For the two-week reporting period of Monday, September 8th – Sunday, September 21st, your CPD officers responded to 950 calls for service. Those calls included 31 vehicle crashes and 125 calls to assist other agencies. Among those calls were the following incidents:

On the morning of Monday, September 8th, Officers responded to the eastbound lanes of Forest Park Parkway near S. Central Ave. for a report of a single-vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, the driver explained that he may have suffered a medical emergency, causing him to crash into the concrete median. He was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, and his vehicle was towed from the scene.

In early March, we reported someone had driven their vehicle the wrong way through a City of Clayton-owned parking garage and had damaged the electric gate arm. Officers identified the driver, and she was arrested for Destruction of City Property. A court date was set for the Clayton Municipal Court.

At the start of this month, we learned the driver had been emailing her ex-boyfriend and threatening to "pin" the crime on him unless he agreed to cooperate with her. Additionally, the woman had begun harassing him on social media and sending harassing text messages and mail. He also learned the woman was sending similar messages to his ex-wife and her new partner. Surveillance footage from the garage confirmed the man was not involved in the property damage. The case was presented to the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office for consideration, and a judge issued an at-large warrant for the woman's arrest for first-degree property damage and first-degree harassment. A cash-only bond was set at $125,000.

Officers responded to the central business district later that morning for a report of a man trespassing at Chipotle and causing a disturbance. Officers immediately recognized the man as someone who had been repeatedly arrested for trespassing at Clayton businesses and had recently been arrested for first-degree Trespassing. Officers learned he had been released from custody a few days earlier and had a pending court date.

When Officers informed the man that he was once again under arrest, he told them he would not be arrested and assumed a fighting stance before finally complying. The case will be forwarded to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney for consideration.

A traffic stop on S. Brentwood Blvd. at Clayton Rd. on Tuesday morning, September 9th, led to the driver's arrest when Officers learned the man had a suspended driver's license and multiple warrants for his arrest through various municipalities. He was transported to the St. Louis County Justice Center to await further action by those agencies and has an upcoming court date through the Clayton Municipal Court.

The property manager at a building in the 8000 block of Bonhomme Ave. contacted the CPD Business Officer later that morning to report that a man and woman were causing a disturbance inside one of the business suites. An employee explained she sees clients by appointment only and had been with a client when an alarm sounded, alerting her that someone was in the office waiting area. When she attempted to check to see who was waiting, the woman forced her office door open, striking the employee in the chest and shoulder. Both the man and woman then entered the secured office space, where the woman began to yell at the employee, causing her to fear for her safety. The client witnessed the altercation and stated she, too, had been concerned about her safety.

Both suspects were arrested, and the case was presented to the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office. A judge issued warrants for both individuals for Burglary 1st degree, two counts of Harassment 1st degree, and Assault 4th degree. A cash-only bond was set at $100,000.

That afternoon, Officers responded to a call to check the welfare of a man near Whitburn Park. Officers contacted the man, who explained he was attempting to locate his friend's home. As they spoke, the man informed the Officers that he regularly uses controlled substances. When they asked if he had concealed anything on his person, the man removed a clear plastic baggie containing a crystal-like substance from his pocket and informed the Officers it was methamphetamine. Officers seized the baggie and its contents as evidence and arrested the man for possession of a controlled substance. During a search of his person, they found a hypodermic syringe inside his pocket. The syringe was also seized as evidence, and the man was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Pending lab results, the case will be forwarded to the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office for consideration.

A woman reported that she had been driving southbound on I-170 on Wednesday morning, September 10th, when the traffic ahead of her abruptly slowed. As she reduced her speed, she was struck from behind by another vehicle. The second driver confirmed he had been driving directly behind the woman when she and the traffic ahead of her suddenly slowed. He attempted to stop but was unable to avoid colliding with her car. His vehicle was heavily damaged and was later towed from the scene. Thankfully, neither driver was injured in the crash.

Later that morning, a man contacted the CPD to make a delayed report of a vehicle crash. He stated he had been driving southbound on I-170 on Tuesday when a second vehicle drifted into his lane and struck his vehicle. He said he had motioned to the other driver to pull over; however, the man refused to stop. He provided Officers with a description of the striking vehicle and a Missouri License plate. Officers are attempting to contact the owner, and the investigation continues.

