[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of March 5, 2010. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN RICHARD CORREIA’S MESSAGE
The arrest of a hit and run driver and the subsequent discovery of a Marijuana production facility in the Richmond District in the early morning hours of March 1, 2010 are recounted below. I visited the facility shortly after the arrest and want to share several of my observations.

The “grow” as it’s called in police work was in a commercial building with a store front entrance. About six feet inside the door there was a partition separating the front from the back of the store. On the ground level officers located many marijuana plants drying on lines, large bags of bulk marijuana and small bags of cut and dried product ready for sale. The magnitude of the operation was quite large in terms of the production capacity of the operation, size of the building and nature of the neighborhood.

The officers that discovered the “grow” were doing good follow up work checking on the well being of the individual injured in the accident. Their discovery of the marijuana facility, while the result of good police intuition (and sense of smell), was none-the-less, by chance. The operation may have continued on for some time without discovery had the driver not fled to his business after crashing his car. Maybe it would have never been discovered or maybe it would have come to our attention after a fire or some other criminal activity.

There are second floor residential units above the store front. My sense, given the high intensity lighting, heaters, blowers and pumps utilized in the operation, all powered through substandard wiring, was that the risk of fire was extreme. The wiring was installed without circuit breakers. Moreover, the commercial unit had been converted rather haphazardly into a residence presumably for the operators. A fire in this corner location with residential units above and wood frame construction type homes on each side could have had catastrophic results.

Given the magnitude of the operation and amount of marijuana on site, this facility was a high value target for criminals who attack illicit businesses. A “grow” like this could well have become the site of an armed “takeover” robbery or a robbery related kidnapping. The risk of harm is high when you consider that 21st Avenue and California is within a vibrant commercial area that supports nearby residents and within a block one finds Alamo School, Gold Star Laundry, Rumblefish Bistro, Rainbow Wash, Cal’s Pet Supply Aki’s Cleaners, Bazaar Café, Angelina’s and the 6001 California Market.

I am delighted that the officers discovered this illegal operation and arrested the perpetrator. The city family responded as well with firm action by the Department of Building Inspection and the Fire Department. Immediate corrective action was ordered to make the structure safe. I personally met with the Building Inspector and the Fire Inspector, and I stood by while they met with the owner of the property.

If you see anything unusual in your neighborhood, which sometimes may be a lack of usual activity or even a strange smell, please Call Richmond Station’s Resources Lieutenant Mark Mahoney at 666-8042. You can also leave a message on our anonymous tip line by calling 415 668-7387.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 02/27/10 at 12:26 am officers on patrol in the area of Geary Boulevard and Stanyan Street observed a vehicle traveling over the speed limit (approximately 50 mph) along Geary Boulevard. The officers stopped the vehicle for the vehicle code violation and made contact with the driver who was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver failed the field sobriety tests and was consequently placed under arrest. Further investigation revealed that the driver was on probation for a prior DUI conviction.

On 02/27/10 at 9:15 pm officers stopped a vehicle with expired registration at Geary Boulevard and 20th Avenue. The driver did not have registration or proof of insurance. A computer check revealed that the driver had an expired license. The driver was arrested, cited and released.

On 02/28/10 at 12:55 pm a vehicle was double-parked in the area of 18th Avenue and Geary Boulevard. Officers determined that the registration tabs were false and the driver’s license had been suspended. The driver was arrested, cited, and released after establishing proper identity. The vehicle was towed.

On 02/28/10 at 9:06 pm a vehicle traveling northbound on Arguello was observed making a right turn on to Geary Boulevard against a red light without first stopping at the limit line and yielding the right of way. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle at Geary and Spruce. The officers contacted the driver who appeared intoxicated. The driver was unable to satisfactorily perform a field sobriety test and a breath test indicated that his blood alcohol level was beyond the legal limit. The driver was booked in the county jail for DUI.

