Police Chief Chat

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 647 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 18 arrests, 9 alarm calls, 21  traffic accidents, 40 traffic complaints, 13 check the well being requests, 71 traffic stops, 22 disturbance calls (including domestics), 17 suspicious nature calls, 18 assists of other agency requests, 5 field interviews, 7 escorts, 5 leave without pay complaints, 1 shots fired call, 22 animal control complaints, 2 trespassing calls, 1 prowler report, 5 stealing complaints, 1 burglary report, 1 loitering complaint and 1 open door. This call total is up 69 calls from last week. And yes, another busy week!

            On Sunday, January 29, 2012, at approximately 2:24 a.m., the Rolla Police Department’s Central Communications received a 911 call of shots fired near the area of 3^rd and Olive Street.  Officers responded to the area and began a systematic search.  During this search, it was determined that the shots originated in the 300 block of N. Cedar. Officers then observed an unidentified male come out of a residence armed with a rifle.  Officers began giving the male verbal commands to drop the rifle at which time the suspect ignored the officer’s request and returned inside. A perimeter was established, and the occupants of the surrounding residences were evacuated as precautionary measure. The Rolla Police Department’s SWAT Team was activated and responded to that location along with many other law enforcement officers. At approximately 6:15 a.m. this same morning, and after a standoff with authorities, the lone suspect exited the residence and surrendered to authorities without further incident. Fortunately no one was injured during this situation. As a result of this incident, Gilberto Garcia, age 24 of Rolla, was arrested on the charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Garcia was incarcerated in the Phelps County Jail pending the issuance of warrants. The investigation is still on-going. I would like to thank members of the Missouri S&T Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla Fire and Rescue, Rolla Municipal Utilities and my own Rolla Police personnel for their diligence in bringing this matter to a safe conclusion. Great job to all!

           

            We would like to give a big welcome to the newest member of the VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) team, Judy Jepsen. Judy has always enjoyed being involved in all aspects of the city of Rolla. She served on the city council from 1998-2008, and was the council representative on Planning and Zoning commission for several years. In addition, she is still serving on the Police Personnel Board, and the Board of Adjustment. She is a member of the Phelps County Restitution Committee, served as president of Ozark Actors Theatre for two years, and still helps in the sewing of costumes. Her hobbies include cooking and horseback riding, and managing her cattle farm and being surrounded by her pets. WELCOME JUDY!

            This past week we received information from the Rolla Parks Department that person(s) unknown have vandalized several parks in the city by driving onto the grass and spinning circles with their vehicles. This type of activity is illegal, benefits no one and will not be tolerated. We are very proud of our parks and green areas here in our community and I know that the Parks Department works diligently maintaining these places of serenity and natural beauty. We will do our best to apprehend these vandals and preserve the integrity of our parks. If you have any information on the person(s) responsible, call us at 308-1212 or call our Confidential Hotline number at 364-0111. Let’s work together to end this nonsense!

            Sgt. Ken Moberly and his wife Christy are proud to announce the birth of their first grand baby, with the arrival of Ryan Musial Hohn. Ryan was born on 2/2/2012 and both he and momma are doing fine. Grandpa Kenny is very excited with the addition of his newest fishing buddy. Congratulations Kenny and Christy!

            The City of Rolla has reposed special trust and confidence in the knowledge, courage, integrity, and professional excellence of PTO Chris Giacolone/870.  In view of these qualities and his demonstrated abilities as a police officer and dedicated service to the policing profession, he is therefore assigned to the SWAT Team. Chris comes to us from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department. He is also the youngest son of VIPS Director Vince Giacolone. Congratulations Chris!

            In closing I would like to congratulate Kevin Zeigler who will be celebrating his 1 year anniversary this month with the Rolla Police Department. Kevin serves in the Patrol Division under Sgt. Ken Moberly. Congratulations Kevin and thank you for your dedicated service!

Chief Mark Kearse