Cape Girardeau Police Department

NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, the Cape Girardeau Police Department was made aware of the arrest of an off-duty Cape Girardeau police officer, Kelvin D. Robinson, for an alleged domestic violence incident which occurred outside of the Cape Girardeau city limits. On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed domestic assault charges on Robinson. Robinson resigned from his position as a police offi...cer with the Cape Girardeau Police Department approximately six days prior to this incident. He has not worked for the department since he submitted his notice of resignation, and he will not be returning to employment with the department. Prior his resignation, Robinson had been employed as a patrolman with the Cape Girardeau Police Department for 11 years. The Cape Girardeau Police Department takes all allegations of employee misconduct seriously, said Chief Wes Blair. We are deeply disappointed that a police officer was involved in an incident of domestic violence. We have no tolerance for, nor will we ignore domestic violence regardless of who the offender is or where they may be employed.

We extend our love, comfort, and peace to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Talley and all of the other victims and witnesses of the horrific incident that occurred in Boulder, Colorado. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

CGPD Remembers Patrolman Donald Henry Crittendon, age 24, died March 21, 1961, of gunshot wounds he received in a gun battle on March 10, 1961 in the line-of-duty. Patrolman Crittendon had turned in his resignation from the department and was serving his last shift. He was shot a mere 90 minutes before his shift ended. Patrolman Crittendon was the fifth uniformed member of the Cape Girardeau Police Department to be killed in the line-of-duty. Officers had responded to a call...Continue reading

The Cape Girardeau Police Department and Chief Blair, in partnership with first responder agency leaders from around the county is excited to announce the new Text 911 system. Even though speaking directly to a 911 dispatcher is the most effective and fastest way to relay vital information, having the ability to text your 911 call under certain circumstances provides even more access and added safety to our communities. You can read more about this exciting new technology here: https://files.capecounty.us/Text911.pdf

Good Morning! The Cape Girardeau Police Department Administrative Offices and our Records Unit will be closed for the New Year Holiday beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31st. Administrative Offices will reopen Monday, January 4th. Records will also open (remotely) on January 4th. Our officers, communicators, and jailers are on-duty 24/7/365. We wish you all a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas from all of us at CGPD!

We’re Hiring! We are seeking qualified applicants for employment for the position of full-time Communications Officer (Dispatcher). Applications must be turned in to the Cape Girardeau Police Department by January 22nd. To view the job announcement, or to apply online, visit the city’s website at: www.cityofcape.org/jobs. To obtain a Police Department application in person, contact the Human Resources Office, City Hall (401 Independence), or the Cape Girardeau Police Departm...ent (2530 Maria Louise Ln). The City of Cape Girardeau reserves the right to notify only those individuals selected for testing as to the status of their application for employment. EOE/ADA/M/F/V

On Friday, January 1, 2021, at approximately 12:01 a.m., Cape Girardeau police officers were patrolling several residential areas in response to reports of gun shots actively being fired. While patrolling the 3000-block of Mimosa, a Cape Girardeau police officer heard multiple gun shots originating from a nearby parking lot. This officer then observed two adult males in the parking lot who had handguns in their hands and their arms extended in the direction of his patrol vehi...cle. This Cape Girardeau police officer then observed muzzle flashes from the barrel and it appeared evident that the two men were firing gun shots at his patrol vehicle. The Cape Girardeau police officer exited his patrol vehicle in a safe position with his department-issued handgun drawn from its holster and he ordered both suspects to drop their weapons at gun point. The two suspects refused to comply and ran into their apartment with their firearms. Cape Girardeau police officers quickly established a perimeter around the residence in an effort to keep this threat to the public safely contained. Police officers then began to negotiate with the suspects to peacefully exit the apartment but the two men refused to comply. After approximately 90 minutes of negotiations, both suspects exited the residence and surrendered themselves into police custody. These suspects were then positively identified as Darius J. Ballentine, a 30 year-old male from Cape Girardeau, and Deontay M. Holloman, a 26 year-old male from Cape Girardeau. After taking these suspects into custody and receiving a search warrant for the residence, officers entered the property and secured evidence from this assault inside the home. The suspects were transported to the Cape Girardeau Police Department where they were booked without incident. A warrant was issued on Ballentine for 1st Degree Assault (felony), Armed Criminal Action (felony), discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle (felony) and for being a felon in possession of a firearm (felony). A second warrant was issued on Holloman for 1st Degree Assault (felony), Armed Criminal Action (felony) and discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle (felony). Cape Girardeau Police Chief Wes Blair offered this statement on the incident, Police officers go to work every day knowing that they perform a dangerous job. However, that does not excuse this violent and unprovoked attack on one of our own. Shooting at police officers performing their duties is an assault on the entire community and must be condemned in the strongest of terms. The restraint exercised by responding officers in apprehending these suspects is commendable. Ballentine and Holloman have since been transported to the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office where they are still being held on $100,000.00 cash only bonds.

