Help to Identify Jewelry Thief

Overland Park Police Detectives are looking for assistance in identifying a suspect in the theft of over $10,000 worth of jewelry from two different retail establishments in Overland Park. The thefts occurred on different dates and involved the same subject.

On 1/21/12, the suspect broke into a freestanding locked display on the counter while a female accomplice acted as a lookout. At the second location on 01/25/12, he punched a hole in the jewelry glass counter and was by himself. The subject is described as a white male, in his 40s, average height, 200 lbs, beard, wearing a dark ball cap with a white emblem. The suspect vehicle is possibly a white 90's Olds Cutlass with a red front bumper.

Please take a look at the photos below. Anyone with information on these suspects or this crime is asked to call the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS or the Overland Park Police at 913-344-8750.

Still Seeing Orange

As you drive in any direction on US69 Highway from I-35 to W. 119th Street, you can see the tremendous amount of progress Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has done on the roadway. This construction project has been the result of one of the largest federal stimulus projects in metropolitan Kansas City.

If you’ve driven on that particular stretch recently, you may have noticed that most of the construction appears to be completed and all lanes were essentially open. You’ll also notice that there are still the 55 mile-per-hour speed limit signs with orange and black WORK ZONE signs posted all along that route.

I bring this to your attention because the Traffic Safety Unit has received several complaints of drivers who were speeding well in excess of the construction limit of 55 miles per hour.

During the last four months, there have been over 70 accidents on that stretch of highway. A majority of these accidents can be directly attributed to drivers not allowing enough stopping distance, or following too closely.

KDOT has advised they are still working in that area and need to shut down lanes on an “as needed” basis. Construction along that corridor will continue into 2013 as they work on the section between I-435 Highway and W. 119th Street.

Beginning this week, Traffic Safety Officers are going to step up their enforcement efforts along this area of US69 Highway. Countless studies have shown that driving in excess of the posted speed limits greatly increases the chances for accident and injuries. Studies have also provided information which indicates enforcement efforts help slow down drivers and, thus save lives.

The fine for speeding 10 miles over the limit in Overland Park Municipal Court is $101, and getting stopped in a construction zone greatly increases that amount.

Allow yourself a little extra drive time in these areas and a little extra space between yourself and the car in front of you. You’ll be miles ahead in the long run.

ABOVE AND BEYOND. BY DESIGN. – A Police Perspective

Last year, city leaders adopted a new slogan which promoted the city’s strength of customer service, and the personal commitment that employees deliver to the citizens of Overland Park on a daily basis.

While this is not a new concept from a police perspective, I’m constantly amazed at the things our officers do that are beyond their regular scope of duties.

Recently, I heard about an incident which exemplifies this practice of “going beyond that which is expected.” Sgt. Brian Houlihan, and Officer Brad Heater were dispatched to a call for service regarding children who were in need of care. When they arrived on scene, they quickly realized there were two boys under the age of three that had been without any type of adult supervision for an extended period of time. They also discovered each child had on heavily soiled diapers along with their dirty clothing.

The decision was made to take the children into police protective custody. Instead of making the children wait even longer to be changed by someone in Social Services, the officers took it upon themselves to find clean diapers/clothing, and did what needed to be done.

I’m proud of the work our officers do on a regular basis as they work to serve the citizens of this great city. I feel this is a testament to the quality and character of people we hire to patrol our streets.

They Took Your What?

It’s out of sight and out of mind- until you start up your vehicle, that is. You may not even know what it’s called, but that small muffler-looking object under your vehicle is a catalytic converter. To you, it helps keep your vehicle “sounding right”, but to a thief, it means a fast buck.

A catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system of your vehicle. Thieves know that catalytic converters contain the precious metal platinum, which can be sold for quick cash.

Unfortunately, catalytic converter thefts are documented nationwide. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in Overland Park. In 2011, there were 71 reported incidents, some of which were multiple thefts. So far this year, we’ve taken 12 reports.

This is a metro-wide problem and involves many suspects. I will share with you a couple of pictures of a suspect vehicle to be on the lookout for. The vehicle is a gray, newer--model Chevy Trailblazer, with a sunroof and trailer hitch. Typically, the driver backs into a spot near the victim’s vehicle. The passenger then gets out and removes the catalytic converter.




