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December 2023
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Captain Mickey Petersen
Operations Division South
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Burglary Yields Habitual Shoplifter Lead
On November 28th, Operations Division South (ODS) CSO Aggostini was conducting a business check when she was told of a cigarette burglary the day before at a convenience store in the 5600 block of South 12th Avenue.
The suspect, who had most of his face concealed, jumped the counter and stole approximately $800 dollars in cigarettes. The next morning, a clerk saw a male who she believed was the suspect re-enter store. He was wearing the same pants and shoes and had the same backpack. This time, his face was not covered. The suspect made a purchase and left his backpack behind.
Officer Soriano was made aware of this case and on November 29th, the convenience store called in to report that the suspect was again in the area. Officer Soriano and other ODS patrol officers responded and detained the suspect. Detective McNamara also responded to assist in the investigation. The suspect was arrested for Burglary in the 3rd Degree.
This arrest led to the suspect being identified as a habitual shoplifter at a nearby retailer, with thefts totaling approximately $12,000. That case is being investigated and charges are pending.
Trafficking in Stolen Property Arrests
On the evening of November 21st, a Southside retailer contacted ODS Neighborhood Crimes Section (NCS) to report a shoplifting incident. Sergeant Solarino directed patrol units to the female suspect, who was located passing under Interstate 19.
The suspect had several stolen items in her possession. It was then relayed that a second suspect was moving north along I-19 in the desert area to the east of the interstate. NCS directed Sgt. Solarino to that location and a male suspect was located with the remaining stolen merchandise.
The male admitted to buying the property from a female under the interstate. Both suspects were arrested on Trafficking in Stolen Property and theft-related charges.
ODS Statistics
Activity
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Type
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2023 Division Year to Date
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2023 Department Year to Date
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Calls for Service
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40,941
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165,380
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Officer-initiated Activity
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18,541
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86,812
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Gun-related Crime
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561
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1,745
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Homicide
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19
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56
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Traffic Citations
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2,686
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25,509
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Staffing
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Type
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2023 Division Year to Date
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2023 Department Year to Date
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Sworn Members
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112
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805
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Community Service Officers
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30
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143
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Professional Staff
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3
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230
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ODS in the Community
ODS members were in attendance at several holiday community events, including a clothing and toy giveaway and celebrations at Los Amigos Elementary School and Quincie Douglas Center.
ODS members at a Southside Pre-K event.
Santa's helper demonstrates a toy that's both naughty and nice.
Member Highlight
In December, the exemplary dedication and compassion of ODS patrol officers was on display as they went above and beyond to meaningfully impact the lives of community members.
Twelve families who were struggling during the holiday season found warmth and support through the generosity of officers in Operations Division South. Showing a remarkable commitment to service, officers devoted their time and resources to ensure that these families not only had essential groceries, but also received thoughtful gifts—bringing joy as well as relief.
Congratulations
Congratulations go to Maria Vianey Valdez-Cardenas (shown in the photo, left) for winning the 2023 Tucson Parks and Recreation Community Service Award.
Just this month, an organization she founded, United Hearts of Arizona, provided 225 kids with shoes, jackets, toys, a gift card, and a meal voucher
ODS members were there and happy to participate (see photo below).
We appreciate all of her work for Southside families!
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At the United Hearts of Arizona 10th Annual Shoe and Jacket Distribution event.
Crime Prevention Tip
This time of year, many charities solicit donations.
Scammers know this, and may try to take advantage of your goodwill.
Here are some red flags, indicating a scam:
- They pressure you to give right away.
- They want you to donate via cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfer.
Instead of giving over the phone, tell callers to send you information in the mail. Then do an internet search for the charity. Using contact info from their website, call them and ask about their fundraising efforts. Sometimes scammers impersonate a real charity, so verify the mailing address to send a check to, or the web address to make a donation online.
The Federal Trade Commission has information on charity and other scams on their website, here.
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December Events
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Date & Time
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Event
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Location
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12/1, 1700-2100
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Zion City Block Party
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1740 W Ajo Way
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12/8, 1700-1900
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Pusch Ridge La Posada
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Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, South Campus
5951 S 12th Ave
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12/14, 1830-2200
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Dave & Buster's with C3 Car Club
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Dave & Buster's
1390 E Tucson Marketplace Blvd
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12/16, 0900-1200
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United Hearts of Arizona 10th Annual Shoe and Jacket Distribution
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101 W Irvington Rd
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12/16, 1600-1830
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Winter Wonderland
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Quincie Douglas Center
1575 E 36th St
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