Blood Evidence Leads to Residential Burglary Arrest
On May 12, 2024, a residential burglary took place in Operations Division South. Surveillance from the victim's home showed three male suspects. A crowbar was used to break a rear window to gain access. Once inside, one of the males took the victim's rifle and handgun.
Police responded and the Crime Scene Unit processed the home. Suspected blood evidence was found near the point of entry and submitted for testing. The victim alleged that a friend was involved - a friend who knew the layout of the property, as he had been there weeks before and photographed the victim's weapons.
Lab work on the suspected blood sample was associated to two potential contributors. The mixture was sent through CODIS and returned with a match to a male unknown to the victim. Further investigation found that the male had been contacted by police for an unrelated matter two days before the burglary. In body-worn camera video of that contact, he was wearing clothing and a wristwatch similar to those seen on surveillance video of one of the burglars. Coincidentally, the victim’s friend was also seen on body-worn camera video that same night, with an acquaintance of the male.
Probable cause was established for the suspect and a stop and arrest was issued on May 28th. That same night, Operations Division West officers located and arrested the suspect. A search warrant was granted for the suspect’s DNA for further testing and he was booked into the Pima County Jail. Evidence against the alleged co-defendant will be presented to the prosecutor at Issuing.
Apollo Middle School Bike Rodeo
On April 27, 2024, Sergeants Hackett and Leon; Officers Figueroa, Marroquin, Montero-Garcia, Placencia, and Soriano; and CSOs Mendoza and Zamora participated in the Bike Rodeo and Ride at Apollo Middle School.
This community event provided bike safety instruction, as well as bike inspections and minor repairs, to children ages 8 and older and their families. There were also costumed characters present, giving a nice family feel to the event. Tucson Police Department members did an amazing job demonstrating bike safety and providing assistance to all who attended. To quote the organizer of the event, Rebecca Quintero, “We would like to thank each and every one of you for all your help, love, and support for making our 3rd annual Bike Rodeo and Ride a successful event. The students had a great time! Some even said it was the best day ever!”
The ODS personnel not only helped with bike safety, but served as role models for the youth involved, exemplifying TPD values of excellence, service orientation, and teamwork. Well done!
View a list of ODS newsletters here.