On 02/28/10 just prior to midnight Officers responded to a single car injury accident on Park Presidio Boulevard. There they found an unoccupied car that had sustained serious damage after striking a light pole. They noted blood inside the car and became concerned for the driver’s well being. After determining the address of the registered owner, officers responded to the 5900 block of California Street to search for him. At a commercial building on that block officers encountered several individuals who said that the owner was in the area and covered with blood. They stated that the suspect ran out the back door of the building just as the police arrived. The officers also noticed a strong smell of marijuana. The officers went inside the building searching for the owner of the vehicle and discovered a marijuana cultivation operation. One individual was cited for delaying a police investigation and the owner of the vehicle was apprehended and arrested for numerous felony charges including cultivating marijuana, hit and run and driving under the influence. Subsequent investigation disclosed that the entire basement area of the building was setup to grow marijuana and officer confiscated 290 growing marijuana plants, including many adult plants. Additionally, many pounds of harvested drying marijuana were located inside the building, some of which was being packaged for sale.

On 03/02/10 at 9:35 am two suspects were arrested for aggravated assault in the 400 block of 33rd Avenue. The first suspect used pepper spray on the victim, causing the victim to become temporarily blinded. After a struggle, the victim was able to place his attacker in a headlock. The second suspect, a female with keys in hand, began striking the victim on his head. The victim found himself going through the glass wall of a bus shelter, causing it to break. The victim was lying on broken glass on the ground and both suspects kicked him numerous times. Nearby witnesses called 911 for assistance. The suspects were apprehended before they were able to flee the scene. Both suspects were arrested. The victim was treated for minor injuries.

On 03/02/10 at 7:18 pm a motorcycle was stopped for a signal light violation. The rider was unable to provide his license to the officers. A computer check revealed that the rider’s license was expired. The rider did not have any photo id on his person therefore he was transported to Richmond Station for proper identification. The rider was cited and released from Richmond Station. The motorcycle was towed.

On 03/02/10 at 8:42 pm a victim was attacked by his neighbor in the 1900 Block of Broderick Street. The suspect first came towards the victim with a metal pipe then with a meat cleaver while threatening to kill him. The suspect was arrested and booked at the county jail for threats and possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to assault.

On 03/03/10 at 11:23 pm a vehicle was observed going through an intersection without stopping for the posted stop sign in the area of Geary Boulevard and Arguello Boulevard. The vehicle was stopped and the officers immediately smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the inside of the vehicle. The results of the breath test were unfavorable to the driver and he was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation revealed that the driver was on probation for a previous DUI conviction.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 03/01/10 at 9:00 pm an unknown suspect pried open a lock box in the 200 block of 23rd Avenue and stole a key that allowed entry into the garage. The suspect stole a bicycle and miscellaneous power tools. There were no witnesses.

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of February 26, 2010. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN RICHARD CORRIEA’S MESSAGE
This newsletter often contains information about financial elder abuse. Many of the incidents reported to Richmond Station involve the loss of a lifetime of savings. One study I reviewed recently suggests that for each report of financial elder abuse a government agency receives at least four incidents go unreported. Moreover, while most of the reports that Richmond Station receives involve “cons” and lottery schemes by strangers, national data suggest that these types of crimes account for less than five percent of the total number of annual reports of financial elder abuse. The same study noted that “trusted professionals”, family and care givers combined accounted for 55% of the cases.

If you suspect financial elder abuse please notify the police immediately by calling 553.0123. You can also share your concerns by leaving a message on the Richmond Station Anonymous Tip line by calling 415.668.7387. In an emergency always call 911.

The Police Department’s Community Relations Unit will be hosting a series of community meetings to educate the public about Conducted Energy Devices (CED), often called “tasers”. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 5:30 p.m. at Mission Police Station’s Community Room. On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 5:30 p.m. there will be meeting at Bayview Police Station’s Community Room.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 02/19/10 at 5:55pm officers were called to the area of Geary & Presidio Avenue on a report of a theft that had just occurred on a westbound 38 Geary MUNI bus. The victim had her phone snatched out of her hand by a suspect as the bus came to a stop at Geary & Baker Streets. The suspect then fled from the bus north on Baker. A description was provided of the suspect and officers searching the area observed a male running north on Broderick towards Post Street. The suspect then ran up to the third floor landing of an apartment complex stopped near a barbecue that was on the landing, and then was detained by the officers a short distance away. Officers lifted the lid on the barbecue and found the victims phone lying on the grill. The suspect, a 25 year old male was charged with possession of stolen property.

