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Monday, March 02, 2015
Hapless thief caught after footprints in the snow led straight to his front door
Mother Nature proved to be lead detective in a crime in Athens, Tennessee, during heavy snowfall on Wednesday.
The Athens Police Department responded to a burglary call. Someone had broken into a shed behind Jason Owens' house. A chainsaw, jack, jack stands, extension ladder and step ladder had all been stolen. And, the front doors were damaged along with the handles holding the lock.
However, the suspect had left a trail of footprints that led straight to his front door.
Patrol Officer Chris Moses said in his report that he "observed footprints in the freshly laid snow where someone climbed over a chain link fence from the rear yard and made their way to the outbuilding and then back to the residence..." The officer followed the footsteps left in the snow to the front door of the suspect's house. Moses spoke with 19-year-old Brandon Rickheim. The officer asked for additional officers because he knew Rickheim was the suspect in several other burglaries.
The officer noticed the teenager was wearing grey tennis shoes at the time. Officer Moses walked to the rear of the duplex and examined the shoe print and the design left behind. He left Rickheim with other officers. When he returned, Rickheim had changed his shoes. When questioned about it, Moses wrote in his report that Rickheim was upset. According to the incident report, Rickheim gave the officer his tennis shoes and walked outside with him and another officer. They compared the shoe to the print, it was identical.
YouTube link.
Benjamin Elkins lives in the other half of the duplex. He's known Rickheim for a couple of years. He also knows about his past and wasn't completely surprised by this arrest. He had to laugh about the footprints leading right to him. Elkins said, "That right there is just stupid. If he is a master thief or whatever you want to call it, he should've known better than that. Footprints leading right to his door." Rickheim remains in the McMinn County jail charged with burglary. Police had arrested him on unrelated charges on Saturday and he had been released on Tuesday, the day before the footprint break-in.
Patrol Officer Chris Moses said in his report that he "observed footprints in the freshly laid snow where someone climbed over a chain link fence from the rear yard and made their way to the outbuilding and then back to the residence..." The officer followed the footsteps left in the snow to the front door of the suspect's house. Moses spoke with 19-year-old Brandon Rickheim. The officer asked for additional officers because he knew Rickheim was the suspect in several other burglaries.
The officer noticed the teenager was wearing grey tennis shoes at the time. Officer Moses walked to the rear of the duplex and examined the shoe print and the design left behind. He left Rickheim with other officers. When he returned, Rickheim had changed his shoes. When questioned about it, Moses wrote in his report that Rickheim was upset. According to the incident report, Rickheim gave the officer his tennis shoes and walked outside with him and another officer. They compared the shoe to the print, it was identical.
YouTube link.
Benjamin Elkins lives in the other half of the duplex. He's known Rickheim for a couple of years. He also knows about his past and wasn't completely surprised by this arrest. He had to laugh about the footprints leading right to him. Elkins said, "That right there is just stupid. If he is a master thief or whatever you want to call it, he should've known better than that. Footprints leading right to his door." Rickheim remains in the McMinn County jail charged with burglary. Police had arrested him on unrelated charges on Saturday and he had been released on Tuesday, the day before the footprint break-in.
Squatting woman's shrine to an unrequited love removed from house
Police in the Buffalo Grove suburb of Chicago have advised that a woman be moved out of a house that no one gave her permission to sleep in and take her love shrine with her.
On Feb. 23, officers received a call from a man who owns a home in Checker Drive as an investment, who said he was selling the property, but had discovered a major hindrance:
A woman had, without his knowledge, moved into the home. She had stocked his refrigerator and slept in his bed. It appeared that the woman "has been residing here for a while," the officer wrote in the report. She was not present at the time, but had left a stack of mail addressed to her. The woman had unlatched the garage door from the opener, allowing her to lift and close it manually.
An investigating officer found "a romantic interest/shrine," seemingly built in honour of an unrequited love. The owner knew who the shrine's subject was: a subcontractor the owner had hired to work on his house as he prepared to sell it. Once contacted, the subcontractor said the woman was his former business partner, who also desired to be his romantic partner. The subcontractor said he did not feel the same way and had removed her from his business.
While they were connected, though, she would sometimes visit him while he was working at this house. He said the woman, who he described as having "some emotional problems," had also lost her home recently. The woman has not been charged in relation to her unannounced move-in. The police recommended that the owner move her out, though, by placing her mail, her food and her shrine outside.
A woman had, without his knowledge, moved into the home. She had stocked his refrigerator and slept in his bed. It appeared that the woman "has been residing here for a while," the officer wrote in the report. She was not present at the time, but had left a stack of mail addressed to her. The woman had unlatched the garage door from the opener, allowing her to lift and close it manually.
