GRIFFITH CRIME WATCH

GRIFFITH CRIME
WATCH
WEEKLY REPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD
POLICE BLOTTER
July 20 - 27, 2014
> DISORDERLY CONDUCT, 1000 N Wood St, (7/20, 12:05 AM).
Officers were called back in reference to a domestic battery in progress in which a male
subject was allegedly beating a female. Upon arrival the officers made contact with two
females and two males. Female #1 stated that all the subjects had been partying together
when male #4 apparently was upset with female #2 for wanting to party with her friends
instead of spending "family time" with him at home. As the evening progressed and more
alcoholic beverages were consumed, the arguing between male #4 and female #2 increased.
Female #2 took a piece of pizza from the patio table and walked around the corner of the
house to get away from male #4, who followed female #2 around the house and the arguing
continued. According to female #2, female #1 and male #3, male #4 began pushing female #2
causing the back of her head to strike the side of the house while allegedly yelling obscenities
at female #2. Female #1 stated that she ran towards male#4 and female #2 shouting at
male#4 to leave female #2 alone. Female #1 stated that male #4 then turned at her and began
coming at her in an aggressive manner stating "You don't know what I'm capable of doing to
you". Male #3 stated that he then intervened and threatened to "kick male #4's axx" if he didn't
back down. Male #3 stated that he then called the police. All parties involved had been
consuming alcoholic beverages and showed signs of intoxication. Female #2 showed no signs
of injury, nor did she complain of any injury. She was adamant that she did not want to pursue
battery charges against male #4. Male #4 was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct,
and then transported to the Griffith Police Station. He was booked, processed and placed in
holding cell #1 pending alcohol burn off and later release on a Personal Recognizance Bond.
Male #4's BAC at time of arrest of .188% on PBT.
> PD ACCIDENT, 600 Blk of W Ave H, (7/20, 12:49 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a truck and damage to a utility pole. Upon arrival
officers noticed the Dodge Ram 2500 off of the road on the north side with extensive front end
damage. The officer also observed a NIPSCO utility pole heavily damaged approximately 100
ft west of the resting place of the truck. Landscape boulders and rocks that were on the north
side of the roadway were also strewn about. The officer made contact with a male subject
standing outside the drivers door of the vehicle and asked the male subject if he was the
driver and he stated "Yes". The subject was identified by his Oklahoma DL and his own
admission. The officer asked the driver what had happened and he stated that a dog ran out
in front of his vehicle and swerved to the left leaving the roadway as he was E/B on Ave H.
While speaking with the driver the officer detected a slight to moderate odor of an alcoholic
beverage upon his breath and his eyes seemed watery and bloodshot. He seemed to talk at
times slowly. The officer asked the driver if he had been drinking and he stated that he had
two large beers earlier in the evening. The officer asked if he was injured or felt pain anywhere
due to striking the pole and he stated no. The officer asked the driver to submit to a few field
sobriety tests . The driver was then advised of Indiana's Implied Consent Law and agreed to
submit to a chemical test. The test was administered by the officer at the Griffith Police Station
utilizing a Intox EC/IR-II machine. The results
were .115 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. The driver was charged with two counts of
OWI, .08-.14 and OWI Endangering. His vehicle was inoperable and impounded. The driver
was subsequently also charged with Handgun No Permit with regards to the listed Taurus PT
1911 located in his truck.
> SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE, Area of Broad St & Main St, (7/20, 1:51 AM).
An officer responded in reference to a vehicle that had driven off the road. Upon arrival the
officer located a silver Ford Explorer stuck in the road re-construction zone / easement at
Main St and the alley between Broad St & Griffith Blvd. The vehicle was unoccupied, and the
engine was cold to the touch. The rear tires were mired in the sand from spinning trying to get
unstuck. It was apparent that the vehicle had been traveling southbound in the alley and tried
to go around the orange construction barrels. The vehicle then became stuck in the easement
that is currently being reconstructed on the north side of the roadway. The vehicle did not
appear to be damaged and it was not in the roadway therefor posed no hazard.
> ALCOHOL OFFENSE, 100 Blk of N Rensselaer St, (7/20, 3:40 AM).
An officer was dispatched on a report of an unknown male white subject on the complainant's
back porch. Upon arrival the officer observed a male white subject wearing only shorts &
shoes, come stumbling from the back porch area of the residence out onto the public
sidewalk. The subject had a strong odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage emitting from his
breath, and could barely stand when he stopped walking upon seeing the officer. For his
safety and due to his apparent high level of intoxication the officer had subject sit down on the
ground. When asked, the subject advised he had an argument with his girlfriend "Sarah" at
this residence and was being kicked out by her father. The officer went and spoke with the
complainant, who stated that she has never seen this male subject before and does not have
a daughter Sarah. The officer went back and spoke with the subject who stated he thought he
was on Manor Dr at his girlfriends residence. The subject then attempted to stand up,
however nearly fell back over due to his state of intoxication, putting his own safety at risk.
The subject was assisted to his feet by officers and placed under arrest for Public Intoxication.
He was placed into the back seat of the squad car and transported to Griffith PD. Once at
Griffith PD, the subject was brought directly to cell #3. He became argumentative with officers
demanding a phone call, and also stated if he does not get his phone call within 20 minutes
that he would sue all officers and his attorney would deal with us. The subject was placed into
cell #3. He was booked for Public Intoxication, and will be held pending alcohol burn off and
posting of bond, or transport to Lake County Jail.
> DUI, 45th St & Kleinman Rd, (7/20, 5:26 AM).
While stopped at a red light, an officer in a fully marked Griffith patrol car. While the officer
was stopped at the red light, a blue & white full sized GMC van pulled up next to him in the
right lane and stopped for the red light. The driver was a young Hispanic male who was
holding a cigar in his left hand which he was holding out the driver's window. After a
momentary stop, the van proceeded westbound driving through the red light as if it were a
stop sign. The officer immediately activated his patrol car's overhead emergency lights and
effected a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 3700 block of 45th St in Highland. The officer
approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver/lone occupant, and advised him of
the reason for the stop. The driver responded "I didn't see a red light". The officer immediately
smelled a strong odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage emitting from the driver's breath. The
officer asked the driver if he had
consumed any alcoholic beverages recently, which he replied "No". The officer instructed the
consumed any alcoholic beverages recently, which he replied "No". The officer instructed the
driver to produce his drivers license and vehicle registration. The driver pulled his wallet out of
his front pocket and handed the officer his Indiana DL. The officer asked the driver how old he
was and he replied "Seventeen". The officer asked the juvenile driver where he was coming
from and he replied "My girl's house". The officer asked the juvenile driver where he was
going, which he replied "My crib". The officer instructed the juvenile driver to exit the vehicle
and step over to the sidewalk, where the officer administered a PBT to the juvenile driver
which registered .182% BrAC. The juvenile driver was advised that he was under arrest for
Minor Consumption of alcohol, which he replied "For real? I'm about to be home". The juvenile
driver was secured in handcuffs and placed in the back seat of the officer's patrol car. The
vehicle was placed into impound and towed for safekeeping. Once on station, the officer
administered the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). The officer then read the
juvenile the Indiana Implied Consent Warning and he agreed to submit to a chemical test.
After the mandatory 15 minute waiting period had lapsed, the officer administered an Intox
EC/IR breath test to the juvenile. The juvenile provided valid breath samples resulting in .149
gram of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. After completion of the chemical breath test, the
juvenile was released to his parents.
> SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE, 800 Blk of N Broad St, (7/20, 9:25 AM).
