BURGLARY ARRESTS CLEAR MULTIPLE CASES

Press Release from MPD (8/19/09)

Provided by Officer Karen Randolph, Office of Public Information/Media Relations

On Sunday June 19 2009 at approximately 5:40pm officers responded to a Burglary call at 801 University Street. Officers located two victims that are neighbors. Both victims advised that their homes had been burglarized. Officers took a burglary report and also were able to obtain Latent prints (fingerprints) from the scene.

On Tuesday August 4 2009 Burglary investigators received information that the submitted Latent Prints were a positive print comparison with a Charles Townsend, male, 21yoa.

Due to the Latent prints lifted, Burglary investigators were able to obtain a warrant for Charles Townsend.

On Wednesday August 12 2009 Burglary investigators, working in conjunction with the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit detectives, arrested Charles Townsend. At the time of Townsend’s arrest, detectives also detained for questioning, a juvenile by the name of Clarence Spiller, male, 17yoa.

Through a thorough investigation Burglary investigators were able to connect both Charles Townsend and Clarence Spiller to the following offenses:

Report Number Type of Burglary Location

0906010516ME Residential Burglary 801 University

0906010465ME Residential Burglary 803 University

0908005518ME Residential Burglary 1582 Orr

0908006412ME Theft from Motor Vehicle Riverside/Georgia

0908006477ME Theft from Motor Vehicle Beale/Wagner

0908005609ME Residential Burglary 3126 Madewell

Both suspects were charged with Aggravated Burglary (3) Counts, Burglary of Motor Vehicle, and Theft of Property over $1000.

NOTE: Col. Billy Garrett affirmed the important role of Union Station officers in solving this case. He said, "Union Station officers printed the scene and obtained the latent prints to break this case." Bravo to Col. Garrett and Union Station officers for this terrific work!

Come to our next Midtown Security Community meeting this coming Tuesday, Aug. 25, starting at 5:30 with refreshments at Schnucks Corporate Board room (first floor of The Belvedere Apts., 1731 Union). Business meeting is 6:00-7:00 pm. Hear the latest Union Station "Stats and Successes" and learn about the curriculum for the upcoming Crime Prevention Extension Service from Dr. Richard Janikowski of U. of M.

"Be part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."