MNPD tips for a Safe Halloween

The Metro Nashville Police Department has released the following information to help residents stay safe while trick-or-treating tonight:

Police officers will be on Halloween alert in neighborhoods throughout Nashville this evening and will take very seriously any attempts to scare citizens by giving children harmful candy items or by committing any type of disruptive behavior.

The police department urges motorists to drive very carefully through residential areas on the way home today, as many trick-or-treaters will already have started their rounds. Parents are urged to closely monitor their children’s trick-or-treat activities and to keep in mind these safety recommendations:

• Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights.
• Persons should give, and children should accept, only wrapped or packaged candy.
• Children should bring their treats home for adult inspection before the candy is eaten.
• Children should wear light-colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping. Reflective tape should be added.
• Make sure children can see well enough through their face masks. Consider make-up or face paint as an alternative.
• Keep costumed children away from pets, particularly dogs. The pet may not recognize the child, become frightened, and react in a vicious manner.
• Choose costumes that are flame retardant, and use props, such as magic wands and swords made out of foam rubber or cardboard, rather than metal or wood.

MNPD seeks car in Spudz murder investigation

From the Metro Nashville Police Department:

West Precinct detectives investigating last Wednesday’s murder of Spudz restaurant owner Eric Brown at 5908 Charlotte Pike are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a car the killer may have used to flee the scene.

Surveillance video shows a large gray or light blue car leaving the area behind Spudz moments after Brown fled the restaurant and collapsed from a gunshot wound. Diligent efforts by undercover officers and others to locate the car over the past five days have proven unsuccessful.

The vehicle is believed to be a 1980s model General Motors product, perhaps a Buick or a Pontiac. It is believed to have been occupied by at least two persons.

Brown, 36, was shot at approximately 4 p.m. last Wednesday and ran outside through the rear door of his baked potato eatery. Robbery is considered a possible motive, although other motives have not been ruled out.

Anyone seeing the car depicted in the surveillance pictures, or anyone knowing a person who drives a car matching the vehicle’s description, is urged to contact the Emergency Communications Center at 862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.

MNPD makes arrest in Bellacino’s murder case

The Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting that it has apprehended its primary suspect in the murders committed at the White Bridge Road Bellacino’s Friday night:

Accused double murderer Jason Bobo was taken into custody a short time ago at 2546 Highland Trace Drive by members of the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force and SWAT members assigned to the Special Response Team. Bobo was found hiding in an attic.

MNPD makes arrest in Bellacino’s murder case

The Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting that it has apprehended its primary suspect in the murders committed at the White Bridge Road Bellacino’s Friday night:

Accused double murderer Jason Bobo was taken into custody a short time ago at 2546 Highland Trace Drive by members of the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force and SWAT members assigned to the Special Response Team. Bobo was found hiding in an attic.

Tips for a safe Halloween

The Metro Nashville Codes Department prepared the following Halloween safety information and tips that may be useful for trick-or-treaters and their parents on Wednesday night:

With Halloween, we know there will be many little ghouls and goblins on our streets gathering candy and treats in all Nashville neighborhoods.

Here is a safety checklist which you can share with your children and grandchildren. In fact, make them a copy and figure out a
game which will help them remember each tip:

• Have grown-ups make sure your costume is fire-safe (there should be a flameresistant or flame-retardant label on store bought
costumes, wigs and props (such as magic wands, hats, and tails…).

• Be careful if your costume has baggy sleeves or a cape, they could easily catch on fire if you brush against a candle or jack-olantern.

• Be on the look out and stay away from open flames (like candles and jack-o-lanterns).

• If your clothes catch fire, make sure to stop, drop, and roll over and over to put the fire out. It’s always a good idea to practice!

• Make your costume nice and bright so drivers can see you — use retro reflective tape (when light hits the tape it bounces back), use a glow stick or carry a flashlight.

• Follow the rules of the road. When crossing the street, stop at the curb or edge of the road. Look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before crossing. Kids 10 years old and younger should cross the street with a grown-up.

• Make sure a grown-up goes with you when trickor-treating.

• Lastly, have grow-ups check your candy before you eat it (and don’t forget to brush your teeth afterwards)!

Vandalism on Wyoming Avenue last Saturday

A neighbor on Wyoming Avenue between 43rd and 44th Avenues had her home vandalized by an “aluminum foil bomb” this past Saturday night. Here’s a report from another neighbor about the incident:

From what remains of the incident, it looks to have been two (2) bombs … one was placed in her mailbox which was destroyed, and the other was placed or thrown on her covered front porch in front of her storm door. The second bomb exploded but did little damage except to splatter its contents and cause the floor paint to bubble up. The police were indeed called and evidence was gathered…the act was classified as a “random” act.

My greatest concern is that had the second bomb been placed differently on her front porch, a fire might have resulted…after all, as the instructions state below, this bomb can make an excellent flamethrower!

Since this type of bomb is described as being slow acting, it is my opinion that the two young white males she saw standing in the middle of the intersection at 44th & Wyoming immediately after the incident came down were there simply waiting to observe the results of their handiwork … of course, they disappeared immediately.

