Melvindale

By ANDREA POTEET Sunday Times Newspapers MELVINDALE– Police officer training here just got a little more high tech. A new, state-of-the-art gun range was installed at the Police Department last month, Police Chief Rick Cadez said. The new gun range features updates including computer-controlled moving targets. “They shoot and the targets turn, they go away from the officers and come toward them,” Cadez said. “It allows them to create scenarios that the other range couldn’t do.” The old gun range was … [Read more...] about New gun range installed in police department

Helping Santa in the fire safety house are Little Miss Melvindale Ava Hardin (left), a 7-year-old at Allendale Elementary School and Alyssa Martin (right) a 9-year-old at Chapman Elementary in Rockwood (granddaughter of Mayor Valerie Cadez and Police Chief Rick Cadez) following the city of Melvindale’s annual tree lighting Dec. 5. … [Read more...] about Santa’s little helpers

By ANDREA POTEET Sunday Times Newspapers MELVINDALE — Police are investigating a suspected arson that occurred last weekend. At 3 a.m. Sunday, firefighters responded to the blaze at a house in the 19100 block of Harman. Police Chief Rick Cadez said no one was harmed in the blaze. The family — a mother, father and two children, were not in the house at the time. “It definitely appears to be arson,” Cadez said. “There was no one home at the time. We are in the process of investigating what possibly happened.” Fire … [Read more...] about Arson suspected in house fire

By ANDREA POTEET Sunday Times Newspapers MELVINDALE — A 17-year-old male awaits sentencing on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in the rape of a 14-year-old girl. Trevon Hampton, of Detroit, pleaded guilty Nov 22 before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Margie Braxton and will be sentenced Jan 5., Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Maria Miller confirmed Thursday. The felony charge carries a possible sentence of 15 years. Hampton was charged along with two juveniles after an Oct. 3 post-homecoming party at … [Read more...] about Suspect pleads guilty in homecoming rape case

By ANDREA POTEET Sunday Times Newspapers MELVINDALE —The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that plea deals are being negotiated for two 16-year-olds accused along with a 17-year old of raping a 14-year old girl. A docket conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 22 for 17-year-old Trevon Hampton following an arraignment at Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Margie Braxton last Monday. Detroit resident Hampton is charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual … [Read more...] about Plea deals possible for local juveniles

By ANDREA POTEET Sunday Times Newspapers MELVINDALE — A 50-year-old resident was arrested after allegedly attempting to rob several women in a vehicle parked outside the Crossroads Bar, 24704 Oakwood, shortly after 1 a.m. last Sunday. Clyde Peterson allegedly approached the vehicle asking for change, then stuck a piece of wood inside a backseat passenger door of the vehicle, preventing the occupant from closing it. He then demanded her purse and said if she did not comply, he would kill everyone in the car. Peterson allegedly … [Read more...] about Man arrested after attempted robbery

By ANDREA POTEET Sunday Times Newspapers MELVINDALE — A Public Safety Commission member has resigned from his position in the wake of a state police investigation stemming from allegations that he solicited a prostitute. A .45-caliber pistol registered to Jerry King, 70, was found in a homemade hidden compartment of a purse belonging to Detroit resident Kelli Dawn Maczala, 46, after Melvindale police arrested her in the 17400 block of Dix on Oct. 27 after she offered an undercover officer money for sex. King, a commission … [Read more...] about Safety commissioner resigns amid solicitation allegations

By CHRIS JACKETT Sunday Times Newspapers MELVINDALE – A preliminary examination of the evidence against Trevon Hampton originally scheduled for Monday was pushed back to tomorrow, but other witnesses have testified about their account of the night. Detroit resident and Melvindale High School student Hampton, 17, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct – a 15-year felony – with a drunken 14-year-old Melvindale High girl early Oct. 3 at a homecoming dance after-party at Comfort Inn & Suites, 17600 Dix. Hampton’s … [Read more...] about Teens testify about alleged rape