REGION - EAST CHICAGO STOP TEAM STATS

July 21, 2014

9:00am

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement;

The total number of crimes for the first 6 months of 2014, as reported to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, totals 700 violent and property crimes for this period.  That total, in comparison for the first 6 months of 2013 (853 crimes), represents a decline of 18%.

East Chicago’s violent crime totals rose from 78 incidents to 109, however, the city did experience a decline of 50% in murders (6 to 3).  The city also experienced less property crimes, reporting a drop from 775 to 591 such crimes.  

Overall, East Chicago continues to experience an annual decline in total property and violent crime.

In 2012 the FBI UCR reported a decline in violent crime of 13% and reduction in property crime of 5%, or a total reduction of 6%.  At that time, the total crimes reported to the FBI for 2012 was the lowest in 12 years

In 2013 the FBI UCR reported a slight increase in violent crime of 2%, but a reduction in property crime of 6.5%, or a total reduction of 6%

The total crime reported to the FBI UCR program in 2013 totaled 1,957 crimes, the lowest ever reported by the city since at least 1995. Records prior to 1995 were not available for review

In 2014, for the first 6 months, the downward trend in overall crime continues and despite record low totals reported in 2013, this year is on course to record even lower totals than previously experienced

As of the end of 2013, since 2011, the city had reduced its overall crime reported to the FBI UCR by 11% and the numbers continue to decrease in 2014.  (Crime totals reported to the FBI in 2011 totaled 2,196 and in 2013 totaled 1,957)

All members of the department are to be commended for this continued reduction in crime.  The department will continue its strategic partnerships with Dr. Joseph Ferrandino, Indiana University Northwest Campus, as well as various Federal, State and local agencies.  We also will continue with the varied Community Outreach programs that have proven very successful in maintaining public safety in East Chicago.

The East Chicago STOP Team coupled with the Region STOP Team has both served to increase the police presence on our streets and the relationships they have forged with our community have assisted in building partnerships with our citizens and have encouraged their assistance in helping the officer s keep our community safe. 

Set forth below is breakdown of the crime reported to the FBI/UCR

Operation Stay Smart

PRESS

RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8, 2014

Operation Stay Smart

       

Truancy Related

————————————————————————————

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement;

I am pleased to announce that the 2014-15 school year will find a newly developed strategy to deal with truancy in East Chicago., which we have dubbed “Operation Stay Smart”.  The concept is to stay in school, stay smart and realize your dreams.

For the past several months our officers have teamed with Mayor Anthony Copeland, City Attorney Carla Morgan, East Chicago City Judge Sonya A. Morris, Neighborhoods Inc., Calumet College of St. Joseph, Ivy Tech Community College, East Chicago School Superintendant Dr. Youssef Yomtoob and his staff of administrators and educators, as well as the Board of School Trustees, so as to develop a comprehensive plan to alleviate a growing truancy issue in our city.  These organizations have collaborated as the public safety committee for the Bridges of Care initiative, sponsored by the Foundations of East Chicago.

We continue to work with the School Board so as to develop a more comprehensive and specific definition as to what constitutes truancy, with plans for the City Attorney then to draft an ordinance that would provide our legal system with a mechanism to better hold our students and their parents accountable.  All of these efforts directed to increasing the likelihood that our classrooms are filled each and every day.

In the interim, Mayor Copeland has pledged overtime funding that will result in officers addressing truancy issues each week, which will include visits to the student’s homes and discussions with them and their parents as to returning them back to the classroom.  While it is not our intention to fine or prosecute parents when their children are chronically truant, it is certainly a distinct possibility in those cases in which parents cannot or will not make sure their children are attending school on a regular basis.

Effective immediately, after a fourth truant event, the school will contact the parent/guardian and direct that person meet with school officials so as to discuss those absences.  If the parent/guardian fails to present themselves for that discussion, that will prompt a visit by our officers.  Those visits will continue with every consecutive unexcused absence and if necessary, ensuing fines and criminal action will be pursued by our investigators.

Truancy is a challenge for cities throughout the United States and arguably it is one of the top problems facing communities across the Country.  Repeated absences fuel repeated failures on tests, which often leads to frustration and an increased reluctance by students to return to school.

