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Jayne Hanson/News-Herald Photo. Lake Havasu Fire Department paramedics care for a captured suspect who complained of chest pains after police used a Taser device to detain him. River Medical transported the suspect to Havasu Regional Medical Center.

Fugitive flees from cops, shot by Taser downtown

By Jayne Hanson
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 10:39 PM MST

Lake Havasu City Police subdued a fleeing suspect with a stun gun in the center of downtown Tuesday morning.

The suspect, Darin Carlton, 39, was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of transportation and was wanted on a felony fugitive warrant out of California, according to police. Another man, Jessie Loaiza, 23, Lake Havasu City, who was with Carlton, was arrested and charged with providing false information to law enforcement, police spokesman Lt. Richie Sloma said Tuesday.

“They (police) got the passenger, but the driver ran,” said eyewitness Denise Solano, of Parker. Solano was waiting in a shuttle parked on McCulloch Boulevard outside Desert Martini when the incident occurred.

“An officer saw them acting suspicious and ran the plates of the vehicle,” said Sgt. Pat Wilson, who was the sergeant at the scene. “The car came back as reported stolen.”

Wilson said police units, which included himself and two officers, responded to the area and waited for the suspects to return to the vehicle. When the suspects, who were believed to be inside BJ’s Tavern, occupied the vehicle in question, the police moved in to arrest them and that is when Carlton fled on foot, according to police. The incident occurred at about 11 a.m.

Carlton, who told police he recently moved to Lake Havasu City, sustained superficial injuries during the arrest. He complained of chest pains and was taken by River Medical ambulance to Havasu Regional Medical Center where he was later released into police custody. Sloma discounted the notion that the chest pains were caused by the stun gun, saying Tasers are not known to cause chest pains.

The use of a Taser is an unusual occurrence for downtown Lake Havasu City in the mid-morning, but as Richie explained a Taser is used to subdue a combative or a fleeing suspect. Unlike television, police officers do not tackle and wrestle suspects to the ground, but rather use a Taser, which minimizes the use of force, he said.

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Reader Comments

Desertrat wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:04 AM:

" I support 1 posting per 1 IP. I also know that there are only a few who post against our community -ask the newspaper. I know I only post under one name and read all those that support LHC. NO ONE is for corruption, they are just sick of our community being bashed on the internet. I don't know how much plainer I can say it. "

speaking volumes wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:32 PM:

" If so many support corruption like yourself then why dont you support the call for ONE post per IP? I have seen those whom you say are few calling for it and you oppose it. That speaks volumes. "

Desertrat wrote on Nov 2, 2008 4:31 PM:

" Plenty people post for LHC and its community members. They just get lost in the million different names bashing our community that is really just the few discontents. You seem to have alot of time, go back and read the posts. See who posts FOR our community. Then go ask the newspaper how many post against. lol "

speaking of giving it a rest wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:09 AM:

" Only one, now one to four you say in another post. Yet still only one of you. It seems to be DessertRat that it is you who should give it a rest. The facts prove you wrong all the time. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 29, 2008 5:25 PM:

" lol- I doubt that. Even they know it is only a few who post on here. Give it a rest already! "

lol wrote on Oct 27, 2008 3:12 PM:

" the anonymoust rat speaks for everyone? doubt it. The council person I know is aware of this issue and is working on it. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 26, 2008 6:07 PM:

" I don't feel picked on. It is just old, tired and boring to read all your hate and negativity all the time. Most everyone is sick of it, yes, even the City Council, Mayor and all those you think you are influencing. No one is for corruption, they are just against our community being trashed and degraded. You trash our community, drive tourists away and then blame the PD and court. Kind of a sad life really. Why don't you find a community you enjoy (if that is possible) and stop spreading your hatred here. There is a word for it you know = bigotry. "

two cents wrote on Oct 26, 2008 12:19 PM:

" not anyone who stands up dessertrat, just the one who is. Feeling picked on? How could that be? Sooooo many support your views on supporting corruption that "one" person is picking on "all" you? LOL "

civil rights fan wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:14 PM:

" standing up for corruption is standing up for the community? Wow, talk about delusional! "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:31 PM:

" Yep- sorry. I don't buy it. Anyone who stands up for our community and law enforcement, public servants, etc. is called a rat, cockroach, ignorant, stupid, blind, etc. Who is spewing hate? You have your experiences, others have theirs. And most law abiding citizens post on here that they have not had bad experiences with the PD. Those are the facts. "

Yep wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:42 AM:

" Yes rat, those who support corrupt cops here also spew hate. A quick read of your postings seems to confirm that. You say you dont want bad cops, say there are no bad cops, but cannot refute the facts posted. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:16 PM:

" spew hate? By standing up for our community and its public servants against the constant bashing, trashing, accusations without facts? I am not the one who hates. I love LHC and its law enforcement, FD, and other community members who choose to spend their time adding positive things to our community. Others on here, however, trash our town and its members. That is the hate. It is quite sad actually. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:12 PM:

" Desertrat posts under only one name. Believe it or not. I dont care. The anti=police, havasu haters however get all upset when other people agree with me and have positive experiences with the PD and like living in Havasu. The few who post under NUMEROUS names (you rarely see the same name for the anti-pd posters) hate that they are outnumbered. Most visitors, investors, etc enjoy their life, their money, their vacations and dont waste time sitting on newspaper forums spewing nasty trash about communitites they visit or live it. That is the fact. Get off the computer and go enjoy the city. Might cheer you up some! "

calhav wrote on Oct 22, 2008 6:39 PM:

" Rat- just goes to show you live in your own little world without exposure to the outside. Fortunately, tourist, and investors do read the papers of where they have been, where they are going, and where they own property. It the only real way to get a feel for the truths and not the advertising of a City "

mark wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:14 PM:

" Let's go back to the old days. If you run from police you get your a$$ beat. I for one do not want to see LHC become LA. When I was growing up if you ran from police you knew you were going to get away or get your a$$ kicked. Instead, now we can whitness a car chase per week. Rodney King or the hand held video camera, without them where would we be.....Safer, much safer ! "

typical wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:52 PM:

" It is so usual to see that the haters of Havasu once again get free riegn to post against another poster while those who post facts about the police are censored.
Dessetrat, under his many many many names continues to sprew hate and embrace the illusion of honest police. All the while the facts are known to those with the money who wont come here. "

abcs wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:49 PM:

" a. How do you know what posters are doing outside the posts? They might be writing the council, meeting the chief ect.
b. Writing here had produced results
c. Typical of some to attack a poster whom just echos sentiments dessert does not like.
d. When will some pull their heads out and see the facts? "

steve wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:05 PM:

" Desert Rat-I agree with you and your perceptive abilities. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:47 PM:

" Sorry. But I don't buy the tourist posts. It has the same verbiage and sentiment that the few anti-police posters have been spewing for years. Most people who go on vacation do not go back and visit the newspaper forum to trash the community. It just doesn't have the ring of truth. "

Observer wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:39 PM:

" Cal/Hav," "Tourist," "Just wanna say," "bob calif,""talk about stress," "Had it with Havasu," "Cindy," "PS" and "Really has a point": All of you with your asinine moronic reasoning do nothing to improve the city. Your complaints fall on deaf ears due to the constant whining sound that is emitted when you speak/write. Your contributions to the betterment of society and Lake Havasu in general is non-existent. We all can do without your twisted ill-fed reasoning. If you don't like it, work (not write here) to change it. If you don't want to do that, leave and Get a life elsewhere. "

just wanna say wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:59 AM:

" great post tourist. Working on solving the problem. We have the local media to thank for part of this problem. They refuse to report truth. "

steve wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:45 AM:

" Had it with Havasu: In your demonstrated lack of knowledge, three officers on a stop usually is an indication of a officer safety issue, precipitated by either; an agitated driver, one suspected of/or having warrants, or one that has refused to sign before and elects to fight rather than going to jail. Specialized teams are created to preserve and protect the lives of the citizenry as well as the Police. How many have to die or become injured to justify your reasoning of cost? Photo radar does nothing to catch the one with warrants, after the initial installation it catches tourist only, and ends up being used as revenue generating as our Governor has chosen. As for speed limits, they are set in accordance to traffic survey analysis and by the whims and wishes of those who believe they know everything about nothing and really know nothing. "

john wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:39 AM:

" great job LHPD! "

suuuure wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:16 AM:

" TOURIST, YOU CAN FIND THE WEATHER AND FISHING WITHOUT GOING INTO THIS SITE! Sorry, I don't believe you! "

Had it with Havasu wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:50 AM:

" I wonder how high the post count would have to be for the right people to get the message?

As a service provider, working with various agencies for the last 40 years I've watched deterioration of police service accompanied by the adoption of politically correct jargon from every rank and the attitude of public service replaced by the thug mentality "Tourist" referenced. The creation of unnecessary "task" forces in response to manufactured if not imaginary issues while avoiding the obligation to stand between the law abiding public and the real threats. In part, it is about resume' (on paper) building and the use it or lose it appropriations. It's why we see so many resources applied unnecessarily to every situation. So more resources can be requested next year. Not because we need them. By example, three units on a simple traffic stop which we could eliminate with photo radar. The argument is "safety" which is completely useless against the solution provided with photo radar. Btw, in case you didn't catch that, I'm all for photo radar (greater effectiveness and lower cost and even lower risk to the agency) and I'm all for dropping the speed limit on Smoketree back down to the reasonable 25MPH. "

Go LHPD wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Tourist, Keep on trucking and no need stopping. Did you report what you had seen? Did you take any effort to understand what you may have seen? Excuse me, I forgot that do so would require more effort on your part than that of typing on your keyboard. If you “just happened” to be browsing, that is more BS as you would not have taken the effort to review the blogs. "

tourist wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:10 AM:

" I am really a tourist MN. I have been to Havasu many times with my wife and two girls. We usually stayed on the Island when we would visit. I had not posted before and this will most likely be my last posting here. We will be in the area again but find a place to the north much more friendly to those of us from out of town. Your post just helps prove we made the right decision. I was just posting to give the side of those of us who have stopped coming but I guess many are not interested in why the town in failing. "

calhav wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:09 AM:

" AT LEAST LA DEALS WITH THE PROBLEM: FROM LA TIMES ARTICLE
Two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies face assault charges for allegedly beating up a firefighter while off duty last year in Pomona, according to a grand jury indictment unsealed Tuesday.

Joshua Titel and Brian Richards, both 31, pleaded not guilty in L.A. County Superior Court and were released without bail. According to prosecutors, the two deputies beat and kicked the victim on June 24, 2007. The firefighter, Stephen Paige, underwent several weeks of medical treatment before he returned to work, said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the L.A. County district attorney's office.

The fight took place outside a private residence in Pomona after an altercation between the two off-duty deputies and the victim, authorities said. It is unclear what prompted the dispute.

If convicted, the deputies face up to seven years in state prison.

Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, said the case was investigated by the department's internal affairs unit and presented to the district attorney. Whitmore said Titel and Richards would be suspended without pay. "

MN wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:10 AM:

" tourist-are you really??>?? cuz you sure sound like one person on here who harrasses our cops ALL OF THE TIME! Guess we don't need your type if you tend to believe him! "

tourist wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:43 AM:

" I am a tourist and I can tell you that what many post here is true. I still visit the area but do not come through Havasu anymore. Before anyone accuses me of being a criminal I can assure you I am not, nor do I feel bad for any criminal caught doing wrong. I am just not for thugs with badges as I have witnessed in Havasu. I was just logging on the page to check the area weather and fishing and saw this article. "

just wondering wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:33 AM:

" hey why does the editor allow lies to be posted by the police spokesmen but not allow the posts that correct the lies? "

lifegoeson wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:32 AM:

" Steve: Thanks I am aware of that as I am in law enforcement, when I used to work for lhc pd they did use siezed veh's I realize they don't use as many as back then. The agency I work for now still does even after we have a auction every year. Thanks "

steve wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:19 AM:

" Lifegoeson: FYI- Asset forfeiture vehicles are seldom used for surveillance in the drug world. Most Druggies are well aware of who had what vehicle seized under a prior drug bust. The number of seizures are relatively low for Havasu unless its the result of a Joint Task Force which deals between here and Phoenix. Most often effective surveillance is performed with vehicles on loan from the various dealerships who support the community effort against drugs and are turned over every few days. "

lifegoeson wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:19 PM:

" Really: I understand your frustration just for the record the patrol units are going to do very little in regards to a report of a drug house. You need to contact the under cover units. They are in the office at times after 8am. Unless they are on a steak out. The dispatchers should know to transfer your call to one of their extensions to leave a message and in that message ask them to contact you. Thats what the undercover units specialize in. A drug house can see a patrol car from miles away they have no idea when an undercover unit drives by as they have regular siezed vehicles from drug busts. Chances are it is something the undercover units are already working on. In fact they did know about the house your refering to that blew up. It's not a clear cut deal they go in buy drugs and boom your under arrest there is much more to undercovers investigagions. One drug buy doesn't land a group of people in jail. "

Real reality check wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:42 PM:

" oh Steve! What wishful thinking! The police are only "proactive" if you have an out of state boat. "

wrote on Oct 20, 2008 5:18 PM:

" Unfortunately or maybe it is fortunate that the police are subject to following laws and an investigation can take months. So, keep an eye out and hopefully you can help make the difference. "

steve wrote on Oct 20, 2008 3:58 PM:

" Really" made a point on one issue of paramount concern. We must have a PROACTIVE not reactive Police Department. I believe Chief Doyle has taken a step in that direction. There is much more that can be done even with the limited staffing issue that plagues most all departments. While Community Policing was a buzz word that surfaced about 10-15 years ago, there are aspects of the program that provided positive police/community results. Assigning officer responsibility to specific areas of the City makes; The officer cognizant of the dynamics of the neighborhood, creates a "go to" person to report issues of concern and puts the public on a closer in touch with their department. Issues of abandoned vehicles, trashy houses, dope houses,graffiti and the like are addressed to the beat officer and through he/she, channeled to the proper authorities in a timely manner and followed up. It works, believe me but it requires commitment. It is a can do program for the betterment of the community, builds awareness of community members through Neighborhood Watch programs and but one of the numerous programs that can be married to the present programs in work by our police department. "

Steve wrote on Oct 20, 2008 3:10 PM:

" Really: Take the concern down to the department. Quacks call and make complaints all the time about neighbors, speeding cars and the like. Show you are serious and put them (PD) on notice by officially reporting it. Hence their liability attaches if they fail to act. "

Really has the point wrote on Oct 20, 2008 2:18 PM:

" What "really" posted it exactly the point. Why are the police priorities nailing tourist, guilty or not guilty? We have drug houses, pedophiles, perverts, burgleries, and a host of other issues way more then our share. The tourists flashing do NOT bother me or my young children. Pedophiles and drug pushers DO BOTHER ME.
From what I have read this whole emphisis of enforcement stems from a statement made by the head of the local court during a budget hearing. Courts main purpose are not profit but justice. "

Really wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:44 PM:

" I wished I could have remained neutral in all of this but I have to make a point regarding the drugs. Yes there is a huge drug problem in Lake Havasu BUT there is very little being done about it. 3 years ago we moved into a house in Central to South Havasu and within a week knew that a house across the street and a couple doors down was a 'drug house'. My family made calls to the PD nearly every week, with little or no response other than an occasional drive by to 'check' things out. The police were finally interested when the house literally blew up from a meth lab and nearly burned to the ground.

What needs to happen is for the Police Department to get proactive and listen to the citizens of Lake Havasu. There are more of us who do not want drugs in our community then there are police, meaning there are more eyes out there. It does not take a genious to determine if a house is a drug house. When someone calls in about a suspect house, PLEASE have it investigated. "

imamouse wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:37 PM:

" who cares about this anymore anyway, give it a rest. "

truthordare wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:04 PM:

" This so reminds me of the Presidental race. HE SAID, SHE SAID. YOU WANT TO MAKE TROUBLE FOR SOMEONE, SO YOU START A RUMOR. This canidate was divorced, this canidate runs with xterrorists, this one shoots moose, this one spells jobs using 3 letters,,,,oh wait, these are all true! "

Ironic wrote on Oct 20, 2008 11:46 AM:

" You complain when the bad is shot by the police with a gun and you complain when the police use a taser gun.I find it entertaining that you EXPECT our officers to ensure the safety of our community and the question their means of providing it yet have no other suggestion for them. I have never been shot with anything by these "horrible" police officers because guess what? I FOLLOW THE LAW!!! And of course you cowards complain in a forum that will hide your identity. Set up or shut up!

