Gateway Arch |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-current. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
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Tuesday, January 16, 1990 On November 9th, a park ranger arrested a 27-year-old St. Louis man on a misdemeanor warrant that had been issued by the St. Louis Police Department. The man also matched the description of a subject wanted for a bank robbery that had occurred just two blocks from the park; although that information was passed on to the local police department, they failed to conduct any follow-up and the man was released. On January 9th, another ranger observed a man acting in a suspicious manner in the park. When other rangers arrived at the scene, they were able to identify him as the man in question. A subsequent check revealed that there was an outstanding warrant on him which had been issued by the FBI for the November bank robbery. He was taken into custody without incident and turned over to the FBI. (Deryl Stone, CR, JNEM, via CompuServe message from Capt. J.J. McLaughlin, RAD/MWRO).
At 10:30 p.m. on the night of the 3rd, a ranger saw a man staggering across the parking lot at the Arch and went to his assistance. Several people whom he passed as he walked out of the lot told the ranger that he had a large knife in his back pocket. As the ranger arrived, he collapsed and fell to the ground. She found that his pants were covered with blood and that he had a deep cut on one of his wrists. St. Louis PD officers soon arrived and transported the man, identified as 65-year-old S.G. of Creve Coeur, Missouri, to the hospital. During the subsequent investigation, it was learned that S.G. had just murdered his wife at a country club with the knife he was still carrying, and that he had attempted to take his life with the same knife. (Joel Wright, JEFF, via (CompuServe message from Capt. J.J. McLaughlin, RAD/MWRO, 6/5).
The Tenth Annual Veiled Prophet Fair, which is billed as the nation's largest Fourth of July celebration, was held on park grounds from June 30th to July 4th. One North Atlantic Region and three Midwest Region special events teams assisted the park staff in providing security and assistance to the nearly three million visitors who attended the four-day festival. The park issued special use permits to the City of St. Louis, the Veiled Prophet organization, and seven organizations that conducted "First Amendment" demonstrations or petition gatherings; ten other groups or individuals were removed from the park's grounds for undertaking similar activities without permits. Twelve arrests were made and over 50 citations were issued, but no major crimes were reported or investigated. Rangers also provided information or interpretation to an estimated 30,000 people during the event. The temperature on the Fourth reached 102 degrees, a new all-time high for the date, and the humidity was around 65%. Heat-related illnesses among visitors were therefore extensive. (Beryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via CompuServe message from RAD/MWRO, 7/6).
At 3:30 a.m. on August 30th, ranger John Tesar was on foot patrol in the parking garage when he saw a vehicle being driven erratically and going in the wrong direction. After stopping the vehicle, he saw that the driver appeared to be intoxicated and ordered her to shut off the engine. The driver, G.K., 21, of Cahokia, Illinois, cursed at him and attempted to leave. Tesar reached through the open window and turned the engine off, at which time G.K. began striking him in the face with her fists. Tesar removed her from the vehicle and handcuffed her, but not before she kicked him several times. Since the park's patrol vehicle, which has a cage, was down for maintenance, G.K. was placed in a government van. At this time, the passenger in the vehicle, 24-year-old M.L., also of Cahokia, grabbed G.K.'s purse and attempted to leave the area. She was stopped and detained by another ranger who had arrived to assist Tesar. While the rangers were talking to M.L., G.K. slipped her handcuffs underneath her, got out of the van and attempted to escape, but was caught and returned to the van. When Tesar then attempted to retrieve G.K.'s purse from M.L., M.L. began cursing him, pulled out her key chain, and attacked Tesar. Tesar did not realize that there was a self-defense device with spikes on it on the key chain until she began slashing him. He was eventually able to subdue her, but not before he'd received several contusions, abrasions and puncture wounds. He was wearing his protective vest at the time, though, and did not require medical treatment. Both suspects were taken to the St. Louis city jail and appeared before the U.S. Magistrate. G.K. was charged with disorderly conduct, interference, DWI and numerous traffic violations; M.L. was charged with assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct and interference. G.K. was released on her own recognizance, but M.L. is being held in jail on a $10,000 bond. Anyone interested in photos of the weapon used by M.L. should contact either Chief Ranger Deryl Stone or Criminal Investigator Joel Wright at FTS 279-4468 or 314-425-4468. (Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via CompuServe message from Capt. J.J. McLaughlin, RAD/MWRO, 8/31).
Six rangers from the park joined officers from eleven other state and county agencies early this week in Operation Cash Crop. During this day-long operation, nine farms were raided and 27,000 marijuana plants were cut, stacked and burned. DEA agents estimated the street value of the marijuana at $27 million. The seizure was the largest ever in eastern Missouri. (CompuServe message from Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 9/11).
We have instituted this section in the morning report in order to keep you posted on security advisories and incidents associated with the war in the Mideast and will maintain it as long as circumstances warrant. Contact Major Jack Schamp with any relevant information. Jefferson National Expansion - Rangers have increased security and have installed magnetometers loaned by the US Park Police.
The following information was excerpted from reports which were submitted by J.J. McLaughlin (RAD/MWRO) and Jim Reilly (RAD/RMRO). Our policy is and will be to provide you with general information on Middle East-related activities in the parks, but to exclude any confidential details from reports received from the field. * Jefferson National Expansion installed a magnetometer in the Arch on January 21st. The magnetometer is currently on loan from the Park Police, but the park is planning to purchase several for use as long as circumstances dictate. Patrols have also been augmented. Please advise us through your regional offices of all threats received, permits issued for demonstrations, and demonstrations or incidents that occur which are related to the war in the Gulf. Reports should be submitted as soon as possible; there is a high degree of interest in such activities in the Department and among other governmental agencies. Call Major Schamp at FTS 268-4209 (202-208-4209).
Jefferson National Expansion (Missouri) - The have been five unscheduled demonstrations held on park grounds in recent weeks four were opposed to the war, one was in support of our troops. All groups were told they would be required to obtain permits; they were requested to leave, and in all cases departed without incident. There were no more than 200 people in any of the groups. The magnetometer which was installed last month has been working well. A switchblade knife was detected on one individual, and there have been seven incidents in which illegal drugs have been discovered during related searches. [CompuServe message from J.J. McLaughlin, RAD/MWRO, 2/13]
Just after 11:00 p.m. on the 22nd, a group of eight males robbed two visitors of $5.00 at gunpoint on the North Staircase. The men fled the area on foot and were pursued by rangers. St. Louis police soon joined in the chase. Following a twelve block pursuit, the rangers and police officers were able to catch and arrest seven of the eight men. The first man arrested by the rangers possessed the loaded .38 caliber revolver used in the robbery. The revolver contained two spent cartridges, which police suspect may be linked to a driveby shooting. Police obtained a written confession from the man with the gun. The case is being jointly investigated by rangers and police, but the park has asked the city to prosecute the case because several of the suspects are juveniles. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via telefax from Tom Thompson, RAD/MWRO, 6/24].
Early on the morning of the 22nd, St. Louis police officers cleared the boulevard between the park and the Mississippi River of numerous groups of rowdy youths. As one group left the area through the park, they broke six aluminum light poles. Damage is estimated at about $2,000. Additional rangers and police were on duty in the area the following night. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via telefax from Tom Thompson, RAD/MWRO, 6/24].
Three cars of a 77-car Union Pacific train derailed 100 feet above the street on an overhead approach to the Mississippi River less than 100 yards south of the park shortly before noon on July 1st. One of the derailed cars was an empty propane tanker which still contained from one to three percent propane an extremely explosive mixture. Three cars, each filled with 16,000 gallons of nitric acid, remained on the track just ahead of the derailed cars. The St. Louis fire department ordered the evacuation of the Arch grounds and surrounding areas, including all barge and boat traffic on the river, all traffic on I-70, and many city streets. The incident command system was put into place and all visitors and nonessential employees were evacuated from the Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion and the grounds. Despite the 98 degree temperature, an estimated 7,000 people were evacuated without incident in about 20 minutes. The park remained closed for about two and a half hours. Once the hazard was mitigated, visitors were allowed to return. The success of the evacuation was attributed to planning and annual drills. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via CompuServe message from Tom Thompson, RAD/MWRO, 7/2]
A couple who had just left a river boat and were walking to the parking garage were confronted and robbed by two men on July 11th. One of the men produced a sawed-off shotgun from a tote bag and threatened to kill both the man and the woman unless they gave him all their money. The suspects then fled on foot with over $700 in cash and the couple's credit cards, drivers licenses and other items. Rangers and St. Louis police officers were notified. A joint search of the grounds and surrounding area was conducted without results. The case is still under investigation by both agencies. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via CompuServe message from Tom Thompson, RAD/MWRO, 7/11]
On August 1st, ranger Chris Cessna stopped a motor vehicle with three occupants in it when he observed open containers of alcohol. A computer check showed that the operator was driving on a revoked permit and that one of the passengers was wanted on a felony weapons charge. A consent search led to the discovery of $2,400 worth of marijuana, $700 work of methamphetamines and $400 in cash in large bills. The vehicle had license plates from another vehicle on it, and a check showed that the car was stolen. The three occupants were arrested for grand theft auto and for possession of dangerous drugs and controlled substances with the intent to distribute. The U.S. Attorney's Office authorized use of the state court system since one of the trio had just finished five years' probation for a similar charge. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via CompuServe message from Tom Thompson, RAD/MWRO, 8/2]
Ranger John Sherman saw a man soliciting park visitors from money on August 1st. He ran an NCIC computer check on him and found that the man was an escapee from a local state minimum security center, where he was serving a 14-year sentence for first degree robbery with a deadly weapon. Although he had a history of being armed and physically violent, the arrest on an outstanding state warrant was made without incident. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via CompuServe message from Tom Thompson, RAD/MWRO, 8/2]
The Veiled Prophet Fair, normally held over the Fourth of July weekend, will be held over the Labor Day weekend this year. Four SET teams three from Midwest and one from MidAtlantic and US Park Police officers will be assisting park rangers in providing crowd control and visitor safety during the weekend. About 2.5 million people are expected over the course of the fourday event. The fair will feature fireworks, numerous air shows and concerts with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Huey Lewis and the News, Styx, Bill Cosby, Smokey Robinson and Kenny Rogers. [Telefax from Tom Thompson, RAD/MWRO, 8/26]
The three-and-a-half day Veiled Prophet Fair attracted over 1.5 million visitors this year. No major law enforcement incidents were reported during the weekend. One person was struck by lightning, but suffered only minor injuries and refused medical attention. Due to severe thunderstorms, the fair was ended at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, prior to the last air show, fireworks and stage show featuring Kenny Rogers. The fair was closed because of concerns for public safety and possible damage to park grounds. Over 40 interpretive rangers from throughout the nation provided visitors with information at the large 75th anniversary display. One Mid-Atlantic and three Midwest special events teams provided security and crowd control at the fair. [CompuServe message from Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 9/9]
Rangers found a man asleep on park grounds at 1:20 a.m. on August 28th. He was awakened and asked to provide identification. He said that he had none, but gave a name, social security number and date of birth. Local and NCIC checks showed no records for that name and number. The rangers continued questioning him and finally got his correct date of birth, social security number, and name, M.P. Checks then showed that there were outstanding warrants against M.P. for sexual battery and attempted premeditated first degree murder from Brevard County in Titusville, Florida. M.P. waived an extradition hearing and is now awaiting trial in Florida. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via CompuServe message from Tom Thompson, RAD/MWRO, 9/20]
On October 3rd, ranger Chris Cessna observed a half-smoked marijuana joint in plain view inside a parked car in the public parking lot. Cessna and ranger Todd Roeder waited for the owner to return, then stopped him when he entered the vehicle and started to leave. A search of the vehicle incident to the driver's arrest led to the discovery of a fully loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun within reach of the driver and substantial amounts of cash and cocaine. Rangers subsequently met with representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office and members of the multi-agency drug task force in the subject's home town and agreed not to press charges in return for the subject's full cooperation with the task force, including provision of in-depth information on drug activities for the next six months. The weapon was seized and will become the property of the government. The drugs will be destroyed. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, via CompuServe message from Rich Murphy, LES, RAD/MWRO, 10/3]
The Twelfth Annual Veiled Prophet Fair was held over the Fourth of July weekend on park grounds under a special use permit issued to the city of St. Louis. Park law enforcement rangers were augmented by four special event teams, and additional assistance was provided by other local law enforcement agencies. The entire operation was run under the incident command system. Thunderstorms hampered setup and delayed some evening activities on the 3rd. All EMS activities were handled by the Saint Louis Regional Medical Center. Heat-related injuries were the most common medical problem, but three fair-goers were also struck by lightning in an area adjacent to the park. All are expected to fully recover. No major law enforcement problems occurred despite the estimated two million visitors. Fair activities included daily air shows, concerts by top line groups, and nightly fireworks. An NPS exhibit area provided displays and interpretive programs from throughout the Service to an estimated 70,000 visitors. [Jim Jackson, ICS team, JEFF, 7/7]
During the 1991 Veiled Prophet Fair, rangers found M.P. sleeping on one of the park's benches during early morning hours. Upon further investigation, they learned that M.P. was wanted in Melbourne, Florida, for attempted first degree murder and sexual battery. M.P. was arrested and subsequently extradited to Florida. In June of this year, M.P. pled guilty to attempted first degree murder, sexual battery with a firearm and grand theft auto. On July 30th, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison, followed by 20 years probation upon release. The Florida state attorney has advised that M.P. will have to serve 60% of his time before he can be considered for release. [John Weddle, CI, JNEM, via MWRO, 9/10]
