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News Release Archive
Violation of the Month - Operating While Intoxicated
Released December, 2007
With the holiday season upon us, the Stevens
Point Police Department reminds motorists to not drive while under the influence of intoxicants, including alcohol
or any drug which impairs your ability to drive. When going to office parties, family get-togethers, and many other
social events, remember to use a designated driver or carefully monitor how much you have to drink before making
the decision to get behind the wheel.
A first offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) citation carries a fine of $793 and at least a six-month suspension
of your driver's license. In addition, you will be placed on high risk insurance for at least three years, which
can add up to thousands of extra dollars in insurance premiums. Second and subsequent offenses lead to mandatory
jail time, heavier monetary penalties, and longer revocations of your driving privileges.
Unfortunately, many people make the wrong decision which may lead to dire consequences, the least of which is being
arrested and fined for operating a motor vehicles while intoxicated. Being the cause of an accident in which someone
is injured or killed is a sure way to ruin the season for all those involved.
Click It or Ticket!
Released May, 2005
The Stevens Point Police
Department and more than 200 other police
departments in Wisconsin are participating in the Wisconsin State Patrol's "Click It or Ticket" safety
belt mobilization, particularly in rural areas. Over three times as many people died in traffic crashes in rural
areas of Wisconsin as compared to urban-area crashes last year. Statewide, 72% of motorists used seat belts according
to surveys conducted in 2004. However, seat belt use is lower among young males and with pickup truck drivers and
passengers. The Click It or Ticket campaign is being conducted in partnership with the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration. Please remember to Click It, or you will get a Ticket.
Safety on Two Wheels
Released May, 2005
The Stevens Point Police
Department and WisDOT highway safety officials
remind all motorists that May is both Motorcycle Safety Month and Bicycle Safety Month. Last year, 80 motorcyclists,
including drivers and passengers, died in traffic crashes in Wisconsin. While down significantly from 2003, last
year's total is still above the five-year average. Visit the WisDOT Web site to find information on WisDOT's motorcycle safety program,
along with an electronic copy of the Wisconsin Motorcyclist's Handbook.
In 2004, there were 1,155 crashes between motor vehicles and bicycles in Wisconsin, resulting in 14 fatalities.
Bicycling is an important mode for commuting, local travel and recreation. With many bicyclists being children,
safety for both bicyclists and motorists should be a priority. WisDOT offers bicycle safety tips and resources
at the
WisDOT Web site. The site also provides
information for communities to plan for bicycle facilities and to encourage bicycling.
Trick or Treat with Care
Released October 28, 2004
The Stevens Point Police
Department reminds everyone of some Halloween
safety tips as children head out to go trick-or-treating on Sunday, October 31 from 3 to 6 pm:
1. Try to trick-or-treat when it is still light outside.
2. Wear a costume that is easy to walk in, see from, and be seen in.
3. If you must go at night, make sure your costume is light in color.
4. Carry a flashlight with you so you can be easily seen.
5. Use reflective tape on your costume to be seen easier.
6. Use make-up instead of a mask.
7. If you are using a mask, make sure it fits properly and eye holes are large.
8. If someone older cannot go with you, trick-or-treat in a group.
9. Cross only at corners. Never cross between parked cars or at mid-block.
10. Tell your family which streets you will be trick-or-treating on.
11. If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.
12. Wait until you get home to sort, check, and eat your treats.
The Stevens Point Police Department hopes that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!
Tampering with Political Signs is Still a Crime
Released October 28, 2004
On October 24, at approximately 1:58 a.m.,
officers from the Stevens Point Police Department were notified of four individuals vandalizing a political sign
located in the 4000 block of Sunset Fork. Officers responding to the complaint observed three males and one female
(19 and 20 years of age) in the area who were found to be in possession of spray paint. Further investigation indicated
the involvement in the theft of numerous political signs in the area. All four individuals were arrested on state
charges for Election Fraud and reports have been forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review.
Tampering with Signs is a Crime
Released October 18, 2004
During the past several weeks, the Stevens
Point Police Department has been investigating
numerous complaints regarding theft and destruction of campaign signs throughout the city.
On October 15, at approximately 4:10 AM, a resident on Vermont Street notified the Police Department that four
males were damaging political signs and attempting to remove them from a front yard.
After officers investigated the incident, four males (19 and 20 years of age) were found in possession of stolen political signs and were arrested on state charges for Election Fraud. Reports have been forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review.
