Archive for the Crime Category

Burglary Suspect Arrested

Posted in Crime, Press Releases on October 30, 2009 by snw629
Chief_Carozza

Chief Dino J. Carozza

Friday October 30, 2009- On Thursday October 29, 2009, at 9:08 pm Officers were dispatched to 221 South Elm Apt. F regarding a burglary in progress. The Police Dispatcher remained on the telephone with the person reporting the burglary. The caller followed the suspect on foot and gave the direction the suspect was running to the dispatcher who forwarded the information to responding officers.

Officers observed the caller and the suspect running in the railroad yard south of South Elm Street. Officers exited their cruisers and pursued the suspect on foot. The suspect changed direction and fled north into a fenced in area south of Jefferson Avenue. Officer’s searched for the suspect who was avoiding capture. An officer observed the suspect who began running. The suspect attempted to jump over a fence. The officer ordered the suspect multiple times to stop his attempt to flee, but the suspect failed to obey the officer’s commands to stop. The officer deployed his Taser which was effective and the suspect was arrested by the officer.

The suspect was transported to the Orrville Police Department and processed. During processing of the suspect, two bags of marijuana were found in the clothing of the suspect. The suspect was later transported to the Wayne County Justice Center.      

Officers learned the suspect had stolen a Play Station III video game system including several video games. The value of the Play Station system and games is unknown at this time.

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Vehicles Targeted for Thefts

Posted in Crime on October 21, 2009 by snw629
Capt. M. Birkbeck

Capt. M. Birkbeck

Wednesday October 21, 2009- The Orrville Police Department has detected an uptick in thefts from vehicles in October. In the first 18 days of October, officers have investigated seven instances of items being stolen from parked cars in the city. Furthermore, since this type of crime tends to be underreported, it is believed that there are many more vehicle trespasses taking place. This is a common occurrence during the fall months as the hours of darkness increase and the number of people out in public decreases.

The Center for Problem-Oriented Policing notes that “because suburban residential areas are relatively safe and quiet, residents can become complacent about car security. They may leave their car doors unlocked or the keys in the ignition. Oftentimes, their homes’ exterior lighting is wholly inadequate. Overly tall shrubbery and other brush on the premises can provide thieves with cover. An entire neighborhood filled with unlocked cars and poorly lit homes, with plenty of cover, is an inviting scene for a thief.” Residents are asked to keep these factors in mind, and to take steps to reduce the likelihood that your vehicle will be an attractive target for thieves.

In addition to taking steps to prevent thefts from vehicles, residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to the police department. If you believe items were stolen from your vehicle or that someone entered your vehicle without permission, please report these circumstances to the police immediately. Even if you do not wish to file a formal police report, it is important that this information is given to the police department so that patterns of criminal activity can be monitored.

Historically, thefts from vehicles tend to occur in clusters. The current trend appears to be consistent with this pattern. To view the most recent data on known thefts from vehicle’s in Orrville click here.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to contact the Orrville Police Department at 330 684-5025 or on the anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 330 684-5151.

Churches Targeted for Thefts in Orrville Area

Posted in Crime on October 14, 2009 by snw629

Wednesday Oct. 14, 2009- Residents are asked to be on the lookout for a male suspect wanted in connection with a string of recent thefts from area churches.

Since Saturday there have been at least three churches in which a male subject has asked to use the restroom. In two  of the three incidents a theft took place.

The suspect is described as being a white male, in his 20’s, between 5′6 and 6′ tall, having sandy brown or blonde hair and light blue eyes. In each of the known incidents the suspect was riding a red bicycle.

Anyone observing a person matching this description or with knowledge of these incidents are asked to contact the Orrville Police Department at 330 684-5025 or the Anonymous Tip Line at 330 684-5151.

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Rite Aid Robbed by Gunman

Posted in Crime, Press Releases on July 18, 2009 by snw629

Friday July 17, 2009 (Orrville)-On Friday, July 17, 2009 at approximately 5:20pm The Orrville Police Department was called to a reported Aggravated Robbery at The Rite Aid Store on S. Main Street.  The suspect was described as a light skinned African American or Hispanic male approximately 5’8 to 6’00 tall.  The suspect held the clerk at gun point and obtained an undisclosed amount of cash.  The suspect left the store and fled on foot.  Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Orrville Police Department at 330-684-5025, or leave a message on the department’s tip line 330-684-5151.  You may remain anonymous.

Press Release

Posted in Crime, Press Releases on February 9, 2009 by snw629

Teacher arrested, charged with Sexual Battery involving students

(Orrville, Ohio)- Erin M. Speicher, 34, of 810 South Vine Street in Orrville was arrested on Sunday February 8th, 2009 by the Orrville Police Department and charged with Sexual Battery, a 3rd degree felony.

This was in response to a complaint regarding inappropriate sexual conduct with Rittman High School students.

There are multiple alleged incidents. An investigation continues involving Orrville Police, Rittman Police, Wayne County Prosecutor’s office, and Wayne County Children Services in conjunction with the Rittman School District.

Mrs. Speicher was arraigned this morning in Wayne County Municipal Court in Wooster, Ohio.

Suspect arrested in downtown B&E’s

Posted in Crime, News on August 26, 2008 by snw629

Man is charged with string of crimes in Orrville

By PAUL LOCHER

Staff Writer

ORRVILLE — Police say they hope they have managed to put yet another dent in a crime wave of break-ins that has plagued the city this summer.

Police arrested Joshua R. Shelton, 27, of 1111 N. Elm St., Orrville, Thursday. They allege he went on a one-man crime wave late Wednesday and into Thursday, leaving a string of break-ins and attempted break-ins in his wake.

