6329 Monroe St.
Thankfully most girlfriend/boyfriend fights don’t end like this… It seems a couple in their late twenties was arguing. The male half took the female’s keys and would not give them back. The female called the police for assistance (6329 Monroe St.) When the two officers arrived, they met the male subject and attempted a pat search for concealed weapons. While one of the officers searched him, allegedly the suspect turned combative. Both officers were involved in the fray, and at one point the suspect tried to take an officer’s gun. They were able to resist the gun grab, and with the help of additional officers they took the suspect into custody. The suspect, Nathaniel Kellybrew, age 28 of Hammond, allegedly had about forty crack rocks bagged in his pocket. Maybe that’s why he became combative, because of the suspected drugs. Later after a search warrant was obtained and executed, they recovered some marijuana and a gun. Mr. Kellybrew was charged with Dealing Cocaine (A) felony, Dealing a narcotic substance (A) felony, one count of disarming a Law Enforcement officer (C) felony, 2 counts of (D) felony battery, and one count of felony (D) resisting. Wow! all over a set of keys… Makes you think.
Chief Brian Miller
Ps. Nathaniel Kellybrew was only charge with these crimes not adjudicated guilty. He is to be considered innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law.
It is with a heavy heart that I make this announcement. Rebecca (Becky) Ward has passed away. As you know, she was a tireless advocate of the Hammond City Crime Watch. She will be missed, but never replaced. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.
I guess after my many years as a cop, I’m a wee bit skeptical. A few months ago, our City Controller, Bob Lendi, sent out a registered letter to all gas stations and mini marts explaining our paraphernalia law. Basically, you can’t display pipes, rolling papers, scales and other paraphernalia where anyone under 18 can view it. Essentially we are asking the stores to put their stuff behind a counter. Shortly after we sent out the letter, we did a compliance check of all stores. During the check, we specifically explained the new ordinance concerning paraphernalia. I also talked with the managers/owners and explained state laws concerning bath salts and synthetic marijuana.
Two weeks ago, Controller Bob Lendi asked me to meet him at the Mini-mart at 169th and Southeastern (used to be Delocks). Lendi stated that the store had many pipes and paraphernalia on display and he wanted to speak to the owner, in my presence. We carefully explained the new law to the owner and also cautioned him about selling synthetic marijuana and bath salts. I could see the owner was listening, but something about his demeanor made me think that he wasn’t going to comply.
Mini-Mart
On Wednesday, we had a city employee wear a wire and go into 17 mini marts and gas stations to purchase synthetic marijuana or bath salts. We used an employee of the City rather than a police officer, because this particular person looks so young. I am happy to announce our operation was mostly unsuccessful. 16 of the businesses would not sell to our ‘undercover”, but one unfortunately did. Yes, you guessed it, the mini mart at 169th and Southeastern.
We will be presenting our evidence to the Board of Works. Hopefully their license will be revoked.
Some people just don’t get it…..
Chief Brian Miller
A&M Metals
On Tuesday, the Hammond Police Department served search warrants at 4810 Hohman Ave., A&M Metals. Allegedly, this scrap metal dealer was accepting stolen metal, and may have been directly involved in the theft of several items. While issuing the search warrant, Detectives discovered 2 stolen cars (taken from Chicago) several man hole covers (belonging to Hammond and Chicago) two boats and several metal truck dumpsters. The truck dumpsters are the large type often seen on the back of flatbed trucks. When new, they cost approximately $5000.00. The ones that we located had their serial numbers ground off and were recently painted. Numerous catalytic convertors were also located at this yard. Regular readers of my blog will remember that I just made an announcement concerning a rash of stolen convertors. We have one male subject in custody, and more arrests may follow. This is an ongoing investigation, we still have much work to do.
The business is closed and will stay closed. The City of Hammond has revoked their business license. this was very good news for our police department. This may close several theft cases.
Chief Brian Miller
Catalytic Convertor
We are seeing a lot of thefts of catalytic convertors. These are the anti-pollution devices on the bottom of your car. Like many items of scrap metal, these bring a high dollar at local yards. Most of the thieves are using battery operated “sawzall” type reciprocating saws. Many of the thefts are occurring to company owned trucks which are left at businesses overnight. If you see suspicious activity, always call us. Non emergency 853-6490. Emergency 911.