We recognize that those not attending school are also at greater risk to engage in criminal activity, to include drug use, vandalism, graffiti, shoplifting/thefts and of course the opportunities to join gangs to fill their free time.  

This school year promises to be a special one for our students and our officers look forward to working with school officials and others listed in this release to keep our kids on the right path.

“A CITY OF HOPE AND PROGRESS”

Anthony Copeland Mayor

EAST CHICAGO TO SWEAR IN 9 NEW OFFICERS

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2014

“A CITY OF HOPE AND PROGRESS”

Anthony Copeland Mayor

EAST CHICAGO TO SWEAR IN 9 NEW OFFICERS

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, East Chicago, Indiana Police Department, today released the following information:

In our continued effort to maintain the safety for all who visit, work and/or reside in our city, I am pleased to announce the hiring of 9 new police officers, which will bring our staffing level to 99 officers.  The new recruits will attend the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Hobart, Indiana in late July of this year, with graduation in November.

These additional officers are evidence of our continued commitment to increase our presence in our neighborhoods and business corridors.  I look forward to the additional resources, which will allow us to continue with our aggressive community outreach program, maintain our efforts via the East Chicago and the Region STOP Team and allow us to pursue innovative approaches as to dealing with public safety concerns.  

In 2013 the city recorded its lowest crime totals in over 18 years, according to reports published by the FBI through their Uniform Crime Report (UCR). I am proud of the efforts of the men and women of this department and the successes they have attained.  While we take great satisfaction and pride in those successes, we know there is more work ahead. These additional officers will enhance our efforts as deal with the goals and objectives which we have set for ourselves when it comes to facing the challenges regarding public safety.

The officers will be sworn in by Mayor Anthony Copeland on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 1:00pm in the City Council Chambers.  The public is invited to attend.  

Christopher G. Gordon, arrested and charged with the murder of Stephen Davis

P R E S S     R E L E A S E

May 5, 2014

Immediate Release

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement.

Christopher G. Gordon, a 21 year old resident of East Chicago resident, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Stephen Davis, which took place on May 3, 2014 in the 3900 block of Elm Street, East Chicago, Indiana.  Davis had been shot several times outside his residence, according to a probable cause affidavit filed on today’s date by East Chicago Police Detective Maurice Phillips, the lead investigator assigned to this matter. 

On the day of the shooting, East Chicago Police Officers responded to the event and as they did, a black male, later identified as Gordon, was observed running from the area. An off duty officer, assigned to the Region STOP Team, was in the area as well and was able to catch and detain Gordon pending further investigation.

Becker credited the outstanding work of both the patrol officers and the detectives who worked as a team and were able to resolve this matter so quickly.  The Lake County Sheriff’s crime scene personnel are also to be commended for their excellent work, which resulted in the recovery of several items of evidence that has further linked Gordon to this murder.  

“Operation Safe Sale”

P R E S S       R E L E A S E

May 1, 2014

Time:  1:30pm

“Operation Safe Sale”

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement;

In response to what appears to be an ever increasing, or at least a sustained, threat to those that meet with total strangers to take part in transactions of items that have been advertised over the internet, in classified ads and by other means, the East Chicago Police Department is pleased to announce “Operation Safe Sale”.

Recognizing that throughout the United States, to include Northwest Indiana, customers looking to purchase items have been lured to locations, normally carrying large sums of money and then fall victim to robberies and at times very violent assaults.  “Operation Safe Sale” is yet another attempt by our police department to insure the safety of our community and to provide assistance in those types of situations/transactions.

We are inviting the public to use our parking lot as well as the lobby of our police department to meet those advertising items for sale and in so doing, offering a safe environment to deal with strangers and lessen the likelihood of being robbed or assaulted. Certainly utilizing the police department as a venue to transact such business should lessen the likelihood of a crime taking place.  

The program is offered Monday through Friday from 9am-7pm and then on Saturday’s from 11am to 3pm.  During those times, every effort will be made to have an Officer present for that meeting between the buyer and the seller.  The public may also chose to simply use the department’s parking lot or interior lobby, 2301 E. Columbus Drive, to carry out those dealings without an officer present if they so desire.  The parking lot and the lobby are well lit and offer extensive video tape coverage.

