Elderly woman targeted for wire scam

A con artist claiming to be a police officer from Mexico City tried to get an 86-year-old Chesterfield Township woman to wire him $1,850 via Western Union, according to an Oct. 30 police report.

The caller told the woman that her nephew was under arrest in Mexico and, if she didn't send the money, he would be imprisoned for a long time. The would-be thief instructed her not to tell her family because her nephew didn't want them to know, police said.

When the woman went to Walmart at 45400 Marketplace to wire the money, the employees there suspected it was a scam and notified police. They called the number that was given to the woman and someone answered the phone by stating it was the American Embassy in Mexico. After the employees hung up, the clerk received a call from the same number, asking when the money would be sent, police said.

A township officer contacted the woman's nephew who was in Michigan and safe. The money was never sent, the report said.

Driver rages at arrest, steroids found

A 24-year-old New Baltimore became enraged when police placed him under arrest the evening of Nov. 8 on suspicion of misdemeanor traffic violations near Main Street, according to a New Baltimore police report.

The driver was pulled over after police noticed he did not have an up-to-date license plate tab and then discovered he didn't have car insurance on his SUV. When notified he was going to be placed under arrest, the man started throwing his wallet and phone in the car and pounding the steering wheel, police said.

Police threatened to Taser the man if he didn't comply, but he exited the vehicle and was placed in handcuffs, the report said.

During a search of his vehicle, police discovered a bag with 15 pills inside that were later identified as steroids used to build muscle. The pills were determined to be an illegal narcotic that could lead to felony charges. The driver was issued a citation for the improper plate and having no insurance while a warrant pends for official drug analysis of the pills, police said.

Furniture engulfed in flames on railroad

Chesterfield Township police responded to the railroad tracks near 25 Mile Road for a report of furniture on fire late Oct. 20.

The officer found a reclining chair in the middle of the tracks engulfed in flames. A person who reported the incident said he noticed the furniture on fire, but no vehicles or people were around at the time. Chesterfield Township firefighters arrived to extinguish the flames.

For questions regarding this crime blotter, contact christy.arboscello@patch.com.