event gets under way Saturday, December 3rd at 10am at the Southwest Regional Metro Council Office, 7219 Dixie Highway.

Louisville Metro is searching for a new Chief of Police and they want input from you. Each Metro Council Member will hold a meeting in their district to gather input from residents on what is important to them in their police department. Citizens will answer several questions regarding the current police department. Their answers will help formulate specific questions for the candidates for Chief of Police. This meeting is for anyone in District 12 who wants to provide input.

Residents who cannot attend Coffee With Your Councilman may visit this site to make sure their input is received. If you have any questions about Coffee With Your Councilman, please call 574-1112.

Council seeks to limit constable powers

The following is a press release from Tony Hyatt on behalf of the Louisville Metro Council regarding the stupid and insane behavior of "Constable" David Whitlock. Wanna-be Whitlock and his outrageous mockery of law enforcement ended with a shooting in the parking lot of a south west Louisville Wal-Mart last month.

Tony Hyatt is certainly nicer and more diplomatic than I would be about it. Perhaps that is why he is the Communications Director for the Majority Caucus and I blog about Valley Station. Whitlock is a punk and a poser with a badge and a gun, and the state legislature should eliminate this ridiculous title from the ballot. It isn't 1850 anymore. We don't need constables. -Brian

For Immediate Release:

Council members propose resolution calling for the investigation of Constable David Whitlock

Ordinance proposed to tighten controls over constables


Louisville – After meeting with Chief Robert White, three Louisville Metro Council members are moving forward with a proposed resolution and ordinance which deals with Jefferson County Constable David Whitlock.

Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12), Kelly Downard (R-16) and David James (D-6) have been in the process of reviewing the duties of Constables since a shooting last month involving Whitlock.

The resolution calls upon the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to review alleged violations of Kentucky Revised Statues by the Constable. The resolution says the review should determine if there has been misfeasance or malfeasance in office or willful neglect in the discharge of his official duties.

“In reviewing what actions can be taken, this appears to be the proper course of action in dealing with an elected state official,” says Blackwell. “As a matter of public safety, the time has come to review someone who is allegedly not interested in upholding the laws of the Commonwealth.”

The resolution cites Whitlock in several alleged violations; wearing a uniform and using a badge, failure to file monthly reports on activity with the Jefferson County clerk, using oscillating blue lights and a siren which has not been allowed by law since 2007 and illegally deputizing staff members to perform the duties of deputy constables.

The proposed ordinance re-enforces what a constable can and cannot do in Jefferson County.

“The ordinance will clearly spell out that a constable can wear a badge and a uniform but the uniform must not resemble that of the Jefferson County Sheriff or Sheriff’s Deputy and it must not resemble the uniform of a Louisville Metro Police Officer. The staff of the Constable will not be allowed to wear a uniform or carry a badge.” says James.

Violation of the proposed ordinance would be a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine ranging from $250 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.

“We are adding more teeth to the current ordinance,” says James. “The public should know that a constable is restricted by the State Constitution to certain legal duties. There is a major safety concern when we have peace officers that are untrained and unwilling to follow the law.”

Both measures will receive first reading on Thursday night during the Metro Council’s regular meeting.

LMPD 3rd District crime trends: Lock up your stuff

A home burglary was reported off of Flintlock were valuables were taken. Be vigilant in keeping your eyes and ears open for anything out of the ordinary, especially late at night. A second home burglary was reported in the same area where the victim saw a black male suspect wearing glasses try to break in to the front window. The suspect fled with nothing in a light blue 90’s model Toyota Corolla with rust.
A theft from a shed was reported off of Lower Hunters where big items were stolen. Always call the police with any suspicious activity you may witness.

A theft of a vehicle was reported off of Graston Ave.

An unknown white female was reported to have asked to use the bathroom inside a home on St. Andrews Church Rd. Once inside, the female is suspected to have stolen 2 pistols and a shotgun. Any information that you may have to help in the investigation, please call police.

A home burglary was reported off of Terry Rd. Force was used to get into the home where 4 different class rings along with other valuables were taken.

An air conditioning unit was reported stolen from a residence in Sylvania.

A vehicle was left UNLOCKED in the parking lot of the Walmart on Raggard Rd and a laptop was stolen from this car. ALWAYS LOCK YOUR VEHICLES AND SECURE ALL VALUABLES OUT OF PLAIN SIGHT.

