Shots ‘Spotted,’ Arrests Made, Guns Seized

On May 30, at 2:02 AM, the ShotSpotter system detected four gunfire incidents in the Bayview, identifying the distinct location of each. The shots were fired in close succession and proximity. Officers from Bayview Station were immediately dispatched to the area. Upon arrival, they spotted a vehicle driving away from the scene, erratically and at a high rate of speed.

The officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. After securing the subjects, the officers looked inside the vehicle, where two firearms were in plain view. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a third firearm. All four subjects were arrested and booked on felony firearms violations. One of the guns was reported stolen three weeks before.

This is an excellent example of how technology can inform and augment policing. Indeed, it is one clear example of how ShotSpotter is an effective tool in solving and preventing crime. These unlawful discharges would not have been detected or reported if ShotSpotter were not in place, as there were no citizen reports of this incident. Because of this, four arrests were made and three guns were seized – guns that are no longer in circulation and cannot be used in further criminal acts.

Medals of Valor - Bayview Ceasefire Team

A few weeks ago, I blogged on Captain Daniel McDonagh's receiving a Medal of Valor for his response to a fatal shooting at the Metreon Theater. The below, excerpted from Captain John Loftus' remarks, are the events which also earned members of Bayview Station's Ceasfire Team Medals of Valor.

On August 2, 2007, just after 6:30 PM, Officers Reggie Scott, Jason Kirchner, and Jerry Lyons, all members of the Bayview Ceasefire Team, saw a silver Honda sedan, occupied by two males, turn from Garlington Court onto LaSalle Avenue. The officers observed that there were no license plates displayed on the vehicle. As the vehicle passed, in the opposite direction, the two men inside looked toward the officers, with an expression of shock.

The officers knew that it was common practice for gang members to remove their vehicle license plates – it prevents identification by witnesses when committing acts of violence. As Officer Lyons made a U-Turn, the Honda sped up and fled the area at a high speed. The officers gave chase, but were unable to keep up with the suspects’ vehicle. They called an emergency broadcast and advised dispatch and responding units of the pursuit. Moments later, the sound of screeching tires drew the officer’s attention to Bell Court, where they located the suspect vehicle, stopped.

As he approached the vehicle, Officer Scott observed the passenger struggling with something on the seat. The passenger quickly abandoned his attempt to remove the item and fled on foot with the driver. As Officers Scott and Kirchner pursued on foot, Officer Lyons used the patrol vehicle to circle around, attempting to cut off the suspect. While chasing the suspects, Officers Scott and Kirchner noticed that the driver kept his hands hidden in front of his body as he ran.

As Officer Scott closed in on the driver, he suddenly turned, pointing a machine pistol, equipped with an extended magazine, at the officers. From less than ten yards away, Officer Scott clearly saw the weapon and announced the danger. Without immediate cover, Officer Scott drew his pistol and fired two rounds at the suspect, striking the ground in front of the suspect. The suspect ran, discarding the machine pistol over a nearby fence.

The suspects continued running from the officers and shed their jackets, to alter their appearance. Unfortunately, the suspects were lost in the area. Officer Scott recovered the machine pistol, and Officers Kirchner and Lyons returned to the abandoned vehicle, where they found an assault rifle, equipped with a scope and loaded 40 round magazine. This was the object that the passenger was attempting to retrieve. The Ceasefire Team and Gang Task Force, in coordination, later captured the suspects.

Officers Reggie Scott and Jason Kirchner are being recognized for their keen observations, diligent pursuit of dangerous suspects, and outstanding courage. Bravely intercepting two heavily-armed gang members, these remarkable officers undoubtedly prevented additional carnage. They are well-deserving of commendation.

KVR

Armed Robbery of Gas Station

Bayview Station Update - Captain John Loftus
1/27/09, 6:17 PM - Officers McArthur and Borgen responded to a call for service involving an armed robbery at a local gas station. The victim, an employee, stated that there were two suspects, and that they had forced him into the garage, threatening to shoot him, prior to emptying the register and fleeing the scene. The victim provided a detailed description of the suspects, which was broadcast to those officers saturating the area. Sergeant Hagan and Officers Lyons, Kirchner and Coleman, all members of Bayview Station’s Cease-Fire Team, located the suspects, who matched the employee's description, and who were subsequently identified by the employee as the perpetrators. Further investigation determined that the two had been arrested previously for possession of a firearm, stemming from a 2008 incident.