GRIFFITH CRIME
WATCH
WEEKLY REPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD
POLICE BLOTTER
Nov 9 – 16, 2015
> 15GR08233 VANDALISM Central Park, (11/9, 8:49 AM).
An officer was dispatched to the listed address in reference to the complainant stating
someone caused damage to one of the bathrooms. The complainant advised the officer,
sometime before 8:00 pm last night an unknown subject(s) entered the family bathroom and
broke the gray Koala Kare changing station. The complainant then advised the restrooms were
locked up at 8:00 pm, and the damage was not noticed until the restrooms reopened this
morning. The complainant stated he believes someone sat on the changing station, the weight
of that person then broke a support piece for the table, causing the table to no longer be
functional. The complainant also advised the officer a locking panel was also stolen off the
changing table.
> 15GR08247 SPECIAL DETAIL, Mansard Complex, (11/9, 9:01 AM).
An officer patrolled the Mansards North and South Complex including walking through the
courtyards. No suspicious subjects or violations were observed.
> 15GR08249 SPECIAL DETAIL, 100 Blk of S Lillian St, (11/9, 9:03 AM).
An officer was assigned the duty of monitoring vehicular traffic coming and going from 100 S.
Lillian, Enbridge Pipeline entrance. The officer observed traffic from 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM while
members of Griffith V.E.S.T. assisted with stopping traffic on W. Main Street for safety
precautions while the day and night crews arrived and left work for the evening. The operation
appeared to smooth out traffic, however it is obvious there is major congestion on Main during
this time period. The officer cleared, while Griffith V.E.S.T. continued to monitor and assist with
traffic.
> 15GR08238 THEFT FROM VEHICLE, 1800 Blk of N Mansard Blvd, (11/9, 9:31 AM).
An officer responded to the Griffith Police Department lobby, where he met with a complainant
regarding the license plate to his girlfriend and his vehicle being stolen overnight. The
complainant stated that he last recalled the license plate (IL 2016 PC Z472383) being on the
vehicle when he came home and parked in front of the apartment at 12:00 AM this morning.
The complainant then noticed the plate missing at 5:00 AM. The officer completed a BMV form
for lost/duplicate plate and informed the complainant that a report documenting the
circumstances would be completed and the license plate would be entered as stolen.
> 15GR08239 WALFARE CHECK, 100 Blk of N Broad St, (11/9, 9:55 AM).
An officer was dispatched to the listed address in reference to a complainant, asking officers to
check on his mother. The complainant advised that his mother was just contacted by someone
claiming to be from Publisher's Clearing House. He then advised the unknown subject advised
his mother he will be by her residence sometime today or tomorrow to transport her to the
bank to cash her prize check. The officer made contact with the complainant’s mother at her
Page 1 of 20 residence. She informed the officer that she may be old but she knows when someone is trying
to scam her. The mother stated she is not planning on going anywhere today or let anyone
inside of her residence. The officer informed the mother that should anyone come by today
stating they are with Publisher's Clearing House, she is to call the police immediately. The
mother advised the officer she will contact the police should anyone try to make contact with
her regarding this matter.
> 15GR08243 THREATENING, 200 Blk of W 34th Ct, (11/9, 1:40 PM).
An officer responded in reference to a threat report. Upon arrival the officer met with the
complainant, who stated that while at work yesterday she was threatened by co-worker. The
complainant stated she works at Jedi's restaurant as a waitress and stated that two days ago a
new waitress started working at the business. She states that last night she and new waitress
got into an argument and that the co-worker threatened to "kick her axx". She stated that she
told management, however they did not take any action. She states that she will be talking to
the owner when she goes back to work however she requested that this be documented in
case of any further incidents. She had no further information on her co-worker.
> 15GR08244 ATTEMPTED THEFT, 1000 Blk of E Ridge Rd, (11/9, 1:50 PM).
Officers were dispatched to a fight between a male black subject and a female black subject in
the parking lot in front of Touch Wireless. While en-route to the call, dispatch advised the
female subject was chasing the male subject with a brick and had now gotten into a brown
SUV and was attempting to run down the male. The male subject, along with a male black
associate, were last seen running north across Ridge Road and the female in the SUV fled the
scene in an unknown direction prior to officers arriving on scene. Officers searched the area
for the subjects that fled on foot, and the female in the vehicle, but were unable to locate
either. The officer spoke to an employee of Touch Wireless, who advised the incident had
initiated inside the store. He stated two male blacks entered the store with two female blacks.
The subjects began looking at phones then the females briefly left. The male black with
dreadlocks wearing a black long sleeved shirt with white writing on the chest and down the
arms "Been Trill" gave the employee an I-Phone and asked him to "restore" it. The employee
advised the subject he would need the Apple ID to reset the phone and the subject advised
him to attempt anyway. The employee went to a service counter several feet away from the
display counter where the subjects were standing. Both subjects were observed on
surveillance camera casually leaning on their elbows over the display counter. The employee
got on his computer and the subject with the dreadlocks was observed slowly sliding open the
rear door to the display case. The employee looked up and the subject pulled his hand back.
The employee then approached the case and slammed it shut advising the subjects he was
"on to them" but both denied attempting to steal or opening the case. The females then reentered the store. The employee attempted to give the I-Phone back to the male subject
advising him he could not help him when the female in pink pants angrily stated, "Hey that's
my phone!" The employee then handed it to her but the subject with dreadlocks snatched it out
of her hand and ran out of the store. The employee stated with his partially blocked view he
observed the female chasing the male then leave in a green SUV that was parked at the curb
in front. None of the parties involved have come forward asking for police assistance and none
could be identified at this time. Touch Wireless sustained no monetary loss and the suspect
was never able to touch the phones in the case.
Page 2 of 20 > 15GR08245 DAMAGED PROPERTY, 400 Blk of N Raymond St, (11/9, 2:45 PM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a complainant wishing to speak with an officer
regarding a newspaper being thrown at her storm door and breaking the window. Upon his
arrival, the officer observed the glass of the storm door on the front of the house to be
shattered, with glass lying on the ground of the front porch along with a newspaper. The officer
met with the complainant who said she believes that the glass as broken sometime this
morning, around 5 AM, which is usually when the paper is delivered. The damage caused
would cost approximately $250 to fix. The officer advised her that she may be able to get
reimbursed by the newspaper company for the damages. The officer photographed the door
and cleared without further incident.
> 15GR08251 DISTURBANCE, Broad St & Wirth Rd, (11/9, 5:16 PM).
Officers were dispatched to the area of Broad Street and Wirth Rd in reference to a road rage
incident. Complainant stated he was being followed by a blue pickup truck S/B on Broad
Street. While in-route the complainant stated he turned into the parking lot of 900 N Broad
Street and the pickup truck continued S/B on Broad Street. An officer located the vehicle at
Broad Street & Elm and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The officer met with the
complainant who stated that he had turned in front of the subject while switching lanes on
Ridge Rd in Highland. He stated the subject started flashing his bright lights at him and
honking his horn. He states that at the light at Cline and Wirth the driver rolled down his
window and began to curse at him. The second driver advised the officer that he did lose his
temper because the complainant cut him off. He was advised of the possible dangers which
could result from such actions. Officers departed without further incident.
> 15GR08253 SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT, 1800 Blk of N Arbogast St, (11/9, 6:51 PM).
