Ballwin Police Department

Weekly Round Up! -The old semi-truck stuck on the Jefferson Avenue roundabouts trick was performed again this week. Officers with the assistance of Ballwin public works responded to the area to remove a tractor trailer who was fastened to the landscaping after ignoring the signs prohibiting a vehicle of that size on that particular roadway. No injuries were reported. -Officers performed a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle that led to the arrest of all three occupants. The on-s...cene investigation yielded a concoction of charges, which included Tampering, Possessions of Controlled Substances, Possessions of Drug Paraphernalia, Possessions of Counterfeit Money, and Possessions of Fake Identifications. A warrant application is being completed and will be forwarded to the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office, for further review. -Officers rushed to a local park after a report that a gaggle of people were flourishing firearms. Relief set in when it was discovered that the subjects who were reported on were a party of adolescents participating in a Civil War reenactment. The subjects were able to go about their business, completing their school project upon our departure. And finally, -The cumbersome cold comber this past week brought about numerous reports of water main breaks. Attached are two photographs of the carnage compliments of Mother Nature. Featured in photo 1 is the parking lot of a local business that had been metamorphosed into an ice rink. Featured in photo 2 is the interior of a local business that had been transmogrified into an attraction similar to what you would find at Universal Studios, water feature and all. Also included is our cold weather public advisory of the week: Never attempt to make snow angels in a dog park. As always, if you need us, we will be there. -BPD

Training being conducted in Vlasis Park: If you drive by Vlasis Park pond this morning and see emergency crews don't worry. Our friends at Metro West Fire Protection District, St. Louis County Missouri are taking advantage of the wonderful cold weather to conduct training. Please don't venture out onto the ice so they don't have to use these skills any time soon.

Weekly Roundup! -Officers responded to an assault between two acquaintances. The reason for the physical altercation was not known, but thankfully neither party was seriously injured. While there are a plethora of non-violent options to resolving a disagreement in this case, a future court date may help the two parties sort out the situation. -The frigid cold provided the perfect opportunity for local ponds to freeze. Unfortunately, several people have taken this opportunity ...to test the structural integrity of the frozen water on numerous ponds, numerous times throughout the week. This is obviously a risky move and one that is frowned upon by officers, firefighters, local ordinances, and probably the parents of the individuals on the ice. See attached photo of the sign provided and placed by our friends over at Metro West. -An officer responded to the report of a vehicle creating circular skids on the snow in a parking lot. The vehicle left the parking lot faster than the circular fried dough delicacies at the breakroom of the police department. As we expect more snow, please keep the donuts in the breakroom and not in the parking lots. And finally, -40 days, 17 hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds into 2021 we have hopefully responded to the last holdout of 2020. An officer was dispatched to a dumpster fire. No damage was done to anything or anyone except the articles of refuse located in the commercial-grade garbage receptacle. If you were looking for a sign, this is it. The dumpster fire is out. As always, If you need us, we will be there. -BPD

Reminder during the exceedingly annoying weather!

Our office is closed in observance of Presidents' Day.

Have a safe and happy Valentine's Day!

Merry Christmas! We wish you all a happy and safe weekend!

Weekly Roundup -Items were stolen from vehicles that appear to have been left unlocked. Vehicles were stolen after keys have appeared to have been left inside. Thank you to all who are taking the time to remove your valuables, lock your vehicles, make sure your garage is closed, and for taking your keys inside. Our investigators are working with other agencies in the region to clear these cases. -Officers assisted with a vehicle pursuit on Sunday morning that had originated ...in reference to a shooting in the Eureka area. Ballwin Officers terminated their involvement once the pursuit had left our jurisdiction. -Several instances of packages being taken from front porches were reported. Porch pirates, as they are commonly referred, have been known to come ashore during the season of heavy consumer goods shipping. If you see anything unusual please call us. -Officers responded to several businesses throughout town investigating the theft of catalytic converters. Catalytic converters reduce toxic gases and pollutants in vehicle exhaust systems and convert them into a less-toxic pollutant by catalyzing a redox reaction, of course. The damage from forcibly removing these devices is way more costly than the value of the item itself. These cases are under investigation. Attached is a photo of a real life catalytic converter anti theft device...what a world. -An early morning call for service had officers responding to a suspicious vehicle. The reporting party called after seeing a van pull onto the street and several people enter a backyard with flashlights aglow. We applaud the reporting party for keeping an eye out, even when most of the world is sleeping, and we applaud the utility workers who were there to get the internet back in service. And finally, -An officer responded to a botched online sale. The seller was attempting to broker a deal in order to obtain some extra holiday moolah, but when the money was presented it all fell apart. Apparently, the buyer was trying to pull a fast one by presenting counterfeit currency. Unfortunately for the would be buyer, the seller was paying attention, especially to the website where the counterfeit money was printed from stamped on the fake currency. As always, If you need us, we will be there. -BPD

