MPD releases Murfreesboro 2014 crime report

MURFREESBORO. Tenn. (WMOT)  --  Murfreesboro Police have released the city’s annual crime report showing that, overall, crime dropped 4 percent over the previous year.

The department says reported incidents dropped in six of eight crime categories. The number of rapes, robberies, and assaults were all down in 2014.  However, the number of larceny, arson and homicides incidents were up.

The number of homicides rose dramatically, from just 3 in 2013 to 9 in 2014. In a press statement accompanying the report, the MPD notes that one of those deaths was ruled self-defense. Arrests have been made in conjunction with 6 of the remaining 8 murders.

No arrests have yet been made in the Sycamore Circle double-homicide in late April.  The victims in that case included 44 year-old Robert Aubry McAdoo, Jr. of East State Street, and 47 year-old Michael Orlando Evans of Olympia Place.

The Murfreesboro Police department says its roughly 300 officers, dispatchers and support staff responded to well over 108,000 calls for assistance, a 6.6 percent increase over the previous year. The MPD filed just over 12,300 criminal charges, a 3 percent increase.

THE COMPLETE REPORT FOLLOWS:

Murfreesboro Police Department

Media Release

January 8, 2015

2014 Crime Statistics – Overall Part I Crimes Down -4%

Murfreesboro Police officials released today that overall reports of Part I crimes to police in 2014 decreased by -4% from 2013. Crime trend data indicates there were decreases in six (6) areas of reportable crime and increases in two (2).

Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman stated: "The Mayor and City Council established safe and livable neighborhoods with the overall goal of creating a better quality of life for residents as a top priority for all City departments. Every day over 300 police officers, dispatchers, and support staff strive to accomplish that mission throughout our city. Our staff is always vigilant to detect and deter criminal activity, as well as actively engage with members of the community as part of our community policing strategy. The men and women that serve within the Murfreesboro Police Department are proud to see the results of their hard work and dedication, represented in reductions in crime. Every resident who has taken a step to make our city safer should also be proud that our partnership is working, as demonstrated by three consecutive years of crime reduction. Unfortunately, we reported an increase in homicides in 2014 despite reductions in other areas of violent crime. Murder, the most serious crime, is one that affects the lives of family, friends and the community as a whole. We are saddened by this increase, as one homicide is too many, however we work tirelessly to solve these cases and bring those responsible to justice. Our state and federal law enforcement partners have been critical to the investigation and prosecution of violent offenders. We will continue to leverage all available resources to identify and prosecute violent criminals so that no family will feel the pain of losing a loved one to crime.

Recent national events have called us to look closely at how we interact with the community. Since the 1990’s we have embraced the community oriented policing philosophy. As the police and community members worked together to address neighborhood crime problems, strong relationships were forged, based on trust and partnership. We will continue to train our police officers in the principles of community oriented policing and together, we will find new and innovative ways to fight crime and improve the quality of life for our citizens and visitors."

In 2014, there were seven (7) incidents of homicide, resulting in nine (9) victims. Only two (2) incidents remain open, active investigations. The first case was the double homicide of Andre Chesterfield and Latre Lillard that occurred on January 29, 2014 at the Wal-Mart on Old Fort Parkway. Two suspects have been arrested and are currently in jail awaiting trial. The second case occurred on February 10, 2014 at 1306 Bradyville Pike when Mikal Shakir was killed in his apartment. This case is currently open and being investigated by the Violent Crimes Unit.

The third incident was the shooting death of Christopher Turley on April 8, 2014 at 810 E. Clark Blvd. The suspect in this case was arrested and is in jail awaiting trial. The fourth incident was the killing of Robert McAdoo and Michael Evans. This case is currently open and under investigation. The fifth incident was a domestic murder/suicide in which John Vogt and Sharon Vogt were found deceased at their Willowbrook Drive apartment on May 6, 2014. The sixth incident was the murder of Emad Al Azraki who was found deceased near Lytle Creek May 12, 2014. The suspect was arrested and is in jail awaiting trial. The seventh incident was the justifiable self-defense homicide on Pine Ct. The case was presented to a Rutherford County Grand Jury and a No True Bill was returned.

Eight (8) fatal vehicle crashes resulting in nine (9) deaths were reported in 2014. Of the eight (8) fatalities on Murfreesboro roadways reported in 2014, six (6) involved a failure to yield the right of way, one (1) involved a single vehicle that left the roadway due to speed and one (1) involved a pedestrian. While blood tests are still pending, at least one (1) of the fatal crashes

was alcohol-related. The Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) investigates fatal crashes and is comprised of a team of accident reconstruction experts.

An Aggressive Driving Unit was created in 2013 to add to the efforts at reducing traffic crashes on City streets. The unit utilizes street appearance police vehicles to observe dangerous driving, noise violations, seat belt usage, and other driving infractions. Working in conjunction with the Motorcycle Unit and marked traffic vehicles, Murfreesboro has already seen successes at reducing crashes in areas where motor vehicle crashes are frequently reported. The Department also partners with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) on public information campaigns and on enforcement efforts. The MPD was awarded the GHSO "Seat Belt Enforcement Award" for the second consecutive year for its efforts in the 2014 "Click-it or Ticket" campaign. During the course of the year the unit responded to 671 calls for service, filed 119 reports, and initiated 5,658 traffic stops. Those traffic stops resulted in 6,210 citations, 881 warning citations, and 225 arrests.

Chief Chrisman continued: "Working with our traffic partners, especially with the GHSO, we will continue to strengthen our comprehensive strategy of using both traditional and newer, innovative enforcement efforts to enforce traffic laws with the ultimate goal of reducing traffic crashes in Murfreesboro. Motorists are encouraged to drive the posted speed limit, buckle up for safety, obey traffic signs and signals and avoid distracted driving habits. Most importantly, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

Officers responded to 108,687 calls for service in 2014, which equates to about 297 calls for service per day, a 6.6% increase over 2013. Officers and detectives were responsible for over 12,324 criminal charges, a 3% increase over 2013. Uniformed officers issued 19,898 citations and 17,519 warning citations in traffic-related cases and 19,750 parking citations. The Murfreesboro Police Alcohol Countermeasures Team (MPACT) and other uniformed officers initiated 831 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) related arrests. Police Officers issued 18,284 civil citations using the Automated Red-Light Enforcement System in 2014, bringing the total number of citations to over 100,000 since the 2008 implementation of the program.

Chief Chrisman concluded: "We are honored to serve the citizens of Murfreesboro, and are humbled by their support of our law enforcement and public safety mission. We are proud of the men and women of the Murfreesboro Police Department and their tireless efforts to provide outstanding service and prevent crime. In 2015, our officers will continue to strive for service excellence, seek justice for crime victims, and to hold criminals responsible for their actions."

A category-by-category breakdown in the crime statistics is as follows:

Total reports of Part I crimes decreased from 5,916 in 2013 to 5,669, a decrease of -4%.

Reports of Homicide increased from 3 in 2013 to 7 in 2014, an increase of 133%.

Reports of Rape decreased from 38 in 2013 to 29 in 2014, a decrease of -24%.

Reports of Robbery decreased from 134 in 2013 to 120 in 2014, a decrease of -10%.

Reports of Assault decreased from 1,746 in 2013 to 1,655 in 2014, a decrease of -5%.

Reports of Burglary increased from 745 in 2013 to 746 in 2014, an increase of 0.0%.

Reports of Larceny decreased from 3,077 in 2013 to 2945 in 2014, a decrease of -4%.

Reports of Motor Vehicle Theft decreased from 164 in 2013 to 159 in 2014, a decrease of -3%.