KSTP-5 TV reports on a bust made a couple of weeks ago by our 2nd Precinct Community Response Team (CRT):

After four months of surveillance, police raided a home Wednesday night near the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus, seizing 200 marijuana plants, five guns, and more than $12,000 in cash, authorities told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

Surprisingly, narcotics was not the most serious crime charged against the suspect. He already had several felony convictions, including assault. So his possession of firearms could lead to a multi-year prison sentence.

For those not familiar with all the parts of the police department, the CRT:

…uses a two pronged approach in responding to the concerns of citizens in the precinct.

The first approach is directed patrol which uses uniformed CRT officers to respond in the high crime areas of the precinct or areas that are experiencing specific problems. This gives a greater police presence in these areas, which helps prevent crime and increases the chances of catching criminals. This approach gives the precinct commander more flexibility in responding to crime trends in the precinct ranging from speeding cars, burglaries in a neighborhood, and drug dealing on a street corner, without affecting services to the community.

The second approach uses the expertise of the CRT Team’s "plain clothes"/undercover officers to respond to precinct drug problems. The approach can be very effective because officers work closely with the community receiving complaints about drug houses and drug dealing. The CRT Team also investigates street level prostitution, disorderly houses and illegal liquor and cigarette sales.

UPDATE: Sept 1, 2009: Late this afternoon the suspect in the sexual assault that occurred in the 1700 block of Elm SE turned himself in. Alexander Gene Bouchier (DOB 10/15/82) reported to Hennepin County Jail and was charged with CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIFTH DEGREE (FELONY). According to the complaint, Bouchier was identified from media reports by a person that knew him previously. Bouchier was interviewed and he admitted that it was himself in the video.

Minneapolis Crime Watch has posted photos of the suspect in a sexual assault last Saturday:

…a sexual assault that occurred in the early morning hours on 8/22/2009. The crime occurred in the 1700 block of Elm St SE near the University of Minnesota.

According to the victim, she was followed into her secure apartment building by a white male stranger. He is described as being 25-30 years old, light complexion, 6’0” and a light to average build. Suspect was wearing a cream colored shirt (with a design on the front), jeans and sandals.

KSTP-TV reports that the suspect selected his victim at a popular Northeast bar:

The City attorney and 2nd Precinct are requesting Community Impact Statements (CIS) regarding Abdihamid Hassan specifically, or burglary generally. You can submit a CIS via e-mail to the 2nd Precinct at 2precinctimpact@ci.minneapolis.mn.us. The submission deadline is July 1st.

Abdihamid Khalif Hassan (Date of Birth: 1/01/1990) is charged with 2nd Degree Burglary (a felony). On June 6, 2009, Officers were dispatched to the 18xx block of University Ave SE on a prowler call. Upon arrival, officers pulled into a driveway of the above and observed Hassan holding a dark object in his hands. Hassan who matched the description in the call, was detained and officers found a black laptop in a garbage can near him. He was later booked in Hennepin County Jail.

If you have observed this person engaging in conduct that negatively impacts our community, please consider writing a community impact statement describing that conduct and how it has impacted you and the neighborhood as a whole.
OR

Christopher Karls, charged with raping a woman in her Como neighborhood home, has pleaded guilty.

[Karls] pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal sexual conduct, three counts of burglary and one count of kidnapping in connection with the May 4 assault.

Criminal charges have been filed in the May 4th burglary/sexual assault that occurred in 1000 block of 15th Ave SE. Christopher Edward Karls has been charged with:

• Criminal Sexual Conduct First degree (felony) (penetration)
• Criminal Sexual conduct First Degree (felony) (use of weapon during act)
• Criminal sexually conduct First degree (felony) (caused personal injury during act)
• Burglary first Degree (felony) (occupied dwelling)
• Burglary First Degree (felony) (use of weapon during act)
• Kidnapping First Degree (felony)

The City attorney and 2nd Precinct are requesting Community Impact Statements (CIS) regarding robbery generally, or Dontae Ladell Robinson specifically. The submission deadline is April 11th.

Dontae Ladell Robinson (Date of Birth: 11/14/1989) is charged with Aiding & Abetting Aggravated 1st Degree Robbery. On 3/22/08 at approximately 0100 hours, officer was flagged down by victim on a robbery of person. Victim stated that a black male, approximately 18 years old, wearing all black clothes, was a member of a group that assaulted victim and stole his wallet and lunch bag at 1084 22nd Ave SE. The group hit victim in the face and pushed him to the ground before stealing his possessions.