On 02/21/10 at 6:54pm officers were on patrol in the area of the 1400 block of Baker Street. They observed a male crouched down at the rear of a motorcycle that appeared to be tampering with or placing an object onto the back of the motorcycle. The male looked up, saw the patrol car and quickly backed away from the bike. He then began placing numerous items in his backpack. When the officer asked if the bike belong to him the suspect dropped the bag and began to walk away. The officers detained the male and determined that he was on probation and had an outstanding arrest warrant for a narcotic’s violation. The officers checked the motorcycle and found a wooded object shoved into the ignition. They determined that the motorcycle was in fact stolen. The 42 year old suspect was charged with theft and possession of burglar tools.

On 02/22/10 at 2:30pm officers were called to the area of Beach Chalet on the Great Highway on a report of a bicycle theft that had just occurred. The victim had locked his bike to a pole near one of the stairwells leading to the beach. From a distance the victim looked up and saw the suspect standing near his bike and kept an eye on him. The victim saw the suspect bend down and then get on the bike and drive away. The victim ran back up to the sidewalk and caught up with the suspect and grabbed onto the bike. The suspect pulled away and rode off. A passerby saw this and had the victim get in her car and they drove around looking for the suspect. When they couldn’t find him, the passerby dropped the victim back off in the parking lot and was leaving when she saw the suspect again on the bike. She began to honk her horn and got out of her car yelling at the suspect. Several other people came to assist her and the suspect was told to leave the bike, which he did. The suspect then walked out back towards the Great Highway while being followed by one of the witnesses. An officer arrived and detained the suspect. During the investigation it was determined that the suspect had actually taken two different bikes, both of which were recovered. The suspect, a 44 year old male, was charged with theft, possession of stolen property and burglar tools.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 02/19/10 at 5:50pm a victim was on a westbound 38 Geary MUNI bus talking on her I-phone. As the bus came to a stop at Geary and Divisadero, the suspect, who was also on the bus, grabbed the phone from the victim’s hand and fled eastbound on Geary. The suspect was described as a male, 25-30 years, wearing a black hooded jacket and jeans.

Between 02/22/10 at 8:00pm and 02/23/10 at 7:00am on the 2400 block of Scott Street a suspect entered a garage and took a bicycle. The suspect also took change from a vehicle parked inside the garage. There were no signs of forced entry.

Between 02/23/10 at 10:30pm and 02/24/10 at 8:00am on the 4400 block of Balboa, a suspect gained entry into a business by prying open the front door. Once inside the suspect took the cash register and the money inside it.

On 02/24/10 between 6:40am and 4:30pm on the 700 block of 11th Avenue a suspect entered into an apartment building by a back staircase between the buildings. The suspect entered the apartment by unknown means and took a clarinet and laptop.

Police have finally identified who murdered 23-year-old Mary Bennett at Land’s End in 1979. DNA evidence has linked the crime to David Joseph Carpenter, known as the “Trailside Killer”.

Bennett’s body had been stabbed and was found dressed in a T-shirt, shorts and jogging shoes in a wooded area north of Painted Rock. Her body was partially covered with dirt and branches, and she had been stabbed multiple times in the neck, chest and back, police said.

Carpenter was convicted of fatally shooting four women and a man in Marin County in 1980, and two women in Santa Cruz County in 1981. He is still awaiting execution on death row in San Quentin.

Police had always suspected Carpenter of the killing, but were unable to prove it until now. When police questioned Carpenter at San Quentin, he denied knowing Bennett or murdering her.

This now becomes the earliest documented murder by the “Trailside Killer”.

Sarah B.

[via SFAppeal]

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of February 12, 2010. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org or visit their website.]

