South Bend Police Department Press Release

Fraud Targets Retailers

2009-07-16T16:40:00.002-04:00

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The department received a report from a local business that had suffered a $2,200.00 loss by way of a telephone scam that targets retail merchants. Businesses that sell cellular phone minutes in the form of a gift card or pre-pay minutes from major cell phone providers are the focus. These are often times convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets and pharmacies.

The fraud suspect calls the retailer and claims to be from the retailers own "corporate office". If the store employee then, in fact, believes the caller, the employee is then convinced to enable cell phone cards and give the caller the data necessary to transfer the minutes onto a phone that the fraud suspect has under his or her control.

It is important that all retailers that deal in gift cards or pre-paid phone cards explain this threat to their employees. It is also suggested that retailers make clear policy that limits the contact with corporate offices to only outgoing phone calls or management only contact.

Wanted for Questioning for Bank Robbery

2009-07-08T20:33:00.006-04:00

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Update: Apprehended on 7/10/2009

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The following individual is wanted by the SBPD for questioning as a suspect in connection with today's robbery of the Mutual Bank located at 742 E. Ireland Rd. This person should be considered armed and dangerous.

PATTERSON, Andrew Dwane Jr.
Male black 33 years old.
5'10" 200

Patterson is a suspect in several area robberies in the recent past. That would include today's Mutual Bank Robbery which occurred at 4:56 PM in which he was positively identified by a witness. He was last seen leaving the Mutual Bank in a Yellow or Cream color 1980's possible Oldsmobile.

Patterson is currently out on bond for six (6) counts or robbery (some of which were armed) and two (2) counts of Auto Theft. This investigation is being led by Sgt. Ronald Nowicki of the SBPD Major Crimes Unit, 574.235.9263

Anyone with information on Patterson's whereabouts should call 911 and should not approach or attempt to apprehend him.

Help Apprehend this Fugitive: Douglas Grant

2009-07-07T13:05:00.004-04:00

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This fugitive is wanted for 6 counts of Attempted Murder and 1 count of Arson Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in connection with an early morning fire on July 6th 2009:

Douglas Grant, Male age 29; Considered homeless.
5'-10"; 175; Medium complexion, mustache, possibly now
shaved bald. Tattoo of a panther on arm.

If you know Douglas Grant's whereabouts please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 574.288.STOP

Help Identify Suspects In a Vandalism Spree

2009-07-01T12:19:00.004-04:00

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During the overnight hours on July 1st, vandals struck in the area of Elwood and O'Brien Streets on the City's Northwest Side. Approximately 30+ vehicles in the area were spray painted with gold, black, white or red spray paint. The vehicles were parked on the street, in front of residences and the painting consisted of wavy lines or loops and did not have any specific content.

The SBPD is seeking the person or persons that committed these destructive acts. We ask that anyone with information regarding the suspects in this case call the SBPD, Investigator Tomar Thomas at 574-235-9263 or Crime Stoppers at 288-STOP.

Here Are South Bend's Rules for Fireworks

2009-06-23T16:34:00.003-04:00

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Remember: This is the South Bend City Ordinance. If you are not in the City of South Bend, the legality of your fireworks could be vastly different.
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Sec. 13-59. Fireworks regulation.

(a) Consumer fireworks may be used within the corporate limits of the City of South Bend only under the provisions of this section.

(1) For purposes of this section, the term "consumer firework" means: a small firework that is designed primarily to produce visible effects by combustion, and that is required to comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations promulgated by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR 1507. The term also includes some small devices designed to produce an audible effect, such as whistling devices, ground devices containing fifty (50) milligrams or less of explosive composition, and aerial devices containing one hundred thirty (130) milligrams or less of explosive composition. Propelling or expelling charges consisting of a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate are not considered as designed to produce an audible effect. Consumer fireworks:

a. Include:

1. Aerial devices, which include sky rockets, missile type rockets, helicopter or aerial spinners, roman candles, mines, and shells;
2. Ground audible devices, which include firecrackers, salutes, and chasers; and
3. Firework devices containing combinations of the effects described in clauses 1. and 2.; and

b. Do not include the following items:

1. Dipped sticks or wire sparklers. However, total pyrotechnic composition may not exceed one hundred (100) grams per item. Devices containing chlorate or perchlorate salts may not exceed five (5) grams in total composition per item.
2. Cylindrical fountains.
3. Cone fountains.
4. Illuminating torches.
5. Wheels.
6. Ground spinners.
7. Flitter sparklers.
8. Snakes or glow worms.
9. Smoke devices.
10. Trick noisemakers, which include:
i. Party poppers.
ii. Booby traps.
iii. Snappers.
iv. Trick matches.
v. Cigarette loads
vi. Auto burglar alarms.