Welcome 2021! On behalf of Chief Blair and the men and women of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, we wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year!

2020 has been a rough year, don't end it with a DWI or a crash. Celebrate the New Year responsibly. Plan ahead and designate a sober ride home if you decide to have a few drinks. We wish you all a safe and healthy 2021!

UPDATE!! Juvenile has been located! Thank you all for sharing the post. Sharing from Jackson Police Department: ***Missing Juvenile***... Haley Biester, age 15, has been reported missing this morning. She was last seen in Jackson at or about 4:00am this morning, December 24th. She is believed to be in the Jackson/Cape Girardeau area. She was last seen wearing light blue pants and a maroon Champion hoodie. She has straight brown hair approximately shoulder length. If you have information on her whereabouts, please contact the Jackson Police Department at 573-243-3151 or contact your local police agency.

There’s a new bark on the force! Meet our newest K9, Freedom. Freedom and his K9 handler, Ptlm. Steiner, completed their initial 8 week training program and are now working the streets together. Freedom was trained as a dual purpose K9 by Cape Girardeau Police Department’s K9 Trainer, Officer Jeff Bourbon. He’s certified in tracking, narcotics detection, building searches, article and area searches, and handler protection. He was purchased with a generous monetary donation m...ade by a private citizen which covered the total cost of the K9. We extend our sincerest gratitude to that citizen. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! The Cape Girardeau Police Department had to unexpectedly say goodbye to an active K9 Unit member in July when K9 Dallas was diagnosed with acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion which caused spinal failure and left him in constant discomfort and pain. K9 Freedom joins our K9 Unit as our fourth K9, once again allowing a K9 to serve on each patrol platoon. We know he’ll do great things for the City of Cape Girardeau! (Photo Credit: Jamie Holcomb Photography)

Patrolman Humphrey, Patrolman McCain, and Patrolman Broz were recognized and received the Department’s Life Saving Award Monday morning by our Command Staff for their actions on August 6, 2020. On the afternoon of August 6th, officers were dispatched to the intersection at Independence and East Rodney for reports of a male subject waiving a gun around and pointing it at his head. As officers approached, the suspect sped off in a vehicle from the area, eluding officers. The ...suspect had his 10-month old baby with him. Thanks to the help of our Communications Unit and some citizens, patrol officers were alerted that the vehicle was seen on Interstate 55, northbound at the 99 mile marker. The suspect was located walking in the interstate traffic lanes holding the infant. As officers approached the suspect, he began choking the infant and threatening to kill him. These officers didn’t hesitate. They responded appropriately, neutralized the suspect without doing serious injury to him, and were able to save the life of an innocent child from a situation that could have easily resulted in a tragic outcome. The way you responded to this call, and very calmly and professionally handled that situation, said Chief Blair, shows your professionalism, your commitment to others, and risking your own lives on the interstate. We appreciate your service to our community and your concern for others. Congratulations on Patrolman Humphrey, Patrolman McCain, and Patrolman Broz on a job well done!

Construction of the DDI at I-55 and U.S. Route 61 (mile marker 99) between Cape Girardeau and Jackson continues with closure of the southbound I-55 onramp begin...ning Monday, Dec. 7. The southbound onramp from Route 61/Kingshighway to I-55 will be closed as contractor crews construct a new ramp and tie it into the new Route 61 pavement. Work will take place Monday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 12, weather permitting. The ramp is expected to reopen Dec. 12. https://www.modot.org/center-junction-ddi Update: NB I-55 traffic will shift to one southbound lane on Monday, Dec. 7, weather permitting, as demolition and construction of the NB bridge begins. SB traffic is currently utilizing one SB lane. Please use caution when traveling in this area & follow all work zone signage.

Sergeant Joey Hann was recognized and received the Department’s Life Saving Award Monday morning by our Command Staff for his actions on July 11, 2020. Sergeant Hann was off-duty and spending time with his family at a favorite campground when he learned of an individual drowning in the lake. Sergeant Hann, along with a citizen swam out to the subject. The victim had already gone under the water several times and by his own statement, was ready to give up. I had closed my e...yes. He stated when he opened his eyes again, he saw a hand come in the water and it pulled him up and brought his head above the water again. Sergeant Hann and the citizen that aided in this rescue were able to get the victim to the shoreline and took aggressive, lifesaving actions to remove water from his lungs. The victim stated, These guys being there was a blessingI think about ‘What if, what if, what if,’ and I just thank God for everyone out there who helped. I’m blessed. In recognizing Sergeant Hann, Chief Blair said, Sergeant Hann’s actions speak to the caliber of our police department but also speak to the caliber of Joey Hann as an individual. He exemplifies humility and service above self and that’s what makes him a great leader within our Department. Congratulations, Sergeant Hann, on a job well done!