A complainant requested officers in reference to her apartment possibly being entered while
she was away. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the complainant who stated she believes
unknown person(s) entered her locked apartment while she was away. The complainant stated
she came home to find her heat on and a grey knitted hat on her bedroom dresser. She stated
it didn't appear as if anything was missing or rummaged through. The complainant stated her
sister has a spare key to the apartment for emergencies, however, she knows for certain she
didn't come in her apartment. Officers didn't observe any signs of forced entry. The
complainant was advised the incident would be documented.
> 15GR08254 BURGLARY, 900 Blk of E 40th Ave, (11/9, 7:16 PM).
An officer responded in reference to an apartment burglary. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with
complainant, who stated that unknown person(s) entered her locked apartment. She stated
when she arrived home she found her rear balcony door partially open. The complainant
stated the door was locked prior to her departure. She stated a newly purchased Sony
Playstation 4 was taken from the master bedroom. She was also missing $150.00 USC and a
gold necklace from an unlocked, previously damaged lock box in her closet. The complainant
stated she was unaware if her dead bolt was locked prior to departure. There were slight pry
marks on the entry door. No signs of any tampering on the patio door. The complainant is
unaware if she has renters insurance. She was advised to contact the officer should she
Page 3 of 20 discover any more items to be missing. The Playstation was entered as stolen. Nothing of
evidentiary value left at the scene.
> 15GR08256 THEFT FROM VEHICLE, 800 Blk of N Cline Ave, (11/9, 7:30 PM).
Officers were dispatched in reference to a stolen radio report. Upon arrival the complainant
advised sometime since Saturday morning at approximately 6:00 AM, his vehicle was entered
and his aftermarket radio stolen. He advised his doors were left unlocked but he did not give
anyone permission to enter his vehicle. The complainant advised he just wanted officer to be
aware of the incident.
> 15GR08257 SPECIAL DETAIL, North Mansard Complex, (11/9, 8:00 PM).
The K-9 officer and canine Gino patrolled the court yards of the North Mansard Apartment
complex. No suspicious or illegal activity was observed.
> 15GR08259 ATTEMPTED BURGLARY, 900 Blk of E 40th Ave, (11/9, 9:38 PM).
An officer responded in reference to an attempted burglary. Upon arrival, Mansards
Maintenance was already on scene and had moved the damaged locks. The officer spoke with
the complainant who stated he locked both locks prior to departing for work at approximately
4:30 AM this morning. He stated he returned home to find his door had been forced open. The
complainant stated nothing appeared to be missing at this time. The officer noted several items
of value in the living room which appeared undisturbed. The front door was split and both locks
were lying on the floor when the complainant came home. The officer observed the dead bolt
to be bent..
> 15GR08260 ATTEMPTED BURGLARY, 900 Blk of E 40th Ave, (11/9, 10:02 PM).
While on scene, for a different burglary call, Mansards Security and Maintenance advised they
had just fixed the lock for the resident at apartment 1B. The officer briefly spoke with resident
(no further) who advised he was unable to open his door when he arrived home, due to the
lock being tampered with.
> 15GR08262 SPECIAL DETAIL, 800 Blk of E 38th Pl, (11/10, 1:12 AM).
Officers conducted extra patrol for the apartments located in the 800 block of E 38th Place.
Officers monitored for reported narcotics activity and conducted foot patrol. No violations were
observed.
> 15GR08263 AGENCY ASSISTANCE, E Ridge Rd & N Colfax St, (11/10, 1:59 AM).
While monitoring the area near E. Ridge Rd an N. Colfax Street, an officer heard 9 rapid
gunshots to the southeast of his location. The officer advised dispatch and Griffith units which
responded to the area. Fourteen more shots were heard in rapid succession in the same area.
When units arrived in the area of 41st and Calhoun there was a smell of gunpowder in the air,
however no persons or vehicles were seen leaving the area at that time. Units checked and
observed the surrounding areas with negative results. No further gunfire was heard.
> 15GR08387 FRAUD, 1800 Blk of N Arbogast St, (11/10, 6:00 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a complainant stating he was scammed. The
complainant advised the officer on 11/10/15 he received a call early in the day from (Mike
Page 4 of 20 Louis) claiming to be from the Federal Reserve Bank, stating he owes the United States
Federal Government $200.00. Louis advised the complainant, his student grants will be locked
until this fee is paid. Louis instructed the complainant to wire transfer the money to an account
in Miami Florida. The complainant stated he went to Western Union to wire the money. The
wire transfer went through on 11/10/15 at 11:03 PM and was sent to a person named (Royce
Garcia) in Miami Florida. The complainant did not have an exact address only a person’s
name, to where he sent the money. The complainant then advised the officer Louis called back
again, sometime this morning and advised him there is still a problem with his account. The
complainant stated Louis then transferred him to (Oscar Walton) who also claimed to work for
the Federal Reserve Bank. The complainant then stated Walton advised him they have been
working hard to free up his grants but have recently found out the IRS is putting a hold on his
account for unpaid taxes in the amount of $350.00. Walton instructed the complainant to send
a money transfer using Money Gram. The complainant stated he went to Wal-Mart and sent
the electronic Money Gram (96830127) for $350.00 to a Juan Carbo also in Miami Florida on
todays date. The complainant did not have an exact address only a person’s name, to where
he sent the money. The complainant informed the officer Walton advised him, should there be
any problems call him back at 646-583-2108. The complainant also stated numbers used by
both men are as followed; Washington DC 253-655-4459 and New York 202-324-3000. The
complainant was advised by the officer to try and go back to Western Union and Wal-Mart to
see if he can find an exact address on where the money was transferred to. The officer also
informed the complainant the incident will be documented and how he can obtain a copy of the
report.
> 15GR08278 SPECIAL DETAIL, 1500 Blk of N Glenwood St, (11/10, 6:09 AM).
An officer was assigned to provide extra foot patrol throughout the South Mansard Apartment
Complex in the area of 1500 N. Glenwood Street. Upon his arrival, the officer walked through
every building and each floor, looking for anything suspicious or any illegal activity. While
walking through 1415 N. Arbogast Street the officer located a small, green, zip-lock style
jeweler’s bag on the ground level floor with remnants of a green plant-like substance that
smelled of raw marijuana, based on the officer’s training and experience. He later disposed of
the bag. While walking in the courtyard behind 1516 N. Glenwood Street the officer spoke to a
man who was a hired cleaner that advised he frequently sees a lot of younger people going in
and out of 1519 N. Arbogast Street and while he was cleaning the common/stairway area of
the same building he often smelled what he believed to be a very strong odor of burnt
marijuana emitting from a top floor apartment, specifically the one straight and to the right.
After completing a thorough walk through of the south and southeast annex the officer cleared
without further incident.
> 15GR08265 VANDALISM, No Location Stated, (11/10, 8:37 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to an excavator that was damaged over the night. The
officer spoke with the complainant, who stated he parked an undamaged excavator last night
in the rear northwest lot around 3:15 PM. The complainant returned to work on 11/10/15 at
07:30 AM and found the front window and both side windows of the excavator to have been
shattered. The officer observed a large piece of asphalt rock sitting inside the excavator on the
driver's seat. The complainant was advised the incident will be documented and how he can
obtain a copy of the police report.
Page 5 of 20 > 15GR08266 THEFT FROM VEHICLE, 1400 Blk of N Glenwood St, (11/10, 9:04 AM).