National White Cane Safety Day
Released September 27, 2004
Governor Tim Doyle has proclaimed Friday, October 15th as "National White Cane Safety Day" in Wisconsin. This event is to give special recognition to White Cane safety laws and to remind citizens of the importance of safety precautions related to pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired.
The rights of pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired are established and protected by state White Cane Laws, Wisconsin statute, 346.26(1):
"An operator of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle before approaching closer than 10 feet to a pedestrian who is carrying a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white trimmed with red and which is held in an extended position or who is using a dog guide and shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid accident or injury to the pedestrian. The fact that the pedestrian may be violating any of the laws applicable to pedestrians does not relieve the operator of a vehicle from the duties imposed by this subsection."
The Wisconsin Bureau for the Blind estimates that there are some 200,000 individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Wisconsin. The Stevens Point Police Department asks motorists to be aware of the law and always be cautious around pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired.
Overnight Parking Information
Released September 8, 2004
The Stevens Point Police Department would like to remind motorists that after Labor Day of each year, the summer rules concerning parking overnight on a city street end.
Effective immediately, motorists needing to park their vehicle on the street overnight must call in daily to receive permission. Under the summer rules, motorists could call in to obtain permission and be granted up to four nights of parking with one telephone call. This is no longer the case.
Permission is granted to park on a city street when special circumstances exist and is not a long-term solution to a parking problem. Please call 346-1501 and speak with a Police Dispatcher if you are requesting permission to park.
Motorists are reminded that it is illegal to park on any city street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. for longer than 30 minutes.
Cocaine and Marijuana Seized
Released August 18, 2004
On August 17 at approximately 11:45 am, the Stevens
Point Police Department executed a drug search warrant at 1918 Division Street. The search resulted in the seizure
of 20 grams of cocaine and 7 ounces of marijuana with a street value of approximately $3,400.
A seventeen-year-old Stevens Point man was booked into the Portage County Jail and the District Attorney's Office
has been requested to file the following charges:
At the time of this news release, the District Attorney's Office had not scheduled a court appearance for the suspect.
Important Information about Fireworks
Released June 28, 2004
The Stevens Point Police Department
would like to help ensure safety during the upcoming 4th of July celebrations by reminding the public of the laws
regulating fireworks.
Under Wisconsin law, there are two types of fireworks: "Permit required" and "Non-permit required."
Non-permit required fireworks include the following: caps, toy snakes, sparklers (up to 36 inches in length), party
poppers, snaps, smoke devices, and cylinder or cone fountains that emit showers of sparks.
Other items such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, etc. require a permit. In other words, any item
that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal without a permit.
The term "permit" means a permit issued by a municipality where the fireworks will be discharged. Under
state law, these permits can only be issued to certain groups such as public authority, civic organizations, park
boards, fair associations, amusement parks, or agricultural producers for protection of crops. Permits can be issued
to groups, but not individual members. Merely being a member of a group that has a permit does not grant any special
rights to the members to discharge fireworks. These permits have to be issued by municipal officials. Permits issued
by any other persons or organizations are NOT valid.
People should check the labeling on each item of fireworks before use. If anywhere on the label the words "explode,"
"report," or "shoots flaming balls" appears, the item should not be used. Officers from the
Stevens Point Police Department will be enforcing the fireworks laws. Since fireworks are covered under both local
ordinance and state statute, persons in violation could face a fine of up to $200 for an ordinance violation and
up to $1000 if charged under state statute.
Just remember, if the item emits flames, explodes, or leaves the ground, it is probably illegal and should not
be purchased, possessed, or used. Have a safe and fun holiday!
| 15 Ounces of Cocaine Seized Released May 26, 2004 On May 21st, 2004, following a lengthy investigation, officers from the Stevens Point Police Department, State of Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation-Narcotics Bureau, Wausau Office, and the Portage County Sheriff's Department conducted a search warrant at a room at the Super 8 Motel, 247 Division Street North in Stevens Point. As a result of the search warrant, officers confiscated 15 ounces of cocaine and other drug paraphernalia. |
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The 15 ounces of cocaine has a street value of around
$42,000.
At the time of this release, the District Attorney's office has not scheduled a court appearance for this subject. |
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Members of the community asked that there be an effort to relax guidelines regarding overnight parking. To accommodate those requests the Police Department will adjust practices from May 23rd through September 6th 2004.
