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Man jailed following collision that left officers injured

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed following collision that left officers injured

A driver who seriously injured two police officers in a road traffic collision after losing control of a sports car on a bend has been jailed.

Mohammed Shaikh, 48 (15.12.69) of Amberden Avenue, N3 was sentenced to a total of three years and four months’ imprisonment at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, 22 February.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving on Tuesday, 16 January.

He was sentenced to a further four months for failing to provide a specimen, to run concurrently, and he has been disqualified from driving for a total of six years and three months, and will be required to take an extended driving test upon his release.

On 17 December 2017 at 03:40hrs, two officers from Brent Borough – PC Christopher Appleton and PC Samantha Clark – were carrying out an area search to trace a suspect who had decamped from a vehicle to the north-side of the A406.

The two officers were on a footpath adjacent to the North Circular Road when a white Maserati, driven by Shaikh, travelling eastbound towards Brent Cross, came around the left hand bend and mounted the footway. He collided with another vehicle and the two officers; PC Appleton was struck first while PC Clark was trapped between the vehicle and a house.

Colleagues from Brent Borough responded and PC Clark was removed from beneath the vehicle before both officers were taken to hospital.

Shaikh was arrested at the scene and taken to a north London police station, with the investigation being led by the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC).

He was charged on 18 December 2017, with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of failing to provide a specimen of breath, and was remanded in custody.

Both of the officers were critically injured, sustaining multiple fractures and internal bleeding.

Superintendent Andy McNaughton, Acting Borough commander for Brent, said: “Shaikh’s dangerous driving led to a collision with two of my officers who sustained serious injuries.

“Were it not for the actions of their colleagues at the scene, their injuries may well have proved fatal. Sam and Chris are exceptional officers who have demonstrated extraordinary courage.

“They have had extensive surgery and are on a long and painful rehabilitation programme. They are both fully committed to getting back to work which speaks volumes of their character. With the support of their families and colleagues I have no doubt they will achieve this.

“Police and other emergency services routinely deal with road traffic collisions where people have been injured, but this was particularly harrowing for the officers who attended to their injured colleagues.

“Shaikh was swiftly arrested, and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. The sentence handed down reflects the severity of the collision and the injury caused.”

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Appeal for missing man last seen at a bus stop

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal for missing man last seen at a bus stop

Police in Hounslow are appealing for the public’s help to find a missing 37-year-old man.

David Berry was last seen waiting for a bus at about 16:00hrs on Wednesday, 21 February in Kingston Road, Kingston, to go to Feltham train station following a day at work, but he did not arrive there.

He is white, about 5ft 4ins tall with short black hair.

At the time of his disappearance he was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms, a blue windcheater jacket, an orange high-vis, a black baseball hat and brown Dr Marten boots with white laces.

David is vulnerable and may have difficulty understanding.

He is interested in buses, planes and trains and it is possible that he has used different methods of public transport and found himself in an unfamiliar location.

It is believed David could be in the east Hertfordshire area.

Officers are increasingly concerned for David’s wellbeing and would urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the Hounslow Missing Persons Unit on 020 8247 6160 or 101 or Missing People on 116000.

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Man jailed for firearms offence

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed for firearms offence

A man has been jailed for five years after police found a shotgun and live ammunition at a residential address in Brent.

Mohamed Hamza Riaz, 21 (24.05.96) of Tadworth Road, NW2 was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, 22 February.

He had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of shotgun ammunition at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, 15 February.

On Wednesday, 17 January at around 05:00hrs, officers from Brent’s Gangs Unit and the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command, carried out a pre-planned operation at Riaz’s home address.

Whilst at the premises officers located a rucksack containing a Rizzini double-barrelled shotgun with a shortened ‘sawn-off’ barrel and five live shotgun cartridges.

Riaz was arrested at the scene and during interview admitted that the firearm was his. He was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of shotgun ammunition and appeared in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 18 January.

Acting Detective Sergeant Tom Palmer, of Brent’s Gangs Unit, said: “The custodial sentence handed down to Riaz should act as a significant deterrent to those involved in all firearm-related crime.

“This was an intelligence-led operation secured by the team, targeting criminals who are actively involved in the illegal supply of firearms and drugs.

“The recovery of this weapon and ammunition has no doubt prevented its use on the Capital’s streets. We will continue to work with our local partners to disrupt and detect such criminality.”

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Fresh appeal following murder of teenager in Camden

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Fresh appeal following murder of teenager in Camden

Detectives are continuing to appealing for information and witnesses following the murder of a 17-year-old boy in Camden.

Officers were called by the London Ambulance Service at approximately 20:30hrs on Tuesday, 20 February, to reports of a teenager suffering stab injuries in Bartholomew Road, NW5.