An officer responded in reference to a report of a theft from vehicle which had occurred. Upon
arrival the officer met with the complainant, who stated that unknown suspect(s) had stolen a
watch from her vehicle. The vehicle was parked directly in front of the residence and was left
unlocked. The complainant stated that when she came out to the parking lot this morning she
noticed her driver’s side door was ajar. Upon further inspection she noticed her glove box was
open and the contents had been thrown on the seat. She stated the listed watch had been in
the glove box.
> 15GR08269 PARKING PROBLEM, 1000 Blk of N Dwiggins St, (11/10, 9:40 AM).
An officer responded in reference to a vehicle parked illegally. Upon arrival the officer
observed a Dodge parked in front of 1040 N Dwiggins facing south. Signs stating "no parking
by police order 6am-7pm" were posted in the parkway along the entire street. The vehicle was
hindering the road work which was being conducted in the area. The officer attempted to make
contact with the registered owner at her address on Wood Street with negative results. He also
attempted to make contact with the resident at 1040 N Dwiggins but also received no answer.
Dispatch called the phone number we had on file for the registered owner and also received no
answer. Vehicle was impounded by Double T Towing for violation of TC 74-159.
> 15GR08270 ORDINANCE VIOLATION, 300 Blk of N Elmer St, (11/10, 10:06 AM).
In an inspection in neighborhood alleys, the garage in the 300 block of N Elmer was
discovered to be in a dangerous condition. The garage was leaning heavily to the south,
putting in danger a fence and the property there. On todays date, a letter was sent to the
owners advising them they have 60 days to correct this violation. A follow-up investigation will
be conducted at that time.
> 15GR08274 THEFT, 1100 Blk of N Elmer St, (11/10, 10:30 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to the complainant, stating building materials were
stolen out of his garage sometime last night. The complainant advised the officer he is working
on the house at 1148 Elmer for his boss. He stated when he left the residence last night
around 7:00 PM he remembers walking out to the garage and securing the padlock on the
door. The complainant then stated when he returned to the job at 08:00 AM on today’s date
the garage door was wide open and building materials were missing from the garage. The
officer asked the complainant if the padlock was cut. He stated, "no", when he arrived today he
found the garage door open, and the padlock unlocked, still in the latch. The complainant then
advised the officer all the materials stolen were brand new and still in their original packaging.
Taken was a box of several floor vents, a 25 foot black tube attached to a paint sprayer, and a
20"x20" cardboard box full of miscellaneous painting supplies. The officer observed the garage
door. The door was attached by one door hinge located near the bottom of the door and had
one window missing part of the glass. The complainant advised the officer that the door was
originally like that to his knowledge. The officer did not see any forced entry. The padlock and
locking apparatus looked to be untouched. The complainant advised the officer around 09:30
AM on today’s date he noticed three men walking around the property. When he approached
the men, they asked him if another person was present. The complainant advised the officer
he cannot remember the name they asked for, but told them no one by that name works here.
The complainant then advised the three men got into an unknown black passenger vehicle
Page 6 of 20 with tinted windows and drove away. The men were described as two Hispanics and one white
male, no further on description. The complainant stated the situation seemed suspicious. The
officer informed the complainant a report will be generated and how to pick up a copy for his
records.
> 15GR08276 BURGLARY, 100 Blk of N Broad St, (11/10, 11:02 AM).
A complainant came in to the Griffith Police Station requesting to speak to an officer. Upon
arrival the officer met with the complainant who stated that between the listed times on
yesterday's date, unknown suspect(s) entered his apartment and stole the listed items. He
stated that his apartment door had been locked while he was gone however, the dead bolt was
not engaged. He states that when he returned home he found his apartment door closed and
locked. He states there is no sign of forced entry. The complainant stated that on today's date
he went to his bedroom closet to retrieve his laptop computer and discovered it missing. He
then discovered another laptop computer missing and jewelry which had all been in the
bedroom closet. The complainant states that he last saw the items yesterday before he left his
residence around 4 pm.
> 15GR08283 JUVENILE PROBLEM, 600 Blk of N Wiggs St, (11/10, 3:04 PM).
The SRO officer assigned to Griffith Public Schools, was notified by a Griffith High School
teacher that one of her students had threatened another student earlier during the school day.
> 15GR08287 HIT & RUN ACCIDENT, E Ridge Rd & N Arbogast St, (11/10, 4:53 PM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a hit and run accident that had just occurred involving
a green Honda and another unknown vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer met with the driver of
the listed green Honda Accord. The driver stated that he was traveling westbound on E. Ridge
Rd., approaching N. Arbogast Street when, after he turned on his left turn signal to move into
the left hand turn lane, a vehicle sped up from behind him, and side swiped his Accord. The
driver explained that the vehicle was a small light colored, possibly blue, passenger vehicle,
possibly occupied by two people. The driver was unable to obtain any additional information,
however, based on the damage to his vehicle, it was clear that the vehicle which fled the scene
would have damage to the passenger side front end. The officer advised central dispatch, as
well as other officers, the information that he had available, however officers were unable to
locate the offending vehicle and its occupants. The officer had the driver move his vehicle out
of the middle of the roadway and into a nearby parking lot so that the officer could gather
further details and his documentation. The officer cleared without further incident and a state
crash report will be completed.
> 15GR08288 K-9 CALLOUTS, South Mansard Complex, (11/10, 5:56 PM).
Officers were patrolling the South Mansard Complex on foot and smelled a marijuana odor
after entering 1519 N Arbogast. The K-9 officer and canine Gino responded to the scene.
Upon entering the building a faint odor of burnt marijuana was smelled. Canine Gino
conducted a narcotic sniff in the hallways but did not give a positive alert for a narcotic odor he
was trained to detect at any exterior apartment door seams.
Page 7 of 20 > 15GR08289 TRAFFIC VIOLATION, Ridge Rd & N Cline Ave, (11/10, 6:35 PM).
An officer curbed the listed vehicle in the area of Ridge Rd and Cline Ave. The driver was
found to have a suspended license and was cited for a Class A Infraction.
> 15GR08292 SHOTS FIRED, 1800 Blk of Mansard Blvd, (11/10, 8:25 PM).
A resident in the 1800 block of Mansard Blvd advised he heard several gun shots, but was
unaware where they were coming from. Upon further investigation, and speaking with
surrounding agencies it was ultimately determined the shots came somewhere east of Colfax.
Officers cleared without incident.
> 15GR08294 LOUD PARTY, 1900 Blk of N Arbogast St, (11/10, 11:27 PM).
Officers responded in reference to a loud music complaint. Complainant advised the resident
in the apartment refused to turn her music down and requested officers speak to her about the
ongoing issue. Upon arrival, officers could hear a television coming from a back bedroom. The
volume didn't appear to be unreasonable. Officers attempted to contact the resident, however,
received no answer.
Wed Nov 11 12:55 AM CST 2015
A short while later the officer responded back at the request of the complainant, who invited
the officer into his apartment and requested the officer listen from his bedroom. The officer
could clearly hear the television and what appeared to be surround sound the bedroom floor
had a slight vibration. The complainant stated he and several other neighbors have attempted
to reason with the resident in the apartment, however, she refuses to answer the door. The
officer issued a written warning (affixed to apartment door) to the resident.