Our Offices will be closed Thursday (12/24) and Friday (12/25) in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Officers and Dispatchers are here 24/7. Non-Emergency: 636-227-9636 Emergency Dial 911

Time for the #9PMRoutine

Weekly Roundup -A burglary was investigated in the area of Sulphur Springs and St. Lawrence Drive on Wednesday. Several items were taken from a single family residence during the afternoon-evening hours when the home was unoccupied. If you have any information that might be of help to this investigation, please call our Detective’s at 636-227-9636. The investigation is ongoing. -An investigation was conducted into the collision of a vehicle in motion versus a vehicle at rest.... The investigation showed that an individual was leaving a private driveway and struck a parked vehicle on the opposite side of the street. The biggest misstep for the driver of the vehicle in motion was failing to stop and contact the owner of the parked vehicle prior to leaving the scene. A conversation about this incident will be conducted at a later time in the courtroom of a certain Ballwin government building. (see diagram). -The ongoing, unwanted door checking service that a group(s) of rogue individuals are providing is still active in the area. Lock your car, take the keys, even during the day. We know we talk about the 9pm Routine quite a bit, but that doesn’t provide a green light to leave valuables and keys in unlocked vehicles during the day. And finally, -An officer responded to a call for a suspicious occurrence during the morning hours this past week. A resident observed a van with a ladder parked in her driveway and saw two individuals exit the van. These two individuals split up as one came to the front door while the other went to the rear of the residence. It turned out that the gentlemen were chimney sweepers and had accidentally gone to the wrong address. All was fine at the residence and we suspect that Bert and his horrible attempt at a cockney accent moved on to the correct address while humming Chim chim cher ee. As always, If you need us, we will be there. -BPD

Plan ahead. Don't drink and drive.

We partnered up with area agencies to remind you to Lock It or Lose It. #9PMRoutine

In addition to having officers patrolling neighborhoods on Halloween, this year we will have an officer at the Pointe, 1 Ballwin Commons, and the police station, 300 Park Drive, with treats. Whatever your plans are on Saturday, we hope you have a safe and fun evening. If you need us we’ll be there.

We wanted to publicly thank Pet Supplies Plus for helping us take care of found pets while they are with us! After reading the roundup this week, Pet Supplies Plus dropped off a new large crate for found dogs and a bunch of treats/toys to help calm and entertain our guests while they wait for their owners.

Get those new or gently used winter coats ready to donate. The police station lobby will have a collection bin for no contact drop-offs through Nov 7, 2020. What started in 2001 as a one-day drive prior to a Rams game has turned into a two week community wide effort with hundreds of drop off locations on both sides of the river resulting in approximately 13,000 coats collected each year. We gladly accept new and gently-used winter coats of all shapes and sizes. Operation Food Search, St. Louis’ largest free food and personal care non-profit distribution center, distributes the coats collected to their network of schools, shelters and social service centers.

Here are some tips to help make Cyber Monday less stressful.