There was a report of a home burglary off of St Andrews Church Rd. The glass on the back door was damaged and valuables inside were taken. Keep an eye out for any suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood and ALWAYS call the police with any concerns.

2 separate reports were taken on National Turnpike. The first was a vehicle that was broken into with valuable property inside. The second was a business burglary where a hole was cut into the fence in order to gain access to the property. If you happen to be out late at night and see any that you deem suspicious going on, never hesitate to call the police.

Police are looking for a gray truck that was seen to be involved in a theft on Fairdale Rd.

An MSD sewer grate was reported stolen on Sinclair. Any information you may have in regards to this type of theft, please call the police.

A firearm was reported stolen from a vehicle off of Torrington Rd. Remember to lock your vehicles and hide any valuables that you may have in plain sight. It’s best to leave nothing of value in your car anytime you are away from it.

We had 2 MSD catch basin grates reported stolen from the area surrounding Stone Ridge Landing. If you have any information that could help police in these thefts, please don’t hesitate to call.

A burglary report was filed off of Grafton Hall. Remember to ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS TO YOUR HOME AND GARAGE, ESPECIALLY WHILE YOU ARE AWAY.

There was a report of a car break in off of Bethany Ln. Remember to be vigilant in calling for police assistance anytime you feel you may be in need.

A home burglary was also reported in the area of Terry Rd and Morning Glory.

Annual 3rd Division Block Watch Captains meeting, Nov. 3

From Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14):

Officer Todd Brimm recently transferred to the 3rd Division working as a patrol supervisor. He will be organizing a contact list of block watch leaders as he has done elsewhere in the city. The division is building an email distribution list, which allows officers to send residents information about suspects, crime trends, localized maps and other real-time crime information. Brimm says working with block watches is an easy way to “build strong areas of influence where residents are involved” which he said requires less city resources because officers are alerted by residents. Brimm says it requires more officers to patrol areas where residents don’t communicate with police. Residents in many south and southwestern neighborhoods have been able to build rapport with division officers, some of whom have given their cell phone number so they can be reached anytime.

Block watch members from Iroquois, Fairdale, and Pleasure Ridge Park and Valley Station areas along with those interested in starting block watches in their area are invited to the Metro Police 3rd Division’s first block watch captain’s meeting at 6:30pm, November 3rd at Southwest Government Center.

Block Watch Captains and Neighborhood Association Presidents, please RSVP with Sergeant Todd Brimm at todd.brimm@louisvilleky.gov

Auburndale Neighborhood Association Supports Troops from LMPD

On Tuesday evening, August 23rd, the Auburndale Neighborhood Association will be collecting goods for LMPD officers who are deployed overseas. ANA will arrange transport of all items collected starting at 7PM at Kenwood Elementary School. Suggested items to donate include:

• Laundry Detergent (powder is the one that can be shipped)

•Gallon Size Resealable Plastic Bags

•Air Fresheners (no liquid or aerosols can be shipped)

•Coffee • Sweetened drink mixes

•Toaster pastries (Cherry and Strawberry)

•Oatmeal (Peaches and Cream/Apple Cinnamon)

•Mac n Cheese (instant ones that you only add hot water)

•Chewing gum 

•Chips

•Canned Cheese (again no aerosols) 

•Ramen or Cup of Noodles

•Summer Sausage and/or Slim Jims

•DVD movies and/or Music CD’s

•Sunflower Seeds, Trail Mix (remember the heat, chocolate will melt)

•New Magazines 

•Board/Travel Games

•Toothbrushes and/or Toothpaste (plastic tubes best for shipping) 

•Mouth Sprays/Breath Strips

•Granola Bars and/or Protein Bars

•Ear Swabs

•Pillows

Hits & Misses

- Senator Jim Bunning, 77, turned to wax yesterday and, as expected, dropped out of his re-election race and effectively ended his term as U.S. Senator from Kentucky. Bunning was seen as an embarrassment to the Commonwealth the last several years because of his goofy actions and stupid comments. Bunning blamed his fellow Republicans for his inability to raise funds and for his ridiculous, doddering, old-man antics. The Courier-Journal has more HERE. Kentucky Republican Secretary of State Trey Greyson has announced he will definitely run for the seat.

- There has been much talk in private circles about contenders for Louisville's next Mayor. I have many names. Let me know who you like and why. This will be interesting.

