South Bend Police Department Press Release

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For all motorists who will be traveling the streets of South Bend on Monday, March 24, 2008, the SBPD urges the use of caution and patience as several South Bend streets will be effected by traffic delays and restrictions during the Dyngus Day and Solidarity Day observance.

With the arrival of Former President Clinton at approximately 11:30 AM, the area(s) on and around Western Avenue from the 600-2400 blocks and the associated residential areas surrounding the West Side Democratic Club, and Elks Lodge #298, will be very congested and significant traffic delays can be expected. Depending on traffic volume, some streets may be closed to through traffic to facilitate motorcades or public gatherings.

Individuals who are visiting the above venues are asked to respect traffic and parking restrictions and use common sense when choosing a parking location. It is important that private driveway access and fire lanes are maintained and the police department will be enforcing these restrictions.

Also, it is important that individuals celebrating do so responsibly. There are always many pedestrians in the area of the celebration sites, and all motorists are urged to use caution, drive slowly and be aware foot traffic.

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At 9:08 AM, this date, the SBPD Communications Center received a call of a robbery to the Community Wide Credit Union branch, located at 1555 W. Western Avenue in the City.

Officers were told that a single suspect entered the branch, approached a teller and delivered a note that demanded cash as well as made reference to a weapon, although none was displayed.

After obtaining a sum of currency, the suspect exited the credit union and ran in a southwest direction, across Western Ave. into the residential area. A thorough search was conducted, however the suspect was not located. The accompanying photos show the suspect leaving the bank. Anyone who can identify this suspect is asked to call the SBPD at 574.235.9201, or Crime Stoppers at 574.288.STOP.

No one was injured during the robbery. The suspect is described as:

Male, Black, approximately 5'-08"; Thin build, with a light complexion;
Wearing: Dark pants, Black hooded sweatshirt, White t-shirt underneath;
A blue baseball cap with white pinstripes and possibly a white bandana
under the cap.

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There was a serious injury hit-and-run collision that involved two elderly men that were struck by a pick-up truck at the intersection of LaSalle and Michigan Streets at 8:49 PM on Thursday, February 28th, 2008.

At this time, there have been no new leads on the case, although the two men remain hospitalized with an assortment on fractures, lacerations and contusions. The victims are age 70 and 77, both from South Bend.

The suspect vehicle was described as possibly a light green, Ford F150 pick-up with a light color stripe on the side. The vehicle will have front end damage, with at least one headlight broken out. Vehicle was last seen heading westbound on LaSalle.

Any person with information on this case is asked to call the SBPD Hit & Run office at 574-235-9306 or Crime Stoppers at 288-STOP.