Officers attended and immediately provided first aid prior to the arrival of London Ambulance Service. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 21:08hrs.

While formal identification has not taken place, officers are confident the victim is Abdikarin Hassan, 17, from Camden.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course. Detectives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating, led by Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine. 

Detective Chief Inspector Considine said: “Our investigation is in its early stages but we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances which led to a young man losing his life. We are also continuing to try and establish whether this is linked to the non-fatal stabbing that took place a little earlier that evening in Aldenham Street, NW1, and the fatal stabbing that took place a short time later in Malden Road, NW5.

“We are working closely with Mr Hassan’s family and we will continue to support them during this difficult time.

“It is vital that we hear from anyone who witnessed this incident. Any fragment of information could assist the investigation. Please do not assume that we already have your information.

“I understand that some people may be reluctant to call police, but we urgently need your assistance in building up a picture of the events surrounding this Mr Hassan’s murder. Your call will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information that may assist police, is urged to call detectives via 020 8345 3734 or 101. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit the crimestoppers-uk.org website.

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Appeal to find missing woman – Milton Keynes

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Appeal to find missing woman – Milton Keynes

Sasha Martin was last seen in Standing Way at about 7.15pm yesterday (21/2).

She was seen smoking a cigarette at that location before walking in the direction of Netherfield.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Thomas Neilson of the Milton Keynes Response Team, said: “We are appealing to anyone with information about Sasha Martin’s whereabouts to contact police immediately.

“Sasha is a 27-year-old white woman, about 5ft 5ins to 5ft 6ins tall, with shoulder length straight brown hair and of medium build.

“When she was last seen she was wearing a white long sleeved shirt and black jeggings.

“She is known to frequent Milton Keynes town centre as well as the following areas of the town: Netherfield, Oldbrook and Conniburrow.

 “If you have any information please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 and quote reference number 43180055905.

“If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”

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Fourth arrest in Barking murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Fourth arrest in Barking murder

Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Hasan Ozcan in Barking have made a fourth arrest.

On the morning of Thursday, 22 February a 20-year-man [D] was arrested in Hackney on suspicion of murder. He was taken to an east London police station where he remains in custody.

Officers continue to appeal for information following the fatal attack.

Police were called at approximately 22:10hrs on Saturday, 3 February, to reports of a stabbing in Abbey Road, Barking.

Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found a 19-year-old man, Hasan Ozcan, suffering from stab wounds.

Hasan, who was from the Barking area, was pronounced dead at the scene at 22:55hrs.

A special post-mortem examination took place on Tuesday, 6 February at Queen’s Hospital Mortuary and gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.

On the morning of Friday, 16 February, a 15-year-old boy [A] and a 19-year-old man [B] were arrested at addresses in Dagenham and Hornchurch on suspicion of murder. On Wednesday 21 February, a 18-year-old man [C] was arrested in Barking on suspicion of murder. They have all since been bailed to return on a date in mid-March.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) are investigating and are continuing to appeal for information.

The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith. He said: “We have now made four arrests but we are still appealing for information so we can establish the circumstances which led to a young man losing his life.

“It is vital that those out there with information who haven’t yet done so contact the police. I’d urge you contact the incident room as soon as possible. Your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation should contact HMCC officers via 020 8345 3985.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can also tweet information to police via @MetCC.

Enquiries continue.

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CCTV issued of man sought after pensioner defrauded

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: CCTV issued of man sought after pensioner defrauded

Police in Sutton have issued CCTV and are appealing for help to identify a man wanted in connection with a fraud committed against a vulnerable 96-year-old man.

At 11:05hrs on Wednesday, 10 January the pensioner received a call at his home address near Carshalton Park from a person pretending to be from his bank. During the call, the victim gave his personal details and PIN and the caller said someone would come round and collect his bank cards.

Around 30 minutes later, the suspect arrived at the victim’s address to collect his bank cards and reassured him that replacement cards were in the post for the following day.

The suspect subsequently withdrew £300 from an ATM outside Barclays Bank in Wallington. A further withdrawal of £1800 was made inside the branch at a second machine.

PC Lewis Stevens of Sutton Case Progression Unit said: “The suspect targeted an elderly man by convincing him that he worked for his bank.

“The victim soon realised that he had been the victim of a fraud, but by then it was too late.”

CCTV footage and a still image released by police show a man who police want to speak with in connection with this incident.

He is described as a black man, around 5ft 6inches tall and aged in his 30s. He wore a black baseball cap over short black hair, glasses, black coat and blue jeans. He wore light blue trainers and is seen in the bank with a small blue bag over his hip.

He arrived at the victim’s home in a large dark car.