- Movie Alert: If you haven't seen "The Hangover", you should at least try to check it out. It is the funniest movie I have seen in many years.

- Louisville Police Chief Robert White says he may skip town after Jerry Abramson leaves office. WHAS11 has the report HERE.

FOP Wins Again Vs. Mayor

As expected, the state Labor Cabinet has ruled in favor of police officers in the take-home car dispute. The Cabinet says the collective bargaining agreement was violated by the city when it imposed fees to drive the cars home. The Courier Journal has more HERE.

Eye Will Pay In April For 'Shrooms Sold Tuesday

I don't know how I missed this item in Thursday's news, but a member of my exclusive and trusted "Advisory Board" brought it to my attention today. Joshua Eye, a 30 year old administrative assistant for the Louisville Metro Council, was arrested last Tuesday after he allegedly sold an undercover narcotics agent $600 worth of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Eye was busted in Mount Washington by the Bullitt County Drug Force.

The Courier-Journal says Eye did not work for a particular council member, and has been employed by the city for just over a year. He is currently under suspension pending the outcome of his court case.

There has been no determination of a link between the irrational behavior at city hall and this guy peddling his wares, but I have feelers out just in case. Some of the proposals coming out of the mayor's office certainly seem to have been written while under the influence of something. More when I get it.

The "Nose" Always Knows.....

When economic times get tough, crimes like robberies and burglaries are almost certain to rise. LMPD 3rd Division Major Jim Sohan says there has been a “substantial rise in residential burglaries in the last month.” This is enough to send most residents in a hot sprint to the gun shop. But in this time of record unemployment, even thieves may be running out of work soon.

You see, arrests have been made in a vast majority of the burglary cases. You can credit your "nosy neighbors" for being more active in reporting suspicious activity to police. Why so many reports to police by nosy neighbors you may ask? Because more people than ever before are laid off from their jobs. Nearly everyone is home due to lack of work, and they are bored to death. What does one do between watching Maury, clipping toenails and surfing the internet for job opportunities? You turn into the ubiquitous "nosy neighbor". Hear a car door slam? Take a look out the window. Hear glass breaking? Pick up the phone and call police. Bingo...we've got action!

I am certainly thankful for my nosy neighbors, unemployed or not. Looking out for one another is part of being a great community. If you have no nosy neighbors or are surrounded by them, you should consider organizing them by forming a block watch in your area. Let's put the people to work and put thieves out of business.

Click HERE for a list of frequently asked questions about neighborhood watch programs and information on starting your own.


[Hat-tip to the office of Doug Hawkins for providing crime info]

Find A Felon Friday: 03-13-09

Jason G. Feerrar

This shocked-looking individual is wanted for: Sexual Abuse-1st Degree- Victim Under 12 Years of Age, Unlawful Transaction with Minor-2nd Degree. Imagine how shocked he will be when they get their hands on him in jail. He should be easy to catch...he's fat, short and probably can't run very fast.

LAST KNOWN ADDRESS:
7005 Dunkirk Lane
Louisville, KY 40272

***Bond To Be Set Upon Arrest***

RACE/SEX: W/M
DOB: 11-07-77
HEIGHT: 5-4
WEIGHT: 260
HAIR: BROWN
EYES: BROWN

Let's Get 'Em Boys!

Find A Felon Friday - 2-27-2009

Kenneth R. Love
LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 1476 Glengary Drive
Louisville, KY 40118
Wanted for: Assault, 4th Degree (Child Abuse).
***Bond To Be Set Upon Arrest***
RACE/SEX: W/M
DOB: 05-15-68
HEIGHT: 5-9
WEIGHT: 145
HAIR: BROWN
EYES: GREEN

Let's Get 'Em Boys!

Find A Felon Friday - 2/20/2009

Kurt D. Starman

Wanted for: Sodomy-1st Degree-Victim Under 12 Years Old, Sexual Abuse-1st Degree-Victim Under 12 Years Old.

*** Bond $250,0000 Full Cash***

RACE/SEX: W/M
DOB: 05-09-65 HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 160
HAIR: BROWN
EYES: BROWN

We have to find this scumbag.
Let's Get 'Em Boys!