Any owner, or operator, of a motor vehicle who would like to request permission to park a vehicle overnight on a city street must call the Police Department at 346-1501 to request permission. Speak directly to the police dispatcher. Be prepared to provide the following information to the dispatcher:
1. Make of vehicle involved.
2. License plate number of vehicle involved.
3. Location where the vehicle will be parked.
4. An active telephone number of the owner or operator so that contact can be made in the event of an emergency
or road maintenance.
Permission may be granted up to, and including, four continuous nights, depending on the circumstances of the request.
The Police Department has the authority to deny any request.
Vehicles parked ail night without permission, or in violation of these restrictions, will be subject to enforcement
action.
SPECIAL NOTE: The exception to the above is for those residents affected by road construction whereby special arrangements have already been established.
| 4.2 Pounds of Marijuana Seized Released May 6, 2004 On 05/05/2004 at approximately 7:24 PM the Stevens Point Police Department assisted by the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 2925 Minnesota Avenue in Stevens Point. |
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The search resulted in the seizure of 4.2 pounds
of marijuana with a street value of approximately $13,400.00.
At the time of this release, the District Attorney has not scheduled a court appearance for the suspect. |
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Holiday Shopping Safety Reminder
Released November 25, 2003
During the Holiday Season, many people are shopping for loved ones and are preoccupied with the season. This can unfortunately create memories of expense and tragedy.
The Stevens Point Police Department is asking for your help in making this Christmas season a safe and enjoyable one. Here are a few ideas:
The Stevens Point Police Department once again thanks you for your help in making this Holiday Season a safe and enjoyable one for you and your family.
1. Try to Trick-or-Treat when it is still light
outside.
2. Wear a costume that is easy to walk in, and easy to see and be seen in.
3. If you must go at night, make sure that your costume is light in color.
4. Carry a flashlight with you so you can be easily seen.
5. Use reflective tape on your costume to be seen easier.
6. Use make-up instead of a mask.
7. If you are using a mask, make sure it fits properly and the eye holes are large.
8. If someone older cannot go with you, Trick-or-Treat in a group.
9. Cross only at corners. Never cross between parked cars or at mid-block.
10. Tell your family which streets you will be Trick-or-Treating on.
11. If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.
12. Wait until you get home to sort, check, and eat your treats.
The Stevens Point Police Department hopes that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!
The most common scam happens when a person does a job search through the Internet. After the person makes contact with the perspective employer, a check is sent made out to the person, requests them to cash it, wire the majority of the money to an address in another country, and the person is told to keep a small amount of money for their work.
Individuals have been approached in various ways
during these scams. They have been contacted by Internet or by Fax. The following are common traits in most if
not all of these scams:
1 . The E-mail or Fax promises a "too good to be true" way of making money.
2. Has a plea for "help," because an unfair
government has frozen their assets and only you can help them.
3 . There are large, almost unbelievable sums of money involved.
4. If you do what they are requesting, you get a share of this money.
For further information, contact Sgt. Tony Babl, Stevens Point Police Department, at 346-1504
The Stevens Point Police Department would like to
remind motorists that after Labor Day of each year, the summer rules concerning parking overnight on city streets
end.
Effectively immediately, motorists needing to park their vehicles on the street overnight must call in daily to
receive permission. Under the summer rules, motorists could call in to obtain permission and be granted up to four
nights of parking with one telephone call. This is no longer the case.
Permission is granted to park on city streets when special circumstances exist and is not a long term solution to a parking problem. Please call 346-1501 and speak with a Police Dispatcher if you are requesting permission to park.
Motorists are reminded that it is illegal to park on any city street between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM for longer than 30 minutes.
Every year as weather becomes warmer, the Stevens
Point Police Department receives an increase of calls regarding stolen bicycles. The warmer weather means people
are out riding their bicycles and sometimes leaving them unlocked and unattended. This means more opportunities
for bicycles to be stolen. The following are some easy actions that can be followed to help prevent being a victim
of these crimes.
To prevent a bicycle from being stolen:
The Stevens Point Police Department picks up hundreds of bicycles each year that are lost, stolen or abandoned. The Stevens Point Police Department is unable to return these bicycles to their rightful owner because they are not registered, and therefore there is no record of who the owner is. For this reason, it is vitally important that you register your bicycle with your local law enforcement agency so if your bicycle is ever lost or stolen it can be returned to you.
Sincerely,
Douglas Carpenter, Chief of Police
Martin Skibba, Crime Prevention Officer
Every year as the weather becomes warmer, the Stevens
Point Police Department receives an increase of calls regarding theft from vehicles. The warmer weather means more
foot traffic and more opportunities for property to be stolen from your vehicle. The following are some simple
actions that can be followed that will help prevent you being a victim of these crimes.