> 15GR08297 VANDALISM, 200 Blk of N Elmer St, (11/11, 7:52 AM).
An officer responded in reference to a criminal mischief. Upon arrival the complainant showed
the officer that the rear window of her listed vehicle had been shattered overnight. There was
an impact point in the center of the window but no evidence of what was used to shatter the
window was observed. The complainant did not know any suspects who would want to
damage her vehicle. She also stated that her vehicle was uninsured at the time of the incident.
> 15GR08298 VANDALISM, 300 Blk of N Elmer St, (11/11, 8:23 AM).
An officer responded in reference to a criminal mischief. Upon arrival the complainant showed
the officer that the rear driver's side door window of his listed vehicle had been shattered
overnight. There was an impact point in the center of the window but no evidence of what was
used to shatter the window was observed. The complainant does not know of any suspects.
> 15GR08299 VANDALISM, 300 Blk of N Elmer St, (11/11, 8:35 AM).
While at the previous call, the officer was notified of another damaged vehicle. The
complainant showed the officer that someone caused a small dent in the driver's door of the
listed vehicle between the handle and window. The damage was done sometime overnight.
The dent appeared consistent with the impact of a center punch or a bb gun. No other
evidence was observed at the scene.
Page 8 of 20 > 15GR08300 VANDALISM, 600 Blk of E Elm St, (11/11, 8:52 AM).
While on patrol an officer observed the passenger door window to be shattered on the listed
vehicle. Contact was made with the owner who stated that the car had been parked at the
location for several days and he was unaware of the damage. Nothing was taken from the
vehicle and no other evidence was observed. The vehicle was uninsured at the time of the
incident. The vehicle was likely damaged the previous night due to several other similar
criminal mischief reports taken in the area.
> 15GR08301 VANDALISM, 600 Blk of E Elm St, (11/11, 9:00 AM).
While taking another a criminal mischief report in the 600 block of E Elm, the officer was
notified of another vehicle damaged down the street. The owner stated that sometime
overnight the rear window of the listed vehicle was shattered. No other evidence was
observed.
> 15GR08308 JUVENILE PROBLEM, 600 Blk of N Lillian St, (11/11, 10:19 AM).
The SRO officer assigned to Griffith Public Schools, was contacted by administration at
Beiriger Elementary School in regards to an eleven year old student claiming he was abused
by his father this morning before school. The School Counselor stated that the juvenile walked
into his classroom this morning at 8:30 am crying profusely, and was escorted to the main
office. The counselor stated that the juvenile reported to school officials that he woke up this
morning to his father holding him by the neck. He stated that the juvenile reported he begged
for his father to stop, however he responded "I'm the parent and you're the child, so I can do
whatever the fxxx I want. This kind of stuff will continue until you get your grades up." The
juvenile reported that there has been abuse in the past, and that his mother is unaware of the
abuse. The juvenile advised the counselor that he is "scared to death" of his father and was
afraid to return home after school. The counselor advised that no injuries were observed on
the juvenile. The officer contacted Child Protective Services at 10:29 am and requested
immediate assistance. The officer was contacted by a representative at 10:43 am who advised
she was the only social worker operating in Lake County today, and that she would attempt to
be at Beiriger Elementary School prior to dismissal. The officer requested that she contact him
when she is en-route to the school so that he may temporarily resume his duties at the high
school and middle school. The officer was called back to Beiriger Elementary School at 12:55
pm to meet with a social worker from Child Protective Services. The social worker interviewed
the juvenile and determined that he has difficulty getting up in the morning, and that his father
was inappropriately shaking him in an attempt to wake him up after he slept through his alarm.
The social worker stated that the juvenile no longer feared returning home, and that she would
be in contact with the father in regards to shaking him. The officer verified that no prior
complaints had been made to the police department regarding alleged abuse. The social
worker advised that no further assistance would be necessary, and that her office would
handle the situation from this point forward.
> 15GR08311 WANTED ON WARRANT, 800 Blk of N Lillian St, (11/11, 11:30 AM).
While on patrol in the 800 block of N Lillian Street, an officer noticed an air conditioning unit
thrown out to the curb. A short time later, the officer noticed a white pickup truck stop in front of
the address and two black males attempting to load the A/C unit in the bed of their truck. The
officer contacted the two males and advised them of Griffith Town Ordinance for Scavenging.
Page 9 of 20 A records check of one of the males showed an active warrant through Hammond PD for
Resisting. After confirmation, the male was placed in handcuffs and transported to the old
Griffith Golf Center to be transferred to Hammond PD. A short time later the officer transferred
custody to the Hammond PD and cleared the scene.
> 15GR08312 ORDINANCE VIOLATION, North Mansard Complex, (11/11, 11:36 AM).
While on duty in the Mansards North, an officer noticed a green Chevrolet pickup in violation of
town ordinance. The truck had expired plates and front flat tires. An orange violation sticker
was attached to the front windshield giving the owner 72 hours to correct the violation. The
officer followed up the matter on todays date to discover the vehicle in the same condition. The
vehicle was impounded by Ridgeway Towing and UTT #000061496290 for abandoned /
unlicensed vehicle.
> 15GR08313 ABANDONED VEHICLE, 1500 Blk of N Glenwood, (11/11, 12:39 PM).
While on patrol (11-08-2015), an officer observed a 1998 silver Mercury parked at 1516 N
Glenwood displaying an expired Illinois License Plate of R620956 and two flat tires. The officer
tagged in accordance with town code 26-77. On today's date, the officer observed the vehicle
parked and still in violation. The owner of the vehicle did not contact the officer or correct the
violation. As a result, the vehicle was impounded in accordance with town code and removed
by Ridgeway Towing. The officer issued the owner of the vehicle a citation in accordance with
Town Code 26-77.
> 15GR08314 ABANDONED VEHICLE, 1400 Blk of N Arbogast St, (11/11, 1:01 PM).
While on patrol (11-08-2015), an officer observed a 1997 white Honda Accord parked at 1415
N Arbogast displaying an expired Indiana License Plate of 167BTM and three flat tires. The
officer tagged in accordance with town code 26-77. On today's date, the officer observed the
vehicle parked and still in violation. The owner of the vehicle did not contact the officer or
correct the violation. As a result, the vehicle was impounded in accordance with town code and
removed by Ridgeway Towing. The officer issued the owner of the vehicle a citation in
accordance with Town Code 26-77.
> 15GR08320 THEFT-AUTOMOBILE, 1000 Blk of Reyome Dr, (11/11, 3:29, PM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to an auto theft that had occurred this morning. Indiana
State Police had already recovered the vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with the
complainant. She stated her family member, has been staying at her residence as of late, due
to his medical condition(depression and bi-polar). The complainant stated sometime between
6:00 am and 10:00 am, the family member took the keys to her vehicle from her purse, while
she slept and departed from the apartment. The family member does not have a license and
was never authorized to use the complainant's vehicle. The complainant stated she was
notified at approximately 10:30 am by Indiana State Police that her vehicle was involved in a
crash and her family member was at a hospital(unknown) in Chesterton. The complainant
wished to file charges against the family member for taking her vehicle without permission. The
officer advised the complainant on how to go about obtaining a copy of the report and that the
officer would file charges against the family member for Conversion under IC 35-43 4-3.
Page 10 of 20 > 15GR08321 VANDALISM, 700 Blk of N Rensselaer St, (11/11, 3:39 PM).