An investigating officer found "a romantic interest/shrine," seemingly built in honour of an unrequited love. The owner knew who the shrine's subject was: a subcontractor the owner had hired to work on his house as he prepared to sell it. Once contacted, the subcontractor said the woman was his former business partner, who also desired to be his romantic partner. The subcontractor said he did not feel the same way and had removed her from his business.
While they were connected, though, she would sometimes visit him while he was working at this house. He said the woman, who he described as having "some emotional problems," had also lost her home recently. The woman has not been charged in relation to her unannounced move-in. The police recommended that the owner move her out, though, by placing her mail, her food and her shrine outside.
Blind dog found alive after two weeks out in sub-zero temperatures
Eleven-year-old Madera, a Labrador retriever, had the odds against her when she wandered away from her home in Ester, Alaska, in the midst of a cold snap earlier this month.
Madera is completely blind because of an autoimmune disease, and the temperature was 40 below, said her owner, Ed Davis. Usually when it’s really cold out, she wants to come inside immediately after relieving herself.
But for some reason, Madera ventured farther away when his wife let her out on Feb. 6. Davis was at work at on the trans-Alaska oil pipeline when Madera went missing. He came back to Fairbanks on Feb. 19 without much expectation of finding his dog. “My best hope was to walk those trails and look for a track that might be hers,” he said.
“My best hope was to find a frozen dog.” Davis expects he never would have found Madera if Constantine Khrulev hadn’t been out on the trails last week, riding a fat bike and accompanied by his own dog, which was wearing a bell. The bell-wearing dog made the difference, Davis said. Madera, responding to the bell, let out a whine as the dog ran by.
Khrulev went into the woods and found her under a tree, more than 100 yards from the trail and about half a mile from Davis’ house. “She was not going to be found accidentally,” Davis said. Khrulev took Madera to one of Davis’ neighbours. The dog had lost about 14 pounds but was otherwise in good health, Davis said. Her rescuer asked for the $100 reward money to go the the Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund, a gesture that so impressed Davis that he decided to increase the donation to $250.
But for some reason, Madera ventured farther away when his wife let her out on Feb. 6. Davis was at work at on the trans-Alaska oil pipeline when Madera went missing. He came back to Fairbanks on Feb. 19 without much expectation of finding his dog. “My best hope was to walk those trails and look for a track that might be hers,” he said.
“My best hope was to find a frozen dog.” Davis expects he never would have found Madera if Constantine Khrulev hadn’t been out on the trails last week, riding a fat bike and accompanied by his own dog, which was wearing a bell. The bell-wearing dog made the difference, Davis said. Madera, responding to the bell, let out a whine as the dog ran by.
Khrulev went into the woods and found her under a tree, more than 100 yards from the trail and about half a mile from Davis’ house. “She was not going to be found accidentally,” Davis said. Khrulev took Madera to one of Davis’ neighbours. The dog had lost about 14 pounds but was otherwise in good health, Davis said. Her rescuer asked for the $100 reward money to go the the Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund, a gesture that so impressed Davis that he decided to increase the donation to $250.
Indian minister proposes law allowing people to keep tigers as pets in bid to increase population
In an unusual suggestion, a senior Madhya Pradesh minister has sought a law that allows people to domesticate or keep as pets big cats like lions and tigers for their conservation.
Animal Husbandry, Horticulture and Food Processing Minister Kusum Mehdele, in a proposal sent to the state’s forest department, has cited legal provisions in some African and South-East Asian countries like Thailand which have helped bring about an increase in the population of the big cats.
Noting that there are various projects in India for the conservation of tigers, the minister, however, said that although tens of millions of rupees have been spent on these projects, there has been no surprising increase in tiger numbers. In Thailand and some other nations, there is a legal recognition to people for keeping tigers and lions as pets, she said, adding the number of such animals is increasing in a surprising way in these countries.
If such a possibility can be thought over, then necessary action should be undertaken and guidelines passed on, she said in the proposal sent to state Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar in September last year. Following suggestions from the minister, Madhya Pradesh Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Narendra Kumar has written to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) seeking their comments on the proposal.
“Kindly give your suggestion or comments in this regard so that the minister can be informed about it,” Kumar said in the letter. The copy of the note sheet carrying the minister’s suggestion and Kumar’s letter were accessed by Bhopal-based wildlife activist Ajay Dubey following an Right to Information appeal filed by him. “It is surprising that such a bizarre suggestion could be made by senior minister Mehdele. She hails from the Panna region of the state, which is known for its tiger population. I denounce such a proposal and request the central government not to give its permission for domesticating the tiger,” Dubey said.