Job well done LHCPD! "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:22 AM:

" IP addresses? yeah right, some people have work computers, home computers, laptops, can even go to the library, etc. Yeah, that will prove alot. Look at the one or two posters that go under a million different names. They can't access different computers? Yeah. Sure "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Name calling? I have been called the names because I tend to support our local law enforcement. And to support our local agency, one does not have to BE a cop. "

Irishman wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:58 AM:

" Desertrat, give it up. You cannot change the minds of people that have already concluded they are right and everyone else is wrong. They have either witnessed or had a negative contact with the police at one time in their life and their views are now based on preconceived opinions. Most of the time they are outraged by something they see or hear about from their sisters, boyfriends cousins uncles next door neighbor and do not have first had facts. If you don't know all of the facts (this includes what transpired prior to what you witnessed or heard about) you are letting your preconceived opinion determine what you think you are seeing. When there is a police contact with someone, the people that witness it are not privy to what happened previously or what information police have in reference to this subject or subjects. Many times police are responding to a report from someone that has made phone call to the police reporting some criminal or suspicious activity. I know you will find this hard to believe but sometimes people lie when they report something just so they can cause someone problems. When the police respond, they only have the information reported by the caller. The type of call will many times dictate whether the officers are courteous or not. So in closing, do not let your preconceived judgements or the judgements of others influence how you perceive something. Before you go off on a wild tangent, get all of the facts. "

rat assumes too much wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:52 AM:

" Rat is assuming that the superiors know whom are the bad ones, are not participating with the bad ones, are willing to cross the thin blue line or even believe that the behavior is questionable to begin with. Remember that the superiors were serving alongside the person who has not become a reprimanded judge.

Clearly public sentiment is against you as are the facts. I do agree with another poster that you are becoming more and more obvious. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:26 AM:

" Arrests of tourists over local? Hmm. Simple stats would dictate that there are more tourists than locals on the lake holiday weekends. So every statistic will be skewed. Many locals purposedly avoid the lake on holidays. Not all, but many. Therefore, of course the arrests of the 'partiers' are going to show more tourists. Out of touch? Or simple statistical data? "

Steve wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:24 AM:

" All right people, enough of the trashing and bashing. Is there a bad employee working for the City ? I'm sure there is one or two. But that does not mean 99.9% of the other employees are bad. Are there bad employees mixed in with any business in this world? Heck Yes, but we still depend upon the business to provide us service/sales. The difference between private enterprise and the Public not only involves hiring practices, but termination activities as well. If an employee in the private does a screw up or mistreats the public, termination is considerably easier. In the public sector, there are both state, federal, and Bills of Right laws that have to be contended with. In the City termination of a Police Officer, you have personnel hearings, reviews of possible policy violations, liability hearings dependent upon the violation just to name a few. Yes, superiors may suspect inproprieties on the part of an officer however, until it actually can be proven or shown to exist, not much can be done. That is where the public has to take the next step and come forward to state their case or observations. Without the very people that are complaining the most here, coming forward, that's all their word is good for, complaining. So when you really do have an issue with your local department, go down and talk with the Chief or his Commanders. They have pride in their organization and want only the best for their community. We all end up paying higher fees and taxes if the tourist chose to spend their money elsewhere thanks to all the bashing displayed on the Internet. Many people are working hard to bring in the tax relief from our visitors. Our new Chief has performed admirally these past few years and I'm sure our department will continue to excel in the ranks of respected law enforcement agencies. After all, they live here too and it is Your Police Department. "

wrote on Oct 20, 2008 8:27 AM:

" It's the constant bickering back and forth that gives life to these arguments. So if you just made your one positive post and let it go, there would be no one for the nay sayers to argue with. So I've come to the conclusion that some of you don't care either way but just love to argue. "

out of touch wrote on Oct 20, 2008 2:55 AM:

" rat, this issue started in the paper two years ago after memorial day article highlighting how many arrests of tourists over locals. You still are way out touch with the facts. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:01 PM:

" So you think the City Council and LHCPD likes all this bashing? Let's ask them. Do you REALLY think this internet bashing helps get rid of bad cops and leads towards honest government? Is that the way to do it - TRASHing our community on the internet?
Or is there a more positive, productive way to handle it? Us rats, cockroaches (whatever names the people who like to bash our community can call me) want to know. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:53 PM:

" Where Desert is right: Yes it is about visitors. This is all started over a mooring ticket and Cindy saying her business was suffering. So, yes, it is about visitors. And not necessarily the law abiding ones either. A mooring ticket? Give me a break! "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:51 PM:

" Lights shined in dark corners? If these corrupt cops do exist, I am sure the superiors are aware and doing what they can. EVERYONE wants an honest government. So accuse me of being a corrupt cop, cochroach, whatever. Many peope are sick of reading how miserable, corrupt, dirty rotten our town is - yes, a few bad apples can spoil a batch. But sitting here day after day writing degrading remarks about our community is not right. Trashing our community on the internet is just that. Trash. "

aduh wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:33 PM:

" sweeping things under the rug has always solved them. Right Dessertrat? "

dessert not what he claims wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:26 PM:

" Dessert, a poster with multiple names has one IP. So the editor could just block an IP. So your statement is untrue.
I noticed in one of your many posts that you seem to spend alot of time talking about cops and to cops and even cops in other agency's. Yet you claim not to be a cop. Why do I think you are not honest?
You will say you are not, then call me some name but that does not matter. The more you speak the more you look silly. "

JAB wrote on Oct 19, 2008 3:13 PM:

" Sorry, LHCPD ;) "

JAB wrote on Oct 19, 2008 3:13 PM:

" Good for you Blessedman! And also keep up the good work LCHPD. "

LHCPD wants good officers wrote on Oct 19, 2008 2:29 PM:

" Cindy, I understand. I love how some think that because you are not a cop that you could not become a cop. Some think that because you are for civil rights and the rule of law by all that you are somehow against good cops.
I think that it is far more telling of character when someone defends bad cops and acts as if all cops are good when history and facts say something else entirely.
People like Dessertrat will continue to bash anyone who wants a clean department and will continue to attack anyone who wants a better city government. I have the belief that he is only trying to distract from the issue at hand in his attacks.
The LHCPD want good officers and want the bad ones gone. Lets support them by pushing the council to get rid of those who corrupt justice from within. Keep posting, if it upsets people like Dessertrat then we are on the right track. Only roaches do not like light shined in dark corners. "

rad wrote on Oct 19, 2008 11:55 AM:

" SWEET! i tasered mucho women in havasu,single,married,fat,skinny,stoned,drunk,stoned & drunk,wore my taser gun plumb tired. had to move away darn it.got 2 hot in havasu even in the winter months. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:15 AM:

" complained for years? Puuulease. This is started over a mooring ticket. In retrospect, a little petty don't you think? "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:53 AM:

" The paper can't censor because their is a handful who go under every article every day and bash our community. How is that fsctual? Real facts would be presented to the superiors who can do something about it. This is just bashing our community, degrading our professionals. Even civil disobedience is done out in the open, to create changes. This is just cowardly and without merit. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:50 AM:

" No other law enforcement received complaints? Really? I have heard several complaints about other police departments.Guess it is all in whom you speak with -if you only focus on tourists from LHC, than that is who you will hear about. Talk to the professionals in BHC. Talk to others who work with law enforcement. From a county's perspective, LHC is held in high esteem. "

where dessert is right wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:24 PM:

" Dessertrat is correct about one thing. We want law abbiting people including law abbiting police. The question is NOT about visitors. That is not the issue. We ALL agree visitors and locals alike who break the law should be arrested or ticketed. The question is law abbiting people SHOULD NOT BE. That is the problem, that is the charges being made by former visitors and seems to be backed up by other local agency's who want nothing to do with the reputation that Havasu has earn for itself and who do not have this problem. The other question is why does dessert keep defending bad cops? "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 18, 2008 7:04 PM:

" Cindy- the community is glad you don't want to be a cop too. Everyone knows just because we are a tourist destination, doesn't me we have to put up with criminal behavior. Actually, more people want law abiding visitors, then the few on here who would rather the money at any cost. If you want the party scene, anything goes - can you say Vegas? "

even the editor cannto censor enough wrote on Oct 18, 2008 5:22 PM:

" Steve, what you have in your post is an opinion. It is one of two things every human has. Yours comes out the other thing we all have but you are entitled to it.

The police here have a real bad reputation that was earned not created. If I was the only one saying so you might have a case but you dont. The mere fact that the paper cannot silence by censoring all the opinions saying we have a bad police force is testiment to how many agree with my position and not yours. "

Where they fall apart wrote on Oct 18, 2008 4:22 PM:

" where Steve's position falls apart is the dozen here and hundreds elsewhere who have complained for years about LHCPD and not BHCPD, not SBC sheriff, not MCSO, not Parker PD. Hmmm "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 18, 2008 3:37 PM:

" Steve- well said. Because our town depends on tourism, they want lawlessness in the channell and our streets. Guess it is like selling your soul. As for the police, they are the most undersung heros of any community. Who would put up with dealing with the scum of the earth (for the most part) on a daily basis for no respect and no pay? Men and women wanting to do the right thing. They deserve our respect. "

steve wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:33 PM:

" Tim T: You are beyond name calling to describe your perception of LHCPD. I first thought you had some maturity but you put your mind behind your fingers and the truth that you do not came out. 1. You do have a police force that is not corrupt. What you also have are numerous misfits using every opportunity of perceived ill judgement on the part of the police, making a federal case of it and wrongly. Part as they don't understand the position the L.E. Officer has and the other they have an inability to reason logically. 2. Every department in the land has at one time or the other, had a judgement of liability against them. Its the nature of the job and you are dealing with a society that feels its always some one elses fault.3. Judges get frustrated with the daily flow miscreants claiming false arrest, scum attorneys trying every angle to get their defendant off and bleeding heart juries wanting to feel like a parent and give the poor crook a break. 4. Then there are people who feel the only way to change things is by getting a new council. Then hope the change that's made is in their favor. If not, get a new council. Mr. Tim T. get a life and grow up. "

blessedman wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:52 AM:

" well i use to be the guy the cops were chasing every other night always up to no good. i know first hand how good of a job the boys in blue do. if i wasnt caught they were right behind me. i have changed my ways i went to teen challenge i got my life back on track doing great. keep up the good work! "

LOL wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:18 AM:

" Don't Taze me Bro!!! "

Had it with Havasu wrote on Oct 18, 2008 11:00 AM:

" That's awesome.
What is that saying? Something like "oh, so you couldn't pass the Fireman's exam".
I'm cracking up.
You would be stunned at what can be accomplished when the right people are made aware of the problems. I'll tell you about an encounter with the CHP and the path I took to getting the laws changed. The first thing was a meeting with the US Transportation Secretary. Then the Governor and finally the Commissioner of the Highway Patrol. We were able to obtain a moratorium on enforcement until the laws were changed. The California law conflicted with the Federal Code. There were only 3 CHP officers in the state who ticketed this particular violation and it was petty, driven by a desire to get their picture in the CHP monthly on the "Regulation Stop" page.