(2) No person may use, ignite or discharge consumer fireworks within the corporate limits of the City of South Bend except during the following times:

a. Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on June 29, 30, July 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

b. Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 4; and

c. Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.

(3) No person may use, ignite, or discharge consumer fireworks on any public street or in any public park within the corporate limits of the City of South Bend at any time.

(4) Any person violating this subsection shall be subject to the following penalties:
a. One hundred dollars ($100.00) for a first offense;
b. Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for a second;
c. Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a third offense and every subsequent.

d. Any person issued a citation for violating any provision of section 13-59 shall make payment through the Ordinance Violations Bureau. Failure to make payment within thirty (30) days of the issuance of a citation for violation of any provision of section 13-59 shall result in the assessment of a late fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).

e. In such instances where using, igniting or discharging consumer fireworks results in a fire and damage is determined to be caused by negligence or the willful disregard or violation of any of the provisions of this article, a fine equal to the cost expended by the City to send fire suppression personnel and equipment to the location shall be assessed with said fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00).

f. A citation for a violation of section 13-59 shall be issued to the responsible party. A responsible party is defined as the person shown to have exclusive possession of the property (a present possessory interest). If no responsible party is present upon the premises, the responsible party is deemed to be the property owner(s), as determined by reference to the records of the St. Joseph County Assessor. In such an instance, copies of the citation must be mailed to the property owner as determined from the Assessor's records.

(b) Any person wishing to give a supervised public display of fireworks may do so by first procuring a license from the City and filing bond in the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00), conditioned on the payment of all damages which may be caused either to a person or property by reason of such licensed display or arising from any acts of the licensee, his agents, employees or subcontractors. The license fee shall be twenty dollars ($20.00) per day for each day of such public display.

(c) Any public display of fireworks shall be conducted in all things in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted and set out by the Fire Marshal of the State, and as the same are restricted or designated by the Acts of the General Assembly of the State. All definitions contained in such acts shall apply to the terms of this section.
(Code 1962, § 26-11; Ord. No. 9769-07, § I, 6-25-07)

Don't Fall for the Latest Email Scam

2009-06-22T12:35:00.001-04:00

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Apparently, someone has gone to the DHL Worldwide Delivery web site, stolen a few graphics and constructed an email that advises the recipient that they have a package containing $250,000.00 in U.S. currency awaiting delivery to them. All it takes is $150.00 for shipping and the persons address and telephone number. Most of these scams are from offshore sources and contain spelling and/or grammatical mistakes. It seems that common sense would dictate that no one is going to fall for such a thing, however they would not be doing this if it did not meet with at least a small degree of success.

Although this particular incarnation has chosen DHL as the pretext, there are several variations of this fraud. For whatever reason, the past month has generated a high number of complaints. We are aware of the volume of persons receiving this inquiry and most importantly, ask the public to discard these type of emails. Do not answer them and under no circumstances should one click any hyperlink or buttons. Simply delete the message immediately.

Help Locate this Missing Person

2009-06-16T12:33:00.004-04:00

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The SBPD received a report of a missing adult female, who was last seen on May 26, 2009. The 61 year old woman left her apartment near the intersection of Riverside Ct. and Riverside Dr.(1700 N. Riverside) on foot and has not been seen since.

The parties reporting her disappearance state that she has some physical issues that impair her ability to walk. She is also dependent of several medications. The missing woman is one:

Linda J. Rowe; F/W 61;
5'-01"/160#; Grey eyes/Brown Hair
Unknown clothing description.

Anyone with knowledge of Ms. Rowe's whereabouts is asked to call their local law enforcement agency or the SBPD at 235-9201.

Follow these stories instantly with SBPD Twitter updates on your cell phone.

Join Us For The 2009 Summer Tennis Program

2009-06-11T15:37:00.002-04:00

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SBPD Is now on Twitter!

2009-06-03T14:45:00.002-04:00

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Check us out and follow to get updates on breaking public safety alerts and news from the SBPD: http://twitter.com/southbendpolice

2009 Police Memorial Service Set For May 8th.

2009-05-05T13:38:00.005-04:00

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The 2009 Police Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 08, 2009 at 8:30 P.M. at the front of the SBPD Headquarters building located at 701 W. Sample Street.

This yearly service commemorates the fallen officers of the SBPD and marks the beginning of National Police Week, which officially begins on May 10.

