In heist movies, thieves use elaborate plans, high-tech hackers and clever disguises to steal money. But in real life, criminals tool of choice is often just a telephone or email
A city employee who stepped in during a recent shooting was recognized for âactions above and beyond the normal call of dutyâ during the Hermiston City Councilâs Monday, March 8, meeting.
Brandon Artz, the cityâs recreation supervisor, was the previously unnamed city employee that Hermiston Police Department had praised for âquick thinkingâ on February 10 when police arrested Howard Califf, 46, of Hermiston on several charges, including attempted murder.
According to the initial news release from police, Califf arrived armed at a home in the 250 block of East Gladys Avenue that he had previously lived in and then been barred from by a court order. He allegedly fired several rounds inside the residence and at a male relative of the homeâs owner, at one point shooting the victimâs dog as it attempted to defend its owner. The dog is expected to make a full recovery, police said.
HERMISTON â Total crime rates in Hermiston declined in 2020 while violent crime rates were higher than the cityâs 10-year average, according to an annual report from the Hermiston Police Department released last week.
The rate of all crimes dropped 24% from average rates, with 493 total crimes committed in 2020 compared to the 10-year average of 647. Violent crime, however, increased by 12% in 2020, with 38 crimes committed to the 10-year average 34, according to the report.
Total reported homicides, rape and arson crimes each increased in 2020, while aggravated assault, larceny, burglary and auto theft declined. Robbery rates did not change in 2020, according to the report.
Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston said the coronavirus pandemic was a driving factor for last yearâs crime statistics.