So yeah, I don't know what I'm talking about. I just have a friend who is a retired Police Chief from a major metro city, a buddy in the CIA, another buddy who works in the prison system and his wife is a police officer. A dozen friends who are firefighters. Another buddy works for the DA's office. Get it? I'm not the only one who says LHPD has a problem. They're not alone, the SO is a mess too. We keep coming up with distractions from the job at hand. #1 law enforcement problem Havasu faces is Drugs. Drug use, sales and manufacture by residents. But we don't hear about that. The police don't want to deal with it. Much safer to roust tourists.

DesrtRat says I'm bashing the community. No, I'm calling attention to the lack of community leadership. Am I doing something about it. See the story above. My actions benefited an entire community of people you are all familiar with. Of course, I didn't do it alone. Ford Motor Company and Dan Davis played a large role, but only after they were made aware of the issue. Lot's of people knew but only complained and did nothing.

So keep talking. Action is needed. Where do we start? "

cindy wrote on Oct 18, 2008 9:32 AM:

" I am proud that I would not "make it as a cop" haha. And I do not know what you mean by " the way it works". I do not see how having cops target innocent tourist to raise money is a good for anyone. I do not see how the magistrate's statement during the budget meeting of bring "profitable" helps our tourist industry. You really prefer bad cops? Oh and becoming a cop is not hard. Look it up. Criminals with felonies can and are becoming cops across the US. It may explain so much. "

Steve wrote on Oct 18, 2008 7:37 AM:

" had it with havasu_ If you were able to expend a quarter of the effort it takes to write in this blog and go talk and work with those directly responsible for the ills you articulate in your writings, you may gather some wisdom and us pride in our community. "

MN wrote on Oct 18, 2008 4:46 AM:

" A little boy was kidnapped from his home in Las Vegas, alledgedly by drug cartels!! Do you want that happening here? There are many children that live here and come to visit family. We have to be fearful for them because you guys want the cops to back off???? You want children to be exposed to drunks, druggies and gangs???? No amount of (bad) tourism is worth a child's life-mentally or pysically!!LHPD keep up the good work!!!! "

hahahaha wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:28 PM:

" I have to say "had it with havasu" and "cindy" I want to respond so badly to everything you guys write on here but it would take way to long for me to type and I know it wouldn't make a difference in your minds anyways. So I'm just going to laugh at all your cop bashing and remind myself that it is people like you that would never make it as a police officer because you guys clear don't understand how everything works nor do you have the right mentality. Not saying you guys wish your were cops, just saying you guys don't know what you are talking about. "

LHCVette wrote on Oct 17, 2008 8:58 PM:

" You guys are nuts... the sand bar closed itself. I guess nature takes care of itself when in times of need.

The economy has taken care of the baller wanna-be's from SoCal, and made our town a more peaceful place to live. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 17, 2008 6:00 PM:

" Tim T: Then stop whining on the internet and do something. Trashing our community on here everyday is not solving anything. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 17, 2008 5:59 PM:

" Had it: Once again, your answer is to bash our community on the internet? Yep, that will solve things! "

lack of direction wrote on Oct 17, 2008 5:18 PM:

" had it with Havasu. I agree with some of what you said. I would like to say that police get the que for the limits of behavior from the courts. They have no limits when the local courts never find them in the wrong. Never wrong no matter how outrageous their behavior. Courts are in place to protect the rights of the citizen, not cover for the cops. "

Tim T PS wrote on Oct 17, 2008 3:45 PM:

" Shop Owner THANK YOU for being one the shop owners that did something about the police reputation problem and participated in the program to welcome visitors. I guess people like RAT only read what they want and cannot refute facts. "

Tim T wrote on Oct 17, 2008 3:43 PM:

" If people like steve do not like the police to obey the law then move to places where the people do not seem to mind lawless police. I hear Chicago is balmy this time of year! I want a police force that is not corrupt and I tired of reading statements from people willing to accept corruption in police. I want Havasu free of police departments that are liable. I am tired of Judges that get punished and city attorneys that are suspended. If the council wants those type of people working for the city then it is time to get a new council! "

Had it with Havasu wrote on Oct 17, 2008 3:37 PM:

" This discussion has gone on long enough to indicate there is an issue with LHPD. It wasn't like that 20 years ago, not even 10 years ago.

Last night, during the event on McCulloch Blvd. for Run to the Sun, the LHPD made fools of themselves to a crowd of about 80 people, young and old. A simple situation that would have been resolved with a simple word to the wise. Not LHPD. So now business owners patrons and their children have a feeling of animosity toward the police officers who had to flex authority when it was not necessary or justifiable. In their defense, they have no leadership to look to. Dealing with the public and dealing with law enforcement isn't that hard.

We need strong leadership with a clear understanding of the community and what the community wants as opposed to leadership who only seeks its own ends.

DesertRat, you're right, we have problems that need to be addressed but closing the Sandbar is not the answer. The bar fights and gang presence are elements that have tried and true solutions. If you were at BJ's when gang members enticed a fight you would have watched the LHPD come in and gawk at girls as those who participated in the fighting disappeared. LHPD is lame. This morning, a motorcycle cop in the turn lane of Acoma, between Palo Verde and Rainbow. Parked, kickstand down. Lack of training and discipline. Lack of common sense. We are going to bury one of these guys and face lawsuits derived from their inexperience before anyone wakes up to the fact that motorcycle cops are a bad idea in this town.

I do not blame the police force for the predicament. Not at all. City Manager, Council and Mayor. Those are the folks who appoint the various individuals to carry out the tasks that should be for the benefit of the community. Sadly, and we all know this, the tasks dictated are rarely in the overall interest of our community.