An officer responded to the parking lot of 7-11 for a report of a green Ford Explorer at the
pumps with two male subjects passed out inside. Upon arrival, the officer observed a Green
Ford Explorer with a Indiana registration parked next to the north east pump. The officer
observed a male subject slumped over in the driver's seat and another male subject slumped
over in the driver's side passenger seat. Upon approaching the vehicle the officer observed
the driver of the vehicle to wake up and then step out of the vehicle, after seeing my squad
behind him. The officer informed the driver of the vehicle to sit back down in the vehicle at that
time. The officer then observed the passenger of the vehicle to be completely passed out with
his mouth hanging wide open. The officer observed dry blood in and around his mouth and his
skin to be extremely pale. The male subject's breathing was very slow and shallow. The officer
attempted several times to wake the subject up with a sternum rub, with negative results. At
that time the officer had dispatch summon an ambulance for a possible overdose. He asked
the driver if the passenger had taken anything. The driver stated he did not know and that they
were out all night after going to see "Warped Tour" (concert) in Illinois. The officer then
secured the driver in handcuffs and placed him into his unit for investigative purposes and
officer safety. Once Prompt arrived on scene the officer assisted prompt in getting the
passenger into the ambulance. The officer was able to identify the passenger by his Indiana
ID card, in his wallet. The passenger was transported to Munster Community Hospital for
evaluation and treatment. The officer then identified the driver of the vehicle by his own
admission. A routine records check came back showing the driver's license to be suspended
with a prior conviction. The officer informed the driver that he was under arrest for driving
while suspended. The officer then transported the driver to the Griffith police station, where he
was then later released after posting $250 cash bond. The driver's vehicle was impounded by
the officer and removed from the scene by Ridgeway.
> VANDALISM, Brinwood directly south of the ditch, (7/20, 9:47 AM).
An officer responded to a report of graffiti on a building. Upon arrival the officer observed
graffiti on the south side of the building. The message displayed was spray painted in black.
No other damage was observed on the building. The officer photographed the scene and
cleared with further incident.
> THEFT, 1000 Blk of W Ash St, (7/20, 1:08 PM).
An officer responded in reference to items taken from a house. Upon arrival, contact was
made with a male and female. The female stated that her brother had came over earlier and
had stolen her television. The male stated that he was able to observe the brother taking the
TV on his home surveillance system. He further stated that he had contacted the brother and
confronted him. The male stated that the brother at first denied taking the TV but later stated
he did after being confronted by the fact that he was caught on camera. The male stated that
the brother told him that he would return the TV later on. The officer observed the camera
footage from the male's surveillance system. He observed a white male wearing a white shirt
and khaki shorts pick up the TV. The officer observed the male subject wrap the TV in a
garbage bag and then place several items on top of it. The officer then observed the male
subject leave the residence with the TV and other items. The female and male both positivity
identified the male subject as the brother. The female stated the brother's mom probably had
no clue he was stealing the television. The female stated she wished to press charges against
the brother for the theft. She stated that the brother was only at the house to pick up a couple
of his personal belongings. The female stated her TV was a black 32" Dennison LCD
television and was worth approximately $250. She stated the brother had also taken several
DVDs. A short time after clearing the call, the female called police stating that both the
television and DVD's had been returned by the brother's mother. The officer will file charges
against the brother for Conversion.
> RECOVERED STOLEN PROPERTY, 300 Blk of N Rensselaer St, (7/20, 3:09 PM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a bicycle being left in a front yard. The bicycle was a
purple and white girls Kent motor-cross bike. The bicycle is being stored at Griffith Bicycle
Impound yard.
> UNWANTED PARTY, 1700 Blk of Arbogast St, (7/20, 5:34 PM).
Officers were dispatched to a 911 hang up. Upon arrival officers spoke to a complainant who
stated that her cell phone died and she had to get back into her apartment to call back. While
talking with the complainant, she stated that she and her boyfriend were having a lot of
problems and she no longer wants him in the apartment. The complainant stated that her
boyfriend refused to leave until she called the police. That is when he started to pack up his
belongings. Once her boyfriend got all his belongings out of the apartment the officer informed
him that the complainant no longer wants him at the apartment and a Trespass Warning was
issued and explained to the boyfriend. He stated that he understands and has no interest in
returning to the apartment.
> VANDALISM, 1800 Blk of Dylane Dr, (7/20, 6:35 PM).
An officer responded to a report by a complainant that his ex-girlfriend had destroyed property
of his in the apartment and that she was no longer there. The complainant stated that he and
his ex-girlfriend were on the lease to the apartment. Last week they had an eviction hearing
and they had until tomorrow's date at 5pm to vacate the premises. He stated that he came
home and observed his ex-girlfriend and her father, carrying out a bag of items and he also
observed a few infant items outside of the apartment near the door. The complainant stated
that he did not want to get in the way as they were removing items from the apartment, so he
waited outside until they departed. The complainant stated that he walked inside of the
apartment and noticed that two leather sofa's had been slashed with an unknown cutting
instrument. A
mattress set in the bedroom had also been slashed. It also appeared as if the furniture had
mattress set in the bedroom had also been slashed. It also appeared as if the furniture had
been urinated on as the officer observed a liquid on the furniture and a kitchen table that had
legal documents on it. The complainant stated that two TV'S had been removed and taken
from two bedrooms and that they had been mounted on the wall. A larger widescreen TV in
the living room was also observed to have the screen scratched. The complainant stated that
his ex-girlfriend is probably staying with her father at an unknown address in Merrillville, IN.
> FRAUD, 100 Blk of E Ridge Rd, (7/21, 6:00 AM).
The manager of Taco Bell was totaling the day's receipts and noticed a counterfeit twenty
dollar bill in the drawer. It is unknown who passed the fake. The bill was confiscated and
logged as evidence until collected by the U.S. Secret Service.
> SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT, 900 Blk of W Glen Park Ave, (7/21, 12:37 PM).
A complainant informed an officer that on Saturday, July 19, 2014, she received a letter in the
mail from the "State of Indiana Department of Revenue" which stated that she has been
selected for an "identity confirmation review quiz." The complainant's letter was also
addressed to Raphael Obiang, however she does not have any knowledge of an individual by
that name. The complainant contacted the Indiana Department of Revenue's office today, July
21, 2014, and they documented the situation internally, but asked that she file a police report
within the town she lives in. She also informed the officer that she had already received her
tax return months ago. The letter itself was suspicious to the complainant, however after
further research, the Indiana Department of Revenue did, in fact, send out letters asking
recipients to fill out a survey at www.in.gov/dor/4922.htm. The news outlet, The Courier
Journal, wrote an article regarding the matter on April 17, 2014, because other IN residents
felt the letter was suspicious. The IN Department of Revenue will be attempting to locate the
subject who possibly filed a tax return by the name Raphael Obiang. It is the complainant's
belief that this person may have attempted to use her information to file a tax return jointly.
> WANTED ON WARRANT, Highway Ave & N Cline Ave, (7/21, 1:52 PM).
While stopped at a traffic light, an officer observed a blue Ford F150 with three individuals
inside. The officer observed a male driver, female passenger (in the middle), and another
male passenger. The officer observed that the male passenger was not wearing a seatbelt
and effected a traffic stop on River Rd just west of Cline Ave. The officer made contact with
the driver. A second officer made contact with the passengers, identified as the wife (of the
second passenger) and the second passenger. The driver was unable to produce a license
and gave the officer his name and date of birth. The officer ran a routine license check with no
results. The driver was questioned two more time regarding his name and date of birth. After
the repeated questioning the driver changed his date of birth and the officer was able to get a
warrant returned out of Kentucky (#W270127515) for Theft. The driver also has a warrant out
of Muskegon, MI however it indicated no extradition. The officer then secured the driver into
handcuffs, double locked, and placed him into the back of the squad car. Dispatched then
confirmed the warrant. The driver was transported Griffith PD pending transport to Lake
County Jail.
> THEFT, 100 Blk of N Rensselaer St, (7/21, 2:01 PM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to the theft of mail. Upon arrival the officer met with the
complainant who explained that on July 14, 2014, a package containing equipment for his
breathing machine, which included masks and tubes, was confirmed to be delivered to his
residence. He stated that he never received the above package.
The officer was told that the contents were valued around $400 and paid for by Medicare. The
complainant contacted the United States Post Office regarding the missing package and they
informed him that he should file a police report. He also told the officer that over the past
several weeks, his mail has been thrown around on the ground below his mail box. The
complainant believes it to be children walking down his sidewalk. The complainant's mailbox is
within arms reach of the sidewalk, so anyone walking by has easy access to it and the
contents within. The officer told the complainant that he should put the mailbox on his front
porch, closer to his front doorway. He said he'd try to move the mailbox in hopes that the mail
would no longer be tampered with.