To prevent thefts from vehicles:
Statistics show most thefts from vehicles occur
while the vehicle is parked in your driveway or garage and are opportunistic in nature. For these reasons, it is
vitally important that you keep your vehicle locked.
Sincerely,
Douglas Carpenter, Chief of Police
Martin Skibba, Crime Prevention Officer
Because of the large number of visitors to Stevens
Point for trivia weekend, overtime night parking restrictions will be temporarily suspended from Friday, April
11th through Sunday, April 13th in the City of Stevens Point. Vehicles that are legally parked on city streets
will not be ticketed for overnight parking. Motorists will not be required to call the Police Department for overnight
parking permission during the three-day event. All other parking violations (posted "no-parking" zones,
for example) will be enforced.
Overtime night parking restrictions will resume as normal on Monday, April 14th.
With Spring General Elections coming on April 1, the City of Stevens Point is once again seeing many different campaign signs in our community.
During the last two weeks, the Stevens Point Police Department has received complaints of campaign signs being moved or damaged. Campaign signs are colorful, and their close proximity to sidewalks can be a temptation to those walking by to damage them, but these signs are also informative and expensive.
It is illegal to move, alter, damage, or destroy
campaign signs. Fines related to such acts range from $194 to $225. These fines do not include restitution costs
for the replacement of these signs.
Douglas Carpenter, Chief of Police
Keeping children safe on the road means putting
them in the proper kind of child restraint. During their recent participation in Child Passenger Safety Week 2003,
the Stevens Point Police Department, Plover Police Department and Portage County Sheriff's Department focused their
efforts and the attention of drivers on how to properly
buckle up youngsters following the Four Steps for Kids guidelines.
While most infants and toddlers ride in the right child safety seat, fewer than 10 percent of the children who should be in booster seats are. The booster seat raises a child to the proper height so the car's safety belt can fit correctly. In a crash without a booster seat, a child may be ejected from a vehicle or injured by an improperly positioned safety belt.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) recommends that children who have outgrown safety seats but are less than eight years old or shorter
than 4 feet 9 inches tall be properly restrained on booster seats in the back seat.
"One of the most important things you can do to protect your child is to put them in the right restraint at the right time," said Officer Martin Skibba, Crime Prevention. "Booster Seats are often overlooked by parents and caregivers, but they are as important as any other step in protecting your child's safety."
The 4 Steps for Kids are:
1. Use rear-facing child seats for children from
birth to at least 20 pounds and at least one year of age.
2. Use forward-facing child seats for children over 20 pounds and at least one year old to about 40 pounds and
about age four.
3. Use belt-positioning booster seats for children from about 40 pounds to about 80 pounds and 4' 9".
4. Use seat belts for older children large enough for the belt to fit correctly: at least 4' 9" tall and about
80 pounds.
For additional information on child restraint use, call the Wisconsin Information Network for Safety toll-free at 1-866-511-9467.
The Stevens Point Police Department, Plover Police
Department, and Portage County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with DOT, Bureau of Transportation Safety will
be starting the second wave of the national "Clickit - Why Risk It?" program.
On November 24th 2002, the first of two waives of stepped-up education and enforcement for seatbelt and child safety
seat use took place. Starting February 9th, 2003, the second waive of education and enforcement will begin. Each
of these waves consists of a survey before and after the education and enforcement periods. The surveys provide
law enforcement and the DOT, Bureau of Transportation Safety a measuring tool to evaluate education and enforcement
projects.
A large part of this program is to increase seatbelt use and decrease occupant ejections in traffic accidents.
It is important to note that in the first 5 months of 2002, 73 people were ejected from their vehicles and killed.
In 2001, 63% of persons killed and 42% of people sustaining incapacitating injuries in crashes were not wearing
safety belts. Many of these people were ejected from their vehicle.
Stevens Point Police Department, Plover Police Department, and Portage County Sheriff's Department are some of the law enforcement agencies joining the Child Passenger Safety Week enforcement emphasis program. It is always against the law to fail to use your seat belt or to fail to properly restrain children in your vehicle, but during this Safety Week period, officers will be paying special attention to proper seatbelt use.
Current law makes seatbelt use mandatory for all motor vehicle occupants. For adults, the law specifies that an officer must stop a vehicle for some other violation before citing for failure to wear belts. But this is not true for children under the age of 8. Children must be restrained in a proper safety seat or belted in a booster seat. Drivers may be stopped for violating this portion of the law alone.