UPDATE (12/2/20 at 2:14 am): Work is completed and road is open. Thank you for your patience. - **TRAFFIC ALERT (12/1/20 at 9:50 p.m.)** Ameren is currently on-scene in the 1800-block of Big Bend Road doing pole repair as a result of a motor vehicle crash that occurred earlier this evening. Both lanes are currently closed from Lexington to Bertling on Big Bend. Barricades have been placed, however, people continue to drive around them. For the safety of the Ameren crew, pl...ease do not drive through or ignore the barricades. They are there for a reason and will be removed when work is completed. Ameren is estimating completion of repairs and reopening of the road in approximately 3-4 hours. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Does your car need a good wash? You’re in luck! We’re teaming up with Southeast Missouri Football today (10/10/20) and hosting a car wash at Police Headquarters until 5:00 pm to raise money for the Minority Police Academy Scholarship Fund. All proceeds will go to providing a scholarship to an African American who is currently enrolled and attending the police academy, and in need of immediate financial assistance. We’re located at 2530 Maria Louise Lane in Cape. Come see us!

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve not been able to host our Coffee with Cops events. We miss the coffee and conversations with our citizens! Today is National Coffee with a Cop Day. With today’s event being cancelled nationally, our local McDonald’s graciously provided our officers with hot coffee and breakfast sandwiches this morning. Thank you for your thoughtfulness! It’s very much appreciated by all of us at CGPD! McDonald's is Lovin' Southeast Missouri

CGPD Remembers Police Chief Nathaniel Jefferson (Jeff) Hutson, age 49, died in the line of duty on October 7, 1922, after he was shot to death with a suspect's gun after entering the man's home at 409 William with an arrest warrant. Patrolman Curtis Childs, who was with Chief Hutson, and Patrolman H.F. Wickham returned fire on the suspect, killing him almost instantly. Chief Hutson began his police work in 1907 when he was appointed patrolman of the "Haarig" beat, recogniz...ed at that time as the worst in Cape Girardeau. He reportedly brought the bad characters within the law to make it one of the best behaved communities in the city. He served that beat for eight years before he was elected Chief of Police in the spring of 1915 by an overwhelming vote. As Chief, he established reform measures that had a telling effect which led to his nomination by his friends for Sheriff. Although Cape Girardeau was Republican by 80%-90% at that time, Hutson was elected Sheriff with his fine record as a Cape Girardeau Patrolman causing the voters to lay politics aside and vote for him. Hutson retired from that office on January 1, 1921 and returned to Cape Girardeau. When James A. Barks was appointed mayor of the city one of the first acts of the new mayor was to appoint Hutson Chief of Police. He assumed his duties on March 1, 1921. Chief Hutson was born and raised near Millersville, Missouri before moving west where he spent several years in New Mexico and Colorado. When he visited the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, he passed through Cape Girardeau. He liked Cape Girardeau so well that he remained here. Chief Hutson was survived by his wife and six children. Thank you for your service, Chief Hutson. You gave the ultimate sacrifice 98 years ago today, giving service before self and honor above all. #WeWillNeverForget

The Cape Girardeau Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Thomas Gene Jordan, age 40. The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has issued a warrant on Mr. Jordan for the charges of felony drug trafficking, delivery of a controlled substance, and resisting felony arrest. Bond has been set at $75,000.00 cash only. Mr. Jordan is known to frequent Cape Girardeau and surrounding areas.... Anyone with information on Mr. Jordan’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department at: 573-335-6621 (Business Line) 573-339-6313 (Anonymous Tip Line) Text CAPEPD to 847411

Southeast Missouri Football and the Cape Girardeau Police Department are teaming up to raise money for the Minority Police Academy Scholarship Fund. All proceeds will go to providing a scholarship to an African American who is currently enrolled and attending the police academy, and in need of immediate financial assistance. Join us on October 10th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a car wash at Police Headquarters to raise proceeds for this scholarship fund. Together, let's soar!