> THEFT, 400 Blk of N Woodlawn Ave, (7/21, 3:07 PM).
An officer responded in reference to plant hangers that were stolen over night. Upon arrival,
the officer spoke to the complainant, who stated that she is watching over her neighbor's
house while she is in the hospital. When the complainant went next door to water flowers she
noticed two wrought iron plant holders, along with the potted plants that were hanging from
them, were missing. The complainant said that although they are not very valuable she hopes
that we can provide extra patrol.
> THEFT FROM VEHICLE, 1900 Blk of Cline Ave, (7/21, 5:41 PM).
An officer took a report of a stolen wallet, debit card, PayPal Credit Card, medical insurance
cards, and a social security card, when the complainant left her car unlocked and unattended
briefly while she was in the Speedway gas station. The complainant stated that the above
items were taken from her vehicle while she was inside Speedway for a moment on July 19,
2014 around 2:00 PM. The individuals who stole the debit card were able to change the PIN to
her account and took $6 out of it at a Citgo gas station in Gary, Indiana. The officer informed
the complainant that a report documenting the theft would be completed and she departed the
station without anything further to report.
> TRAFFIC VIOLATION, 400 Blk of E Glen Park Ave, (7/21, 6:48 PM).
An officer observed a Chevrolet Venture, bearing IN registration, showing an expiration of 1028-2013, in the 400 block of E Glen Park. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at
Glen Park and Jay St. Upon speaking with the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle, he
identified himself. Upon running a routine records check it was discovered that the driver was
Driving While Suspended Prior. The officer informed the driver that he was DWS-Prior and
placed him in handcuffs (double locked). The driver was transported to the Griffith PD where
he was booked and processed. The driver was released on a PR Bond. The vehicle was
towed.
> SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT, 100 Blk of N Broad St, (7/22, 10:00 AM).
An officer took a report from a complainant at the Griffith Police Station about a suspicious
male who tried to get her attention. The complainant said she was jogging south, on the west
side of S. Broad St around 9:45 AM. She stated that a white work van with no identifiers
passed her on Broad, and turned left into Niko's parking lot. She stated that the driver then
turned around in the parking lot and was waiting for her to pass him on Broad. She described
the suspect as an older man (40-50's) wearing a bandana (possibly American Flag), with a
gray mustache, and white tank top. She advised that as she passed, he repeatedly was
motioning and telling her to come to the
van. The complainant then crossed to the east side of S. Broad and coincidentally was able to
van. The complainant then crossed to the east side of S. Broad and coincidentally was able to
get into her mother's vehicle. The officer advised both females that officers would keep a look
out and the incident would be documented.
> ANIMAL BITE, 200 Blk of E Glen Park Ave, (7/22, 12:34 PM).
A complainant called from a 7-11 (he has no telephone) to report a dog bite that had occurred
at approximately 6:00 PM on 7/21/2014. The complainant advised a red long-haired dog in the
200 block of East Glen Park Avenue was tethered and in the fenced backyard but managed to
jump up against the fence and bite his arm, leaving several puncture wounds on his right
forearm. The complainant stated he had his dog on a leash and was visiting his friend on East
Glen Park Avenue and walking along the chained link fence that divides the two driveways
when the incident occurred. The complainant stated he had been feeding the offending canine
treats earlier in the day so he was surprised it became aggressive. The complainant stated he
spoke to an unnamed woman at the residence who advised the dog was her boyfriend's and
she did not know where the vaccination records were kept or if they were current. She advised
they would have the records today but were not home at the time of this report. The officer left
a business card at the door with a copy of the Town ordinance, the quarantine procedures,
and directions to bring full vaccinations records to the police department by tomorrow.
> DOMESTIC BATTERY w/o weapon, 1000 Blk of N Wood St, (7/22, 4:31 PM).
Officers responded for a report of a delayed domestic battery. On arrival, the officer spoke
with the victims sister. She advised officers that her juvenile sister had been beat by her
boyfriend approximately 45 minutes prior to our arrival. The Juvenile victim was also present
but would not look at officers. The sister advised that her juvenile sister did not want to speak
with officers. The officer asked the Victim if she was hit by her boyfriend and she did not look
at me or say anything. Officers asked the sister where this battery occurred and who did the
battery. She advised that it happened next door. The officer asked if her juvenile sister lived
next door and she stated "yes for about a month or so". The sister told officers that her
juvenile sister moved the boyfriend's phone and that upset him. The sister advised officers she
was told by her juvenile sister that the boyfriend put his hands on her neck and struck her
above the left eye. The officer observed a swollen, black and blue welt over the juvenile
victims left eye. The juvenile victim then refused a request for medical treatment. The officers
went next door to speak to the boyfriend. The boyfriend answered the door and stood just
inside the doorway while the officers stood outside the doorway on the concrete pad. As the
officers were questioning the boyfriend about what happened he stated that the Victim
unplugged his phone and moved it to a different outlet. He said he got upset and slapped her
arm. He stated that she then "hit him all over". An officer asked him to be more specific and he
pointed to his face. The officer did not observe any redness or marks on the boyfriend's face.
The officer asked if he hit the victim and he stated, " yeah I hit her pretty hard." The boyfriend
also stated that he and the juvenile victim had been dating for sixteen months and she had
been living with him for six months. As the boyfriend was explaining what happened, through
the officer's training and experience, he smelled the odor of raw marijuana and burnt
marijuana. The officer asked the boyfriend if they were smoking weed and he replied " I didn't
smoke any weed". The officer ask him if he had any weed in the house and he replied only a
little. Officers then entered the doorway and observed in plain view on the table by the front
door, an ash tray that contained several burnt hand rolled marijuana cigarettes. Officers
advised the boyfriend to be honest about if there was any more weed in the house. The
boyfriend stated "only an ounce" and that it was located in the closet of his room. Officers
asked
the boyfriend if it would be OK if they searched his room for the weed and he replied "yes I will
show you where it is". Officers followed him to the rear bedroom of the residence and the
boyfriend voluntarily gave officers a mason jar containing a green leafy substance that through
training and experience to be marijuana. The jar contained to zip lock bags of green leafy
substance and one small bag commonly used in marijuana sales. Officers gained a written
consent from the boyfriend to search with our K9 Gino. The K-9 officer arrived on scene with
Gino and searched the rest of the house. Officers were able to find a digital scale, two glass
pipes, and a one hit cigarette. The boyfriend was secured handcuffs, double locked, and
placed into the back of a squad car. He was transported to Griffith PD and placed him in cell
one. He was booked and waiting transport to Lake County Jail. The green leaf like substance
field tested using a Duquenois-Levine Reagent test kit E prior to being placed into evidence.
The substance tested positive for marijuana. The boyfriend was charged with domestic
battery, maintaining a common nuisance, and possession of marijuana.
> SUSPICIOUS PERSON, 1700 Blk of N Arbogast St, (7/22, 6:48 PM).
Officers had responded to a report of three suspicious male subjects. Once in the area, a
resident of the apartment community advised responding officers that they had observed three
suspicious males enter the rear of the apartment building, and they were inside an apartment
on the bottom floor with open windows and no screens in them. Apartment #0A was identified
as the only bottom floor apartment in the building with open windows and no screens. An
officer waited outside the apartment building while a second officer knocked on the apartment
door and announced "Police". Ofc. The officer posted outside observed a black male wearing
white shirt and white shorts climb out of the window of the apartment and flee on foot, leaving
behind a pair of sandals. The officer announced, "Stop, Police", however the subject
disregarded officers and fled north west toward the 800 block of E. Ridge Rd. with two officers
giving chase on foot when they lost sight of the fleeing suspect. A short time later, as officers
were searching the area, a witness pulled up with the suspect seated in the passenger seat of
his vehicle. The two officers identified the suspect as the one who fled from them. The witness
stated that the juvenile was hiding underneath a van in the area and asked him for a ride
because someone was chasing him. The juvenile was taken into custody. The juvenile was
not wearing any shoes and had dirt on the back of his white shirt. The juvenile stated, "Did you
get the dudes I was with"?, and "Did you pick up my shoes"? without prompting. A Detective
and an officer responded back to the apartment with Mansards Apartments maintenance
employees who confirmed the apartment was vacant, and not rented at that time. Entry was
made with a key and the apartment was found to be vacant. Gang graffiti covered one wall of
the apartment with several tags for the 4 corner hustlers gang. Clothing, mattresses, and a
television were located along with indications that the apartment had been used to squat in.