Steve, as Havasu evolves and if it continues on the path it is on, you will see me liquidate business interests and real estate holdings and leave. 20 years ago I did exactly that on the Gold Coast of California to come here. I love it here. I loved the community and have the best friends you could ever ask for. We've all but lost the community at this point. Too much greed in our leaders. So much that it has twisted their senses. Look around you, Havasu is falling apart, or rather, being torn apart. We have no common direction anymore, no industry that is sustainable, no career path for our youth. Just little pieces of real estate to be exploited by a few at the expense of all. Wake up, Havasu was about tourism and soon, it is all we will have. Then, community leaders who realize that will have a long road fixing the mistakes of those in office today. "

steve wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:20 PM:

" Had it with Havasu and Cindy- Thanks for leaving and Cindy get an education, do the right thing and GET A LIFE! "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:24 AM:

" marzie-Thank you. I only post under one name, but am sure you will be accused of being me! But thanks all the same. Others find it hard to believe that not everyone who posts on here hates the PD, hates Havasu and likes to bash our community, so they accuse everyone of being me. Sad but true. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:22 AM:

" friendly shop owner: So bashing our community on the internet is a solution to bringing in more tourism? "

marzie wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:58 AM:

" desertrat, I find your comments colorful and right to the point. It is refreshing to read them. "

friendly shop owner wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:28 AM:

" The person who posts under multiple names, mostly desertrat, is correct in one thing. Cindy is not the only person who works along the channel. He is wrong about the rest. Cindy is correct about the businesses in general along the channel. I own a shop and I have not spoken with one fellow shop owner who would disagree with Cindy's statement. It was shop owners who had to come up with a program to try to make customers feel welcome. We had to do so after the reasons given us by tourists for not returning was Havasu's reputation. Desertrat is welcome to hisopinion but it is not helping correct the situation nor is it correct in my opinion. "

IWasThinking wrote on Oct 17, 2008 7:17 AM:

" Maybe we should get the cops to bring the Tasers to City Council meetings... to help with their new Code of Conduct... "

ps wrote on Oct 17, 2008 3:31 AM:

" ps rat. Why do always insist that those who want bad cops gone should move? Why not get the bad cops gone? Isn't wanting good people on the police force a good thing? Unless you have a more personal reason to desire bad cops here and people willing to state a problem exist should go? "

still cant refute fact. wrote on Oct 17, 2008 3:22 AM:

" notice cindy mr rat cannot dispute facts. Some, like rat, seem to prefer to live in ignorance. I do not work the channel but I have been there enough to witness similar things. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:27 PM:

" Cindy = you are not the only one that works in the channel. Stop blaming the PD for bad business. Again, perhaps it is your business/product/service.

I hear San Diego is a nice beach community. Perhaps your biz would do better there? "

Cindy wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:30 PM:

" Desserrat what proof do you have that people are doing that in the channel? I work in the channel in the summer and have never seen it. I have have witnessed the police storm a boat in mass and tackle a kid who was hold a can of coke in a "budwiser" can cooler. You have the word of the agency that was recently found liable in a civil suit, and whose cases are confirmed by a man reprimanded for being unfair prosecuted by a department headed by a suspended attorney. "

headline wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:44 PM:

" TO IMAMOUSE ::::go get a life, dont you have anything better to do than to sit on your comp and nitpick everything? "

LIFEGOESON wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:28 PM:

" SASSY: I understand what your saying. Sorry if I seemed to misunderstand. Most of the public don't realize the jails don't have 24/7 nursing staff. No harm. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:03 PM:

" Double standard? So drug usage is wrong, but getting falling down drunk, beligierent, naked and assaulting people in the channel is fine because they are tourists? That is what is wrong with the perception of this town. Good times can be had without being sloppy, nasty drunk. Last year there was at least one stabbing in the sandbar, a rape in the channel and a brutal assault in a bar. Good times for all! "

The Big Apple wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:35 AM:

" If this had been in N.Y. they would not have to worry about "chest pain" because they would be dead. Chances are it would never have made the papers either. Thus, no cost to the taxpapers! Gotta love the big city! "Start spreading the news".. "

Had it with Havasu wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:30 AM:

" Havasu has a huge problem with drug traffic. We also have a substantial gang problem. The two are related. Very little has been done to curb the illicit drug trade and manufacture. Cut out the drugs and you will remove the fertile ground for the gangs.

How is that related to this article?

The claim is that our officers were observant enough to notice two guys acting suspiciously in front of BJ's and a review of their vehicle plates represented that the vehicle was stolen. The response was to wait for the now criminal suspects to return and detain them.

We need stories like this to well written and presented. We need to help our community understand that illicit drug use at any level hurts the entire community.

I have no doubt that the two who were arrested were up to no good. This is one example of the PD taking a step in the right direction and in the direction law enforcement in a community like Lake Havasu City needs to be headed.

One instance. I want to read a story like this rather than one about 6 cops taking down a girl in the channel for momentary indiscretion. Don't criminalize tourists. Catch criminals and everyone is happy.

Did tell you the story about getting a fight with four lewd drunk guys in the channel. As they were getting their buts kicked, they said, "Stop, stop, we're police officers".

The point I'm making is that cops are real people too. I don't think it the norm for them to loiter and drive cars reported as stolen or manufacture and sell methamphetamine but they absolutely party like and with the tourists.