An officer responded to a criminal mischief report. Upon arrival the officer spoke with the
complainant who advised that her newly installed fence was damaged. She advised that she
did not hear or see anyone but suspects that the neighboring juveniles had kicked the fence.
The complainant stated that there are juveniles who play in the alley directly behind her house.
The officer noticed the damage to the fence and it did not appear to be by someone's foot.
There were no foot prints or marks from shoes anywhere. The fence was struck by some
object from the alley in towards the house. Two planks were completely broken and one was
cracked. The complainant advised that she would like this incident documented in case it
happens again. The officer advised her on how she can obtain the report and cleared the
scene. Photographs taken and placed in files of this report.
> 15GR08324 THEFT FROM VEHICLE, 700 Blk of E Ridge Rd, (11/11, 4:34 PM).
An officer was dispatched to Advance Auto Parts, in reference to a phone that was stolen from
a parked vehicle. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with the complainant, who stated he
and his wife entered the business at approximately 4:15 pm to purchase auto parts. They were
in the store approximately 30 minutes. While inside, he left the I-Phone 6 Plus, grey in color,
charging in the listed vehicle. When he came out to his vehicle, he noticed his phone gone off
the charger. The officer observed no damage to the vehicle which would show a forceful entry.
The officer took down all necessary information and then cleared.
> 15GR08330 THEFT, 400 Blk of W Ridge Rd, (11/11, 7:50 PM).
An officer was dispatched to K-Mart in reference to a theft. Upon arrival, the officer met with KMart Loss Prevention Employee, who advised a black male suspect stole headphones, a
package of socks, and a gray hoodie from the store and fled on foot eastbound. The Loss
Prevention Employee advised the suspect was wearing a red hoodie, black pants, and a black
stocking cap. He advised the suspect was approximately 5'06" and weighed 170 pounds and
advised the suspect was approximately 17 years old. The Loss Prevention Employee advised
he observed the suspect wrap headphones, and a package of socks in a gray hoodie. He
advised the suspect then ran out of the store, heading eastbound. The Loss Prevention
Employee advised he was unable to catch the suspect before he ran out of the store. He
advised he did not have any video footage of the incident, due to him being on the floor at the
time of the theft. He was unable to give a approximate value of the items stolen, or any serial
numbers, due to him not knowing exactly what items were taken. The officer advised the Loss
Prevention Employee on how to retrieve the incident report if needed. The surrounding area
was searched for the suspect without success.
> 15GR08334 UTILITY PROBLEM, 600 Blk of N Broad St, (11/12, 7:04 AM).
An officer was dispatched to Central Park in reference to a down NIPSCO line that was
sparking. Upon arrival, the officer located the down line in the 100 block of W Pine Street. The
line was down from 100 W Pine all the way to the intersection of Pine Street and Woodlawn
Avenue. Officers blocked Pine Street off from N. Broad Street to Woodlawn Avenue. Griffith
FD was paged out due to the sparks from the live line causing a nearby garbage can to smoke.
NIPSCO was also notified. Griffith FD along with Griffith VEST arrived on scene and took over.
Officers then cleared the scene while Griffith VEST waited for NIPSCO to arrive.
Page 11 of 20 > 15GR08336 DAMAGED PROPERTY, 700 Blk of N Rensselaer St, (11/12, 8:51 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a property damage report. Upon arrival, the officer
made contact with the complainant who stated that during the storm last night, which had 50
mph winds, a tree branch broke and landed on his listed vehicle. The officer observed two golf
ball size dents to the rear trunk lid of the vehicle. The officer took down all of the complainant's
information including his insurance (comment section of vehicle file), and then advised him of
how to pick up a copy of the report.
> 15GR08341 DAMAGED PROPERTY, 1100 Blk of N Glenwood St, (11/12, 9:24 AM).
While patrolling the 1100 block of N Glenwood Street, an officer observed a tree that was
uprooted during last night’s storm. The tree had fallen into the front yard of the residence,
making contact with the house. The officer made contact with the homeowner, who stated that
at approximately 3:30 am, she was awoken to a loud crashing noise coming from outside. She
stated when she looked out her front window, she saw the tree completely uprooted and
partially on top of her house. The complainant stated that she had just had a new driveway
apron poured while a new blacktop was being poured in. She stated when the construction
crew dug up the old apron, the roots to the tree were cut, stating this made the tree unstable.
The officer photographed the tree and residence and added them into files.
> 15GR08351 FRAUD, 1000 Blk of N Oakwood St, (11/12, 11:46 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a fraud report. Upon arrival, the officer made contact
with the complainant, who stated that at approximately 2:03 am, she received an email from
Chase Bank regarding that her account had been temporarily frozen as a suspect to possible
identity theft. The complainant stated she called her bank this morning and advised of the
email. It was during this conversation that she learned an unknown subject had gotten a hold
of her credit card information and was attempting to use it. She stated she is an avid online
shopper and used her Chase Freedom credit card approximately three days ago on a site
called www.Fingerhut.com. The complainant stated that the bank had been contacted by the
unknown subject trying to reset the PIN but failed to answer the security questions she had set
in place. The complainant stated the bank gave her a partial telephone number of (225)???1012. The officer advised the complainant to freeze her account and monitor any other open
accounts for any additional fraudulent charges that may appear as well as how to obtain a
copy of the report.
> 15GR08360 ASSAULT, 1400 Blk of N Glenwood St, (11/12, 10:24 PM).
Officers responded in reference to a physical altercation that took place and the suspect
female may still be in the area. Upon arrival, no one was observed in the parking lot or
hallways. Officers made contact with the complainant, who advised she has been in a
relationship with another female for the past two months. The complainant stated she ended
the relationship yesterday but forgot personal property at the other female's apartment. The
other female responded to the complainant’s apartment to return the complainant’s property.
They met outside the apartment building to retrieve her property. The complainant stated the
other female handed her the property and stated "I knew you was a liar" and then asked "Who
left roses at your work?" The complainant stated she did not answer and then the other female
punched the right side of her face twice with a closed fist which caused her glasses to fall to
the ground. The complainant stated they started pushing back and forth and the other female
Page 12 of 20 ripped the buttons off her jacket. The complainant advised she then bent down to pick up her
glasses and the other female punched the left side of her face once with a closed fist. The
complainant stated she then pushed the female back and the female partially pulled out a
small black handgun from the front of her waistband. The complainant stated the other female
did not pull the gun all the way out nor did she threaten her in any manner. The complainant
stated she entered the apartment building and went inside apartment. The other female yelled
through the front apartment building door that she was going to "fxxx up" the complainant and
her sister. The complainant stated the other female possibly left in a black 2014 Dodge
Challenger with Indiana handicap plates of INVME2. Officers attempted to locate the Dodge
but had negative results. The complainant displayed minor swelling to both sides of her face
but refused any medical treatment. The complainant advised she did not want to pursue any
charges at this time.
> 15GR08363 SPECIAL DETAIL, Mansard Complex, (11/13, 5:47 AM).
An officer performed extra patrol throughout the Mansards attempting to deter the recent string
of burglaries that have occurred. While patrolling the officer did not observe anything out of the
ordinary. Cleared responding officer, no further incident.
> 15GR08364 UNWANTED PARTY, 1300 Blk of N Wood St, (11/13, 7:03 AM).