A man reported he was turning northbound onto S. Hanley Rd. from eastbound Clayton Rd. that afternoon when his vehicle was struck by another car. The force of the collision caused his airbags to deploy, rendering his vehicle inoperable. He explained he had a green signal at the time and had not seen any other cars approaching. The striking vehicle did not remain on the scene, and he could not provide any identifying information. No suspects or witnesses have been identified. The investigation is ongoing.

On Thursday evening, September 11th, a woman responded to the CPD to file a delayed theft report. She explained she had been reading in a shared space in her apartment building on Tuesday and had unintentionally left her purse behind. At the time, the purse contained her wallet and passport. It wasn't until she was leaving home on Wednesday afternoon that she realized her mistake and discovered it was no longer where she had left it. She contacted the building manager and learned that the purse had not been turned in. She immediately contacted her bank and credit card companies to cancel her cards. However, she later received a notification that someone had attempted to use her bank card to make an unauthorized transaction late Wednesday night. An investigation is ongoing.

A CPD Officer was driving eastbound on Clayton Rd. near Audubon early Saturday morning when he noticed a van heading westbound in the eastbound traffic lanes. He initiated a traffic stop and approached the driver. As he spoke with the man, he noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver and his vehicle. Following a roadside investigation, he arrested the man for Driving While Intoxicated. This was his first alcohol related driving offense. He has an upcoming court date through the Clayton Municipal Court.

Two hours later, Officers were called to I-170 south of Forest Park Parkway for a report of a multi-vehicle crash. One of the drivers explained he had been driving northbound in the center lane when another car entered his lane from the left, causing heavy damage to the entire driver's side of his car. The impact caused his vehicle to spin out before coming to a stop on the shoulder of the interstate. His vehicle was later towed from the scene. He and his two passengers complained of non-life-threatening injuries. They were transported by EMS personnel to a local hospital.

According to a third driver, he had also been driving northbound in the center lane of traffic. Immediately after the first collision, the striking vehicle crashed into his rear bumper before continuing northbound on I-170. The driver stated he had not been injured in the crash. His vehicle sustained minor damage, and he later drove it from the scene.

When the Officers approached the striking vehicle, they noted that the front passenger-side wheel was missing, and the car had significant front-end damage. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. During a subsequent investigation, Officers determined the man had been Driving While Intoxicated. He was arrested and has an upcoming court date through the Clayton Municipal Court.

Late on Saturday morning, September 13th, Officers were alerted that a vehicle with a felony wanted entry was in our jurisdiction. A computer inquiry revealed that the St. John Police Department was seeking a woman associated with the vehicle for burglary and possession of stolen firearms. Officers found the car parked and unoccupied in the central business district. They noticed a woman matching the physical description of the wanted subject inside a nearby business. They approached the woman and asked her to step outside to speak with them. When she confirmed her identity, the Officers arrested her. They notified St. John PD, who responded to the scene to take the woman into their custody.

That afternoon, Officers were called to the library for a report of a man causing a disturbance. Library staff explained that the man had been yelling at other patrons and had been previously trespassed from the property. Officers immediately recognized the man as the same individual they had arrested for causing a disturbance at Chipotle on Monday, the 8th. They arrested him for Trespassing 1st degree. This case will be forwarded to the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office for consideration.

Clayton Fire Department personnel requested assistance Saturday evening after finding a woman trespassing. They were surprised to see the woman had entered a restricted area and was sitting inside the Fire Department ATV. The woman claimed she was lost and had entered the garage for her safety. However, she had not attempted to notify the firefighters of her presence or to ask them for assistance. She was arrested for Trespassing and has an upcoming court date through the Clayton Municipal Court.

A woman responded to the CPD on Monday, September 15th, to make a delayed report of harassment. She explained that earlier that day, she had attended a hearing at the St. Louis County Courts regarding a temporary order of protection against her. She stated the case had been dismissed and she had been instructed to wait inside to prevent any interaction with the other parties. When she finally exited the building, she was confronted by the other parties who attempted to provoke a fight and followed her to her car where they threw an aerosol can at her. The can did not hit her but struck her vehicle.

As she spoke with the Officers, the woman received a phone call from one of the suspects. During the call, the female suspect admitted to throwing the aerosol can and continued to provoke her by insulting her and challenging her to come outside. Surveillance footage from the St. Louis County courts confirmed the woman's account of the incident. The investigation continues.