Noting that there are various projects in India for the conservation of tigers, the minister, however, said that although tens of millions of rupees have been spent on these projects, there has been no surprising increase in tiger numbers. In Thailand and some other nations, there is a legal recognition to people for keeping tigers and lions as pets, she said, adding the number of such animals is increasing in a surprising way in these countries.
If such a possibility can be thought over, then necessary action should be undertaken and guidelines passed on, she said in the proposal sent to state Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar in September last year. Following suggestions from the minister, Madhya Pradesh Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Narendra Kumar has written to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) seeking their comments on the proposal.
“Kindly give your suggestion or comments in this regard so that the minister can be informed about it,” Kumar said in the letter. The copy of the note sheet carrying the minister’s suggestion and Kumar’s letter were accessed by Bhopal-based wildlife activist Ajay Dubey following an Right to Information appeal filed by him. “It is surprising that such a bizarre suggestion could be made by senior minister Mehdele. She hails from the Panna region of the state, which is known for its tiger population. I denounce such a proposal and request the central government not to give its permission for domesticating the tiger,” Dubey said.
Thief stole everything from woman's freezer while she was hanging out her washing
A woman from Castlecliff in New Zealand is warning residents to keep their appliances under lock and key after a brazen thief snuck in and stole everything out of her freezer while she was hanging out washing.
The fridge and freezer are directly opposite Mel Evans' door, which she left open as she went out to the line.
Her 3-year-old daughter was in the lounge and her 7-month-old son was sleeping in his bedroom while the burglar rummaged through her freezer. When Miss Evans came inside, the freezer door was open and emptied of its packs of frozen meat, including chicken drumsticks, steaks and schnitzel, as well as one of two loaves of bread. "Nice of them to leave me the second," she said.
"People are desperate - that's why I haven't bothered with the police." She was unsure whether the person had been watching for her to leave the house, but said they must have known her partner wasn't home. "I'm angry - this is the first time something like this has happened to me."
Miss Evans admitted she was a little nervous and was glad she and her family were moving next week. They have been in the house for 10 months. "It's completely weirded me out," she said. "We can't afford to replace it all but we've still got food so I'm not worried about that." Miss Evans has been telling other residents to "put a padlock on your fridge people". And she warned others in her area to "keep an eye out".
Her 3-year-old daughter was in the lounge and her 7-month-old son was sleeping in his bedroom while the burglar rummaged through her freezer. When Miss Evans came inside, the freezer door was open and emptied of its packs of frozen meat, including chicken drumsticks, steaks and schnitzel, as well as one of two loaves of bread. "Nice of them to leave me the second," she said.
"People are desperate - that's why I haven't bothered with the police." She was unsure whether the person had been watching for her to leave the house, but said they must have known her partner wasn't home. "I'm angry - this is the first time something like this has happened to me."
Miss Evans admitted she was a little nervous and was glad she and her family were moving next week. They have been in the house for 10 months. "It's completely weirded me out," she said. "We can't afford to replace it all but we've still got food so I'm not worried about that." Miss Evans has been telling other residents to "put a padlock on your fridge people". And she warned others in her area to "keep an eye out".
Man complains to Human Rights Commission after being told he was 'too old' to enter bar
An 42-year-old man from Auckland in New Zealand is furious he was turned away from an inner-city bar because of his age.
Garth Tomas says he was told the age limit was 38. He's laid a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
Mr Tomas, who is a committed Christian, says he was turned away from Bar 101 for being too old.
"The bouncer asked for my ID, I gave it to him, he looked at it for a little while and said, 'You are too old,'" says Mr Tomas.
"I was stunned. He said the age limit was 38." He'd gone to the bar by himself at about 1am on a Saturday night. It was his first time there. "I didn't know what to say. I've been to bars all around the world and I've never been denied because of basis of age." He tried to go to the bar again last week. Once again he couldn't get in, though this time because of a fire alarm. He's since written a complaint to the Human Rights Commission and contacted police and the liquor licensing authority.
"Whatever the reason it's completely unacceptable. It's a nasty little road they are heading down with that kind of discrimination." Mr Tomas says he was not drunk or abusive and the dismissal was based purely on age. "I hadn't been drinking at all, that night anyway, and I don't drink much anyway, and certainly not that night. I am not an abusive person." John Lawrenson owns the bar and says it's aimed at students.
"We are only being responsible and asking the question, 'What is a man in his 40s trying to do when he's asking to get into a bar full of 18-year-old girls at 2am?'" He says there's no age policy and there has never been one. "At this stage we are still doing an investigation, but based on the conversation I have had so far we doubt the veracity of the man's story. If the event it is true and a specific comment made to him being too old, we will apologise to him."
With news video.
