HomeMy WebLinkAbout8A - Police Dept. Recognition
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MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
PRESENTATION:
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
December 2, 2002
8A
Frank Boyles, City Manager
PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING PRIOR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND
CITIZEN PARTNERSHIP AWARD.
On November 14, 2002, Prior Lake Police Chief Bill O'Rourke apprehended a
serial bank robbery suspect believed to be responsible for at least ten bank
robberies in the metropolitan area. The apprehension was a wonderful example of
partnerships between police agencies and private citizens. The police agencies
involved in the apprehension were: the FBI, the Minnesota Highway Patrol, Scott
County Sheriff, Savage and New Prague Police and, of course, numerous
members of the Prior Lake Police Department. But, the key partners in this
apprehension were the private citizens.
Bank workers made sure that they obtained and reported to the 911 dispatcher,
the license plate number and description of the suspect's car before he left the
bank. Elizabeth Thomas performed an even more important function. While in the
drive-up window, she noted bank employees inside the building with their hands
up. Silently, she confirmed with one of the tellers that a hold-up was in progress.
After escaping to a less vulnerable spot, Ms. Thomas phoned Scott County
Dispatch about the robbery in progress. This alerted police agencies to respond
immediately, greatly enhancing the odds of catching the criminal.
Our community, the City of Prior Lake, the Prior Lake Police Department, other
police agencies, including the FBI (and I suspect numerous banking institutions)
are proud and grateful for the achievements of Elizabeth Thomas, Prior Lake
Police Chief Bill O'Rourke, and all the members of the Prior Lake Police
Department.
16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.L Prior Lake. Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (952) 447-4230 / Fax (952) 447-4245
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