I asked my Criminal Analysis Unit to do some research on how much thieves are getting for stolen Catalytic converters, and how much the victim has to pay to replace it. As you can see below, the numbers are pretty significant on the part of the victim.

Recycling Quotes on Catalytic Converters:
Small = $45
Medium = $50
Large = $70
Ford = $32
GM = $70-$100
Camry $65
Small Foreign = $85
Medium Foreign = $100
Large Foreign = $120

*Dealer Prices to Replace Stolen Catalytic Converters
1996 Saturn = $821.04
2003 Pontiac Grand Am CC = $773.54
2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo = $866.40
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier = $652.00

*these are all from recent catalytic converters thefts in Overland Park

A thief can remove a catalytic converter from under a vehicle in as little as two minutes. Recently, the most commonly hit vehicles are Chevy Cavaliers, Pontiac Grand Prix’s, Oldsmobile Aleros, and Pontiac Sunfires.

There are some things you can do to reduce the possibility of being a victim of thefts in general. The first preventive thing is to park in well-lighted areas, or close to the front entrance to buildings. Also, be aware of any suspicious vehicles or people hanging out in parking lots.

The Truth

Truth and integrity. There is no denying how important these values are to us as individuals. As police officers, we build our whole career on truth and integrity. The officers and detectives of Overland Park incorporate these values into their daily activities, but Detective Mike Mann spent many of his days dealing with truth and integrity at a different level.

Detective Mann began his career with the police department 33 years ago. He started work on the street, but quickly became part of a Directed Patrol Unit that would deal each day with specific, targeted problem areas. He eventually moved to the personnel department and spent the majority of his career as a polygraph examiner.

One might conjure up pictures and ideas of the polygraph examiner interrogating a suspect in a heinous crime. While he was a vital part of many investigations, the reality is Detective Mann spent most of his days as a gatekeeper, if you will, for the police department. You see, potential candidates in the police officer hiring process must go through a polygraph examination. Detective Mann ensured the officers who would serve this city possessed the required integrity.

For many years, Detective Mann conducted two to three-hour-long interviews to countless numbers of individuals. He never took a short cut and always took great pride in his work. He was, and always will be, dedicated to finding the truth. Yesterday we said goodbye to Detective Mann as he begins his investigation of retirement and finds the truth behind a little relaxation.

Legacy of Excellence Adds New Member

On Sunday January 22nd, 2012, the Police Department promoted six members from within its ranks, and also recognized a new recipient of the Legacy of Excellence award.

The Legacy of Excellence recognizes outstanding public service, commitment to the community and strength of character. This year’s recipient, Palle Rilinger, certainly embodies all these qualities and more. Palle is the past president and CEO of the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, better known as MOCSA.

In the past, Legacy of Excellence award winners have all been either directly connected to the police department, or to the City of Overland Park in some manner. Palle is the first inductee who didn’t have any of those direct connections. What she did in her 27 years at the helm of MOCSA was deliver unwavering support for victims of sexual support. She raised money, directed a staff and, more importantly, handcrafted an initiative which positively impacted the lives of women and men who are victims of these crimes. In doing so, she has made our community - in fact, the entire metropolitan community - a more humane and caring place. Because of her devotion and commitment to advocacy on behalf of those victimized, Palle Rilinger leaves “A Legacy of Excellence”.

Police Department Holds Promotional Ceremony

On Sunday January 22nd, 2012, the Police Department conducted a promotion ceremony which recognized six candidates for promotion; a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors and three Sergeants.

Simon Happer was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Michael Imber and Sonta Wilburn were promoted to the rank of Major. The three individuals promoted to the rank of Sergeant were Matthew Bregel, Kyle Livengood, and Tirsa Otero.

One of the key components during the ceremony was the recitation of the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, which reads:

"On my honor, I will never
betray my badge, my integrity,
my character or the public trust.

I will always have the courage to hold
myself and others accountable for our actions.

I will always uphold the constitution, my community, and the agency I serve."

Each one of these individuals has exemplified this oath by their actions and the way they do their jobs on a day-to-day basis. Please join me in congratulating each of them on their promotions.



Sergeant Matthew Bregel

Sergeant Kyle Livengood



Sergeant Tirsa Otero



Major Mike Imber



Major Sonta Wilburn



Lieutenant Colonel Simon Happer