Police blotter 7.7.12

Car salesman dies after losing control of vehicle during test drive on 210-freeway

A car salesman was killed Monday morning, July 2 during the test drive of a classic hot rod on the eastbound 210 freeway in Claremont. A prospective buyer of a 1962 Ford Hot Rod was driving the vehicle 40 to 45 miles per hour when he lost control of the car and crashed into a light pole near Towne Avenue, according to a news release. The salesman was ejected from the vehicle, which did not have seat belts, and landed on his head. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The driver was partially ejected from the car and sustained injuries to his neck and back.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Information should be reported to the CHP’s Baldwin Park office at 626 338-1164.

Tuesday, June 26

The residents of a home in the 500 block of Baughman Avenue won’t be able to make use of their new stove. The kitchen appliance and a brand-new dishwasher were stolen from the garage before they could be installed. The burglar gained entry to the home by prying open a locked sliding glass door. The value of the stolen property is unknown.

Wednesday, June 27

Three female juveniles were victims of an alleged indecent exposure on Wednesday afternoon. The girls were standing on the southeast corner of Towne Avenue and Foothill Boulevard when a man—described as a male Hispanic about 25 years old—in a white Toyota 4-door sedan exposed himself and began masturbating. The car was last seen going east on Foothill.

Thursday, June 28

Thursday night ended badly for a man and a woman arguing in a parking structure adjacent to the Claremont Packing House. The woman was found with abrasions to her knees and elbows, as well as a swollen nose. In reaction to an argument on an undisclosed topic, the man allegedly struck the woman in the nose and dragged her across the ground by her ponytail. Police arrested the 24-year-old Pomona resident for battery and public intoxication, according to Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen.

Friday, June 29

A man was transported to a nearby hospital Friday afternoon after sustaining injuries from a solo vehicle crash. The man fell asleep while stopped at the intersection of Base Line Road and Indian Hill Boulevard, rolling through the intersection and striking a tree, according to Lt. Vander Veen. When officers arrived, the doors of the vehicle were locked and the man was found unresponsive. Police used a baton to smash a rear window of the car to gain entry. When paramedics responded, the man finally regained consciousness and was taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Saturday, June 30

A resident in the 300 block of West Green Street answered an unusual knock at their back door Saturday afternoon. The resident reported seeing a black male with tattoos on both arms, wearing a white tank top and a red and black hat. The man was seeking refuge from a Mexican gang that he claimed was following him. The resident allowed the man to stay in the backyard for 15 minutes. Following the allotted time, the resident made him leave despite pleas to stay for another 20 minutes. Once the man left, the resident called the police, but no one matching the description was located.

Monday, July 2

Copper thieves did $1000 in damage to Cahuilla Park, located at Indian Hill Boulevard and Scripps Drive. Copper wiring was taken from the tennis court light posts sometime between Friday, June 22 and Monday, July 2, according to Lt. Vander Veen. Claremont police have no suspects.

Tuesday, July 3

Three vehicles parked in the rear lot of The Village at Claremont apartments were targeted in a burglary spree between Monday, July 2 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, July 3 at 7 a.m. More than $1000 in total property was reported stolen from 2 of the vehicles. The third was found ransacked, but nothing was reported stolen. The burglar entered the locked vehicles through driver’s side doors by breaking part of a door handle and tampering with the locking mechanism. Stolen items include a stereo, GPS system and iPod.

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Ten aluminum benches were stolen from the bleachers in the El Roble Intermediate School lunch area sometime between Friday, June 29 and Tuesday, July 3. Information should be reported to the Claremont Police Department at 399-5411.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com