JUST THE FACTS

September 13, 2024 Volume 15 Issue 37

Doubled up Stolens led Police on Pursuit

On September 7th, at approximately 5:00PM, dispatch advised officers of a shoplifting incident. Target Loss Prevention advised the suspect was Christopher Wright who had left wearing a high visibility vest on a bicycle.

An OPD officer observed a white pickup flatbed vehicle fail to stop for the red stoplight and drive in-between two vehicles that were attempting to cross the intersection at Hoffman Dr and I-35. This flatbed truck displayed stolen license plates as well.

The Officer activated his overhead emergency lights and performed a u-turn. The truck continued to accelerate east on Hoffman Drive. During the pursuit, Officers observed the following: truck failed to stop at the stop sign at 12th Avenue and State Avenue, turned north on State Avenue and accelerated to approximately 70MPH, drove east on 26th Street between 70MPH and 80MPH, at Elm Avenue and 11th Street, it continued east on the bike trail, Officers observed three Bird Scooters scattered on either side of the trail and a black metal trash can that was flattened believed to be from the suspect vehicle running over it, continued east on Cherry Street. The pursuit was called off due to the driving conduct of the suspect vehicle and increased bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the area.

The truck was located in the parking lot of the Brooktree Golf Course unoccupied. Officers were advised that witnesses observed the suspect run towards Crestview Lane through the woods. Dispatch also advised that a black Dodge truck was stolen from Crestview Lane by a male wearing a high visibility yellow vest during the same time.

The Dodge truck was located by an Officer in the driveway on 4th Avenue southeast a short time later. On the front seat of the Dodge was a set of Chevy keys on a keychain, these keys were later confirmed to belong to the flatbed. On the front driver's floorboard was a florescent yellow shirt, and on the passenger front floorboard was a black Under Armor baseball cap.

Witnesses stated that Wright had been dropped off on State Avenue Northwest near some apartments. As officers checked the area, they observed Wright walking north from the parking lot of Cash Wise across North Street. As the officer turned into the Safelite parking lot, Wright began running away towards the east side of the Executive Inn. The officer deployed his taser as Wright fled out of the building. Wright was taken into custody.

Christopher Wright was formally charged with Theft of Motor Vehicle and Fleeing a police officer in motor vehicle, both felonies.

Controlled Substance DWI

On September 7th, city officers were dispatched to a male sleeping in a truck at 10:01 am. City officers located a male sleeping in the truck with the keys in the ignition. The subject was awoken after the officer's second attempt. As the male opened the door, the officer observed in plain view a bong and clear white residue on the center arm rest.

The male was identified as Parker Prins. Prins displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Officers located a meth bong, five rubber containers with marijuana dabs and a baggie of methamphetamine.

Parker Prins was charged with 5th degree possession, DWI- Under the influence of controlled substance, and open package of cannabis in motor vehicle.

2024 Winner

Congrats to Sergeant Ben Johnson for winning the Chief's top shot course this year. Officers had to shoot targets at multiple stations testing their skills and abilities in this timed event with handgun and shotgun shooting platforms.