The following is the body of an e-mail that we received from Chief Selvain McQueen of the Columbus Police Department:
Please make the public aware of the need to ensure that their windows and doors are secured.
I see a possible pattern developing and I want to make sure that everyone is aware of the dangers associated with not doing so.
It is not my intent to cause mass hysteria, but merely to be informative.
Thanks for all that you do.
On 02-16-12 at 3:04 am, the Columbus Police Department responded to 912 11th Avenue South in reference to a break-in.
A black male entered the residence by way of a window and sat on the victim’s bed. The black male indicated that he had been watching the occupant for two weeks. He further stated that he had even watched the occupant reading the bible and praying at night. The occupant’s roommate was awakened by the discussion, and the black male left the scene. He was pursued by the owner and shouted “I’m from the projects”, “ Don’t turn the dog loose on me.”
The black male is described as being 6 feet to 6-1 in height, wearing a black jacket, with red shirt and blue jeans. He also wore a black hat and sported a mustache and beard. He was last seen walking west toward 9th Street South.
On 02-16-12 at 6:14 a.m., the Columbus Police Department responded to 310 Emerald Drive in reference to a burglary.
Someone went into one of the residents’ rooms and placed a chair against the inside of the door, while the patient slept.
Entry is believed to have been gained through the bedroom window.
Nothing is believed to have been missing.
An employee, who was outside smoking, said that they observed a black male running away from the area, while holding up his pants.
This indicates that his pants were perhaps too large.
No further description could be obtained.
On 02-17-12 at 11:16 pm, the Columbus Police Department responded to 3578 Highway 45 North, in reference to a burglary complainant.
Someone went into an unlocked basement door and tried to gain entry into the living area of the home.
The resident screamed and scared the offender off.
The resident further stated that she heard the sound of an automobile leaving the area.
There are no further details concerning this case.
On 02-18-12 at 1:38 am, the Columbus Police Department responded to 517 13th Avenue South in reference to a burglary, assault, and robbery.
The victim said that she was in bed asleep and was awakened, when she was struck with an unknown object.
She said that she heard a voice say “Give me your money.” She gave the man $50 dollars that she had underneath her pillow.
The victim saw that the offender had black hands and was approximately 5-6 in height.
The offender struck the victim with a porcelain figurine, after covering her mouth with his hand.
The offender then left the scene, and the victim discovered that her LG slider cell phone (value $ 199.99) was missing also.
The victim was treated by BMH personnel at the scene and refused further treatment.
McQueen
February 18, 2012 at 2:42 pm
A CPD officer told me that he questioned McQueen’s son on Southside a couple of weeks ago. He noticed him looking in windows of houses and cars. The boy told him he was checking to see if his friend was home. Why didn’t he just knock on the door?
February 19, 2012 at 6:44 pm
we do need to keep the common sense things regarding the safety of our families and property in mind … things like locking windows and doors, keeping items stored in our cars out of sight. Also, don’t forget that boxes from newly purchased items such as tvs and etc can become an advertisement when you put them on the street for garbage/recycling collection. Break down those boxes and fold them inside-out so the contents will not be easily seen.
April 14, 2012 at 3:20 pm
I am not from Columbus, nor do I live there. However, I live in Starkville. I have lived in Starkville for 40 years. We have always visited and shopped in Columbus. I am deeply saddened by the political and criminal events in Columbus. I can say, that I do not feel safe there. It is not because the police are not doing their job. It is because of the politicians and other judicial officials are “sweeping” things under the rugs. I have never heard of someone so persecuted for doing their jobs. I have to ask myself, why are the voting citizens allowing this to happen? Why don’t you vote out the people that are making poor decisions? It does not matter to me what a person’s race is. What matters to me is what kind of job are they doing representing your wonderful city? If they are a part of illegal activities, no matter who they are, they should at least be voted out! I am not talking about anyone in particular, but whomever the shoe fits! If it is your Mayor, Chief of Police, public defender, or whomever. “Equal Justice for all!” Our Country was founded on this. I agree that a person should be innocent until proven guilty. I am not so naive to think that it is this way way. Unfortunately, it is just the opposite. Surely, there is a way for Columbus to become better and loose this awful crime reputation that it has. I for one, do not wish to come and have to worry about criminals and/or politicians using me as an example.
You have a wonderful police department that does its very best to do a good job. You should support them and if some official is trying to derail it for whatever reason, you should get rid of the official. You have no idea what these officers put up with to “serve and protect.” I have never seen a city so bound for destruction and the lose of good citizens and officers as yours. Don’t wait too late! Show these officers that they are appreciated, before you loose them all.
Again, let me say you have a wonderful, historic city. It is worth saving! Help by doing your part to praise these officers to let them know they are appreciated.