Further questions regarding this matter may directed to my office, (219) 391-8331

WANTED!

SUSPECT CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED BATTERY

March 25, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUSPECT CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED BATTERY

[EAST CHICAGO, IN]  On March 25, 2014, East Chicago Police filed one (1) count of Aggravated Battery (a class B felony), three (3) counts of Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (a class C felony each), one (1) count of Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Pregnant Woman (a class C felony), and three (3) counts of Domestic Battery on Elvin Lamar Buchanan (M/31) of East Chicago with the Lake County Prosecutor Office.  

The domestic violence incidents began last year starting in May of 2013.  Elvin, in a state of intoxication, began to argue with his wife, the victim, on several occasions, which on each occasion resulted in severe injury to the victim.  Elvin L. Buchanan is currently incarcerated at the Lake County Jail awaiting trial.

Sergeant Juan Beltran, a supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Division, stated, “This is a clear sign of domestic abuse that has gone on for awhile.  Victims of domestic violence need to file and pursue charges against their attacker.  They need to be aware of services that are available to them to help them identify the signs of a violent partner.  This in turn would help prevent future incidents of family violence to the victim and/or other members of the family before it results in injury, either physical, psychological, and/or death.  I cannot stress the importance of this matter for their safety.”  

Arrest of Timothy M. Pearson

The Region Stop Team today released the following information.

Arrest of Timothy M. Pearson

On Thursday, March 20^th, Region STOP Team members arrested Pearson, following a traffic stop in East Chicago, Indiana.  Pearson is a 35 year old black male and is a resident of East Chicago, Indiana.

At the time of the traffic stop, Pearson was found to be in possession of marijuana. An ensuing investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant in the 4000 block of Grand Boulevard, East Chicago, Indiana.

During the execution of the search warrant, officers recovered approximately 16 pounds of suspected marijuana, drug packaging materials to include a scale and plastic bags, two firearms, one of which was determined to have been stolen and over $36,000 in United States Currency (USC).

The Region STOP Team had previously arrested Pearson in August of 2013 at which time he was found to be in possession of marijuana and USC. At that time, a search warrant was also issued in the 4000 block of Grand Boulevard (different location), which then resulted in the recovery of 11 pounds of marijuana, 2 handguns and approximately $12,000 USC.  

At the time of Pearson’s arrest on March 20^th, he was on bond awaiting disposition of the August 2013 arrest/charges. Additional charges are expected to be filled with the Lake County Prosecutors Office in regards to this latest arrest.

REGION STOP TEAM Press Release Date: March 19, 2014

REGION STOP TEAM

Press Release

Date:    March 19, 2014

Time:    5:00 pm

The Region Stop Team today released the following information.

Arrest of Anthony Polk

On Tuesday, March 19^th, Region STOP Team members were patrolling in Gary, Indiana when they conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for an infraction.  At that time they identified the driver of the vehicle to be Anthony Polk, a black male, 22 years of age and a resident of Gary, Indiana.  The vehicle was also occupied by a female.

The officers determined that Polk’s drivers license was suspended.  During their discussion with Polk, the officers were able to detect a strong odor of marijuana from the vehicle. The officers were also able to observe a clear plastic bag containing a white powder substance on the passenger floor board.  Additional suspected crack cocaine and heroin was also discovered during this investigation.

In total, .9 grams of powder cocaine; 3.4 grams of crack cocaine and 1.8 grams of heroin was recovered, all of which followed a traffic stop.  

Polk was taken into custody and on March 20^th, the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office charged Polk with Dealing in cocaine (A); Possession of heroin with the intent to distribute (B); Possession of cocaine (C) and Possession of a controlled substance (D)

------------------------------------------------------ 

Arrest of Darnell J. Oscar

On March 17^th, Region STOP Team officers responded to the 4000 block of Main Street, East Chicago, in regards to a possible robbery taking place at the Family Dollar Store.

As the officers approached, an East Chicago Police Officer was in the process of approaching two suspects, who were believed to be involved in the matter.