Police Chief Dino Carozza said Monday it appears Shelton attempted to gain entry into an apartment at the Lamplight Court complex on North Ella Street on Wednesday. Failing to gain entry into that apartment where a neighbor reported to police the sound of someone trying to break in, Shelton apparently stole a bicycle from a nearby apartment and rode to the downtown area where Carozza said he broke a window on the east side (rear) of a store in the 100 block of North Main Street to gain access.

Once inside, Carozza said, Shelton used a variety of tools from inside the store to try to gain access to the contents of a safe. Carozza said Shelton was unable to penetrate the safe.

At that point, Carozza said, it appears Shelton kicked open a door that joins another business and took only a small amount of money — described by Carozza as “less than $100.”

Read the full story at the Daily Record website here

Press Release

Posted in Crime, Press Releases on August 7, 2008 by snw629

OPD Nabs 5 for Breaking and Entering at BP

For immediate release:

On Wednesday August 6, 2008 at approximately 1:10 a.m., officers from the Orrville police department responded to the 300 block of South Main Street to investigate a complaint of glass breaking. Upon arrival at the business, the officers discovered a broken window at the BP gas station located at 304 South Main Street. The officers immediately requested back up from the Dalton police department as well as off duty personnel from Orrville.

 

The officers secured the scene and canvassed the area for suspects or witnesses. A witness identified a suspicious person observed in the area at the time of this incident. As a result of this tip and the officers’ field investigation, sufficient probable cause was established to arrest Shaun Robinson, 19, Brenden Siedel, 18, and Justin Murphy, 20, and to take into custody the two 17 year old juveniles for breaking and entering at the BP gas station. One of the juveniles was found to have a warrant from Medina County and was later turned over to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.

 

 The officers also recovered property that was allegedly removed from the business as evidence. The adult suspects were later transferred to the Wayne county jail, where they will await arraignment.

 

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Breaking and Entering

Posted in Crime on July 7, 2008 by snw629

Orrville sees rash of B&E’s in Business District

July 7, 2008

Orrville-The Orrville Police Department is investigating a string of thefts that have taken place in the downtown business district over the past several weeks. It is believed that these thefts are taking place late at night or in the early morning hours before sunrise. Due to the size and weight of the items stolen, it is believed that there could be more than one suspect involved and that a vehicle, possible a pickup truck, is used to haul the items from  the scene.

The department will be sharing information with surrounding law enforcement agencies in the area to determine if there are similar patterns in other jurisdictions. In the meantime, Chief Carozza is asking that citizens be on the lookout for individuals or suspicious vehicles near businesses after hours and to call the department immediately.

 

B&E Prevention for Small Businesses 

Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel and kept locked at all times. Remember to remove serial numbers from your locks, to prevent unauthorized keys from being made.

All outside or security doors should be metal-lined and secured with metal security crossbars. Pin all exposed hinges to prevent removal.

Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass. Consider installing metal grates on all your windows except display windows.

Remove all expensive items from window displays at night and make sure you can see easily into your business after closing.

Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights, or other entry points. Consider installing covers over exterior lights and power sources to deter tampering.

Check the parking lot for good lighting and unobstructed views.

Keep your cash register in plain view from the outside of your business, so it can be monitored by police during the day or at night. Leave it open and empty after closing.
Be sure your safe is fireproof and securely anchored. It should be kept in plain view. Leave it open when it’s empty, use it to lock up valuables when you close. Remember to change the combination when an employee who has had access to it leaves your business.

Before you invest in an alarm system, check with several companies and decide what level of security fits your needs.

Learn how to use your system properly. Check the system daily, and run a test when closing.

Taken from: http://northmiamibeach.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B44E23DA1-BD99-42A9-B13C-F9C7C4FBCFB6%7D

murder

Posted in Crime on March 10, 2008 by snw629

Gray indicted for murder

By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Wooster Daily Record Staff Writer

WOOSTER — An Orrville man faces life in prison for allegedly killing a child he was supposed to be watching.

James Vincent Gray, 37, of 1825 W. Market St., Apt. K-24, was charged following a Friday meeting of a Wayne County Common Pleas grand jury, which handed down indictments for murder, felonious assault, involuntary manslaughter and two counts of endangering children, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Martin Frantz.

The murder charge carries a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Read full story: www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/3433991

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Homicide Investigation

Posted in Crime on March 1, 2008 by snw629

Orrville baby dies

By PAUL LOCHER and CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Wooster Daily Record Staff Writers

ORRVILLE — An infant who apparently was assaulted by a man who was supposed to be watching him while his mother was at work, died Thursday at Akron Children’s Hospital as a result of massive head trauma and other injuries.

The 15-month-old boy, who had been placed on a ventilator at the hospital as his brain function declined, was declared dead at 5:46 p.m., with both his biological parents present, according to Orrville Police Chief Dino Carozza. The ventilator was turned off about 2 p.m. after the child was declared brain-dead.

The death of Kristin E. Dixon Jr. paves the way for the possible upgrading of charges against 37-year-old James Vincent Gray of 1825 W. Market St., K-24, from felonious assault to homicide. If the charges are upgraded, it would become Orrville’s first homicide case in almost 11 years.

Gray, arrested by Orrville police Monday night, was charged in Wayne County Municipal Court with felonious assault. He remains incarcerated with bond set at $150,000, and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Friday.

Read the Daily Record’s full story here:  http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/3394321

 

Learn more about child abuse, what to look for, and how you can prevent it: http://www.childhelp.org/resources/learning-center/child-abuse-quiz

 

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