Weekly Roundup! -Officers responded to several reports of theft from vehicles. In addition to tools and change being stolen, one vehicle and one handgun were stolen from different vehicles. The stolen vehicle was recovered in a neighboring State and was processed for evidence. The handgun has yet to be recovered. The investigation is ongoing. -An officer responded for a report involving a checkbook accidentally being left on top of a vehicle. The checkbook fell off the vehicl...e and was unfortunately found by the wrong person, as there are now fraudulently cashed checks on the account. In order to help restore faith in society, in a separate incident a credit card was found in a parking lot and was turned in by the finder, without going on a spending spree first! -Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call. An unfamiliar vehicle was parked in front of a residence for over an hour. Upon arrival, the officer discovered two individuals having an intimate conversation in the backseat. They agreed to move on and understood that leaving the lights on and parking in front of a house can draw attention to your vehicle. And finally, -We love dogs and try to get them back to their rightful owners as quickly as possible. Most of the time, the dogs are no trouble at all...but every now and then we meet a very determined pup. This particular dog was able to chew through the wire animal crate that we normally keep animals in until they go home. After his great escape he was moved into a more comfortable space behind a locked door. There he decided to chew through the mattress, which led to a fun report for the officer (see attached photo). *Unfortunately, this pup was not reunited with his owners before being transferred to St. Louis County Animal Control. If you have a chip for your animal, please make sure it is updated with correct contact information. If you need us, we will be there. -BPD

******UPDATE****** Roadway is back open. Please continue to exercise caution as crews remain in the area working. Emergency crews are currently working a house fire in the area of Henry Road and Glenmeadow Drive.... Currently Henry Road is shut down in both directions in that area. Please avoid the area to give crews room to work. This post will be updated when the roadway is back open.

REMINDER: Saturday October 24, 2020 from 10am to 2pm is the next DEA National Drug Take Back Day at area locations including the Ballwin Police Department. We will be following social distancing and CDC guidelines for this event. If you are not able to make it, the take back box located in the lobby of the police station is available 24/7.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! -BPD

Weekly Roundup! -Detectives are investigating two stealing incidents with forced entry from vehicles at a local apartment complex. It was determined that suspect(s) forced entry by smashing windows in order to steal items from unoccupied vehicles overnight. This particular whimsical assortment of stolen items includes the deprivation of a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, otoscope, and a copy of the The Holy Bible. The investigation is ongoing. -The discovery of a snafued v...ehicle by the Ellisville Police Department led to a search for property damage in Ballwin. Ellisville PD’s investigation determined that the vehicle had been involved in a significant motor vehicle crash during its wild whirl home. Canvassing officers discovered the divider sign in the area of Baxter and Claymont had been torpedoed into the roadway, causing the aforementioned damage to the suspects vehicle. The driver was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash, and is facing other charges in Ellisville. -Officers responded to reports of a man flourishing a weapon. Upon arrival, officers located the alleged suspect as his rifle was conveniently left in view through his front window. Officers made contact with the suspect and determined he was actively feuding with others over a communal parking space and fired an air rifle into the air during the squabble. The suspect was charged with discharging a weapon within city limits and possession of a weapon while intoxicated. And finally, -Officers responded to a residence after they received a report of some children trapped in their bedroom. While some parents would argue this isn’t exactly a problem depending on their child’s social graces on any given particular day, an officer was able to free them. The photo attached substantiates police work isn’t just about locking people up, freeing them is just as important. A two year old and six year old were released back into the wild, likely a common room riddled with toys that hurt to step on. If you need us, we will be there. -BPD

Want an extra reminder to lock up? Sign up for #9pmroutine reminder text messages. These will be sent out automatically at 9 pm to remind you to lock up if you haven't already done so. Follow the link below and choose #9PMRoutine Reminder Texts from the police department section. https://my.textcaster.com/asa/default.aspx

UPDATE: 10/19/2020 9:30 am: On October 18, 2020, at approximately 8:13 pm, Ballwin Police Officers responded to Total Access Urgent Care at 2501 Clarkson Road, in reference to a vehicle accident with injuries. A vehicle was traveling northbound on Clarkson Road when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lanes and struck an employee in front of Total Access Urgent Care prior to colliding with the building. The injured female, later identified as Marissa Politte, 25 year old ...Total Access Urgent Care employee, was critically injured and was later pronounced deceased at an area hospital. The driver of the vehicle, Trenton Geiger, DOB: 05/03/2000, resides in Chesterfield MO, remained at the scene. During the course of the investigation, Mr. Geiger was transported to the Ballwin Police Department where he was arrested and charged with the following: Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree Inhalation of solvent fumes Tampering with Physical Evidence This case will be submitted to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on October 19, 2020. The Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted in the crash report portion of the investigation. The Ballwin Police Department sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Politte.