A woman contacted the CPD later that afternoon to report someone had rummaged through her vehicle. She explained she had parked in the 6300 block of Wydown early that morning. When she returned to her car just before 5 p.m., she noticed the center console was standing open and a cell phone she did not recognize was left on her passenger seat. Officers seized the phone as evidence and are attempting to locate the owner. The investigation continues.

Officers responded to the intersection of S. Hanley and Carondelet on Monday evening for a crash involving a shuttle bus. A witness reported the bus had struck a light pole as the driver attempted to turn westbound onto Carondelet from Hanley Rd. Immediately after hitting the light, the bus reversed and drove away heading northbound on Hanley. Officers contacted the bus company and were able to identify the driver. She returned to the intersection where she agreed to speak with the Officers.

The driver admitted she had reversed back onto Hanley after abandoning her attempt to turn onto Carondelet; however, she claimed she had not realized she had struck the light pole. Officers noted fresh damage on the bus that was consistent with witness accounts of the bus sideswiping the light pole. The St. Louis County Public Works Department was notified, and the bus company will make restitution for the damage.

A woman stated she had been driving westbound on Clayton Rd. Tuesday morning, September 16th, and had entered the intersection at Hanley Rd. with a green light when another vehicle struck the front of her car. She complained of back pain caused by the collision and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other driver stated she had been making a turn onto northbound Hanley Rd. from the eastbound lanes of Clayton Rd. when the first driver entered the intersection. She was unable to stop and struck the front end of the second car. She could not recall whether she had a green arrow when she entered the intersection. She was not injured in the collision and drove her vehicle from the scene.

That afternoon, CVS employees reported someone had stolen merchandise from the store. Officers found the man nearby at the Richmond Heights Metrolink Station. During a search of his person, Officers discovered he had stolen several bottles of alcohol and laundry detergent. Additionally, they found two syringes concealed in his pocket. As they spoke with the man, the Officers learned that he had four previous convictions for theft and related stealing offenses within the last four years. He was subsequently arrested for Trespassing 1st degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Late Tuesday night, Officers were called to C.J. Mugg's for a report of a man trespassing at the restaurant. Responding Officers noticed a familiar man standing at the corner of the intersection and watching them as they entered the business. This was the same man who was arrested the week before for trespassing at Chipotle and the library. Restaurant employees explained the man had been recently trespassed from the property and caused a disturbance when he was asked to leave. However, he had returned and was harassing the employees, making them feel unsafe about leaving on their own.

When Officers approached to speak with the man, he dumped out a fountain drink and threw the cup on the ground. He was ordered to pick up the cup, but instead took up a fighting stance and became verbally aggressive with them. He was once again arrested for Trespassing. As the Officers attempted to secure him in a patrol vehicle, the man physically resisted and continued to yell at and threaten the Officers. He was charged with Trespassing, Littering, and Resisting Arrest. The case will be forwarded to the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office for consideration.

A woman contacted the CPD on Wednesday, September 17th, to report a vehicle had left the scene of an accident earlier that morning. She explained she had been driving southbound on the interstate when another vehicle merged into her lane and struck the driver's side of her car. The other car did not stop and was last seen continuing southbound. She described the car as a white passenger vehicle but could not recall any other identifying information. No suspects or witnesses have been identified. The investigation continues.

A CPD Officer was on patrol near Big Bend Blvd. and Southmoor Dr. Thursday morning when she noticed a vehicle without any license plates driving by. She initiated a traffic stop, and as she approached the car, she noticed a license plate propped in the back window. Due to the dark tint on the car's windows, the plate could not be seen until the Officer was close to the vehicle. A computer inquiry revealed the plate was stolen. Additionally, the Officer learned that the man's driver's license had been revoked and that he had an active warrant for his arrest for the same offense through the O'Fallon Police Department. The warrant was confirmed, and the man was arrested. He has an upcoming court date through the Clayton Municipal Court.

In June, we reported that a vehicle had been stolen from the Clarendale parking garage. Late Wednesday night, Officers with the Normandy Police Department reported that they had recovered the car in their jurisdiction and arrested the woman who had been driving it. The investigation continues.

A parks department employee contacted the CPD Thursday afternoon and requested Officers check the welfare of a man they found sleeping in Shaw Park. As they spoke with the man, they learned that the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department wanted him for Burglary 1st degree and Property Damage 1st degree. The warrants were confirmed as active, and the man was arrested. They later transported him to the St. Louis County Justice Center to await extradition by the SLMPD.