> SUSPICIOUS PERSON, 200 Blk of E Ridge Rd, (7/22, 6:58 PM).
While stopped at the traffic light at Colfax and Ridge Rd an older black male honked his car
horn at an officer. The male stated he observed three black males sitting in white Chevy SUV
at True Lux Car Wash attempting to sell televisions in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers
observed three black males sitting in the listed white Chevy Suburban with one of the males
talking to a driver of blue passenger vehicle. Large televisions were observed inside the
Chevy. The driver of the Chevy observed officers pull into the parking lot and abruptly
attempted to departed the parking lot. The officer activated the emergency lights on his unit
and detained the Chevy displaying temporary license plate with altered expiration of
08/10/2014. The license plate had a valid expiration of
06/10/2014. The officer made contact with a white male driver of a blue vehicle that was
speaking with one of the passengers of the Chevy Suburban. The driver advised the
occupants of the Chevy were attempting to sell him a television. Contact was made with the
driver of the Chevy and his two passengers. The three males were identified. The driver
stated they were not selling any televisions to the driver of the blue vehicle that was departing
the parking lot. One passenger stated the televisions were his and he was trying to sell them
for money. All were advised of the no soliciting/loitering local ordinances. The driver was
determined to have a Indiana ID Card only and was never issued a driver's license. One
passenger has a suspended prior license status and the second passenger has a HTV (Life)
license status. The driver was advised charges will be filed for operating a vehicle with no
license but was released on scene. One of the passengers advised his friend had purchased
the vehicle and gave him permission to use it. Double T Towing responded and impounded
the Chevy.
> ORDINANCE VIOLATION, 400 Blk of N Rensselaer St, (7/23, 11:12 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a neighbors taking water without permission. Upon
arrival the officer spoke with the complainant who stated that a neighboring residence is under
construction and they have no water. She believes that they have been hooking up to her
outside water connection. The complainant stated that she has come home and seen the out
side landscaping at the address in question to look wet and damp. She also stated that her
water bill is increasingly higher then normal. The complainant advised the officer that she has
noticed multiple crews working at that address and does not know for sure if it is a particular
crew or all off them that have been taking her water. This officer advised the complainant that
if she see's them using her water to call the police so they can document which construction
company is stealing her water. The officer went to the residence and spoke with two different
male subject listed in involvement. Both subject stated that they did not take any of the
neighbors water. The subjects stated that they were taking water from the pool located in the
back yard. (The pool water was green). The officer contacted the Griffith Code Enforcement in
reference to the residence not having the proper permits to do work on that address. The
property is being managed through ReMax Realty.
> SOLICITING, 1800 Blk of W Oak St, (7/23, 3:15 PM).
Officers were dispatched n reference to subjects going door to door selling magazine
subscriptions. Upon arrival contact was made with a subject in the 600 block of Forest Ave
who was identified by his North Carolina ID card. The subject advised that he works for Start
Magazine Company and was dropped off to solicit new customers. The subject was advised if
he wished to solicit he would need to obtain a solicitors permit from town hall. He stated he
understood and would stop his soliciting for today. After checking clear of warrants the subject
was sent on his way with a warning.
> TRAFFIC VIOLATION, Broad St & Pine St, (7/23, 4:33 PM).
While on patrol an officer observed a red Saturn with expired plates. The plates showed an
expiration of 10-28-2013. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at 200 W Pine St
and contacted the driver, who advised he was trying to get the car to pass emissions. The
officer advised him of IC code 9-18-2-7 and explained to him that he will be cited and the
vehicle will be impounded. Shortly after Ridgeway towing arrived and removed the vehicle for
safe keeping.
> HIT & RUN, No Location Stated, (7/23, 5:57 PM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a hit and run accident. Upon arrival contact was
made with the complainant who stated that she parked her Dodge Ram (V#2) pick-up on the
north side of the building. She stated that she was in the store approximately 20 minutes and
when she came back out she noticed a small dent near the drivers side rear bumper and that
the taillight assembly had been damaged. The officer reviewed store parking lot camera
footage and observed an elderly white female exit the store and enter into a white Plymouth
Voyager van. The van is observed to back up from a parking spot to the west of the
complainant's truck. As the van is backing up it is observed to back into the pick-up. Through
store information given, the officer responded to the 1400 block of N Woodlawn where contact
was made with the driver of the Plymouth Van(V#1). The officer observed paint transfer from
the Dodge Ram truck on her passenger taillight assembly but no other damage. The driver
stated that she was just at Walgreens picking up a prescription and did not feel any contact
with another vehicle when she backed out of the lot.
> TRESPASSING, 800 Blk of E 38th Pl, (7/23, 6:32 PM).
Officers responded in reference to a known subject trespassing inside a building. Complainant
advised the subject was last observed walking north toward Ridge Rd. Upon arrival, the officer
did not observe subject. After speaking with the complainant, an officer located the subject in
the parking lot behind the building. It was determined that the subject was using a storage unit
inside the building to store his personal property, even though he was not a resident. The
subject was given a previous trespassing warning for Divine Properties by an officer and
believed the warning was only for the building of 800 E 38th Pl. The trespass warning was
clarified for the subject and he was advised the trespass warning is for all of Divine Properties
on 38th Pl and shown their boundaries. The subject was escorted off the property after he
removed his property from the storage unit.
> ORDINANCE VIOLATION, 700 Blk of N Broad St, (7/23, 6:46 PM).
Officers responded to the alley behind the 700 block of N Broad reference a subject in a black
truck with a trailer scrapping in violation of town ordinance. Officers were unable to locate the
vehicle.
> AGENCY ASSISTANCE, 1200 Blk of E Glen Park Ave, (7/23, 8:55 PM).
Officers responded to Family Video at the request of a complainant, who had just filed a theft
report with Lake County PD in regards to her dog being stolen on 7-15-14. She advised that
she had located someone selling her dog on Craigslist and she arranged to meet the seller at
that location to purchase the dog for $500. Officers stood by at a distance until the
complainant was seen pulling into the parking lot next to an occupied silver Pontiac. Contact
was made with the driver, who had the dog in her possession ,however, claimed it was given
to her three weeks ago. The officer asked her what date she received the dog and she replied
7-15-14, which was just over a week ago and the same day the dog was stolen from the
complainant's yard. The officer advised the suspect that the dog in her possession may be
stolen and she offered to give the dog to the complainant without charging $500 as she had
planned. She claimed she received the dog from a friend named "Jira" and that she planned
to use the money from the sale of the dog to pay her rent. The officer contacted the Sergeant
(LCPD) who had taken the original report and he responded to the scene. After interviewing
the suspect he declined to file charges at this time, and she returned the dog to the
complainant.
> RECKLESS DRIVING/Driver, Area of Ridge Rd & Broad St, (7/23, 9:04 PM).
An officer received a report of a reckless driver in a silver Buick traveling east on Ridge Rd
from Broad St. The vehicle was reportedly going through red lights and weaving out of traffic.
The officer observed the vehicle at Ridge Rd & Glenwood. and he turned around and was
able to get behind the Buick. The officer continued to follow the Buick south on Colfax. While
traveling south on Colfax the officer observed the Buick follow the another vehicle at unsafe
distance. It's front bumper was less then a car length away from the rear bumper of the other
vehicle. The officer then observed the Buick go left of the double yellow center lane. The
Buick then accelerated at high rate of speed and passed that same vehicle. The officer then
activated his unit's emergency lights and detained the vehicle in the 1000 block of N Colfax.
The officer made contact with the driver and identified him by his Indiana driver's license and
own admission. The driver stated that he was late for work at Casey's gas station and that he
did not want to be late again. The officer issued the driver citations for going left of center and
following too closely.