CAPTAIN RICHARD CORREIA’S MESSAGE
Please join us to at the next Police Community Relations Forum to discuss public safety issues and learn about community safety programs. The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Richmond Recreation Center Auditorium (251 – 18th Avenue). Our guest speaker is Mr. Ronald Walton from Sunset Scavengers.

During the past week, there were 23 traffic accidents, 7 involving injuries. There were 3 citations issued for driving without a license or driving on a suspended license. There were 2 arrests for driving under the influence.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 02/05/10 at 6:55pm a victim exited a 38 Geary MUNI bus at 6th Avenue and Geary and walked westbound. She noticed that a suspect, who had also been on the bus, also got off and was walking behind her. Suddenly the suspect grabbed her purse and ran north on 7th Ave, towards Clement Street. The victim began yelling “help” as she chased after the suspect. Three males, heard the victim screaming and tackled the male at 7th Avenue and Clement, and took the victims purse from the suspect. The suspect then got up and walked away. An off-duty police officer, who was driving down Clement Street, saw the three males tackle the suspect and saw the suspect walk away. He asked the three what had happened and when told of the incident, he saw the suspect get on a 2 Clement MUNI line. The off duty officer notified police dispatch. Officers responded and took the suspect into custody at 6th and Clement. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had committed a robbery at 25th Avenue & Geary less that an hour prior (See noteworthy incident below). The suspect, a 19 year old male, (who had just been released from the County Jail at 3:30pm that day) was charged with robbery and possession of stolen property.

On 02/08/10 at 4:55pm on the 2400 block of Lake Street. a tenant in a lower flat heard the sound of glass breaking from the unit above and then a thumping noise as if someone had jumped inside. The tenant, who knew that the unit was vacant, called 911. Officers responded and went to the front and back of the building. The officers in the back could see that the back window had been shattered and was in an open position. Officers announced their presence and almost immediately the suspect ran down a set of interior stairs towards the front door, carrying a DVD player. Upon seeing the officers through the glass panel door, the suspect then ran back up the stairs and eventually surrendered to the officers at the rear window. The suspect, a 56 year old male parolee parole was charged with burglary. It should be noted that the downstairs unit was broken into two days prior. (See noteworthy incident below)

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 02/05/10 at 6:00pm a victim had just gotten of a 38 Geary MUNI line at 25th Avenue and Geary. As she walked east on Geary the suspect came up from behind her and grabbed her purse. After a brief struggle, the suspect pushed the victim to the ground and ran off with her purse east on Geary. The victim told the officers that the suspect had been on the same bus as her prior to the incident. The loss was her purse, wallet and cell phone.

On 02/06/10 between 5:00pm and 7:25pm on the 2400 block of Lake Street a suspect gained entry into a residence by breaking a rear window. The suspect took a camera, laptops and jewelry.

Between 02/07/10 at 3:00pm and 02/09/10 at 9:30am, on the 200 block of 5th Avenue, a suspect gained entry into an apartment building by forcing open the front door. Once inside, the suspect went into an apartment and took bedding.

Between 02/08/10 at 8:30pm and 02/09/10 at 7:30am on the 300 block of Lake Street, a suspect gained entry into a storage room in a garage and took tools and stereo equipment. There were no signs of forced entry.

This is almost as disturbing as the case of Thomas the Hippopotamus…

Paul’s Hats was taken over last year by four young women who are on a mission to “bring the hat back”. Part of their mission includes great window displays and a unique, 7-foot wooden statue of a man in a top hat and tails that welcomes visitors outside the 100+ year old shop.

Unfortunately, the tall man has some dastardly admirers. Last month, someone tried to steal him so the ladies put him back into place, securing him with chains and bolts. Not content to leave the man in peace, someone then came and broke off his hand and snatched it away.

Recently, there was another skirmish between scoundrels and the wooden man. Paul’s describes the fiery incident on their blog:

…he was knocked down, knocking his head off and breaking the whole man off the base. As the culprits ran off, our good neighbor shot off his gun in the air twice, and they dropped the man but took the head.