Reminder: Tomorrow is the last day to drop off items.

Weekly Round Up! -Officers and Detectives are working with surrounding agencies as more vehicles were unlawfully entered this past week, with items of varying values being taken. One of the vehicles entered had the key fob inside and the vehicle was taken from the premises. It was located two days later after being involved in another criminal act in the region. Remove keys, remove valuables, lock your car, and close the garage. -Detectives are investigating a fraud after it ...was reported that over $2,000 worth of gift cards were purchased and the card codes were emailed to the individuals boss. The crime was discovered when a reimbursement claim was rejected as the boss had never requested gift cards as this was a phishing scam. We understand not wanting to talk to your boss more than you have to, but confirming these types of purchases in person or over the phone, might be one of those necessary evils. -Police Departments act as somewhat of a lost and found for their areas. Normally it is small items that you expect to be easily lost that are turned in...or if you follow us on facebook regularly, it is dogs. But from time to time something odd comes across our radar. This week, it was a large sword that was found by an individual out walking. So if you are missing your sword we have it (see attached photo). And finally, -An instance of stealing was reported by a box store after a vacuum that reportedly doesn't lose suction was taken without payment. The suspect was attempting to make a clean getaway, but was spotted by an officer nearby. After a short jog, the rogue cleaner stopped to suck some air, and was taken into custody. The Mr. Clean wannabe was provided with a future court date in the Ballwin Municipal Court. As always, If you need us, we will be there. -BPD

Have you removed valuables, locked cars, closed garages, and taken the keys inside? #9pmroutine

****UPDATE**** Returned to owner!! Thanks! Help us get this young lady home. Found on Londondary. If she is yours, call us at 636-227-9636. Thanks!

We are participating in the MODOT Speed Enforcement Campaign this weekend. As always, please drive in a safe manner and have a great weekend!

We wanted to say thank you to whoever placed this message under a bush in front of our building. You rock!! Have a great evening Ballwin, make sure to lock up, and we will be there if you need us.

Help us get this fella home. Found near Bellerive and Clayton. If this is your pup call us at 636-227-9636.

Saturday October 24, 2020 from 10am to 2pm is the next DEA National Drug Take Back Day at area locations including the Ballwin Police Department. We will be following social distancing and CDC guidelines for this event. If you are not able to make it, the take back box located in the lobby of the police station is available 24/7. If you are unable or uncomfortable with coming to the police station here is some additional information about where and how to dispose of unused medicines https://www.fda.gov//where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines.

Weekly Roundup: -Officers and detectives responded to numerous calls for thefts from vehicles and garages this past week. These cases resulted in three stolen cars, one stolen gun, stolen tools, credit cards and loose change. Two of the three vehicles have been recovered and have been processed for evidence. The initial investigation has not uncovered any forced entry to vehicles or garages. Keys are believed to have been left in or near the vehicles that were stolen. The inv...estigation is ongoing. Please be vigilant in locking your vehicles, closing your garage, and removing items from view as this appears to be a major deterrent in these crimes. -An investigation is underway in reference to the passing of counterfeit money at a local drug store. This con artist was 50 times worse than the infamous Mister 880 as they passed a counterfeit $50 bill. Surveillance video is being reviewed, which will hopefully shed some light on this mastermind’s identity and lead to a police escort to jail. -An early morning call for suspicious activity had an officer enroute to an area coffee shop and cafe. The suspicious activity was described as a lone male doing yoga on the patio of the closed business for some time. Upon arrival, the male was still present. He said he was waiting for the business to open, but he was not found to be practicing yoga. He was found to be reaping the numerous benefits of an early morning session of Tai Chi. And finally, -Officers responded to an animal complaint at a local beauty school. A male deer was repeatedly ramming the glass on the front of the business. We assume he was upset with his current hairstyle choices and was seeking an immediate upgrade to his updo. The deer was pushed away from the glass by an officer into some nearby bushes where he remained hunkered down until the evening hours. See attached dramatized photo. If you need us, we will be there. -BPD