> THEFT, 600 Blk of N Arbogast St, (7/24, 12:11 AM).
An officer responded to the request of the complainant who advised subjects in a blue truck
had just stolen a lawn mower and floor dryer from the lawn in front of the residence. The
complainant and the property owner advised they moved the items to the easement in front of
the residence and then heard a loud truck speeding away from the residence. They observed
what appeared to be a dark blue Chevrolet S-10 travel north on Arbogast then east on Glen
Park Avenue, and discovered the items had been taken. Officers checked the area for the
truck without success.
> THEFT - AUTO PARTS, 1500 Blk of N Arbogast St, (7/24, 12:15 AM).
The complainant reported two thefts from two vehicles. She stated that unknown person(s)
stole the bed gate off of the Ford F-250 which is registered to her husband's employer, Niles
Industrial Services. Also taken was a 2" ball hitch off of the Ford Expedition. Both vehicles
were parked side by side in front of the apartment building.
> SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT, 100 Blk of N Broad St, (7/24, 10:25 AM).
An officer met with a care giver and her patient at the Griffith Pd lobby for an information
report. The care giver advised the officer that patient has dementia and she takes care of him.
She advised sometime earlier in the week a Paul Baker called with an anonymous number of
(202-214-1477) and stated he was a U.S Marshal agent and that her patient had won 5 million
dollars and a Mercedes Benz in a Mega Millions sweep stakes. The care giver advised that
Paul stated that the patient is responsible for 1 percent of the tax on the 5 million which comes
out to $750.00 dollars and they would be responsible for the 99 percent. She advised that
Paul stated they need to place the money on a debit card and send it through western union.
She also stated when she asked for an address they hung up the phone. The care giver
advised she thought this whole call was a scam and that she should report it with the police.
The officer advised the care giver that it appeared to be scam and to notify the police should
anymore phone calls occur for someone requesting money.
> THEFT, 100 Blk of W Columbia Ave, (7/24, 11:53 AM).
An officer was walking into the Grindhouse restaurant when he was stopped by a complainant
who stated that he had recently bought a brown outdoor ashtray for the business and
someone stole it. He stated that the theft happened within the last few
days but was not sure if he wanted to report it. He described the ashtray to be an average
days but was not sure if he wanted to report it. He described the ashtray to be an average
plastic outdoor ash tray, brown in color that you see at other businesses. The officer advised
the complainant that a report will be filed and how he can retrieve a copy for his own records.
> TRESPASSING, 1900 Blk of N Arbogast St, (7/24, 1:58 PM).
While on patrol, an officer observed a black male who he positively identified, standing on the
outside porch outside an apartment. The officer had prior knowledge that the subject had a
trespass warning issued to him on 6/11/2014 informing him he would be considered a
trespasser if he was found on Mansards Property again. The officer also spoke with the
subject on 7/21/2014 and informed him he was banned from the Mansards and if he was seen
on the property he would be arrested for trespassing. The officer spoke with the subject in the
hallway of building 1957 and informed him he was trespassing on Mansards property. The
subject advised that he was under house arrest and had an ankle monitor. He stated that he
was placed on house arrest approximately 2 weeks ago and made 1957 N Arbogast as his
house arrest address. The officer informed the subject that he received the trespass letter a
month before he informed his Probationary Officer he was staying there. The officer informed
the subject that he was being arrested for criminal trespassing. The officer placed him in
handcuffs (double locked). The subject asked officers if someone could enter his apartment
and retrieve a pair of shoes for him. A second officer entered the apartment and observed in
plain view a water bong. The officer confiscated the water bong. The subject was transported
to Griffith PD and processed. He is now waiting to be transported to LCJ. The officer properly
disposed of the water pong.
> THEFT, 200 Blk of N Griffith Blvd, (7/24, 2:49 PM).
An officer was dispatched to the YMCA in reference to a stolen bicycle. Upon arrival the
officer was greeted by the juvenile complainant. The complainant stated that he got to work
today around 10:00 AM and placed his bicycle unchained in the bike rack. When he got off
work at 2:30 PM he found his bicycle to be missing. The complainant then called the police to
report his bicycle stolen. The officer transported the juvenile back to his residence before
clearing the call.
> THEFT, 200 Blk of W Ridge Rd, (7/24, 4:17 PM).
An officer was dispatched to Radio Shack in reference to a 911 hang up. The officer was later
informed that a theft had just occurred at that location with a description of a male black
wearing tan. Suspect will be the passenger of possible a teal vehicle traveling south on Cline
Ave. The officer scanned the immediate area but was unable to locate a vehicle matching that
description. The officer then went to talk with the employees of Radio Shack. The employee
stated that she was helping the subject pick out some security cameras. The subject had the
employee check the back room stock for more inventory. Once the employee went into the
back the subject fled with two different security camera. the employee described the subject
as a 6'00" black male wearing a tan golf hat, tan long sleeve shirt, and tan pants. Another
employee stated that the subject jumped into a teal possible Chevy Cavalier, but he was
unsure. The employee stated that there were two people occupying the vehicle and left
heading south on Broad St. The officer watched the security film but was unable to make out a
description of the suspect due to the low lighting on the cameras.
> FRAUD, 700 Blk of N Rueth Dr, (7/24, 5:19 PM).
An officer responded for a report of a fraud that occurred. Upon arrival, the officer made
contact with a victim and his daughter. The daughter stated that her father was conned
out of $5,000 over the past two days. The victim stated yesterday he received a phone call
from a male subject who said his name was Steve. The victim stated his grandson's name
was Steve so he thought he was talking to his grandson. The victim stated that the male
subject told him that he had gotten into a car accident in Canada and that needed $2,500 to
fix his car so that he could get back home. The victim stated the male subject then instructed
him on how to go about getting him the money. He stated he went to his bank and withdrew
$2,500 dollars and then went to CVS and purchased five Money Pak Works gift cards. The
victim then gave the male subject the card numbers over the phone so that he could use the
cards. The victim stated that the male subject called him the next day and requested $2,500
more. The victim stated he had repeated the process. The officer advised both the victim and
his daughter that a report would be on file with the Griffith police station and for them to
contact their bank and home owner's insurance to see if they provide any type of fraud
protection.
> TRAFFIC VIOLATION, 100 Blk of W Ridge Rd, (7/24, 5:33 PM).
An officer observed a maroon Buick, bearing IN registration, driving in the parking lot of Family
Dollar. The officer identified the driver as being a person that he has had previous encounters
with and had knowledge that he was Driving While Suspended Prior. The officer ran a records
check on the person and it was discovered that he was still DWS-Prior. The officer conducted
a traffic stop on the vehicle in the parking lot of 100 W Ridge Rd. The driver identified himself.
The driver admitted he knew he was still DWS-Prior. The officer informed the driver that his
vehicle would be towed and he would be charged with DWS-Prior. The driver was cited and
released from the scene. The officer impounded the vehicle and it was towed.
> SHOPLIFTING / CONVERSION, 400 Blk of W Glen Park Ave, (7/24, 5:45 PM).
Officers responded n reference to a known customer, who fled the store while holding a bag of
unpaid merchandise. Employees advised the customer fled the area in a silver Dodge with a
white male driving. The officer arrived and made contact with employee, who advised that the
customer filled a prescription and asked for a larger bag to place her prescription bottle in. The
employee stated the customer asked her about the children's Sippy cups and the employee
showed the customer the ASTV cups on the rack. At this time the employee observed the
customer have what appeared to be a magazine and two regular children's cups already
inside the bag. The employee then observed the customer walk out of the store with the bag
of unknown items from the store and did not pay for them. The employee stated she observed
what appeared to be four children's cups, a magazine, and possibly a cell phone charger
inside the bag. The officer responded to the customer's address. The Dodge Neon was
parked in front of the trailer. Contact was made with the customer's husband who summoned
the customer to come outside. She exited and immediately advised she would tell the officer
the truth. She stated she does not have any money right now and her children needed the
cups and wanted coloring books. She stated she knew it was wrong and apologized. The
customer retrieved two ASTV Sippy cups and two coloring books and advised that was the
only items she stole. Her husband stated he did not know that his wife stole the items from the
store and was visibly upset with her. Due to the customer being in her last term of
pregnancy(with complications) it was decided that she would be charged with conversion but
released at the scene. The customer was also given a trespass warning for Walgreens
property at the request of Walgreens employees. She stated she understood and would have
her husband pick up her prescription in the future. The two cups and two coloring books were
transported back to Walgreens and given to the Manager.
