Police Chief Chat

Drug watch: Patrick Zaritz was sentenced to 190 months in prison involving his distribution of methamphetamine and possession of firearms between April and December 2010. Zaritz, 42, of St. James, MO, pled guilty in February to one felony count each of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a sawed off shotgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; unlawful possession of an unregistered sawed off shotgun and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge John A. Ross. This case was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Rolla Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Bert handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 834 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 18 arrests, 16 alarms, 22 accidents, 27 traffic complaints, 16 check the well being, 178 traffic stops, 26 disturbance (including domestics), 17 suspicious nature, 25 assists of other agencies, 8 narcotic violations, 2 vehicle repossessions, 7 recovered property, 18 field interviews, 9 escorts, 4 leave without pays, 46 security checks, 55 animal control complaints, 1 assault, 18 stealings, 2 fight calls and 29 follow up investigations. This call total is up 29 calls from last week and yes, another busy week!

We learned this week, that we would be losing a member of the Rolla Police Department family with the tendered resignation of Senior Patrol Officer Chris Reeder. Chris has accepted a position with the Phelps County Court Security Division effective next week. Chris began his law enforcement career with the Houston Police Department in Houston, Missouri. In January of 2008 Chris was hired at the Rolla Police Department as an investigator in the Narcotics Unit. In February of 2010 Chris transferred to the Patrol Division where he served till his resignation. We really enjoyed working with Chris and wish him the best in his career change. Chris’ resignation will create an opening in our Patrol Division and we will be going out for an eligibility list in the very near future.

This next entry is from the desk of our Volunteers in Police Services Director Vince Giacolone who writes; As promised, here is the first in the series of brief bio's of our VIPS volunteers. David Reynolds was the second person accepted into the Rolla VIPS program in the fall of 2008. He is also, at this time, one of two commissioned reserve patrol officers in the VIPS program. David retired after 30 years with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, ending his career as a Lieutenant. David is unique to the VIPS program in that, as a commissioned officer, he is able to participate in all police calls, when needed. David’s hobbies are amateur radio and fishing, but he dedicates so much time to VIPS that there is little time for leisure. David feels strongly about “giving back" to the community, and supporting the values of the VIPS program. At present, there are four marked VIPS cars in service, and you will frequently see David behind the wheel of one of these vehicles. When you see him, please wave or say hello!

In closing, This weekend the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce and the Route 66 Summerfest Committee will be hosting the annual Rt. 66 Summerfest event which will include many attractions for the entire family. We encourage all of you to bring your families and take part in the many fun-filled events planned for this year’s summer celebration. There are many activities scheduled Friday evening and Saturday, that are not only enjoyable for the participants, but are also a load of fun for the crowd. The events include sporting events such as bicycle/tricycle rides and races, vendors and exhibits, Segway rides, military displays, food courts, live music, a skateboard park, a tennis tournament, a 5k/10k run, a downhill derby, a feature length movie, car and motorcycle shows, cruises and cruise-ins and many other events. Be sure to have a great time and be safe. Kudos to the Summerfest Committee for bringing us this multi-faceted summer celebration each year.

Have a great week!

Chief Mark Kearse