Find A Felon Friday - 02.13.2009

James Gunterman

Address: 3416 Kramers Lane, Apt #21

Date of Birth: 11/8/53

Sex: Male

Aliases: None

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 250

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Brown

Race: Caucasian

Offenses:
- Sexual Abuse 1st Degree (19 counts)
- Victim less than 14
- Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registry

Let's Get Em' Boys!

Louisville FOP President McGuire Speaks; Are You Listening?

The following is a letter from FOP President John McGuire regarding the police "take-home" car issue. I forcefully agree with him.

While making my way to work today through the snow and ice covered roads, I was monitoring the police radio mounted in my take home cruiser. The radio traffic reflected that many officers, who were off duty, and in an unpaid status, were busy rendering aid to those in need. To these dedicated law enforcement officers, I offer to you my sincere gratitude and applaud your continued devotion in these times where your very own Mayor and Chief ignore and eschew your bravery and dedication.

In addition to deterring crime, the take home car program comes with the responsibility to respond to citizens in need of help, whether the officer is on or off duty. There is an enormous distinction between a “free car” that is similar to the average citizen’s car and a police car with lights, sirens, and the words “police” and “911” affixed. An officer does not have individual freedom in a police cruiser as he or she would in their personal vehicle. Yet somehow this has been viciously misrepresented. The real benefit to this program lies with the community for which it was created.

If you remove the officers assisting people while they are off-duty and unpaid, the statistics are frightening. In 2007, there were an average of 2.8 police officers per 1000 residents for cities of similar size to Louisville. Even if LMPD was fully staffed, the number falls to 1.76 officers per 1000 residents, making the Louisville Metro Police Department nearly 750 officers short in comparison. Taking this into account and using the Mayor’s own figures for pay and population, the take home police car program saves this city almost 70 million dollars per year.

To those officers who know what it means to be a public servant and to risk your very lives to protect our citizens and respond to their calls for help, whether on duty or off, I commend you! Without your sacrifice and continued dedication to honor your oath, our community would not be safe. To the Mayor and his minions who are trying to undermine the integrity and critical need to have extra officers and patrol cars protecting our streets, you have our oath as well. When we, off-duty police officers, see you and your families in crisis, we will serve and protect you as well. That is our oath. That is our integrity. That is our sacrifice.

John McGuire
FOP President

This program has become the main focus of penny-pinching tightwads bent on cracking the police union. Forget it. As I have said before, the take-home car program is a "Past Practice" and is here to stay, and I am confident that state Labor Cabinet will agree. I wish McGuire well in educating the public; That alone seems to be the biggest obstacle to overcome.

Find A Felon Friday - January 30

Louden, Laurena J.
LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 5524 Arid Lane
Louisville, KY 40258
REMARKS: Wanted for: Knowingly Exploit Adult By Person Over $300,
Theft By Unlawful Taking.
*** Bond To Be Set Upon Arrest***

Appeals Court Rules Against Officers

It is strike number one against Louisville's FOP. The Kentucky Court of Appeals slapped down an injunction against the city that now frees up Chief White and Mayor Abramson to push ahead with plans to raise fees for take home police cars. The FOP argued, rightly so, that the fees should not change until the state Labor Cabinet hears arguments on the case. It isn't clear if the city will move to raise fees immediately, but based on their prior actions, it would not surprise anyone if they did. The ham-handed techniques used by the city on this issue is the reason why it is in the courts, and the city has chosen , once again, to negotiate through the media rather than with the police directly.

Expect a renewed battle among police and the mayor.

The Courier-Journal has an article HERE.

WHAS = Faux News?

Despite withering bipartisan calls for Louisville Metro Government to "Open The Books" and questionable budget priorities amid a supposed $20 million dollar shortfall, WHAS11 TV has chosen to "investigate" the case of some open windows at Police Headquarters. Be careful. This is riveting television.

See the melodrama HERE.

I am not a media critic, but a ten-year-old can see this type of cheap reporting belongs on "Inside Edition" or "Geraldo", and is not fit for a local newscast. Especially during these times of imminent peril and danger with respect to the dire financial situations and empty mayoral promises many viewers are facing. It is, for lack of a better word, chickenshit.

Sadly, this is what passes for "investigative journalism" at the once-proud WHAS11, and is only more proof that the burden of exposing and reporting the truth on real issues increasingly lies with citizen journalists. With the focus continuing to be placed on head-hunting and the corporate bottom line at Belo, real reporting suffers horribly, and fails the community.

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