> THEFT, 800 Blk of N Arbogast St, (7/24, 6:05 PM).
> THEFT, 800 Blk of N Arbogast St, (7/24, 6:05 PM).
An officer responded to a request of a complainant, who wished to report that sometime
during the afternoon or evening hours of 7/20/14, someone entered his driveway and stole two
Pioneer stand up home stereo speakers and a Craftsman lawnmower. There are no witnesses
or suspects at this time.
> WANTED ON warrant, 300 Blk of E 40th Pl, (7/24, 8:05 PM).
While on routine patrol an officer passed a grey Dodge Charger heading in the opposite
direction at an accelerated pace. Due to the residential area, the officer turned around and
began pacing the vehicle, which maintained a speed between 30 and 35MPH as it continued
east on 40th Place in the 20MPH limit residential zone. The officer effected a traffic stop on
the vehicle in the 1300 block of North Arbogast and made contact with the driver, identified by
means of his Indiana operator license. A routine records check indicated that driver had an
active warrant for his arrest issued on 7-9-14 by Judge Villalpando for FTA in regards to a
DWS case (cause #45D12-1405-CM-00399). The warrant was confirmed and the driver was
taken into custody without incident. His vehicle was released to the passenger (his wife). The
driver was transported to the police station where booking paperwork was completed, and
later accepted into LCJ.
> TRESPASSING, 800 Blk of 38th Pl, (7/24, 8:50 PM).
Officers responded in reference to a subject trespassing the property again. The officer had
prior knowledge that the subject was given a trespassing warning for 800 E 38th Pl and Divine
Properties on May 19, 2014 by an officer and by this officer on July 23, 2014. On July 23,
2014 the subject was caught storing his personal property inside a storage unit in the building.
He admitted a maintenance worker has told him recently to stay off the property due to people
loitering in the buildings. Upon arrival, contact was made with the subject inside 800 E 38th
Place entrance. He was talking with four other people inside the hallway. The subject advised
he knew he was not suppose to be on the property, but was talking to his brother who was
present visiting a friend. The subject was arrested for criminal trespass and transported to the
Griffith Police station. The subject arrived at the Griffith Police station where he was booked
for said offense and later transported to Lake County Jail.
> WANTED ON WARRANT, 100 E Ridge Rd, (7/24, 10:54 PM).
While on patrol, an officer observed a black Nissan bearing a Indiana temporary registration.
The officer observed the registration to be expired on 06/06/2014. The officer activated his
unit's emergency lights and detained the vehicle at 100 E Ridge Rd. The officer then made
contact with the driver who he identified by his Indiana driver's license. The officer determined
there to be an active warrant for the drivers arrest for failing to appear (45D08-1309-SC04882), through routine records checks. Dispatch was able to confirm the warrant to still be
active. The officer then had the driver exit the vehicle and secured him in handcuffs and
placed him into the back of his unit. The officer then immediately transported the driver to
Lake County Jail. His vehicle was left legally parked in the parking lot of Subway.
> VANDALISM, 1000 Blk of N Wheeler St, (7/24, 11:55 PM).
An officer responded to a report of a vehicle's window being damaged from having an object
thrown at it. Upon arrival, contact was made with both the complainant and vehicle owner. The
complainant stated she had observed a white SUV (possibly a Chevrolet Equinox) parked at
Wheeler and 43rd St when she got home. She stated when she went inside the white SUV
pulled up in front. She stated she then heard a
breaking noise and went outside and observed the rear window to her neighbor's car to be
shattered out. The complainant stated she observed the white SUV flee south bound on
Wheeler with it's lights out. The officer observed the rear window to the vehicle to be
completely shattered out. The officer also observed a large rock to be laying in the back seat
of the vehicle. He observed the vehicle's gas lid to be partially open and noted the sugar on
the outside of the gas cap, indicating someone had dumped sugar into the gas tank. The
officer then observed a large amount of lotion poured all over the vehicle. The officer then
spoke to the vehicle owner, who stated she believed her vehicle was damaged by a known
party. She stated she and the known party share the same "Baby's daddy" with each other
and that the known party has issues with her. The vehicle owner stated that the known party
had previously damaged the front head light to her vehicle on a previous night. She stated she
never reported the incident and that she had been receiving threatening phone calls from an
unknown party she believes to be friends with the known party. The officer informed the
vehicle owner that a report would be on file with the Griffith police department and to notify
police should the known party come back to her residence.
> THEFT, 1300 Blk of E Main St, (7/25, 12:22 AM).
A complainant stated that she believes a subject and regular customer known to her as "Dan"
took her cellular phone from inside the business. The complainant stated that the phone was
lying next to her purse on a counter located by the kitchen entrance. She stated that her and
another employee were cleaning up broken glass from another customer in an aisle and when
they were done they observed "Dan" and another unknown white male leaving the store. The
complainant stated that she observed "Dan" to be holding a pink cellular phone as he exited
the store. She stated that her phone has a pink cover on it and when she checked where her
phone was left it was gone. The complainant stated that "Dan" was wearing blk dress shoes
and pants and his shoes have shiny buckles on top of them and he has spiked blonde hair.
She stated that "Dan" hangs out at Topps Transmissions at 45th & Colfax and he may be
headed there in a silver/gold mini-van. The officer checked the business and nobody was
located there. The complainant stated that she will have the manager check the video system
to see what was captured.
> THEFT, 400 Blk of W Glen Park Ave, (7/25, 8:19 AM).
An officer was dispatched to Walgreens in reference to totes being stolen over night. Upon
arrival, the officer met with the store manager who informed the officer that the Master
Padlock which locks the back gated storage area was cut last night between the hours of 10
PM and 8 AM this morning. There were approximately 200 purple, tan, gray, and red totes,
which cost $8 each, stolen from behind the store. The store manager stated that this seems to
be a common problem going around the area stores lately. He said that there aren't any
cameras which point in the direction of the area that the totes were stolen from.
> FRAUD, 1900 Blk of N Cline Ave, (7/25, 9:15 AM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to the report of a stolen/counterfeit credit card being
used to purchase blank Visa gift cards. Upon my arrival the officer met with the store
manager, who informed him that she personally rang up the customer who used the
fraudulent credit card. The manager described the subject as a black male, with tattoos along
the length of both arms ("sleeves"). When the subject checked out, he purchased 4 blank Visa
cards and added $200 (two hundred) to each card using the same credit card. The total on the
receipt was $823.60. The transaction occurred at
9:01 AM, according to the receipt. The manager asked the subject for identification to verify
the name on the credit card, but the only name she remembered was his first name being
"Kenneth". The receipt did not display a customer's name, nor did a detailed print out of the
transaction, it displayed "N/A" in the Customer Name field. A customer who observed the
subject leaving, came inside and told the manager that he overheard the subject tell another
person who was sitting in the car waiting for him, "It worked with her" and "I got away with it."
The subject departed in what appeared to be a newer model, silver, Chevrolet Malibu. The
anonymous customer also was able to obtain a license number from the vehicle before it
departed, reading IL R126868. A BMV records check of the license plate, however, returns to
a red 2012 Jeep owned by an individual out of Channahon, IL. The plated did not return a
IDAC/NCIC stolen hit, however. Photographs of the subject and vehicle from the surveillance
footage were taken and added to the files of the case, along with the receipt. The officer
cleared the scene without further incident and forwarded the report to a Griffith PD Detective.
> HARASSMENT, Central Park, (7/25, 10:17 AM).
An officer spoke with a juvenile who requested to document threats he received from another
juvenile on July 18, 2014. Juvenile stated as he was walking past Central Park, another
juvenile only known to him as "Nada" confronted him. Juvenile stated "Nada" told him "If he
didn't lessen the charges against juvenile #2 he was going to have a lot of people after him."