Just after 7 a.m. on September 14th, an unidentified man scaled the Gateway Arch by "suction cupping" up one leg and successfully base-jumped by parachuting to the ground. The jumper landed between the legs of the arch, where he was met by two individuals who had been photographing the jump; the trio then gathered their gear and headed to waiting vehicles. The jump had been observed by park staff, however, and pursuit was begun. The jumper made it to a waiting car and sped away. The other two individuals went to a vehicle at the river-front parking area, but were stopped by a park maintenance man as they attempted to leave the area. Rangers arrived immediately thereafter, took the pair into custody, and confiscated 35 mm and video equipment and a voice-activated transceiver. The jumper later called a local radio station and described his escapade. He said that he started his climb at 3:30 a.m. using eight-inch suction cups, and that it took him two and a quarter hours to reach the summit. The man also said, among other things, that he'd base-jumped the World Trade Center in New York, that he was not from St. Louis, that his girlfriend had driven the getaway vehicle and that the people photographing the jump were unknown to him and just happened to be present. Rangers discount the latter statement, since the individuals ran towards the jumper, left park grounds with him, and had the transceiver, which they apparently used to communicate with him. Suction cup marks have been found on the south leg of the arch, and two water bottles have been found on the top. One of the bottles contained some written material, which is being inspected. The jumper has contacted a local television station and offered to sell the video tape from his helmet camera for $2,000. [Daryl Stone, JEFF, 9/14]
The man who jumped from the arch on Monday has been identified through still photos which he sold to a local television station and newspaper and through an interview he gave to the television station. After seeing the newspaper and television reports, the St. Louis County police department contacted the park and informed rangers that their officers had investigated a motor vehicle accident about 12 miles from the park just after 7:30 that morning and that the jumper was the driver of the vehicle. The vehicle was a rental car, and the driver had been issued a mandatory appearance citation for county court in October. Rangers, in consultation with the U.S. attorney, have elected to cite the jumper for violation of 36 CFR 2.1 (preservation of cultural resources) and 2.17 (aircraft and air delivery). The U.S. attorney will seek arrest warrants for the individual. [Daryl Stone, CR, JNEM, 9/16]
In October of 1991, rangers arrested a Florida man for possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol, 19 grams of cocaine, and 30 grams of marijuana. The suspect later agreed to cooperate fully and become a confidential informant. Through his assistance, a joint narcotics task force in northern Florida was able to identify and apprehend his supplier and seize over two pounds of cocaine, then infiltrate a narcotics trafficking operation in the area. As a result, about a dozen grand jury petitions are awaiting indictment for individuals involved in this operation. Further apprehensions and seizures are expected. In exchange for his help, the assistant U.S. attorney has dropped all charges and closed the case against him. [J.L. Weddle, CI, JEFF, 10/27]
On December 8th, E.C.M. pled guilty in U.S. District Court to a series of charges - two counts of robbery, one count of being armed while committing a crime of violence, one count of sexual abuse, and one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon - stemming from an incident which occurred in the park last summer. Just before 2 a.m. on July 25th, E.C.M. and an accomplice stole cash and jewelry at gunpoint from a couple who had been walking near the north leg of the arch. The pair then attempted to sexually assault the female, but were interrupted by ranger Scott Carrigan. Carrigan and other on-duty rangers pursued and arrested the two men. On scene investigation conducted by the rangers resulted in the identification of the suspects by the victims and the recovery of two loaded .38 caliber handguns from the park's north reflecting pool, where they'd been discarded during the foot chase. Shortly after their arrest, E.C.M.'s accomplice committed suicide by hanging himself with his socks in the city holding facility. E.C.M. will be sentenced on March 5th. [John Weddle, CI, JNEM, 12/8]
On December 15th, J.V. pled guilty in U.S. district court to one count of climbing a national monument (36 CFR 2.1) and one count of parachuting without a permit (36 CFR 2.17) stemming from his illegal jump from the top of the arch on September 14th. Police from St. Louis County assisted rangers in identifying J.V. following the incident. Part of J.V.'s plea agreement is that he will cooperate and provide witness testimony against his two associates and co-defendants, who both conspired with and aided and abetted J.V.. J.V. also forfeited all rights to the videotape and photos of the jump, which were seized as evidence. Sentencing is set for March 12th. [John Weddle, CI, JNEM, 12/17]
Just before 7 p.m. on January 18th, a man who was walking under the freeway outside the park was chased onto park grounds by two men and robbed at gunpoint of $65 and his credit cards. The victim could not be sure if the handguns used were revolvers or semi-automatics, but he did remember that both suspects pulled the hammers back on their weapons as they demanded his money. The case is being jointly investigated by park rangers and by St. Louis police. [Deryl Stone, CR, JNEM, 1/20]
Following a routine stop of a vehicle for possession of open containers of alcohol on August 1, 1991, rangers arrested J.P.G. and an accomplice on charges of possession of just under two pounds of marijuana packaged for sale and numerous alcohol and vehicle violations. Rangers also found over $400 in cash and nine grams of a "look-alike" substance that the men apparently intended to sell as methamphetamine. J.P.G., a felony fugitive from the St. Louis County police, was later remanded to the custody of the county police department on active warrants to await state charges while the assistant U.S. attorney and park staff prepared federal charges. J.P.G. was subsequently released from custody on a court-directed order to appear for trial and was given bond on his own recognizance with restrictions. J.P.G., however, failed to appear in either county or federal court, and investigation revealed that he had fled the state. Last November, a police officer in Corvallis, Oregon, stopped J.P.G. for driving on expired tags and other vehicle violations and soon discovered the outstanding warrants against him. J.P.G. pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance (21 USC 844A) in federal court in Eugene and received a 30 day sentence and a suspended fine. Late in December, J.P.G. was extradited to Missouri, where he is currently confined. [John Weddle, CI, JNEM, 2/2]
Four visitors from Mexico parked their rental passenger van in the Old Cathedral parking lot while visiting the Arch on the afternoon of February 17th. When they returned 45 minutes later, they found that their vehicle had been broken into and that a number of personal items had been taken, including a three-quarter length mink coat (valued at $4,100), two leather and mink waist length coats ($2,100), a pair of black ostrich cowboy boots ($800), gold and silver jewelry ($4,150), and approximately $6,700 in luggage and clothing. The total loss is estimated at about $18,000. The thief or thieves apparently entered the van by forcing a crude tool between the window glass and door frame molding, then applying pressure until the glass fractured. A joint investigation is being conducted by the park's law enforcement personnel and the St. Louis police department. [John Weddle, CI, JNEM, 2/23]
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 27th, the park received a telephonic bomb threat in which the caller advised that the bomb was in a silver metal attache case and was due to go off at 6 p.m. Park law enforcement personnel decided not to close the Arch, disrupt normal daily activities, or do anything else that would alarm the public. Law enforcement and maintenance staff conducted an extensive search of the Arch and its grounds with negative results. The Arch closed at its normal time; no other unusual incidents occurred. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 3/1]
On March 18th, E.C.M. was sentenced in federal district court to ten years incarceration for robbery (18 USC 2111), sexual abuse (18 USC 2241), and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (18 USC 922(G)(1)), and another five years for being armed while committing a crime of violence (18 USC 92(C)). The latter will be followed by a term of three years' supervised release. On July 25, 1992, E.C.M. and an accomplice stole cash and jewelry at gunpoint from a couple who'd been walking on the Arch grounds. The suspects also attempted to sexually assault the female victim, but were interrupted by park law enforcement rangers. E.C.M. and his accomplice were apprehended after a short foot pursuit, during which they discarded two loaded .38 caliber handguns in the park's reflecting pool. E.C.M.'s accomplice subsequently took his own life by hanging himself while being detained in a St. Louis holding facility. [John Weddle, CI, JNEM, 3/22]
On the afternoon of March 17th, ranger Myers was patrolling park grounds when he discovered a 1984 Volkswagen van with a broken vent window. Investigation revealed that the van was registered to Canadian nationals and that personal property and U.S. currency valued at about $2,600 had been stolen from the vehicle. The property taken consisted of a Hitachi camcorder, personal clothing and effects, and about $1,500 in currency which had been left within a woman's purse. Damage to the vehicle is minor. The "crude tool" method was employed to enter the van. [John Weddle, CI, JNEM, 3/22]
On Saturday, May 22nd, ranger John Cwiklik intervened in a domestic dispute near the entrance of the Arch parking garage and subsequently arrested 33- year-old M.T. for public intoxication and failure to comply with a lawful order. While being booked into the St. Louis police holdover facility, M.T. became violent and bit Cwiklik hard enough on the hand to draw blood. Cwiklik was hospitalized overnight and treated for infection. Through an error, police released M.T. later that day despite several active felony warrants for probation violations. On May 25th, the U.S. magistrate issued an arrest warrant for M.T. for assault on a federal law enforcement officer. Rangers, U.S. marshals and members of the city's fugitive unit arrested M.T. the next day. Because of her numerous arrests for prostitution, the park's law enforcement staff and the U.S. attorney's office are attempting to obtain a court order for HIV testing of M.T.. [Scott Carrigan, JEFF, 6/2]
Early on the afternoon of May 26th, two visitors discovered that their motorhome parked on Wharf Street had been burglarized while they were visiting the Arch. A .22 caliber handgun and over $1,500 in cash, photography equipment and jewelry were taken. NCIC entries on the stolen items have been made. Entry was gained by forcing out the passenger side wing window with some type of crude tool. Evidence found at the scene is being processed by the St. Louis police crime lab in hopes of linking this case with several other recent car clouts. A major break in the investigation occurred during the past week with the identification of two suspects in another car clouting. The investigation continues. [John Weddle, CI, JEFF, 6/14]
On December 15, 1992, J.V. pled guilty in U.S. district court to one count of climbing a national monument (36 CFR 2.1) and one count of parachuting without a permit (36 CFR 2.17) stemming from his illegal jump from the top of the arch on September 14, 1992. Part of J.V.'s plea agreement stipulated that he would cooperate and provide witness testimony against his two associates and co-defendants, who both conspired with and aided and abetted J.V.. One of the associates, R.C., was subsequently charged with conspiracy (18 USC Section 2 and 371) and creation of a hazardous condition (36 CFR 2.34). On April 30th, J.V. and R.C. were sentenced on those charges. R.C. was sentenced to a year's probation and a $250 fine for each of the two charges, with the probation sentences to run concurrently. J.V. was sentenced to a year's probation and a $500 fine on each of the two charges against him; again, the probation sentences are to run concurrently. Both men also were sentenced to small amounts of community service. The comments of judge David Noce upon sentencing are worth repeating: "There are places in our country where the sufficiently skilled can savor the exhilaration and personal satisfaction of accomplishing courageous and intrepid acts, of reaching dreamed of heights, and for coursing dangerous adventures. Many such places are entrusted to the National Park Service. There are other places appropriately set aside and safeguarded for personal enjoyment without hazard, for the exhilaration of mere observation, and for the appreciation of the imaginings and workings of others. Many such places are also committed to the National Park Service for safekeeping. The St. Louis Arch and the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial are in the latter category." [John Weddle, CI, JEFF, 6/16]
Waters from the still-rising Mississippi River have flooded parts of the park and led to a number of closures. Wharf Street (L.K. Sullivan Drive), which marks the east boundary of the park along the river, has been closed, and local authorities are in the process of installing a flood wall along Poplar Street on the park's south boundary in order to protect pumping stations located there. These two actions will create a significant problem for visitors to the Arch who are driving recreation vehicles, who will only be able to reach the RV lot on Poplar Street with considerable difficulty. Tour buses will also have to be rerouted. The park has already lost about three feet of turf along the edge of Wharf Street from high water and expects to lose more before the river crests. Riverboats moored along the street are closed. The park is providing access points for essential employees to embark in boats out to the riverboats. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 6/30]
The 13th Annual Veiled Prophet Fair was held over the three-day Fourth of July weekend on and adjacent to park grounds under a permit issued to the city of Saint Louis. Park law enforcement rangers were augmented by St. Louis police and by four special events teams - three from Midwest Region and a fourth from Southwest Region. The incident command system was utilized to manage the event. All emergency medical services were handled by the regional medical center; of the medical problems which occurred over the weekend, heat-related ailments were the most common. A fair-goes was injured on the bungee jump adjacent to park property after the operators failed to secure a safety hook and he fell 200 feet to an air bag below. The victim was taken to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released. Law enforcement incidents included an attempt to take a ranger's weapon from its holster, concealed weapons violations (both handguns and knives), two felony assaults, and numerous misdemeanor violations, the majority alcohol-related. Over the course of the three-day fair, 27 arrests were made and 58 violation notices were issued. A side window of a patrol car was kicked out by one of those arrested; additional charges have been placed against him. Fair activities included two daily air shows, nightly fireworks, and concerts by Sawyer Brown, Chicago, Melissa Etheridge, James Brown, Levert, and Dolly Parton. Severe flooding caused many last minute changes in fair activities as the Mississippi River encroached on park property and closed the levee. [James Jackson, JEFF, 7/8]
As of yesterday morning, Mississippi River waters were about nine vertical feet above the park's east sidewalk, which parallels Wharf Street and is the low point of the park. At that time, the river was 42.5 feet above normal and 12.5 feet above flood stage; predictions are for it to crest on July 17th, but additional rainfall throughout the Midwest may alter that forecast. Due to the height of the flood walls in the St. Louis area and the fact that the Arch is on high ground, the park provides the best viewing point to see the "Flood of '93." Visitation has accordingly increased between three and five times normal for this time of year and has compounded management problems already created by closure of affected areas in and around the park. The park's law enforcement staff has been particularly strained, as rangers have been required to secure closed areas due to hazardous conditions, control crowds in the viewing area, and provide increased traffic control in the park's multi-tiered parking garage. A regional special events team was accordingly dispatched to the park yesterday to assist until the waters subside and the park returns to normal operations. The potential exists for major resource damage in the park. The increase of the water table may cause flooding problems in the park museum, which is located underground directly below the Arch. Maintenance personnel are bringing in additional pumps in anticipation of these problems. [Rich Murphy, LES, RAD/MWRO, 7/11]
