Both traffic stops and cases for the Lowell Police Department were up in March compared to February, but there were no serious crimes to note, according to Police Chief Chris Hurst.
However, there were some tense moments in the Key Vista community this morning. Before we get to the March numbers, here’s a press release provided by the Lowell Police Department regarding this morning’s events:
On Thursday, April 20, 2023 (at) approximately 0630 hrs, Lowell officers were called to the Key Vista Trailer Park on report of an adult female brandishing a shotgun. Upon officers arrival the subject female had returned to her home and an empty shotgun was recovered in the area.
Deputies from the Kent County Sheriff Department arrived to assist Lowell Police Department. Lowell officers had contact with the family and learned of a history of mental health issues. For several hours, attempts were made to contact the subject female without success, although officers were reporting noise and movement within the home.
Officers decided to de-escalate the situation and remove personnel from the scene. Lowell officers and family made contact with the subject female in the home. The subject was taken into protective custody and turned over to paramedics to be transported to (a) local emergency room for evaluation and treatment.
No officers or civilians were injured. There is no ongoing threat to the public.
As for March, the Lowell Police Department had 217 case reports filed for the month, including the following:
- 37 assists to other agencies
- 31 pistol permits and sales
- 24 general and motorist assists
- 16 traffic accidents
- 15 suspicious situations
- 5 disorderly conduct
- 5 stalking/harassment
- 3 non-aggravated assaults
- 1 malicious destruction of property
- 1 breaking and entering
Lowell officers also made 64 traffic stops that resulted in 6 citations.
March Cases
Traffic accidents were the category with the biggest uptick in cases from February to March. Most were fender benders, and Hurst notes that April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month. The department has posted a banner on one corner of the Hudson and Main Street intersection to remind people not to look at their phone while trying to drive.
Other cases included a stalking complaint that involved two people who were previously in a relationship. One person was concerned the other person was following them. Lowell police officers investigated and turned the case over to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office. However, after review, the prosecutor declined to press charges.
Officers also received a malicious destruction of property complaint from an area church that said their sign had been damaged on several occasions.
Other Updates from the Lowell Police Department
In department news, officers have been trained on the use of the BolaWrap, a remote restraint device. Officer Mike Stephens has taken a basic investigator class, and Officer Ian Shears is slated to go to firearm instructor school.
Meanwhile, Officer Jesalyn Heard moved to a part-time schedule, which is more conducive to meeting her family obligations, and Officer Bryan Rader was made a full-time officer. At the last Lowell City Council meeting, Detective Aubrey Culver was honored with a Distinguished Service Award for her exemplary work since moving into that role.
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