Please attend this brief candlelight ceremony which is open to all.

Help Find This Missing Teen

2009-04-08T16:56:00.002-04:00

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The SBPD is investigating a case in which a 17 year old South Bend youth has run away and may be a danger to himself. Missing since April 1, 2009 is one:

Stacy A. Smart, male age 17
5'-08"; 170#; Brown/Brown
Last seen wearing Blue jeans and
a Blue shirt.

He is missing from the Northeast side of South Bend, and the last contact with him was through a friend at Adams High School. He has not been heard from since by any family or known friends.

Anyone with information on this missing person is asked to call the SBPD at 574-235-9201. If he is sighted, persons are asked to call their local law enforcement agency immediately.

Honor Guard Members to Attend Pittsburgh PD Funerals

2009-04-07T15:17:00.003-04:00

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Two Members of the South Bend Police Honor Guard will be traveling to Pittsburgh, PA. to attend the funerals of the three officers killed on April 4, 2009.

SBPD officers Geoffrey Forizs and Eugene Eyster, who will be accompanied by two members of the Mishawaka Police Honor Guard, Officers Mark Fedder and Matt Smith, will be leaving tomorrow, April 8, and will participate in the public services for the officers on Thursday, April 9.

The SBPD honor guard, in collaboration with FOP Lodge #36, is partially supported through funds that are privately donated to an FOP #36 account to support travel and supplies for attendance at such ceremonies.

Escaped Fugitive From NW Indiana Captured in South Bend

2009-01-29T19:59:00.010-05:00

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At approximately 3:30 PM today, Anthony Fisher, 36 was arrested by the South Bend Police Department Uniform officers after receiving a "tip" of being a Escapee from Newton County, Indiana on January 26th. Upon the first arrival of the uniform units Mr. Fisher fled on foot and was subsequently apprehended a very short distance away. He was positively identified as the escaped fugitive who gained his freedom with the assistance of an armed accomplice. The location of the apprehension was near the 300 block of South Logan St. in the City.

During the investigation a male subject who was with Mr. Fisher, identified as Daher, James J. Jr. was also arrested in connection with the escape. Several articles of evidence were collected linking these suspects to the crime as well as a vehicle.

FISHER, Anthony R.
unknown address Kentland, Indiana
W/M age 36

DAHER, James. Jacob Jr W/M age 51
Indianapolis, Indiana

Newton County officials and Indiana State Police are scheduled to arrive in South Bend tomorrow (January 30) to continue the investigation.

Activities Canceled Due to Weather

2009-01-14T14:54:00.001-05:00

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All SBPD sponsored community activities scheduled for Wednesday, January 14th. 2009 have been canceled. This includes the Police Boxing Club.

Police Step-Up Towing of Abandon Vehicles

2009-01-12T13:43:00.003-05:00

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As we brace for a predicted large snowfall, the SBPD is warning vehicle owners that by City Ordinance, all vehicles parked on public thoroughfares must be moved every 72 hours, or be subject to towing.

Parked, snowed-in vehicles pose a difficulty for proper snow removal on city streets. The SBPD will be tagging vehicles that have obviously not been moved in some time and towing them after 72 hours. Unmoved or otherwise abandon vehicles on residential streets collect snow and often times effectively close half of the road.

The South Bend Police Department urges all vehicle owners to move vehicles off the roadway after a large snowfall to allow plows to clean the entire street and promote public safety.

SBPD Needs Help Identifying a Robbery Suspect

2008-12-22T15:54:00.002-05:00

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On December 11, 2008 at approximately 7:05 PM, the East Race Liquor store was robbed by a single suspect who was armed with a handgun and fled in a older gray Buick. The suspect in this case was a male, black; 5'-08" to 5'-10", with an average build, wearing all black clothing.

Attached are three images lifted from the surveillance video. Any one who believes they recognize the suspect depicted is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP or SBPD Detective Timothy Huff at 574-235-7493.

Fraud Alert: Money Wire Scam

2008-12-10T11:21:00.003-05:00

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There is a unique fraud that has been noted in several areas of Northern Indiana, in which a telephone caller will obtain the name of an elderly person's adult grandchild- or some such relative- and claim to have been involved in an accident or legal problem in Canada. The caller then requests that the victim wire them money. Some individuals have wired money believing that the caller was indeed a relative in distress only to find out later that the entire story was a hoax and they have not only lost funds, but there is very little chance of ever recovering them.

It is unknown at this time exactly how the subjects who are committing these frauds are selecting the victims or obtaining the personal data, however this is yet another reason to not be too free with personal information. On-line personal web pages and sites should be restricted and detailed explanations regarding family members should not be shared with the world.