That reads like a scene from the Wild West! I can only imagine the Richmond police responding to that call…

Sadly, the tall man’s head (and top hat!!) has not been returned and as you can see from the picture, it’s a disturbing and sad sight.

The Pauls, as they call themselves, are offering a reward for the return of the head and hat. If you have any clues, call them at 221-5332 or email them at howdy@hatworksbypaul.com.

Special thanks to The Pauls for the pics.

Sarah B.

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of February 5, 2010. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org or visit their website.]

CAPTAIN RICHARD CORREIA’S MESSAGE
Crime Advisory: During the month of January we experienced a significant increase in auto thefts in the district. We had eleven auto thefts in December and twenty-eight in January. The January count includes eight Hondas and ten Toyotas. Nineteen of the cars stolen were manufactured between 1991 and 2001, and imports accounted for twenty-four of the vehicles.

Owners of older model imported vehicles should garage their cars if possible. If you have garage space you should use it. If you have to park on the street you should select overnight parking carefully. In this connection it is better to park where there are street lights, foot traffic and residences. If you have choices don’t park in front of a vacant building, far away from a street light or in front of a park or playground.

If you become suspicious about a person and believe they may be intent on committing a crime, please call the police right away by dialing 911.

During the past week, there were 15 traffic accidents,7 involving injuries. There were 5 citations issued for driving without a license or driving on a suspended license. There were 4 arrests for driving under the influence.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 01/30/10 at 3:05pm a 23 year old woman left her home and got into her vehicle. She intentionally hit two other occupied vehicles, one on the 800 block of 43rd Ave, and the other on Chain of Lakes Drive, inside Golden Gate Park. After the second accident, the suspect asked a witness for a ride downtown and attempted to get into the witness’s vehicle. Officers arrived on scene and located the suspect. Several of the occupants in the other vehicles who were injured slightly were transported to local hospitals. The suspect was charged with hit and run and child
endangerment.

On 02/02/10 at 5:50pm officers were riding on a 38 Geary MUNI line, traveling eastbound. Officers were checking passengers for proof of payment when they came across a 22 year old male. This individual was unable to provide valid proof of payment, and then got angry at the officers when they explained the process to him. The suspect became more agitated on the bus and began swearing, and the officers took him off the bus at 12th and Geary. When they told the suspect he was going to be issued a citation, he told them “you’re not giving me a f—–g ticket.” He began to flex his muscles and clench his fists and the officers were able to detain him after a brief struggle. The male was charged with the fare evasion and resisting arrest.

On 02/03/10 at 7:20pm a victim was opening the lobby door to enter her apartment building near Balboa and Arguello. A male who had passed her on the street just moments prior, walked up to the lobby door and used his shoulder to keep the door open. The victim tried to shut the door but the suspect refused to move. The suspect then asked the victim for her phone number and when she said no, he grabbed her in a personal area and fled. Officers located the suspect at 2nd and Balboa and detained him. The 23 year old male was charged with a narcotics violation and sexual battery. The male was also wanted for a parole violation.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 01/29/10, between 6:30am and 10:30am, on the 1700 block of Clement, a suspect went into an open business and pried open a change machine. The loss was currency and coins from the machine.

On 02/01/10 at 1:00am officers were called to the 3000 block of Jackson on a report of a possible burglary in progress. The caller stated that he heard glass break in the area. Officers saw that a garage door of an apartment building was wide open. The suspect apparently broke a window to gain access to the garage and took a bicycle.

On 02/02/10 between 5:45pm and 7:30pm on the 1300 block of Clement, a suspect entered into an apartment building via unknown means. Once inside the suspect pried open the door to an apartment and took jewelry and a
laptop.

On 02/03/10 at 10:10pm a victim left a drinking establishment near 19th Avenue and Clement and was assaulted by two males. While he was on the ground one of the males took his wallet from his back pocket and fled south on 19th Avenue. The suspects were described as males in their 20’s, one wearing a red shirt and blue jeans; the other was in dark clothing.

On 02/03/10, at 11:33pm, a suspect walked into a business on the 2900 block of Pacific armed with a gun and wearing a mask. The victim gave the suspect cash from the drawer and the suspect fled the scene.