The juvenile requested the incident be documented in case of future retaliation.
> VANDALISM, 300 Blk of N Wright, (7/25, 1:16 PM).
An officer responded in reference to the complainant advising that unknown person(s)
overturned his parents flower pot. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with complainant, who stated
that he and the neighbors have been watching his parents house while they're out of town. He
stated he noticed the large flower pot located in the front yard had been turned over. The
complainant talked to the other neighbors watching the house and they didn't see or hear
anything. The officer observed a large concrete flower pot to have been flipped over. The
flower pot was far too heavy and sturdy to have been flipped over by the weather. The officer
observed two sets of partial shoe prints in the dirt below where the flower pot was resting. The
prints were only partial in nature and were not of good evidentiary value.
> SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE, 1200 Blk of N Indiana St, (7/25, 3:42 PM).
An officer was dispatched in reference to a suspicious black Dodge Charger parked on the
street. Upon arrival the officer observed a newer model black Dodge Charger to be parked on
the area where Brinwood St. turns into N. Indiana St. The officer noticed that the vehicle's
right rear wheel was approximately 3 feet away from the curb, along with the front, right wheel
approximately over 1 foot away from the curb. He ran a BMV records check and determined
who the vehicle belongs to. The vehicle is registered out of the state of Michigan, and the
owner has an Indiana DL that shows him living in Gary, IN. The officer asked a subject in the
area if he knew who the Dodge Charger belongs to. He was only able to tell the officer that he
has seen the driver of the vehicle exit, and walk toward the apartment complex on the
northeast side of the street. The officer waited in the area for over ten minutes and was unable
to locate the vehicle's owner. The officer wrote a Griffith town ordinance violation for parallel
parking (74-186) due to the way the vehicle was left on the street, as described above.
> FRAUD, 100 Blk of N Broad St, (7/25, 6:36 PM).
An officer met with a complainant in reference to her credit/debit card being lost and
used by an unknown person. The complainant stated that she had lost her Bank debit/credit
used by an unknown person. The complainant stated that she had lost her Bank debit/credit
card in the 1000 block of E 40th Ave. The complainant stated that she tried going online to
check her account information and was denied access. The complainant stated that she
contacted the Bank and advised that she was told that her credit/debit card was used at an
unknown location in Griffith Indiana. The complainant's monetary loss at this time is $154.00.
> LOST OR STOLEN PROPERTY, 100 Blk of N Broad St, (7/25, 6:50 PM).
An officer had met with the complainant at the Griffith Police Department in reference to him
losing his wallet. The complainant stated that on July 7th, he was at the 7-11 on N Broad St
and he believed he lost his wallet while he was there. The wallet was described as a black
leather wallet, with a skull and cross bones on it and a chain attached. The complainant's
wallet contained the following items:
> Michigan drivers license
> Indiana ID card
> Birth certificate
> Various bank cards/debit cards
> $250
This report is for information purposes only at this time and in the event he becomes the victim
of identity theft.
> DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE, 1900 Blk of N Arbogast St, (7/25, 8:45 PM).
Officers responded in response to a complaint of a possible Domestic Disturbance. Upon
arrival officers made contact with a male, who stated he and his fiancé had gotten into an
argument while outside of the building. He stated he and his fiancé had just moved in. Upon
contact with the male, officers detected the strong odor of burnt marijuana on his person and
around him. At this time his fiancé returned, on foot, and entered their vehicle. A strong odor
of burnt marijuana was detected by officers when she opened the vehicle's door. While
speaking with the fiancé officers observed a large red mark on her left eye and her eye
appeared to be swelling. The fiancé stated to officers that she did not want to talk about what
had happened and when asked if the male had struck her she stated "NO." Officers then
asked the male if he had been smoking marijuana, because of the strong odor of burnt
marijuana omitting from him and from the interior of the vehicle. He stated, "NO", we have not
been smoking any marijuana today. Again officers asked the male the previous question,
which he stated, "well maybe earlier today we did smoke some marijuana." The male stated
that he had nothing to hide and emptied out his pockets. The officer observed in the male's
right hand, a small plastic baggy with an unknown green leafy substance inside. The male
was attempting to conceal the baggy by putting his hands behind his back after removing it
from his front right pocket, and saying "see I told you I didn't have anything in my pockets."
The substance was later tested by the officer and test positive for marijuana. The male was
placed into double locked restraints and transported to the Griffith Police Station where he
was charged with Possession of Marijuana. The male was later released from the Griffith
Police Department on a cash bond.
> TRESPASSING, 1800 Blk of N Mansards Blvd, (7/26, 1:45 AM).
Officers were dispatched in reference to a known party with a active trespass warning on
Mansard property. Upon arrival officers observed a male and female sitting on the front steps
of building. The female was identified by Mansard security as the known party with a trespass
letter on file at the Griffith Police Department. The officer, upon confirmation of the Trespass
put female in restraints, double locked and placed her in
the back of the squad car. At which time the officer smelled the strong odor of an unknown
alcoholic beverage omitting from her breath. Mansard security advised female was followed
off the property a couple times while she was driving her red Kia Rio and advised that she hid
her Kia around the corner near 39th Lane and Jay Street. Officers traveled to Kia to retrieve
the female's identification and to impound the Kia. The Kia was located in front of 1426 N Jay
Street. Officers observed in plain view hypodermic needles, glass pipe (known as a bowl)
containing what appeared to be marijuana, and a green marijuana "grinder." The K-9 officer
and his partner K9 Gino, conducted an exterior search/sniff of the vehicle exterior. K9 Gino
gave a positive alert for a narcotic odor which he was trained to detect at the front passenger
door seem. The vehicle was then inventoried by officers and towed from scene. During vehicle
inventory Officers located approximately 7.4 grams of marijuana inside a plastic bag near the
ash tray, a multi colored glass pipe containing marijuana residue(confirmed with test kit) on
top of center console, a plastic green "grinder" with marijuana residue inside (confirmed with
test kit) near the emergency brake handle, multiple hypodermic needles near front passenger
seat, three and 1/3 green rectangular pills (identified as Alprazolam 2mg) in the fuse panel,
and the bottom piece of a metal can that had burn marks one side and white/grey residue on
the other side that test positive for heroin using a field test kit. The female was then
transported to the Griffith Police Station where she was given a portable breath test which
indicated .08 BrAC. At this time the female was charged with possession of alcohol by a
minor, criminal trespass, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia. She was
later transported to the Lake County Jail.
> THEFT-TRUCK, 100 Blk of N Broad St, (7/26, 12:23 PM).
An officer took a report on station regarding the theft of a semi-tractor and trailer from the 500
block of S. Colfax St. (Milo's Transportation/Logistics). The officer met with the owner/operator
of Milo's Tranportation, who stated that as of Wednesday night, around 11:00 PM on July
23rd, 2014, his driver had not returned the company's red, 2001 Peterbuilt truck which was
attached to an orange trailer. He stated that he believes the driver, who was the last in
possession of the truck, drove it back to his home-town of Philadelphia, PA and abandoned
the vehicle. The owner believes that the truck may possibly be at Penrose Plaza, 3000 Island
St. Philadelphia, PA, or at the Bensalem Travel Plaza. The owner has attempted to contact
the driver, however he will not return his phone calls. The officer left a voicemail regarding the
above situation with the driver, asking for him to contact the officer or the owner about the
semi-truck. The vehicle has been entered into IDACS/NCIC as stolen.
> VANDALISM, 700 Blk of N Glenwood St, (7/26, 7:25 PM).
The complainant's vehicle was covered with eggs and ketchup while parked in front of his
home between 7 am and 11 am today. This is the second time this has happened. No
damage was done to the vehicle. The complainant is obtaining a surveillance camera.
> JUVENILE PROBLEM, 800 Blk of E 38th, (7/26, 8:02 PM).
