LOCKDOWN AT ARLINGTON
Arlington Elementary School was locked down on April 22 while police investigated a burglary at a nearby home. The school, located at 3002 S. 72nd St., was placed in lockdown status at about 2 p.m. while police dogs searched the area. Officers responded to a report of a burglary at a home near the intersection of South Alder Street and South 70th Street. They saw two male suspects flee the scene. Witnesses informed them a third young man fled the area. All three were located and taken into custody. The lockdown ended shortly after 3 p.m.
OFFICER SHOOTS DOG
A police officer responding to a burglary alarm shot and killed a dog on April 21. Police arrived at a home on the 6000 block of South Warner Street. They checked the residence and found it to be secure. As they walked in the alley they were confronted by a black Labrador. It barked, acted aggressive and charged officers. They attempted to get the woman who owned the dog to get it under control, then one officer fired his gun.
TPD PRESENTS AWARDS
Tacoma Police Department recently held its annual award ceremony. Gene Miller, a homicide detective, was named Officer of the Year. Jason McKenzie, a financial assistant, was selected as Employee of the Year. Amber Anderson won Explorer of the Year.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR BASKETBALL GAME
A total of 12 Tacoma Police Department (TPD) officers were paid $4,224 for playing in the 2009 Hilltop Challenge basketball game, according to an internal investigation. The annual contest between police officers and firefighters is a fundraiser for Hilltop Action Coalition. TPD launched an investigation after an anonymous complaint was filed.
Assistant Chief Bob Sheehan and Lieutenant Corey Darlington served one-day suspensions earlier this month for their roles. Darlington requested the participating officers be paid. Sheehan approved the request, which he received in an e-mail from Darlington. The officers will be required to repay the wages they received.
The game contributed to a staffing shortage, which required TPD to pay other officers to cover shifts. Overtime expenses came to $2,354.
CLERK PREVENTS ROBBERY
A clerk in a convenience store thwarted a robbery attempt on April 5. The clerk spotted a masked man outside the store and ran to a back room and locked the door. The bandit entered with a gun. Finding no clerk, he left. Police are investigating the incident.
