Police blotter 7.14.12
Man charged for trying to push girlfriend off cliff
On Friday, July 6 a 49-year-old man was arrested for attempted murder at the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. Police allege that Ramon Ceja, an Ontario resident, attempted to push his girlfriend of 3 years off the Burbank Canyon Trail, which plummets into a steep and rugged drop. Investigation found that Mr. Ceja began fighting with the woman after she had decided to end the relationship. The woman was able to fend off Mr. Ceja, who fled southbound on the trail, according to a news release. A group of hikers came to the rescue, several escorting the victim down the trail to the police. Another followed in pursuit of Mr. Ceja. The hiker was able to provide a location to police, who detained Mr. Ceja for attempted murder and spousal and sexual battery. He is being held at the Los Angeles County Inmate Reception Center for $1 million bail.
Thursday, July 5
A wanted man had Claremont police on the run Thursday evening. Police located 25-year-old Michael Turner, wanted for failure to appear in court, at the Metrolink Station around 5:30 p.m. Though Mr. Turner ran away from the police, he was found hiding in a doorway of the Courier Place apartments across the street. The chase and arrest were only the start of troubles caused by the disgruntled man. On the way to the jail, Mr. Turner began kicking his legs and banging his head on the rear passenger window of the police vehicle, effectively moving the window off of its track. An estimated $500 in damage was done to the car. At the station, he refused to answer questions and, once behind bars, tore off his shirt and shorts, stuffed them down the toilet and flushed, flooding the cell. The acts of vandalism were added to Mr. Turner’s charges.
*****
An unusual phone call from a Claremont residence left one man behind bars Thursday night despite his initial request for help from the police. Robert Taflinger, 46, told officers a hit man was at his home attempting to kill his dog, according to Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen. Not only was Mr. Taflinger found to be under the influence of methamphetamine, but also a piece of foil with visible drug remnants. Mr. Taflinger was arrested for being under the influence and in possession of an illegal substance.
Friday, July 6
A 47-year-old Alhambra woman was arrested after allegedly attacking her boyfriend Friday morning. Police confronted the woman and her bloodied boyfriend, who were fighting in a parked car near Shenandoah and Amherst Drives. The woman had reportedly punched her boyfriend in the nose after accusing him of dating someone else. She was arrested for battery and held at the Claremont jail.
Sunday, July 8
Residents of a home in the 1000 block of Maryhurst Drive returned from church Sunday afternoon to find 2 burglars carting off their property. Two individuals—reported as 15- or 16-year-old Hispanic males with short brown hair, holding white plastic bags—had been ransacking the home when the residents entered the house through the garage. The burglars ran through the hall, past the residents and were last seen running west on Maryhurst. No getaway vehicle was seen. The total value of the stolen property is unknown.
Tuesday, July 10
The kitchen appliance bandit strikes again, this time in the 200 block of Miramar Drive. Sometime between 4 and 7 a.m. the crook broke into the vacant property and stole a fridge and stove. Police speculate a dark navy blue van seen at the front of the residence may be connected to the disappearance, according to Lt. Vander Veen. Any information should be reported to the Claremont police at 399-5411.
*****
A teen involved in a 2-car crash at Indian Hill and San Jose Tuesday night, though not at fault, ended up being the one in trouble. Another driver attempting to make a right-hand turn from San Jose struck the vehicle of the 17-year-old female who was driving down Indian Hill Boulevard. However, the teenager was driving without a license. She was arrested and released with a citation.
—Beth Hartnett
news@claremont-courier.com