Officers were dispatched in reference to an unwanted party. Upon arrival, officers observed a
male standing at the front door of the listed residence. Officers spoke to male who stated that
he is unable to make contact with his boss who owes him money and he knows his family lives
at this location. Officers then spoke to complainant who stated that the male’s boss does not
live at the listed residence and that the male is scaring her. The complainant advised the male
told her, "I'm not leaving until I get my money from John". She advised she would like the male
to be trespassed from the listed residence. The complainant provided officers with a phone
number for the male’s boss. Officers provided the male with the phone number and male
advised he has already called the number given and alleges the number has been blocked.
The male was advised to seek restitution in civil court and also advised he would have to leave
the residence and if he returned he would be arrested for trespassing. The male left then
officers cleared the scene.
> 15GR08366 CIVIL MATTER requiring officer, 1900 Blk of N Cline Ave, (11/13, 7:38 AM).
An officer was dispatched to Public Storage in reference to the complainant, stating someone
broke into his storage locker and stole his property. The complainant advised the officer he
had recently purchased unit #E16 at an auction on 11/03/15. On 11/05/15 the complainant
stated he decided to rent unit #E16 to store some of his belongings. He then stated on
11/11/15 he was at the locker unit placing more belongings inside. On todays date the
complainant was advised by his sister someone has posted online (Facebook Resale shop)
their belongings for sale that were stored in the storage locker. The complainant then stated he
came to his storage locker to see if they were in fact his belongings and found someone had
cut his padlock and replaced the lock with a new one. The officer and complainant went to the
front desk and spoke with the Public Storage Manager regarding this issue. The manager
informed the officer she was advised the auctioneer did not clean out the locker he bought at
the action on time, the items inside were then cleaned out by an outside vendor. The manager
stated the outside vendor is licensed and contracted through Public Storage. The manager
Page 13 of 20 also stated she only knows the outside vendor as Chris (number for Chris in supplement). She
advised the officer a mistake was made, stating, "I was not aware the complainant rented the
locker after buying it at the auction, I will take full blame for the mistake". The manager then
advised she will contact Chris and have him bring the complainant's belongings back to the
storage unit today. The manager asked the officer to cut the padlock on unit #E16 to verify if
any of the complainant's belongings were left behind. The officer cut the padlock, inside were
items left behind from Chris that did not belong to the complainant except for a pool ladder and
chair gazebo top. The complainant stated he is missing: child size four wheeler, an electric
crazy go cart, two child size Star Wars chairs, a New York lawn chair, a Chicago Bears lawn
chair, a New York Giants wooden bean bag game, twenty candle holders, two plastic tubs of
Halloween decorations, a plastic tub of summer clothing, an orange power washer, green
office chair, plastic tub of baseball cards, a bin of miscellaneous tools, a bin of Lionel trains,
two boxes of linens and table cloths, small pool heater, kitchen aid blender, two space heaters,
and four antique chairs. The Public Storage Manager advised the complainant if any of his
belongings are not returned to him by Chris he is to first contact the manager so they can try
and resolve any issues. The complainant was advised by the officer the incident will be
documented and how he can obtain a copy of the report.
> 15GR08375 SPECIAL DETAIL, 1000 Blk of N Indiana St, (11/13, 7:48 AM).
An officer was assigned to patrol the 1000 block of N Indiana Street for suspected narcotics
activity. No narcotics activity was observed and the officer cleared the scene.
> 15GR08372 VANDALISM, 400 Blk of N Jay St, (11/13, 10:22 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a criminal mischief report. Upon arrival, the officer
spoke to the complainant who stated that he observed 3 dents in the roof of the listed vehicle.
He stated that he believes the damage was caused some time last night by unknown
subject(s). The complainant was advised a report would be on file and the officer cleared the
scene.
> 15GR08378 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE, 800 Blk of E Main St, (11/13, 1:48 PM).
Officers were dispatched to Austgen Electric in reference to a suspicious vehicle with a flat tire.
Upon arrival, officers observed the listed vehicle. Officers made contact with the occupants
who stated that they were waiting for a friend who rents a storage unit nearby to come with a
new tire. Officers advised the occupants that they were on private property and would need to
leave per the request of the business owner. The occupants left and officers cleared the
scene.
> 15GR08381 TRAFFIC VIOLATION, 15th Ave & Chase, (11/13, 3:23 PM).
While working OPO in the City of Gary, a Griffith officer observed a driver traveling westbound
on 15th Avenue from Chase Street without wearing a seatbelt. He positioned his fully marked
squad car behind the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. After approaching the driver, she
identified herself with a DOB of 01-23-1982. BMV files showed the driver as a Habitual Traffic
Violator for life. The officer returned to the driver as she pleaded with him not to take her to jail.
She advised of a family funeral she was attending. After a family member arrived and
confirmed the unfortunate circumstances, the driver was released from scene after being
Page 14 of 20 advised charges would be filed for Operating While HTV. The vehicle was released to a
licensed driver.
> 15GR08385 TRAFFIC VIOLATION, 1100 Blk of Broadway St, (11/13, 3:58 PM).
While sitting stationary at 1100 Broadway Street in Gary, Indiana facing east at the traffic light,
a Griffith officer observed the vehicle to his left (also facing east) with several young children in
the back seat (approximately 4) who appeared not to be in restraints. The officer activated his
overhead emergency lights and curbed the vehicle in the 900 block of Broadway and
approached the driver. The driver was identified with a DOB 01-12-1983, who returned
unlicensed through the State of Indiana. The officer observed 7 juveniles sitting in the back
seat. Some of the smaller children were sitting on the laps of older one. The officer observed 7
children under the age of 7 sitting in the back seat without child safety seats. The driver
advised of extenuating circumstances in which she had to pick up the children of a relative.
Although none of the children had child restraints. The driver was advised she would be
charged with Operating While Unlicensed and issued citations for the Child Restraint
Violations.
> 15GR08388 NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION, 1500 Blk of N Arbogast St, (11/13, 4:15 PM).
Officers entered 1519 N Arbogast to serve a warrant for a male at an apartment. Upon
entering the building, officers smelled a strong odor of burnt marijuana. The odor increased as
officers walked to the top floor. Police Canine Gino conducted a narcotic sniff in the hallways of
the first floor and second floor of 1519 N Arbogast. Canine Gino gave a positive alert/indication
for an illegal narcotic odor he was trained to detect after sniffing the bottom door seam of an
apartment. An officer knocked on the door and a male approached the door and asked who
knocked. The officer identified himself as a Griffith Police Officer and the male, later identified
opened the door. Officers immediately smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from inside
the apartment. Another male, later identified, quickly exited the rear bedroom hallway. Officers
entered and cleared the apartment for officer safety and to prevent the destruction of evidence.
