NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
WOMAN CHARGED IN APRIL INFANT DEATH; OTHERS ARRESTED IN SEPARATE GUN & DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS; DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUSPECT CAUGHT; STRAWBERRY SQ. FIRE ACCIDENTALMayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that city police have charged Cassandra S. Vaden in the April 24, 2006 suspicious death of 4 yr. old Breonna Canales at the M.W. Smith Homes. Police have also arrested four other persons following separate criminal incidents in the city over the weekend. Reed said Vaden, age 37, of 40 M.W. Smith Homes, was arrested this afternoon on 1 count of Criminal Homicide and 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children for the Canales death. Police responded to the residence after EMS were summoned for an unresponsive and non-breathing child. Vaden, an aunt to the Breonna and the child’s twin brother, was the caretaker of the children and told police that she thought the children had gotten into a vial of anti-depressant medication the night before and may have accidentally ingested some of them. The Mayor said subsequent toxicology tests on the deceased toddler revealed she died from an overdose of morphine, which was allegedly given to her by Vaden for months leading up to the death. Elevated levels of the drug were also found in Breonna’s twin 4-yr. old brother. Reed said city police also this morning arrested 46-yr. old Lazaro F. Rodriquez, of the 600 block of S. 20th Street, following his beating of a 34-yr. old Oyler Rd. woman near S. 13th and Derry Streets. Responding police units spotted Rodriquez driving in his white Jeep and he was quickly stopped and apprehended. Rodriquez now faces single counts each of Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, False Imprisonment and Disorderly Conduct, as well as traffic offenses. The victim, a paramour of Rodriquez’s, sustained minor bruises during the domestic violence incident and was treated and released. Reed said 30-year old Tabius J. Walker, of the 500 block of S. 19th Street, is now charged with an array of counts stemming from his DUI arrest early last Thursday morning, November 3rd. A patrol officer observed Walker driving the wrong way in the 400 block of Harris Street just after Midnight and after following him to the 200 block of Forster Street, conducted a traffic stop. Asked for his license and registration, the visibly intoxicated Walker handed the officer a $5 bill and then drove off, going the wrong way on N. 2nd Street to North Street where assisting units finally stopped him near Commonwealth and North Streets. Walker fled on foot but was quickly captured by other officers, who found a large rock of packaged crack cocaine discarded by the suspect as he was attempting to flee. The Mayor said Walker is now charged with the highest caliber of Driving Under the Influence, Possession With Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Escape and Driving Under Suspended License. Walker has an extensive criminal history that includes other drug law violations and escapes from custody. Reed said city police have also charged 18-year old Kervin K. Crawford with multiple counts related to a shooting incident on Friday evening, November 4, just before Midnight. A Patrol Officer observed Crawford discharge a handgun several times into the air while he was standing on a corner at N. 16th and Walnut Streets. Upon seeing the officer Crawford entered a nearby parked vehicle. The officer ordered Crawford out of the car and while searching him found 8 grams of packaged crack cocaine and a 40. cal. Glock handgun, containing 7 live rounds. Two shell casings were also found nearby. Crawford is now charged with Reckless Endangerment, Carrying a Firearm without a License, Possession with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Illegal Discharge of a Firearm. The Mayor said city police also arrested 18-year old Drakkari L. Brooks, of the 2200 block of Cedar Run Dr. in Camp Hill following an 8:30 p.m. incident on Friday evening, November 4th, in the area of N. 6th and Division Streets. Drakkari fled on foot from police during a traffic stop for a broken taillight and was eventually captured in the 600 block of Wiconisco Street. A search of his vehicle revealed a .357 cal. Ruger Revolver with 3 live rounds and 3 spent rounds. Drakkari has now been charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License and motor vehicle violations. In a separate incident this morning, the Mayor said city police and fire officials have determined a blaze in a 14th floor bathroom of the state tower at Strawberry Square this morning was accidental, and caused by an overheated light fixture. The 10:30 a.m. fire quickly went to a second alarm and the entire building was evacuated. Fire damage was limited to the bathroom area, and the employees were allowed to return after about an hour. |
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