The Examiner recently published a story about Charles Ryan, the man who assaulted and robbed a Richmond District resident after they pulled into their garage on 9th Avenue near Lake Street in late December.

Ryan, 40 years old, 6-5″ and 205 pounds, struck 60-year old Richard Johns several times, landing him in the emergency room with 15 forehead stitches, about the same amount inside his mouth and a fractured finger. All just for his wallet.

Johns, a San Francisco attorney, told the Examiner that after Ryan demanded his wallet he said, “Fine, but you didn’t have to do this to me. And then he hit me again.” Ryan is 40 years old, 6′-5″ and 205 pounds.

Be thankful that Ryan is finally off the street. The Examiner found out that he has a long rap sheet that includes at least nine robberies. Ryan pled not guilty to the December 29th attack but if convicted, it would be his 11th strike under California’s three strikes law.

Normally, when someone is convicted on their third strike, it carries a sentence of 25 years to life. How did a criminal menace like Charles Ryan slip through the cracks? Despite having 10 strikes on his record, was not tried under the three strikes law because it wasn’t passed until 1994.

The Examiner writes, “According to Brian Buckelew, a spokesman for the District Attorney’s Office, Ryan’s first strike came in 1990 for a San Francisco street robbery. In 1992, he was accused of nine more robberies throughout that year.”

Those nine cases were merged into one and Ryan received a 24-year sentence in a plea deal. He was recently released on parole, but arrested soon after on January 7 on suspicion of dealing cocaine.

Detectives and officers from the Richmond District station say that clues point to Ryan as the 9th Avenue attacker. Ryan’s public defender, Aleem Raja, says that police have the wrong man in custody. “The police and prosecutor are looking at Mr. Ryan’s past and ignoring the lack of evidence in the case.”

Ryan is currently in jail on $2 million bail. Thank god.

Sarah B.

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of January 29, 2010. To be added to the station's mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org or visit their website.]

CAPTAIN RICHARD CORREIA’S MESSAGE
After many years in police work I am convinced that the best way to keep our neighborhoods safe is by we residents watching out for one another. Neighbors need to become acquainted and work together toward the goal of making their neighborhood safer. San Francisco SAFE can assist in the organizing of neighborhood watch groups and will provide free crime prevention information.

Irina Chatsova, SFSAFE Crime Prevention Specialist, and I have agreed to focus this year on increasing the number of Neighborhood Watch Groups in the Richmond. The newest group of the year will be on my block. Any of you that have questions about Neighborhood Watch Groups can call Irina Chatsova at 553-1968 or me at the Station.

During the past week, there were 15 traffic accidents, 4 involving injuries. There were 5 citations issued for driving without a license or driving on a suspended license. There were 3 arrests for driving under the influence.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 01/25/10 at 12:00pm officers responded to a call of a fight on the 500 block of 21st Avenue. Officers determined that the argument was verbal; however one of the parties had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for Stolen Auto.

On 01/26/10 at 12:30am officers conducted a traffic stop at 4th Avenue and Geary Boulevard. It was determined that the driver had a suspended license. While doing an inventory of the vehicle prior to it being towed, officers located narcotics in the center console. The driver admitted that the narcotics were his and asked if the officers could just “throw it away.” The 32 year old male was charged with the narcotics violation and driving with a suspended license.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 01/23/10 at 7:15pm a victim was walking in the area of McAllister and Parsons Streets when two suspects walked towards him. As they passed each other, the suspects turned around and approached the victim from behind. One of the suspects pointed a gun at the victim and demanded his property. The victim complied and the suspects fled east on McAllister Street. The suspects were described as two males in their early 20’s, one wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, the other a black t-shirt.

On 01/27/10 at 1:45am officers responded to a call of a fire near the Boat House at Stow Lake. SFFD personnel were already on scene and had extinguished the fire. Officers spoke to a male who said that he had set a fire in a metal garbage can that belonged to him. He was cold and was trying to dry off his clothing and sleeping bag. There was no other damage and the male was released at the scene.