"I was stunned. He said the age limit was 38." He'd gone to the bar by himself at about 1am on a Saturday night. It was his first time there. "I didn't know what to say. I've been to bars all around the world and I've never been denied because of basis of age." He tried to go to the bar again last week. Once again he couldn't get in, though this time because of a fire alarm. He's since written a complaint to the Human Rights Commission and contacted police and the liquor licensing authority.
"Whatever the reason it's completely unacceptable. It's a nasty little road they are heading down with that kind of discrimination." Mr Tomas says he was not drunk or abusive and the dismissal was based purely on age. "I hadn't been drinking at all, that night anyway, and I don't drink much anyway, and certainly not that night. I am not an abusive person." John Lawrenson owns the bar and says it's aimed at students.
"We are only being responsible and asking the question, 'What is a man in his 40s trying to do when he's asking to get into a bar full of 18-year-old girls at 2am?'" He says there's no age policy and there has never been one. "At this stage we are still doing an investigation, but based on the conversation I have had so far we doubt the veracity of the man's story. If the event it is true and a specific comment made to him being too old, we will apologise to him."
With news video.
Daughter angry that council sent bill for a penny to her mother six months after she died
A daughter has spoken of her anger and hurt after being sent a 1p council tax bill for her deceased mother – more than six months after she died.
Carol Davies was stunned when she opened the letter from Havant Borough Council in Hampshire, which was addressed to her mother Patricia Davies.
The letter demanded payment of 1p, to be paid in cash.
Seventy-year-old Patricia, of West Leigh, died in June last year after several weeks in hospital following a battle with cancer. Carol said she had cancelled the council tax bill after her mother died. She also informed the council when her mother was in hospital that she was not living there any more. As executor to her mother’s estate, she asked for any letters to be forwarded on to her address.
Carol, from Hayling Island, said: "It was a total shock. Why have they even bothered to send it? I was quite offended by it considering the communication there was between us and the council. It’s just ridiculous. The postage would have cost more than I had to pay them." Carol phoned the council’s customer services department, where the operator apologised and said the 1p did not need to be paid.
Carol added: "The council is wasting time sending a piece of paper and wasting money to pay for things like this." Mike Ball, service manager for revenue and benefits at Havant Borough Council, said: "The council tax bill was sent in error and I would like to give my sincere apologies for any distress this may have caused Mrs Davies. We have spoken with Mrs Davies and also sent her a letter of apology. We will ensure the details are updated to prevent this happening again."
Seventy-year-old Patricia, of West Leigh, died in June last year after several weeks in hospital following a battle with cancer. Carol said she had cancelled the council tax bill after her mother died. She also informed the council when her mother was in hospital that she was not living there any more. As executor to her mother’s estate, she asked for any letters to be forwarded on to her address.
Carol, from Hayling Island, said: "It was a total shock. Why have they even bothered to send it? I was quite offended by it considering the communication there was between us and the council. It’s just ridiculous. The postage would have cost more than I had to pay them." Carol phoned the council’s customer services department, where the operator apologised and said the 1p did not need to be paid.
Carol added: "The council is wasting time sending a piece of paper and wasting money to pay for things like this." Mike Ball, service manager for revenue and benefits at Havant Borough Council, said: "The council tax bill was sent in error and I would like to give my sincere apologies for any distress this may have caused Mrs Davies. We have spoken with Mrs Davies and also sent her a letter of apology. We will ensure the details are updated to prevent this happening again."
Father upset that his son's first words, picked up from defective Peppa Pig toy, were f*ck you
A three-year-old boy with learning difficulties horrified his parents when some of his first words were “f*ck you” that he was taught by a Peppa Pig toy.
Amari Black’s parents were ecstatic when their youngest child, who was born with rickets, finally started talking thanks to help from the Peppa Pig Fun and Learn Tablet.
But their joy quickly turned to horror when they heard him utter the expletive and realized he had picked it up from the malfunctioning toy.
Thankfully Mr Black doesn't repeat the offending phrase in front of his son during this interview. Oh.
YouTube link.
His father, Garfield, 48, of Waterloo, south east London, noticed that instead of saying “find the odd one out”, the toy says “f*ck you… odd one out”.
Amari Black’s parents were ecstatic when their youngest child, who was born with rickets, finally started talking thanks to help from the Peppa Pig Fun and Learn Tablet.
But their joy quickly turned to horror when they heard him utter the expletive and realized he had picked it up from the malfunctioning toy.
Thankfully Mr Black doesn't repeat the offending phrase in front of his son during this interview. Oh.
YouTube link.
His father, Garfield, 48, of Waterloo, south east London, noticed that instead of saying “find the odd one out”, the toy says “f*ck you… odd one out”.
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