Chief Brian Miller
Whew! What a weekend. On Friday night (11:30PM) we responded to the 7100 block of Van Buren. Following a physical altercation, a suspect produced a handgun and fired several shots at some teenage males. Four were wounded, none seriously.
On Saturday night it was deja vu but worse. In the 2700 black of Cleveland St. (Hessville) officers responded to a shooting incident at about 11PM. This time six subjects were shot, three seriously wounded. All were teens and two young females were victims in this shooting. All will survive and recover, we have been told. We are working on leads at this time, if you have information about these crimes please call the Hammond Police Detective Bureau (219) 852-2906. We are not sure if they are related, but there is that possibility. There were alleged gang members among the victims, but we are not sure of a motive, yet. I should have more information for you tomorrow as my detectives take additional statements from witnesses.
Manhole cover
In an unrelated matter, I’m asking for your help. We have had several manhole covers stolen from our streets. The cost of each is about three hundred dollars. In addition to the cost, it presents a serious danger to our motorists and children. If you see anyone around a manhole cover, please call our police department.
Best wishes,
Chief Brian Miller
Corporal Kevin Holland
Saturday night at the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce dinner, awards were given out to the outstanding police officers, firefighters, Emt’s, teachers and business persons of the year. Corporal Kevin Holland was chosen for the Hammond Police Officer of the year in 2011.
Corporal Kelly Mickey had finished her shift and was traveling home in her squad car. She remembered that she had to turn in a piece of equipment she had signed out so she turned her car around and started traveling back to the police station. On Summer street she observed a car that had struck a pole and had serious damage. The female driver was unconscious and the car was smoldering. She radioed for help, and Corporal Kevin Holland responded. The two officers were able to break the car window, and remove the unconscious driver from the now burning car. The driver was not seriously injured. Both Mickey and Holland received minor burns.
We put both officers in for the Police Officer of the Year honors. The chamber said we had to pick one, and since Corporal Mickey had recived the award in a previous year, she was not eligible again.
If you know these fine officers, please commend them for their lifesaving efforts. They are true heroes.
Chief Brian Miller
Today I received a phone call from Ray Cross. I have known Mr. Cross for many years from his position as an administrator at Eggers School. He wanted to commend one of my officers for an outstanding deed that he performed yesterday.
It seems that a boy began choking on a piece of meat in the cafeteria. A student ran and grabbed Corporal Boyzie Coulter who was working as the school/police liaison officer. Corporal Coulter ran into the cafeteria, and after realizing how dire the situation was, grabbed the boy and began administering the Heimlich maneuver on the child. It’s basically a series of forceful abdominal thrusts used to dislodge obstructions in the airway. After several attempts, Corporal Coulter was able to clear the boy’s airway, and he began breathing again.
Certainly one can imagine what would have happened to the boy if it were not for the efforts of Corporal Boyzie Coulter. I am very proud of him and our police department.
Police work can be very frustrating. There were many busy nights when I felt that I didn’t matter, and wasn’t making a difference. I hope when Officer Coulter is having one of those nights he will remember that day in the cafeteria, and this boy. Because in one life, he truly made a difference.
Boyzie Coulter
Nice work Boyzie!
Chief Brian Miller
James Heth
We are looking for James Heth (white male age 24, 6 feet tall and weighs 143 pounds). He has two outstanding warrants. One is for revocation of probation. The other is for Failure to Appear. Please call the police department if you see him.
I’m asking all residents to keep a watch for two trucks. I enclosed a photo of one of the trucks. It is a burgundy Ford truck with a black cage on the bed. It has Illinois plates on the vehicle. The driver is a Hispanic male, sometimes a white male with long hair may accompany him.
Vehilce of interest
The other truck we are looking for is a small white pickup truck. It has a sign on the back of the cab that says ‘firewood for sale”.
If you see either of these vehicles in an alley, please contact our police department. They are not suspects at this time. We would just like to speak with the drivers.
Thanks for your help!
Chief Brian Miller