The first male was asked about the marijuana smell and he stated "It's just a little weed". While
clearing the apartment what appeared to be a small rolled up marijuana cigarette was
observed in an ash tray in plain view on the kitchen table. Corner pieces of clear plastic
baggies with green plant like residue (suspected marijuana) were also observed on the kitchen
table. The officer observed a digital scale with what appeared to be marijuana residue on top
of the scale in the rear right bedroom on top of a wooden television stand. Multiple new jeweler
style zip lock baggies (commonly used to package illegal narcotics) were observed next to the
scale on the wooden stand. An ash tray was observed in the bedroom in plain view and
contained loose tobacco and empty jeweler style zip lock baggies containing what appeared to
be marijuana residue. All five occupants were detained in the living room and Detectives were
briefed on officer’s findings. The occupants were identified. While identifying occupants of the
residence, male #2 initially gave officers a false name with a DOB of 09-29-1990. After the
name did not return with any state identification, officers verified the spelling of the name and
birth date. Male #2 later recanted stating he gave the false name because he believed he had
a warrant for an earlier case involving his girlfriend. The officer had canine Gino conduct a free
air sniff around the exterior of the first male’s listed BMW which was parked in the parking lot in
front of 1519 N Arbogast Street. Canine Gino gave a positive alert/indication for an illegal
narcotic he was trained to detect after sniffing the lower left corner of the front passenger door.
Page 15 of 20 While waiting for the search warrant the apartment occupants(not handcuffed in the living
room) were asked if anything was illegal in the apartment and occupant male #3 stated he put
two small bags of marijuana and a "joint" (rolled up marijuana cigarette) in the bathroom
cabinet. Approximately thirty minutes later male #3 advised he had to use the bathroom. He
was escorted to the bathroom and he showed officers where he put the two baggies and
marijuana cigarette. The two bags of suspected marijuana and marijuana cigarette were
removed and placed on the kitchen table so male #3 could use the bathroom. He used the
bathroom and was escorted back to the living room. Detectives obtained a search warrant for
1519 N Arbogast and male #1’s BMW. Officers and canine Gino searched the apartment and
the listed property/evidence was transported to the Griffith Police Station. The reporting officer
field tested the suspected marijuana and it tested positive for marijuana. The listed BMW was
transported to the Griffith Police Station garage. Officers searched the vehicle and observed
suspected marijuana residue in the center console, and passenger door ash trays. Male #1
was arrested and transported to the station for Maintaining Common Nuisance. Male #2 was
arrested for False Informing and Maintaining Common Nuisance. Male #3 was charged with
Possession of Marijuana and Visiting Common Nuisance. Male #4 and #5 were charged with
Visiting Common Nuisance.
> 15GR08396 ORDINANCE VIOLATION, 1900 Blk of N Arbogast St, (11/13, 11:10 PM).
An officer responded to speak with a complainant in reference to an ongoing noise issue. Upon
arrival, the officer spoke with the complainant, who asked the officer to come inside her
apartment and listen to the noise the children were making upstairs. The officer listened inside
the living room and heard children jumping up and down and being loud. The complainant
stated this is an ongoing issue and played several recordings for the officer of the constant
noise going on upstairs. She stated she has to sleep with her radio on to attempt to drown out
the noise. The complainant stated she even got "Cited" a few days ago for having the music
too loud. The officer advised the complainant she wasn't "Cited" and actually received a written
warning, as the officer was the one who issued the warning reference (case #15GR08294).
The complainant advised she didn't answer her door either time because she was "Sleeping in
her car," due to the noise from upstairs. She stated she constantly has to retrieve basketballs
off her balcony that the kids from upstairs throw on it. The complainant stated she's unable to
get proper rest and wants the ongoing issue to stop. The officer spoke with resident in
apartment upstairs. The officer informed the resident of the complaint, to which she replied the
children have been quiet all night. The officer informed her that wasn't true, as the officer had
just come from the apartment below her and could hear the noise. The resident then stated
"Well, they're only here on the weekends." The officer noted the same children were sleeping
on the living room floor on the evening of Tuesday November 10, 2015. The resident insisted
the children weren't a problem and complainant and her music was the problem. The officer
advised the resident her complaint was addressed a few days ago and now their noise needed
to be addressed. The resident stated she would keep the children quiet. Both parties were
advised the ongoing issue would be documented.
> 15GR08403 ANIMAL CALL, 1100 Blk of N Lafayette, (11/14, 4:05 AM).
Officers were dispatched in reference to a barking dog. This is the second call in reference to
this dog. Earlier the dog may have been barking due to a nearby ambulance which was
running outside of a call for service. Officers did not hear the dog barking upon arrival. Upon
Page 16 of 20 arrival this time, the officer parked his squad car nearby and turned the engine off to listen.
After a few minutes and without cause, the dog started barking from the rear of 1140 N
Lafayette. The officer stayed in the area for approximately fifteen minutes as the dog continued
to bark. The officer attempted contact via knocking on the front door and windows with
negative results. Dispatch then made contact with the resident whom officers contacted
recently at that residence. She advised she was not home but would attempt to make contact
via phone. The dog continued to bark as no one was home to let the dog in. A citation will be
issued to the resident as she is the last person contacted at this location.
> 15GR08414 ASSIST CITIZEN, 500 Blk of N Raymond St, (11/14, 2:14 PM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to the complainant, requesting to speak with an officer
regarding a red tag on her vehicle. She advised the officer that she received a warning ticket in
the mail, along with her silver Mercury Sable plate #HV1093, being red tagged as an
abandoned vehicle, "Does not display a current valid license plate" on 11/11/2015. The
complainant advised the officer she renewed her license plate a few days prior to noticing the
red tag on her vehicle. She also stated she is still waiting for her new registration stickers to
come in the mail. The complainant advised the officer she is concerned that her vehicle may
be towed, due to still waiting for her new stickers. The officer ran the complainant's license
plate which came back valid 2016. The officer advised the complainant her plates are up to
date in the system. The officer also advised that he will send an e-mail to the code
enforcement officer on her behalf. The officer e-mailed the code enforcement officer advising
him that the complainant's license plate is up to date.
> 15GR08425 PI ACCIDENT, W. Main St & Wiggs St, (11/15, 12:15 AM).
Officers were directed to Main and Wiggs in response to a police volunteer’s report of a vehicle
he observed drive off the roadway and crashed into a ditch. The volunteer also requested
Prompt Ambulance. Upon arrival officers observed a maroon Oldsmobile facing southbound in
the ditch on the south side of W Main Street and Wiggs, on the south side of the railroad
tracks. Officers made contact with the driver who was awake and appearing confused. Officers
asked the driver if he had any injuries and he replied, "no." He was then asked if he believed
he was able to exit the car and replied, "Yes, I can get out of the car". The driver exited the
vehicle under his own power and officers assisted him up from the ditch. Prompt Medics were
on scene and began to evaluate the driver. The driver began becoming argumentative with
medics and officers. While speaking with the driver the officer detected an odor of an unknown
alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. The driver stated he would not take any test but
consented to a portable breath test. The portable breath test was given by the officer and gave
a reading of .22 BrAC. The driver was then read the Indiana Implied Consent by the officer, in
which he replied in the negative. The driver then stated he did not wish any medical treatment
and refused to be co-operative with the Prompt Medics. Due to the accident the driver needed
to be medically cleared, so the officer placed him into double locked restraints and transported
him to Munster Community Hospital. While at the Munster Community Hospital the officer
again read the Indiana Implied Consent to the driver who replied in the positive and consented
to a chemical test. A Phlebotomist drew a sample which was tested in the lab at the hospital.
The lab report stated the driver had an ethanol result of 275 mg/DL. The driver was cleared by
Munster Community Hospital and released to leave. He was then placed into double locked
Page 17 of 20 restraints and transported to the Griffith Police Department. The driver was charged with OWI,
OWI Endangering OWI over .15. He was then transported the Lake County Jail.