Citizens are urged to always verify the information they are being told when contacted by "long-lost relatives" or any persons soliciting funds.

SBPD Seeks Bank Robbery Suspect

2008-11-19T09:29:00.003-05:00

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On 11/18/2008 at approximately 2:30 PM, the Mutual Bank, located at 742 E. Ireland Rd. was robbed by a lone suspect:

White Male 25- 30 YOA

Medium Build

5'07-5'09"

Blue jeans/Cap/Tan sweater with dark vertical stripes/ Black Leather type jacket/thin beard and mustache.

Possible Vehicle: Blue Toyota Camry, with Indiana plate.

If you know who committed this robbery, please call the South Bend Police Department at 574.235.9201, or Crime Stoppers at 800.342.STOP.

Women's Self Defense Course Offered

2008-11-05T11:07:00.005-05:00

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Update: This Session Now Full. No Other Applications Accepted.

The SBPD is organizing a Women's Self Defense Course to be held Tuesday, Nov. 11th, and Thursday, Nov. 13th, 2008, from 6:00-7:00 PM.

They will be held in the Defensive Tactics training room at the SBPD headquarters. Cost for the class will be $5.00 per participant, and is open to females 18 years old and over. There is a limited number of spaced for the class, and we expect this to be a very popular course. The training will center on proper techniques, moves and strikes that females can use to ward off accostings or aggressive attacks.

The class instructors will be Corporals Betsy Culp and Anthony Pearson, both are certified instructors who regularly teach defensive tactics courses to law enforcement. For more information or to sign-up call 574-235-9224.

Fraud Alert! Credit / Debit Card Scams

2008-10-16T12:49:00.002-04:00

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With holiday shopping right around the corner the South Bend Police Department Fraud Investigation Unit want to remind our citizens the importance of being aware of fraud and financial criminal activity that may strike their accounts and identities; especially in this time of increased financial activity and the overwhelming need to find the better “bargain” this season.

In recent months we have seen an increase in unauthorized charges to citizens’ debit and/or credit cards. These fraudulent charges have been made by cashiers and merchants who have engaged in a practice of “double swiping” a customer’s debit and/or credit card when they are making a legitimate purchase. The cashier simply uses the victim’s card to pay for their purchase and then immediately rings up a minimal purchase and swipes their card again. The cashier will then pocket the cash from the second charge – making her account “balanced”. Doing this ten to fifteen times a shift, in small increments, can add up to hundreds of dollars a day.

While investigating these types of cases it has been found that over 90% of the affected victims never knew they had been victimized. Why - because they failed to inspect their monthly account transcripts carefully. It is not enough to just look at your statements – you must inspect each statement. Once you find a discrepancy make sure you report that IMMEDIATELY to the issuing financial institution and your local police department.

The majority of the past “double swipe” cases have been discovered by alert corporate security personnel; but in cases where victim’s inspect their accounts and identify the merchants where the discrepancies occurred in the police reports. Those cases are looked over by South Bend Police Department Fraud Investigation members and the connections can be made and we can work with those corporate security personnel so that they can internally identify the suspects liable for this criminal activity, give us the evidence we need, and the violators can be prosecuted.

We ask you to be vigilant, know what happens to your debit and/or credit card when it leaves your hands. Understand that cash registers and point of sale devices are machines, they have errors, and sometimes it is necessary to “swipe your card again” to properly process your transactions. This does not mean every cashier has ulterior motives; the majority are there to serve you and bring home an honest wage for their family. What you should do is make sure that you inspect your monthly bill, know what you spent, and match that with what has been processed through your accounts.

In the long run your increased awareness and knowledge of what you spend and accounting for what is documented not only will help you avoid becoming an unwanted victim; but you might become more accountable for your own spending habits and when we raise accountability and knowledge on our spending habits we tend to find ways to trim our spending – and that has to be a positive.

Body Found in River

2008-09-19T16:09:00.001-04:00

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At 11:57 AM this date, the SBPD Communications Center received a call of a body floating in the St. Joseph River, near the foot bridge of Leeper Park East.

SBFD River Rescue personnel and police arrived to find the body of a male white, in the water, obviously deceased. The body was removed from the river and taken to a local hospital at the direction of the St. Joseph County Coroner.

The body matches the basic description of a man that was seen struggling in the river on Wednesday, Sept. 17, which initiated a large-scale search. The condition of the body found today is also consistent with an individual that could have entered the water 48 hours prior.

