Posted Friday, March 12, 2010 --- 4:00 p.m.

Police raid a quiet neighborhood and arrest four people for dealing heroin.

"I was surprised because I didn't even know it happened," said Carl Tollefson.

The people that live in the Bayview-Braxton neighborhood off South Park Street say it's peaceful and quiet. And on Thursday night Madison police made sure it stays that way.

Three weeks ago, the director of the complex approached police fearing heroin had infiltrated her apartments.

Police used a wired undercover officer to find the drug dealer and purchase the heroin. And while that officer acted by himself he wasn't alone.

Said Sgt. Jim Dexheimer, "He was in constant radio communication with us and had an open line with us. And we had other undercover vehicles and undercover officers supporting him in close proximity to protect his safety."

Five arrests were made, four for delivery of heroin. All the suspects are older adults and have various criminal histories.

"It was having a significant impact on the neighborhood up there," added Dexheimer.

Many of the residents in the 30-year-old community are special needs or elderly, which has a greater impact because they are more vulnerable and more afraid to speak up.

"I'm not surprised they caught someone doing it right away," stated Tollefson. "Everyone knows everybody here. Especially within this community. It's pretty safe."

"We think we got the main person who was responsible for the main bulk of the problems in the neighborhood," concluded Dexheimer.

"Surprised. Very Surprised. But glad it was alleviated," said Tollefson.

Sergeant Dexheimer said more charges are pending. He also believes more arrested will be made at a later date.

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Posted Friday, March 12, 2010 --- 10:15 a.m.

Incident report from the Madison Police Department:

Incident Type:
Drug Investigation

Incident Date:
03/11/2010 - 6:04 PM

Address:
245 S. Park Street

Arrested 1) DAVID R THOMAS 42 Y0A 245 S PARK ST, MADISON
CHARGES: POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER HEROIN, PAROLE VIOLATION

2) RANDALL BUSH 52 YOA 1933 BELD ST, MADISON
CHARGE: POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER HEROIN

3) RONALD L THOMAS 57 YOA 245 S PARK ST, MADISON
CHARGE: POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER HEROIN

4) DANA L. ATKINS 39 YOA 6010 LAKE ST, MCFARLAND
CHARGES: POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER HEROIN, WARRANT FOR NON-SUPPORT

Victim:
City of Madison CDA Housing

Details:
Over the past several weeks, the Bayview-Braxton Neighborhood Officer and officers from the South District Community Policing Team has been investigating complaints of on going drug dealing in an around the CDA properties in this area.

A covert drug operation was employed and on Thursday evening culminated in the arrest of several individuals all of whom were found in possession of heroin, or had been involved in the sales and distribution of heroin over the past few weeks. All of those involved are older adults and have various past criminal histories.

South Police District officers will continue to work with CDA housing in pursuing evictions against those CDA tenants who were identified, arrested and now charged with the distribution of heroin.

This continues to be an on going investigation with additional arrests possible at a later date.

Captain Joe Balles
South Police District