Anyone who recognises the man pictured or has information concerning this incident is asked to call police in Sutton on 020 8649 0532.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For advice on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud visit https://www.met.police.uk/advice-and-information/fraud

To prevent becoming a victim of courier fraud, and related offences such as this, police are asking the public to be aware of the following crime prevention reminders:

– Police and banks will never ask for your PIN or bank card;
– Equally, they will never arrange to meet you to exchange cash or bank cards;
– If you are contacted by someone who asks for these, hang up;
– Report any such calls to police by dialling 101. If possible, try to use a different phone to the one called by potential fraudsters; for instance, use a mobile if the suspicious call was made to your landline, and vice versa. If you need to use the same phone, wait at least five minutes for the line to clear;
– In an emergency, call police on 999;
– If you have elderly friends or relatives, please remind them periodically of the methods used by such fraudsters.

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Maryland Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty In Connection With Plattsburgh Heroin Distribution Ring

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Maryland Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty In Connection With Plattsburgh Heroin Distribution Ring

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Jimolo Coates, a.k.a. “Lo,” Marlo” and “Brodie,” age 24, of Annapolis, Maryland, pled guilty today to participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Clinton County Sheriff David Favro.

In pleading guilty, Coates admitted to regularly selling 40 grams of heroin to Melissa Kusalonis in Annapolis for $4,000.  Kusalonis then transported the heroin to Plattsburgh, New York, and sold it in personal-use quantities. 

Coates admitted that initially, and beginning in June 2016, he sold the heroin directly to Kusalonis.  Then, following his arrest and detention in early September 2016, Coates directed two couriers, Tynaejah Thompson and Kiara Scott, to provide the heroin to and collect payment from Kusalonis.  Coates also admitted to selling distribution-size quantities of heroin to Charles Adams, who frequently transported heroin from Annapolis to Plattsburgh with Kusalonis.

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino will sentences Coates on June 22, 2018.  Coates faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 8 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Coates was charged along with 9 other people in two related indictments pertaining to a heroin-distribution ring that transported heroin from Annapolis and Schenectady, New York, and sold it in the Plattsburgh area.  In addition to Coates, the following 8 defendants have pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin:

  • Kyle Touchstone, age 30, of Plattsburgh;
  • Melissa Kusalonis, a.k.a. “Mel” and “Liss,” age 36, of Plattsburgh;
  • Tynaejah Thompson, a.k.a. “Naee,” age 21, of Annapolis, Maryland;
  • Kiara Scott, age 28, of Annapolis, Maryland;
  • Anthony DeFilippo, a.k.a “Flip,” age 36, of Schenectady;
  • Charles Adams, a.k.a. “Chuck,” age 32, of Peru, New York;
  • Travynn Ippolito, a.k.a “Trav,” age 30, of Plattsburgh; and
  • Luke Kiroy, age 33, of Saranac, New York.

The tenth defendant, Danielle Conners, age 32, of Plattsburgh, is scheduled for trial on April 2, 2018.  The charge against Conners is merely an accusation, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

The charges are the result of a nearly year-long investigation led by the DEA Task Force in Plattsburgh, which consists of law enforcement officers from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Border Patrol, New York State Police, Clinton County Sherriff’s Office, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and the Plattsburgh Police Department.  The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision also assisted in the investigation. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Katherine Kopita. 

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Greenwich drug dealer jailed

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Greenwich drug dealer jailed

A drug dealer from Blackheath has been jailed for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

Adnan Noor, 26, (13.11.91) of Liskeard Gardens, SE3 was arrested on 29 January after he ran from Greenwich Gangs Unit officers in Lord Warwick Street, Woolwich.

When caught by a police officer, he fought with the officer and wrapped his legs around the officer’s neck causing minor injuries. Noor was safely detained when other officers arrived at the scene.

A package that had been discarded by Noor as he ran from police was recovered and found to contain 65 rocks of crack cocaine.

The following day, Noor was charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and with obstructing a constable.

On 1 February, Noor pleaded guilty to both offences. He was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, 21 February, to two years and nine months’ imprisonment.

PC Greg Underdown of the Greenwich Gangs Unit said: “The supply and distribution of crack cocaine and heroin within the community fuels violent crime and ruins the lives of the vulnerable people who use it.

“The gangs unit in Greenwich work tirelessly to tackle this activity.

“I urge the public to report drug and gang activity because, as this prison sentence shows, we will take action and put callous and manipulative drug dealers before the courts.”

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Altoona Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Headline: Altoona Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. has been sentenced today in federal court to 84 months in prison, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, and was ordered to register as a convicted sex offender within three days of this sentence, on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Trenton Stehley, 20, of Altoona, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on August 11, 2015, Stehley knowingly possessed videos and images in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Altoona Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Stehley.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.