Police blotter 10.6.12

Friday, September 28

College students are asked to be on alert for a suspected prowler last seen at Pomona College’s Lyon Court Dorm, 173 E. Second St., Friday around 1:15 a.m. A resident advisor spotted the man fumbling through a backpack in the stairwell of the complex next to a computer room. The resident advisor did not recognize him as a student. When asked if he needed help, the man said no and immediately took off. Officers were unable to locate him. He is described as a Hispanic male in his mid- to late-30s with dark, buzzed hair and facial hair, wearing dark clothing and a dark-colored ball cap.

Saturday, September 29

A Claremont man seen lying in the middle of the center divider at Claremont Boulevard and Ninth Street caught the attention of passersby late Saturday night. When police arrived at the scene, they found Everett Merrill, 22, kneeling in the gutter on the east side of the median with one shoe one and one shoe off, according to Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen. Mr. Merrill was seen stumbling into the north lane and attempting to get into the back of a car stopped at the light. The driver told police that they had no idea who Mr. Merrill was. Mr. Merrill admitted to police that he had consumed a lot of whiskey and was arrested for public intoxication. He was held until sober and later released.

Sunday, September 30

A Pomona couple under the influence of methamphetamine drew unnecessary attention to themselves when they decided to start knocking on the doors of a series of south Claremont residences at 3:20 a.m. Christopher Hansen, 21, and Rosemarie Moreno, 19, were spotted at BC Cafe and arrested.

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A phone-snatching couple wanted for several crimes in the Claremont area over the last week is finally behind bars. Ashley Peters, 20, and Brian Beauchamp, 22, of Corona, are being held for 2 counts of petty theft and one count of robbery.

The first incident took place on Thursday, September 27, near Mills Avenue and Ninth Street. Ms. Peters jumped out of a black Honda Civic and asked to use the victim’s cellphone. When the victim agreed, Ms. Peters got into the car and Mr. Beauchamp drove off. The same incident happened the following day, but in this case the victim attempted to get the phone back from Ms. Peters. In the struggle, the victim fell and severely broke his arm. In the final incident, Ms. Peters stole a phone from a 16-year-old walking on Bonita Avenue near Yale. This time, police caught up with Ms. Peters and Mr. Beauchamp at Towne Avenue and Bangor Street in Pomona. The 16-year-old victim positively identified the pair, who was found in possession of her cell phone. Because of the injury involved in the second crime, the petty theft charge was increased to one of robbery.

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A grocery-shopping trip did not end well for a 20-year-old Altadena resident who attempted to take off with 2 bottles of Hennessy Cognac and a toothbrush. Laniea Robertson fought with Super King security guards, biting one in the leg, but was unable to get away. She was held at the market until Claremont Police could whisk her away to jail. Because of the bite mark given to the officer—which broke skin, according to Lt. Vander Veen—Ms. Robertson was additionally charged with assault.

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A male 9-1-1 caller claimed to Claremont police that his girlfriend was punching out windows Sunday night. When police arrived, they found the female with cuts to her arm and a contusion to her hip. She complained of pain to her head and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. While the male claimed he had suffered from a bloody upper lip, the officer reported not seeing any blood. Based on statements from both parties, it appeared that the couple had gotten into an argument regarding text messages the female has supposedly been receiving. The argument progressed into a wrestling match, which ended up on the floor. The female claims she had broken a window in an attempt to call for help. After speaking with both involved, police arrested the 25-year-old male from Rancho Cucamonga for battery.

Monday, October 1

Police are investigating a successful PO Box theft and several attempted break-ins at the Claremont Post Office, 140 Harvard Ave. Sometime between Friday, September 28 and Monday, October 1, an unknown tool was used in an attempt to pry open 6 PO boxes that were supposed to be in a secured area, according to Lt. Vander Veen. No entry was made, but damage was done to the boxes. During the same time, in a different location of the post office, one box was successfully opened, and the victim believes several checks were stolen. Investigation continues. Any information should be reported to the Claremont Police at 399-5411.

Tuesday, October 2

A trail of blood led Claremont police to their suspect Tuesday night. Officers were contacted about a man allegedly yelling at and harassing customers at King Kong Sushi, 300 N. Indian Hill Blvd. Though the man had left the location before police could contact him, he didn’t stay hidden for long as he had left behind a trail of blood droplets for police to follow. Austin Garza, 24, of West Covina, was located near the rear of the business with a bandaged pinky and blood on his hands and shoes. He refused medical treatment and was unsure how he had received the injury. It was determined that Mr. Garza was under the influence of alcohol. He was held for public intoxication and later released.

Wednesday, October 3

A 37-year-old woman was busted for the possession and alleged sale of PCP at the Claremont Lodge Wednesday afternoon. An ongoing investigation has been occurring at the Claremont Lodge over the last month regarding the sales of PCP by an occupant of one of the rooms.  On Sunday morning, a 34-year-old man associated with the room was arrested after being found under the influence of the hard drug. On Wednesday evening, his girlfriend, the primary suspect who was also staying in the room, was served a search warrant and was arrested. The woman’s 5 children were found to also be staying in the room, with ages ranging from one to 15. In addition to the drug charges, the man and the woman are also being charged with child endangerment, according to Lt. Vander Veen.

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A car thief may have gotten away from the scene of the crime early Wednesday morning, but his troubles aren’t over. Police set up a perimeter near Foothill and Towne after the driver of a stolen Honda Civic fled on foot. Though the thief was not found, he left behind a meth pipe and other evidentiary items in the car. DNA tests are currently underway. The thief is described as a Hispanic male, about 5-feet-8-inches tall, weighing an estimated 150 pounds.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com