That evening, Officers responded to a call for a disturbance between neighbors. The reporting party claimed she had been walking to her vehicle in her shared driveway when a neighbor began verbally assaulting her. She stated she had started recording the interaction on her phone when the woman sprayed her with the garden hose she had been holding. When confronted by Officers, the neighbor denied insulting the woman and attempted to claim she hadn't intentionally sprayed the reporting party with the hose. She was arrested for Assault 4th degree and has an upcoming court date through the Clayton Municipal Court.

Officers returned to CVS late Thursday night for a report of a suspicious subject in the store. Employees explained that the same man had stolen from the store earlier in the day, but the theft had not been reported to the CPD. Officers found the man walking toward the Richmond Heights Metrolink station and detained him. As they spoke with him, they learned Probation and Parole wanted the man for violating the terms of his probation. He was arrested and later transported to the St. Louis County Justice Center, without incident.

A juvenile was riding her E-bike eastbound on Orlando Friday morning, September 19th, when she failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a passing vehicle. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Friday evening, Officers responded to Parkside Dr. near Forsyth for a multi-vehicle crash. When they arrived, Officers found a man standing in the street and soon determined the man had crashed his vehicle into two parked cars. As they continued to speak with the man, he began swaying, became agitated, and started yelling. Suspecting the man was under the influence of a controlled substance, the Officer requested EMS assistance, and the man was transported to a local hospital for treatment. During an inventory search of the man's vehicle, Officers seized two cigarettes that appeared to have been dipped in an unknown liquid, and a small, clear bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. The man was arrested for Driving While Impaired and has an upcoming court date through the Clayton Municipal Court.

Later that night, Officers responded to the central business district for a vehicle crash. The driver explained she had been pulling out of her parking space when she accidentally clipped the bumper of the vehicle parked next to hers. As the Officers spoke with her, they began to suspect she was under the influence of alcohol. A roadside investigation confirmed their suspicions, and the woman was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. She has an upcoming court date through the Clayton Municipal Court.

Early Sunday morning, September 21st, Officers were called back to the central business district for a report of items stolen from a vehicle. The victim explained he had parked his car in the 8000 block of Bonhomme just after 6:30 that morning and believed he had inadvertently left the car unlocked. When he returned an hour later, he discovered someone had stolen his wallet. Additionally, someone had left behind a white Apple iPhone with a cracked screen. The phone was seized as evidence. No suspects or witnesses have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Later that morning, Officers responded to Sauce on the Side for a report of property damage. The reporting party stated he had parked a delivery vehicle behind the business on Saturday evening. When he returned on Sunday, he discovered that someone had used a large rock to break out the front passenger-side window. Nothing appeared to have been taken. No witnesses have been identified.

Finally, what began as an interaction to check the well-being of a man ended in his arrest when Officers learned he had been on a brief crime spree. Officers first contacted the man at a restaurant in the central business district, where he appeared to be suffering from withdrawal symptoms. The man refused offers of medical assistance and left the business without incident. As he left, the Officer noted the man had been wearing one sandal, and one tennis shoe. A few hours later, Officers returned to the central business district for a report of a suspicious vehicle. There, they found a white Kia with the passenger door open, along with shoes, including one sandal and one tennis shoe, and loose change scattered on the ground. Upon closer inspection, Officers noticed a St. Louis County Jail personal property bag on the front passenger floorboard. The bag had a sticker on it indicating it belonged to the same man Officers had spoken with at the restaurant.

As they continued their investigation, they learned the man had been released from the St. Louis County Justice Center early Sunday morning. Following his release, he broke into at least two vehicles and stole cash and credit cards from them. Then he walked to an office building in the 200 block of S. Bemiston, where he burglarized a construction closet in the parking garage. Officers continued to search and arrested him when they found him standing outside a local hotel. Despite his claims that he hadn't broken into any vehicles or properties, Officers recovered the stolen items from his person. He was charged with two counts of Burglary 2nd degree, Stealing a Credit/Debit Device, Stealing Under $750, and Property Damage 2nd degree. The case will be forwarded to the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office for consideration.

Anyone with information about these or other investigations is asked to contact the CPD at (314) 645 -3000. Until next week, stay safe!