Blue Alert National Notification System News: April 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Body of missing SF sheriff's deputy found near Vallejo marina

VALLEJO, Calif. —

Authorities confirmed Monday afternoon that they have found the body of a San Francisco sheriff's deputy who had gone missing while boating out of the Vallejo Municipal Marina.

The body was found in the water about 300 feet from the boat owned by San Francisco sheriff's deputy Michael Roberts at around 3 p.m., according to Vallejo police. Authorities told KTVU shortly afterwards that the body was that of the missing deputy.

The search began after the 26-foot vessel owned by Roberts was found unoccupied and adrift near the marina around 6:45 a.m., U.S. Coast Guard spokeswoman Lt. Heather Lampert said.

Roberts was on his day off, San Francisco sheriff's spokeswoman Susan Fahey said.

Lampert said the boat had keys in the ignition and there was a cellphone on-board.

"It shows someone was recently aboard," she said.

Vallejo police Lt. Kenny Park said the deputy's wallet was also found on the fishing boat. Police contacted the San Francisco Sheriff's Department and a family member trying to get in touch with the deputy or someone who would know his whereabouts.

Solano County sheriff's deputies are assisting, Park said.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Polk deputy killed in one-car crash on Bomber Road

Winter Haven, Florida -- People living near Bomber Road knew just by the sound of things Friday morning that something bad had happened.

"I heard screeching and a big bang," said Joe Needham. "So I jumped in my truck and run down there."

Needham and his neighbors found a Sheriff's cruiser off the road and crumpled against trees -- a deputy trapped inside.

"It looked bad," said Allen Turvin, who biked back home to get a crowbar. "I respect their job and I respect what they do and when I got there it didn't look good."

Master Deputy Joseph "Shane" Robbins died of his injuries. The 40-year-old had been with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for 15 years.

Sheriff Judd and Master Deputy Robbins

Robbins was known for his outgoing personality and work with children and today Sheriff Grady Judd called him a gentle giant.

"If Shane Robbins walked up here today, he would be instantly be your best friend -- his personality, his charisma, his smile," described Judd during a news conference at the accident scene.

Robbins was on duty at the time of the crash, but not answering a call and investigators don't know yet what caused him to swerve on the road and eventually crash. Just minutes before hand he'd waved to another deputy in a cruiser as they passed on the road.

Investigators are looking into a possible medical problem and they'd also like to speak with anyone who witnessed the crash.

Robbins leaves a wife and five children. Funeral arrangements are still being planned.

During his career, Robbins received many honors and commendations. On the side his car the words "Pride in Service" are written and Judd says Robbins lived them every day.

"You hear the good die young and the great also die young and that's what happened about 9:15 this morning."

Any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything, even as insignificant as they think it may be, are strongly urged to call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

MIT Officer Killed Was Brother of Hendrick Motorsports Machinist - Bloomberg

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus officer killed last night by a suspect in the was the brother of an employee at Hendrick Motorsports, the Nascar auto racing team whose drivers include Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.

Boston Marathon bombings

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports are with Andrew Collier and his family,” the racing team said in a statement on its website. “Andrew, a machinist in the Hendrick Motorsports engine department, tragically lost his brother, Officer Sean Collier, last night in Cambridge, Mass. We ask that the family’s privacy be considered during this difficult time.”

Sean Collier, 26, had been an officer at MIT since January 2012. He was shot last night while responding to reports of a disturbance on campus, according to a statement from Middlesex Acting District Attorney Michael Pelgro. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds and transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Hours after federal investigators released photographs yesterday of two suspects in the April 15 bombings at the Boston Marathon, police received reports of a carjacking in Cambridge. The carjacking victim was kidnapped before being released about a half-hour later, leading to a police search for the vehicle and a shootout with the two suspects.

One suspect, Dzhokar Tsarnaev, a 19-year-old immigrant, escaped during the confrontation in the Boston suburb of Watertown, according to a federal law enforcement official.

Tsarnaev ran over the other suspect, his older brother Tamerlan, during the the Watertown shootout, according to the official.

Stay Inside

Public transportation was halted this morning and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick asked all residents of Boston and several surrounding suburbs to stay inside with their doors locked and allow in only police.

Andrew Collier, 25, joined Charlotte, North Carolina-based Hendrick Motorsports in September 2008.

The racing team’s drivers are Johnson, who has five Sprint Cup Series championships and 62 Nascar victories, including February’s Daytona 500; Gordon, who has four championships and 87 wins; Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has 19 wins; and Kasey Kahne, a 15-time winner.

To contact the reporter on this story: Mason Levinson in New York at mlevinson@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Michael Sillup at msillup@bloomberg.net

Monday, April 15, 2013

“Stranger at Your Door” from Dallas Police Department

From: Blue Alert News Desk

Everyone should read this from the Dallas Police Department. This could happen to you.

The Dallas Police Department would like to remind the public to use caution when dealing with a stranger knocking at their door. It could be a solicitor or someone asking for help. Not all circumstances are the same;therefore, take the time to assess the situation and use your best judgment. If someone is telling you that they are having an emergency and they need to call 911, don’t feel obligated to open your door. You could always look through a peep hole or a side window and try to gather information as to what the emergency is concerning. You can call 911 for them. Ask the individual basic questions such as: what’s the emergency? Is anyone hurt? Get a suspect description if applicable. Remember, if you don’t feel comfortable opening your door, don’t do it. Evaluate the situation and call 911.