Police and Fire Search for Man in River

2008-09-17T17:03:00.000-04:00

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At approximately 2:40 PM this date, the SBPD Emergency Communications Center received a call of an individual in the St. Joseph River, in distress, just below the dam area. The caller stated it appeared to be a male, white who was either balding or had a shaved head. The civilian caller lost sight of the man as he passed under the Colfax St. bridge. Moments later, a SBPD patrol officer caught sight of the individual as he passed by the east shore near the Pointe Apartments. That was the last confirmed sighting of the man.

SBFD River Rescue units as well as Clay Fire personnel in boats searched the shoreline from the Colfax bridge downstream. SBPD and St. Joseph County PD officers monitored the river from the shoreline and various bridges.

At this time officials are still searching the area, although there are many areas where the river has spilled over the banks and there are numerous overhanging trees, making visibility difficult. The river is also moving very swiftly in areas and persons are cautioned to exercise extreme care along the banks of the waterway.

Anyone with information pertaining to the identity of the person in the river, where he may have entered or the circumstances of his entry are asked to call the SBPD at 574.235.9201. Also, we would like to be informed if anyone may have seen an individual exit the river by his own power near downtown during this period.

Citizens Police Academy Class Now Forming

2008-08-04T13:30:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered……..

…Can police really do the cool stuff I see on T.V.?

…What do I do if I am a victim of a crime?

how are they examined?

...What programs does the Police Department offer to the public?

If you would like answers to these questions or others like them, then the Citizen’s Police Academy may be for you!

The Citizen’s Police Academy was established to promote an understanding of the South Bend Police Department and its policies and procedures. In addition, the academy provides training in all aspects of law enforcement and the issues that face police officers on a daily basis. Our Academy goal is to foster a spirit of cooperation between the city, its citizens and their Police Department. It is hoped that graduates will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do while performing their duty.

The Citizen’s Police Academy is a 13 week program held September 16^th, 2008 till December 9^th, 2008. The classes are held on Tuesday nights from 6pm-8:30pm. Class size is limited to 40 participants, and is free of charge. Some of the general topics discussed are:

Hands on demonstrations from K-9, SWAT and the Bomb Disposal Unit
Crime Scene Processing ( Learn to dust for fingerprints)
High Tech Crimes Unit will discuss child dangers of the internet & computer & Technology crime overview
Shoot, Don’t Shoot simulator (F.A.T.S. simulator)
Crime Prevention (Identity theft, Personal Safety, Home Safety)
Narcotics Enforcement
Patrol Operations
Communications
Jail Operation ( Both the County Jail and Juvenile Justice Center)

Potential candidates for the Citizens Police Academy must meet the following criteria:

Minimum age of 18 years old
No prior felony convictions (Certain Misd. offenses may disqualify you also)
Subject to criminal history check

You may obtain an application in the lobby of the Police Department, or download an application by visiting the South Bend Police Department web page at www.southbendpolice.com For further information please contact the Academy coordinators, Cpl. Aaron Cassel (574) 235-9401 or Lt. Richard Powers (574)235-9402.

Help Identify Assault Suspect

2008-07-01T15:54:00.001-04:00

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On 06/29/08 at approximately 2:40 PM, a 31 year old female employee of the BP Oil Company, located at 3627 E. McKinley Ave. in South Bend was struck by a vehicle that was fleeing the area after stealing $30.00 worth of gasoline.

The SBPD is asking for assistance in identifying the suspect. An image of both the suspect and wanted vehicle are attached.

Suspect: Female, African American, Approx.. 25-30 years of age; 5'-07"; 130#. Wearing blue shorts and top with a red purse.

Vehicle: Older, 4-D Mid-size passenger car, Navy Blue in color, with a luggage rack on the trunk and missing hubcaps on at least the right side.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers or the South Bend Police Department at 574.235.9201.

Robbery Suspect Identified

2008-06-27T14:04:00.001-04:00

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The below listed person is being sought by the SBPD in connection with the robbery of the First Source Bank branch at 2323 S. Michigan St., on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. The subject should also be considered a suspect in at least 5 other robberies committed on the same day.

At this time, the SBPD would like to speak to this individual and no warrant exists. If anyone knows the whereabouts of this individual they are asked to call Crime Stoppers or the South Bend Police Department at 574-235-9361.

The suspect in this case is one:

Roosevelt L. Taylor. Male Black, age 34
5'11"; 215#; black hair/brown eyes.

The individual that committed the robberies indicated that he had a weapon. If the suspect is spotted call local police. Do not attempt to apprehend or pursue him.