For more information you can call Officer Martin Skibba, Crime Prevention, at (715) 346-1519
On January 14, 2003 at approximately 3:30 p.m. the Stevens Point Police Department simultaneously executed three separate search warrants at locations within the city. The search warrants were obtained at the culmination of ongoing drug investigations. A search warrant was executed at 3409 Harmony Lane, Apartment 8. As a result of the warrant, two Stevens Point males, ages 20 and 22, were taken into custody and booked into the Portage County Jail. A combination of charges between the two males include:
As a result of the execution of this warrant a total
of 415 grams of marijuana, 3.9 grams of cocaine, $1,397.00 in U.S. currency and two .40 caliber pistols were seized.
A search warrant was executed at 2733 Frontenac Avenue, Apartment 7. As a result of the execution of this warrant
two Stevens Point males, both age 20, were taken into custody and booked into the Portage County Jail on a combination
of the following charges:
Police seized a total of 230 grams of marijuana,
$986.00 in U.S. currency and a very small amount of Psilocybin mushrooms.
Police executed a third search warrant at 1308 Shaurette Street and one adult male from Stevens Point, age 21,
was taken in to custody and booked into the Portage County Jail on the following charges:
A 23 year old adult male from Neenah, Wisconsin
was issued a city ordinance citation for possession of drug paraphernalia and he was released from the scene.
A total of 105 grams of marijuana and small amounts of cocaine and Psilocybin mushrooms were seized during the
execution of this warrant.
Police are also requesting that the District Attorney issue charges against a 22 year old Stevens Point female
with the following:
Police are also requesting that the District Attorney issue charges against a 20 year old Stevens Point female with the following:
Stevens Point Police and Plover Police have been conducting investigations regarding the following crimes:
On January 13, 2003, Stevens Point and Plover Police
detectives, supported by uniformed Plover police officers, served a search warrant at 1921 Tamarack Street in the
Village of Plover. Evidence seized during the search includes property stolen from the veterinary clinic burglaries.
Detectives developed investigatory information, effected arrests and anticipate more arrests which will clear the
criminal reports on all matters cited herein.
Police incarcerated three adult males in the Portage County Jail and are submitting requests for criminal charges
as listed herein. Individuals incarcerated have not yet been scheduled for initial appearances. Regarding the suspects
incarcerated the basic description of individuals and charges to be requested are as follows:
Police arrested and released on recognizance one
17 year old Stevens Point male. Detectives anticipate requesting charges on two additional individuals as well
as continuing the investigation. Details in regard to the two individuals, or the continuing investigation, will
not be released at this time.
The apprehensions of burglary suspects for veterinary clinic burglaries in Central and Northern Wisconsin appear
to be part of a trend that police identify as a real drug enforcement and business security concern. It appears
that drugs utilized in veterinary clinics are becoming very popular for illegal drug use. In attempts to be proactive
to preclude the theft of the aforementioned drugs, police have previously contacted local veterinary clinics to
make the businesses aware of the street demand for illegal drugs. Veterinary clinics are now taking extra precautions
to safeguard their buildings and veterinary supplies.
Plover Police Chief Roger Zebro and Stevens Point Police Chief Doug Carpenter commend their personnel for the outstanding
police work and effective manner in which the officers work together as a team to solve crimes which affect the
entire community. Both Chiefs also appreciate the manner their personnel work with other jurisdictions in regard
to these and other police matters.
Winter weather has arrived and it is time to begin preparing for driving on our city streets. It is always important to practice safe driving habits but it is even more important as winter brings us the challenges of icy and snow-covered roads.
To ensure that your experiences on the road are safe this year, it is important you take the time to first inspect your vehicle. An outside inspection of the vehicle, such as checking tire tread and tire pressure, is very important. An engine check-up is a great way to insure that your vehicle is prepared for the bitter cold. Checking your battery, oil, and anti-freeze can help insure your vehicle will start in the cold mornings. Finally, adding items such as a blanket, sand for traction, extra warm clothes, boots, road flares, and a shovel in the trunk will help if your vehicle would ever get stuck in the snow.
Remember, as the weather changes, the time it takes to get where you want to go should increase. Officers have noticed that some motorists are neglecting to remove frost and ice from their windshields. Please take the time to insure that all your windows are free from frost and snow and drive with extra caution, increasing stopping distances at stop signs.
Have a safe and enjoyable winter driving season. Thank you.