A cardiac arrest call hit 911 and first responders raced to the scene to save a young woman. Seconds count in these situations so we are forever grateful that Patrolman Rubin was off-duty nearby and received the alert on her PulsePoint app. Patrolman Rubin was on-scene a couple minutes before on-duty responders could arrive. She performed several rounds of CPR on the patient, likely keeping her viable until medications could be administered. We are thankful Patrolman Rubin ...was at the right place at the right time to help this young woman when she needed assistance, and we extend our prayers for a full recovery to her. PulsePoint, the free mobile app, alerts citizens trained in hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when someone in a nearby public place suffers cardiac arrest. Public safety communication operators send alerts through the app at the same time they dispatch first responders to the scene. The app also notifies users of the closest available automated external defibrillator (AED). There are approximately 85 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the City of Cape Girardeau each year. PulsePoint is a great tool for alerting users of the app of a nearby incident with the goal of initiating early CPR and use of the AED. Those actions alone can increase the victim’s chances of surviving by nearly 45 percent, said Battalion Chief Koerber of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.

It is with a heavy heart that the Cape Girardeau Police Department announces the passing of retired K9 Schupo. Schupo served our police department from 2010 to 2017. Upon his retirement in 2017, he became a permanent member of his handler, Sgt. Blanner’s, family. Schupo was a trained dual purpose German Shepherd used for tracking, suspect apprehension, and narcotic detection. He was instrumental in locating a significant amount of narcotics from the streets and homes in the City of Cape Girardeau. Please keep Sgt. Blanner in your thoughts and prayers as Schupo was more than just a pet - he was Sgt. Blanner’s loyal partner and fierce protector for 7 years while working the streets of Cape Girardeau. Their bond was something very special and Schupo will be greatly missed.

Since 2017, we have partnered with our community to create a registry of residential and business security cameras in our city. The program serves our officers as a directory of security cameras in the city. Participants who wish to take part in the program will only need to fill out a registration form on our website and return the form to the police department. This program is 100% voluntary and free of charge. If an incident were to take place in the vicinity of your cam...era, an officer may contact you regarding potential video of the incident. At no time would any officer have access to any camera or video without the consent of the camera owner. We hope you will take a few minutes to register your camera with us. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Corporal Ryan Droege at 573-335-6621, Extension 1290 or at [email protected] Together, we can help make Cape Girardeau the safest community possible. https://www.cityofcapegirardeau.org//Security%20Camera%20R

WE’RE HIRING! We are seeking qualified applicants for employment for the position of Police Officer. Applications must be turned in to the Cape Girardeau Police Department by October 12th. To view the job announcement, or to apply online, visit the city’s website at www.cityofcape.org/jobs. Applications can also be obtained at the Human Resources Office (City Hall, 401 Independence). The City of Cape Girardeau reserves the right to notify only those individuals selected for... testing as to the status of their application for employment. EOE/ADA/M/F/V

UPDATE: Our business lines are back in service. Thank you for your patience this morning! The police department’s business lines are not working at this time. The city’s IT Department is actively working to fix the problem. Please call one of these lines to reach our Communications Unit: ... 573-334-4400 573-334-4462 Our 911 lines are working at this time. If you have a non-emergency report, please consider using our online reporting portal at: https://capegirardeaupolicemo.policetocitizen.com/Home We will update when the phones are back in service. We appreciate your patience.

A very special thank you to SemoVets and VFW volunteers for delivering a delicious lunch to us yesterday in support of Patriots Day. We appreciate your kindness!

The Cape Girardeau Police Department will never forget those who were killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and those who have succumbed to the injuries sustained from that fateful day. We will never forget the first responders who never hesitated to run toward the destruction, sacrificing their own lives and health to render aid to others. It was through their courage, and the bravery of all the men and women who helped rebuild in the aftermath of the attacks, that we as Americans were able to find strength, hope and unity even in our darkest hour. Please join us in making time today to remember and honor those whose lives were taken that day. Thank you to our police officers, firefighters, ambulance personnel, and communicators for all you do, day in and day out. You are appreciated.

On this day, September 10th, 19 years ago 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00 am on September 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted. #wewillneverforget

On Thursday, September 3, 2020, the Cape Girardeau Police Department coordinated a surveillance operation at St. James AME Church, which is located in the 500-block of North Street, in response to recent church burglaries. At approximately 3:00 a.m., a Cape Girardeau police officer, who was operating in a covert capacity, observed an adult male approach the west alley way of the building and enter the church by damaging an exterior window. This officer quietly approached the ...area and observed the suspect searching through the basement area of the church with a flashlight. Additional officers arrived to assist and they were able to locate the suspect hiding in an interior utility closet within the church basement. The suspect was then identified as Danny Lee Warren III, from the Cape Girardeau area. While searching Mr. Warren incident to arrest, methamphetamines and contraband were located on his person. Danny Lee Warren is currently being held at the Cape Girardeau municipal jail on a warrant for Burglary 2nd degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Stealing. His bond is set at $20,000.00 cash only.