My petition to you … is that you encourage an increased patrol car presence in Sylvan Park by the West Precinct Police, as well as a heightened awareness of Sylvan Park residents as to suspicous individuals and activities and how they can be more proactive in reporting these things … Please note that this happened in THE EARLY EVENING…NOT at 3AM in the wee hours of the morning when such things would be expected to happen!

Please note that the homeowner called the police in response to the incident. This is a familiar refrain, but it is vital to let the police know when this kind of activity takes place. It does make a difference in helping MNPD keep our neighborhood safe. Call (615) 862-8600 to make a report about activity you witness.

MNPD looking for White Bridge Road double murder suspect

The Metro Nashville Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for the suspect (above) in a terrible double murder committed Friday night in West Nashville:

West Precinct detectives this afternoon obtained two arrest warrants charging criminal homicide against Jason S. Bobo for executing two employees of Bellacino’s Pizza on White Bridge Road at 10 p.m. Friday night.

Bobo, 21, a former employee of Bellacino’s who was fired in May, has been identified as the shooter by witnesses. Surveillance video from the restaurant assisted in the identification of Bobo.

The investigation at present indicates that at least two other persons were involved. Charges against them are anticipated in the coming days.

Chris Caris, 33, of Hermitage, one of Bellacino’s managers, was shot in the back of the head in the restaurant’s office during Friday night’s robbery. Joshua Cole, 18, of West Nashville, an employee, was shot in the back of the head seconds after Caris was murdered. Cole was lying face down on the kitchen floor.

Bobo, who lists an address of Sylvan Hills in Memphis, is known to frequent the area of 28th Avenue North and Jefferson Street. Anyone seeing him or knowing his whereabouts is urged to immediately contact the Emergency Communications Center at 862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at (615) 74-CRIME []. Authorities in Memphis are also on the lookout for Bobo tonight.

MNPD makes arrests at 37th and Charlotte

The Metro Nashville Police Department made several arrests in Sylvan Heights this week:

Undercover detectives assigned to the department’s six precincts this week charged 105 persons with mostly drug and prostitution offenses as the result of investigations in various Nashville neighborhoods.

West Precinct detectives charged 23 persons as the result of investigations on 14th and 37th Avenues North at Charlotte Avenue, the 1800 block of Jefferson Street, the 800 block of Lena Street, and Harding Place near I-65 South. Seized were 23.5 ounces of cocaine, 43 pounds of marijuana, three ounces of mushrooms, and eight Lortab pills …

Persons suspecting drug activity in their neighborhoods are urged to call the police department’s(615) 244-DOPE [3673] hotline. Callers to the hotline can remain anonymous.

Reminder: Richland Creek Cleanup Saturday (Oct. 27)

Richland Creek Greenway TrailWatch volunteers are collaborating with the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance to host a creek and greenway cleanup day on Saturday, October 27, from 8 to 11 a.m. Greenways for Nashville is sponsoring the event. Rumor has it that Starbucks may also provide coffee and other refreshments.

Everyone is welcome to attend and pitch in to help keep the creek and the greenway beautiful. Volunteers are asked to gather at the greenway pedestrian bridge that is closest to the railroad and McCabe Golf Course. The group will proceed northward (downstream) as it works. Bags, gloves and water will be provided.

Organizers for the group request that all volunteers use caution during the cleanup and keep in mind that they are invited to participate at their own individual risk. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Volunteers who plan to clean up in or near the creek itself may want to consider wearing boots or waders. [Image: Rex Hammock]

Fall classes available at LeQuire Gallery

LeQuire Gallery and Studio (4304 Charlotte Avenue) is offering two opportunities to learn from master artists over the next several weeks. Renowned painter Lori Putnam (above, working in Italy) will teach a six-week course on oil painting on Wednesday nights, and gallery namesake Alan LeQuire is continuing his open studio sessions on Thursday evenings. LeQuire’s sessions are focused on sculpting, but participants are welcome to paint or draw if they prefer. Here’s more information from LeQuire:

Oil Painting: Inside and Out with Lori Putnam
October 31- December 12 (excluding week of Thanksgiving)
Wednesdays
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
$275 for 6 weeks

This six-week course is open to anyone interested in building a strong foundation for painting in oil. The course is intended for artists who are ready to improve on painting techniques, color and compostion. An “open studio” format allows each artist to concentrate on personal growth and focus on specific strengths and weaknesses. Students will be encouraged to move at their own pace. The class will offer plenty of time for both group and individual instruction. Subject matter will be mostly still lifes, but there will also be an opportunity to work on landscapes painted from previous studies. A list of required supplies is available at LeQuire Gallery. A $75 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve space, and the remaining balance is due the first day of class.

Open Studio with Alan LeQuire
continues through November 15th
Thursdays, 5:30pm – 8:30 pm
No Registration Required.
$25 per session

This class focuses on sculpting, but students are welcome to paint or draw. A model changes poses every other week. Materials are provided for students sculpting. Students painting or drawing should bring their own supplies. For more information about either of these sessions or about LeQuire Gallery, please call (615) 298-4611 or send an e-mail to ecave[at]lequiregallery.com.