> 15GR08443 CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, 400 Blk of W Ridge Rd, (11/15, 6:26 PM).
An officer was dispatched to the parking lot in the 400 block of W Ridge Rd in reference to two
children left unattended inside a light blue minivan. Upon arrival, the officer observed a light
blue Ford Freestar in the parking lot, just east of the K-Mart entrance door. The officer
observed two small children jumping around inside the vehicle. The officer approached the
vehicle which was found to be unlocked with the driver’s side window down. The officer spoke
with a seven year old and a six year old. Both children were in the vehicle alone. Both children
stated their mom, later identified, went inside K-Mart. Both children stated their mother told
them she would be right back. Both children stated that she had been inside the store for "A
long time." Both children stated this isn't the first time they have sat in the vehicle alone while
their mother went into a store. The officer escorted the children inside the store and had store
security page the children’s mother over the intercom system and request she come to the
service desk. A few minutes later, an employee advised the mother was in the back of the
store at the layaway counter. The officer began to walk the children to the back of the store
when the mother came to the front of the store with two more small children. The mother
requested the officer follow her back to the layaway department so she "didn't lose her spot in
line". The officer asked the mother how long she had been waiting in line to which she stated
"quite a while". The officer followed the mother and her children to the back of the store and
spoke with the layaway cashiers who advised that the mother had been in line for quite some
time and her transaction would take at least another twenty minutes as she had several items
on layaway. The officer asked the mother why she simply didn't bring her other two children in
the store with her, to which she stated it was difficult to bring all the children in the store and
she didn't think she would be that long. The officer advised the mother it wasn't safe to leave
two small children in the vehicle alone for any amount of time. The officer advised the mother
she was going to be charged with neglect of a dependent, to which she stated she understood.
The officer spoke with a K-Mart employee who advised she received the initial complaint from
a customer at approximately 6:10 P.M. The employee said she went outside and waited
approximately fifteen minutes to see if a parent was going to return to the vehicle. The
employee stated she then contacted police. The officer was dispatched to the call at
approximately 6:32 PM. The officer made contact with the mother at approximately 6:45 PM.
who was still in the layaway line and had yet to complete her transaction. Loss Prevention
Employees advised they had been moving the cameras around so much following potential
shoplifters, they were unable to get proper footage of when the mother entered the store.
Given the children's statements, the K-Mart employee’s statement, and the mother's own
admission, the officer forwarded neglect of a dependent charges to the Lake County
Prosecutor's office. A copy of this report was forwarded to CPS.
> 15GR08450 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, 500 Blk of E Glen Park Ave, (11/15, 7:04 PM).
While on patrol, an officer observed a white Chevy pickup truck, occupied by two unknown
males, parked in front in the 500 block of E Glen Park Avenue. All the stores were closed in
that area and vehicle was not observed to be running. The officer made contact with the two
men who were identified as he approached from the passenger side and the passenger rolled
his window down to speak with him. At that time a strong odor of burnt marijuana was detected
Page 18 of 20 emitting from the interior of the vehicle. The officer asked the two men if they were smoking
marijuana and they stated, "No officer we are just talking". After speaking with the two for a few
minutes the driver pulled a cigar out of the center console, which he stated was, "Filled with
marijuana". He then informed the officer that there was nothing else in the vehicle. Both men
were removed from the vehicle and upon arrival of back up officers, the reporting officer began
a search of the vehicle. Inside the front center ashtray, the officer located a small baby food jar
filled with an unknown green and brown leafy substance. Also inside the jar was a blue and
brown glass pipe. The officer asked the driver what was in the baby jar that he found in the
ashtray and he said, "Marijuana and a glass pipe". The driver stated that the jar (its contents)
and the cigar filled with marijuana belonged to him and not the passenger. The driver was then
placed into double locked restraints, put into Griffith squad car and transported to the Griffith
Police Department. The driver was later released on a Personal Recognizance Bond. The
green and brown leafy substances (in the jar and in the cigar) were later field tested by the
reporting officer and tested positive for marijuana. The driver was charged with Possession of
Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia.
> 15GR08445 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, No Location Stated, (11/15, 7:59 PM).
Officers were dispatched in reference to a male subject sleeping in his vehicle. Upon arrival an
officer observed a white male slumped over in the driver's seat of the listed vehicle. The officer
approached the male to check his welfare. When he activated his flashlight to see into the
vehicle, the officer observed an off-white hand rolled cigarette which was burnt at one end
sitting on the driver's lap. Fearing the male may be impaired, the officer reached into the
vehicle and took the keys out of the ignition. While pulling the keys out, the driver woke up in a
state of panic. The officer identified himself as a Griffith Police Officer and requested the driver
step out of the vehicle. As the driver stepped out of the vehicle, the partially burnt hand rolled
cigarette fell out of his lap and to the ground. After patting the driver down for weapons the
officer requested he stand next to the truck. While speaking to the driver he was unable to
answer simple questions. He was unable to remember his full name or address. After a few
minutes the driver became more alert and was able to answer questions. As the officer spoke
to the driver about his welfare and why he was sleeping in his vehicle, he observed a clear
ziplock style baggie sitting on the center floorboard area of the vehicle near a cup holder. The
officer asked the driver what the burnt hand rolled cigarette contained. The driver advised it
was "fake weed". The officer reconfirmed by asking if it was synthetic marijuana. The driver
advised it was. He advised he bought it from a friend who makes it. The officer collected the
cigarette and the baggie containing the synthetic marijuana as evidence and advised the driver
he would be charged with Misdemeanor Possession of Synthetic Marijuana. He was safely
released from scene due to the call volume of the night.
> 15GR08452 JUVENILE RUNAWAY, N Broad St & Elm St, (11/15, 11:11 PM).
While on patrol an officer observed a juvenile walking southbound on N Broad Street at Elm
Street. Contact was made, due to possible curfew violation. While speaking with the listed
juvenile, the officer found that he was only 15 years old and in violation of curfew. When his
name was ran in IDAC's, it was found that he was a runaway juvenile from Campagna
Academy (7403 Cline Avenue), put in by the Schererville Police Department earlier in the
afternoon of 11/15/15. The juvenile was placed into double locked restraints and placed into
the back of his squad car. Officers then contacted the Schererville PD and the Campagna
Page 19 of 20 Academy to notify them the runaway juvenile had been located. Upon speaking with
Campagna Academy, they requested the juvenile be returned to them. At this time the officer
transported the juvenile back to 7403 Cline Avenue (Campagna Academy) and released the
juvenile to the Schererville Police Department and Campagna Academy staff.
ARREST REPORT:
> POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA/POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA (11/11, 5:04 PM)
Al-Khalidi, Mohammed U.
> MAINTAINING A COMMON NUISANCE (11/13, 7:45 PM) Kelly, Brandon D.
> FALSE REPORT/INFORM/MAINTAINING A COMMON NUISANCE (11/13, 1:09 AM)
Kelly, Brayel D.
> NEGLECT OF DEPENDENT (11/15, 7:10 PM) Moore, Cherae
> OPERATORS LICENSE NEVER ISSUED (11/11, 7:21 PM) Stewart, Larry W.
> OWI/OWI - AT LEAST .15%/OWI ENDANGERING A PERSON (11/15, 1:48 AM) Thewes,
Nicholas A.
> HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER (11/14, 1:19 AM) Williams, Lakesha Page 20 of 20