This week, the Rolla Police Department handled 738 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 30 accidents, 48 9-1-1 hang up calls, 36 disturbance calls (domestic or other), 21 traffic complaints, 32 assists of other agencies, 116 traffic stops, 32 arrests, 7 fingerprints, 15 suspicious nature calls, 88 information requests and 13 stealing reports.
On Thursday at 10:47 a.m., the First Community Bank at Cuba reported an armed robbery by a male individual that matched the description of the robber who has committed 5 similar robberies of banks in Central Missouri over the past year. The male suspect left the scene in a white mini-van which is what was also reported as the suspect vehicle in the other crimes. Immediately, officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Crawford County Sheriff’s Dept., Cuba Police Department, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla Police Department and other surrounding agencies began a massive search for this elusive criminal by setting up at key locations along major and secondary thoroughfares. Most agencies already had photos of this suspect and were familiar with the white Dodge mini-van used at each robbery, because of the frequency with which he struck.
Banks in Moberly, Sedalia, Rolla, Chillicothe, and Eldorado Springs were robbed by a middle aged, heavy set, white male who wore a ball cap, sunglasses and displayed a small handgun before demanding cash. In each case, a white Dodge Grand Caravan was seen in the area of the robberies and in some cases, complete or partial license plate numbers were obtained and investigated. The robbers lack of concern over being identified and the radius in which he struck, naturally led investigators to believe that he did not live in any of the towns where the banks were robbed but probably lived within a 50-60 mile radius of the planned robberies. Up until the Cuba robbery, law enforcement had been unsuccessful in apprehending this dangerous culprit but seemed to know that it would only be a matter of time before he was caught.
On Thursday, after area officers had been in position approximately one hour, a Missouri State Highway Patrolman assigned to Dent County, had been patrolling an area south of St. James in hope of spotting the robber attempting to flee the area. As the Highway Patrolman passed through the intersection of Hwy 68 and 8, he spotted a white Dodge Grand Caravan, traveling north on Hwy 68, with a lone male driver who matched the description of the Cuba bank robbery suspect. The trooper called in the sighting and his location then remained behind the vehicle until back up officers arrived. The driver of the van was stopped south of St. James and the subsequent investigation led to the discovery of a loaded handgun, stolen currency from the First Community Bank in Cuba and the arrest of the alleged perpetrator. The van and contents were seized and towed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters at Troop I in Rolla. The suspect was also transported to Troop I, where investigators from several agencies continued the investigation. This is great news for not only the citizens of Cuba but to all the victim communities and potential victims in Central Missouri. This guy needed to be caught. Great work to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and all other law enforcement agencies dedicated to this apprehension!
Last week, Lt. Doug James attended the Cooper Institute Law Enforcement Fitness Center in Dallas, Texas to become a certified Fitness Specialist. Lt. James underwent 40 hours of training on Fitness and Wellness, Coronary Risk Factors, Medical Screening, Exercise and Safety, Anatomy and Kinesiology, Physical Fitness Training in Law Enforcement and Physical Fitness Standards in Law Enforcement. Lt. James coordinates and administers our annual physical fitness training (pt test) and will also be creating a physical fitness standard to be used in our hiring process in the very near future.
After receiving several inquiries, I decided to announce our annual bicycle auction will be held Saturday, June 5, 2010 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Rolla Police Headquarter’s parking lot. We will be auctioning unclaimed or abandoned bicycles we have recovered within the past year. Typically there is in excess of 50 bicycles in various stages of functionality, and many times all they need is minor maintenance or repairs. With Spring upon us, this would be a great time to get a good bike for a great price and get out and get some fresh air and exercise.
We are gearing up for our annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics. On Tuesday, May 25, 2010 area law enforcement officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the South Central Correctional Center at Licking, the 92 MP Brigade at Ft. Leonard Wood and the Rolla Police Department gather at the Walmart Supercenter and carry the ceremonial torch along a designated route leading to the annual Summer Games held in Springfield, Missouri. At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games, and National Summer or Winter Games. Every two years, law enforcement officers from around the world gather to carry the "Flame of Hope" in a Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg in honor of the Special Olympics World Summer or World Winter Games. The Rolla Police Department has participated in the Torch Run since 1988 and also hosts other events each year in support of our Special Olympic Athletes, such as our t-shirt sales and our annual Torch Run Trivia Night held in October. This year we would like to also thank our sponsors, Rolla Fire and Rescue, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Pepsi Bottling Company of Rolla and of course our Special Olympic athletes!
In closing, I would like to thank the newly appointed 9-1-1 Board for their attendance that April Communications Meeting held at the Rolla Police Department this past week. The se quarterly meetings are held to provide an opportunity for all associated agencies to meet and discuss the ever changing needs, philosophies and challenges that face an Emergency 9-1-1 Center. 6 of the 7 newly appointed 9-1-1 Board Members were present and had the opportunity to meet with Department Heads from most area law enforcement, fire and rescue and emergency medical services agencies. Also present were members of the Phelps County Commission and municipal leaders.
Have a great week!
Chief Mark Kearse
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