TPD Patrol Division West Newsletter - November 2024

Captain Lauren Pettey
Operations Division West

November 2024

ODW Patrol and CRT Collaboration Yields Narcotics Arrests

On November 2, 2024, ODW Officer Leonui was in the area of 1st and Fort Lowell in a marked patrol unit conducting proactive surveillance in the VIVA corridor. She observed a vehicle leaving a residence in the area recently known for narcotics sales and coordinated with ODW Community Response Team (CRT) Bravo 60 Officers for assistance. The Bravo 60s conducted a traffic stop and contacted an occupant with drug paraphernalia. Search incident to arrest yielded an additional 16.617 grams of methamphetamine, a plastic vial containing 11.25 grams of blue M30 stamped pills, three small individual baggies containing approximately 12 M30 pills among them, and additional drug paraphernalia. A ledger detailing the sale of pills and other illicit drugs was also located.

After receiving his Miranda warning, the subject admitted that the drugs were his and that he had sold drugs previously. He was booked into the Pima County Jail for possession of a narcotic drug for sale F2, possession of a dangerous drug for sale F2, and probation violation for narcotics sales F2. He also had an outstanding probation violation warrant for theft of means of transportation F5, and another felony warrant for a drive-by shooting F2, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (times 2) F3, and discharging a firearm within city limits F6.

Follow-up was conducted at the house the vehicle had been seen leaving from; a search warrant was obtained, and the following items were located:

• Approximately 1 pound of heroin
• 21.836 grams of meth
• 5.626 grams of cocaine
• 8.158 grams of crack
• 3,800 M30 pills
• $3,640 in cash

The resident was subsequently arrested for three counts of possession of narcotics for sale, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

This past month, ODW Community Service Officers Valenzuela and Morelos gave a presentation for First Responders Week and were able to show excited preschoolers what the inside of a patrol car looks like.

Operations Division West and our fabulous TPD volunteers also participated in Ricardo Varela's Annual Trunk or Treat hosted by Old Pueblo Faithful at 401 North Bonita Avenue – and had a great time passing out candy!

Sergeant Matt Alexander was recognized by Elks Lodge #385 for his coordination and implementation of the Operations Division West Bike Deployment Team at the Elk’s Lodge Annual Recognition Dinner.

Over the past year, Sergeant Alexander worked diligently on issues along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop (also known as the bike path) on the west side of the city through a close collaboration with Ward 3 and area businesses. With information from multiple sources, he coordinated a schedule of rotating officers to work targeted deployments – yielding great success.

Thanks to his dedication and coordination of the teams, the Chuck Huckelberry Loop / Tucson Loop Trail is safer for everyone to use! 

Over the holidays, driving under the influence goes up. Protect yourself, friends, and loved ones.

• Have a designated driver, or take a taxi or ride share. Ask a bartender to call you a ride home, if you need to.
• If you don't plan to stay the night where you're at, leave and get off the roads well before the bars close.
• Be aware of your guests' alcohol consumption and offer to have them stay the night or get them a ride home. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) suggests ways to have this conversation.
• Be vigilant looking out for drivers who may be under the influence. Give them a wide berth and call 911 if you see unsafe driving. MADD has a list of driving behaviors that may indicate impairment.
• Be extra cautious driving after dark. Collisions go up in the winter months and darkness, even without impairment, is a contributing factor.