Members of one of Midwest Region's SET teams are arriving in the park and being deployed to assist park staff in controlling crowds, parking and traffic (waiting times of up to 90 minutes to enter and exit the park's garage have occurred); providing a higher law enforcement presence, which has been required by the influx of panhandlers and vagrants drawn by large crowds; and assuring visitor safety along the river's waterline, which is now about half way up the Grand Staircase. A second SET team has been placed on alert for possible activation to either support or relieve the first team. Contingency plans and actions underway include the acquisition of life jackets and other water rescue items and the staging of backup pumps and drain hoses in the Arch tram loading areas and the IMAX theater. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/12]
* Jefferson National Expansion - Floodwater was six to seven feet deep over the sidewalk on the park's east side on Saturday, and is rising at the rate of a foot to a foot and a half per day. Visitation to the park has increased dramatically because of the closure of other flooded areas to sightseers. On July 10th and 11th, all previous visitation records were broken at the park's three-story garage, which has over 1200 parking spaces. At times during that period, there was a wait of up to an hour to get into the garage. Visitation counts were begun last week to determine how many visitors were coming to the park to see the flood rather than visit the museum or arch. The number of visitors who came exclusively to see the flood during the period from the 14th to the 18th was as follows: 7/14 - 4,424; 7/15 - 6,481; 7/16 - 8,041; 7/17 - 16,127; 7/18 (the day of the predicted crest) - 24,558. All of these figures were in addition to regular visitation. High temperatures and humidity caused numerous heat-related incidents, but only one person required transportation by ambulance to a hospital. It's anticipated that there will be resource damage from flood waters to about 175,000 square feet of park land, but that the extremely heavy visitation will cause additional damage to about 70,000 square feet of turf. About 80 trees will have to be replaced along with 4,000 square feet of ground cover. Water intrusion has increased throughout the arch facility, but pumps are currently able to keep up with the flow. Emergency standby units and hoses have been obtained in case of pump failure or a dramatic increase in water flow in the sump areas of the arch.It's anticipated that there will be high water (over flood stage) for at least another three weeks. Protective barriers and ranger patrols will be required until the river drops from its 46.9 foot crest (about 17 feet over flood stage) to approximately 32 to 34 feet. Health warnings are being issued by local and state health officials regarding hazards related to floodwater and the dangers associated with the strong current and floating debris. One park employee has been forced to move from her residence by high water; another three have been called up for duty with their military reserve units for the duration of the emergency. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/19]
* Jefferson National Expansion (Missouri) - A new flood crest - 47.1 feet, about 17 feet above the park's eastern boundary - reached the park on Wednesday night. The railroad tunnel running under the Grand Staircase has been completely flooded (the rail line itself has been closed down for the past two weeks). Health officials are concerned about pesticides and herbicides that were being stored in flooded barns and outbuildings on upriver farms. They are also monitoring the mosquito population, as encephalitis could become a problem. Several areas along the riverfront have been evacuated because large chemical and petroleum tanks had begun shifting from the force of the flood waters; many tanks have since been filled with water to provide added weight. On Monday night, an electrical fire broke out on a river boat adjacent to the park. Because of the flooding, the fire department staged its operations from park grounds. Firefighters had to be transported to the river boat by outboard motorboat, and charged hoses had to be pulled across 150 feet of flood waters. Visitor and media use of the grounds to view the flood continues to be very high. All major networks have filmed the river from both sides of the Grand Staircase at one time or another. The park is presently pumping 800 to 1,000 gallons of water per minute from the sump areas of the underground arch complex. Three pumps have failed and have been replaced. At this time, all established pumping stations are working and emergency standby pumps are being used at four other locations. Many leaks are showing up in places in the interior of the arch complex where water intrusion has never before occurred. The regional SET team which was dispatched to the park last week has been relieved and replaced by a second team. Dick Littlefield of Indiana Dunes has arrived to serve as deputy incident commander during the flood emergency. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/21]
* Jefferson National Expansion (Missouri) - Although floodwaters have dropped slightly (about a foot since last Wednesday), the Corps of Engineers is predicting that the Mississippi will again crest on July 28th at over 47 feet due to very heavy rain in the upper midwest. There has been no let-up in pumping operations within the arch, where between 800 and 1,000 gallons are being drained per minute. Visitation remains very high. Numerous citations have been issued for park after-hour closure violations and for engaging in business without a permit (tee-shirt sales). One vendor was found to have 11 outstanding warrants against him; he had a stun gun, marijuana and a pipe in his possession. A seasonal law enforcement ranger had to move her camper out of a trailer park in the South County area as flood waters rose. The site is now under seven feet of water. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/23]
* Jefferson National Expansion (Missouri) - A new record crest of 48 feet is predicated for July 31st. The pavement of the parking lot of the South Maintenance Complex is being undermined by a flow from an unknown origin. All maintenance workers and rangers coming into contact with the floodwater are getting hepatitis A and tetanus shots, as recommended by local and state health officials. A third ranger has been called up for active duty in the National Guard to deal with flooding problems in Missouri. Visitation remains high. The long-term outlook is for water to remain at flood stage for three to five more weeks. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/26]
* Jefferson National Expansion (Missouri) - Around 1 a.m. this morning, a riverboat containing a Burger King restaurant broke loose from its moorings along the park's waterfront and began hitting other boats. The rear half of the Burger King boat eventually sank, but the front section caught fire and collided with an old minesweeper. The two boats then ran into the southeast side of the Poplar Street bridge. Other boats came ashore on the Grand Staircase within the park. The extent of damage to the staircase is not yet known. The river is expected to crest at 49.4 feet in St. Louis today. Park staff are moving as much equipment as possible in case city levees break. Floodwaters now cover about 175,000 square feet of park grounds. It's estimated that about $500,000 in damages have occurred to date. Concerns regarding a possible health hazard created by water intrusion into the arch ventilation system are being reviewed by a number of specialists. Interior pumps are keeping ahead of the water intrusion, but more water is expected with today's flood crest. Secondary pumps are on hand to provide additional pumping capability. [Deryl Stone, CR, JNEM, 7/30; John Townsend, RAD/MWRO, 8/2]
* Jefferson National Expansion (Missouri) - Floodwaters reached 49.4 feet - 19.4 feet over flood stage - around noon on Sunday, August 1st. The number of flood watchers visiting the park increased accordingly; approximately 27,000 came to the park Sunday, augmenting the 24,000 who came to see the Arch itself. Several flood-related incidents occurred during the weekend: o Lightning struck the north area of the park grounds Saturday evening. Two family members were injured and taken to a local hospital. Both are reported to be in stable condition and were to be released yesterday. One SET member was 15 yards from the impact point, but was not injured. The lightning blew a large chunk of concrete out of the sidewalk. o A 67-year-old woman from St. Louis suffered a fatal heart attack while on park grounds to view the flood. Park EMTs performed CPR for about 15 minutes before city EMS personnel arrived. The woman was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital. o Further information has been provided regarding the restaurant barge which broke loose on the park waterfront late Sunday night. The front section of the barge sank almost immediately after its mooring lines broke. The stern section, a helicopter landing pad barge, and a WW II minesweeper tied alongside all broke free and slammed into three other barges and a cruise boat in front of the Arch; the mooring lines of these boats then broke as well, whereupon they drifted into a row of half submerged trees on park property and became lodged in their branches. The restaurant barge, helicopter landing barge and minesweeper floated free until they struck the support columns if the Interstate 70 bridge. The top deck of the restaurant barge, now on fire, was ripped off as it passed under the bridge. Coast Guard and city fire boats responded and put out the fire. All three boats were corralled about two miles downstream. Fifteen city fire and rescue vehicles gathered on Arch grounds, where a unified command center was established. The park was closed to all but emergency personnel until 6 a.m. on Monday, at which time all but the area above the Grand Staircase was reopened to the public. The remaining section will be reopened when the boats have been cleared. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 8/2]
Midwest Region has prepared a comprehensive summary of the impacts of the flooding on parks within the region. That summary follows. Southwest and Southeast Regions report that there have been no apparent flood effects on their parks. * Jefferson National Expansion - Impacts on the park have been cited in previous morning reports. Estimated cost of rehabilitation: $550,000. [John Townsend, RAD/MWRO, 8/3]
* Jefferson National Expansion (Missouri) - The three barges and the cruise boat which lodged in the half-submerged trees on park property and in front of the Arch were successfully removed on Tuesday afternoon. Four tugs and two days of preparation were required before the removal effort was undertaken due to the extremely strong current and the proximity of these craft to other moored boats down river. All areas that were closed to the public because of the stranded barges and boat have now been reopened. Floodwaters have dropped approximately two feet since the crest passed late Saturday afternoon, but 17.5 vertical feet of water still covers the eastern side of the park. Because of the strong current and possibility of contaminated water, barricades are being maintained to prevent visitors from reaching the river. Three sections of the sidewalk above the Grand Staircase have dropped up to two inches, possibly due to floodwater undermining. Emergency mud-jacking will take place today to prevent any additional damage. The area has been cordoned off as a precaution. Three members of the regional SET team remain on duty at the Arch to assist with crowd control and will remain until at least August 9th. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 8/4]
At 1 a.m. this morning, two people - a man from Florida and his female companion from the St. Louis area, both in their 40s - had just parked their car in the park's garage when a lone gunman came up to the female passenger's door and demanded money. The couple gave them about $40. The robber took it, but complained that it wasn't enough. As he was leaving, he turned and fired several rounds into the woman, then casually sauntered away. The male victim got into his vehicle and drove to the garage's lower floor, where he was stopped by patrol rangers for erratic driving. The driver reported the shooting, and the rangers immediately responded. They found that the victim had no pulse or respirations, began CPR and summoned assistance. A responding St. Louis police department officer saw a man discard a t-shirt into a trash can about four blocks from the garage, then run away. He investigated and found both the t-shirt and a .38 caliber handgun. Efforts to find the man who'd dumped them proved fruitless. The woman was taken to a local hospital by EMS units, where she was pronounced dead at 1:45 a.m. St. Louis homicide detectives and rangers are investigating. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 8/5]
* Jefferson National Expansion (Missouri) - Floodwaters have dropped to 43.5 feet, down six feet from last Saturday's crest, and are receding between six and twelve inches per day. The eastern side of the park is still covered by about 13 feet of water. From one to three inches of fine silt has been found covering the steps and grounds in areas where the water has receded. Cleanup was to begin yesterday with the hosing down of steps. The local health department has modified its first notification on hepatitis A and tetanus shots; they now advise that the former is needed only in circumstances in which a person is submerged and ingests floodwater, and that the latter is required for those who come into contact with flood water who have an open wound or haven't had a tetanus vaccination in the last five years. Only one additional ranger remains on flood duty at the Arch. The last three members of the regional SET team departed yesterday. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 8/9]
A task force comprised of an NPS criminal investigator and nine St. Louis police department detectives and officers has been established to find the man who murdered A.K., 56, in the parking garage on August 5th. A list of nine possible suspects has been drawn up and leads on several of them are being pursued. The weapon discovered by the city officer has been positively determined to be the murder weapon; other physical evidence has also been found which may be associated with the murder. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 8/9]
Over the course of the summer, the Jefferson National Expansion Historical Association (JNEHA) museum shop in the Arch complex has been plagued by a series of thefts by two men who have used the same modus operandi in each incident - they enter the shop with empty shopping bags from a local department store, conceal from ten to 15 T-shirts in the bags (valued between $150 and $200), then quickly exit before rangers can be summoned. The suspects have narrowly escaped apprehension on several occasions; in one case, a ranger caught one of the two men, but he broke free, slightly injuring the ranger. On August 6th, another theft occurred. Following a short chase involving rangers on foot, horseback and mountain bikes, two men were apprehended just outside the park. One of the two, Carnell Ingram, 26, was found with T-shirts in his possession. JNEHA and park employees were able to positively identify him as a suspect in several previous thefts, and as the man who'd previously escaped apprehension. Ingram is in custody on three counts of theft, two counts of possession of stolen property, and one count of fleeing to avoid arrest. His companion could not be identified by employees, but was arrested on an active local warrant. Ingram was also arrested on numerous local warrants; a crack cocaine pipe was found in his possession at the time of his arrest. Ingram's accomplice in the earlier thefts remains at large. [Scott Carrigan, JEFF, 8/9/93]
Late on the afternoon of Friday, August 13th, the federal district court issued a search warrant to obtain blood, hair and saliva samples from the primary suspect in the August 5th homicide of A.K. in the Arch parking garage. The warrant was served by NPS, FBI and St.Louis PD investigators. The suspect is currently incarcerated on several counts of armed robbery occurring in the city's jurisdiction. All samples are en route to the FBI's forensic laboratory for comparison with clothing discarded by the murderer as he fled the scene. Investigators hope to match DNA from hair or skin cells on the clothing with the suspect. Although the investigation is currently centering on this suspect, the task force is still developing leads in the hope of identifying the lone male which the surviving witness saw standing outside the garage entrance at the time of the homicide. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 8/18]
On Friday, August 27th, members of the task force investigating the murder of A.K. in the Arch parking garage arrested three men - R.C., 39, H.C., 30, and M.S., 28 - and charged them with first degree murder, armed robbery and armed criminal action. A fourth person, who was in the assailants' car, is still being sought. The three men told investigators that they were looking for someone to rob when they saw the Florida license plates on A.K.'s companion's car and followed the couple to the garage, where, according to H.C. and M.S., R.C. committed the robbery and homicide. R.C. allegedly used part of the $60 he stole from the couple to buy beer for himself and his accomplices. A telephone credit card stolen in an earlier robbery which took place near the garage lead investigators to the three suspects. Investigators suspected that whoever committed that robbery had probably had a role in A.K.'s murder. Telephone records showed that H.C. had used the card to make at least 18 calls. R.C. was released from a Missouri prison about two months ago after having served a portion of a 25-year sentence for robbery. M.S. recently completed parole on a separate robbery, and had done time with R.C. at the state prison in Moberly, Missouri. A search warrant will be requested from federal district court for blood, hair and saliva samples from R.C. in order to compare them with evidence found at the scene. [John Weddle, CI, JEFF, 8/30]
On September 7th, FBI agents from Tampa, Florida, interviewed A.K.'s companion regarding the homicide and armed robbery which took place in the Arch garage on August 5th. The agents successfully employed a collection of photos compiled by the homicide task force to obtain a positive identification of the man suspected of killing A.K.. On September 10th, a grand jury subpoena was issued to A.K.'s companion directing him to return to St. Louis to testify at a grand jury hearing which will be held next week and to view a line-up to further identify the primary suspect in the shooting. Investigators are still attempting to find the fourth member of the group involved in the crime. [John Weddle, CI, JEFF, 9/16]
On September 24th, the Mississippi River again rose above flood stage and covered Sullivan Boulevard and part of the Grand Staircase on the park's eastern boundary. A flood crest of 40.5 feet (10.5 feet above flood stage) was predicted for Saturday or Sunday with no additional rain, but forecasters were calling for from one to six inches of rain over the weekend. Periodic flooding is expected throughout the fall because of the very saturated soil condition in the river's drainage and the abnormally large amounts of rain that continue to fall throughout the Midwest. Much of the cleanup work done after the water receded in early September will have to be repeated, but no additional damage to trees or shrubbery is anticipated. Erosion to the park's eastern slopes will continue until the water subsides again. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 9/24]
On October 28th, a grand jury indicted R.C. for the murder of A.K. in the park's garage on the night of August 5th. An affidavit was also sworn out for arrest warrants for H.C. and M.S. for their roles in the killing of A.K. in the commission of an armed robbery. Both the indictment and warrants were issued against 18 USC Sections 2, 7 (3), and 1111. The U.S. attorney will coordinate the prosecution and file the appropriate writs to have all three suspects transported to federal custody pending the adjudication of any and all existing Missouri state criminal charges. [John Weddle, CI, JEFF, 11/2]
On the morning of November 27th, rangers began a car clouting surveillance operation and within ten minutes spotted a person breaking into a visitor's vehicle. Following a brief chase, two people were arrested. Rangers found that there was an outstanding warrant against the driver and that the vehicle was associated with a missing person, who was not present. Property stolen in the car clout, valued at about $400, was seized. The unexpected discovery of an unrestrained 16-month-old child in the back seat of the vehicle hindered the investigation by requiring a lengthy protective custody procedure between the state of Illinois and the park. The child was eventually transferred into the custody of the state. Felony larceny and theft charges (18 USC 661) were filed in district court, and the suspects were locked up until initial appearance and the completion of a pre-trial investigation. An investigator from the state of Illinois' child protection division is moving forward with charges against the parent for reckless endangerment of the child. [John Weddle, CI, JEFF, 12/3]
J.V., the man who climbed and BASE-jumped off the Gateway Arch on September 14, 1992, is on his way to jail for 90 days. J.V. originally pled guilty to the misdemeanor and was sentenced to a $1,000 fine, 25 hours of community service, and a year's probation. On December 19th, however, J.V. had to appear before a federal magistrate judge for violating terms of his probation, for failing to report to his probation officer, and for two recent encounters with the police. The judge revoked his probation and ordered J.V. to serve 90 days in jail, beginning December 29th. The assistant U.S. attorney noted in court that "Mr. J.V. has a serious attitude problem." A request for a delay on the jail reporting date made by J.V.'s attorney was denied. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 12/20]
Two of the three men accused of the fatal shooting of A.K. in her car in the Arch parking garage last August have pled guilty to second degree murder. The two men - H.C. and M.S. - could get life in prison when sentenced on March 4th. R.C., the alleged triggerman in the killing, is scheduled to go on trial in February. As part of a plea bargain agreement, both H.C. and Stroud agreed to testify against R.C.. H.C. served as a lookout and M.S. stayed with the get-away car while R.C. robbed the victims and shot Knopp. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 12/22]
Around 2 a.m. on January 14th, rangers on routine patrol found a 38-year-old homeless man who'd fallen about 15 feet off a freeway ramp on the south end of the park. The man, who said that he'd been lying there about an hour, had sustained severe injuries and was unable to move. He was wearing only a thin pair of jeans, a medium-weight jacket and no gloves. The temperature was below zero at the time, with a wind chill factor of about - 20 degrees, and the man was shivering uncontrollably and suffering from serious hypothermia. Park EMTs responded with equipment and blankets, and the victim was stabilized until a city EMS unit arrived and transported him to a local hospital. It's estimated that he would not have survived longer than another 45 minutes. [John Weddle, CI, JEFF, 1/21]
Just after midnight on February 17th, police from Brooklyn, Illinois, began pursuit of a vehicle whose driver had committed a traffic violation and subsequently assaulted a police officer. Officers shot out the right rear tire of the vehicle as it fled from the initial stop, but the driver continued for another six miles and ended up driving across park grounds with approximately 15 units from two states and four departments in pursuit. The driver finally abandoned his disabled vehicle in the park, then fled on foot across the grounds. A Brooklyn police sergeant fired a warning shot from a 12 gauge shotgun in an attempt to get the suspect to stop, which he did. The man, who has an extensive history of DUI arrests, assaults on officers and other criminal activities, was arrested on numerous charges, including three NPS violations. Moderate damage was done to park grounds and sidewalks by the vehicle's right rear wheel rim. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 3/4]
On the evening of February 24th, three individuals hijacked a car at gunpoint in north St. Louis and led police on a seven- to ten-mile high speed chase through the city. The trio abandoned their car adjacent to park grounds, then fled on foot into the park with a half dozen police vehicles in pursuit. One of the three jumped into the park's reflecting pond in an attempt to elude capture, but officers followed him into the water and arrested him. His two companions were also captured. The weapon reportedly used in the carjacking was found in the vehicle. No NPS charges were filed, no shots were fired, and only minimal resource damage was done by the police cars pursuing the subjects. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 3/4]
On March 12th, the city of St. Louis observed St. Patrick's Day with a parade downtown and a celebration at the landing adjacent to the park. Many of those celebrating used the NPS parking garage and returned to the facility after many hours of partying. Over the course of a twelve-hour period, rangers issued 100 citations and made 25 arrests for such things as driving under the influence, public intoxication, assaulting federal officers, resisting arrest, domestic assault, possession of a concealed weapon by a convicted felon, possession of narcotics and drugs, and felony warrants. At one point, rangers had to summon an arrest van from the city to help in transportation of prisoners. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 3/16]
On the morning of November 27, 1993, rangers began a car clouting surveillance operation and within ten minutes spotted a person breaking into a visitor's vehicle. Following a brief chase, two people - K.D. and C.M. - were arrested. Rangers also found that there was an outstanding warrant against C.M.. Both men subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges filed against them. On March 15th, they were sentenced in federal district court. K.D. was sentenced to three months in prison, a year's supervised release, commitment to an alcohol and drug treatment program, and payment of $119 in restitution to the victim; C.M. was sentenced to three years' probation and an equal amount of restitution. The unexpected discovery of an unrestrained 16-month-old child in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the original arrests hindered the investigation by requiring a lengthy protective custody procedure between the state of Illinois and the park. Investigators determined that the child was C.M.'s son, and that C.M. had him on visitation that day. The state found no "credible evidence" of child abuse and/or neglect resulting from the incident and returned him to his maternal parent, who has legal custody. [J.L. Weddle, CI, JEFF, 3/22]
Heavy localized rain in Missouri caused the Mississippi River to flood areas in and around the park last week. As of Wednesday, the river was at 30.6 feet, about a half foot over the road at the bottom of the Grand Staircase. A crest of 39 feet was expected for Thursday - only ten feet below the maximum flood level reached last summer. Power was shut off to light fixtures along the bottom third of the staircase in anticipation of flooding, and barricades for visitor control were set up. The flooding was expected to be of short duration, as the associated weather system was in the process of moving out of the area at the time of the report. Most of the flood waters came down the Missouri River. [Ben Holmes, RAD/MWRO, 4/13]
On May 30th, rangers found evidence of a car clout in the Old Cathedral parking lot and subsequently learned from the owners that $1,300 in property, including luggage, had been stolen. The description of the stolen luggage matched that of luggage seen in the possession of two men just prior to the discovery of the clouting incident. The pair had been interviewed at that time, but allowed to leave because there was as of yet no evidence that a crime had been committed. Rangers searched the downtown area and found that the two men had registered in a motel five blocks from the park. A surveillance team was put in place, and the suspects were observed in and near their room throughout the night. At 6:20 a.m. on June 1st, the pair left their room and walked toward the downtown area. The surveillance teams, together with additional rangers, stopped them and made felony arrests. The motel room was secured until a search warrant could be obtained. Nearly all the stolen property was recovered from the room. One of the suspects has numerous prior felony convictions for burglaries. Both are in custody on $10,000 bond. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 6/2]
Emperor Akshito and Empress Michicko of Japan visited the park on Friday, June 17th. Approximately a third of the memorials' grounds were closed off to the general public, as were the south entrance to the Arch and the Museum of Westward Expansion. Two special events teams were brought in to help with security. Extreme heat and humidity created some minor problems, but no significant events occurred. The event was managed under the incident command system. There was extensive coverage of the event by the local, national and international press. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 6/20]
A park maintenance employee reporting for duty was robbed at gunpoint in the rear entrance of the Arch complex a few minutes past midnight on June 22nd. The victim lost a diamond and gold wedding band, a diamond earring and a small amount of cash. The suspect fled up the steep vegetated bank nearby, then scaled a six-foot-high chain link fence to escape. Initial investigation of the scene and a search of adjoining areas proved fruitless. The investigation continues. [CRO, JEFF, 6/24]
The 14th Annual Veiled Prophet Fair was held on and adjacent to the park on the weekend from July 1st to the 4th. The United States Olympic Festival Game's opening ceremony was held on the grounds on the evening of the 1st; 2,500 athletes took part, and there was a very large contingent of press and spectators. Over the following three days, huge crowds came to see such entertainers as the Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin and Travis Tritt at free concerts. Temperatures were in the high 90s with very high humidity; 300 people were treated for heat-related problems over the weekend. The park's staff, three Midwest Region special events teams and a North Atlantic Region special events team managed the event under the incident command system. Despite the size of the crowds, only 26 citations were issued and nine arrests made. At one point, an estimated crowd of about 2,000 people were involved in a near riot off park property. City police requested and received assistance in dispersing the crowd from the park's horse mounted patrol unit. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/6]
On Friday, July 8th, R.C. of St. Louis was found guilty of murder in the first degree in the killing of Alice Knop during a robbery in the Arch parking garage last August. The trial lasted four days, but it took the jury less than an hour to return the guilty verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for September 23rd, and R.C. is expected to receive life in prison without parole. The two other participants have pled guilty to second degree murder charges and testified against R.C. during the trial. The murder was jointly investigated by park criminal investigator John Weddle and members of the St. Louis police department's homicide unit. Edward Dowd, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, personally took charge of this case and presented the government's closing arguments. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/11]
On July 8th, R.C. of St. Louis was found guilty of murder in the first degree in the killing of Alice Knop during a robbery in the Arch parking garage last August; he is to be sentenced on September 23rd. On July 29th, R.C.'s accomplices, H.C. and M.S., both of whom had previously pled guilty to second degree murder, were sentenced in federal district court. H.C. received nine years and two months incarceration, three years supervised release, and mandatory commitment to a substance abuse program; M.S. was sentenced to twelve years and five months in prison, three years supervised release, and mandatory commitment to a substance abuse program. Both men cooperated in the government's prosecution of R.C.. [J.L. Weddle, CI, JEFF, 7/29]
F.A. and F.M. were arrested by rangers on June 1st for breaking into a car in the Old Cathedral parking lot two days previously. On August 5th, a federal district court magistrate judge sentenced Acosta and Malberde to, respectively, four months' and three months' incarceration. The judge said that she rendered the sentence because both were destitute and could not pay fines. The plea agreement to a misdemeanor permitted a speedy disposal of the case. Both men will be deported upon release from prison. [J.L. Weddle, LES, JEFF, 8/8]
On November 9th, ranger Brian Liening observed a vehicle being operated in an erratic manner while entering a closed section of the Arch parking garage. Liening stopped the vehicle and eventually determined that the driver was operating it while under the influence of drugs. A quantity of crack cocaine was found on the front seat, and the vehicle and its license plates were found to be stolen. At the time of booking, the driver gave a false name and address, but the automated fingerprinting unit of the St. Louis police department quickly turned up his real identification and determined that there were three pending warrants for his arrest from other municipalities. A total of eight charges have been filed against him. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 11/22]
A ranger parked his Cushman patrol vehicle at the south leg of the Arch while using the building to complete a report around 3:30 a.m. on April 14th. When he came out an hour later, he discovered a burning trash can in the vehicle's bed. All four tires had been slashed and the gas cap removed. The fire was quickly extinguished. No suspects have been identified, but the investigation continues. Damage has been placed at more than $500. [Deryl B. Stone, CR, JEFF, 04/18]
Tornado warnings were issued for the general area just south of the Arch on May 18th as severe weather swept across the state. Approximately 40 visitors and employees were evacuated from the top of the Arch as a precautionary measure. All visitors were held in the museum until weather conditions improved. Several tornados touched down south of the park. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 5/31]
On May 13th, the Mississippi River reached a level eight feet above flood stage in front of the Arch and covered a third of the Grand Staircase and much of the east side of the park. Significant resource damage is expected in this area. Rangers from other Midwest parks have been detailed to the area to assist with visitor safety due to the increase in visitation and hazards associated with the flooding. The Corps of Engineers predicted that the river would crest yesterday at ten feet above flood stage and hold at this level for a few days before beginning to drop. On May 30th, three copperhead snakes were found on the grounds in a high public use area of the park. They apparently washed down river and came ashore at the Arch. The snakes were removed. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 5/31]
The Mississippi River crested at 11 feet above flood stage on park grounds on June 1st and has since been dropping at a rate of almost a foot a day. On June 6th, rangers who had been detailed to the area from other parks were released. Damage estimates at this time are between $200,000 and $250,0000, but a final figure will not be available until flood waters have fully receded and cleanup has been completed. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 6/8]
Rangers on duty in the Arch parking garage heard a single gunshot just after midnight on June 18th. The four responding rangers found a woman on the pavement with her male companion kneeling next to her. The woman had been shot once through the neck; on the ground nearby was a two-shot .38 caliber derringer. The man was arrested, and emergency aid was provided to the woman by an EMT until the ambulance arrived. Through remarkable good fortune, the round missed all critical areas in her neck, and she was released from the hospital less than 12 hours after the shooting. City police assisted at the scene. Both parties said that the gun discharged after it fell out of the man's waistband and was entirely accidental. Discrepancies were noted in their separate statements, however, and a joint investigation is being conducted. Charges may be filed in both federal and city courts. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 6/19]
Approximately 70 members of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation, all wearing colors, gathered at the South Pond area of the park around 5 p.m. on the afternoon of June 16th. Rangers contacted the leader, a convicted murderer, who said that the group had come for a picnic. The St. Louis police gang squad was advised of their presence, and several officers from that unit came to the park to monitor the group's activity. The park's rules and regulations were explained, and the group was kept under surveillance until 8:30 p.m., when all members departed. There were no incidents. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 6/19]
On June 7th, a two-year-old child visiting the Arch with her family ran ahead of the group and fell into the North Reflecting Pool. A contract construction worker heard the mother yelling for help, dove into the pond, retrieved the child, and cleared her airway with back blows, restoring her breathing. The family refused ambulance transport and left the park. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
The 15th Annual Fair St. Louis, formerly the Veiled Prophet Fair, was held on and adjacent to the park over the July 4th weekend. The fair drew well over a half million people; among the features wee two daily air shows, an evening fireworks extravaganza, and free entertainment by The Foreigners, Tanya Tucker, Gladys Knight, Ringo Star, All 4 One, and Tom Jones. Because of cooler weather this year, there was an 80% drop in emergency medical cases from last year. Three Midwest Field Area special event teams assisted at the event. There were fewer arrests and citations during the fair than at any previous event; all were for minor offenses. One city police officer was injured just off park property while trying to break up a small, rowdy group. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
On the evening of July 23rd, P.D., a 34-year-old nurse from St. Louis, jumped to her from the park's southeast overlook, which is about 60 feet above the street below it. She carried no identification, but left a set of car keys and a ring in the overlook. Her identity was not established until visitors cleared the area and rangers were able to open the remaining vehicle in the lot with her keys. P.D. had reportedly been depressed for some time. [CRO, JEFF]
Ranger Dave Tyroler heard gun shots immediately adjacent to park property at 5 a.m. on November 27th and saw a car speeding from the scene. Tyroler pursued the vehicle, which was being driven erratically and in the wrong direction on a one way street, and stopped it after a couple of blocks. The passenger, a 19- year-old male, had been shot several times by the occupants of another unidentified vehicle. Responding rangers Jim Jackson and Holly Rife provided basic life support until city paramedics arrived and took over care. Tyroler protected the scene until city police officers could arrive (local gangs have been known to return to crime scenes and shoot at police officers). The rangers then assisted city patrol officers and homicide investigators in securing the several crime scenes, searching for evidence, and providing statements. The victim later died at a local hospital. Police have no suspects in custody at present. [CRO, JEFF]
On December 6th, ranger Holly Rife responded to a call from St. Louis police reporting a vehicle seen exiting the park off the established roadway and in a reckless manner. Officers pursued the suspect vehicle ar high rates of speed, eventually stopping it several miles away. The driver was found to have a high blood alcohol content (.18%) and was arrested for driving under the influence. Investigation revealed that he had driven his four-wheel-drive vehicle 75 feet up the North Overlook stairs and onto the steep (40% grade) adjacent hillside. Damage to park property was placed at a minimum of $400. The driver received three mandatory appearance citations from the park while he was in jail on the city's DUI charges. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
On February 5th, a visitor reported finding a woman lying unconscious and bleeding in the ladies' room in the Arch complex. EMS coordinator Bonnie Tyrrell and rangers Doug Harding, Dave Uhler and Mike Horton responded and found a 67-year old woman with apparent self-induced lacerations to her left wrist. A razor and a partially empty bottle of non-prescription pills were also found at the scene. She was stabilized, then taken to a hospital. Investigation revealed that the woman is under a doctor's care for schizophrenia and had been depressed recently after receiving an eviction notice. Attempts to locate relatives continue. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
A 74-year-old man was found unconscious and bleeding from head injuries on park grounds on the afternoon of February 14th. He had no identification with him, but was subsequently identified through fingerprinting as D.N., a resident of St. Louis. He was placed on life support in an area hospital, but the extent of his injuries led doctors to remove the support and he subsequently expired. D.N. appears to have been a robbery victim. Ranger Jim Jackson is leading an intensive investigation into Nevel's death. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
On the afternoon of February 26th, a joint park-city police task force arrested R.C., 27, a street person from St. Louis, for the February 14th assault on and robbery of D.N., who subsequently died of his injuries. A criminal complaint will be prepared for a federal warrant, and the U.S. attorney's office will assume full jurisdiction. The investigation was led by supervisory park ranger Jim Jackson and a St. Louis homicide detective. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
Due to recent heavy rains in the Missouri and Mississippi River valleys, the Mississippi rose dramatically at St. Louis and was expected to crest yesterday at 36 feet, about six feet above flood stage. This would place the eastern edge of the park under approximately five feet of water. Some resource damage was expected in the area. Flooding has caused an increase in May's already seasonally high visitation. [Beth Stout, Acting CR, JEFF]
Two women who were getting out of their car in the Arch parking garage on the evening of May 12th were approached by a lone male armed with a small handgun and dressed in a jumpsuit and ball cap. He pointed the weapon at the pair and demanded their money. After taking a purse, wallet, about $60 in cash and two credit cards, he walked out of the garage entrance and under the Eads Bridge. The jumpsuit and cap were later recovered from behind a trash dumpster, but the purse was not recovered. Neither victim was injured. The case is still under investigation. [John Weddle, CI, JEFF]
Between 7:40 and 7:55 p.m. on May 13th, a bank deposit bag containing almost $1,000 in bills and coins was removed from the Arch parking garage office. Since access to the office is strictly controlled, suspects with motives and opportunities have been identified. An arrest is expected in the near future. [John Weddle, CI, JEFF]
On the evening of May 21st, a couple from Manchester, England, traveling in the U.S. as part of an organized tour group, left a camcorder bag (minus camcorder) lying unattended on the Arch grounds for about ten minutes while videotaping around the Arch. The bag was gone when they returned. Lost with the bag was about $455 in English currency, $1,100 in British travelers checks, and several credit cards. There are no known suspects at this time. [Beth Stout, Acting CR, JEFF]
On the evening of May 21st, a couple from Manchester, England, had about $455 in English currency stolen from them in the park. The park subsequently advised local banks to be on the lookout for someone attempting to exchange the currency. On May 23rd, a teller at a downtown bank advised rangers that a man had attempted to exchange about $320 in British currency, and was able to provide a description of the suspect. The man, identified as 34-year-old B.F., a homeless man with no criminal record, was spotted and arrested within an hour. B.F. was cooperative; he gave a full statement, led park investigators to a locker which contained the couple's camcorder bag, traveler's checks and other personal items, and provided the name of the person to whom he'd given the passports and airline tickets. The latter turned out to be the father of a city homicide detective. B.F. was charged with larceny/theft on a government reservation (18 USC 661) and placed on restrictive bond pending a June hearing. [Beth Stout, Acting CR, JEFF]
On Tuesday, May 28th, three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, escorted by horse-mounted rangers from the park, carried the Olympic torch through the park to the Overlook stage, where a cauldron was lit. Composer John Williams conducted the St. Louis Symphony, which performed his Olympic theme music. The evening culminated with a grand fireworks display. Georgia and Missouri state troopers and county and city police officers provided assistance. There were no significant incidents. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
The park hosted the Fair Saint Louis (formerly known as the Veiled Prophet Fair) over the Fourth of July weekend. Four special events teams were called in to provide the park staff with much-needed assistance during the event. Well over a half million people attended the fair, which featured three daily air shows and two concerts each day, with entertainment provided by Tony Bennett, Bill Cosby, Collin Raye, Sheryl Crowe, Monica and Little Feat. Each day concluded with a half-hour fireworks display. There were few law enforcement incidents, and only twelve arrests; the latter were for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, assault (domestic violence) and DUI. A dozen special use permits were issued for First Amendment activities and for distribution of printed material during the fair. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
Just before 9 a.m. on July 15th, W.W., a former police officer and a security guard at a local college, shot his estranged wife to death at her place of work about ten miles from the park. W.W. was seen in the downtown area of St. Louis later that afternoon, and a massive manhunt for him began. He was spotted on park grounds by two detectives; the detectives and two rangers moved in behind W.W. as he sat on the steps of the Grand Staircase. W.W. saw them approaching from a distance of about 15 yards, drew his .357 revolver, and fired a single shot into his chest. Many visitors observed the incident, but nobody was injured. W.W. was treated at the scene by ranger/EMT Charles Burke and an off-duty paramedic. He is presently listed in fair condition at an area hospital. W.W. is expected to recover fully, and will stand trial for the murder. The major concern of both the rangers and detectives was the high number of visitors in the area and the potential for a shoot-out with W.W. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
Three visitors were robbed at gunpoint on the grounds of the Arch just after 10 p.m. on Sunday, August 18th. The victims reported that three armed, juvenile males approached them, demanded money, then fled northwest out of the park into the city. Cash, wedding rings and a purse were taken. The purse and all its contents were found scattered on the ground in the same location where the suspects fled. A homemade, "in-the-pants" holster was also recovered. An outline of a small semi-automatic handgun had been drawn on the holster material, apparently as a pattern. St. Louis city police joined in the search for the suspects, who are thought to be gang members. [Jim Jackson, JEFF]
A visitor was robbed at gunpoint by two men in their late teens just before 8 p.m. on August 20th. Rangers immediately contacted city police in the area and provided them with descriptions of the pair. Officers spotted a group of males adjacent to the park around 10 p.m.; two of them matched the descriptions. During questioning, the suspects were frisked and a .25 semi- automatic pistol was recovered from the pocket of a 14-year-old in the group. The weapon fits the homemade holster recovered from the robbery noted above. A joint investigation by rangers and city police continues. One of those arrested boasted that he was a member of the Gangster Disciple gang. [Jim Jackson, JEFF]
On September 2nd, candidates Bob Dole and Jack Kemp held a campaign rally on the Arch grounds which drew about 20,000 people to the park. Set-up for the event required erection of fencing, bleachers and stages and took an entire day; clean-up and removal took another full day. The campaign covered all costs. About 300 media representatives attended the event. Demonstrators were removed from a secured motorcade area without incident. Several heat- related medical incidents occurred during the event. The event required the support from the NPS from a dozen law enforcement rangers, two EMTs, five maintenance personnel and a public affairs officer. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
Over the three-day Labor Day weekend, a blues festival near the park and professional football and baseball games led to a significant increase in visitation to the area and quite numerous law enforcement problems - particularly from the blues festival. Eight arrests were made, including four for drunkenness and one for an assault on a ranger. The latter involved a head-butt to the ranger's face and led to a nose injury. The assailant has an extensive record for assaults and disorderly conduct. Felony assault charges are being pursued. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
On the morning of December 19th, maintenance employees noticed a car clout in progress across the street from the park. Park dispatchers were notified as the subject - later identified as M.A., 41 - fled from the area in a vehicle which headed north on Memorial Drive, which the city has an easement on but is within the park's boundaries. Maintenance employees followed at a safe distance. Ranger Bill McKinney drove a marked vehicle south from the Arch parking garage and blocked a portion of the roadway with all emergency lights on in an attempt to intercept M.A.. M.A. took no evasive action and made no attempt to stop his vehicle and instead drove straight at the highly visible patrol car. McKinney realized that M.A. was attempting to hit him; he started to move his vehicle forward, but it was struck near the left rear wheel by M.A.'s car before McKinney could get it out of the way. M.A.'s car was disabled in the accident. McKinney arrested him for assaulting a federal officer, interfering with an officer, and possession of stolen property. M.A. was driving a stolen vehicle and was wanted for escape by the Missouri State Department of Corrections. McKinney was unhurt in the accident. Damage to the government patrol car is estimated at over $1,000. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF]
Two visitors reported being attacked and robbed on Arch grounds on the evening of April 14th. The couple was approached by six males, all about 20 years old and wearing "Cochrane Cripts" gang colors. At least two of them attacked the man, knocking him to the ground and robbing him of his wallet. The woman was also knocked to the ground. Under the threat of death, she was ordered to disrobe and was forcibly sexually assaulted by more than one of the individuals; she was then robbed of clothing and jewelry, including a nose ring which was ripped out of her nose. Both victims were punched and kicked repeatedly in the head during the attack and sustained moderate injuries. Good physical descriptions of several of the attackers were obtained. Law enforcement rangers and the park's criminal investigator are working closely with the St. Louis police department's gang unit to identify the attackers. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 4/16]
On the evening of April 16th, park visitor J.R. was attacked and robbed at a rest area on Arch grounds. J.R. was approached by three males wearing "Cochrane Crypts" gang colors; one hit him in the face and knocked him down, the other two then joined in removing J.R.'s wallet, watch and knapsack, which contained airline tickets. This case is very similar to the robbery and sexual assault which occurred two days previously and appeared in yesterday's Morning Report. [J.L. Weddle, Criminal Investigator, JEFF, 4/17]
D.N. was the victim of aggravated assault and robbery near the south overlook on Arch grounds on February 14, 1996. D.N. subsequently died of his injuries. R.F.C. was arrested for the crime following a joint investigation by park staff and St. Louis homicide detectives. Due to the lack of recovered evidence, the lack of a confession and the absence of any eyewitnesses, the U.S. attorney decided to take the case under advisement pending the development of factual information. On April 5th, R.F.C. was pronounced dead at the scene of a fire in a structure where he was illegally residing. His blood alcohol was .48. R.F.C.'s death was ruled as accidental. The D.N. homicide case is considered closed. [J.L. Weddle, CI, JEFF, 6/5]
On June 24th, Mrs. Lyndon "Lady Bird" Johnson visited the park along with two family members and a friend. They were escorted through the Arch by division chief Mark Engler and visitor services director Frank Mares. The visit included a trip to the top of the Arch. Park law enforcement rangers assisted the local Secret Service office in providing protection for the group. [Beth Stout, Deputy CR, JEFF, 6/24]
Horse mounted patrol ranger Rebecca Swaney saw two people engaged in sexual activity on park grounds just after 2 a.m. on July 21st. Upon further investigation, she determined that W.W. had physically assaulted a 39-year-old woman by striking her in the face when she refused to have sex with him, then threatened her with further harm if she did not submit. W.W. then raped the woman. He was taken into custody at the scene. The victim was treated and released and also received victim counseling. A criminal complaint has been filed. Hearings are pending. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/22]
Fair Saint Louis was held on park grounds during the Fourth of July weekend. Three special events teams and two additional law enforcement rangers were called in to provide the park staff with much-needed assistance during the event. Over a half million people attended the three-day event, which featured three daily air shows and two daily concerts with entertainment provided by the Neville Brothers, Randy Travis, Silk, Huey Lewis and the News, the BoDeans, and the Pointer Sisters. Each day ended with a half hour fireworks display. There were few law enforcement incidents and only six arrests. Numerous special use permits were issued for First Amendment activities and distribution of printed material. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 7/22]
A regional "Million Man March" was held on the afternoon of October 17th which utilized a portion of the park's Grand Staircase as seating under a First Amendment activity permit. The event was attended by a moderately sized crowd, but no official count was made. City police and NPS rangers worked closely together throughout the event. No incidents were reported. [Deryl Stone, CR, JEFF, 10/17]
While patrolling the Arch parking garage on December 20th, ranger John Tesar saw what appeared to be suspicious activity in a 1994 Thunderbird. Tesar found that W.F., 32, and L.F., 35, both from the Centralia, Missouri, area, had in their possession 20 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of marijuana, a loaded .380 Browning semi-automatic pistol, a loaded .380 Lorcin semi-automatic pistol, and numerous items of paraphernalia. Further investigation uncovered 18 grams of cocaine in one gram packages which were ready for distribution. Both weapons were within immediate reach of the pair at the time Tesar contacted them. On January 7th, a district court grand jury indicted the pair for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (21 USC 841) and carrying a firearm with intent to distribute cocaine (18 USC 924). Arraignments and trial dates are pending. [J.L. Weddle, CI, JEFF, 1/8]
On December 20th, ranger John Tesar arrested W.F., 32, and Liddie Ferrell, 35, both from the Centralia, Missouri, area, on drug and weapons charges. The pair had in their possession 20 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of marijuana, a loaded .380 Browning semi-automatic pistol, a loaded .380 Lorcin semi-automatic pistol, and numerous items of paraphernalia. Further investigation uncovered another 18 grams of cocaine in one gram packages which were ready for distribution. Both weapons were within immediate reach of the pair at the time Tesar contacted them. On March 3rd, W.F. and Ferrell pled guilty in a negotiated plea agreement in federal district court to knowing possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. Although firearms and conspiracy to distribute charges were dropped, they will be central to the pre-sentencing investigation. [J.L. Weddle, CI, JEFF, 3/6]
Ranger Walter Merritt was heading home from an evening shift at work just after midnight on March 23rd when a 16-year-old male, apparently disgruntled by Merritt's "non-aggressive" driving, repeatedly harassed and tracked him down several miles of I-55, then produced a firearm and fired six 9mm rounds at Merritt's vehicle. None of the rounds struck Merritt, but all hit his vehicle - three entered the passenger side door, the fourth passed through the door window and the windshield, the fifth struck the side mirror, and the last creased the right support post and molding of the windshield. Although Merritt was in full uniform with defensive equipment, he opted for evasive action. The juvenile then left the interstate, but not before Merritt was able to get both the vehicle's description and its license plate number. He reported the incident to St. Louis city police. Officers from that department and the Bel Ridge police department responded quickly and arrested the juvenile at his home within a matter of hours. The vehicle was impounded; a 9mm shell casing was recovered, but the firearm has not yet been found. The juvenile, who is facing certification as an adult by the state of Missouri, has been charged with first degree felony assault on a law enforcement officer and remains in custody pending a series of hearings. The U.S. attorney's office is closely monitoring the progression of the state's case for further developments. [J.L. Weddle, CI, JEFF, 3/25]
While patrolling the Arch parking garage last December 20th, ranger John Tesar saw what appeared to be suspicious activity in a 1994 Thunderbird. Tesar found that W.F., 32, and L.F., 35, both from the Centralia, Missouri, area, had in their possession 20 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of marijuana, a loaded .380 Browning semi-automatic pistol, a loaded .380 Lorcin semi-automatic pistol, and numerous items of paraphernalia. Further investigation uncovered 18 grams of cocaine in one gram packages which were ready for distribution. Both weapons were within immediate reach of the pair at the time Tesar contacted them. The two were subsequently found guilty on two federal charges - possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (21 USC 841) and carrying a firearm with intent to distribute cocaine (18 USC 924). On May 22nd, W.F. was sentenced to 15 months in prison, three years' supervised release, and a small special assessment; L.F. was sentenced to 12 months in prison, three years' supervised release, and the same assessment. [J.L. Weddle, CI, JEFF, 5/22]
The 18th consecutive Fair St. Louis was held on park grounds and surrounding streets between Friday, July 3rd, and Sunday, July 5th. Several hundred thousand people attended the event, which featured free entertainment, food and drink sales, sports challenges, and other activities aimed at a family audience. Each day culminated in a fireworks display. The event was marred by a severe storm on the afternoon of the first day, which resulted in 10 injuries and cancellation of the fair for that evening. The fair continued on Saturday and Sunday with high attendance. Only seven arrests were made during the course of the event, all of them alcohol related. Midwest and Pacific West SET teams, along with rangers from other parks, supplemented the park's staff and helped manage the event. Director Stanton and Midwest regional director Bill Schenck attended all three days of the event. [Rod Danner, CR, JEFF, 7/13]
An electrical fire occurred in the mechanical room at the Arch just before 7 p.m. on September 28th. Park personnel were working on a 6,000-amp, 480-volt electrical panel when a short circuit started the fire. Maintenance employees J.G. and J.C. received second degree burns - J.G. on his leg and arm, J.C. on his arm. They were held overnight in a local hospital for observation. Five other employees were examined and treated for smoke inhalation and released the same night. The Arch is currently closed and without electrical power and will remain closed until a complete damage assessment can be completed. The fire apparently was caused by a failed electrical switch inside the room which did not disconnect as required when the power was turned off. During the time this incident was taking place, rangers were also responding to a mugging near the north end of the park and a domestic violence incident in the parking garage. [Rod Danner, CR, Ken Schaefer, Deputy Superintendent, JEFF, 9/29]
On September 28th, visitor L.D. was struck in the face and robbed of his wallet, which contained $22, two credit cards and personal papers. L.D. suffered numerous facial lacerations which required sutures. He was able to provide a description of his assailant. Shortly thereafter, a city police officer arrested a young man meeting the description who was attempting to use the stolen credit cards. He is being held in jail on prior warrants from Illinois; a federal hold has also been placed on him while the park continues its investigation. [CI, JEFF, 9/29]
Crews are currently working to restore temporary minimal power to the Arch complex following the September 28th fire. About 80% of electrical service should be completed by tomorrow. Power at that level will permit the lobby, gift shop, one theater and one tram to operate. The museum will remain closed until cleaning crews and carpet layers complete their work. It will be about a month to eight weeks before full power can be restored. The incident is being investigated by OSHA. A critical incident stress debriefing team met with the employees who were involved in the incident. A critical incident examination team also came to the park to interview employees and make recommendations. [Rod Danner, CR, JEFF, 10/8]
R.J., 22, a local resident, was robbed near the north leg of the Arch on the evening of November 17th. R.J. had been gambling at a local casino and had won $600. As she walked by the Arch, she was approached from behind by a man who pressed what she believed to be a gun into her back. He told her that he knew how much she'd won and that he wanted all of the money. He took it, then fled north toward the Arch parking garage. A joint investigation by the park and city is underway. [JL Weddle, CI, JEFF, 11/23]
While on patrol in the Arch parking garage around 2:30 a.m. on November 18th, ranger Chris Jussila came upon a vehicle with a couple of open containers of alcohol and what appeared to be marijuana. When the occupants returned to the vehicle, Jussila contacted them and learned that there was also a weapon in the car's unlocked glove box. The pair were arrested; during the associated search, Jussila confiscated a semi-automatic pistol with two fully-charged magazines, eight ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana, and paraphernalia. A check also revealed an outstanding misdemeanor warrant against one of the two. Both were released under a $15,000 secured bond and will appear in court this month. [JL Weddle, CI, JEFF, 11/23]
Ranger Cortez Holloway approached a group of four people just before 5 a.m. on November 29th to inform them that the park was closed. Holloway detected the strong smell of marijuana as he got closer to the group. One of the foursome, C.H., 22, fled into nearby shrubbery; a second, C.D., 22, resisted Holloway's orders and attempted to reach behind his back. A struggle ensued during which a Ruger 9mm pistol fell out of C.D.'s rear pants waistband and down through his pants leg. C.D. immediately said that the pistol was not his, and that C.H. had handed it to him just moments before. Other rangers apprehended C.H. as he was attempting to hide in a dumpster; during the search incident to arrest, they recovered a 9mm magazine, a vial of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia from his person. A computer inquiry revealed that the firearm was stolen and that C.H. had 15 outstanding felony warrants against him from four Missouri jurisdictions, including warrants for robbery, burglary, stealing, methamphetamine manufacture, and possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia. He was incarcerated and charged under 18 USC 922(j), possession of a stolen firearm. C.D. was released the following day due to his lack of criminal history and his willingness to cooperate as a witness. The two female members of the foursome corroborated C.D.'s statement and were released at the scene. All of the individuals are from the St. Louis area. [CRO, JEFF, 1/7]
Pope John Paul II visited the city of St. Louis on January 26th and 27th. Throngs of people attended masses held at various venues in the city and lined numerous parade routes. A large youth rally and walk to a mass at the nearby Kiel Center began on park grounds on Tuesday, January 26th. Between 60,000 and 75,000 young people began arriving on the Arch grounds shortly after 5 a.m. to stage for the walk, which began at 9 a.m. The size of the crowd was such that it took two and a half hours for all of them to walk from the Arch to the center, even though all streets en route were closed to traffic. The group was orderly and well behaved. The only problems encountered were a few minor medical incidents and First Amendment activities. A group of Girl Scouts followed the youth rally and picked up trash in the park and along the route. The incident was handled entirely by park staff. [CRO, JEFF, 1/29]
Two more parks have reported Fourth of July events or incidents: o Jefferson NEM (MO) - The 19th annual Fair Saint Louis was held on park ground over the three-day holiday weekend. Each day of the fair featured air shows and free musical entertainment; each evening was highlighted by large fireworks displays. Among this year's performers were Hootie and the Blowfish, Dionne Warwick, the Temptations, the Little River Band, Wynonna and Tracy Byrd. Several hundred thousand people attended the event in spite of heat indices as high as 110 degrees. Special events teams from Southeast and Midwest Regions and additional rangers supplemented park staff during the event. Seventeen arrests - most alcohol-related - were made. Director Robert Stanton and Midwest regional director Bill Schenk attended many of the events. Director Stanton was grand marshal for the opening parade. [Mike Pflaum, CR, MORU, 7/12; CRO, JEFF, 7/12]
The St. Louis metro area sponsored several events which occurred concurrently through the weekend of Friday, August 6th, to Monday, August 9th: o State Games of America was issued a special use permit for use of the Grand Staircases in front of the Arch to seat participants and to use an area of the grounds for a parachute jump. Approximately 11,000 people attended the event. o The National Governors' Association held its annual conference in downtown St. Louis. On August 8th, an after-hours permit was issued for use of the historic Old Courthouse, Gateway Arch, and Luther Ely Smith Square for a reception for the 45 attending governors. About 1,350 people participated. Two First Amendment permits were issued in conjunction with the governors' visit - one of them to ADAPT, a nationally-recognized group advocating the rights of Americans with disabilities. The demonstrators in both groups conducted themselves peaceably on park property, but city and state officers arrested 33 demonstrators for deflating passenger bus tires and chaining themselves to buses. o President Clinton flew into St. Louis early on the 8th to meet with the governors. Federal, state and local enforcement agencies coordinated events in and around the park. Ranger staffing increased throughout the weekend. Heightened security measures were implemented due to the high profile people, nature of events, and overall volume of visitors to the site. No significant events occurred. [E.A. Stout, Deputy CR, JEFF, 8/13]
Following the St. Louis Rams' victory in the Super Bowl on Sunday, thousands of jubilant fans converged on downtown St. Louis to celebrate. Numerous bars in the LaClede's Landing area adjacent to the park hosted Super Bowl and post-Super Bowl parties which were heavily attended. City police closed the area to vehicles, forcing celebrants into the Arch parking garage. Revelers continued partying until the early hours of the morning. Nine custody arrests were made, all alcohol related. By comparison, only seven arrests were made during the entire three-day Fair Saint Louis last summer. On the afternoon of January 31st, a parade and rally to honor the Rams was held immediately adjacent to the Old Courthouse. Although the event was attended by over 100,000 fans, problems were few and no arrests were made. [Rod Danner, CR, JEFF, 2/1]
A young couple from Tennessee was robbed at a rest area on the Arch grounds just before midnight on April 22nd. They reported that a group of eight men had approached and surrounded them. One of them produced a small caliber silver automatic, stuck it in the man's chest, and demanded his money. The man gave him $19; he was then struck on the back of the head and had his cell phone taken from his belt. The group fled south to the north leg of the Arch. The man was not injured; his companion was not assaulted. The couple reported the incident to ranger Charles Burke. Seven men fitting the general description of the assailants were apprehended shortly thereafter on the North Grand Staircase. They ranged in age from 16 to 20 years old. One had the stolen cell phone in his possession. Although several of the suspects had cash on them, the $19 sum was not found on any individual. The firearm has not been recovered. The victims identified them as members of the group that had robbed them. All seven were taken into custody. All were cited; three were released to their parents or guardians, two were later released, and the remaining two were held under active arrest warrants from other jurisdictions. The investigation and the search for the firearm continues. Federal charges are pending. [Bruce Cunningham, MWRO, 4/25]
The 20th annual Fair Saint Louis was held on park grounds over the Fourth of July weekend. Public transportation officials estimated that 1.3 million people attended the three-day event. Fair Saint Louis features free entertainment, food and beverage sales, and educational exhibits for the entire family. This year's featured entertainers were Terri Clark, Ray Charles, 38 Special, KC and the Sunshine Band, Neal McCoy and the Four Tops. Each evening's festivities concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. Approximately 600 EMS cases were treated, most of them heat-related. Only five arrests were made during this year's fair, all alcohol-related. Midwest and Intermountain special events teams supplemented park staff for the event. Ranger John Piastuck from Yellowstone NP, a member of the Intermountain Team, was responsible for saving a life when he used a garden hose to rescue a potential drowning victim who had fallen from the McDonald's riverboat restaurant into the Mississippi River. The river is at high levels this year due to recent heavy rains. [Rod Danner, CR, JEFF, 7/6]
On August 14th, a political rally was held for Democratic candidates Al Gore and Joe Lieberman was held in Keiner Plaza, a small city park adjacent to the Old Courthouse. One First Amendment permit for activity in the park was issued to a large group representing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The rally was conducted without incident, and had only minor impacts on park operations. Park staff worked closely with the Secret Service on perimeter security. [Rod Danner, CR, JEFF, 8/21]
Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg visited the park on the afternoon of April 4th. She spent about three hours in the park, making the trip to the top of the Arch, visiting the Museum of Westward Expansion, and visiting the Old Courthouse. She was particularly interested in the latter, where many famous trials have been conducted, including the Dred Scott and Virginia Minor trials (Minor was an early Missouri suffragette). [Rod Danner, CR, JEFF, 4/10]
Several parks have sent along reports of holiday and holiday-related special events and activities: o Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (MO) - The 21st annual Fair Saint Louis (formerly known as the Veiled Prophet Fair) was held on park grounds on June 30th and 31st and July 4th. Special events teams from Midwest Region and Northeast Region supplemented park staff for the event. City police and commuter rail managers estimated that 1.2 million people attended the three-day event. The fair was highlighted by performances by the Beach Boys, Lee Ann Womack, Diamond Rio, Patti LaBelle, Cheap Trick and the Commodores. Each evening's celebration culminated with an elaborate fireworks display. Rangers made 15 arrests and city officers made many more. The most common charges were public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and DUI. There were no serious injuries. [Steve Ware, CVS, GUCO, 7/9; Rod Danner, CR, JEFF, 7/9; Randy Coffman, RAD/WASO, 7/10; Ed Wenschhof, ANTI, 7/10]
National Park Service personnel systemwide are responding in many ways to the terrorist attacks yesterday on Washington and New York. Here's a summary, as of 11 a.m. today: o Midwest Region - Mount Rushmore and the Arch at Jefferson National Expansion were closed yesterday. Plans are to reopen both later today. [Bob Martin, RCR, NER, 9/12; Einar Olsen, RCR, NCR, 9/12; Sgt. R. MacLean, USPP, NCR, 9/12; Dennis McGinnis, Type 1 team, SHEN, 9/12; Dennis Burnett, RAD/WASO, 9/12]
Secretary Gale Norton and chief of staff Brian Waidmann and other staff members visited the park on March 5th while in St. Louis to promote the President's energy policy. The secretary took the tram to the top of the Arch, toured the Museum of Westward Expansion, viewed the large format film "Great American West," and visited with staff and partners. Normal security precautions were taken. There were no incidents. [Gary Easton, Superintendent, JEFF, 3/10]
The Mississippi River at St. Louis was expected to crest at approximately 39 feet some time yesterday and remain above flood stage for the next five days. Flood stage for the river at the park is 30 feet. As of late Tuesday, the water had reached the first landing of the Grand Staircase. Access to the river from the stairs has accordingly been blocked by barricades. Visitation is increasing as people come to the park to view the flood. The record high level for the river was recorded in the major flood of 1993 when the river crested at 49.6 feet. [Rod Danner, CR, JEFF, 5/14]
A number of significant events occurred in the parks on the Fourth of July and the days before and after: • Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (MO) - Pacific West Region's incident management team assisted park staff in providing enhanced security for Fair St. Louis 2002. The team, under the unified command of chief ranger Rod Danner and IC's Don Mannel, Steve Klump and Hugh Dougher, was assigned the overall responsibility for coordinating security for the fair. The celebration is held every year over the Fourth of July on park grounds. In response to heightened terrorist awareness, visitors were funneled through ten entrance stations where bags and purses were searched and metal detectors and radiological detection equipment screened fair-goers. Bomb-sniffing dogs swept the park and checked all vehicles entering the fair area. This security effort involved 380 National Guard soldiers, 120 federal law enforcement officers from the NPS, Fish and Wildlife Service and BLM, and 60 NPS support and overhead personnel. The security efforts caused very minimal inconvenience and received high praise from the public. Additional reports are anticipated and will appear in future editions. [Ed Wenschhof, CR, ANTI, 7/8; Shauna Dyas, IO, IMT, 7/8; Greg Shine, CR, FOVA, 7/8; Public Affairs, YOSE, 7/8]
Secretary Norton and Director Mainella visited the park on Veteran's Day to officially open the park's newly-completed, 23,400-square-foot, state-of-the-art maintenance facility. The $3.3 million facility was built entirely with donated funds. Following the opening of the new facility, they both toured the Old Courthouse and were briefed by park management on current and future security plans for the Arch and on the park's anti-terrorism program. [Submitted by Rod Danner, Chief Ranger]
The National Park Service, working in concert with federal, state and local governments, has mobilized incident management and SET teams and personnel to increase security throughout the agency. Skip Brooks' national Type 1 incident management team is operating under a delegation of authority from the Directorate. Among other tasks, the delegation specifies that the team:
Meanwhile, regions and parks across the system are taking necessary measures to protect resources and assure public and staff safety. A substantial number of rangers and agents have been committed so far on tasks pertaining to these objectives:
[Submitted by Bob Love, Plans Chief, Type 1 IMT; Brenda Ritchie, Eastern Interagency Coordination Center, Shenandoah NP; Tom Lobkowicz, Special Agent, Gatewary NRA; Katherine Kort, LES, Independence NHP]
Preparations continue for several major Fourth of July events in the parks. In order to manage these events and establish priorities for resources, Director Mainella has delegated authority to the national incident management team (Skip Brooks, IC) to act as an area command in the management of these events and any other serious incidents that may occur during the coming week. The area command is managing the coordination, mobilization and assignment of critical resources for scheduled events and for unplanned Type 1 or Type 2 incidents, excluding fire. Type 2 teams are in place at Mount Rushmore NM (Central Team, Sherrie Collins, IC), Independence NHP (East Team, Rick Brown, IC), and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Pacific West Team, Felicia Probert, IC). Reports from those parks follow:
Daily updates on the operation will appear in the Morning Report and InsideNPS through July 7th. [Submitted by Bill Halainen, IO, ACT; Al Nash, IO, Central IMT; Peter Givens, IO, Eastern IMT; Pat Grediagin, Plans, Pacific West IMT]
Preparations continue for several major Fourth of July events in the parks. Overseeing the events under a delegation of authority from the director is Skip Brooks' national incident management team. The team is managing the coordination, mobilization and assignment of critical resources for scheduled events and for unplanned Type 1 or Type 2 incidents, excluding fire. Type 2 teams are in place at Mount Rushmore NM (Central Team, Sherrie Collins, IC), Independence NHP (East Team, Rick Brown, IC), and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Pacific West Team, Felicia Probert, IC). Reports from those parks follow:
Daily updates on the operation will appear in the Morning Report and InsideNPS through July 7th. [Submitted by Bill Halainen, IO, Area Command Team; Shauna Dyas, IO, Pacific West IMT; Rick Jones, IO, Central IMT; Peter Givens, IO, Eastern IMT]
Preparations continue for several major Fourth of July events in the parks. Overseeing the events under a delegation of authority from the director is Skip Brooks' national incident management team. The team is managing the coordination, mobilization and assignment of critical resources for scheduled events and for unplanned Type 1 or Type 2 incidents, excluding fire. Type 2 teams are in place at Mount Rushmore NM (Central Team, Sherrie Collins, IC), Independence NHP (East Team, Rick Brown, IC), and Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Pacific West Team, Felicia Probert, IC). Reports from those parks follow:
Daily updates on the operation will appear in the Morning Report and InsideNPS through July 7th. [Submitted by Bill Halainen, IO, Area Command Team; Shauna Dyas, IO, Pacific West IMT; Rick Jones, IO, Central IMT; Peter Givens, IO, Eastern IMT]
A 53-year-old man who entered the Arch complex on July 6th complained
to rangers of dizziness. While he sat in the visitor's center waiting
for his family to clear the security checkpoint, he took a nitroglycerin
pill and was monitored by ranger Tracey Whitaker, on detail from Buffalo
NR. Shortly after taking the nitro pill, he collapsed. Dispatchers
immediately activated the St. Louis City EMS system while park guards
secured the checkpoint and kept on-lookers from gathering. Ranger Dan
Stark quickly assessed the patient as being pulseless and breathless.
Stark and ranger Mark Plona, on detail from Cuyahoga Valley NP, began
CPR while Whitaker retrieved the AED. Ranger Robert Baron cleared the
area and placed the AED leads on the man. After an assessment, a shock
was delivered, giving him a weak pulse. A city ACLS unit was on scene in
minutes and took over treatment of the patient. The ambulance
transported him to a local hospital, where he remains in critical
condition.
A fire alarm summoned the St. Louis Fire Department to the Arch just
before noon yesterday. The fire was confined to an electrical
transformer vault near the north leg of the Arch. The cause of the fire
is unknown, but Ameron UE, the local electrical power supplier, believes
that one of the three transformers in the vault malfunctioned and
overheated, causing it to burn. The smoke was visible from several
blocks away, creating the impression that the north leg of the Arch
itself was on fire, which was not the case; the fire and smoke were
confined to the vault area. The Arch visitor center was immediately
evacuated. The park switched from commercial power to emergency power
(generators) in order use the tram to bring visitors down from the
observation deck. The Arch was closed for the remainder of the day, and
will remain closed until commercial power can be restored. That may take
several days. Park staff are discussing the scope of repairs to the
transformers with Ameron UE and should have an assessment shortly. It
appears that all three transformers will have to be replaced. Media
interest has been very high, with calls coming in from all over the
country. Officers from the city police intelligence branch and bomb
squad were on the scene yesterday afternoon, but there were no
indications that the fire was either a deliberate act or an act of
terrorism.
On August 17th, two tourists from Wisconsin were robbed at gunpoint
near the north leg of the Arch. The robbery happened around 9:30 p.m.
when the visitors stopped to take a picture of the casino lights across
the Mississippi River. Three men, all in their early twenties and
wearing dark clothing, robbed the pair; one showed a chrome or
nickel-plated handgun and demanded money. A digital camera a small
amount of cash were stolen. The suspects fled west toward I-70 and
disappeared into the downtown area. Rangers and city police searched the
area for the trio and the stolen property but were unsuccessful. An
investigation is ongoing.
A school bus and a city bus collided at the northwest corner of the
Old Courthouse on the morning of June 4th, killing one, injuring 28, and
destroying about 35 feet of park fence. The school bus driver was
seriously injured, but his 27 passengers sustained only minor injuries.
A pedestrian walking his dog was killed, as was the dog. Damage to the
buses was significant, and repairs to the Old Courthouse will come to
more than $50,000. St. Louis police handled the accident
investigation. Ranger Liz Bair provided EMS to the pedestrian; all other
victims were treated by city EMS. Rangers Dave Dunaj and Robert Baron
also assisted.
The Fourth of July weekend was a busy, festive event at sites throughout the nation. The following reports have been received to date: Jefferson NEM — The 24th annual Fair Saint Louis began on July 2nd with a concert featuring the Charlie Daniels Band on the main stage. The three day event included additional concerts with Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Saliva and the Wallflowers. Kenny Rogers was scheduled for Friday evening, but heavy rain caused the fair to cancel his concert and the fireworks for that evening. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, the thirty-minute fireworks program with patriotic music was included. The incident was managed by park personnel with additional law enforcement resources from the Southeast SET team, Midwest SET team and 30 other people from the Bureau of Land Management, NPS and city police. Also supporting the event were 14 canine officers from Saint Louis Metropolitan PD and other local and federal agencies. Although gang activity was noticeable, particularly on Sunday, there were only 23 arrests for miscellaneous minor violations in the park. Operations were supported by staff at a command post at the
Emergency Incident Coordination Center (EICC) located at Shenandoah NP
to manage any emergencies that might occur during the holiday on NPS
lands. The command post was staffed by an incident commander, deputy IC,
multi-regional coordinating group (MRCG) staff, and the EICC management
staff. The EICC provided real-time links to each of the parks during
their fireworks displays. All requested resources were mobilized and
available at the incidents at the requested times. There were no
significant incidents reported by the parks. All personnel were
demobilized by the end of the operational period.