One of the suspects (Darnell J. Oscar) ran from the officer and he was then pursued by both East Chicago and Region STOP Team officers.  As the officers caught up to Oscar, he removed a dark colored semi automatic handgun from his waistband and threw it to the ground.  The subject then refused commands by the officers and a struggle ensued.

During the struggle, Officer Joseph Martinez, a Hammond Police Officer assigned to the Region STOP Team, received minor injuries.  Following the arrest, Oscar proceeded to verbally threaten Officer Martinez and related charges have been filed. In addition, the weapon that Oscar threw to the ground was found to be loaded and the weapon’s serial numbers had been obliterated. 

On March 18^th the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office charged Oscar with 5 felony charges; Possession of an altered handgun (C); Carrying a handgun without a license

(C); Resisting Law Enforcement (D); Battery resulting in bodily injury (D) and Intimidation (D).  

-------------------------------------------------------     

Arrest of Carlos Spikes and Robert Fitzgerald

On March 11^th Region STOP Team members were patrolling in Gary when they stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction near 10^th and Taft Street.  An occupant of the vehicle was identified as Carlos Spikes, 26 years of age, who was found to have an outstanding felony drug related arrest warrant on file.  The arrest warrant had been issued in 2009 and Spikes was taken into custody without incident.

Region STOP Team members also stopped a vehicle that same date near 15^th and Grant, at which time Robert Fitzpatrick, 18 years of age, was located in the vehicle. It was determined that Fitzpatrick had outstanding felony warrants on file for armed robbery and burglary and was taken into custody without incident.

The Region Stop Team is comprised of fulltime officers from the Hammond, Gary, Lake County Sheriff and the East Chicago Police Departments.  Part time members include the Munster, St. John, Highland, Griffith, Schererville, Dyer, University of Indiana- Northwest Campus (IUN), Whiting and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD).  The effort is supported by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office as well as crime mapping and analytical support by IUN.

Press personnel are invited to contact any of the agency heads that participate on this team.  Questions may also be directed to Chief Mark J. Becker, East Chicago Police Department, cellular telephone (219) 712-0864

The Region STOP Team Arrest - Chauncey L. Hackett Jr.

P R E S S      R E L E A S E

The Region STOP Team

March 3, 2014

6:00 pm

Re:  Chauncey L. Hackett Jr.

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, East Chicago Police Department, today released the following information on behalf of the Region STOP Team;

On February 28, 2014, members of the Region STOP Team were concentrating patrol efforts in the Harbor Section of East Chicago. This effort was in response to increased reports of violence in the area, to include two homicides and several recent reports of shots fired in the area.

While investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 3500 block of Block Avenue, an occupant of the vehicle exited the car and fled from the area. The officers pursued the suspect and upon apprehension, found him to be in possession of a handgun.  Further investigation determined the subject, Hackett Jr., was a convicted felon.

Hacket Jr. is 23 year old, black male, who is a resident of East Chicago, Indiana   

The matter has been turned over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and it is expected that federal charges will be forthcoming. 

The Region STOP Team Arrest - Ramiro Cabello III

P R E S S      R E L E A S E

The Region STOP Team

March 3, 2014

6:30 pm

Re:  Ramiro Cabello III

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, East Chicago Police Department, today released the following information on behalf of the Region STOP Team;

On February 24, 2014, members of the Region STOP Team, based upon anonymous complaints concerning suspicious activity, approached a residence in the 3900 block of Parrish Avenue, East Chicago, Indiana.  

The officers then came in contact with Ramiro Cabello III, 45 years of age, at which time the officers were able to detect a strong odor of marijuana.  Upon questioning, Cabello admitted that he possessed some “bootleg movies” in the residence and also admitted to possessing marijuana.  Cabello provided consent to search the residence, following which STOP Team officers located approximately 340 grams of marijuana and 1,140 bootleg DVD movies.

Cabello was taken into custody and charges are presently being pursued with the Lake County Prosecutors Office.

This arrest is yet another result stemming from the public’s cooperation with the Region STOP Team.  The public is urged to contact the Region STOP Team at (219) 398-COPS

(219-398-2677)