Retailer Report Leads to Merchandise Recovery
Loss Prevention for a mall retailer in Operations Division South (ODS) contacted the Tucson Police Department regarding a frequent offender who had stolen handfuls of merchandise - some of which had technology that could assist in its recovery.
Loss Prevention worked with police to identify the last known location for the stolen merchandise, which was tracked to the 900 block of West Hawaii Drive, approximately half a mile from the mall.
ODS patrol officers responded to the residence and informed the homeowner that there was evidence of stolen property inside. He replied that there was a lot of stolen property inside and that he buys and sells stolen goods. The homeowner and other occupants were detained, the home secured, and investigators responded to continue the investigation.
Several of the people detained, who knew the homeowner, advised that they have seen items in the home which they knew or suspected to be stolen, such as brand new boxes of tools, clothing with security devices, and large amounts of new clothing with tags.
One witness reported seeing the homeowner accept goods for half their retail value, as well as seeing two men at the back of the property breaking security devices off suspected stolen merchandise and discarding clothes hangars. Evidence of broken security devices and discarded hangers was located in the alleyway.
Police were granted a telephonic search warrant for the residence and property therein. Search of the home yielded an estimated several hundred items of suspected stolen property, including: suitcases, shoes, electronics, clothing from several retailers, boxes of new power tools, and appliances, with a total value estimated in the thousands. The investigation is ongoing.
Huge thanks to the retail employees, ODS patrol officers and investigators, and TPD Evidence Technician Klomp for their assistance.
Teamwork Takes Guns Off the Street
Operations Divisions South (ODS) and West (ODW) Community Response Teams (CRT) were searching for a homicide suspect. Surveillance revealed his whereabouts and TPD SWAT moved in to make the arrest. During the arrest, subjects were detained as they exited an apartment. It was determined that there were guns in the apartment and that the occupants detained were prohibited possessors.
A telephonic search warrant was obtained for the unit. Upon preliminary search, it became clear that the occupants were likely manufacturing firearms. TPD's Gun Crime Unit was notified and responded, together with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Due to the volume of evidence in the residence, an evidence truck callout was initiated.
At the conclusion of the investigation, one subject was charged with Weapons Misconduct-Prohibited Possessor, Possession of Narcotics for sale (M30s-fentanyl/approx. 500), and Possession of a Firearm During a Narcotics Offense. Additional federal charges for the apartment occupants are being investigated by the ATF.
Evidence included hundreds, if not thousands, of firearm components, pieces, and hardware. At least one complete firearm and what appeared to be several complete revolvers were collected.
Thanks to the joint efforts of TPD's CRT units, Evidence Technicians, Gun Crimes unit, SWAT, and our federal partners, a number of guns and prohibited possessors were successfully removed from the streets.
Two Days of Toys for Tots
ODS personnel helped with three Toys for Tots events over two days. Meeting up at ODS at 6:30 a.m., the team left to go to Sells and the Baboquivari Intermediate School in the heart of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Sgt. Bustamante and the officers had a wonderful time handing out toys and backpacks and engaging with everyone there.
Next, they moved on to the Anna Lawrence School on the edge of the Pascua Yaqui Nation, where Sgt. Bustamante and the officers once again unloaded the truck, opened boxes, and helped General Laster and his team hand out toys and backpacks to the families.
Then, bright and early Saturday morning, ODS personnel arrived at GAP Ministries, ready to help. After walking around and engaging with everyone, they handed out toys and backpacks to children and families.
Hats off to Sgt. Bustamante, LPO William Ornelas, Ofc. Monica Nance, Ofc. Juan Marroquin, Ofc. Miguel Figueroa, and Ofc. Victor Castillo! Everyone came ready to work and professional, with open minds and hearts, ready to immerse themselves in whatever they encountered. It turned out to be two very special days, and ODS was an integral part of the total experience. Our members' actions went a long way toward making many families very happy - and that makes us happy!
TPD ODS members and community members at a Toys for Tots event.
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