Let's give up the double standard and get on with fixing our community. "

A Calif felon goes back to Calif - Good Job LHCPD wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:13 AM:

" GOOD JOB - our LHCPD are the best! "

MN wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:38 AM:

" headline-with the crisis that our country is in, you are going to find fault in one word? "with" and "by"? There are times that one word would mean something entirely differant, but this isn't one of those times. You knew what was meant, didn't you? The LHPD do good a good job of protecting us! I have been here since 1985 and have never had a run in with them. If you are law abiding, you have no need to worry! If you break the law, you deserve a ticket! "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:37 AM:

" who misdirected? This article is what it is. Has nothing to do with 'legal visitors.' Another attempt to use every article to bash our community. "

imamouse wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:27 AM:

" to HEADLINE: go get a life, dont you have anything better to do than to sit on your comp and nitpick everything? BY, WITH whatever, who cares?? "

Jim wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:22 AM:

" To talk about facts, and stress still"" get off your bandwagon, take your complaints if any to the Chief, we are all sick and tired of hearing about your wimpy complaints. While you're out going to talk to the Chief, pick up a life. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 16, 2008 6:13 AM:

" Cindy complains because she says her business in the channell suffers because of the PD. Others who have businesses there beg to differ. End of story. Placing blame will not solve problems. "

sassy wrote on Oct 16, 2008 5:44 AM:

" Lifegoeson, I didn't mean anything negative towards the police. I'm not sure how LHC works but the ER charge has been the basis of cite and releases here in Riverside County. Riverside County has a inpatient facility at the County hospital so the availability of care is not an issue. I was just trying to point out that the criminals know the system and will attempt to do anything to beat it all at the taxpayers expense. "

peter p wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:28 AM:

" I am uk citizien and live in London. I have had great holiday recently on Lake Havasu. However do NOT go easy on crime - w ehave too much liberalims here in UK and our cops are - I'm afraid to ay - useless against this kind of crime. Which means we live having to defend ourselves. Though if we DO we get nabbed! Keep tasering the scum. And do NOT make your gaols nice and comfy like ours! "

headline wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:49 PM:

" shot "BY" taser.... shouldn't that have been shot "WITH" taser.....i thought these media people went to college.. guess it's the same people who say shot by a gun , instead of shot with a gun. "

Good law enforcement wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:01 PM:

" Good job to the Lake Havasu City Police Department. It's nice to hear them finally getting credit. Good job and thanks for everything you do for the community. I can only imagine what it's like to constantly be judged by people who don't have a clue what police deal with. Thanks again. "

joe59 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:47 PM:

" Having been the recent victim of a residential burglary in Lake Havasu City, I have no sympathy for the scum of the earth crooks that prey on those of us who worked hard to get what we wanted. I congratulate the hard work the Lake Havasu City Police officers do everyday. I understand there will always be people who question everything officers do in the performance of their duties, and that is to be expected. But for some of these whiners and complainers who criticize, but provide no substance to their allegations, I tell them, "Get a Life!!"

Great job LHCPD!!!! "

Max wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:26 PM:

" I have been coming to LHC for several years and finally moved here. I have always found the police here to be courteous and professional. Now they are protecting me, so they deserve and have my cooperation and respect. Druggies, thieves, and lowlife lawbreaking scumbags don't have any place here. Keep up the good work LHCPD! "

mynameismud wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:41 PM:

" way2 go,two less creeps on the streets! "

facts still again you wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:33 PM:

" nobody said " those guys" were legal. But it was a great attempt to misdirect. Sorry DesertRat, as Cindy has aptly demonstrated, the facts are against you. It seems that every day we get more proof that Cindy was right and DessertRat is wrong.
Let's get a reality check and admit the problem so we can fix it and get our visitors back.
This article is proof that dog bites man. No news. "

Wisewon wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:52 PM:

" Any wonder why the criminals and their liberal weenie allies complain about Tasers all the time. Tasers allow control over the uncontrolable and send our Officers home safe at the end of their work day. "

lifegoeson wrote on Oct 15, 2008 4:10 PM:

" Good job LHC PD sad to say in this time of unsteadyness out country is going thru people like this will find their way to any town and cause trouble. Thanks officers for doing a great job.

Sorry Sassy when they do cite and release those with extensive medical problems it't not so the city/county doen't pay the er bill. Not every jail has a 24/7 nursing staff that can manage ones extensive medical treatment such as medicatons the must be given out every so many hours. Alot of times the agency I work for does the same thng due to the medical condition which is checked out at the er so it's found to be true is not able to be maintained at a jail. "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:07 PM:

" Legal visitors? These guys were in a stolen car! Read the article again. Imagine how much money was saved by arresting these thieves! "

talk about stress wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:10 PM:

" imagine how much the false arrests are costing us when police go after unwitting and perfectly legal visitors! "

MN wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:21 AM:

" GOOD JOB LHPD- Remember the druggie woman who cried she was having a heart attack?? Must be a known code amoungst people doing illegal things!! They cost us taxpayers PLENTY-JUST ANOTHER BURDEN ON THE ONES WHO WORK AND ACTUALLY PAY OUR BILLS AND TAXES!! "

Max wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:19 AM:

" Good job, guys in blue! This is one of the reasons I recently moved here...you guys keep the rifraff on the run. thank you! "

Desertrat wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Yes. There are our public servants (PD and FD) out there working for our community. Can't say that about the whiners/complainers/naysayers who sit on their computers and spew negativity and pass judgement. They can't hold a candle to these professionals. Way to go guys in blue! "

sassy wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:58 AM:

" It seems like it's a known fact amongst criminals, cry chest pain. They then get taken to the ER, which is another bill for the taxpayers. Depending on the crime, I've seen cops actually release the guy so that the county or city is not responsible for the ER bill. "

steve wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:47 AM:

" "Lake Havasu City Police subdued a fleeing suspect." Sound much better than "Fugitive flees from cops, shot by Taser downtown." These guys deserve our respect, lets give it to them.z "

bob calif wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:41 AM:

" Tasers are a very cool weapon! You don't even have to beat people as much when you use one of them "

Havaguy wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:54 AM:

" Saw it all go down. Quite Fast I must say. "

Woot wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:15 AM:

" Go LHCPD!! Good Job!! "

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