Just before 3 a.m. on September 26th, rangers contacted a man in the Arch parking garage to determine his fitness to operate a motor vehicle. The man was compliant at first, then, for no apparent reason, fled from the rangers and jumped over a wall in the garage's northeast corner. He was apparently unaware of the height of that level of the garage from the street below and fell about 29 feet, striking his head on a concrete planter about halfway down before landing on a sidewalk. The rangers immediately began life support measures and called for an ambulance. Paramedics were on scene within five minutes and took the man to a local hospital, where he expired. The coroner has ruled the death accidental. [Joel Musick]
Just before midnight on April 9th, rangers contacted a man who was arguing with a woman of his acquaintance while parked near the Old Cathedral. When one of the rangers approached the driver's side window, he heard the sound of a revolver cocking. The rangers immediately drew their weapons and ordered the man to drop what turned out to be a .22 caliber revolver. He complied and was arrested on various charges, including a $50,000 warrant for possession with intent to distribute drugs issued by police from Saint Louis County. The case has been referred to the US Attorney's Office pending further investigation. [Joel Musick, Chief Ranger]
On May 3rd, the annual Red Mass was held within the park at the Old Cathedral, an active Roman Catholic parish. The Red Mass dates from the thirteenth century and is based on the belief that all justice comes from God and the Holy Spirit, working through judges, lawyers and government officials. It is accordingly celebrated for members of those three groups. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and Missouri Governor Matt Blount were in attendance. The US Marshal's Service and Missouri Highway Patrol worked closely with the park's law enforcement staff to provide dignitary protection. The event concluded without incident. [Joel Musick, Chief Ranger]
Ranger Chris Holland was on security patrol in the base camp for the Ulm Creek Fire in Idaho Panhandle NF around 1:30 a.m. on August 30th when he and partner Doug Wulff from the Forest Service discovered a wildland fire burning near the helicopter landing spot. The fire was fast approaching tents that housed support personnel for the helicopter operation and some firefighters. Holland and Wulff alerted the firefighters, who were sound asleep at the time. They coordinated an initial attack on the fire and kept it out of the housing area. Holland and Wulff's actions are credited with averting a possible tragedy. Holland is a protection ranger at the park and is currently providing security at the fire. [Bill Blake, Security Manager]
On April 21st, rangers dealt with a series of serious significant incidents:
[Submitted by Joel Musick, Chief Ranger]
On the evening of June 28th, a park dispatcher monitoring a security camera saw two individuals forcibly entering vehicles in the Old Cathedral parking lot. Rangers responded. The pair refused to comply with verbal commands from the first arriving ranger and entered a vehicle. They then drove the vehicle at the ranger in an aggressive manner, and the ranger fired a number of rounds at it. The vehicle exited the parking lot, struck a light pole, then left the area by driving against traffic on a one-way city street. The ranger was not injured, the suspects remain at large, and a multi-agency investigation is underway. [Submitted by Hugh Dougher, Regional Chief Ranger]
An update has been received from those parks located along significant rivers within the region: Jefferson NEM - The Mississippi has flooded the first five steps of the Grand Staircase. The park can only be accessed from the west, as the river's high flow prevents access from Laclede's Landing. Visitor services on the main grounds of the Arch have not been affected. The interpretive outreach program in which NPS interpreters accompany riverboats to give talks has been temporarily halted because the riverboats are not operating due to the high water. [Jackie Henman, RLES, MWRO, with reports from the four parks]
A uniformed park law enforcement ranger was treated and released from a St. Louis hospital last Sunday evening after being attacked by a man earlier that morning. The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. on June 29th when the ranger approached four men who were throwing barricades into the Mississippi River near First Street and Washington Avenue. One of the men attacked the ranger, who then attempted to subdue him with a taser. The ranger was able to handcuff one wrist before the man ran to his vehicle. The man, now in control of the vehicle, struck the ranger with the car and the ranger in response fired several rounds from his service weapon. The man then drove the vehicle about 10 blocks north of the park before being involved in a motor vehicle accident. When city police arrived at the accident, they found the man trapped in the car with several gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died. An investigation is being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department for the city of St. Louis, with cooperation from the National Park Service. [Frank Mares, Assistant Superintendent]
Some parks in Midwest Region that were hit by the remnants of Hurricane Ike have reported in, with others are unable to communicate yet due to power and phone outages. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Lowell, which came ashore in the U.S. from the Pacific Ocean, has caused closures and evacuations at Big Bend due to rising waters in the Rio Grande. Here's today's update: Jefferson NEM - The park reports that the Mississippi River is expected to crest at 41 feet on either Wednesday or Thursday, which will flood the lower section of the Grand Staircase. The high flow is supposed to pass through very quickly, though. [Mike Bremer, INDU; DOI Watch Office; Jackie Henman, MWRO; Leta Parker, BITH]
Parks are continuing to recover from the hurricane. Some areas have reopened, but others are awaiting restoration of power and other services: Jefferson NEM - The park continues to experience phone difficulties. [Jackie Henman, MWRO; Matt Fagan BITH]
The Central incident management team continues to help Big Thicket with its recovery efforts. William Howard Taft NHP remains closed, but other affected areas in Midwest Region are largely back to normal: Jefferson NEM - The park continues to experience voice mail difficulties. [Eric Scott, Central IMT; Jackie Henman, MWRO]
Recovery operations continue at Big Thicket, but sufficient headway has been made to warrant demobilization of the Central incident management team and transfer of the incident to a park team: Jefferson NEM - The Mississippi River began to recede from flood stage last Thursday and was expected to drop below flood stage by Sunday. Both Jefferson NEM and nearby Ulysses S. Grant NHS experienced some basement flooding at their sites from recent heavy rains. The interpretation office at the former sustained damage to computer equipment and office furniture when storm waters from the rainfall entered the basement via storm grates. [Jackie Henman, MWRO; Eric Scott, Central IMT]
A rally for Democratic Presidential candidate Barrack Obama that was held under a First Amendment permit on park grounds on the afternoon of October 18th drew an estimated crowd of 100,000 people - the largest rally for the candidate held to date in the United States. At one point, lines of people to be screened at magnetometer locations were estimated to be nearly two miles long. Southeast Region's special events team, supported by rangers from Ozark NSR, Lincoln Home NHS, Hot Springs NP, Buffalo NR and Midwest Regional Office, supplemented park staff in providing security for the event. The Arch itself, along with the underground museum complex and the Old Court House, remained open to visitors throughout the event. While numerous illnesses and injuries were attended to by city EMS crews, only two additional First Amendment events were held, with no arrests or other major law enforcement problems arising. [Pete Swisher, Chief Ranger]
A ranger was assaulted while contacting a man regarding panhandling in the park around 1 a.m. on November 23rd. The ranger contacted him after seeing him aggressively approach several people and vehicles, asking for money. When contacted, the man started walking away. The ranger attempted to grab his arm, whereupon the man punched the ranger. A fight ensued and the man was finally taken into custody with the assistance of a second ranger. He continued to resist while at the ranger station holding facility, though, and it took four rangers to search him. After being taken to jail, the first ranger was taken to a doctor for treatment of a broken bone in his hand. The United States Attorney's Office is pursuing prosecution for assault on a federal officer (simple). [Pete Swisher, Chief Ranger]
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on Friday, June 12th. He was in Saint Louis to deliver a speech on world food security and hunger at Saint Louis University. Afterwards, the secretary-general travelled to the park for a view and walk around of the Arch, its underground museum complex, and the Mississippi River with its associated barge traffic. The secretary-general was met by the park's deputy superintendent and park historian, who provided him with information about the park. Security was coordinated by the U.S. Department of State and supplemented by park rangers as well as U.N. security personnel. [Pete Swisher, Chief Ranger]
Special event teams from the Midwest, Intermountain, and Northeast Regions were deployed to the park last week due to the number of events associated with the All-Star Game throughout the downtown Saint Louis area and the related nationwide media attention. On July 11th, the park hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game charity concert with Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello. Local media outlets reported crowds of 50,000 for the concert. Other events associated with Major League Baseball included a special exhibit on baseball's expansion west and a 'historic' pick-up game featuring traditional uniforms and rules. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Acting Director Dan Wenk also visited the park. Their visit included a tour of the park grounds and ride to the top of the Arch before going to the Old Court House for a private meeting and subsequent press conference. [Pete Swisher, Chief Ranger]
On Tuesday, April 6th, ranger Jay Brown contacted a despondent person who was standing on southbound Memorial Drive, leaning over the railing above an area where Interstate 70 runs directly underneath several city streets. The man told Brown that he was thinking of jumping onto the interstate. Brown began talking with him in order to gather more information and eventually convinced the man to step back from the railing and walk with him into Ely Smith Square, an open area of the park. Brown called dispatch and requested an ambulance, then continued to converse with the man, consoling him until the ambulance arrived. Brown then accompanied him to the hospital, where he was admitted for psychiatric evaluation. [Pete Swisher, Chief Ranger]
Late on the evening of March 24th, ranger Steve Korsgren came upon a man wearing a construction-type traffic vest who was spray painting in the grass directly under the legs of the Arch. The park has a good deal of construction underway at present, and the man claimed to be a contractor. Korsgren worked with dispatch to check his story and found that he was not a contractor and had no business related to the ongoing construction projects. He also learned that the man was a Russian national. He was ticketed and released. Around 6 p.m. the following evening, the man returned with a gas can and more spray paint. A maintenance employee advised dispatch after seeing him walk up the Grand Staircase with the gas can. The man removed his traffic vest, poured gas on it, then put it back on. At about this time, rangers Charlie Burke and Lou Jahrling contacted him, whereupon the man started striking a lighter and yelling that he was going to set himself on fire. Following a brief struggle, the man attempted to flee; he was tackled by the rangers as he again attempted to strike the lighter, which failed to ignite. He was arrested and placed on a hold for psychiatric evaluation. A joint investigation with the local FBI and Joint Terrorism Task Force is underway. [Pete Swisher, Chief Ranger]
A National Park Service employee at the Gateway Arch was seriously injured the morning of February 9th while performing maintenance inside the monument's south leg. Maintenance mechanic John Leslie, 55, was assisting a contractor doing electrical work about 11 a.m. when he was briefly pinned between the moving tram and the internal structure of the Arch. Leslie was trapped for about 30 seconds before coworkers freed him. He was released from a local hospital on February 12th and is now recuperating. Park staff provided initial care until St. Louis EMS arrived on scene. The rescue was a joint effort by St. Louis Fire Department, St. Louis EMS and park staff. Midwest Region and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident. [Jim Jackson, Acting Chief Ranger]
While watching the park's closed circuit TV system on July 6th, dispatcher Ulissa Brown saw two people entering the bushes near the grounds maintenance facility, an area often used by the local homeless to sleep and/or store their belongings. Field training ranger Thad Lucas and his trainee, ranger Bill Boss, responded and contacted the man and woman. During the contact, Boss noted indications on the woman that she was an intravenous drug user and she admitted the use of methamphetamine earlier in the day. The pair had numerous bags with them and were evasive about ownership, claiming that they had "found" the bags. A consent search of the bags found paraphernalia for manufacturing methamphetamine using the "shake-and-bake" method. When Boss realized that he might be dealing with an active meth lab, the rangers took the two into custody and moved away from the immediate area. The Saint Louis Fire Department hazmat team responded and confirmed that the rangers were dealing with a meth lab. The man and woman were arrested and booked into the Saint Louis City Justice Center for safekeeping. The man was found to be on parole and the woman on probation. Their state probation/parole officers were notified and state warrants were issued. The investigation continues and charges are pending for federal and state violations. [Mike Horton, Law Enforcement Specialist]
Ranger Coty Stief was contacted by the Saint Louis City Police Department on November 3rd and advised that they were looking for a man wanted for felonious restraint, assault, and stabbing a woman in a warehouse adjacent to park property. The man was a transient known to live in that warehouse district and had two pit bulls with him as he fled the area. Rangers Stief, Linwood Vaughan and Sean Beasley searched the park for the man and gave his description to park dispatcher Jessica Crockwell, who was monitoring closed circuit television cameras installed throughout the park. Shortly thereafter, she radioed rangers that a man matching the description given was in park jurisdiction near the park's grounds maintenance facility. Rangers contacted the man; verbal commands were given to him at gunpoint, including instructions to keep firm control of his dogs. Saint Louis PD and animal control officers soon arrived on scene. The dogs were secured by animal control and rangers assisted police in arresting the man. [Mike Horton, Law Enforcement Specialist]
On December 27th, about 100 people marched through downtown St. Louis as part of the "United We Stand Silent March," which protested police brutality. They were shadowed by St. Louis Police Department officers, who alerted park dispatch when the group pushed down construction fencing along Memorial Drive to enter the park grounds. Law enforcement rangers had less than five minutes to respond. Between 30 and 40 of the protestors blocked the south entrance to the Arch and some of them attempted to rush through the security checkpoint. Park guards and rangers locked the entrance doors and closed the gates. They were forced to hold the gates closed as protestors attempted to pull the gates back open. The group stayed about 20 minutes before leaving. As they departed the Arch grounds, they pushed down another section of fencing. During the protest, visitors were unable to leave the Arch complex. Interpretive staff assisted by keeping visitors away from the entrance ramps and informing them of what was going on. Due to statements by protestors that they would be back, the Arch was closed at 4 p.m., two hours early. Normal operations resumed the next day. For a related article, click on the link below. HYPERLINK "http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/silent-march-through-downtown-st-louis-ends-loudly-at-arch/article_4e631895-9ecf-55c8-b9b4-a29c1978c50b.html" [Mike Horton, Law Enforcement Specialist]
Rangers Dan Sweeney and Sean Beasley were on patrol last Tuesday when they received word that an unauthorized vehicle was on the train tracks that run through the park. A white Chevrolet Pickup was in the south tunnel facing southbound on the railroad tracks. The truck appeared to be wedged between the tracks and the wall of the south tunnel. The driver appeared intoxicated and was taken into custody and moved away from the tracks. He was subsequently transferred to St. Louis Metropolitan Police custody. The track is under the jurisdiction of the Terminal Railroad Association and is an active track, carrying both Amtrak passenger trains and freight trains from a number of other rail lines. Terminal Railroad engineers checked the tracks through the tunnel and discovered damage to multiple railroad control boxes. The railroad tracks are elevated along the Saint Louis riverfront. The nearest street-level crossing is at Biddle and North First Street, over a mile away. It appears that the driver drove onto the tracks and was able to negotiate his way along the tracks before becoming stuck in the tunnel on the Arch grounds. At report time, Terminal Railroad Engineers were still working on removing the vehicle. They believed they had to bring a unit with a crane and a flatbed on at Biddle Street and drive down and extract the truck. Steve Korsgren, law enforcement supervisor, acted as IC for the incident. [Mike Horton, Law Enforcement Specialist]
On April 25th, a First Amendment gathering was held on the west steps of the Old Courthouse. The rally was sponsored by Aryan Nation/Church of Jesus Christ Christian in support of imprisoned Aryan Nation member Gary Yarbrough, currently held in federal prison in Florence, Colorado. About 20 people were in attendance. The designated area for the special use permit had to be cleared by rangers, as it was occupied by members of the Anti-Racist Collective, who did not have a permit. The area was cordoned off with bike racks. About 40 people from this group stayed and heckled the members from the Aryan Nation. Rangers and officers from the St. Louis Police Department monitored the rally and a few verbal warnings were issued for language. The rally lasted just over an hour and members of both groups were having civil conversations by the end of the rally. Click on the link below for a story with photos and additional details. HYPERLINK "http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/white-supremacists-hold-downtown-rally-counter-protesters-gather/article_710ca1d6-3017-5bc5-bd16-ffb2b613bf9a.html" [Mike Horton, Law Enforcement Specialist]
A summary of recent openings, closures and other changes in the status of parks and their facilities: Gateway Arch NP — Cresting Mississippi River floodwaters are creeping up the park's riverfront steps; although the water won't get anywhere near the arch itself, the riverfront road, Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, will likely be underwater for weeks. The Mississippi River reached peak flow at the site last Friday morning at 46 feet, 3.5 feet below the 1993 record. One of the trams to the top of the arch was also shut down for awhile because water from supersaturated soil was seeping into the loading zone area, creating a slipping and falling hazard. Source: KPLR News.
On April 17, a 35-year-old was indicted on one count of sexual abuse. They are accused of assaulting an individual on December 6, 2023. The individual reported the incident the same day. Metro Transit surveillance cameras caught the incident on camera. The case was investigated by staff from the park, the NPS' Investigative Services Branch, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The suspect is currently in custody. Source: KSDK | |