Alert citizens call 911; Police nab 3 suspects
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Neighbors watching out for neighbors foiled two separate residential burglaries on Thursday, according to information from the Emporia Police Department.
Officers Doug Stump, Scott Stormont, Robbie Turner and Ed Serrano were involved in both incidents.
The first call to EPD dispatchers Debra Davidson and Amy Steinbrink came about 12:10 p.m., when a citizen reported suspicious activity in the 100 block of South Merchant Street.
The caller provided a description of the suspect, who police arrested soon after discovering that the house, at 123 S. Merchant St., had been broken into and items taken.
The second call from a citizen reporting suspicious individuals came in to 911 Dispatch Center at about 1:34 p.m.
Officers responded to the 300 block of West First Avenue.
“The caller provided excellent description information and stayed on the line with dispatchers Davidson and Steinbrink as officers converged on the area,” Chief Gary Smith said in a news release.
When Serrano arrived, he blocked in a vehicle that was stopped in an alley.
One of the people ran from the home at 341 W. First Ave., which had been burglarized.
Stump, Stormont and Turner, assisted by Lyon County Sheriff’s Deputy Cory Doudican and K-9 officer Tito, pursued the suspect on foot.
A second person was located hiding in the bathroom at a convenience store.
“The subject had dumped what is believed to be narcotics, his jacket and other clothing items in a portable toilet that was near Casey’s, apparently in an attempt to change his appearance and throw pursuing officers off his trail,” Smith said.
Both people were arrested. Their names have not been released.
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
What a wonderful story--thank you Gazette for covering it. Citizens who are not afraid to get involved are a HUGE asset to police control. Thank you to the citizens and the officers involved.
February 21, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
It feels good to read a story like this. On the spot "gotchas" like this are the result of quick police work and especially good reporting by citizens who aren't afraid to speak up. Nice job, everyone!
February 21, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
If citizens and neighbors watch out for each other and report suspicious activity, it makes the criminal's job nearly impossible. Good job to all involved. Score one for the good guys.
February 21, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EsqEB (anonymous) says...
Emporia is lucky to have officers like Turner and Doudican.
February 23, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
As they are all the others as well as the dispatchers as well.
February 23, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Bravo all involved!
February 23, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )