press release / Blackford

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department investigating a traffic crash at US 61 and Pleasant at 9:45 a.m. encountered a motorist who refused to obey the traffic control officer and subsequently struck the officer in an attempt to leave the area. According to officers reports a man identified as John W. Blackford, 55, of Hannibal refused to obey the detour directions provided by the officer and sped past the officer sideswiping him nearly knocking the officer to the ground. The officer commanded Blackford to stop and approached the vehicle once again and ordered him to turn off the vehicle and to exit it. Blackford refused and as the officer attempted to open the door Blackford accelerated rapidly catching the officer's hand in the door and drug the officer several feet until the officer was able to free himself. Additional officers initiated a vehicle pursuit of the Blackford vehicle where he stopped again on Pleasant near County Club. Blackford again refused the commands of the officer to exit the vehicle, locked his door and sped away. As Blackford approached the intersection of County Club and Pleasant support police units arrived and prevented Blackford from continuing. Blackford was removed from the vehicle, taken into custody and transported to the Hannibal Police Department. Blackford was transferred to the Marion County Jail Facility where he was placed on a 24 hour hold for 2 counts of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (felony) and 2 counts of Interfere/Resist Arrest (felony). The officer sought out patient treatment for minor injuries

Burglary / Brooks

A Hannibal man is in custody this morning after an early morning burglary of a downtown business. Officers of the Hannibal Police Department responded to a report of an alarm sounding at 116 North Street at 2:23 a.m. this morning. Officers arriving at the business established a perimeter and upon approaching the building observed a man, identified as Jeffrey A. Brooks, 19, of Hannibal exiting the business through a broken window. Officers identified themselves and ordered Brooks to stop however he fled on foot. Officers gave chase and were able to apprehend Brooks within a short distance. Brooks was transported to the Hannibal Police Department and later transferred to the Marion County Jail Facility where he was placed on a 24 hour hold for Burglary 2nd Degree (felony) and Interfere/Resist Arrest (felony).

Warrant / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department arrested a Hannibal woman Sunday at 7:45 p.m. on Warren Barrett near 4th Street for an active warrant. Officers contacted Tianna D. Williams, 28, of Hannibal and told her she was under arrest. The female refused to stop and kept walking away from officers. Williams made statements to officers of a medical condition which she believed precluded her from being subject to arrest. Officers pleaded with Williams to not resist and stop pulling away from them. After numerous requests by the officers she finally complied and was taken into custody without further incident. While being seated in the patrol car Williams began making inflammatory statements against the officer and his conduct. Williams was transported to the Hannibal Police Department where she was later released after posting bond on the warrant and the additional charge of Resisting Arrest.

Drug Arrest / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department contacted a man in the 1800 block of Hope at 5:14 p.m. Sunday who was known to have a no bond Probation and Parole warrant. Officers contacted the man identified as LaPatrick D. Durking, 27, of Hannibal and took him into custody without incident. Upon processing Durking at the Hannibal Police Department a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was located on Durking. As officers continued the search of Durking he made a physical attempt to destroy the evidence and had to be physically restrained. Durking was transferred to the Marion County Jail Facility where he is being held on the no bond Probation/Parole Warrant as well as on a 24 hour hold for Possession of a Controlled Substance (misdemeanor) and Tamper with Physical Evidence (misdemeanor).

Shoplifting / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department responded to a business in the 1200 block of Broadway Sunday at 9:06 p.m. for a report of two males shoplifting. Officers arrived and contacted the clerk who stated a male juvenile had stolen some items with the assistance of another male. The juvenile, a 15 year old male of Hannibal and 18 year old Duncan M. Ellis of Hannibal were taken into custody and transported to the Hannibal Police Department. During a search of Ellis a butterfly double sided knife was located concealed on his person. The juvenile was released to his parents under the direction of the on call Deputy Juvenile Officer. Ellis was released on a summons for Stealing (misdemeanor). Ellis may also face charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (felony) pending the issuance of a warrant by the Marion County Prosecuting Attorney.

Leaving the Scene / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department responded to a report of a leave the scene traffic crash in the 2200 block of Palmyra Road at 11:19 a.m. Sunday. According to officers reports the caller stated a green van had struck his mailbox and was driving away. The caller reported he was following the vehicle and it was traveling on Route 168 and turning on County Road 410. Officers proceeded to the area and requested assistance from the Marion County Sheriffs Department. Officers located the suspect and his damaged vehicle at the Scipio Marina from the directions provided by the caller. Officers contacted John J. Fuget, 70, of Hannibal and took him into custody without incident. Fuget was transported to the Hannibal Police Department where he was later released on charges of Driving while Suspended/Revoked (misdemeanor) and Leave the Scene of an Accident (misdemeanor). No injuries were reported as a result of the accident.

Peace Disturbance / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department responded to a report of a fight in progress in the 1700 block of Chestnut at 5:03 p.m. Saturday. Officers arriving on the scene located two men in fighting stances, both with obvious injuries associated with a physical altercation. Then men identified as Joshua A. McAtee, 22 of Hannibal and James D. Jones, 19, of Hannibal were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Hannibal Police Department. McAtee and Jones were later released after posting bond for Peace Disturbance (misdemeanor). Both men are scheduled to appear in Municipal Court on May 18th before Judge Fredrich Cruse.

DWI Leaving the Scene / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department responded to a report of a traffic crash in the 1700 block of Broadway at 8:41 p.m. Friday evening. According to the caller a white SUV had struck 2 parked vehicles and was attempting to leave the scene. Officers arriving on the scene observed a white Jeep Liberty with extensive front end damage. Officers contacted the driver identified as Lisa G. Ayers, 46, of Louisiana Missouri, standing next to the vehicle. Officers continued investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Ayers who was transported to the Hannibal Police Department. Ayers was later released with summons to court on charges of Driving While Intoxicated, (misdemeanor) Leave the Scene of an Accident (felony), Fail to Keep Right (misdemeanor) and No Proof of Insurance (misdemeanor). Owners of the parked vehicles were notified of the damages to their vehicles and information for reporting a claim to attempt recovery of their loss.

Arrest at McDonalds / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department received an anonymous tip of an individual smoking marijuana inside a vehicle on the parking lot of the McDonalds Restaurant at 6:22 p.m. Friday evening. Officers arriving on the scene were able to locate the vehicle described by the caller and identified the owner, who, was inside the restaurant. Officers went in the restaurant and contacted Jared M. Link, 18, of Hannibal and detained him awaiting the arrival of the Hannibal Police Department's K-9. While waiting, Link offered to retrieve items from the vehicle to show the officers. Upon opening the door of the vehicle a strong odor of burnt marijuana was detected by the officer. Link reached inside his vehicle grabbed an item from the ashtray, which appeared to be a controlled substance, and consumed it. Officers physically removed Link from his vehicle and took him into custody. Link was transported to the Hannibal Police Department and later transferred to the Marion County Jail Facility where he was placed on a 24 hour hold for Tampering with Physical Evidence (misdemeanor),

Animal Abuse / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department responded to a report of an abused animal in the 1700 block of Grace at 1:15 p.m. Saturday. Officers arriving on the scene located a cat lying on the porch of its residence with an arrow stuck through its back hip. The owner of the animal was contacted and was unaware of the animal's injury nor did the owner have any suspects. The cat was taken to a local vet for treatment of its injuries which included a broken leg and large laceration. Officers continue to investigate the incident and are conducting witness interviews to locate a suspect in the case. Anyone with information concerning the matter is encouraged to contact the Hannibal Police Department at 573-221-0987 or on the web at http://www.hannibalpd.com/. As of Monday morning the cat was still struggling to recover from its injury which has been described as life threatening.

Shots Fired / Press Release

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department responded to a report of shots fired on Shawnee Trail at 8:29 last night. Officers arriving on the scene contacted witnesses who stated a known male shot a handgun at a parked vehicle during the course of an argument with another male. Officers on the scene verified what appeared to be marks consistent with that of a round from a firearm on the hood of a vehicle. Police were also told the same male kicked numerous panels of the car and broke a window. The suspect, identified as a 16 year old male juvenile of Hannibal, was located by police around 10:13 p.m. at a residence in the 400 block of North 8th Street. The juvenile was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Hannibal Police Department. The juvenile was released to the custody of the 10th Judicial Circuit Juvenile Office. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Community Survey Press release

2009 Hannibal Police Community “Quality of Life” Survey

The Hannibal Police Department (HPD) recently mailed out a Community Survey to each household regarding law enforcement topics and public safety concerns. The survey was sent out with the Board of Public Works billing statements beginning in the month of January. Residents were asked to return the completed surveys no later than March 1st by either submitting them with their BPW payments or dropping them off at the Hannibal Police Department located at 777 Broadway. A total of 1077 surveys were completed and returned. The last survey conducted by HPD was in late 2007. The results and comments of the surveys were analyzed with the findings used to develop enforcement strategies and allocation of resources in conjunction with our own data and Intel gathered concerning criminal activity and public safety issues. A small percentage of those completing the survey may use it as a means to vent their overall frustrations on an assortment of issues that may or may not be law enforcement related but we evaluate the information and determine its relevance” stated Chief Lyndell Davis. Below is an overall explanation of the purpose behind the survey and the actions planned by HPD in response:

The survey is intended to have multiple purposes:

1. Serve as a measurement of the “quality of life” in the community.
2. Provide the public a means to relate their concerns in a direct and somewhat detailed manner.
3. Allows for a broader spectrum of public input other than from those who typically have contact with the police.
4. Demonstrates to the public that the Hannibal Police Department at least cares enough to ask. Some agencies simply have a “take or leave it attitude”.
5. The survey along with other sources of data (calls for service, crime statistics, intelligence information, etc.) determines the allocation of HPD resources and special (focused) enforcement activities.


In response to the survey results and other sources mentioned above the following enforcement activities will be either increased or focused in the following manner:

1. A traffic enforcement unit comprised of two officers will be formed effective May 1, 2009. As indicated in the 2009 survey 41% requested increasing traffic enforcement and 53% requested it remain the same. It is interesting to note that since 2006 we have substantially increased our level of traffic enforcement yet a combined 94% request continual or increased enforcement.

2. In response to the question “feeling safe walking in their neighborhood” the 19% who indicated they did not feel safe were largely were from the Southside area and Hope Street area. The major concerns indicated on the Southside centered on:

I. Traffic violations (Speeding and C&I driving).
II. Animals @ large (Large dogs running @ large).
III. Suspicious subjects walking around the neighborhoods.
IV. Increasing concerns about illegal drug activity.
V. Disruptive juveniles (gang-like behavior).

The Hope Street area concerns centered on:

I. Disorderly Conduct (Threats, profanity and intimidation toward residents).
II. Illegal Drug activity.
III. Animals @ large (Large dogs running @ large).
IV. Traffic violations (Speed and C& I driving).

Officers have been instructed to increase patrols of the Southside and Hope Street areas. The traffic enforcement unit will be targeting these areas as well. Animal Control officers have been instructed to increase their presence and enforcement in these areas and will have their schedules adjusted to curb some of the after 5 pm animal violations that seem to be contributing to the problem.

3. Patrols of Riverview Park will be increased in the spring and summer months due to increased use of the parks during these periods and since 17% of those surveyed indicated they felt unsafe in Riverview Park largely due to the remoteness and lack of lighting.

Suggestions from the public for increased perception of safety in Riverview Park:

I. Hire park security officers/rangers.
II. Install lighting at remote points in the park (Example: Riverview Park Trail path and turn around areas.
4. Bike patrols assignments will be frequently assigned to the areas of Main Street, Broadway, Center Street, Church and Hope Street area (neighboring streets) starting May 1st. Some bike patrols may start as early as April. These will serve to tackle some of the “Quality of life” issues expressed in the survey from traffic violations, car stereo noise, drug violations and to provide a more “in-touch” police presence. These types of patrol activities often prove extremely popular with business owners/workers, citizens and visitors to the community.

