Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Commendations given to those who tried to stop Hailey Owens' abduction, murder

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Feb. 18, Carlos and Michelle Edwards witnessed the abduction of Hailey Owens on West Lombard Street. As the crime occurred, the couple immediately took action in attempt to stop the suspect from taking the child. Although unable to catch the suspect or disrupt his plan, they were able to provide police with an accurate description of the suspect and his vehicle. Prior to police arrival at the scene, the Edwardses started contacting citizens in the area in order to identify the abducted girl. The actions they took assisted the Springfield Police Department with the arrest of the suspect.
"Their actions were positive examples of citizens working with us to solve a tragic and violent crime," said Police Chief Paul Williams. Today, the SPD recognized the Edwardses for their brave actions with Citizen Service Commendations.

The SPD also recognized three promotions, which were effective on June 29, at today's ceremony. Sergeant Chad Eutsler was promoted to lieutenant. Officer Mark Schindler was promoted to sergeant. Civilian DeAnn Reynolds was promoted to Fleet and Equipment Supervisor.
Additionally, Officer Mark Foos was recognized with a Command Commendation, as a member of the Special Response Team (SRT), for assisting with the security of the scene in the February 2013 stand-off on 2506 W. Grand. Due to members of his unit being on mandatory leave, he took the initiative to perform several additional tasks usually divided among all of the members of the team, including planning and supervising the successful execution of numerous search warrants and providing a week of instruction to SRT members. Foos was unable to attend the April 2014 ceremony when other officers were honored for their involvement in the stand-off.

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