ODS in the Community
A huge THANK YOU to Bourn Companies and Rudy’s BBQ for providing hot and delicious meals to all ODS officers who worked the Thanksgiving Holiday! We’re all extremely grateful at ODS for this immensely kind gesture!
ODS Officers also participated in the Annual Christmas Festival at Quincie Douglas:
Constituent Appreciation
ODS received the following email on December 6, 2024 from a very grateful community member:
Dear Madam/Sir,
I want to express a BIG THANK YOU! to Officer "Scooby" Fernandez (Vehicle # 0624) and Officer Dan Garrison (Vehicle # 0726) for their help in my time of need on Wednesday morning, 12/4/2024. At about 7:45 am, I was on my way to work. I stopped by Mission Manor Park to complete a quick errand. As I stepped out of my car, unknown to me, my car key fell from my lap onto the driver's side car seat. As I checked my pocket for the car key, I realized I did not have it. I went back to my car, only to find my car door had automatically locked with the car key and my cell phone inside.
I spoke to a groundskeeper, asking her if she knew of a local locksmith. As she tried to help me, Officer Fernandez and Officer Garrison pulled into the parking lot of Mission Manor Park about five minutes later. I walked over to Officer Fernandez's vehicle and asked him if he could help me out. He called several locksmith companies, talking to the dispatchers for me. He and Officer Garrison both took response calls from the locksmith companies until a technician was dispatched to help me.
While the locksmith technician traveled to my location, Officer Fernandez and Officer Garrison waited with me about an hour, making sure I had a complete solution to my problem. The officers saved me countless hours and difficulty by their help. They truly represent the mission of the Tucson Police Department "to serve the public in partnership with our community, to protect life and property, prevent crime, and resolve problems." I thank Jesus for sending Officer "Scooby" Fernandez and Officer Dan Garrison to my aid! They really were a blessing to me yesterday!
Member Highlight
On November 23, 2024, Sgt. Nicolo Solarino demonstrated exemplary initiative, professionalism, and leadership in the performance of his duties.
While monitoring License Plate Reader (LPR) hits to track and deter violent criminal behavior, Sgt. Solarino received a hit related to a Grand Theft Auto (GTA) incident near the 36th Street Trailhead, an area known for its criminal activity.
Without hesitation, Sgt. Solarino responded to the area and strategically staged in a secluded location, awaiting support from responding units. While there, he heard gunshots and observed three vehicles fleeing the scene. Notably, the suspect vehicle, identified as the stolen vehicle, fled at a high rate of speed when Sgt. Solarino illuminated the area with his light.
Utilizing additional patrol officers, along with the Air Unit and K-9 Unit, Sgt. Solarino was instrumental in locating the vehicle at a nearby trailer park. Two of the occupants fled on foot but were quickly apprehended with the assistance of K-9 officers. The third occupant remained with the vehicle.
Upon further investigation, one of the passengers was found in possession of shell casings, and implicated the driver in the shooting incident, reporting that the driver had discarded the firearm when Sgt. Solarino shined his light at the fleeing vehicles. The driver, who had a Stop and Arrest for Armed Robbery, was subsequently taken into custody and booked.
Sgt. Solarino's quick thinking and decisive actions were pivotal in apprehending all involved in this violent crime, and led to the capture of an Armed Robbery suspect. His efforts exemplify the highest standards of police work, using technology and available resources effectively to address crime in a high-risk area. Well done!
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Crime Prevention Tip
 For those missing a loved one, the holidays can be especially difficult. People seek companionship. Unfortunately, criminals try to take advantage of this to trick you out of your money – all they can lay their hands on.
The FBI provides information on typical romance scams and how to protect yourself. They urge anyone who's been taken advantage of to report the crime at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
As the photo above shows, the scammer doesn't even have to come up with their own lies anymore – they can use artificial intelligence to do the work for them, and probably with fewer spelling and other mistakes.
Romance scams rely on the victim's desire to believe that it's not a scam, that – despite increasing evidence to the contrary – they've found true love. But while true love has no price, these scams definitely do. According to the IC3, they cost Americans $600 million in 2020.
Targeted groups include women, the elderly, and people who have lost a spouse, but anyone can fall victim to these scams. Don't join their ranks.
December/January Events
Officers from Operations Division South are participating in several community, crime reduction, and mentoring events.
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12/19/2024, 9-10 a.m.
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Pio Decimo Christmas Program
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Pio Decimo Center, 848 S 7th Ave
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12/22/2024, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Miracle on 31st St
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Kennedy Park Fiesta Area, 3357 S La Cholla Blvd
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1/2/2025, 6-7 p.m.
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Fairgrounds Neighborhood Association Meeting
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Mariposa Park, 301 E Aviation Dr
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1/2/2025, 6-7 p.m.
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Midvale Neighborhood Association Meeting
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Palomar Apartments, 6250 S Commerce Ct
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1/8/2025, 4-5 p.m.
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Desert Pueblo Neighborhood Watch Meeting
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Holiday Isle Mobile Home Park, 1302 W Ajo Way
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1/14/2025, 6-7 p.m.
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Barrio Nopal Neighborhood Association Meeting
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Challenger Middle School, 100 E Elvira
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1/17/2025, 6-7 p.m.
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Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Meeting
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Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E 36th St
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