5. Drug enforcement activities are continuously underway and are often publicized through media releases. Inevitably increased traffic enforcement and bike patrol will lead to increased drug arrests as well.

“The purpose of the survey isn’t to address every personal issue or complaint someone has but we do read every survey and gather the data so that we can better serve the community and address as many social ills as our resources and the current laws allow” stated Davis.

Community Survey

Community Survey 2009


The Hannibal Police Department conducted a survey of Hannibal residents starting in January and concluding on March 1, 2009. Each household in the Hannibal area was mailed a copy of the survey with their Board of Public Works billing. A total of 1077 (households) surveys were completed and returned.

The following are the results:

(Results are broken down in percentages to represent the responses from each household.)

City of Hannibal (Overall Summary)

Do you feel safe walking in your neighborhood?

Yes 81% No 19%

Traffic enforcement should?

Increase 41% Stay the same 53% Decrease 6%

Should the Community Education Programs?

Increase 50% Stay the same 47% Decrease 3%

Do you feel safe in the parks and recreational area?

Yes 83% No 17%





Most Frequent Requests/Suggestions

1. Increase traffic enforcement on U.S. 61 particularly intersections of MM and Market St... (Speeding and running of the red lights)

2. Increase patrol and officer presence in residential areas of the Southside, Oakwood and Lake Apollo areas.

3. Increase enforcement on the Southside and Hope/Chestnut area concerning traffic violations, suspicious persons, drug violations and animals at large.

4. Increase patrol and officer presence in Riverview Park in afternoon and after dark.

5. Continue to increase drug investigations.

6. Community education programs need to be increased such as offering a Citizen’s Police Academy.

7. Continue to increase unnecessary noise enforcement.

8. Continue to increase animal at large enforcement.

9. Add lighting in Riverview Park especially the remote areas to increase safety.

10. Hire Park Security/Ranger to maintain consistent presence during normal operational hours of the parks such as Riverview Park.


Top 5 Law Enforcement Issues in the Community
(Ranked in order from survey results)

1. Traffic violations (Speeding, reckless driving, etc.).
2. Unnecessary Noise (Vehicle stereos and muffler/exhaust).
3. Animal at Large (Dogs).
4. Property Crimes (Burglaries, thefts and property damage).
5. Drug Crimes.

Powell Press Release / Burglary

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department arrest a Hannibal man following an investigation into a residential burglary. Officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Ely at 3:14 p.m. Friday for a report of a delayed burglary. The officers' investigation at the scene and evidence collected led to the identification of possible suspects in the burglary. Officers were successful in recovering numerous items from the burglary located at a residence in the 300 block of South 7th. Later in the evening at 9:35 p.m. one suspect identified as Dennis R. Powell, 18, of Hannibal was arrested for Burglary 2nd (felony) in the 100 block of Broadway and transported to the Hannibal Police Department. During a search of Powell he was found to be in possession of a spring loaded knife. Powell was released pending the issuance of warrants. Additional arrests are expected in the case. The stolen property recovered by the officers was released back to the owner by 10:00 p.m.

PPCT Training

PPCT training

Press Release / Traffic Crash Market

Officers of the Hannibal Police Department responded to a one vehicle accident in the 2700 block of Market at 7:38 a.m. Tuesday. According to the crash investigation report a 71 year old Hannibal woman was west on Market Street when her vehicle left the roadway striking a fire hydrant and then overturned coming to rest on its top. The Hannibal Fire Department responded to the scene where they successfully extricated the woman as she was pinned inside the overturned vehicle. Once removed from the vehicle the woman appeared to have only minor injuries and walked unassisted to an ambulance on scene for evaluation. Hannibal Street Department assisted in the rerouting of traffic as the roadway was closed nearly an hour to remove the vehicle and for Board of Public Works employees to address the broken fire hydrant.