A juvenile, who is known from previous encounters by officers, was observed smoking a
cigarette in violation of IC 35-46-1-10.5(A)(1). The officer along with a second officer then
made contact with the Juvenile who then began yelling, cussing and after being asked to stop
by officers continued to yell and cuss in violation of IC 35-45-1-3(A)(2). At this time officer
placed the Juvenile into restraints and attempted to place him into the rear passenger seat of
the squad car. The Juvenile then began pushing against this officer as the officer was
attempting to place him into the back seat of the squad car.
The Juvenile then straitened his legs refusing to allow officers to place him, fully, into the
The Juvenile then straitened his legs refusing to allow officers to place him, fully, into the
squad car. After putting the Juveniles legs into the squad car, he began attempting to hit the
officer with his head. The Juvenile began stating that "I have no problem going to jail or
fighting an officer." The officer had to use his left forearm and place it across the Juveniles
chest to prevent injury from the attempted head strikes. After the juvenile was secured into the
vehicle he was transported to the Griffith Police station and later to the Lake County Juvenile
detention center.
> TRAFFIC VIOLATION, 1000 Blk of N Broad St, (7/26, 10:58 PM).
An officer observed a white Pontiac, bearing IN temporary plate, traveling SB in the 1000
block of N Broad St with its headlights not activated. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the
vehicle in the 900 block of N Broad St, and spoke with the driver and lone occupant of the
vehicle who identified himself. Upon running a routine records check on the driver it was
discovered he was Driving While Suspended Infraction. The officer informed the driver he was
DWS-Infraction. He was cited for DWS-Infraction and given a warning for driving with no
headlights. The driver departed the scene with a licensed driver. Goverts towing arrived on
scene and towed the vehicle.
ARREST REPORT:
> POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL BY MINOR/CRIMINAL TRESPASS/POSSESS
MARIJUANA/HASHISH/POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA (7/26, 5:20 AM) Balassone,
Emily Elizabeth, Munster, IN
> RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT/DISORDERLY CONDUCT (7/26, 8:02 PM) Male
Juvenile Offender, Griffith, IN
> CRIMINAL TRESPASS (7/24, 4:00 PM) Caruthers, Michael Deshawn, Jr., Griffith, IN
> POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUB (7/25, 9:00 PM) Collier, Justin Dushawn, Griffith, IN
> PUBLIC INTOXICATION (7/20, 3:45 AM) Deakin, Michael Paul, III, Cedar Lake, IN
> DOMESTIC BATTERY (VIOLENCE)/POSSESS MARIJUANA/HASHISH/POSSESSION
OF PARAPHERNALIA (7/22, 11:11 PM) Male Juvenile Offender, Griffith, IN
> DISORDERLY CONDUCT (7/20, 12:10 AM) Gardner, Jason, Edward, Crown Point, IN
> CONVERSION (7/24, 6:00 PM) Guirguis, Haidi Adel, Gary, IN
> OWI- .08% - .15%/OWI ENDANGERING A PERSON/ILLEGAL ALCOHOL CONSUME BY
MINOR (7/20, 5:30 AM) Male Juvenile Offender, Griffith, IN
> FAILURE TO APPEAR (7/24, 11:25 PM) Olena, John Michael, Griffith, IN
> OPERATORS LICENSE NEVER ISSUED (7/22, 6:58 PM) Overstreet, Dominic Jarrell,
South Bend, IN
> DWS-PRIOR (7/24, 5:35 PM) Phillips, Robert, III, Griffith, IN
> RESIDENTIAL ENTRY/RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT (7/22, 7:41 PM) Male Juvenile
Offender, Griffith, IN
> CRIMINAL TRESPASS (7/24, 12:00 AM) Smith, Tyron Excell, Merrillville, IN
> DWS-PRIOR (7/21, 7:54 PM) Steverson, Lester M., III, Merrillville, IN
> HOLD FOR OUT OF STATE AGENCIES (7/21, 4:10 PM) Svedberg, Tyler Michael, London,
TN
> DWS-PRIOR (7/20, 9:50 AM) Swart, Timothy Jorge, Griffith, IN
> OWI - .08% - .15%/OWI ENDANGERING A PERSON/CARRYING A HANDGUN W/O
LICENSE (7/20, 1:46 AM) Teague, Cortland McKay, Sallisaw, OK
> DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED-PRIOR (7/24, 9:15 PM) Woods, Levon Dura, Griffith, IN
e #1 and male #3, male #4 began pushing female #2
#1 stated that male #4 then turned at her and began
ned and threatened to "kick male #4's axx" if he didn't
wed signs of intoxication. Female #2 showed no signs
ry. She was adamant that she did not want to pursue
of the road on the north side with extensive front end
e officer asked if he was injured or felt pain anywhere
dministered by the officer at the Griffith Police Station
of breath. The driver was charged with two counts of
ficers and placed under arrest for Public Intoxication.
ded "I didn't see a red light". The officer immediately
oholic beverage emitting from the driver's breath. The
vehicle registration. The driver pulled his wallet out of
s Indiana DL. The officer asked the driver how old he
eplied "For real? I'm about to be home". The juvenile
er of the vehicle to sit back down in the vehicle at that
observed dry blood in and around his mouth and his
ect's breathing was very slow and shallow. The officer
hing. The driver stated he did not know and that they
orted the driver to the Griffith police station, where he
e female stated she wished to press charges against
a bicycle being left in a front yard. The bicycle was a
belongings out of the apartment the officer informed
destroyed property
e Indiana Department of Revenue's office today, July
birth. The officer ran a routine license check with no
the theft of mail. Upon arrival the officer met with the
e valued around $400 and paid for by Medicare. The
king down his sidewalk. The complainant's mailbox is
o stole the debit card were able to change the PIN to
g the theft would be completed and she departed the
The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at
east side of S. Broad and coincidentally was able to
east side of S. Broad and coincidentally was able to
haired dog in the
tethered and in the fenced backyard but managed to
his dog on a leash and was visiting his friend on East
nant stated he had been feeding the offending canine
ecords were kept or if they were current. She advised
ere not home at the time of this report. The officer left
ne and that upset him. The sister advised officers she
ver". An officer asked him to be more specific and he
rched his room for the weed and he replied "yes I will
n jar containing a green leafy substance that through
erved three
oward the 800 block of E. Ridge Rd. with two officers
up with the suspect seated in the passenger seat of
suspect as the one who fled from them. The witness
e back of his white shirt. The juvenile stated, "Did you
is under
he officer contacted the Griffith Code Enforcement in
or today. After checking clear of warrants the subject
ded to the 1400 block of N Woodlawn where contact
wn subject trespassing inside a building. Complainant
lking north toward Ridge Rd. Upon arrival, the officer
determined that the subject was using a storage unit
that patient has dementia and she takes care of him.
Marshal agent and that her patient had won 5 million
for 1 percent of the tax on the 5 million which comes
e restaurant when he was stopped by a complainant
e was banned from the Mansards and if he was seen
area but was unable to locate a vehicle matching that
atched the security film but was unable to make out a
ing IN registration, driving in the parking lot of Family
ng While Suspended Prior. The officer ran a records
n customer, who fled the store while holding a bag of
or a larger bag to place her prescription bottle in. The
not pay for them. The employee stated she observed
he did not know that his wife stole the items from the
7/20/14, someone entered his driveway and stole two
and a Craftsman lawnmower. There are no witnesses
n a trespassing warning for 800 E 38th Pl and Divine
ersonal property inside a storage unit in the building.
old him recently to stay off the property due to people
de with both the complainant and vehicle owner. The
ght to her vehicle on a previous night. She stated she
en glass from another customer in an aisle and when
e store. The store manager stated that this seems to
n the subject checked out, he purchased 4 blank Visa
ach card using the same credit card. The total on the
rrival, the officer spoke with complainant, who stated
ching his parents house while they're out of town. He
the dirt below where the flower pot was resting. The
aited in the area for over ten minutes and was unable
ly at this time and in the event he becomes the victim
ried by officers and towed from scene. During vehicle
on/Logistics). The officer met with the owner/operator
d head strikes. After the juvenile was secured into the
t activated. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the
ded Infraction. The officer informed the driver he was
(7/21, 4:10 PM) Svedberg, Tyler Michael, London,

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